Competitions

Felicitas Hendricks on Drumbusch OLD won the Grand Prix Freestyle

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January 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Germany’s Felicitas Hendricks on Drombusch OLD won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle on the first ‘Friday Night Stars’ evening of freestyle competition at the Global Dressage Festival.

Felicitas Hendricks on Drombusch OLD (Photo by Susan Stickle)On an unusually cold evening, Hendricks scored 78.2% to win as the last rider to go.

The class was also a qualifier for the new US Equestrian Open of Dressage, which features 23 qualifiers. seven of which are at the Festival, before the final in California in November.

US Olympic team silver medalist Adrienne Lyle on Helix finished second with a 77.28%, reversing the placings from Thursday’s qualifying Grand Prix.

Sweden’s seven-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén on Devanto scored 75.515% to place third.

Hendricks, who at 24 years old is still eligible to ride in under-25 classes, is competing at the Festival as a senior for the second year running after finishing as the top rider at the Festival last year.

Her test showed harmonious self-carriage coupled with power and balance and featured 20 one-time changes down the centerline.

“He exceeded my expectations, like he does every time,” said Hendricks. “He leaves his heart in the ring. I can tell that he’s very happy to be back, and he was loving the crowd. He was a little spicy, but in a good way."

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Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden won the WEF Challenge Cup

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January 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Colombian Olympian Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden won the $32,000 CSI3* WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 on Thursday, Jan. 9 during the first competition of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden (Photo by Sportfot)The Challenge Cup was run In the winning round format where the top 12 riders from the first round over a course designed by Nick Granat advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off.

Teran had a rail down over the first course but was clean in the jump-off to finish in 41.63 seconds, more than two seconds faster than closest challenger, Ireland's Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, clean in 43.39 seconds

Nicky Galligan of Ireland on 1 VDL Nikita van de Leeuwerk was third in 43.54 seconds

Teran got the ride on Iron Maiden at the end of winter season in 2024 and has already had nine international podium finishes.

“He has a great technique,” said Teran. “He's light off the ground, sensitive and a true modern type but very rideable. He's a fantastic prospect for the big sport. He lets you put him exactly where it's optimal for him to jump clear."

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Adrienne Lyle on Helix won the World Cup Grand Prix at the Global Dressage Festival

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January 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Adrienne Lyle, a team rider in the 2024 Paris Olympics, on Helix won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix during opening week of the Global Dressage Festival.

Adrienne Lyle on Helix (Photo by Susan Stickle)Lyle scored 74.065% for the unanimous win from the five judges over 13 starters.

Germany’s young Felicitas Hendrickson on Drombusch OLD scored 70.913% to place second, and Sweden’s seven-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén finished third on Devanto on 69.565%.

Hendrickson returned to Wellington with her 14-year-old Drombusch OLD after a 2024 season in which they were only beaten once in their eight CDI starts.

The conditions were unusually chilly for Florida as a blast of arctic air has lowered the temperatures considerably this week, but Helix was unfazed.

“Conditions do not affect him at all,” said Lyle. “It was 100 degrees in Paris, and he was still hot to trot. Hot, cold, doesn’t matter, he’s ready to roll any day. Personally, I love it.”

Lyle began competing on Helix in January 2024, with a tight window in which to qualify for the Paris Games, and they made their international debut at the 2024 AGDF in late March.

“It’s really good to be back here,” said Lyle. “I’m excited to get a jump start on being able to show a little earlier this season and not have everything crammed into the end of it. It’s been nice to be home for a few months after Paris and to be able to relax and train without a big, looming deadline quite so close."

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Netherlands to compete in League of Nations

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January 9, 2025

By Staff Writers

Going into the League of Nations 2025 season, The Netherlands is qualified after finishing eighth last year with 11,625 points, just 18 points behind Switzerland.

Maikel Van de Vleuten on Beauville (Photo from the FEI)Netherlands had a strong end to the 2024 season, placing second to Germany in the Final in Barcelona last October.

Netherlands has twice won Team Jumping at the World Equestrian Games, in 2006 in Aachen and in 2014 in Normandy, France, it was the Team Champion at the Olympic Games in 1992 in Barcelona, and won the team silver medal at the World Championship in 2022 in Herning, Denmark.

“Competing at the League of Nations, the highest level of international Jumping, is a great honor,"said Jantien van Zon from the Dutch Equestrian Federation. "We are proud of the results we’ve achieved over the years and remain committed to maintaining our excellent standing in the sport.”

