Competitions

Martha and John Ingraham dominate Amateur Hunters at Capital Challenge

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October 2, 2026

By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md,--The Ingrahams dominated the Amateur Owner divisions as John Ingraham was Amateur Owner 3'6" Grand Champion and his daughter Martha Ingraham was Amateur Owner 3'3"Grand Champion on Thursday, Oct. 1 at Capital Challenge.

Martha Ingraham on Cheers! (Photo by Shawn McMillan)In the first of the jumpr divisions, Taylor Kungle on 20-year-old Quickly Stated won the $10,000 NAL 1.15m Amateur Jumper Final while Kinsley Nolte on 17-year-old Diablo Z won the $10,000 NAL 1.15m Junior Jumper Final.

For the fourth time and on a fourth horse, Martha Ingram of Nashville, Tenn., won the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3” Championship.

This year, it came aboard Cheers!, a relatively new ride for Ingram.

Martha had two firsts and second over fences and a fourth under saddle  on Cheers and swept the division by finishing as reserve champion with Romeo and to also win the Best Amateur-Owner 3’3” Rider Award,.

Martha bought Cheers! before the start of the winter show season in 2026. 

“He's such a joy to ride. He's really easy to find the jumps on, he's super brave, and he just absolutely walks down the lines. He has a huge stride, especially for him being a relatively little horse. You really do feel like you're flying on him.”

"it’s still “a joy to win,” she said, “It’s really difficult at a horse show like this where you have 30 of the best horses. On a new partner, it brings new memories and its own set of challenges that you have to overcome, which makes it even more special.”

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Scott Stewart and Tori Colvin lead at Capital Challenge

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September 30, 2026

By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--For the first time in WCHR history, two riders were tied at the top of the Professional standings coming into Capital Challenge on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Scott Stewart continued his usual dominance in the professional hunters at CCHS with four championships – including Gracious (above) – and five reserve championships. (Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography)Scott Stewart and Victoria Colvin both had 1,950 points before their hunter divisions started.

Wednesday night’s WCHR Professional Challenge will determine the top four riders that will participate in Friday night’s WCHR Professional Final.

“I know Scott has been competing in WCHR a little longer, but it feels like we've been doing it forever, since I was a junior,” said Colvin of her history with Stewart, who was her trainer as a pony and junior hunter rider. “It was fun to be tied. I didn't know that that could happen, so it's cool.”

“It was funny, they came up this morning and were going to give me the reserve armband to wear, and I said, ‘Wait, I think we're tied, because I looked last night because I couldn’t sleep,’” said Stewart. “Even when Tori was 10 and 12 years old, she was showing against me with my horses, so I'm pretty used to it! It's nice that she's doing so well and is such a good rider, and that I'm still up to that level with her.”

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Kevin Kohmann and Erin Nichols won at DAD

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September 28, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Kevin Kohmann on Sonata MH won the CDI‑W Grand Prix Freestyle while Erin Nichols on Elian Royale won the Grand Prix Special CDI3* on Saturday evening, Sept. 26 at Dressage at Devon.

Kevin Kohmann on Sonata MF (Photo by Bethany P Photograph)The Freestyle delivered one of the most spirited atmospheres of the week, with a strong, competitive field and a crowd that showed up in numbers despite the steady rain.

It became, in every sense, a night of dancing in the rain—a fun, high‑energy class where music, movement, and audience enthusiasm blended together under the lights of the Dixon Oval.

Thirteen riders embraced the conditions with creativity and confidence, turning the stormy backdrop into part of the performance as they contested this marquee freestyle qualifier.

Kohmann won the Freestyle with a score of 77.105%, performing an American‑themed freestyle that felt perfectly suited to the U.S. bred mare.

Sonata MF showed impressive confidence for a young Grand Prix horse, matching the rhythm of the music with lift, reach, and fluidity while Kohmann’s choreography showcased her athleticism and balance.

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Silva Martin won the CDI1* FEI Prix St. Georges at DAD

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September 27, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Silva Martin on Farouche won the CDI1* FEI Prix St. Georges, on Friday, Sept. 25 at Dressage at Devon.

