The Horse of Delaware Valley

Iron Spring Farm's Love Dance was Dressage At Devon Grand Champion Breed Division

Details: September 29, 2023; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Iron Spring Farm Inc.’s Love Dance, handled by Quinnten Alston was awarded the top Dressage At Devon Grand Championship of the Breed Division on Wednesday evening, Sept.27.

Love Dance and Quinnten Alston (Photo by Phelps Media )There was huge camaraderie among the group of riders who laughed and celebrated with and for one another as each award was presented.

The presentations weregivenunder a neraly full moon following a beautiful fall day full of top level competition in the Breed Division at DAD.

For nearly 50 years, Dressage at Devon has made countless valuable contributions to the sport of dressage - from breeding to performance and all the many levels in between, DAD has been, and will continue to be there to support and promote the evolution of the sport, and the love of the horse.

One of the most frequent visitor’s to the Winner’s Circle during the competiton, Alston, was back again in the evening, though this time he entered the Dixon Oval limping just a bit.

His husband, Johnathan Clark, and long time friends Hannah Heritage and Chris Talley, came to Alston’s rescue putting in a group effort to carry him to the Winner’s Circle, all with beaming smiles on their faces.

At the end of a long horse show day, to see the connection the four shared through a long time friendship was a good reminder of just how close knit and supportive friends, who become like family, are in this community.

That community, as Alston later pointed out while being interviewed, is one of the many things that makes coming to Dressage at Devon such a magical experience.

The U.S. show jumping team is in the Barcelona Nations Cup Final Sunday but has yet to qualify for Paris Olympics

Details: September 29, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

BARCELONA, Spain--"We live to fight another day," said U.S. chef d'equipe Robert Ridland as the team finished sixth in the first round of the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final on Thursday, Sept. 28 to make it into the second and final round of the Final on Sunday.

McLain Ward on Callas Libby Law Photography McLain Ward on Callas (Photo by Libby Law Photography)The top eight teams of the 15 that competed in the first round of the Final will compete in the second round at 9 am Eastern time Sunday with all eight teams starting even on 0 faults.

The team accomplished its first goal, which was to make it to the Sunday Final, but its biggest goal, that of qualifying for the Paris Olympics has yet to be achieved, as Brazil also made it through to Sunday.

Neither team has to win to qualify, it's only whichever team between Brazil and the U.S. finishes higher that qualifies for Paris, even if they finish seventh and eighth, as all six of the other teams that made the Final are already qualified.

The team went sixth of the 15, and McLain Ward on Callas, first to go, was clean, while Karl Cook on Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet, Jessie Springsteen on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve and Laura Kraut on Dorado 212 had 4 faults apiece for a team total of 8 faults.

“The mentality coming into Sunday is going to be to win," said Ridland. "We can make a couple of tweaks to our plan from today and we’ll be in a good place. Everyone’s very positive and when you come here, there’s just so much is on the line. It’s a lot more pressure for our group. With two teams in contention for the qualification for Paris on Sunday – that’s front and center for us. We did what we had to do today, and we live to fight another day. The real day is Sunday and we’re already focused on the weekend.”

Iron Spring Farm a winner on first day of Dressage at Devon

Details: September 27, 2023; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Dressage at Devon began Sept. 26 with the Breed Division, which will be held over the course of three days, continuing through Thursday, Sept. 28.

Dressage at Devon Iron Spring colt by Cum Laude outof Apache Phelps Media Iron Spring colt by Cum Laude out of Apache (Photo by Phelps Media)Following the Breed Division, the Performance Division will begin Friday, Sept. 29.

Opening day of the Breed Division welcomed the Individual Breed Classes, featuring the many breeds seen competing throughout the levels in Dressage today.

From Hanoverian's, to Highland Ponies, to Thoroughbreds, to Oldenburgs, the IBC's give each breed a chance to take center stage and compete against horses of their same breed.

Upon completion of the IBC's, the winners of each breed received their championships in the Parade of Breeds.

Opening day of the Breed Division at DAD had 16 Individual Breed Classes which culminated with the Parade of Breeds.

Hannah and Equito's Davish was awarded The German Oldenburg Verband Perpetual Trophy (Donnerhall) – which is awarded to the Highest Scoring Registered Oldenburg in the open classes each year.