“The competition season always offers a rich choice of events, even without the Olympics and World Championships in the mix," she said. "But we always strive to have our best combinations ready for the League of Nations, because it is so prestigious and well-supported by nations and fans, and we want to be fully part of that excitement for both the honor and for our supporters.”

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Richie Vogel won twice during the opening week of WEF

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January 6, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Richard Vogel of Germany won the two featured classes of Premiere Week, the opening week and precursor of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Richie Vogel on Event De LHeribus (Photo by Sportfot)Premiere Week of the 2025 WEF at Wellington International set the stage for the international season,beginning with the season's first CSI3* competition on Jan. 8.

Vogel, ranked World number six, rode Levi Noesar to win WEF Challenge Cup Premiere Round on Thursday, Jan. 2, and riding Event De L'Heeribus won the $75,000 WEF Premiere Grand Prix on Sunday, Jan. 5.

In the Grand Prix, their first show together, Vogel and the 10-year-old German-bred gelding won in a 12-horse jump-off over a course designed by Eric Hasbrouck.

Vogel was clean in 34.086 seconds to beat Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Gilona AO. clean in 34.24 seconds to place second, while Jacqueline Ruyle on Cyramo Z, clean in 35.065 seconds, was third and McLain Ward on High Star Hero was fourth.

“I'm very excited about our future with him,” said Vogel, who is based in Wellington for his winter season. “It’s a super way to start the season and a spectacular way to begin our partnership.”

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Charlie Jayne on One and Only won the final Grand Prix of the Holiday series

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December 23, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Charlie Jayne on One and Only won the $50,000 Grand Prix, the featured event of the ESP Holiday Finale on Saturday night, Dec. 21.

Charlie Jayne on One and Only (Photo by Cassidy Klein)FEI Level III course designer Anna Catalina “Catsy” Cruz of Mexico set a track that narrowed the field from 45 to just six for the jump-off.

Riding last, Jayne was clean in 36.714 seconds to edge out Germany’s Tony Stormanns on Donjon D’Asschaut, clean in 37.326 seconds to finish second, and Lebanon’s Jad Dana on Itchcock Des Dames was third in 37.699 seconds.

Earlier in the week, Amanda Derbyshire of Great Britain on Sade De Rialfo Z won the $10,000 1.40m Open Stake.

After a strong second-place finish the prior week, Derbyshire returned with determination to capture the win in the Stake and was clean in the jump-off in 34.172 seconds.

Alison Robitaille on Oakingham Lira finished second, just behind with a jump-off time of 34.6 seconds, and Lacey Gilbertson on Baloppi, was third in 34.661 seconds.

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Kent Farrington placed second in Geneva Top 10 and McLain Ward was fourth in Geneva 5* Grand Prix

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December 18, 2024

By Staff Writers

GENEVA, Switzerland--Kent Farrington on Toulayna placed second to Martin Fuchs of Switzerland on Leone Jei in the Top10 Final at a spectacular CHI de Geneva Grand Slam of Showjumping horse show.

Kent Farrington on Toulayna (File photo from Riyadh by Helen Cruden) In a huge, sold out indoor arena in Geneva, the Top10 Rated riders in the world competed in the Final on Friday, Dec.13.

Farrington delivered an outstanding performance to place second in one of the sport’s most elite events, and McLain Ward on Ilex was fifth.

The U.S., Switzerland and Germany had two riders each in the Final, with Great Britain, Austria,Sweden and France having one each.

Fuchs, who is rated number 11 in the world, made it into the Top Ten Final at short notice after world number 10 Conor Swail was unable to compete when his horse's flight from the U.S.was cancelled at the last minute.

The Top 10 Final was a two round class, with faults from the first and second round added together while the time in the second round decided the placings between riders with equal faults.

In the first round, Fuchs, Farrington, Ben Maher of Great Britain on Point Break,Christian Kukuk of Germany on Just Be Gentle, Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden on King Edward, and Julien Epaillard  of France on Donatello d"Auge were clean, while Ward, Max Kuhner of Austria on Eic Cooley Jump the Q, Steve Guerdat of Switzerland on Albfuehren's Lashin Sitte had four faults and Richie Vogel of Germany on United Touch S had eight faults.

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Kayla Langmeier won the featured $30,000 Grand Prix at the ESP Holiday II show

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December 16, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Kayla Langmeier on Jiselle NS won the $30,000 Grand Prix, the highlight of the ESP Holiday II show, on Saturday night, Dec. 14.

