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Tuesday, May 6, 2025
HomeHorse ShowsTitle: "Latest Insights from The Go Eventing Podcast: Kentucky Recap and Badminton...

Title: "Latest Insights from The Go Eventing Podcast: Kentucky Recap and Badminton Preview"


Coming your way today is the latest episode of The Go Eventing Podcast, featuring co-host Sinead Maynard. In this episode, we discuss the action at Defender Kentucky, do a quick preview of MARS Badminton, and dive into some of the controversy surrounding some sanctions given out at Kentucky and what, exactly, the role of the media is in these scenarios. It’s a don’t-miss episode, and you’ll be able to listen here or wherever you get your podcasts.

U.S. Events Opening Today
Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (IL); Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (KY); Stable View Summer H.T. (SC); Round Top H.T. (CO); Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (VA); Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA); Valinor Farm H.T. (MA)

U.S. Events Closing Today
Virginia Horse Center Eventing (VA); Spring Coconino Horse Trials (AZ); Woodside Spring H.T. (CA); Willow Draw Charity Show (TX); Flora Lea Spring H.T. (NJ)

News & Reading
Thinking about shopping for your next eventing partner? The latest episode of the USEA Podcast dives into the sometimes overwhelming world of pre-purchase exams (PPEs). Host Nicole Brown chats with equine vet and USEA Board of Governors member Dr. Angie Yates, DVM, about what to consider, common add-ons, and how to navigate the process with confidence. Listen in here.

In this week’s Ask Stable Sage advice column on The Chronicle of the Horse, an eventer grapples with the heartbreak of parting ways with a beloved but ditch-averse mare. After years of trying everything—including consulting five-star riders and an animal communicator—she’s left wondering if it’s selfish to find a new match who shares her passion for cross country. The Stable Sage offers equal parts empathy and tough love in a must-read response about safety, letting go, and honoring the journey.

A handful of high-profile withdrawals have shaken up the MARS Badminton Horse Trials lineup just days before the event begins. U.S. rider Jennie Brannigan has withdrawn FE Lifestyle due to a minor incident on arrival in England, saying, “Foxy will always come first.” Austrian rider Lea Siegl also announced her withdrawal, citing a small injury to DSP Fighting Line, while New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington has pulled Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ following his final gallop—though she’ll still make her debut with Lord Seekonig. Several wait list combinations have now been accepted, including Britain’s Tom Bird and Fiona Kashel, Brazil’s Rafael Losano, and France’s Arthur Marx.

This example on Practical Horseman offers a great case study in the biomechanics of effective riding. In this detailed instructional breakdown, readers can follow along as one rider works on deepening her seat, improving balance, and refining her posture through simple but powerful exercises—like using a scarf to adjust pelvic alignment and “playing piano” with her toes to release hip tension. If you’re looking to ride with more harmony, suppleness, and connection, this article is full of practical tools to help you get there.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
Did you know your horse can lose up to 13 gallons of fluid during intense work? Electrolyte balance is essential for hydration, muscle function, and overall health—especially when sweating kicks into high gear. While regular feed and forage provide some minerals, most horses need more, particularly sodium, to trigger the thirst response and encourage drinking.

That’s where Summer Games® Electrolyte from Kentucky Performance Products comes in. Formulated to replenish critical electrolytes in the right ratios, this supplement helps support proper hydration, recovery, and performance—especially during warm weather or heavy training. Don’t just lead your horse to water—help them want to drink it. Learn more from KPP on this topic and others here.

Video Break
An intense final day at Kentucky through the eyes of #supergroom Stephanie Simpson.

In the latest episode of The Go Eventing Podcast, co-host Sinead Maynard discusses the recent events at Defender Kentucky, previews the upcoming MARS Badminton, and addresses the controversy surrounding sanctions issued during the Kentucky event. The episode emphasizes the role of media in these situations, making it a must-listen for eventing enthusiasts.