Silva Martin on Farouche (Photo by Bethany P Photography)Sixteen riders delivered polished, expressive tests that highlighted international depth and technical precision.

Martin took the lead late in the class with only three riders to go. scoring 70.941%.

Her polished, expressive ride drew cheers from the afternoon crowd as she exited the Dixon Oval patting her horse with a smile on her face and a wave to the onlooking crowd.

Farouche showed superior uphill balance and elasticity paired with a clear confidence and presence on her way to the class win.

Canada’s Beatrice Boucher placed second on Mystery with 69.559%, delivering a steady, harmonious test.

Catherine Malone on Opium SR placed third on 69.000%.

The uniquely colored 8-year-old Lusitano gelding by Guardião Do Penedo stood out in the lineup, producing a composed, accurate ride that put the pair firmly in the top three as one of the final competitors to complete their test.

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Usher ISF won in the East Coast series at Dressage at Devon

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September 25, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Usher ISF (Cum Laude x Escorial), presented by Quinnten Alston for breeder and owner Iron Spring Farm, followed up his 2026 Dressage at Devon Reserve Grand Championship with a  win In the Colt/Gelding East Coast Series Final, with a commanding 84.112%.

Usher ISF (Photo by Bethany P Photography)Second place went to Sir Lincoln (Sarkozy x Royal Prince), shown by owner and breeder Samantha Word. The two-year-old Westfalen gelding received a second-best score of 81.962%.

Wisteria CSH (Cum Laude x Unknown), bred, owned, and handled by Hannah Rettew, won the Current Year Foal East Coast Series Final, with an impressive 81.375% at Dressage at Devon on Thursday, Sept.24. 

Second place went to Wizkid ISF (Kaiman x Vivaldi), who notched a score of 80.812%. Quinnten Alston presented the KWPN stud colt for owner and breeder Iron Spring Farm.

In the Stallion East Coast Series Final, Mutsaards Winston (Tongerenhof Burberry x Justice HR), a five-year-old New Forest Pony, won with a score of 80.375%.

Kaitlin Blythe showed the stallion for owner Ellen Ziemer and breeder J.C.A.M. Mutsaards.

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Lovely Leni was DAD Grand Champion with Iron Spring's Usher ISF Reserve

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September 24, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.- Lovely Leni (Livaldon x Floriscount), an 11-year-old Hanoverian mare owned and shown by Cara Klothe and bred by Dieter Kreyenhagen of Germany won the Grand Championship at Dressage at Devon on Wednesday, Sept. 23..

Lovely Leni DAD Grand ChampionThe mare was unbeatable over the last two days of competition, also claiming wins in the Four-Year-Old and Older Yeld Mares class, the USDFBC Mare Championship, and the Mature Horse Championship.

Reserve Grand Championship honors went to Usher ISF (Cum Laude x Escorial), owned and bred by Iron Spring Farm Inc. (USA) and shown by Quinnten Alston.

The two-year-old KWPN stallion claimed both the USDFBC Colt and Gelding Championship and the Young Horse Championship on his way to the Reserve Grand Champion title.

Lovely Leni was Mare Champion on her way to the Grand Championship, and Reserve was: Sensation ISF — Vivaldi x Bordeaux, owned by Iron Spring Farm Inc., handled by Quinnten Alston, bred by Dieter Kreyenhagen (GER)

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Monica Spencer of New Zealand won the CCI4* at Plantation Field International

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September 23, 2026

By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Monica Spencer of New Zealand on Valkyrue won the CCI4*-S at Plantation Field International on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Kids enjoyed Plantation, tooCross country on Sunday shuffled riders up and down the leaderboard.

Spencer on Valkyrie moved from eighth in dressage on a score of 34.3to a tie for eighth on 35.9 after show jumping to move all the way to the top of the leaderboard after a clean cross country round with only 11.2 time penalties to finish on 47.1.

Spencer on Aviator had previously been second going into cross country, but she was eliminated on that horse after she fell off over one obstacle, however she also finished ninth on Flyboy on 62.2. 

