Competitions

Young U.S. Dressage team finished fourth in Aachen

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September 21, 2021

By Staff Writers

AACHEN, Germany--The U.S. Dressage Team finished fourth in Nations Cup competition at the CHIO Aachen on Sept. `9, finishing on a combined total of 63 points.

Anna Buffini on FRH Davinia la Douce (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)Germany placed first on 22 points, the Netherlands was second with 40 points, and Great Britain was third with 47 points.

This was an excellent showing for a team that included three newcomers to international competition, two of them very young, to finish over Spain (67), Sweden (67) and Canada (81).

The CHIO Aachen served as the final team competition of 2021 for the U.S. Dressage Team, which saw strong performances from Anna Buffini on FRH Davinia la Douce, Ben Ebeling and Illuster van de Kampert, Charlotte Jorst on Kastel’s Nintendo, and Jennifer Schrader-Williams with Millione.

The team was led by Chef d’Equipe Debbie McDonald.

Competition began on Friday, Sept. 17, with the FEI Grand Prix CDIO5*, which resulted in both brilliant and educational moments for the team to build on moving into the remainder of the competition.

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Emily Dougherty wins the Low Amateur Championship, trained by Laura Chapot

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September 21, 2021

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Laura Chapot didn't just win three jumper classes at the Devon all Classic, she also trained Emily Dougherty who won the Low Amateur Jumper Championship.

Emily Dougherty on SLF Peanut (Photo by Emma Miller)The $5000 Low Amateur Jumper Championship closed out the Devon Fall Classic Sunday afternoon in the Dixon Oval.

A total of 17 competed over Eric Hasbrouk’s 15-effort course made up of a double combination, a triple combination and multiple tricky rollbacks.

Katie Dawson on Favorite STE Hermelle was clean in the first round to make it into the jump-off along with five others including Saly Glassman on Vemac JJS Z, Morgan Baugher and Gladius Eickenrode and Emily Dougherty on SLF Peanut.

Dawson was also clean in the jump-off, and she was was quick, but promptly was beaten by Glassman, who raced around the ring shortly after in 33.262 seconds and pushed Dawson into third.

Emily Dougherty on SLF Peanut went last and produced an unbeatable, faultless time, finishing in just 31.128 seconds, two seconds quicker than Glassman, to win the $5000 Low Amateur Jumper Championship.

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Phillip Dutton on Quasi Cool won CCI4*S at Plantation Field International, Walker announced Plantation Field will continue

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September 20, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Phillip Dutton on Quasi Cool won the CCI4*S title at the Plantation Field International Three-Day Event, but the big news is that eventing at Plantation Field will continue for years to come.

Plantation Field Last year the future of Plantation Field was uncertain after Eventing Nation started an incredibly stupid brouhaha. saying that the name Plantation Field raised specters of slavery and that it would no longer refer to the event by its name.

Plantation means a place where trees are grown, and Plantation Field eventing offers thousands of riders of every skill from youth and beginners to Olympic veterans a place to compete, for riders to learn and for veterans to bring horses along.

It is a beautiful facility that is exceptionally well run, and to have lost it because, as was rumored and widely reported at the time, one person hoped to raise a publication's advertising.

“We resolved all the issues with the governing bodies, and we expect that this event, Plantation Field, will continue here for many years to come," said Cuyler Walker, who owns the land.

“It’s a very unique venue and it would be terrible for our sport to lose it," said Dutton of West Grove, who was involved in beginning the Internstional competition. "It’s such a good viewing venue and has its own unique atmosphere and style, and it’s great for our local community. My wife Evie and I joined forces with Denis when we wanted to step it up from doing just the national classes; we’ve stepped back bit, but it’s rewarding to see where it is today.”

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Kaitlyn Williams and Lucy Matz victorious Saturday evening at the Devon Fall Classic

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September 19, 2021

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--A packed stadium Saturday evening, Sept. 18, at the Devon Fall Classic cheered on Kaitlyn Williams' win on Cassio Melloni in the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix after Lucy Matz on Jillz won the $7,500 Show Jumping Hall of Fame High Junior/Amateur Jumper class.

Kaitlyn Williams on Cassio Mellone (Photo by Emma Miller)Eric Hasbrouk’s 13-effort course in the Grand Prix included delicate verticals and multiple rollbacks.

Thirty competitors went in the first round with nine going clean to make it to the jump-off.

Kaitlyn Williams of Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Cassio Melloni was the first in the jump-off in the Grand Prix, and she jumped a second clear round and finished in 36.826 seconds, a time that would hold up through the next eight contenders,

Grace Long went shortly after Williams, and she knew she would have to be quick with Happiness VD Hazel HOF.

