Competitions

Mikey Pender won the Grand Prix as the U.S. prepares for the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona

Details: October 5, 2024; By SARA CAVANAGH

BARCELONA.SPAIN--Ireland's Mikey Pender scored one of the biggest wins of his career, as he was victorious in the €300,000 five-star Grand Prix riding HHS Calais on Friday, Oct. 4 at the League of Nations Final in Barcelona.

Michael Pender on HHS CalaisBut the Grand Prix, despite its prestige and prize money, was basically a footnote to the League of Nations Final on Sunday.

Not all the riders in the Final, including three of the U.S. riders, competed in the Grand Prix, and some of those that did chose not to go for the win.

"We're here for the Final on Sunday," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland.

For the U.S., only Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 and reserve rider Laura Kraut on Bisquetta competed in the Grand Prix, and they both had four faults, with Kraut finishing 17th and Vale finishing 23rd.

The U.S. team includes Spencer Smith on Keeneland, Alex Matz on Ikigal, Lucy Davis Kennedy on Ben and Vale on Carissimo, with Kraut as the reserve rider.

And there are lots of interesting story lines between Alex and Michael Matz and Ridland.

Smith, Kennedy and Vale were on the Nations Cup winning team at Dublin.

Scott Stewart won the Professional Riders Finals at Capital Challenge

Details: October 5, 2024; By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO,Md--Scott Stewart of Fleminton, N.J., won the $30,000 World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Finals on Friday, Oct.4 at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, which runs at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center through Sunday, Oct. 6.

Scott Stewart on RSH Kallahan (Photo by Shawn McMillen)The evening competition featured the top four hunter riders in the country going head-to-head in the Finals in which each of the four rides four unfamiliar horses.

Stewart's win was his eighth win out of 23 appearances in the 31 years of the class.

The top three riders in the United States Hunter Jumper Association National Professional Rider standings – Nick Haness, Geoffrey Hesslink, and Scott Stewart – qualified for the Professional Finals along with Wednesday’s Professional Challenge winner, Amanda Steege.

The riders competed on four horses chosen from a donated group of horses that were presented to the judges and ground jury on Friday morning.

Six were chosen to move forward to the schooling round in the ring before the start of the class, and from there, four were used in the class.

Stewart rode Chantino PS, owned by JT Equine LLC, to his “lowest” score of the night – a 94.33 – and moved up to a score of 96.33 on his second ride, Ton Amie Van Spieveld, owned by Ellie Goodfriend.

Jimmy Torano trained two NAL Champions at Capital Challenge Horse Show

Details: October 5, 2024; By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--Jimmy Torano of Mohrsville, Pa., trains Jole Kosloske and Andee Holland, who won two of the five North American League (NAL) Finals classes at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on Thursday, Oct. 3

Joie Koloske on Floralie Shawn McMillen Joie Kosloske on Floralie (Photo by Shawn McMillen)Jole Kosloske of Tampa, Fla., on Floralie won the $10,000 NAL 1.15m Junior Jumper Final over the 33 qualified entries, 12 of which were clean to make it to the jump-off.

Blazing to the win was Kosloske, who finished clean in 29.955 seconds.

Katherine Mercer on GVS Goodwins Queen was second, clean in 33.292 seconds, and Gray Neville on Valeria was third in 33.298 seconds.

Kosloske, who trains with Torano, took her experience from the first round and made a solid plan for the jump-off.

“Floralie dipped a little right after jump five, so I knew in the jump-off not to do that,” she said. “I was trying to keep in the time and be clear. Jimmy told me for the last line to do seven strides and that I would see it. When we walked it, it was eight strides and a very long seven, but Floralie covered that for me.

“The last line definitely is where we made up time,” she said. “We were running out of that. After the one-stride, she did that inside turn really well. I saw the distance, and it worked out perfectly.”

Kevin Kohmann won the Freestyle at Dressage at Devon

Details: September 29, 2024; By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON,Pa.--Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee won the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-Wunder the lights on Saturday evening, Sept. 28 at Dressage at Devon.

Kevin Kohmann Freestyle Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee in the DAD FreestyleKohmann scored 77.540% to win over the 15 that had qualified for the Freestyle from Friday's Grand Prix CDI-W

Camille Carier Bergeron on Fainnländerin scored 77.280 to place second, and amateur rider Christina Morin-Graham on DSP Dauphin was third on 74.785.

Riders in the Freestyle received qualifying points for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final, set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, from April 2 to 6.

Earlier in the evening , Ali Patasky on Inxs scored 69.638 to win the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix Special.