Laine Asker on Lovedance, who led going into cross country on 32.7 following her 29.9 in dressage and 2.8 time penalties in show jumping, added 16 time on cross country to finish second on 48.7.

Mia Farrow on Ivictus moved up from sixth to place third on 49.5 after adding14.8 time on cross country.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Tolan Kini stayed fourth, finishing on 50.0 after adding 16.4 time on cross country.

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Young, inexperienced team qualifies U.S. for League of Nations Final

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September 22, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

ST. TROPEZ, France--A team of three League of Nations debutantes and one veteran finished tied for fifth and placed sixth on time in the League of Nations qualifier in St. Tropez on Sunday, Sept. 20, thus qualifying the U.S. for the Final in Barcelona on Oct. 2-4.

Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z (File photo by Shawn McMillen)With points carried forward from the previous three qualifiers, the U.S. had to finish in the top six in St. Tropez to make the Finals, and the team of McKayla Langmeier, Paris Sellon, Kristen Vanderveen and Laura Kraut did just that.

"It was a nail biter, for sure," said chef d'eguipe Robert Ridland.

The U.S. started brilliantly, tying for second with France on four faults in round one,, while Brazil led with zero faults and Great Britain was fourth on five faults, followed by Belgium and Ireland on eight faults and Italy and Germany on 12 faults.

Netherlands and Switzerland, with 16 and 20 faults, didn't make round two.

Sellon on Chad Blue PS and Kraut on Tres Bien Z had both gone clean, while Langmeier on Riesling van de Gaathoeve  and Vanderveen on Starbucks 27 had four faults each.

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Beat Mändli won the World Cup qualifier at the Gold Cup

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September 21, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Beat Mändli of Switzerland on Qoachella won the $340,000 World Cup CSI5*-W Traverse City for the American Gold Cup on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Beat Mändli on Qoachella (Photo by Natalie Suto)Alan Wade set a challenging track for the 37 entries, among them the reigning World Cup Finals champion Kent Farrington, 2024 Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk of Germany and two-time winners of this very class, Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on James Kann Cruz.

Under a tight time allowed, only five went clean in round one, with both Farrington on Greya and McLain Ward on Jordan Molga M, finishing .07 seconds over the time allowed, tying for sixth place and missing their shot at the jump-off.

Mändli was the first to go in the jump-off, and the 2007 World Cup Finals champion knew his time would likely be caught, so an efficient double-clear was his best path forward.

Going clean in 38.03 seconds, he waited to see where he would finish, and as riders tried to improve upon his time, rails fell, and Mändli emerged as the winner.

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McLain Ward on Hialita B won the 2* Grand Prix at the Gold Cup

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September 20, 2026

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Mclain Ward on a new mount, Hialita B, won the $62,500 American Gold Cup CSI2* Grand Prix on Saturday, Sept. 19.

McLain Ward on Hialita B (Photo by Natalie Suto)Ward was one of nine to make the jump-off over the course set by Alan Wade, and he finished clean in 36.09 to win over Erynn Ballard on Ravallo van de Helle, clean in 36.31, while Ariana Marnell on Dagny was third in 37.51.

Six were clean in the jump-off, with Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Loulou MPSZ fourth in 38.17,Alessandra Volpi on Candy Luck Z fifth in 39.54, and Della White on Gucci sixth in 41..42. 

“This is actually my first show with this mare of Mike Smith’s,” Ward said. “She’s been a top horse with Thaisa Erwin of Australia the past several years at the highest levels of the sport, and was the alternate for the Australian team at the World Championships in Aachen. I took over the ride about a week ago. We did a couple small classes and I’m excited about the future with her.”

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Tight leaderboard at Plantation International 4*

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September 20, 2026

By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, P.a--The leaderboard is very tight in the CCI4*S going into the cross country on Sunday, with just four points separating first from 10th at Plantation Field International.

Laine Asker on Lovedance leads on 32.7 following her 29.9 in dressage and 2.8 time penalties in show jumping.