Langmeier won over a competitive field of 42.

McKayla Langmeier on Jiselle NS (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Course designer Andy Christiansen of Ecuador set a challenging track that had 12 riders advance to the jump-off.

Second to go in the jump-off, Langmeier was clean in 39.825 seconds, a time that held through the class.

Kevin Gallagher of Ireland on Ballerina-Hoem, was a full second slower, finishing in a time of 40.879 seconds to place second.

Pieter De Brabandere on MTM Caden was third, clean in 41.397 seconds.

 “I think Jiselle and her groom have the best partnership,"said Langmeier. "They definitely understand each other really well. And she's definitely a 'mare' kind of horse, so she needs someone that, you know, takes their time and really gives her the extra carrot when she needs it and tells her she's a good girl. So I really do have an amazing groom that looks after my horses immaculately.”

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The Trailblazers team of Lillie Keenan, Conor Swail and Daniel Bluman won the $1 million Major League Show Jumping Team Competition

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December 16, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--The Trelawny Trailblazers team of Lillie Keenan, Conor Swail of Ireland and Daniel Bluman of Israel won its second consecutive Major League Show Jumping Team Championship on Saturday evening, Dec. 14.

Conor Swail on My Lady Lavista (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)In this very confusing competition, eight teams of about six riders each compete through the year, and with so many riders on a team, entries are often unknown until the competition actually begins.

Along with Bluman, Keenan and Swail , the Trailblazers included Natalie Dean, Charlotte Jacobs and Darragh Kenny of Ireland.

Heading into the final, the Trailblazers were third in the overall standings, but team owner and manager Cara Raether Carey chose Bluman, Keenan and Swail to ride on Saturday night.

At the conclusion of round one, the field of eight teams was narrowed to the top four to advance to rounds two and three.

For the Trailblazers, clear rounds from Bluman on Corbie V.V. and Swail on My Lady Lavista guaranteed them the chance to come back to vie for the win.

“I jumped My Lady Lavista last night, and it didn’t go as planned,” said Swail. “We sort of unraveled a little bit. I felt I didn’t do a good enough job with her, and she got a little bit edgy. So obviously coming into tonight, I wasn’t just brimming with confidence, but I trusted the mare. She warmed up beautifully. It was a difficult course, and when I went in, I knew I needed a clear round to make sure we were going to go through [to the second round]. Lady felt so comfortable, and I was really clear with my plan and how to ride her. Everything came up perfectly.”

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Columbia's Mark Bluman won the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping Classic

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December 15, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Colombia’s Mark Bluman had the first major CSI5* victory of his career on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Desert International Horse Park in the $200,000 CSI5* Major League Show Jumping Classic.

Mark Bluman on Concare PS (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Bluman on Concare PS was one of just two to advance to the jump-off, which he won.

Course designer Alan Wade, along with Colm Quinn, set a challenging first-round track for the Friday night featured class with 38 competitorsn.

As the ninth to go, U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z made the course look easy, producing the first clear round of the evening.

But after Kraut, none went clean until, as the 36th to go, Bluman went clean to guarantee that there would be a jump-off.

While Kraut and Bluman were the only ones clean, six others went clean but had time faults.

Finishing with just one time fault were Emilie Conter on Portobella van de Fruitkorf who placed third, Roberto Teran Tafur on Dez’ Ooktoff who was fourth and Amy Millar on Jagger HX who was fifth.

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Ashlee Bond on Donatello 141 won the $1 Million Coachella Cup Grand Prix

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December 13, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Ashlee Bond of Israel on her Olympic mount Donatello 141 won the $1,000,000 Major League Show Jumping CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix on Saturday Dec. 7.

This win was 10 years after her first $1,000,000 grand prix win at the Desert International Horse Park.

From a field of 40, including Olympians and top-ranked riders from around the world, Bond was one of 12 to advance to the jump-off over a course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr.

Early in the jump-off, Lucy Davis Kennedy set the time to beat with a clear round inf 41.33 seconds on Ben 431, but soon Mark Bluman of Colombia on Ubiluc took the lead with a time of 40.91 seconds.

But then Bond, riding eighth in the order, shaved more than a second off Bluman’s time, finishing in 39.33 seconds to win.

Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 placed second in a time of 40.48 seconds, while Bluman and Ubiluc finished in third.