Ariel Grald on Diara, one of only six to complete the course, won the CCI4S at Plantation Field

Details: September 24, 2023; By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--As tropical storm Ophelia brought a torrential downpour to the area, Ariel Grald on Diara won the CCI4-star as one of only six that completed the course at Plantation Field International on Sunday, Sept. 24.

Ariel Grald on Diara Amber Heintzberger Ariel Grald on Diara (Photo by Amber Heintzberger)The Plantation Field International CCI4S concluded with the cross country phase, and the final standings were nearly a matter of “last one standing” as a number of riders decided to opt out: of 38 competitors, only six completed the CCI4-star and 20 withdrew before the start of cross country.

Grald on Diara was one of the last to tackle the course, and, despite the horrendous weather, jumped clean with 20.8 time faults to move into the win.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSHS Vamonos, who was13th after dressage and was clean in the show jumping on Saturday, moved up to second overall.

Third place went to Canadian Colleen Loach on FE Golden Eye, and New Zealander Monica Spencer, who’s here in the US preparing for the Maryland 5-Star, finished fourth with Artist after adding 32.8 time faults.

“The ground was holding up really well through the morning and then it kept raining, and I think that was the last straw for a lot of people," said Grald. "Honestly that worked in my favor because I was still able to find the good ground for the take-off at a lot of jumps."

Visit the Pennsylvania National Horse Show for top class jumping

Details: September 22, 2023; By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--The biggest stars of equestrian sport will soon be descending on Harrisburg as the Pennsylvania National Horse Show returns to the Farm Show Complex for its 77th year, Oct. 12-22.

PA Nat 1 Greg Crolick Greg CrolickOne of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious equestrian competitions, the PNHS features more than 1,500 horses and many of the best riders from across the nation and the globe, all competing for more than $650,000 in prize money and esteemed championship titles.

Spectator admission for the horse show is free for the majority of the 11 days of competition, with tickets required for the show’s finale featured events, Team Night at the $30,000 Commonwealth Classic on Friday, Oct. 20, and the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National on Saturday, Oct. 21.

A few of this year’s highlights include:

Celebration of the Horse – Saturday, Oct. 14

From 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, all are invited to attend this free family fun day!

The Celebration of the Horse will feature arts and crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, behind-the-scenes tours, face painting, educational displays, pony meet-and-greets, activities with Reins of Rhythm and more.

Thrilling Horse Races and Family Fun at the 89th Pa. Hunt Cup Races

Details: August 21, 2023; By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--The 89th Pa., Hunt Cup Races willbe held on Sunday, Nov. 5, with exhilarating timber races and unforgettable entertainment.

Hunt Cup 1 Gates will open at 10 am, welcoming racing enthusiasts, families, and friends to the scenic Chester County location on 1759 Newark Road, Kennett Square.

The highlight of the event will be the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, the feature race that covers four miles.

This challenging race tests the stamina and skill of both horses and jockeys as they navigate the course featuring 18 timber fences.

With a purse of $35,000, the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup attracts top talent and is one of only three four mile races on the NSA circuit capturing the essence of traditional timber racing.

In addition to the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, the event will feature three other sanctioned races, including the $15,000 Lewis C. Ledyard Memorial, a maiden timber, and the Athenian Idol, an Amateur Apprentice Flat race.

Hunt Cup 2 The Pa. Hunt Cup Races also hosts the Junior Pa. Hunt Cup, featuring pony races.

The Junior Pa. Hunt Cup serves as a platform for these promising riders, fostering their growth and passion for the sport.

Between races spectators can enjoy the Carriage Parade, with beautifully adorned carriages.

The event will also feature the presentation of Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds.

Beyond the racing and equestrian showcases, attendees can explore an array of shops offering unique merchandise, providing an opportunity to find the perfect memento of the event.

Hunt Cup 3 Food enthusiasts will also be delighted with the presence of a food truck serving delicious culinary delights.

The Pa. Hunt Cup Races raises funds for the Chester County Food Bank.

Under the banner of “Racing for Food,” the event aims to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in Chester County.

Every ticket purchase contributes directly to supporting the vital work of the Chester County Food Bank and its
mission to provide nutritious meals to those in need.

“We are proud to organize an event that combines thrilling horse racing and family-friendly entertainment while making a positive impact on our community,” said Andrea Collins, Race Director. “The PA Hunt Cup Races not only provide a memorable experience for attendees but also supports the important work of the Chester County Food Bank in fighting hunger and food insecurity.”

