Competition continued Saturday at the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge & Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park, with several divisions wrapping up their weekend and others taking on their next phases of competition.

The Preliminary and Training team divisions concluded their competition with cross-country, taking on courses designed by Jay Hambley across the rolling terrain of the Kentucky Horse Park. Following Friday's dressage and show jumping, Saturday's cross-country phase served as the final test for these teams.

Results

Prelim

The Dirty Half-Halt - 167.6

Chat GPT Ran Out of Creative Name - 178.4

Three-Day Afterglow - 220.3

Training

Saddle Up, Buttercup - 94.8

The Hardscufflers Training - 96.3

IV The Win - 100.3

Meanwhile, the FEI divisions returned to the Rolex Stadium for their final phase of competition, show jumping. After tackling cross-country on Friday, combinations put their final performances to the test in the Rolex Arena on Brody Robertson’s show jump course to close out their weekend.

FEI Results

The Classic Format Novice and Training Three-Day divisions also completed their competition with show jumping in the Rolex Stadium. Following Friday's Endurance Day, which featured roads and tracks, steeplechase, the ten-minute box, and cross-country, riders returned for one final phase to conclude their long-format experience.

Results

Training

Emma Mchugh & Dafni Cs - 33.1

Macy Clark & Presidential Nominee HJ - 33.9

Kyra Merhoff & Picture Perfect - 34.4

Novice

Zara Bewley & Ballyfore Oh Man - 29.0

Erin Strader & MBF Qatara - 30.9

Sherri Caneer & Adano - 32.0

Saturday also brought plenty of action for the remaining team divisions. Beginner Novice teams tackled both the dressage and cross-country, while Novice team riders took on their dressage and show jumping rounds. The Starter teams arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park and got straight to work, completing both dressage and show jumping in the Claiborne Ring this afternoon.

Standings

Novice

Team Have At It Novice - 86.3

Not Good Enough - 87.0

The Hardscufflers - 90.0

Beginner Novice

Pony Power TB Speed (A8AR) - 85.5

Three Smiths and a Fish - 86.0

Hot Mess Express - 88.1

Starter

Unsupervised & Mounted - 97.2

Let’er Rip, Tater Chip - 97.8

MSEDA Slightly Rouge - 98.5

With several divisions now complete, attention turns to Sunday's final day of competition as the remaining teams prepare to wrap up another Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge & Three-Day Event.

Throughout a week of unpredictable weather, the event's dedicated volunteers have played an essential role in keeping competition running smoothly. From early mornings to long days across the Kentucky Horse Park, their flexibility, hard work, and willingness to adapt to crazy weather conditions have helped make another year of the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge & Three-Day Event possible.

Competition continued Friday at the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge & Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park, with FEI competitors and Novice and Training Three-Day combinations taking on cross-country.

Designed by Jay Hambly, the course incorporated the rolling hills and natural terrain of Kentucky's iconic bluegrass, providing a challenging yet confidence-building experience for horse and rider. These combinations will return Saturday for show jumping to conclude their respective divisions in the Rolex Arena.

Standings

Novice Three-Day

Claire Vestrand & I’m a Cool Dude - 28.8

Zara Bewley & Ballyfore Oh Man - 29.9

Maggie Hiltron & Palace Gate - 30.1

Training Three-Day

Macy Clark & Presidential Nominee - 29.9

Natasha Quirk & Fernhill My Time- 32.6

Emma Mchugh & Dafni Cs- 33.1

Preliminary and Training team competitors also began their weekend Friday, completing dressage before heading into Rolex Stadium for show jumping. Both divisions will tackle cross-country Saturday.

Training Teams

The Hardscufflers Training - 87.5

Gentleman Prefer Blondes - 91.0

The Royal Order - 94.4

Preliminary Teams

We started off as strangers, now we’re winners - 103.0

The Dirty Half-Halt - 103.4

Whips and Spurs Excite Me - 111.9

Competition continues Saturday as Beginner Novice, Novice, and Starter team competitors begin their weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park, joining the remaining divisions for another full day of competition.