The Coachella Cup Grand Prix was a highlight of the Major League Show Jumping series.

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Trailblazers team of Natalie Dean, Lillie Keenan and Conor Swail won $200,000 team competition

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December 7, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--A team competition, called Major League Show Jumping, is a year-long series begun by well-to-do parents to enable their offspring to compete alongside of show jumping stars, is one week away from its $1 million finale.

Natalie Dean on Oasis van de Bucxtale (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Top professional grand prix riders are paid on compete on the teams/

It's a difficult series to follow, as there are eight teams, but each team has up to 12 members and only three or four of those12 compete in each event, so although the team names remain the same there are different riders each week.

There is no central listing of the team members of the eight teams, so there's no way of knowing who competed on each team.

As the series draws to an end, it appears that in most teams only the professionals are competing.

On Friday night, Dec. 6, the Trailblazers team of Natalie Dean, Lillie Keenan and Conor Swail won the $200,000, 5* Team Competition, giving the Trailblazers enough points to move up to third in the team standings.

Maccabi United currently leads with 107 points over Roadrunners, a team whose members include McLain Ward, Richy Vogel and Erin Ballard, with 106 points, and Trailblazers with 97 points.

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Kent Farrington on Greya won the $200,000 Grand Prix in Wellington

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December 3, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Kent Farrington on his 10-year-old mare, Greya, won the $200,000, CSI4* Grand Prix on Sunday, Dec.1 at the Holiday & Horses show.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sportfot)The grand prix had 42 entries from 12 countries, with eight advancing to the jump-off over a course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio.

Farrington was clean in 37.01 seconds, narrowly edging out Daniel Bluman of Israel on Hummer Z, who finished just behind in 37.17 seconds.

Lacey Gilbertson on Loulou MPSZ placed third, clean in 38.67 seconds.

Charlotte Jacobs on Playboy was fourth, clean in 39.63, and Ilan Bluman of Columbia on Acajou,, the fastest of the four-faulters, was fifth with four faults in  37.89.

The field was notably dominated by exceptional 9- and 10-year-old horses, highlighting the promising future of show jumping.

 “I got Greya when she was 5, and she's really just a phenomenal show jumper, as you can see,” Farrington said. “She's unbelievably careful. She's super fast, a very modern type. I love this horse. She's been great, and she’s really come into her own.”

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Jimmy Torano won the 1.50m Speed in Wellington

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December 2, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z won Saturday's featured event, the $32,000, CSI4 1.50m Speed on Nov. 30 at the Holiday & Horses show.

Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z (Photo by Sportfot)Torano won with a blazing first round time of 64.06 seconds, securing the top spot on the podium over a field of 36.

Torano and Kochio Z have a winning partnership. 

"This is a horse I've had since he was 7," said Torano. "He's a real winner. I mean, this horse I can count on a lot. He runs a lot of ranking classes. He's won a lot of Grand Prixs, just a very, very reliable horse. He's very careful, and he is extremely fast."

Success at this level is a team effort, and Torano praised his groom, Pablo, for his exceptional care and dedication.

"He's taken care of this horse since the day I got him," said Torano. "He knows him inside and out. He does a great job with him. He's got a very good demeanor, so horses really like him. He's my FEI groom for both of my horses that are in FEI this week, and he does a really, really good job."

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Daniel Bluman won the 1.50m grand prix qualifier in Wellington

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November 30, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla--Daniel Bluman of Israel on Hummer Z won the $65,000, CSI4* Grand Prix 1.50m Qualifier on Friday, Nov. 29 as the holiday season began with the ESP Holiday & Horses Series,

Daniel Bluman on Hummer Z (Photo by Sportfot)From a starting field of 51, eight advanced to the jump-off over a course set by Anthony D'Ambrosio.

Bluman was clean in 38.02 seconds to edge out Nayel Nassar of Eqypt on ESI Ali, who placed second with a time of 38.21 seconds, followed by Alessandra Volpi on Candy Luck Z in third.

“I started riding Hummer Z in April,” said Bluman. “He was developed by one of my greatest idols, and in my opinion, one of the best that ever existed, Beezie Madden.”

“Getting a horse that has been developed by such an incredible horseman and incredible program really makes things easier on my end," he said. "I also have a very good relationship with the Madden team, so I was able to get the complete information and package on how to work with the horse.”