Tickets for the PA Hunt Cup Races will be available for purchase on our website pahuntcup.org starting Sept. 1.

For more information about the event or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please go to pahuntcup.org, contact Andrea Collins at pahuntcupraces.gmail.com or call/text 610.220.3742.

Jimmy Torano won the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic

Details: September 17, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Jimmy Torano of Mohrsville, Pa., shipped in to the Devon Fall Classic for the $25,000 Classic and won the biggest class of the show on Saturday evening, Sept. 16.

Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z Brenda Carpenter Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z Photo by Brenda Carpenter)Riding Kochio Z, Torano was one of only two clean in the 10 horse jump-off from a starting field of 27.

He was second to last to go i the jump-off, and took that advantage to finish clean in 40.645, beating Eleanor Kunsman on Jermaine HX, clean in 41.0684.

Arielle Aharoni, winner of the Speed Stake Friday evening, was the fastest of the four faulters to place third in 38.237, with Alex Matz on GK Finette fourth with 4 faults in the jump-off in 39.541, and Devin Ryan on Hangover was fifth, also with 4 faults in 41.073.

"I got Kochip in Florida last year," said Torano. "He's jumped plenty of grand prix and has won several in Kentucky and Tryon. He's very, very careful and very, very competitive."

Laura Chapot won the Welcome Stake at the Devon Fall Classic in defense of her championship

Details: September 16, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Laura Chapot opened her defense of her championship at the Devon Fall Classic with a win in the $5,000 Welcome Stake Thursday evening, Sept. 14.

Laura Chapot on CCWillow Brenda Carpenter Laura Chapot on C&C Willow (Photo by Brenda Carpenter)Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J., was co-champion with two horses along with Sloane Coles and Mia Mannis last year.

This year, she is showing two different horses in the open Jumper section, and she won Thursday evening on C&C Willow.

Not only did she win, but she won in a seven horse jump off with a clean round in 37.734, an amazing five full seconds faster than second placed Coles on Ninja Van De Moerhouve, who finished clean in 42.614.

Andrew Ross on Cornet's Cobalt was third, Clean in 44.804.

"I've had this mare for about a year," said Chapot. "She's nice. She's very forward and brave. She likes to go to the jumps."

"I was about 10th in the order," she said."I just rode my plan. She has a big stride so that means in makes leaving out a stride very easy. This was her first rime showing under lights. She was good."

Arch Kingsley had the top three horses in the G1 Lonesome Glory Stakes, winning with Merry Maker

Details: September 15, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

OZONE PARK,, N.Y.--Arch Kingsley swept the board in the $150,000, G1 2 1/2 mile Lonesome Glory Hurdle Stakes, saddling the first, second and third placed horses to beat the heavy favorite Snap Decision.

Merry Maker Parker Hendriks defeat LImperator in Lonesome Glory 5 Merry Maker, ridden by Parker Hendriks, defeated LImperator in Lonesome Glory (Photo by Tod Marks)Hurricana Farm's Merry Maker (Ire), ridden by Parker Hendriks, closed strongly to beat Hudson River Farm's L'Imperator (Fr), ridden by Sephen Mulqueen, by 1/2length, with Richard Colton and Stella Thayer's Barbados third.

Snap Decision, who was giving 20 pounds to Merry Maker and I'Imperator, finished fourth after leading until the final turn.

Snap had been hard pressed by Restitution and L'Imperator throughout the race.

City Dreamer, Proven Innocent and Restitution rounded out the order of finish.

Merry Maker ran last of the seven entries until the final turn, when he unleashed a powerful run that swept him into the lead as he neared the wire.

Hendriks, 18, stood up in triumph, waving his crop, as they crossed the line, celebrating his first G1 win.

He had been National Steeplechase Leading Rider, Races Won and Money Won, last year, but suffered a concussion and this was his first win after that.

"Parker was out back, doing less than anyone else," said Joe Clancy, one of the television commentators, adding that Snap Decision had been pressed into doing more than he'd wanted throughout the race and came up empty in the stretch.

Martin's Auctioneer Ad

Details: September 13, 2023; By Staff Writers

Strong Nations Cup team for Barcelona Final

Details: September 14, 2023; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final at CSIO Barcelona from Sept. 28 to Oct.1.