This was the first Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special for Patassky on Inxs, making it an especially memorable win.

Tina Konyot on Grover placed second on 68.851%, and Evi Strasseron Deja Vu Thyme as third on 65.000%

In the Wheeler arena, the FEI or Equivalent Test of Choice, Lauren Chumley on Nilolas won with a score of 65.882% aboard Nikolas.

Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee won the Grand Prix Qualifier at Dressage at Devon

Details: September 28, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee won the CDI-W Grand Prix Qualifier under the lights in the Dixon Oval on Friday evening, Sept. 27, the first official day of “Freestyle Weekend” at Dressage at Devon.

Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee
The CDI-W Grand Prix Qualifier was the final class of the day in the Dixon Oval, and Kohmann was the last rider to make his way down the centerline.

His performance was worth the wait because it took him to first place with a score of 69.761%.

Kevin was also the recipient of the BioStar Happy Horse Award which is awarded to those who promote horse welfare and exhibit a partnership that showcases happiness and harmony in the ring, regardless of placing.

Camille Carier Bergeron placed second on Finnländerin with a score of 69.435%

The class served as the qualifier for the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle which was the featured class on Saturday.

Ryleigh Koch riding Ruben D4K won the CDIJ FEI Junior Team, sponsored by Iron Spring Farm with a score of 67.071%.

Tina Konyot on Grover won the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix with a score of 70.087%.

Iron Spring Farm's Love Dance DAD Mare Grand Champion

Details: September 27, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Dressage at Devon completed the Breed Show portion of the show with the East Coast Series Breeders Final on Thursday, Sept.. 26.

Love Dance Mare Grand Champon Love Dance, Mare Grand Champion, owned by Iron Spring Farm
After a rainy morning in the ring, the horses who became champions were:

Frasera, a 2024 grey Hannovarian mare by Farrell out of Raureif, handled by King Santacruz, bred and owned by Sally Fish was the Current Year Foal East Coast Series Final Grand Champion.

Royal Romance, a 2023 chestnut Oldenburg mare by Monterey out of Royal Temptation, handled by Cara Klothe, bred and owned by Marne Martin-Tucker was the Filly East Coast Series Final Grand Champion.

R Stetson, a 2021 black Warmblood stallion by Gorklintgards Shaolin out of Zsa Zsa, handled and owned by Lauren Chumley and bred by Lauren Kimmel was the Colt/Geldings East Coast Series Final Grand Champion.

Davoli CF, a 2020 bay Oldenburg gelding by Davos CF out of French Quarter CF, handled, bred, and owned by Nancy Holowesko won the Four-Year-Old Sport Horse Prospect East Coast Series Final Grand Championship.

Love Dance, a 2017 black Oldenburg mare by Vitalis out of Love Princess PJF, handled by Quinnten Alston, bred by Jürgen Fetzer, and owned by Iron Spring Farm, Inc., won the Mare East Coast Series Final Grand Championship.

Phoenix Rising, a 2020 dark bay Warmblood stallion by Contango out of Jolina, handled by Janae Griffin, bred and owned by Ruth Cox won the Stallion East Coast Series Final Grand Championship.

Then in what was basically an exhibiton, not a competition, Australian Grand Prix rider, Brett Parbery made his debut at Dressage at Devon for the Dressage at Devon Masterclass on Thursday evening.

Parbery was joined by five demo riders and their respective mounts.

Top riders in the eight teams for the League of Nations Final in Barcelona

Details: September 26, 2024; By Staff Writers

BARCELONA, Spain--Eight of the world’s best teams will compete in the League of Nations Jumping Nations Cup Final, Oct. 6-9 in Barcelona.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo, third in the Dublin Grand Prix
The countries in the Final are Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA and they will be joined by the hosts from Spain who will be making a guest appearance.

With all three individual medalists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games joined by four of the top 10 in the latest world rankings, the series finale promises a fierce fight for the honor of becoming the very first country to claim the prestigious new title.

Ireland finished first after the qualifying competitions in the inaugural League of Nations, and the team for the Final will include Daniel Coyle, Denis Lynch, Cian O’Connor, Michael Pender and Mark McAuley led by Chef d’Equipe Michael Blake.

Sweden finished second in the League, and Chef d'Equipe Henrik Ankarcrona expect top results from Malin Baryard-Johnsson, Amanda Landeblad, Peder Fredricson, Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, and longtime world number one Henrik von Eckermann.