While she did not have the chance to watch the others go, she did her best to stay inside the turns, taking numerous risks.

Her last rollback shaved precious seconds off their time as they galloped down the last line to fly through the timers in 38.620 seconds, which would ultimately secure a second place finish.

Second to last to ride, Michael Burnett on Chagrand was clean but not quite fast enough to catch Williams, finishing in 38.979 seconds for third.

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Raising hopes for the future, up-and-coming Eventing team places second at Aachen

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September 19, 2021

By Staff Writers

Aachen, Germany--It was a historic week for U.S. Eventing as the team of Will Coleman on Off The Record, Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, Ariel Grald on Leamore Master Pla, and Tamie Smith with Mai Baum placed second  in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Aachen, the highest ever result by a U.S. team at the prestigious event.

The US Eventing team at CHIO Aachen at the prize-giving in the stadium
(L-R) Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan, Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, Chef d'Equipe Erik Duvander, and Will Coleman and Off The Record. (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)And to make this achievement even more impressive, Coleman of Gordonsbille, Va., on Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding, placed first individually, becoming the first American combination to top the eventing podium at Aachen.

Thes historic victories raise hopes to the U.S. in international competitions such as next year's World Championships.

These up-and-coming riders may finally give the U.S. a medal finish after a number of poor finishes in recent years.

Hopefully, their success will inspire young eventers to develop horses that move well enough to finish high in dressage yet have the speed to compete in cross country.

Coleman is an established and winning evener, and his teammates are on their first major international team.

Coleman and “Timmy” had a stellar Aachen experience across all three phases, beginning with a 29.7 in the dressage.

Coleman had a smooth jumping round in the stadium, posting one of only three double-clear rounds and moving up the leaderboard from 11th to third place heading into the final phase.

He closed out the week with the best cross-country ride of the day, adding only 0.8 time penalties, giving Coleman on Off The Record a personal best score of 30.50 and putting them 2.2 penalty points ahead of second-place finisher Laura Collet and Dacapo of Great Britain.

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Laura Chapot wins the Devon Fall Classic Speed Stake while Lucy Matz wins the High Junior/Amateur

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September 18, 2021

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa--Laura Chapot won her third straight class at the Devon Fall Classic when she rode Diarado's Flying Dutchman to win the $5,000 Speed Stake Friday evening, Sept. 17.

Laura Chapot on Diarados Flying Dutchman (Photo by Emma Miller)Course designer Eric Hasbrouck set the track for the 1.40m Speed Stake competition, building a 12-obstacle course for the 19 competitors.

Abigail McArdle on Victorio 5, held an early lead in the class, finishing in a speedy 69.688 seconds with just one rail down.

She led until Chapot entered the ring on her second mount of the night, Diarado’s Flying Dutchman, who set the time to beat, going clean in 67.977.

Going shortly after Chapot, Summer Hill on La Belle SCF tried to catch Chapot, but she finished just a second short, clean in 68.704 seconds, to take over second.

Cassandra Kahle on Emeraldo then finished clean in 77.579 seconds to place third.

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Wendy Chapot wins the High Junior/Amateur Speed Stake at the Devon Fall Classic

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September 18, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa--The Chapot sisters are making the Devon Fall Classic their own playground as Wendy Chapot Nunn followed up sister Laura's trio of wins with a victory in the High Junior/Amateur Speed class on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Wendy Chapot on Cache at a previous competitionRiding Cache, owned by her sister Laura, Wendy was the last to go in the class, and she flew around the course to finish in 54.561, taking a full six seconds off second placed Le Lee McNeil on Heike ES.

I've been riding Cache for about three years, said Chapot.

But between work and three children, Chapot doesn't get much time to ride.

"I ride about once a week when we're not competing," she said. "And during the winter when it's so cold it's more like once a month. At least until Laura comes back from Florida and gets after me."

"Cache can be very quiet, but once she gets excited, she gets chomping at the bit and dancing up and down. She's ready to play."

"I want to qualify for Devon next spring," said Chapot. "We just won the Zone 2 championship at HITS, so I should have enough points to qualify. But with full time work and three kids, my aspirations at this point don't go far beyond Devon."

Boyd Martin on Long Island T leads the 2021 Plantation Field International CCI4*S After Dressage

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September 18, 2021

By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa., was the second to last rider in the CCI4* division at Plantation Field International on Sept. 17 with Long Island T to take the lead.