For riders competing in the Classic Format divisions at the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge & Three Day Event, Endurance Day offers a unique opportunity to experience the roots of eventing. Traditional long-format competitions are becoming increasingly uncommon, but MSEDA continues to offer Novice and Training level riders the chance to experience this historic format, making it a bucket-list event for many combinations looking to close out their fall season. With roads and tracks, steeplechase, the ten-minute box, and cross-country all on the schedule, Endurance Day is as much a test of horsemanship and preparation as it is athletic ability.

Returning as the three-day clinician this year is Carol Kozlowski, an accomplished eventer who previously competed at the 4* level here at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Bringing her experience at the upper levels of the sport and being no stranger to the long format, Kozlowski brings valuable insight into the traditional format, helping riders navigate the nuances of the event and putting the success and safety of the horse first.

While the long-format experience can seem daunting, three-day clinician Carol Kozlowski emphasizes that each phase serves a specific purpose in preparing horse and rider for the ultimate challenge: cross country.

The day begins with Phase A, roads and tracks, which serves as a warm-up before horses and riders head into Phase B, steeplechase. Unlike the short-format or the modern day long-format, steeplechase gives combinations the opportunity to gallop and jump at a faster pace than the cross-country phase without the added challenge of technical questions.

“It's the first opportunity for the horses and riders to run and jump at a quicker pace than they go cross-country,” explained Kozlowski. “The riders say it gets their eye in.”

The steeplechase phase features open brush fences and sweeping turns that allow riders to establish their speed and confidence.

“They are able to just settle into a rhythm and balance, and they can start to see a stride from six strides out or whatever without having to be super careful, because it's not technical,” Kozlowski said.

Following steeplechase, Phase C offers another stretch of roads and tracks, allowing horses to settle before arriving at the ten-minute box for veterinary checks, cooling, and final preparations for cross-country.

“In a long format, you don't warm up,” Kozlowski explained. “Your steeplechase is your warm-up”

Although Endurance Day requires careful preparation and teamwork, the reward is an experience unlike any other in the sport.

“It can seem pretty overwhelming, but there is no better feeling at the end of the day when you just went out and did it all and you're really proud of your horse,” Kozlowski said.

For three-day competitors at Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge and Three Day event, Endurance Day is more than just another cross country round. It's a chance to celebrate the tradition and horsemanship at the heart of eventing.

Standings After Dressage

Training Three Day

Alena Collins & Master Of Mystery - 29.0

Macy Clark & Presidential Nominee HU - 29.9

Emma Mchugh & Dafni Cs - 30.7

Novice Three Day

Claire Vestrand & I’m a Cool Dude - 28.8

Zara Bewley & Ballyfore Oh Man - 29.9

Maggie Hiltron & Palace Gate - 30.1

For riders preparing for a long-format event, there is much more to think about than dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. From presenting your horse at the jog to understanding steeplechase and knowing what happens in the vet box, the long format introduces an entirely different set of skills—and learning them before competition weekend can make the experience much less intimidating.

That’s exactly what MSEDA’s upcoming Long Format Clinic is designed to do.

Whether you’re preparing for your first long-format competition or simply want to better understand this traditional side of eventing, the clinic gives riders an opportunity to practice three important pieces of the experience: the jog, steeplechase, and the vet box.

It is particularly valuable preparation for MSEDA members planning to compete at a long-format event such as the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge. Instead of arriving at the competition and encountering these elements for the first time, riders can learn what to expect, ask questions, and practice in a low-pressure educational environment.

Perfecting the Jog

The jog is about much more than a beautifully groomed horse and a polished outfit. It is a chance to demonstrate that your horse is fit, sound, well-prepared, and ready to continue in the competition.

Three-star event rider Suzie Hellard will help riders understand the entire process, from preparing their horse beforehand to presenting confidently in front of the ground jury.

Riders will learn about presentation, fitness, manners, preparation, and what officials are looking for during the jog. Just as importantly, they’ll have an opportunity to practice the process before having to do it in a competition setting.