Iron Spring Farm's Love Dance won the Mature Horse Championship at DAD

Details: September 26, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Love Dance, a 2017 black Oldenburg mare by Vitalis out of Love Princess PJF, handled by Quinnten Alston, bred by Jürgen Fetzer and owned by Iron Spring Farm, Inc., won the Mature Horse Championship and received The Linda Moore Memorial Perpetual Trophy at Dressage at Devon on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Iron Spring Farm's Love Dance handled by Quinnten Alston (Photo by Olivia Airhart)R Stetson, a 2021 black Warmblood stallion by Gorklintgards Shaolin out of Zsa Zsa, handled and owned by Lauren Chumley and bred by Lauren Kimmel was the Dressage at Devon Grand Champion and won The Curtis Paul Cheyney, Jr., Memorial Trophy.

Iron Spring Farm also won the Foal Championship with Ulrich ISF, a 2024 bay colt handled by Quinnten Alston, and the Filly Championship with Sensation ISF, a 2022 chestnut mare handled by Quinnten Alston.

The 2024 Bay Welsh Cob Colt, Knightwynds Chiron, by MHS Cool Jazz out of Knightwynds Model T, handled by his owner and breeder, Rachel Laufer-Wengerd, was the Pony Grand Champion at Dressage at Devon on Tuesday.

“He is just awesome," said Laufer-Wengerd. "We’re probably going to keep him as a stallion. He’s super chill hanging out here, and he’s taken all of this in so well. He’s gotten better each time. I’ve been coming to Dressage at Devon for 10 years, and he’s the first homebred pony I’ve brought.”

Love Dance Mare Grand ChamponOngie, a 2012 American Bashkir Curly mare owned and handled by Katie Cook was Reserve Grand Pony Champion.

U.S. Junior Jumping Team won at the FEI Nations Cup Youth Jumping Final

Details: September 25, 2024; By Staff Writers

LIER, Belgium--The U.S.Junior Jumping Team placed first at the FEI Nations Cup Youth Jumping Final, and the Young Rider Jumping Team placed fifth in its division on Sunday, Sept. 15.

U.S. Junior Jumping Team Pegasus Ohotos U.S. Junior Jumping Team (Photo by Pegasus Photos)Both teams were led by Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski and Team Leader Erin Keating. and they had earned qualifying spots via two separate qualifiers earlier in the week to contest Sunday’s final event.

The U.S. Junior Jumping Team had been impressive all week with strong performances across each of the qualifying classes, taking the coveted top honors on the final day on a total of zero faults.

The U.S. Young Rider Jumping Team earned fifth overall finishing on 12 faults.

“I’m so excited about the future of our sport," said Kursinski. "When you work with these younger athletes, the first timers, it is such an awakening for them. It sounds corny, but it really is life changing,. By the end, when it’s all over, they’re much more aware of their own potential and to see that and add in the understanding and experience of their support teams, trainers, and parents, it really gives an idea to what the top level of this sport feels like."

"They really are star struck when they first start because you realize you’re the only Americans and this is a big deal, and once they settle in and get into the week, you really start to see the talent and drive come through,"Kursinski said. "They’re dealing with pressure when it really counts. It’s a huge steppingstone experience for our program.”

Joao Eduardo Ferreira De Carvalho 0f Brazil won the $125,000 Grand Prix at Old Salem

Details: September 24, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Joao Eduardo Ferreira De Carvalho of Brazil on Ester De Maugre won the $125,000 Old Salem Farm 3* Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 22, in the final international competition of the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 2.

Joao Eduardo Ferreira De Carvallo on Ester De Maugre (Photo by SEL Photography)After his victory in the $40,000 Old Salem Farm 2* Grand Prix on Saturday, Sept'14, Ferreira De Carvalho won again in the 3* Grand Prix, going clean in the jump-off in 37.95.

Seven from the starting field of 36 were clean over the course designed by Alan Wade.

Eight-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil had an early clean round in 40.16 seconds on Corrie 9

Irish Olympic veteran Darragh Kenny then went into the lead, stopping the clock in 38.75 seconds on Chaccoletto.

Ferreira De Carvalho was the last rider to return.

“I know that my mare is very, very quick over the ground,” Ferreira De Carvalho said. “There were some amazing, fast riders before us, but I knew that I had the chance to beat them if we could go clear. I don’t think there was a specific place where we caught them because the mare was so fast around the whole course."

Will Coleman on Diabolo won the $40,000 CCI4-S at Plantation Field International

Details: September 22, 2024; By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Will Coleman on Diabolo finished on a final score of 27.5 to win the $40,000 CCI4-S at the Plantation Field International Three-Day Event on Sunday, Sept.22.