“It’s been about becoming a partnership." said Bluman. "We’ve jumped a lot of clear rounds. He actually jumps clear rounds most of the time. We’ve had a lot of top 10s, a few top-three podiums, and everything. But this is actually our first win, so it’s great. We’re very happy. The horse deserves to win, and yeah, I am really happy with the result today.”

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Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the $125,000 Welcome at the World Cup - Los Angeles

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November 22, 2024

By Staff Writers

LOS ANGELES, Calif.--Lillie Keenan on her 10-year-old stallion Kick On won the $125,000, 1.50m Welcome CSI5*-W at Santa Anita Park.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On (Photo by Winslow Photography)Keenan, last to go in the eight horse jump-off, won by almost a full second, finishing in 35.91 seconds.

"I think it was my turn to the combination that won the class," said Keenan. "My horse is incredibly brave. I knew that turn was a big gamble, but I thought he could do it."

Kick On had previously won a CSI5* Grand Prix win in Toronto, and had  two runner-up finishes at the Devon Horse Show, as well as a close second at the 5* in Greenwich.

A field of 73 riders from 15 nations competed over the course set by Anderson Lima, with only eight managing to advance to the jump-off.

Six of the eight went clean in the jump-off.

Carly Anthony, a trainer from Colts Neck.N.J., on Heavenly W finished second in 36.85 seconds, and Tokyo Olympics team silver medalist Jessica Springsteen on Naomi van het Keizershof was third in 37.26 seconds.

Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z was fourth in 37.33, Abdulrahman of Saudi Arabia on Ventago was fifth in 37.70 and Shawn Casady on Cool Quarz was sixth in 39.14, followed by Daniel Bluman on Corbie VV seventh with four faults in 37.01 and Callie Shott on Garant with eight faults in 36.59.

The competition was a qualifier for Saturday’s $400,000 FEI Jumping World Cup Los Angeles CSI5*-W, where riders will win points toward the World Cup Finals in Basel, Switzerland, in April 2025.

The World Cup qualifier is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 PM EST or 8:00 PM PST.

Jessie Springsteen won the $35,000 Two-Phase at the World Cup Los Angeles

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November 21, 2024

By Staff Writers

LOS ANGELES, Calif.--Jessica Springsteen, an Olympic silver medalist, won the $35,000 1.45m Special Two Phase CSI5*-W at the FEI Jumping World Cup North American League qualifier in Los Angeles at Split Rock.

Jessie Springsteen on Naomi van het KeizershofRiding Naomi van het Keizershof, an 11-year-old mare with six prior FEI wins, Springsteen won over an elite field of 69 competitors representing 15 nations.

Going first in the large class of 69, Springsteen laid down a trip that caused many faults in those following her that tried to beat her time.

Springsteen won by more than a second, leaving the competition in her wake.

The Anderson Lima-designed course featured two phases, each with seven jumping efforts.

In this unique format, riders could continue through the second phase even if they incurred faults in the first, ensuring an exciting and fast-paced event.

Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z, was second, and Conor Swail of Ireland on Vital Chance de la Roque was third. .

Springsteen’s commanding win marks a triumphant start to her West Coast campaign, with the Split Rock venue providing the perfect stage for her debut success in California.

On Thursday, Nov, 21, the $125,000 CSI5* 1.50m Welcome begins at 9:30 PM EST.

Watch live on FEI.TV!

Rowan Love won the USHJA Emerging Athletes Training Session Competition

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November 20, 2024

By Staff Writers

GADYS, Va.--Rowan Love was named the top athlete from 16 top participants after four intensive days of riding and stable management at the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session, held at Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Va., from Nov. 7-10.

Rowan Love on Star Jewel Photo from USHJA)The competition was judged by Olympic team and individual gold medalist Joe Fargis, the Lead Riding Clinician, Stable Manager Colleen Reed and the Emerging Athletes Program Committee.

Love attended the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio and graduated in 2021 with a bachelor of science degree in equestrian management and an associate's degree in English riding and training.

While at the University of Findlay, she was a member of the equestrian team and competed in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association.

"It feels very surreal to have won," said Love, 25, of Sweet Briar, Va. "It was cool to return to the National Training Session after doing it last year because I knew a little bit of what to expect and how the week operates."

In preparation for this year's National Training Session after riding in the Regional Training Session this past summer held at Sweet Briar College, Love dedicated herself to building on techniques learned during her time at the 2023 National Training Session.