Boyd Martin on Long Island at a prior competition (Photo by T Conklin)The pair recently contested the AEC again, taking the early lead but then dropping out of the running after they parted company at the water complex on cross country.

“Long Island T has been a bit hit and miss through his whole career,” said Martin. “I fell off at the AECs but he was going like a dream until our unplanned dismount. I just need to keep myself on top the whole way around!”

In preparation for this weekend, Martin said, “I’ve been quietly schooling training jumps at home to get him calm and confident. He thrives on confidence; while I might test the other horses in their training, I make it quite easy for Ludwig. Obviously this Sunday, cross country day, will be judgement day for us. If things go well we’ll take him to Maryland for the five-star, or to Morven Park. I love Ludwig but he’s getting a little older and further on in his career. I’d like to finish the year with a good success for him, and we’ll decide where to go next depending on how he goes on Sunday."

Reflecting on today’s dressage test, Martin said, “He’s such a performer and lights up a little bit in the ring. When he gets excited he gets more extravagant – the only distraction for me today was my wife Silva screaming at our kids in the background, but fortunately Ludwig stayed focused and put in a sterling performance, he’s mega fun to ride on the flat. Obviously [dressage rider] Silva has helped me a lot; he gets a little hot in the changes and Silva usually rides him once a week.”

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First day at Devon Fall Classic with wins by Laura Chapot, Gracie Allen and Devin Ryan

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September 17, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--That Laura Chapot won the Welcome State at the Devon Fall Classic was reported last evening, but it was too late for the entire story, so this covers the Welcome Stake as well as classes preceding it.

Laura Chapot on Calafornia (Photo by Emma Miller)The $5,000 Welcome Jumper Stake, was won by Laura Chapot on Calafornia, who was unbeatable with her speedy, double clear rounds.

Course designer Eric Hasbrouck of Bedford, N. Y., built an 11-obstacle course that challenged the field of competitors to show their speed and adjustability while featuring two double combinations in addition to a long bending line to a stone vertical-oxer that ended jump-off hopes for several pairs.

Ten qualified for the immediate jump-off with Cassandra Kahle on Giana setting the time to beat at 33.309 seconds in the second round.

Chapot soon beat Kahle’s time, stopping the clock in 30.962 seconds, which sent her to the lead.

Grace Long on Happiness VD Hazel Hoff gave her jump-off round everything she had, finishing in 31.333 seconds, just a fraction of a second slower than Chapot’s time to finish in second place.

Matthias Hollberg on Get Gaudi finished in 31.729 seconds to fall just behind the Chapot’s and Long’s, and settle for third, while Kahle would round out the top four.

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U.S. wins the Nations Cup in Aachen

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September 17, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

AACHEN, Germany--The U.S. show jumping team of Jessie Springsteen, Lucy Deslauriers, Brian Moggre and Laura Kraut beat eight outstanding teams to win the Nations Cup in Aachen for the first time in 16 years.

U.S. winning team at Aachen (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)“Winning in Aachen is the pinnacle. It’s as simple as that,” said Chef d'Equipe Robert Ridland after the team’s historic performance. “These were four of our final six riders for Tokyo, so this was pretty simple, we just went straight down the list. We had our Olympic quarantine here, so it gave a good idea as to what to expect a few weeks later.” 

An outstanding US team, a fall for the German team and a hot pursuit by the French team turned Thursday evening at the CHIO Aachen into a nail-biting affair.

Finishing on just four faults, Robert Ridland’s US team won the Mercedes-Benz Nations’ Cup in front of approximately 18,000 spectators, precisely the amount that were allowed into the Stadium in line with the Corona regulations.

Kraut remembers the last time a U.S. team rode to victory in Aachen 16 years ago in 2005, as she was also a member of that squad.

And her clear round in the second phase was the one that brought the team the victory in this year's event.

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Laura Chapot celebrates her return to competition with two wins at the Devon Fall Classic.

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September 17, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J., celebrated her return to riding after seven weeks sidelined by a badly broken arm by winning both the 1.40m Jumpers and the Welcome Stake at the Devon Fall Classic on Sept. 16.

Laura Chapot on Diarado's Flying Dutchman (Photo by Emma Miller) Chapot broke her arm in a fall at HITS in Saugerties, N.Y., and the doctor at the local hospital said she would be out for at least a year and that there was nothing he could do for her.

Luckily, the next day a fellow competitor told her that he traveled to New York City to the Hospital for Special Surgery regularly, and he said, if he was able to get her an appointment, would she like to go.

She said absolutely, and they left the next morning at 4:30 a.m. to drive to New York.