Will Colemanon Diabolo XC Plantation Amy Dragoo Photography Will Coleman on Diabolo (Photo by Amy Dragoo Photography)A clear across country clinched the win for Coleman.

Riding Diabolo, Coleman took the lead in dressage and held on through the end, adding just 3.6 time faults on cross country for a final score of 27.5.

Coleman said that it felt like a good preparation for the Maryland Five-Star next month, which will be the horse’s first run at that level.

“He was very ready to go today," said Coleman. "I actually had a hard time getting him in the start box. But he loves his job, so I can’t be annoyed that he gets a bit hyper, but once he gets out there, he settles very quickly. He’s just a lovely horse. He jumped around today very well, I wasn’t really pressing him for time, but he was full of running all the way to the end.”

The $40,000 prize money was thanks to a generous $25,000 donation from an anonymous donor in the name of the charity Brooke USA.

The winner also received a certificate for a €2400 discount off of a €30,000 or more purchase at the Goresbridge Go for Gold select event horse sale in Ireland in November, as well as a number of other prizes.

Egypt's Nayel Nasser won the Speed Stake at Old Salem

Details: September 23, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Nayal Nasser of Egypt on Dorado De Riverland won the $38,700 Speed Stake on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Old Salem September Horse Shows, Week 2.

Nayel Nasser on Dorado De Riverland SEL Photography Nayal Nasser on Dorado De Riverland (Photo by SEL Photography)Nasser was clean in 56.71, 1.78 seconds faster than his nearest competitor, over a course set by Alan Wade.

From a starting field of 29 that included seven Olympic veterans, 10 were clean.

“I think I had the advantage today because I was on such an extremely quick horse,” Nassar said. “Dorado, or Rodger as he’s known in the barn, is just really agile. He turns super quick and doesn’t spend much time in the air, so I knew that I was in a bit of an advantageous position."

I ended up just wanting to do my own round" he said. "Sometimes, I end up going too fast and knocking a rail or two down, so today I stuck to my plan. I didn’t actually do many leave-outs, and our numbers just happened to be enough today."

Will Coleman on Diabolo Maintained His Lead in the $40,000 CCI4-S at Plantation Field International Horse Trials

Details: September 21, 2024; By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--US Olympic Eventing Team member William Coleman on Diabolo was clean in stadium jumping to stay on 23.9 and maintain his lead in the Plantation Field International Three-Day Event $40,000 CCI4-S on Saturday, Sept. 21.

WillColeman on DiaboloPlantation amy ragoo Photography Will Coleman on Diabolo (Amy Dragoo Photography)Boyd Martin on Tsetserleg TSF was also clean to maintain second on 27, and Michael Nolan of Ireland on Carrabeg Hulla Balou added just 1.2 time faults to hang on to third on 29.4, though he is now tied with Shannon Lilley riding Eindhoven Garette.

A total of 173 horses are competing in the event across all levels from the CCI1-S up to the Four-Star. T

Although 38 horses started the CCI4-S division, only 34 will continue on to cross country tomorrow.

Twelve horses were clean, but only eight were in the time allowed.

Three horses received a CR, or Compulsory Retirement, for accumulating 20 or more jumping penalties, and one withdrew following show jumping.

“I tthought the courses were great,"said Coleman "I think Brody Robertson is doing a nice job and it’s nice to have another name for the show jumping for course design in this country. I’ve been pleased with what he laid out over the past couple of weeks, here and at Tryon, and the show jumping was an influential phase today. My horse felt good, though I must say he’s normally a bit better jumping after cross-country, so he was a little on the muscle, but he’s a quality animal and did the job well. He’s definitely ready to go cross country tomorrow!”

Ireland's Simon McCarthy won the $65,000 Welcome Stake at Old Salem

Details: September 22, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Simon McCarthy of Ireland on Gotcha won the $65,000 FEI 3* Welcome Stake on Friday, Sept. 20 at the Old Salem September Horse Shows, Week 2.

Simon McCarthy on Gotcha SEL Photography Simon McCarthy on Gotcha (Photo by SEL Photography)Ireland was represented by a number of top riders that won countless competitions last year, both in the U.S. and internationally, and now McCarthy has added his name to the list.

Friday’s Welcome Stake featured 54 entries representing nine countries, including six riders from this summer’s Paris Olympic Games.

Of the 12 entries that advanced to the jump-off, McCarthy finished nearly a full second faster than his competitors to win with a clean round in 37.39 seconds over the course set by Alan Wade.

Darragh Kenny of Ireland, first clean in the jump-off, set the time to beat at 38.37 seconds on Chaccoletto.