Monica Spencer of New Zealand on Aviator is second on her dressage score of 33.0, with Buck Davidson on Cooley Candymaker third on 33.1.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Tolan Kin is fourth on 33.9, followed by Sharon White on Jaguars Duende on 34.6, Mia Farrow on Invictus, 34.7, Ariel Grald on  Diara on 35.5, Ema Klugman of Australia on RF Redfern on 35.9, Monica Spencer of New Zealand on Valkyrie,,also on 35.9, and Sharon White on Claus 33 on 36.6.

Everything will depend on the cross country on Sunday.

There is lots besides top competition for spectators at Plantation Field International.

While adults enjoy delicious food and competition, there are all kinds of entertainments for children, ranging from rides to games and face painting.

Karl Cook won over McLain Ward in Traverse City Qualifier

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September 19, 2026

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Karl Cook on Candy won the $116,050 American Gold Cup CSI5* Qualifier on Friday, Sept. 18.

Karl Cook on Candy (Photo by Natalie Suto)In a 14 horse jump-off over the course set by Alan Wade, Cook finished clean in 35.74 to win by over two seconds over McLain Ward on First Lady, clean in 38.04, with Hunter Holloway on Henry Jota Ariel third,clean in 38.52, and Chris Pratt of Canada on Ideaal ES, the only other clean, fourth in 39.33.

“I’m super happy with this one,” Cook said. “This mare has been coming along nicely this year. We had some good results early in the year and then didn’t show much in the middle of the year. We started with eight faults in the Grand Prix two weeks ago, worked on some things, went double clear in the team class last week, and we’re continuing to get better. This is her one shot this week to jump and I think we are really coming to a good place together.”

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Karl Cook won the Speed at the Gold Cup

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September 17, 2026

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Karl Cook on Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet,won the $31,020 American Gold Cup CSI5*-W Speed while Isabelle Ehman on Laganixx won the $31,020 American Gold Cup CSI2* Welcome on Thursday,, Sept. 17.

Karl Cook on Kalinka cant Zorgvliet (Photo by Natalie Suto)“I love riding that mare,” Cook said. “She’s just the best and it’s so much fun to go out there with her. It always helps to know the arena and the jumps but today was just having fun with Kalinka and following our walk and hoping all the jumps showed up on time.”

Cook finished clean in 58.76 seconds over the course set by Alan Wade.

“It went to plan,” Cook said. “There was one place where we could’ve left out one more stride I think but we just landed not in the place for that. Other than that it showed up the way we hoped and she was great.”

“You’re always trying to go fast – that’s the point – but the more you do it the more smooth it is and the less you’re doing something different,” he said.. “That’s just your base speed, which makes it easier. You don’t have to ride differently to shave a few more seconds off.”

Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen on Mochito v/d Mishagen placed second in 60.09, and Erynn Ballard of Canada on L ‘Eperon-S was third.

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Lillie Keenan on Fasther second in $5 Million Spruce Meadows International

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September 16, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, Canada--Lillie Keenan had a spectacular week at the Spruce Meadows Master, concluding it by placing second on Fasther to Ben Maher in the $5 Million Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept.13.

Lillie Keenan on Fasther (File photo by Allen MacMillan)With almost every World top rated rider competing in the Masters, Keenan had previously won the Cana Cup on Kick On.

The $5 million CPKC ‘International, a part of the Rolex Grand Slam, was a two round event with courses designed by Leopoldo Palacios in which the top 12 from round one qualified for round two, carrying forward any faults they had incurred.  

Under such a format, there is often no jump-off, but, in an historic and exciting first at Spruce Meadows, after round two there were none clean, but six had four faults to remain tied to go into the jump-off.

And one of them was Richie Vagel on United Touch S, going for his third Rolex Grand Slam win in a row and the $1 Million bonus.

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U.S. Young Rider team tied for second but placed fourth in Youth Nations Cup

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September 15, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

KRONEBERG, Netherlands--The Young Rider team tied for second but on time was placed fourth on Sunday, Sept.13 in the 2026 FEI Youth Jumping Nations Cup Final hosted at Peelbergen Equestrian Centre in Kronenberg, the Netherlands.