Nations Cup team for Barcelona The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

The Barcelona Final is one of only two ways left for the U.S. to qualify for the Paris Olympics, and a very strong team was named that includes three Olympic medalists and a World Championship medalist.

The following riderss have been named to the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
• Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.
• Devin Ryan of Long Valley, N.J.
• Jessica Springsteen of Colts Neck, N.J.
• McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y.

Awakened won the G1 Jonathan Sheppard, giving Jack Fisher his second straight win in the race

Details: August 24, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.--The beautifully bred Awakened lived up to his breeding and won the G1, $150,000, 2 3/8 mile Jonathan Sheppard Handicap on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Awakened defeats Jimmy P in Sheppard 5 Awakened defeats Jimmy P in the Sheppard (Photo by Tod Marks)Riverdee Stable and Ten Strike Racing's Awakened, trained by Jack Fisher and ridden by Tom Garner, won by 1 length over Jimmy P, trained by Keri Brion,, with McTigue, trained by Cyril Murphy, third.

Awakened settled well off the pace set by West Newton, who led until the final turn. with Noah And The Ark, Jimmy P and L'Impertore close behind.

Awakened made up ground entering the stretch under steady urging from Garner, taking command to the inside of Jimmy P passing the eighth pole with McTigue gaining on Jimmy P, but Awakened prevailed, finishing in 4:32.51.

Merry Maker finished fourth another seven lengths back,followed by L’Imperator, Redicean, Caramelised, Noah And The Ark, West Newton and Theocrat.

"He's always been a nice horse," said Fisher. "Having the Kiser under his belt helped him, and so did the added distance."

The Kiser was run at 2 1/16 miles, while the Sheppard was 2 3/8 miles.

Hall of Fame Trainer Jonathan Sheppard died Aug. 27

Details: August 30, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.--Jonathan Sheppard, 82, who trained Eclipse Award winners both on the flat and in steeplechasing, died Sunday, Aug. 27, at his home in Hollywood, Fla.

Jonathan Sheppaard w. program Jonathan Sheppard He was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1990 and set training records that probably will never be matched much less broken.

Sheppard not only left his mark on racing with his horses but also imparted his knowledge to assistant trainers who went on to become top trainers in their own right.

One of his first assistant trainers, Janet Elliot, became the first woman to win a steeplechase training title, in 1991, and the first female trainer inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame, in 2009.

"I began in 1969 and worked for him 11 years,"said Elliot. "Yvonne Downs and I were the first two women who worked for Jonathan. I learned so much from him, 90 percent of that is what got my training going. Everyone adds their own bits to what they've learned"

"He had a very natural way of training horses, like turning out all the horses in training together, with their shoes on,"said Elliot. He had a second of sense about horses. He was a gentleman. He was tough but fair."

Time schedule for the Devon Fall Classic

Details: August 19, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

Devon Fall Classic Entries Closing Tuesday, September 5th

Devon, PA – August 18, 2023 - Exhibitors interested in competing in the 10th Devon Fall Classic are encouraged to submit entries as soon as possible - the deadline for all Jumpers is Tuesday, September 5th!

All entries are to be submitted online via Show Management System

Questions regarding entries may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For spectators, here is a tentative time schedule so that you can plan your trips to te Fall Classic.

2023 Fall Classic Schedule 1

2023 Fall Classic Schedule 2

Horses helping heal the hearts of our heroes, veterans and first responders at Thorncroft

Details: August 23, 2023; By Staff Writers

MALVERN, Pa.--Three years ago, I joined Thorncroft Equestrian Center as an PATH Certified instructor.

Thorn 1 Thorncroft 911 Ceremony 2022I knew I found my new home with all the welcoming, kind and truly passionate people who work at the farm, volunteer and participate.

One of the first things I asked was can I become involved with the Veterans program and possibly create a new role also for our first responders.

I was involved in the thoughts and ideas for a similar program in New York, but with Covid, and then moving during Covid it never came to be.

I saw a huge need for equine-based horsemanship programs for our veterans and also our first responders.

With the exceptional leadership and support of staff, I was given the task to take over the Veterans Program and develop the First Responder Program from my predecessors.

And there is no better place to be since Thorncroft was established in 1969, and is still one of the premier therapeutic equestrian centers in the United States.