McCarthy immediately followed and finished in 37.39 seconds.

Will Coleman on Diabolo Leads Plantation Field International CCI4S After Dressage

Details: September 21, 2024; By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--US Olympic Eventing Team member William Coleman on Diabolo leads the Plantation Field International $40,000, CCI4-S with a steady and accurate dressage test, scoring 23.9.

Will Coleman on Diabolo Amy Dragoo Photography Will Coleman on Diabolo (Photo by Amy Dragoo Photography)Boyd Martin on Tsetserleg TSF is second on 27.9, and Michael Nolan on Carrabeg Hulla Balou is third on 28.2.

A total of 37 horses competed in this division.

“He did all the little things well," said Coleman. "He walks well, his halts were excellent and we were accurate in the trot. His changes were the best he could do. They were clean, just not as well balanced as we’ve been trying to do. The ring is difficult, it’s on quite a grade. Some of the movements are a challenge on flat ground and even more I have to be pleased with him.”

Though Diabolo traveled to Paris for the Olympics, he did not compete.

He returned to the United States and won the USEA Advanced Title at the American Eventing Championships.

“He just continues to improve," said Coleman. "I couldn’t be happier with the horse and how he’s going. I’m pleased with his progress and how confident he seems to be getting. He’s not the finished article just yet, but we continue to chip away. Maryland will be his first five-star, which will be a big test, but I feel like he’s ready.”

Richie Vogel won the $10,000 Two-Phase at Old Salem

Details: September 21, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Richard Vogel of Germany on Levi Noesar won the $10,000 FEI 3* Two-Phase on Thursday, Sept.19 at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 2.

Richard Vogel on Levi Noesar SEL Photography Richard Vogel on Levi Noesar (Photo by SEL Photography)Vogel finished clean in 26.78 to win over 42 entries that included six riders from the Paris Olympic Games and eight Olympic veterans over a course set by Alan Wade.

Georgina Bloomberg on Copernicus was second in 27.10, and Great Britain’s Grace Debney on Boheme De La Roque was third in 27.33 seconds.

“It’s my first time here, and we were just trying to have a nice entry class to get into the show,” Vogel said. “Levi did a very good job. He was clear in both phases and took the win, so I’m very proud about that. Phenyo Van Het Keysersbos also did well; he had one down, but I’m very happy with both horses."

“Both horses felt good today, so I think I’ll ride both in the 1.50m qualifier tomorrow,” he said. “Then Levi, since he’s only 8, will do the Saturday class, and Phenyo will do the Grand Prix on Sunday. It’s very nice here. The weather has been beautiful, and the riding conditions are super. I love the general atmosphere, and I’m very happy to be here.”

Molly Ashe Cawley won the $5,000 Open Jumper at Old Salem

Details: September 20, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Molly Ashe Cawley on Jahzara Sinaa won the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 2.

Molly Ashe Cawley on Jahzara Sinaa (Photo by SEL Photography)Cawley was clean in 35.997 seconds.

Six from the starting field of 17 made the jump-off over a course set by Alan Wade,

After placing third place in the inaugural $200,000 Blue Diamond Cup, Brian Moggre on McLain Ward’s It Girl was second in the 1.40m Open Jumper, clean in 36.990 seconds, and Andrew Welles on Cismet 3 was third in 38.177 seconds.

Colombia’s Mark Bluman on Masai LS won over a field of 43 entries in the $4,000 1.35m Open Jumper, clean in the jump-off in 28.553 seconds.

Peter Leone was second in 29.203 seconds on Flugel Der Freiheit, and Catherine Tyree Flores finished third in 29.808 seconds on BEC Lorenzo.

Peter Lutz on Lady Diva HX won the $2,000 1.25m Open Jumper over 46 entries, clean in the jump-off in 29.916, with Kyle Gambino 0n Coralie, placing second in 30.216, and Lauren Skowlund on Charlyn was third in 30.746 seconds.

Princeton Show Jumping's fall shows canceled

Details: September 18, 2024; By Staff Writers

PRINCETON, N.J.--The three fall shows at Princeton Show jumping had to be canceled after USEF gave the same dates to nearby FEI shows, which meant the riders that normally took their young horses to the Princeton shows had to go to the FEI shows that offer more money and points.

The Princeton series offered excellent facilities with good footing and attractive fences where top riders could take their new horses and up and coming students to compete and learn.

The series includes Nations Cups for Children/Adult and Junior/Amateur Jumpers and Young Jumper Championships.

Princeton show jumping Losing a series like Princeton means that there is one less place to start new horses and riders, and it's happening all over the country.