"We got there around 8, and they did surgery at 10 a.m., " said Chapot, who had broke her humus.

"They took the rotator cuff out, repaired it and put it back in," said Chapot's mother Mary.

"They put a plate in to cover the fracture, and nine screws," said Chapot. "They all stay in. I have full use of the arm now. I rode Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before today."

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Devon Fall Classic opens tomorrow featuring jumpers, fun and shopping

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September 15, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa---The Devon Fall Classic opens tomorrow, Thursday Sept. 16, at 8 a.m. with classes for all levels of jumpers.

The Devon fairFeatured in the afternoon and early evening are 1.40m Jumpers, a Junior/Amateur class and the Welcome Stake.

One of Devon spectators favorite riders, Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, will only show in a few classes, as she suffered a badly broken arm about six weeks ago, and this will be her first time back riding and competing since her accident.

But she will be competing in the 1.40m Jumper class tomorrow, so be sure to give the a Devon-style welcome back when she enters the ring.

There is free admission until 5PM for First Responders with ID.

There will be ive entertainment in the picnic grove, begining at 4 p.m. and continuing until closing.

Food specials will be featured throughout the grounds, and there will be tastings by Boardroom Distillery in the Watering Hole from 5 to 7 p.m.

A “Girls Night Out” Special event will be held in the Devon Club from 6 to 8 p.m.,  featuring Board Room Distillery mixologists, Fall Fashions by Louella and Wacoal and information from Lifestyles by Dr. Janine Darby.

Tickets will be available on the website. $100/person (https://devon-country-fair-events.com/products/girls-night-out-a-ladies-evening-out-with-boardroom-spirits).

The fun continues in the Midway with many games for kids of all ages and wristband special.

The Welcome Stake is the featured class of the early evening, starting at approximately 6:00 p.m., and the Clydesdale Corner will be open from 4:00 PM to 9:00 p.m.

Boyd Martin wins Tryon Advanced on Wabanaki

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September 16, 2021

By Staff Writers

MILL SPRING, N.C. --Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa., on Wabanaki won the Advanced A Division at the Tryon Fall Horse Trials at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort with a final score of 47.3.

Boyd Martin on Wabanaki (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)Sitting fourth after the Dressage and Show Jumping phases, Martin stepped up to the occasion and put in the fastest Cross-Country round of the day to add only 7.2 time penalties and take the win.

Wrapping up her weekend in second place with a final score of 51.1 was Lillian Heard of Cochranville, Pa., on Dasset Olympus, and in third was Lucienne Bellissimo of Wellington, Fla., on Atlantic Vital Spark, with a score of 51.6.

Martin began on top after a Dressage test that earned a score of 32.1.

“It’s his third crack at the level." said Martin. "He was absolutely fantastic for where he is in his training. He still needs to grow, learn and get more seasoned. Tryon put on a spectacular event. Obviously, it was a difficult and tough competition, but it was a great learning experience for the young ones.”

“There were a lot of difficult combinations followed by easier fences," said Martin of the cross country course. "It was good for the young ones to have a tough question and then nice and easy ones to keep them confident.

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U.S. second in Spruce Meadows Nations Cup won by Canada

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September 12, 2021

By Staff Writers

CALGARY, AB, Canada--The U.S. Jumping Team finished second in the Nations Cup during the 2021 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament CSIO5* on Sept. 11, 2021, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Bliss Heers on Antidote de Mars (Photo by  Ashkey Heuhof)Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the team consisted of Natalie Dean, Alex Granato, Bliss Heers and McLain Ward.

The Canadian Show Jumping Team won the $600,000 Nations’ Cup for the third time in the event’s history.

Erynn Ballard, Tiffany Foster, Eric Lamaze,and Amy Millar led Canada to the win over four other teams.

With travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 global pandemic compounded by the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics and European Championships taking place weeks before this year’s Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ tournament, the starting field was diminished in numbers but not in thrilling sport.

Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and the United States were all invited to put forward a second team with only Canada taking advantage of the opportunity.

However, it was Canada’s top team that won with a two-round total of eight faults over the United States with 15 faults.

The Canada 2 team placed a close third with 16 faults while Mexico was fourth with 32 faults. Ireland rounded out the top five with 44 faults.

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Daniel Bluman wins Hampton Classic's $300,000 Grand Prix over McLain Ward, who won the $30,000 week-long Rider Challenge

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September 7, 2021

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.==Dsniel Bluman, riding for Israel, won the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix in the fast time of 34.750 seconds on Sunday, Sept. 5.