Several U.S. events are opening today, including the Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. in Illinois and the Midsouth Pony Club H.T. in Kentucky, while others, like the Virginia Horse Center Eventing, are closing. Additionally, the USEA Podcast offers insights into pre-purchase exams for potential eventing partners, featuring expert advice from equine vet Dr. Angie Yates.

The MARS Badminton Horse Trials have seen notable withdrawals, including U.S. rider Jennie Brannigan and Austrian rider Lea Siegl, due to minor injuries to their horses. Meanwhile, a Practical Horseman article provides a case study on improving riding biomechanics, offering practical exercises for better balance and posture. Lastly, Kentucky Performance Products highlights the importance of electrolyte balance for horses during intense work, promoting their Summer Games® Electrolyte supplement.

Previous article

Title: Remembering Leonard Ross: A Life of Service, Family, and Passion for Horses

Leonard Ross passed away peacefully April 20, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Williamsville, Missouri, Nov. 1, 1927, he moved to Portola, California, in 1937 with his mother, Ida May (Greenwall), and father, Sherman Lee Ross, along with his seven brothers and three sisters. He graduated in 1945 from Portola Junior-Senior High School. During his high school years, Leonard learned meat cutting from Leroy Biek and retail business from Milo Townsend. With these new skills, he established Leonard’s Market in 1961 and then sold the successful business in 1972.

After that, Leonard was elected to the Plumas County Board of Supervisors, where he served the county for 16 years. He was legendary in his accomplishments, which included forming the Eastern Plumas District Hospital in Portola, writing the bill establishing the Sierra Valley basin as a groundwater district (the first in California), working tirelessly to get the road to Lake Davis paved, and installing a waterline between Portola and the lake.

Leonard was an avid 45-year supporter of the Plumas County Fair, served as director, announced the horse shows for 16 years, and demonstrated meat cutting for the CowBelles. He spent hours on the grounds watching his children compete in horse shows, and he was honored by having a rodeo arena named after him. He showed his own horses for 23 years and was the proud owner of a thoroughbred stallion, Retake, who was California Grand Champion in 1965 in Sacramento.

Leonard married Bell Courtney in 1946, and together they had three children: Leonard, Dennis ‘Mike’, and Debbie. They divorced in 1973. His greatest joy and success were his marriage to Elaine McGarr, whom he wed in 1975. Elaine had three sons, Mike, Dennis, and Ron. Elaine was always by his side and was able to join him on quite a few of his business trips. A memorable one was their trip to New Orleans for a conference. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in February with cake and ice cream, surrounded by three generations of loved ones. Elaine was the love of his life and together they shared six children, nine grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Leonard delighted in the moments when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit. The kids were free to have a safe childhood filled with adventure, riding the hills, picnics, chores, the county fair, wagon rides, Grandma’s hugs, and pancakes that smiled. Every grand/great grandson was taught the skill of shooting, and all the kids have a horse tale or two to share, as Leonard’s greatest passion in life was his horses. He loved riding, showing and building carts to drive his horses. He loved to hunt and was able to go on an elk hunting trip with his son and grandson in Colorado. He was a skilled craftsman, building cabinets and furniture for his loved ones.

Leonard was a great storyteller and through his stories he taught great life lessons: stand on your own two feet; if you really need something you’ll always find a way; the difference between need and want; and you’re capable of anything you set your mind to.

Leonard is survived by his wife Elaine, sons Leonard (Gerry) Ross, Dennis (Sue) McGarr, Ron (Kayna) McGarr, and daughter Debbie Payne. His sons, Michael (Benay) McGarr and Dennis “Mike” Ross preceded him in death.

Please join us in celebrating Leonard’s life by attending his memorial service May 24 at 1 p.m. at Sierra Christian Church in Beckwourth. The service will be officiated by Rick Roberti. Our family wishes to thank those who have shown their love and support during a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Leonard’s honor to the Eastern Plumas Health Care Skilled Nursing Unit.

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