USEF sets horse show dates, and there is no appeal.

A letter that Andrew Philbrick, who organizes and manages Princeton Show Jumping at the facility in Skillman, N.J., wrote to his exhibitors follows:

Kent Farrington on Greya won the first World Cup qualifier in Traverse City

Details: September 17, 2024; By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Kent Farrington on Greya won the FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier at Traverse City, the first leg of the 2024-25 North American League season.

Kent Farrington on Greya World Cup Finals Helen Cruden Kent Farrington on Greya in last year's World Cup Finals (Phoo by Helen Cruden) Farrington was the first to return for the jump-off, he was the first to go clean, and he was ultimately, first on the leaderboard.

Farrington on Greya won in a seven horse jump-off to earn the important five-star victory and valuable qualifying points toward the World Cup Finals in Basel, Switzerland next April.

Farrington simply could not be caught over Alan Wade's jump-off course, clean with a winning time of 37.19 seconds.

Samuel Hutton of Great Britain on Melusina Bvl Z came closest, within two-tenths of a second, and finished second in 37.36s.

Alise Oken on Gelvera, who boldly left out a stride to the penultimate line and appeared ahead of the pace before fanning wide and losing ground to the final two fences, finished third in 38.44 seconds.

"Going first, I thought the jump-off would be fast, but I didn't think it would be wild," Farrington said. "The first part of my round was secure, and then at that point going to the last jump, I thought I played it a bit safe."

"I thought I had done a pretty aggressive round that someone would have to try hard to catch," he said. "It got a little closer than I would have liked, but we had luck on our side today."

Closing day of the Devon Fall Classic

Details: September 16, 2024; By Staff Writers

Devon Fall Classic horse w ribbons DEVON, Pa.--Junior and amateur riders took over the final day of Devon for the year on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Locals came to watch the horse show, shop Vendor Village, and enjoy the fall weather.

Juniors and Amateurs closed out the last day of competition at The Devon Fall Classic 🍁

Adina Gesthalter on Douglas won the $5,000 1.25M Junior Jumper Classic

Madison Rauschenbach on Easy Girl De Kreisker won the final blue ribbon of the show in the $5,000 1.25M Amateur Jumper Classic

Rodrigo Pessoa on Starman won the $200,000 Grand Prix at Old Salem

Details: September 16, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Eight-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil on Starman won the inaugural $200,000 Blue Diamond Cup, clean in the jump-off in 34.03 on Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 1.

Rodrigo Pessoa on Starman SEL Photography Rodrigo Pessoa on Starman (Photo by SEL Photography)Only four from the starting field of 27 made the jump-off over a course set by Ken Krome.

Brian Moggre, first to go in the jump-of, was clean, setting the time to beat at 37.07 seconds on MTM Vivre Le Reve.

His lead didn't last long as Pessoa went next to finish in 34.03 second, cutting a full three seconds off Moggre's time.

“The first round was pretty technical,” Pessoa said. “Some of the lines and turns came up quick, and the time was a bit short, so you had to maneuver your way around without losing too much time. Starman jumped really well, and I was very pleased with him before we returned for the jump-off. He has a lot of scope, so in the two rollbacks there, fence three to four, then to a double combination, we were able to make it tighter while staying really powerful. The second-to-last jump also ended up being quite tight because there wasn’t much else we could do. There was nowhere I could use his bigger stride to leave a stride out."

Caitlin Boyle won the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix

Details: September 16, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON,Pa.--Catlin Boyle of North Salem, N Y., on Navaar won the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix in a seven horse jump-off on Saturday evening, Sept.14.

Caitlin Boyle in Navaar Olivia Airhart Caitlin Boyle on Navaar (Photo by Olivia Airhart)The Dixon Oval grandstands were full and spectators also filled the benches surrounding the ring.

Boyle wen second to last in the jump-off and finished clean in 36.330 to win by a full two seconds.

Mattias Hollberg of Kennett Square, Pa., on Acorn was second, clean in 38.438.and Imbrahim Barazi, a Jordanian, was third, clean in 38.766 on Lennox van de Zeshoek and also fourth on Khan VD Kattavennen, with four faults in the jump-off in 35.992.

Christian Coyle of Ireland on Ma Pomme de Tamerville was fifth, four faults in 39.333, with Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J., on Ginola sixth, four faults in 39.546, and Seth Vallhonrat of Malvern, Pa., on Lordy P seventh with four faults i 42.334.

Boyle has ridden Navaar since last November, and she has been working at stepping up into the CSI4* level.