Daniel Bluman on Gemma W (Photo by Kind Media)Bluman won over a field of seven who qualified for the jump off from the starting field of 23 riders.

Bluman, a two-time Olympic veteran and 2017 Hampton Classic Grand Prix champion, riding Gemma W, went after five-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward had taken the lead, finishing in a time of 36.790 seconds.

Bluman had the advantage of watching Ward’s round.

“I was watching everything McLain did carefully,” Bluman said. “He’s a fast rider, and he loves to win this class. Then the crowd went crazy when he finished, and I had so many emotions at that point. I just said to myself that I was going to give everything – absolutely everything – I had. I was going to take all the risks, and I was going to beat him. I wasn’t going to be slower than him today. And it worked out.”

“It was a really incredible feeling,” Bluman said. “It’s really special not only because it’s the Hampton Classic, but because it’s McLain Ward on his home turf. To beat him today is definitely going to be one that I'll remember.”

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Alex Matz wins Hampton Classic's $73,000 Cup

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September 5, 2021

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa., won the Hampton Classic’s $73,000 Cup on Saturday, Sept. 4 as he rode Erdento Van De Leeuwerk to the only double-clear ride in a field of 29 riders.

Alex Matz on Erdento Van De Leeuwerk (Photo by Kind Media) The challenging 15-effort, 1.60m course designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade set a tight time allowed of 76 seconds, and only two entries returned to jump off for the win.

Daniel Bluman, riding for Israel, was the first to return on Colestina H, and he had the faster time of 38.390 seconds but had a rail at the last fence for a four-fault finish.

Matz then jumped clear in a time of 42.090 seconds to claim the win.

“I thought it was a really nice course,” said Matz, son of Show Jumping Hall of Famer and three-time U.S. Olympian Michael Matz and Pan American Games team Bronze Medalist D.D. Alexander Matz. “People had fences down all over the place, so I thought it was fair. The time being so tight made it a bit tricky, so I just tried to hustle as much as I could in the first round while also giving my horse a chance at each of the fences.”

Matz’s blue ribbon in the Cup marks his first victory in a major event at the Hampton Classic, and his third Grand Prix win overall after successful back-to-back weekends at the Lake Placid Horse Shows this summer.

“My strategy going into the jump-off was to try to leave all the fences up,” Matz said. “I didn’t know if I could be faster than Daniel, but I thought I’d try to leave them all up and that luck would be on my side. It definitely changed my thinking a bit when Daniel dropped the rail, but I just focused on trying to have a clear round. I was fortunate that my horse jumped great today.”

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Ireland's Nicky Galligan wins Hampton Classic Grand Prix qualifier

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September 5, 2021

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Ireland’s Nicky Galligan won the $75,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix Qualifier at the end of a very close jump-off round, to emerge victorious by half a second on Friday, Sept. 3.

Nicky Galligan on Javas Miss Jordon (Photo by Kind Media)Ten out of 25 competitors returned to jump off in Friday’s featured class, with Schuyler Riley going first and setting a 31.830-second time to beat on Robin De Ponthual, and her lead held until Galligan rode his Javas Miss Jordan to a time of 31.320 seconds.

“I’m very proud to be here at such a prestigious show like this,” Galligan said. “I have to give a special mention to the horse show committee for working tirelessly to get us into this ring today, and I have to compliment how well the course rode.”

“Our intention was to go out and be competitive today, but not leave it all out there because we still have one eye on Sunday,” Galligan said. “I went early enough in the jump-off that I thought if I could go quick enough and put a bit of pressure on, I might get lucky and it would hold through the rest of the class. To be honest, I thought I was a little too conservative to the last jump and left the door open for another rider to beat my time, but thankfully my luck was in today.”

Riley ultimately finished second over the 14-effort 1.60m course designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade. Brazil’s

Rodrigo Pessoa placed third in a time of 31.950 seconds on Lord Lucio.

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Boyd Martin wins the USEA Advanced Final on On Cue

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September 5, 2021

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa., was defending his 2019 win in the USEA American Eventing Championships, and he did so successfully, winning the $60,000 Advanced Final title, but it wasn’t with the same horse.

Boyd Martin on On Cue (Photo by KTB Creative Group)After leading the dressage with Long Island T, Martin fell off on the cross-country, but he then returned and jumped a clear cross-country round with On Cue.

Martin started in eighth place On Cue but moved up to fourth after adding only 6.4 time penalties to his dressage score of 27.3.