JJ Torano on Lyons 50 (Photo by KindMedia)Sweden won, with France second and Ireland third.

The Junior team did not qualify for its Final but finished second in the Challenge Cup, the competition for those not in the Final.

The Junior Team competed over courses set at 1.40m, while the Young Rider Team had courses set at 1.45, all designed by Belgium’s Bart Vonck.

The Young Rider team consisted of Campbell Brown of Fayetteville, Ark., Isabelle Ehman of Milton, Ga., Kait Meggenhofen of Noblesville, Ind., Eleanor Rudnicki of Conroe, Texas and JJ Torano of Mohrsville, Pa., with Torano, Meggenhofen, Brown and Rudnicki competing in the Nations Cup final event.

There were two qualifying classes on Thursday and Friday in which Torano, Meggenhofenm Ehman and Rudnicki competed, finishing third and sixth.

The top six teams from the 11competing qualified for the Final on Sunday, a one round competition in which all six teams started on zero faults.

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Reese Hajdu and Lauren Grosby win at Devon Fall Classic

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September 14, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Reese Hajdu placed both first and second in the $5,000, 1.25m Junior Jumper Classic on Sunday, Sept.13 at the Devon Fall Classic.

Reese Hajou on Unique VD Heffinck Z (Photo by Phelps Sport)Junior and Amateur riders brought show jumping competition to a close at the Devon Show Grounds on Sunday.

Junior jumpers were up first, with Hajdu on the Zangersheide mare Unique VD Heffinck Z ultimately winning the $5,000 1.25m Junior Jumper Classic.

The class featured 10 competitors, with Hajdu the only rider to advance to the immediate jump-off on both of her mounts.

Hajdu on Unique VD Heffinck Z, was clean and fast to nail down the top spot on the leaderboard with a jump-off time of 40.406 second

Then, riding her Zangersheide gelding, Princeton Z, Hajdu finished the jump-off in 42.00 seconds to also place second, while Reagan Jarrett on Fibonacci S was third.

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Alex Matz won the Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix

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September 13, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Alex Matz on Omthago VDL won the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix Saturday evening, Sept. 12 at Devon.

Alex Matz on Omthago VDL (Photo by Phelps Sport)Matz had the only clear round of the four that made the jump-off from the starting field of 37.

Matz entered the Grand Prix with two young horses, giving both a valuable opportunity to gain experience in the atmosphere of the Dixon Oval.

“I brought two young horses, and I think they both exceeded my expectations,” Matz said. “You never know how they’ll do under these lights and with this atmosphere, so I think it was a great learning experience. The result is just the cherry on top.”

“I thought tonight’s course was difficult enough,” he said of the course set by Manuel Esparza of Mexico. “There were only four clear out of 37, so it was challenging, but it was fair.”

Matz was clean in 35.160 seconds to be the only competitor to finish the Grand Prix without a fault.

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Taylor Madden won the Devon Fall Classic Speed Stake

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September 12, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Taylor Madden on Manhattan VDL won the $10,000, 1.40m Speed Stake on Friday evening, Sept.11 at the Devon Fall Classic.

Taylor Madden on Manhattan VDL (Photo by Phelps Sport)Madden was clean in 57.788 on Manhattan VDL to win and also placed third on GCS Angelique,clesn in  60.585,while Cian McDermott on Illethe B S finished second, clean in 59.352 seconds.

Madden ron GCS Angelina went early om the class, setting an early time to beat, and then, going after McDermott, she knew the time she had to beat on Manhattan VDL, and she knew exactly where she could make up valuable seconds.

“My first horse is only 7, and she spends a lot of time in the air naturally, so it didn’t feel super fast to me,” Madden said. “I knew with him I could be faster, and when someone did beat me, I knew I had to be faster. I knew what I didn’t do as fast on my first course and that I could make it up on the next one.”

“Just tighter turns and being a little quicker on the ends of the ring,” Madden said. “I stuck to the same number of strides and the same inside turns.”