For first-time long-format competitors, simply knowing where to go, what to do, and what is expected can remove a lot of the nerves surrounding the jog.

Experience the Thrill of Steeplechase

For many riders, steeplechase is one of the most exciting—and unfamiliar—parts of the traditional long-format experience.

Five-star eventer Cathy Wieschhoff will guide riders through the steeplechase portion of the clinic. Cathy has competed at some of the highest levels of the sport, including Kentucky and Burghley, and is an ECP Certified Level V instructor, an R course designer, and an FEI Level 2 Cross-Country Course Designer.

Riders will work in groups of three at the same level for 30-minute sessions, learning how to approach the steeplechase phase safely and effectively.

Beyond simply jumping fences, the session offers riders the chance to learn about rhythm, pace, efficiency, and how steeplechase fits into the bigger picture of a long-format competition.

Riders should arrive warmed up and ready to jump at their scheduled start time, wearing their cross-country vest and helmet.

Understand What Happens in the Vet Box

Once the riding is finished, the learning continues.

Riders will enjoy refreshments while learning the ins and outs of the vet box with FEI veterinarian Dr. Sarah Escaro of Hagyard Equine.

A lifelong horsewoman, Dr. Escaro brings both a rider’s and veterinarian’s perspective to caring for equine athletes. She is an associate in Hagyard’s Performance Medicine & Lameness department and, as a recognized USEF and FEI veterinarian, works with top-level horses at national and international competitions across the country.

The vet box is a crucial part of long-format competition, where riders and their teams need to understand how to properly cool and care for their horses, monitor recovery, and prepare them for what comes next.

Learning those skills before competition weekend means riders can arrive with a better understanding of how to care for their horse throughout the event—not just how to ride the phases.

Prepare Before You Compete

Long-format eventing rewards preparation, horsemanship, fitness, and attention to detail. While you can read about jogs, steeplechase, and vet boxes, there is no substitute for actually practicing them and learning directly from experienced professionals.

For riders considering the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event & Team Challenge—or any future long-format competition—this clinic is an opportunity to make those unfamiliar pieces feel familiar before you head through the start box.

The MSEDA Long Format Clinic is open to Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training level riders.

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and experience the traditions that make long-format eventing so special.

Ready to join us? Sign up for the MSEDA Long Format Clinic today.

1. Be on time. Nothing stresses out a volunteer coordinator more than it being 5 minutes to show start and a volunteer hasn’t checked in for an important position. Most volunteer jobs ask that you report 30 minutes prior to shift start.

2. Meet up at the designated report spot. Most likely, several volunteers are checking in at the same time. If you go straight to your job location, like ingate, then the chief or coordinator has to chase you down, adding more work to their day.

3. Listen to the briefing given by your chief or coordinator, even if you are experienced with this position. They may not know you, or your experience level, and they may have certain information pertinent to that particular show, or a routine to follow, like pre-loading in stadium.

4. Use the radio correctly. Hold the PTT (Push to Talk) button down for a second before speaking to avoid the beginning of your transmission being missed. Do not talk on radio when someone else is transmitting or neither of you get through. Be concise so you don’t tie up the frequency. Try not to make radio calls when the announcer is speaking. 

5. Be aware of the job requirements. If jump crew, you will have to lift rails, and move standards. If ingate, you will be on your feet most of the day. If scribing, you will have to write legibly for hours. Pick jobs suited to your physical ability.

6. Bring things with you that you might need. If scribing, bring an extra pen. If cross country jump judging, bring sunscreen, a raincoat and a chair. Some expert volunteers bring their own dry erase board for warm-up.

7. Work well with others, and be flexible. You could be on a team, like if jump crew. You could be in a coordination role, like warm up steward to ingate, that requires accurate communication. You may be needed in a position other than the one you signed up to do so be willing to shift.  It is also a good idea to know who to call if you have a problem, or need a bathroom break. 

8. Be friendly. Competitors are often nervous so be patient, and helpful. They spent a lot of time, money, and effort to be at the show. It should be a positive experience for them. There are a ton of volunteers, some experienced and some not, but all there to help, so be appreciative of their contribution, and polite to them.