Bobby Murphy’s show jumping course under the lights in front of a packed Rolex Stadium proved very influential to the top of the standings, and when Buck Davidson of Unionville, Pa., had a rail on both his second and third-placed mounts and the overnight leader, Fylicia Barr, dropped two rails, it opened the door for Martin and On Cue to take the win and a check for $30,000.

“To be honest, coming into the show jumping phase tonight I didn’t think I was going to win,” Martin said. “There were plenty of good horses and riders ahead of me and it is a very high-pressure event.”

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Entries due for the Devon Fall Classic

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September 3, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Entries for the Devon Fall Classic close next Wednesday, Sept. 8, so make sure your entries are in on time.

For spectators, the Devon Fall Classic offers exciting jumper competition in the Dixon Oval, a great variety of boutique shopping, delicious food, a fun fair and entertainment of all sorts, including live music.

The Devon Fall Classic, presented by Bryn Mawr Hospital, runs from Wednesday, Sept.15 through Sunday, Sept. 19.

Competitions include Children's and Adult Jumpers, Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers, Young Jumpers and Take2Thoroguhred Jumpers.

On Thursday evening, the Dixon Oval will host the $5,000 Open Jumper Welcome Stake, and the $5,000 Speed Stake will take place Friday evening.

Saturday evening events begin with the Parade of the Radnor Hunt Hounds, followed by the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic.

The night concludes with the highly anticipated $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix.

Leadline will be one of the exciting attractions for the area’s youngest aspiring athletes, and it will be featured on Saturday, Sept. 18 after 1pm, as well as pony rides for kids that wish to try it out for themselves.

This year’s event will include a full carnival with an array of booths in Vendor Village, great food, live music and rides.

The Devon Fall Classic benefits the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that allows the historic venue the support it needs to continue acting as a showgrounds.

Recent improvements include new footing in all three rings, barn and stall renovations, as well as improvements in vendor areas.

You can purchase tickets for the Devon Fall Classic online, as a walk-in, or by phone.

To purchase tickets or box seating online,please visit the website.

McLain Ward wins twice at The Hampton Classic Horse Show

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September 3, 2021

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Five-time Olympian McLain Ward won two open jumper classes and finished third in another to start the Hampton Classic Horse show.

McLain Ward on Blossom Z (Photo by Kind Media)Ward's second win was on the 11-year-old Blossom Z in the $37,000 Hampton Classic Speed Stake on Thursday, Sept. 2..

Early in the class’s 40-rider lineup, six-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil had the first clear round on Venice Beach, setting the time to beat at 59.41 seconds.

His lead held until Ward on Blossom Z  stopped the clock at 58.53 seconds, taking almost a full second off Pessoa’s time.

“I know Rodrigo’s horse,” Ward said. “It’s a very fast horse, although maybe not one with the biggest stride. Earlier in the class, I got to ride my younger horse for a nice, smooth round, so I had a feel for the course going in. Blossom’s a very fast horse naturally, and I thought that if I could just do a stride less than Rodrigo here or there, I might be able to nip him.”

“It was a fast class,” Ward said. “These ranking classes typically are, so that’s not unexpected. Blossom really performed well and was there when I needed her.”

Amanda Derbyshire of Great Britain was the only other rider to beat Pessoa’s time, riding Don’t Touch Du Bois to a speedy 59.00-second finish to place second in the class, with Pessoa ultimately finishing in third.

Ward’s victory in the $37,000 Hampton Classic Speed Stake increases his lead in the $30,000 Rider Challenge with a total of 238 points.

Derbyshire is second with 160 points, and Pessoa is just behind her with 140 points.

The Challenge, which awards $30,000 will be awarded Sunday following the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix.

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Roxanne Trunnell wins her second gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics

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August 31, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

TOKYO, Japan--Roxanne Trunnell of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., on Dolton, a 9-year-old Hanoverian gelding, won her second gold-medal of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in the FEI Grade I Freestyle to Music, earning an 86.927 percent.

Roxanne Tunnell on Dolton Richards Snikus of Latvia and King of the Dance won the silver medal with a score of 82.087 percent, while Sara Morganti of Italy on Royal Delight won the bronze with an 81.100.

Trunnell and Dolton secured their first gold on Friday in the FEI Individual Test before helping the U.S. Para Dressage Team earn their historic team bronze medal yesterday and will leave Tokyo with two individual gold medals and a team bronze.

Trunnell was last to go in the order of go on the evening of Aug. 29 in Grade I competition and left the best for last to close out the equestrian competition at Equestrian Park in Tokyo, Japan.