Colt by Curlin out of Beholder brings $4 million at record setting Saratoga Sale

Details: August 10, 2023; By Staff Writers

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.--The second, Tuesday evening session of Fasig-Tipton’s 102nd Saratoga Selected Yearlings Sale set records in every cateogry, including a sale record gross, average and median.

Colt by Curlin out of Beholder brought $4 million (Photo by Fasig-Tipton)A Curlin colt (Hip 165) out of Horse of the Year Beholder sold for $4,000,000 to Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing, to top the session and the sale.

Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consigned the colt on behalf of breeder Spendthrift Farm.

The colt is the first of Hall of Fame inductee Beholder’s foals to be offered at public auction.

Beholder’s most accomplished runner to date is this year’s G3 Senorita Stakes winner Teena Ella, by War Front.

By Curlin, sire of three Eclipse Award champions in 2022, and out of the incomparable racemare Beholder, the blue-blooded colt hails from the immediate family of four-time leading sire Into Mischief, Broodmare of the Year Leslie’s Lady, and G1 winner and sire Mendelssohn.

The price reflected the rarity of the offering, matching the third highest price ever realized at The Saratoga Sale, and the most expensive since 2000.

The $4 million sale was, the same as a colt by Roberto that sold in 1984.

Only two were more expensive, a Seattle Slew colt that sold for 4.2 million in 2000, and a Northern Dancer colt that sold for $4.6 million in 1984.

Boyd Martin placed first, third and fifth in Bromont four star Event

Details: August 13, 2023; By Staff Writers

BROMONT, Canada--Olympian Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa.,, had close to s clean sweep at Bromont, winning the CCI4* Saturday, Aug.12 with his Tokyo Olympic mount Tsetserleg on a final score of 52 points.

Boyd Martin on Tsetserleg wins Bromont (Photo by Cealy Tetley)He also placed third with On Cue on a score of 56.1, and fifth on Commando 3, 59.3, as well as third in the 3* on Contessa with a final score of 44.6.

With the event running as a ‘short format’, the dressage and show jumping phases were completed Friday, leaving the cross-country as the final and deciding phase Saturday.

Given the rain of the past three weeks, it was expected that galloping times would be conservative, and riders would be careful.

Thankfully the ground held up well, and the organizers were generous with stone chips and gravel as needed on takeoff and landings to ensure safety across all levels.

Time was the deciding factor Saturday, with every FEI rider save one, Canada’s Jessica Phoenix, winner of the 2* with Tugce, adding time faults to their overall score.

Come give Country Haven Farms cross country course a try

Details: August 12, 2023; By Staff Writers

WOODSTOWN, N.J.--Attention: Eventers and anyone else who just loves to jump cross country.

C Haven 1 Give your horse a change of scenery.

Country Haven in Pilesgrove (Woodstown) N.J., offers schooling over its cross country course as well as in the 250’ x 150’ ring with special footing, which has a dressage arena (large/small) and stadium jumps.

We’re about 15 min from Commodore Barry Bridge, 10 min from Delaware Memorial Bridge, 45-50 mins from Fair Hill, Md., and Medford, N.J., and 60 mins from Unionville, Pa.

We have over 50 cross country jumps in both woods and open fields including a bank jump, coffin, trekehners, skinnies, snake jump, log piles, coops, roll tops, hogsback, a mound, and a stream.

Many of the jumps are adjustable in height.

C Haven 2 They start @ 1’ to over 3’7”. Something for everyone!

Our website countryhavenfarms.com has numerous photos and descriptions of the course.

And you can’t beat the price!

Only $40 for xc course, $20 for schooling in the ring with the dressage arena and the stadium jumps, and only $55 for schooling all 3.

No time limits on riding. Low key atmosphere.

There is a long and a short galloping path with paperwork available to tell you your galloping speed.

The course is open to individual riders as well as instructors who would like to bring their students, pony clubs who may need a place to do a rally, or someone who wants to hold a clinic here.

C Haven 3 Spectators may drive vehicles back to the course. (You can add a picnic if you’d like, as some have.)

We are certainly geared toward eventing, but straight dressage riders (including Western Dressage) are welcome to practice in the dressage arena.

We have even had carriages practice their driving skills here, negotiating turns around the various trees in the woods.

Drivers of minis are also welcome.

Any questions or to schedule, feel free to call Earlen Haven @ 856-769-1916 for quickest response.