9. Submit hours. USEA and MSEDA want to reward volunteers. Submit your hours to qualify for year end awards, and special volunteer awards. Both the Volunteer Dashboard, and MSEDA keep track of hours. Competitors may be the heart of a horse trial, but the back bone is its volunteers. Not one show could happen without the generosity, and the hard work of the volunteers. 

10. Have fun! Competitions are the chance to be with our people. You get to see friends, watch rides, and usually, learn something. We are so lucky to have amazing venues, coaches, and officials in our midst, so enjoy the experience. Lastly, thanks for volunteering.

I was lucky enough to fall in love with horses at a very young age and end up in a lesson program that specialized in teaching “up down” lessons. The owner of the farm evented, and so did her daughter. The first time I watched a cross-country school, I was hooked. 

I leased an old lesson horse who had a terrible habit of running out to the left (or maybe I just had a terrible habit of not putting my leg on and steering). I spent countless hours at the barn teaching camps, turning horses out, mucking stalls, and doing whatever else needed to be done to earn my place as an equestrian.

By the time college came around, there was never really another option besides the University of Kentucky. The city where I'd spent so many weekends at horse shows would finally become my backyard. By then I finally had a nice horse and very supportive parents. I was making progress in the show ring and found a rhythm between classes, riding, and grooming part-time. Life felt balanced.

And then - adulthood. 

I was suddenly faced with my very first board bill and it didn't take long to realize that a part-time job wasn't going to cover board, show entries, the farrier, and the inevitable surprise vet bill. Fortunately, I landed my dream job in marketing at US Equestrian. I was able to combine my career with the sport I loved. It felt like everything had fallen into place.

Until I got off work at 5:00 p.m. and realized...that's actually pretty late when you still have a horse waiting to be ridden.

I still wanted to do it all and I did. I spent my weekends taking lessons, showed a little less, and cleaned stalls until 9:00 p.m. to help offset costs. At some point I found myself in between horses. And like many of us, I made a perfectly rational financial decision and bought the young gray Thoroughbred standing in a field because he had a nice jump and was cute. His name was Louis, and he was quirky, incredibly sensitive, and somehow always seemed to know exactly what I was feeling. I thought I was buying my next event horse. Instead, Louis taught me one of the hardest lessons of my young adulthood: it's okay to ask for help.

Because after a long day of meetings, deadlines, and sitting in rush-hour traffic, Louis didn't care that work had been stressful. He didn't care that I was tired or frustrated. He cared that he'd been standing in his stall an extra hour and that the person climbing into the saddle wasn't mentally present.

Whether it's asking a friend to pack your horse's foot when he's abscessing for what feels like the hundredth time, leaning on your trainer to ride during an especially busy week, or simply admitting that you need to take a day off, asking for help isn't a failure. In fact, it's one of the smartest things you can do.

It's easy to fall into the mindset that if you're not doing everything yourself, you're somehow falling behind. But the truth is, longevity in this sport isn't built on burnout. It's built on consistency, adaptability, and knowing when to lean on the people around you. Our horses don't measure success by how much we spend on them or how many late nights and early rides we can cram in. They benefit from riders who are present, patient, and thoughtful every time they swing a leg over their back.

So, with a little humility and a lot of coffee, I've learned to embrace the early mornings, set goals that fit the season of life I'm in, and send the text “Hey can you ride my horse today?”

I still chase big dreams, but I no longer believe I have to do it all alone. Finding balance doesn't mean giving up on your passion. It means creating a partnership with your horse that can thrive alongside your career. 

Volunteering is one of the most important ways members can support MSEDA while also becoming more involved in the sport. Whether you're helping in the show office, scoring, jump judging, or assisting behind the scenes, every hour you volunteer contributes to the success of our events and comes with some great benefits.

Qualify for Year-End Awards

One of the biggest perks of volunteering is eligibility for MSEDA's Year-End Awards. MSEDA recognizes member's year end achievements and also presents several perpetual trophies based on specific criteria.