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U.S. Para Dressage Team Earns First-Ever Team Medal with Bronze at Paralympics Tokyo 2020

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August 29, 2021

By Staff Writers

TOKYO, Japan--The U.S. Para Dressage Team won the team bronze medal at the Paralympic Games Tokyo, finishing on a total of 224.427, winning the first medal in team competition for the U.S.

Para dressage bronze medal teamGreat Britain won the gold on a score of 229.905, and the silver went to The Netherlands who finished on a 229.249.

Kate Shoemaker on Solitaer 40 was the final U.S. rider, and she scored 71.825 percent from the ground jury in the FEI Grade IV Team Test to Music to help the team finish on a final total of 224.352.

This is the best team finish for the U.S. Para Dressage Team at a Paralympic Games in the history of the program.

All  three U.S. riders have qualified for the FEI Individual Freestyle to Music on Monday, which will conclude equestrian competition at Equestrian Park for these Paralympic Games

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U.S. Para Dressage Team Completes First Day of Team Competition with One More Ride to Decide Team Medals

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August 28, 2021

By Staff Writers

TOKYO, Japan--The U.S. Para Dressage Team finished the first day of team competition in fourth place at Equestrian Park in Tokyo, Japan, and there will be one more ride for the U.S. tomorrow before team medal positions are decided.

Roxanne Trunnell on DoltonRoxanne Trunnell and Dolton led as the first team ride of the evening, competing in the FEI Grade I Team Test to Music where she received an 80.321 percent, while Rebecca Hart and El Corona Texel earned a 72.206 percent in the FEI Grade III Team Test to Music.

The team will move on to the second day of competition on a team total of 152.527.

Kate Shoemaker and Solitaer 40 will compete in the FEI Grade IV Team Test tomorrow as the final combination for the U.S. team.

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Roxanne Trunnell wins the gold medal in FEI Grade I Individual Test, Para Dressage Team Competition begins Saturday

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August 27, 2021

By Staff Writers

TOKYO, Japan--Roxanne Trunnell on Dolton and Rebecca Hart on El Corona Texel competed in the FEI Individual Grade Tests in Para Dressage at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo on Aug. 27.

Roxanne Trunnell wins goldTrunnell and Dolton went early in the order in Grade I competition and received an 81.464 percent from the judging panel, securing the first individual gold medal for the team since the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games.

Hart and El Corona Texel received a 69.853 percent for 11th place in Grade III competition

Trunnell of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., on Dolton went straight to the top of the leaderboard early in Grade I competition with a score of 81.464 percent.

Trunnell and Dolton, who have impressed in nearly every competition outing since 2018, are currently the number-one ranked para combination in the world and have recorded some of the highest scores across para dressage competition in any Grade.

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Beatrice de Lavalette opens the para-Olympics Grade II competition with a personal best 70.205 to place her fifth

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August 26, 2021

By Staff Writers

TOKYO, Japan --The U.S. Para Dressage Team had its first two riders compete in Para-Dressage at Equestrian Park in Tokyo, Japan, opening the first day of equestrian competition at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Beatrice de Lavalette on ClarcBeatrice de Lavalette on Clarc was the first to contest the Grade II Individual Test in the main stadium, earning a 70.265 percent, while Kate Shoemaker on Solitaer 40 closed out the evening of competition with a 70.854 percent as the last rider in the Grade IV Individual Test.

Both qualified for their Grade's FEI Individual Freestyle to Music on Monday, August 31.

De Lavalette and Clarc made their Paralympic debut, and completed a solid test to open Grade II competition.

They earned a 70.265 percent from the ground jury to put them into fifth place in Grade II competition.

De Lavalette is also the first U.S. rider to break the 70 percent mark in a Paralympic Games, setting an early tone for the team rides ahead.

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Hunt Tosh won two USHJA championships for the Wheeler family

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August 26, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Culminating an incredible week at the Kentucky Horse Park, Hunt Tosh rode The Wheeeler Family's Cannon Creek rode to win the $311,740 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship on Aug. 22 after riding Twain, owned by Ceil Wheeler, to the 3'0"/3'3" Championship title earlier in the week.

Hunt Tosh on Cannon Creek (Photo by Shawn MacMillan)Tosh, of  Alpharetta, Georgia, went into the Derby Handy Round in the top spot and held the lead, walking away with $52,646.65.

As the highest place pair from Saturday's Classic Hunter Round, Tosh and Cannon Creek were last to compete over Alan Lohman and Danny Moore’s track.

The 12-effort course had horses and riders using the whole Rolex Arena and included a trot jump and four high options.

Second-placed Victoria Colvin and El Primero had scratched and third-placed Scott Stewart had a bad fence on Hudson, leaving Tosh to win on a score of 606.