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Phillip Dutton placed first and second in qualifier 3 of US Equestrian Open at TerraNova

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November 19, 2024

By Staff Writers

MYAKKA CITY. Fla.--Phillip Dutton placed both first and second in Qualifier 3 of the US Equestrian Open at TerraNova, placing first on Azure on a score of 43.2 and second on Quasi Cool with a score of 55.6

File photo of Phillip Duton on Azure fromm 2023 (Photo by Cealy Tetley)Dutton will start the series in 2025 as the outright leader in the US Equestrian Open standings with 75 points.

The US Equestrian Open series format is designed to reward both participation and performance across multiple qualifiers.

With its innovative structure, the series offers a place for both seasoned professionals and emerging competitors to showcase their skills and make their mark.

With $200,000 in prize money and an additional $50,000 series award, the competition is designed to bring the best eventing athletes together from across the country.

This was Dutton's first win in the CCI4*-S at TerraNova

Coming in as the strong favorite, Dutton capitalized on his horses’ CCI5* experience and prior wins at this level, showing why he’s one of the most consistent performers in the sport.

The course at TerraNova once again highlighted cross-country speed as the defining factor.

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Alex Granato won the $140,000 Grand Prix in Wellington

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November 19, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Alex Granato of Lexington, Ky., on Helios vd Nosahoeve won the $140,000, CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday, Nov. 17 t the ESP Pre-Charity show..

Alex Granato on Helice vd Noshoeve (Photo by Sportfot)With record-breaking entries totaling more than 750 horses for the week, 12 nations were represented in the day’s featured event.

In the nine horse jump-off over the course set by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico, Granato, 41, returned with only three to come behind him and posted a  time to beat of 42.60 seconds.

“I wanted to establish all my speed early to the triple bar so I could navigate and be patient to the verticals,” said Granato. “From there, I needed to keep the pace through the track.”

Luis Fernando Larrazabal of Venezuela on Baroness was second, clean in 45.50 seconds, and Andrew Welles on Idol H&H was third in 46.01 seconds.

Ireland’s Philip McGuane had the fastest four fault round in 41.98 seconds to place fourth.

“His strength is a super consistent attitude,” said Granato, a member of the bronze medal winning U.S. team at the 2019 Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru. “I was trying to keep up with him out there. He's so bold and brave at the jumps.”

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Will Simpson placed first and second in the $32,000 Speed in Wellington

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November 17, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--U.S. 2008 Olympic team gold medalist Will Simpson swept the top two placings in the $32,000, CSI3* Speed on Saturday, Nov. 16 during the ESP Pre-Charity week at Florida’s Wellington International.

Will Simpson on Chacco P (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Winning aboard veteran mount Chacco P, Simpson was second with up-and-coming 9-year-old Keminko N.

Simpson on Chacco P, despite going early, third in the field of 34 over the course set by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico, had the unbeatable time of 60.34 seconds.

He placed second on Keminko N, finishing in 61.39 seconds, and Alessandra Volpi on Berlinda was third in 61.5 seconds.

"He's in perfect condition and there’s no slowing down, he feels like he will go until he's 20," said Simpson of the 15-year-old Chacco P..

“He was on fire today; he's so fast with his feet,”said Simpson. “He's 18-hands, yet he can turn on a dime. He's a real fun horse to ride in the speed classes.”

"Keminko N is very green," said Simpson. "He’s 9 but he feels more like a 7-year-old."

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Simon McCarthy won the Grand Prix qualifier in Wellington

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November 16, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Simon McCarthy of Ireland on Narcotique v/h Dingenshof won the $32,000, CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, Nov. 15 during the ESP Pre-Charity week at Florida’s Wellington International.

Simon MCarthy on Narcotique v/h Dingenshof (Photo by Sportfot)A large field of 16 horses made the jump-off over a course set by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico.

McCarthy was almost two seconds faster then second nplaced Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden, winning with a clean round in 36.57 seconds while Tafur finished in 38.25.

Abigail McArdle on Olympia was third in 38.29 seconds.

“I've had the last fence down in jump-offs a few times lately, so I didn't make a crazy solid plan this time,” said McCarthy. “I wanted to be smooth, and I knew she was going to be quick. I trusted she was going to be careful, but I made myself stay patient and do eight strides to the last. I was proud of myself for that.”

Narcotique v/h Dingenshof is relatively new to McCarthy after joining his string in June to jump a summer tour in Europe.