To qualify for Year-End Awards, members must complete 8 volunteer hours during the season, including at least 4 hours at MSEDA at the Park and/or Team Challenge.

How Volunteer Hours Are Tracked

Once you've completed your volunteer shift, the volunteer coordinator at each MSEDA-sanctioned event records your hours and submits them to MSEDA. After they're processed, members can log in and check their accumulated volunteer hours throughout the season.

Learn Something New

Volunteering offers an opportunity to see the sport from a different perspective. Whether you're new to eventing or have years of experience, working alongside officials, organizers, and experienced volunteers can help you better understand how competitions run while developing new skills along the way.

Build Community

Some of the best friendships in our sport begin through volunteering. It's a chance to meet fellow members, work alongside passionate equestrians, and become part of the team that makes MSEDA events possible. By giving your time, you're helping strengthen the local eventing community and ensuring our competitions continue to thrive.

No matter your experience level, there's a volunteer role for everyone. Your time makes a difference and MSEDA couldn't do it without you.

Sunday brought gloomy skies but, fortunately, dry weather for the final day of competition at the 2026 MSEDA at the Park presented by Bimeda. All three competition rings hosted beautiful rides throughout the day, judged by our dedicated officials and supported by an incredible team of volunteers.

This year, MSEDA saw a new face take over the role of presidency - Lindsey Howland. While Lindsey is no stranger to the event, having competed, coached, and volunteered over the years, this year she experienced the show from a new perspective.

"In my first year as president, I was hoping to see more sponsorship engagement, more teams, and greater participation in the MSEDA Championship classes," Howland said. "I enjoyed meeting new members this weekend and volunteering in equipment check on Saturday!"

Lindsey mentioned that this show feels like a place for our experienced dressage members to show off in the MSEDA Championship Classes but it also gives a platform for newer dressage riders, and our eventers, to dabble in the dressage rings at the KHP. 

"This show has such a positive atmosphere," Howland said. "All riders are welcome, and everyone works hard to create a place where all levels are celebrated."

Like many competitors and volunteers, Howland experienced Saturday's weather firsthand while coaching and volunteering. Despite the rain delays, she was inspired by how everyone came together to keep the show running smoothly.

"I am most proud of our volunteers and organizing committee for handling the adverse weather conditions on Saturday and adjusting through a long break," she said. "Staff, volunteers, and board members all jumped in to communicate, help, and get the show rolling again."

As another successful MSEDA at the Park comes to a close, MSEDA extends its sincere thanks to our sponsors, officials, judges, volunteers, and organizer, Susan Posner, for the tremendous effort and preparation that make this event possible year after year. And, of course, thank you to all of the competitors who chose to spend their weekend with us. We look forward to seeing you again next year! 

The first day of MSEDA at the Park concluded Saturday, June 27, at the Kentucky Horse Park after a busy day of competition across three rings. Despite periods of rain and weather delays, competitors, volunteers, and officials worked together to keep the event running safely and smoothly.

While the rain presented a few challenges, volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day to help create a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

MSEDA at the Park is one of two events where members can complete the four volunteer hours required to be eligible for year-end awards. One member embracing both roles this weekend is Leah Cole.

After competing Saturday with her off-the-track Thoroughbred, Monstrodamous, in multiple divisions, Cole will return Sunday, this time not as a rider, but as a volunteer scribe.

"Scribing is one of my favorite activities to do for volunteering," Cole said. “ I even made sure to sign up to volunteer early to get my favorite spot.”

Cole is passionate not only about competing but also about supporting the show and volunteers, who make the sport possible.

"These shows don't happen without volunteers," she said. "If riders, owners, trainers—whoever—don't step up, we won't be able to have these shows."

In addition to competing individually, Cole also represented MSEDA in Saturday's Team Competition brought to you by Blue Grass Equine Laundry alongside Erin Murphy, Kelly Rover, and Robyn Munson. The team awards are sponsored by Blue Grass Equine Laundry. TEAM MSEDA finished 5th in the ranks. Below are the the official results of the team competition

1. The Ginger Snaps, 72.290%

2. Infinity Dressage, 68.280%

3. Prancing Queens, 66.385%

4. The Yellow Cards, 64.868%

5. MSEDA Thank God for Dropped Scores, 63.754%

6. Harley Heights, 63.716%

Competition continues tomorrow, Sunday June 28, with hopes of a better weather forecast!