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Morgan Ward-Knowlton won at the Devon Fall Classic

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September 11, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.-Morgan Ward-Knowlton on Qornet VD Bisschop won the $5,000, 1.40m Welcome Jumper Stake on Thursday evening, Sept.10 at the Devon Fall Classic.

Morgan Ward Knowlton on Qornet VD Bisschop (Photo by Phelps Sport)Under a format in which those who had gone clean immediately continued into the jump-off, 30 competed over the course set by Manuel Esparza of Mexico.

Ultimately, it was Morgan Ward-Knowlton on Qornet VD Bisschop, who was clean in the jump-off in 31.072, who was the winner.

Ward-Knowlton also rode GF Diego in Thursday night’s class, the same horse with whom she finished second in last year’s Welcome Stake.

Laura Chapot placed second on C&C Willow, clean in 31.610, and Alex Matz on Omthago VDL, clean in 32.53, was third.

“It feels great! When I saw Laura chasing me again, I was like, ‘Oh no.’ It was amazing,” Ward-Knowlton said of turning the tables this year after finishing second to Chapot in last year’s Welcome Stake.

Ward-Knowlton and Qornet VD Bisschop will return to the Dixon Oval Saturday evening to compete in the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic.

Opening-day competition also featured the $1,000 Junior/Amateur 1.30m Jumper class.

Melissa Strawser on Darwin De Mars was the winner.

“I was using today as a warm-up,” said Strawser, who is recovering from a recent injury and competed Thursday in a borrowed helmet after forgetting her own.

Despite the circumstances, Strawser and Darwin De Mars quickly found their stride in the historic Dixon Oval.

“Darwin felt great,” she said. “He felt energetic, and he loves the Dixon Oval. He was on his game today.”

“It’s always nice to start with a win. It just sets the tone for the weekend, and I’m really excited to continue on Friday and Saturday under the lights at Devon.”

Grace Haley on Concentalla PS placed second, while Niamh Campbell on Mystique, rounded out the top three.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the Cana Cup at Spruce Meadows

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September 11, 2026

By Staff Writers

CALGARY, Canada--Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the 1.55m Cana Cup against a field of top international riders on Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Spruce Meadows Masters.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On (Photo by Mike Sturk)Keenan was clean in 41.03 to win over Sophie Hinners of Germany on Iron Dames My Prins, clean in 43.78, with Ben Maher of Great Britain on Catelly, clean in 47.11, third in a three horse jump-off.

Despite wet weather earlier in the day, the drizzle began to fade as competition got underway in the Cana Cup.

Knowing the strength of the field, FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezueal set a challenging track for the 54 competitors. 

Time was tight from the start, and only three managed to produce clear rounds and advance to the jump off.

With victory — and a coveted spot in Sunday’s ‘International’ Grand Prix— on the line, Keenan was the last of the three to return to the International Ring in the jump off.

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Daniel Coyle won at Spruce Meadows

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September 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

SPRUCE MEADOWS--Daniel Coyle on Calippo 57 won the Cardel Holmes Cup 5*, 1.55m competition on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Spruce Meadows Master.

Daniel Coyle on Calippo 57 (Photo by Mike Sturk)The world’s top show jumping riders entered the International Ring for the first time today as international competition officially got underway at the Masters.

With qualification opportunities for the Grand Prix on the line throughout the week, riders are looking to put themselves in the best possible position early in the tournament.

With many of the world’s top riders competing, FEI course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela had his work cut out for him.

From a starting field of 55, 21 went clean  in the first round of the 1.55m Cup, showcasing the depth and caliber of the field assembled for this year’s ‘Masters’.

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Rodrigo Pessoa won at Old Salem

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September 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Eight-time Olympic veteran Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil on Ziggy Stardust won the $5,000 2* Two Phase on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows.

Rodrigo Pessoa on Ziggy Stardust (Photo by ESL Photography)Pessoa was clean in 24.57 seconds to win, and he was also third on Giorgio D’Ellipse, clean in 25.50 seconds over the course set by Alan Wade.