“When Tori had to scratch her horse and when Scott’s horse made a mistake, the nerves kicked in a little bit because I had a little bit of a gap in there and I’m like ‘don’t completely mess up, don’t fall off right now, this would be bad,’ but no he was great; it was a fun class to win,” Tosh said.

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Eleanor Kunsman won the Welcome Stake at Monmouth At The Team before hurricane Henri closed the show Sunday

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August 23, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

LONG VALLEY, N.J.--Eleanor Kunsman of Flemington, N.J., on Hill Top Van Het Gavershof won the featured $5,000 Welcome Stake over a total of 23 top horse-and-rider combinations contesting the course at Monmouth At The Tea on Aug. 20.

Eleanor Kunsman on Hill Top Van Het Gavershof (Photo by Anne Gittins)Monmouth At The Team hosted all levels of jumper riders center stage Friday and Saturday, and competitors and a full hospitality tent of spectators got plenty of jumper action before Hurricane Henri prematurely brought the event to a close Sunday.

The event debuted this year at Centenary University Equestrian Center and showcased both A and B-rated hunter, jumper, and equitation competition.

Kunsman had a double-victory riday in the $5,000 Bobcat Derby 3” section where she placed both first and second.

As part of her winnings, she received two leopard-printed saddle pads in honor of The Nature Conservancy.

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Olivia Sweetnam wins Pony Medal Finals

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August 16, 2021

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Olivia Sweetnam won the Pony Medal Finals in the Rolex Stadium of the Horse park in Lexington on Sunday, Aug. 15.

Oliivia Sweetnam  (by MacMillan Photography)Sweetnam comes by her talent naturally, as her parents are both equestrians, with her father Shane having competed as a member of the Irish Olympic team.

Sweetnam triumphed over 184 young riders who competed over Jasen Shelley’s course.

A total of 20 riders with 4 from the small section, 11 from the medium section, and 5 from the large section returned for the second round over another solid course.

Judges Lynn Forgione and Daniel Robertshaw required no further testing, and Sweetnam was declared the 2021 champion.

Sweetnam of Wellington, Fla., had a stellar first round with On Your Mark, Sweet Oak Farm’s 2008 Welsh pony gelding, to lead going into the second round.

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The U.S. won two team silver medals in a Tokyo Olympics that saw many dramatic changes in format

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August 16, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

TOKYO, Japan--The dressage and show jumping teams at the Tokyo Olympics performed sensationally, both winning silver medals and providing great excitement in the dressage Freestyle and the Team Show Jumping.

Mclain Ward on Contagious (Photo by MacMillan Photography)Sadly, though, for the fourth Olympics in a row the Evening team finished in the middle of the pack or worse, performing well under the standards set by teams from 1964 through 2004 that won two team gold medals, four team silver medals, two bronze medals, one individual gold medal, three individual silver medals and one individual bronze medal with riders like Bruce Davidson, Mike Plumb, Mike Page, Jimmy Wofford, Karen Stives, David and Karen O'Connor, Kim Severson and Amy Tryon.

Even in 2008 and 2016, although there were no team medals, Gina Miles and Phillip Dutton did win individual silver and bronze medals respectively.

But in Tokyo, even with the Olympics not even being a true 4*, much less a 5*, with the cross country course shortened by two minutes, the Eventing team finished sixth and as individuals Doug Payne finished 16th, Phillip Dutton 20th and Boyd Martin 21st.

There were many changes in format in Tokyo, the biggest being only three members per team instead of the usual four that allowed for one drop score.

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Zone 2 won the silver medal in the Youth Junior Championships for Young Riders

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August 15, 2021

By SARA CAVANAGH

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--The Zone 2 Team of Mimi Gochman of New York, N.Y., on Celina BH, Madison Rauschenbach of Newburgh, N.Y., with Gilette B, Sophee Steckbeck of Greenwich, Conn., on Clarima, and Ned Cunniffe of South Salem, N.Y., with Buckle Up won the silver medal in the Gotham North FEI North American Youth Jumper Championships for Young Riders on Aug. 14.

Youth Jumping Championships for Young RidersGochman leads the individual standings with Celina BH, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Gochman Sport Horses LLC going into the Final Sunday

In a shakeup of events, Zone 4 would make the jump from fourth place to second following the first round of competition, putting themselves in contention for a medal. 

Zone 4 teammates Erika Jakobson, Riley Delbecq, Violet Lindemann Barnett and Ashley Vogel had no faults in Round One with their drop score considered.

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