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Jad Dana won the Power & Speed as FEI jumping returned to Wellington

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November 14, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--With the indoor shows completed, national and international riders are returning to Florida  and FEI show jumping also returned to Wellington.

Jad Dana on Fleur de Lis Cherie (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Lebanon’s Jad Dana on Fleur-de-Lis’ Cherie won the $32,000 CSI3* Power & Speed on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Dana had a breakout start to 2024 by having nine international top 10 placings at Wellington International, and now he's finishing the year with a win.

“It feels great to be back,” said Dana, 29, who is based in Wellington. “I was looking forward to the season starting back up again, and it couldn't have started any better. It's very difficult to win any class in Wellington, so if you do, it's even more rewarding. Hopefully we keep it going this way.”

Competition at Wellington International is beginning to ramp up for the winter season as 46 horses competed over the two-phase course designed by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico .

Dana won on his second mount in the class, Fleur-de-Lis’ Cherie, as he finished the speed phase in 28.76 seconds.

“I love all my horses, but this mare is something special because she tries very hard for me,” said Dana. “I know if we lose, many times it’s because I did something to take the win from her. It's almost like she knows where the next jump is, so she turns really well and she's very fast. She's game, so on a day like this when she's feeling great and really wanting it, she's unbeatable.”

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Alex Matz on Cashew CR won the Centennial Cup speed class in Toronto

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November 9, 2024

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa., on Cashew CR won the $85,680 Centennial Cup speed class at the Royal Horse Show on Friday evening, Nov. 8, during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Alex Matz on Cashew CR (Photo by Ben Radvanyl Photography)The win in Friday’s one-round speed competition was the second win for Matz, 28,  in his second appearance at the Royal Horse Show after also leading the victory gallop in Wednesday’s Strength & Speed Challenge.

Despite going early in the Centennial,, third in the order of 22 competitors, Matz made quick work of Oscar Soberon’s course in front of an enthusiastic crowd, finishing in 51,76

There was a long list of notoriously quick riders still to come, but no one came near Matz' time.

"Thee were a lot of fast riders and riders I look up to going after me," said Matz. "But I was lucky and my time held up."

“I knew if I gave Cashew a chance I’d be very competitive, but there were a lot of really fast people behind me so I had to give it my all and, luckily, it went my way,” said Alex Matz. “He’s a phenomenal horse. He always wants to jump clear and he’s a fighter. I don’t think I will ever have another horse like him.”

"This was his last class for this year," said Matz, who will ride Ikigai in Saturday evening's World Cup qualifier.

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Richie Vogel on the 8-year-old Levi Noesar won the Big Ben Challenge

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November 8, 2024

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--German Olympian Richard Vogel on Levi Noesar won the $170,000 Big Ben Challenge on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, a particularly impressive win as Levi Voesar is only 8 years old..

Richie Vogel on Levi Noesar (Photo by Kim Macmillan)Vogel , 27, won in a six horse jump-off over a course designed by Oscar Soberon of the United States.

Vogel, seventh in the World Rankings, went first in the jump-off and set a time to beat of 37.87 seconds.

Irish Olympian Daniel Coyle on Incredible, next to go, didn't have quite tight enough turns but was clean in 38.16 seconds, and as the only other clean round finished second..

Returning last, Lillie Keenan on Kick On beat Vogel’s time by almost a full second but she had a rail down to finish with four faults in 37.07 seconds.

Abdel Said of Belgium on Arpege Du Ru was fourth with four faults in 37.16, Jessica Mendoza on Great Britain on In The Air was fifth with four faults in 38.45, and Jacqueline Steffens Daly of Canada on Freaky was sixth with 12 faults in 40.23.

“It’s not the easiest task, going first, but the strategy was to put enough pressure on the following competitors so they had to risk something, and either be too slow or risk too much and catch a rail," said Vogel.

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Revitavet

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November 18, 2024

By Emilie Brady

U.S. qualifies for 2025 League of Nations

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November 6, 2024

By Staff Writers

 The U.S. qualified again to compete in the League of Nations, the new competition that changed the way nations qualify for the final in Barcelona.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 in the League of Nations Final in Barcelona (Photo by Didi Shots)The FEI confirmed the qualified nations of the second edition of the League of Nations, with the top 10 ranked nations set to compete in the world’s oldest and most prestigious equestrian team Jumping competition.

Nine nations qualified again for the 2025 edition: Ireland, France, USA, Great Britain, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, and reigning champions Germany, who already secured their place by winning the League of Nations Final in Barcelona (this year..