OK to schedule on short notice. If I can accommodate, I will be happy to.

Hope to see you all soon!

A new FEI League of Nations will replace the current Nations Cup qualification format for the Barcelona Final

Details: August 3, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

The FEI has created a new format, called the League of Nations, to replace the current Nations Cup series leading up to the Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona.

McLain Wardon Contagious McCool Photography McLain Ward on Contagious at the Nations Cup qualifier in Blenheim (Photo by McCool Photography)While The FEI was trying to create a new format in which the leading nation is evident after each qualifier, this new series has many questions to be answered.

Under the current format, nations compete in their individual league to qualify for the Finals.

For the U.S., the two nations from the U.S., Mexico and Canada with the most points from three Nations Cup competitions qualified.

Beginning in 2024, under the new League of Nations Format, the top 10 nations compete at four top venues in order to qualify for a Final where the best eight teams go head-to-head to be crowned the League of Nations Champion.

The League of Nations was created following a six-month consultation phase with a Task Force, which was set up to review and redefine the Nations Cup series and included representatives from all of the interested nations.

The FEI Board announced the Qualifiers and Final of the League of Nations for the 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027 seasons as: Qualifiers:

CSIO5* Abu Dhabi in the UAE, CSIO5* Ocala, Fla., in the USA, CSIO5* St Gallen in Switzerland and CSIO5* Rotterdam in the Netherlands, with the Final at CSIO5* Barcelona in Spain.

DiAnn Langer and Britt McCormick have been nominated for President of USHJA

Details: August 1, 2023; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Nominating Committee has named DiAnn Langer and Britt McCormick as the official nominees for Office of the President of the USHJA.

Di Ann Langer, second left,chef d'equipe of a winning Youth team The USHJA Board of Directors will meet on Sept. 11 to elect USHJA's next President, who will take office at the 2024 USHJA Annual Meeting.

Langer, of Johnston, S.C., is heavily involved in the sport as an owner, trainer and breeder.

With the USHJA, she has served on the Board of Directors, Jumper Working Group, Emerging Jumper Rider Task Force, Young Jumper Task Force, and NAYC/Prix des States Task Force and was previously the USHJA Show Jumping Technical Advisor.

Her experience in sport governance continued as an advisor to numerous USEF committees and as President of the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association, California Professional Horsemen’s Association, California Professional Horsemen’s Foundation and Los Angeles Horse Show Association.

Langer has been the USEF Show Jumping Youth Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor since 2013 and has her "R" Jumper, Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation judges cards.

Shawna Karrasch Equine- Positive Reinforcement Training. Sept 29 lecture at Dressage at Devon.

Details: August 2, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

Shawna Karrasch is a pioneer in the use of Positive Reinforcement Training with horses.

Shawna 1 Her powerful and humane behavioral training techniques are an eye-opening experience for equine professionals, competitors, and amateurs alike.

Shawna began her training career far outside the equestrian world, working with large marine mammals.

Animals such as dolphins, sea lions and orcas cannot be coerced.

Shawna 2 Only positive reinforcement methods can be used to ask these magnificent creatures to participate voluntarily in activities with human trainers. (You may be able to force a horse onto a trailer, but just try it with a walrus!.)

When introduced to the world of top equestrian competition, Shawna saw immediately how reward-based training could be used to engage the horse’s willingness in equestrian pursuits.

By using Shawna’s Positive Reinforcement Training methods, Olympian Beezie Madden taught her famous show jumper Judgment (now Judgment ISF) to overcome his fear of water and go on to win the $1,000,000 CN International at Spruce Meadows, among many other international show-jumping victories.

Shawna 3 Beezie’s spectacular success over decades as a top international competitor on a series of great horses is a testament not only to her extraordinary talent and skill as a rider and trainer, but also in part to the reward-based training system that Shawna first developed on the Madden farm.

Shawna’s infectious enthusiasm, sense of humor, years of training experience and rapport with animals and humans makes her one of the finest positive-reinforcement trainers in North America.

On Sept. 29, Shawna will be speaking at Dressage at Devon from 1-4 pm in the All Devon Club under the main grandstand.

This is a ticketed event and the topic will be: Taking the Science and Theory of Positive Reinforcement to Serious Ridden Work.

Contact: Jessie Hillegas at www.shawnakarrasch.com or 570-337-8347.