Will Simpson won over Rodrigo Pessoa in the $38,700 Speed Stake at Old Salem

Details: September 16, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Olympic gold medalist Will Simpson on Chacco P won the $38,700 FEI 4* Speed Stake over a field of 18 on Saturday, Sept.14 at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 1.

Will Simpson on Chacco P SEL Photography Will Simpson on Chacco P (Photo by SEL Photography)Simpson was clean in 53.76 seconds, two seconds faster than any other competitor.

Nine were clean over Ken Krome’s 14 fence, 1.45m course in the Speed Stake.

No one could catch Simpson’s fast time, but fellow Olympic veteran Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil came the closest in 55.82 seconds on Corrie 9.

“This horse is a very fast horse,” Simpson said. “He’s got unbelievable footspeed. He’s 18 hands tall, but he can turn on a dime. It’s a lot of fun to ride him. He’s not the most careful horse in the world, I have to really concentrate on holding him off the jumps, but we can still go extremely fast around a course."

“It feels incredible to be back at Old Salem after not showing here for a while,” he said. “I love the direction show jumping is going in with all the new facilities, all the phenomenal venues popping up that are great for horse showing, but there’s nothing quite like an old-time horse show on historic grounds like this. It really brings back the nostalgia and passion for the sport. I’ve had a great time here this week.”

Georgina Bloomberg finished third, clean in 56.04 seconds on Sempa Fidelis.

Ibrahim Barazi placed first and second in the $10,000 Speed Stake at the Devon Fall Classic

Details: September 15, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Ibrahim Barazi of Jordan placed first and second in the $10000 Speed Stake at the Devon Fall Classic on Thursday evening, Sept. 13.

Ibrahim Barazi on Lennox van de Zeshoek (Photo by Olivia Airhart)Barazi, 35 of Leesburg, Va., on Khan VD Kattavennen Z went second in the Speed Stake and laid down a fast time to beat of 67.178 to hold the lead until he returned second to last on Lennox Van De Zeshoek to beat himself, finishing on 66.776 for the win.

Caitlin Boyle on Idal del Maset was third in 67.195, and local favorite Doug King of Chester Springs, Pa., was fourth on Main Line Girl in 72.374.

Barazi only started riding Lennox a shortt ime ago but started winning right away, finishing third in the speed class at the Hampton Classic a couple of weeks ago.

“I have been here many, many times and it is one of my favorite shows,” satd Barazi. “And I love, love, love the town.”

“It’s just such a great show and a nice turn-out and you don’t get this atmosphere at many places,” Barazi said. “Having a feature class every night makes it really exciting for the riders and the locals to come out and watch.”

Barazi grew up in Jordon, where he often skipped school to escape to the local riding school.

Young rising star Zayna Rizvi won the $65,000 Welcome Stake at Old Salem

Details: September 15, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Zayna Rizvi, at 18 years old a youngster who is making her mark in international competition, won the $65,000 FEI 4* Welcome Stake at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 1, on Friday, Sept.13.

Zayna Rizvi on Exquise u Pachis (Photo by SEL Photography)Course designer Ken Krome built a challenging 16 fence, 1.50m course for Friday’s class, and Rizvi, last to go on Exquise Du Pachis, was clean in 35.83 seconds to win.

The Welcome Stake had 45 entries with 18 advancing to the jump-off.

Sarah Segal went early on Boreale De Fondcombe, setting the time to beat at 36.92 seconds.

Fresh off his win in Thursday’s $5,000 FEI 2* Speed Class, Simon McCarthy of Ireland then went clean in 36.46 seconds to take over the lead, but Rizvi was even faster in 35.83 seconds.

“I know my horse really well, and I know that she has a huge stride, so I tried to use that to my advantage,” Rizvi said. “I wouldn’t say there was any specific spot that I was going faster than Simon, but my mare is so good at turning and really helped me out in a few spots. Doing that tight rollback to the double and the tight turn into the second-to-last jump, she was right there with me the whole time. She was amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better result."

Melissa Strawser won the Devon Fall Classic Welcome Stake over Laura Chapot

Details: September 13, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Melissa Strawser on Darwin De Mars won the $5,000 Welcome Jumper Stake on Thursday, Sept. 12, opening day at the Devon Fall Classic.

Meilissa Strawser on Dsrin Olivia Airhart Meilissa Strawser on Darwin de Mars (Photo by Olivia Airhart)In a class in which all of the competitors clean over the first round course set by Manuel Esparza of Mexico came back immediately for the jump-off, Strawser went fifth of 18 and was clean in the jump-off in 36.701.