Thank you to our arena sponsors: 

• Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital

• Meadow Lake Equestrian Center

• Daffodil Dressage

• Tess Utterback Realestate 

• Intension Wellness

• KBC

When I was little, many moons ago, I was lucky enough to get my first pony, Sage, at the tender age of 12. The saddle for her cost more than she did, and pasture board was a struggle for my folks, but I was in heaven! I started doing little shows, mostly at the barn where I kept her. They had a 3- show series, in the middle of winter, on Friday nights, with Series Championships rewarding the high scorer that did all 3 shows in each division. (Sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? Picture parents freezing their butts off, until 10 pm, to cheer on horse-crazy kids after a long week at work.) Well, as luck would have it, Sage and I had the lead in pony hunters after the first 2 shows.

A Strangles outbreak at our barn put a quick end to my dreams of being a winner on my $200 pony against much fancier ponies, with more experienced riders. Worse than that, I had read John Steinbeck’s The Red Pony. I knew that Strangles killed the pony in the book, and was soon having nightmares of fighting off vultures of my own as they tried to feed on my precious Sage. The 3 ponies affected were put in a quarantine barn, and I spent my time visiting, scouring and praying. Needless to say, the third show was no longer possible. 

Fortunately, as the night of long-awaited third show approached, Death revoked its nasty threat, and the afflicted ponies turned the corner. As relieved as I was to know I wouldn’t lose my pony, or an eye to an angry vulture, I now coveted the almighty what could have been. I was almost a Series Champion! I went to the show that night, and I watched a spectacular black pony, named Lissiter Opal, secure the win. Although a few points shy of Sage’s total, he competed in the final show and became the Series Champion. I am not proud to say that I pouted a bit. Give me a break here since I was only 12, and had been cleaning out pus pockets under my poor pony’s jaw for a week. 

I watched the presentation, got a hug from Mom, and we started to head out. That is when something extraordinary happened. The young rider, my age, and her coach approached us. Her name was Joanie, and she rode at a much more serious show barn than I did. She stopped in front of me, and even though it must have hurt, she held out the Series Champion plate. She told me, that I should have won because I had more points, and that she was so sorry my pony was sick.  To say I was shocked is an understatement. I held the shiny, engraved plate and mumbled thank you with tears in my eyes. Although trophies have come and gone over the years, I still have this one, at the not so tender age of 60.

As soon as my parents could afford it, I went to ride with that trainer, a woman named Joy Hall. She was super tough, but taught me so much, including what it meant to be a good sport. Sportsmanship is the person that pulls their horse up on cross country 2 jumps from home, even though in the lead, because the horse doesn’t feel right. It is the competitor that had a bad day in dressage, but still goes to the ring to cheer on a friend. It is the person that puts a smile on your face when you see them during a course walk, and the person that lends you their girth because yours is still hanging on the tack hook at home. Whether a professional or amateur, kid or adult, this rider knows it is about the journey, and the camaraderie, not just the wins. 

I don’t feel like Sportsmanship is on the radar much anymore. I remember there being Sportsmanship awards at many shows when I was young. These are not to be confused with consolation prizes. You can do well at a show, and still be a good sport. It is all about how you carry yourself on the playing field. Good turnout, knowledge of the rules, good horsemanship, and not being a sore loser, are all components of the word. I am pretty certain, as I write this, that someone you know has popped into your head. If so, please submit them to MSEDA for the inaugural awarding of The Sportsmanship Cup, sponsored by my farm. This special award, near and dear to my heart, will be voted on by the board, and given out at the year-end banquet. Send in the name of your deserving competitor, with a short description of why you feel they exemplify the meaning of sportsmanship, and the positive example they set for our sport. Meanwhile, read The Red Pony, if you haven’t yet. Spoiler alert: it’s a tear jerker!