Olympian Luis Fernando Larrazabal of Venezuela on Kannonball was second in 25.32 seconds.

“This horse has not shown in a couple of weeks, and he’s jumping again tomorrow,” Pessoa said. “Today was an opportunity to do a nice, working round. He goes better when he has a little bit of pace, so without looking to do anything crazy, my goal was to let him float around and get ready for tomorrow. I’m grateful we came up with a win.”

Earlier in the day, many of the FEI riders had their first rides in the Old Salem Farm International Arena during the national $3,000 1.30m Open Jumper, won by  Samantha Schaefer on Emely Van De Pluimert Z, clean in 26.406 seconds .

The $2,000 1.20m Open Jumper immediately followed, with McKayla Langmeier on Conmitage winning in 31.572 seconds.

Kent Farrington on Dolores PS won in Traverse City

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September 8, 2026

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Kent Farrington on Dolores PS won the $116,050, CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday, ,Sept. 6 in Traverse City.

Kent Farrington on Dolores PS (Photo by Natalie Suto)Farrington thus was the podium in two different countries within a span of 24 hours.

Late Saturday night, he placed second in the CSI5* Grand Prix in Canada, then made it back to Traverse City Sunday in time for the Grand Prix, which he won on Dolores PS.

“I’m thrilled with this horse,” Farrington said. “She’s very new stepping up to this level; it’s her first three-star Grand Prix. She had her first international show a week ago and she won a class there too, so off to a great start.”

“With young horses I always say there’s hope and hype and I don’t like to hype anything so I have hope for the moment,” Farrington said. “The horse came from a friend of mine, Emanuele Camilli, he told me the horse was great and one I should have on my team. So far so good, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

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JJ Torano won the National Grand Prix at HITS

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September 7, 2026

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--JJ Torano on I Am Inge won the $75,000 National Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 6 at HIT Hudson Valley.

JJ Torano on I Am Inge (Photo by ESI Photography)Only four from the starting field of 21 were clean over the course set by Bernardo Costa Cabral of Portugal. 

Stella Wasserman withdrew her mount Tick a Lu from the jump-off, giving her fourth and leaving three remaining contenders for the top prize.

Christian Coyle of Ireland on Ballyoskill Big Bucks, first in the jump-off, had four faults in 40.941 seconds,

Nest to go, Torano on I Am Inge was fast and clean in 39.897 seconds for the lead.

Laura Chapot on Ginola then had 12 faults in 44.340 seconds to place third., and Coyle was second, while it was once again Torano won.

McLain Ward on La Serra, fastest of those with four faults, was fifth in 68.916 and Chapot on C&C Willow was sixth with four faults in 70.054.

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McLain Ward on Jordan Molga M won the $65,000 Welcome Stake at HITS

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September 4, 2026

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--McLain Ward on Jofdan Molga M won the $65,000 CSI3* Welcome Stake on Thursday, Sept. 3 at HITS Hudson Valley.

Mclain Ward on Jordan Molga M (Photo by ESI Photography)Over the course set by Bernardo Cabral of Portugal, 10 of the 30 competitors went clean to go on to the ump-off.

 Alesandra Volpi on Madjick, first to go in the jump-off, immediately set the time to beat, clean in 38.660 seconds, which held until Adrienne Sternlicht on Rebelline de Kwakenbeek, shaved just over a full second from Volpi’s time to finish in 37.210 seconds to eventually place second..

Then Ward, despite his leg taking out a directional flag, was clean in 36.130 seconds for the win.

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Karl Cook on Foxy de la Roque won in Traverse City

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September 4, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Karl Cook o Foxy de la Roque won the $31,020 CSI3* Speed on Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament.

Karl Cook on Foxy de la Roque (Photo by Natalie Suto)Cook was clean in 61.37 seconds to win over Ireland’s Paul O’Shea on Spy,, who finished in 61.48, just 0.11 seconds slower, while Abby Funk on Hulla Hoop was third in 63.08 seconds from the 24 entry field

Cook arrived in Traverse City after a European tour that included a milestone victory at the Dublin Horse Show in August, where he won the 1.60m CSIO5* Cashel Palace Hotel Stakes on Foxy for their first international five-star win together.