Italy, won the final spot in the ranking, securing 10th place and replacing Brazil, that dropped out of the top 10.

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Taylor Cawley won the Maclay Finals at The National Horse Show

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November 4, 2024

By SARA CAVANAGH

 LEXINGTON, Ky.--Taylor Cawley of Wellington, Fla., won the ASPCA Maclay National Championship over 172 juniors that had qualified to compete in the final.

Taylor CawleyThe class began at 7 a.m and wasn't completed until close to 6 p.m.

Following the first round, 24 were selected to ride on the flat, with the 24 divided into three groups of eight.

The flat phase counted equally with the jumping phase.

The 24 then competed over a second course, and finally the judges had the top four compete again.

The final test called for the rider to walk into the ring, hand gallop to the first fence, canter the next fence, turn and canter a combination, turn again to the final fence, and then halt for four to six seconds before walking from the ring.

Competing in reverse order of preference, Maddie Tosh of Milton, Ga. went first, but she had trouble holding the halt.

Christian Dominguez of Barrington, R.I., was next and had a beautiful round, followed by Adriana Forte of Water Mill, N.Y., and then Cawley, who had a good, strong hand gallop to the first fence and a beautiful round.

Cawley won over Dominguez with Forte third and Tosh fourth.

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Amy Millar won the Canadian Show Jumping Championship, Boyd Martin second in Indoor Eventing in Toronto

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November 3, 2024

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Two-time Canadian Olympian Amy Millar won the $125,000 Canadian Show Jumping Championship over Mario Deslauriers and Tiffany Foster on Saturday evening, Nov. 2 at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Boyd Martin on Catarina (Photo by Ben Radvanyl Photography)Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa., on Catarina finished second to Kendal Lehari on Audacious in the $10,000 Indoor Eventing Challenge.

After  winning Friday’s opening round of the fan-favourite event at The Royal, Lehari on Audacious was last to return for Saturday’s final and was clean again for herr first win in the  Indoor Eventing Challenge with a total time of 178.93 seconds.

“It's such a rush having that many people in there cheering you on, as well as my family and supporters,” said Lehari, 37. “Everyone's got your back and wants to see you do well.

“I think this is a really good showcase for our sport,” she said. “Not a lot of people know much about eventing, so to be able to do it inside is so much fun.”

Lehari has had Audacious since he was 3 years old, and he's now 11.

"If you Google the word audacious, that is him to a T,"said Lehari. "He jumps out of the paddocks, he loves beer and Krispy Kreme donuts, and he's a character. Everything is a bit too easy for him, so something like this is fun because it keeps him focused. He likes performing for a crowd, so he has been eating it all up [here at The Royal].”

Martinwas clean in the final, but he was off the pace in 182.63 seconds to finish second riding Catarina.

“I love this show, and what a huge honour and privilege it is to ride here,” said Martin, who last competed at The Royal in 2017. “It’s high energy, nerve-wracking and it happens fast. At a normal horse trial, we have a couple days to process how things are going to ride. I think Mark built a course that was horse friendly but still challenging enough, and these Canadian girls sure are quick!”

Jessica Phoenix on Watson GS was third.

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Kent Farrington and Caitlin Boyle win at The National

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November 3, 2024

By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Kent Farrington on Grass De Mars won the $31,020 CSI3* 1.45M International Speed class, and Caitlin Boyle won the $31,020 Winning Round class on Friday evening, Nov. 1 at The National Horse Show.

Farrington, going 19th of 21 starters, finished clean in 62.47 to just edge out Simon McCarthy of Ireland on Gotcha, who went just before Farrington and finished clean in 62.71over the course set by Alan Wade.

 Farrington and McCarthy were far clear of the rest of the field, with Jessie Springsteen on Naomi van het Kiezershof third in 66.30, followed by Alise Oken on Oraline Van Prinseveld, clean in 66.75, Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z, clean in 68.448 and completing the top six was Beat Mandli of Switzerland on Quintane VD Roshoeve, clean n 72,2.

“Grass De Mars is an 8-year-old horse that I own with Katie Jacobs, and I’m super excited about my partnership with her, said Farrington. "It’s great to have our first international win at the National Horse Show. I’ve been partnered with this horse since Florida and we’ve done a couple 2* Grand Prix, and she came in second at a National Grand Prix so she is coming along nicely.”

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