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JJ Torano won the FEI 3* Jumper Classic at HITS

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September 4, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--JJ Torano on Dora du Valon won the $31,020 CSI3* Jumper Classic on Wednesday, Sept.2 at HITS Hudson Valley.

JJ Torano on Dora du Valon (Photo by ESI Photography)Over the Power and Speed course set by Bernardo Cabral of Portugal, Torano went 10th of 34 and finished clean in 29.120, almost two seconds faster then second placed Christian Coyle of Ireland on Chicago CM, who finished in 30.730, and Jonathan McCrea on Compari was third in 30.970.

Nineteen of the 34 went clean in the Speed phase, but Torano was still the fastest of them all.

It was Torano's fourth win of the HITS season on Dora du Valon.

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Kent Farrington won the $400,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix

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August 31, 2026

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--World #1 Kent Farrington on Greya just beat World #12 McLain Ward on Lestro VD Valckenborg in a thrilling two horse jump-off in the $400,000, 5* Hampton Classic Grank Prix on Sunday, Aug. 30.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by  KindMedia)From a starting field of 31 that included a number of the top riders in the world, only Farrington and Ward went clean over the course set by Nick Granat.

Farrington, first to go in the jump-off, finished in 41.820 on the very fast World #1 mare Greya.

Ward, on the relatively inexperienced Lestro, had a stutter step before fence two when Lestro perhaps was confused as to where to go, and that may have cost him the class as he finished in 42.560, just a little over a half second behind Farrington.

Olympic gold medalist and World #19 Christian Kukuk of Germany on Akarad Tivoli Z was third as he fastest of those with four faults in 76.280.

Over the very difficult course, only five went with as little as four faults.

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Jacqueline Ruyle won the 2* Grand Prix at Hampton Classic

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August 31, 2026

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Jacqueline Ruyle on Cyramo Z won the $70,000 Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 30.

Jacqueline Ruyle on Cyramo Z (Photo by KindMedia)Almost half the class of 40 went clean to make the jump-off over the course set by Nick Granat.

Ruyle won in 40.77 over Daniel Bluman of Israel on Gemma W, almost a second slower in 41.60, and Spencer Smith on Fantasia VD Vrombautshoeve was third in 42,18.

World #6 Bluman and former Hampton Classic Grand Prix champion Gemma W quickly climbed to the top of the leaderboard when they laid down a faultless jump-off round in 41.60 seconds, but Ruyle, going late in the class, finally was the one to beat his time.

“I saw Charlotte Jacobs go very early on, and I know she has a very fast horse,” Ruyle said. “I thought, ‘Wow, that’s really unbeatable. I don’t know how you could do it.’ And then everyone just kept catching her time, and I kind of forgot about those rides. I told myself, ‘Okay, I’m going to stick to my plan. I know I have a fast horse, and I’m going to go out there and have some fun.’

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Shane Sweetnam won the $62,500 Winning Round at Hampton Classic

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August 30, 2026

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--World #3 Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z won the $62,500, 1.50m CSI5*Winning Round on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Hampton Classic.

Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z (Photo by KindMedia)Sweetnam finished clean in 42.88 seconds to win over Nayel Nassar of Egypt on Crislin Van Den Bosrand Z, clean in 43.89, with Tanimara Macari of Mexico on Quenala T, the only other clean, third in 44.,93.

Under the Winning Round format, the top 10 made the jump-off, carrying forward their faults from round one.

McLain Ward on First Lady was fourth with four faults in 42.73, Daniel Bluman of Israel on Hummer Z fifth with four faults in 43.43, and Erynn Ballard of Canada on Her Game Ball BG sixth with four faults in 43.87

“Coriaan naturally is a very fast horse,” Sweetnam said. “I’d seen Nayel go, and I knew I had to be at least that quick with a couple of fast riders coming after me; Jordan Coyle and Daniel Bluman (clean in round one) still had to go as well. I knew I had to take every chance I could."

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