Laura Chapot on C & C Willow went right after Strawser and also was clean in the jump-off but couldn't quite catch Strawser's time, finishing in 37.409 to place second.

Six were clean with Seth Vallhonrat on Lordy P third in 49,891, followed by David Marisz on Zorba TT fourth with four faults in the jump-off in 44.586 seconds, Andrew Ross on Cornet's Cobalt, fifth with four faults in 47.019 and Matthias Hollberg on Accord sixth with eight faults in the jump-of in 36.581.

Strawser first rode Darwin at the Devon Horse Show three years ago, and she has been competing in the High Amateur Owner Jumpers on Darwin for several years with great success, winning the Championship in the division at The Devon Horse Show and winning a 1.40m jumpers class at The Devon Fall Classic last year.

Strawser is planning to step up into the Grand Prix level this winter in Ocala, Florida.

Darragh Kenny on Serendepety won the $10,000 Two-Phase ot Old Salem

Details: September 13, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Darragh Kenny of Ireland on Serendepety won the $10,000 FEI 4* Two-Phase, the first class in the FEI division at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 1, on Thursday, Sept. 12.

arragh Kenny on Serendepety SEL Photography 1 Darragh Kenny on Serendepety(Photo by SEL Photography)
Kenny is no stranger to winning at Old Salem Farm, especially with Serendepety.

On Thursday, he beat a field of 41 starters over Ken Krome’s 14-effort, 1.45m course in the $10,000 FEI 4* Two-Phase.

“Serendepety is a really fast mare,” Kenny said. “She’s really stepped up to the 1.45/1.50m level, and I just had a bit of fun with her today. She’s super quick across the ground and really light, and I just had to turn back in a couple of places for the time. She was great."

“She’ll jump the 1.45m class again on Saturday,” he said. “My other horses, Rockstar and Chaccoletto, will jump the 1.50m tomorrow, then Rockstar will jump in the class on Sunday.”

Zayna Rizvi on Oryzon Van Het Schaeck placed second, clean in 26.21 seconds and Will Simpson on Chacco P was third in 26.40 seconds.

Laura Skowlund won at Old Salem's first September Horse Show

Details: September 12, 2024; By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Lauren Skowlund of Wellington, Fla. on Charlyn won the $10,000, 1.40m Open Jumper on Wednesday, Sept.11, the first day of the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows, Week 1.

Lauren Skowlund on Charlyn SEL Phoography Lauren Skowlund on Charlyn (Photo by SEL Phoography)Skowlund was one of 17 in the 1.40m Open Jumper, which featured a winding two-phase course designed by Ken Krome.

Skowlaund was clean in the second phase in 39.754 seconds to win.

Molly Ashe Cawley on La Rosso Lady was second in 40.418 seconds, while Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain on Chapeau PS Z finished third in 41.363 seconds.

Other jumper highlights included the $2,000 1.25m Open Jumper, where Emily Stirling of Pawling, N.Y., was clean in 36.293 seconds to win on Cristal De Menardiere.

Andrew Welles on Dorchester won the $4,000 1.35m Open Jumper, lean in the jump-off in 34.296 seconds.

Over the years, chefs d'equipe have had a huge influence on Olympic team success

Details: September 10, 2024; By SARA CAVANAGH

Show jumping and para dressage both enjoyed great success at the recent Olympics in Versailles, France, while eventing and dressage went down to defeat.

Robert Ridland on No Penalty Valley Forge GP Robert Frankenfeld Robert Ridland, current jumping chef d'equipe, was previously a team member, and is shown here competing on No Penalty at the Valley Forge Grand Prix (Photo by Robert Frankenfeld)Para Dressage riders won five gold medals, a silver and a bronze, for seven medals, including the Team gold, from the nine divisions in which they competed, while the showing team won a silver medal in a very competitive competition.

The eventing team finished seventh of 16 teams and the dressage team was eliminated when a spot of blood was found on one of the horses, but even had that horse not been eliminated the team would have finished far down the list of the 11 competing nations.

Para dressage and jumping both set records, with the para dressage team scoring the highest team score ever, while jumping's silver medal meant the jumping team has won gold or silver in five of the last six Olympics, a feat never before accomplished in jumping.

The perhaps surprising fact, not just in this Olympics but over the years, is the huge influence the chefs d'equipe have on the success of their teams.

In para dressage, Michel Assouline, who had previously led the team from Great Britain to every team gold medal since the discipline was added to the Olympics, took a moderately successful U.S. team and turned it into a powerhouse.

In show jumping, Robert Ridland took a discipline that had won medals fairly steadily over the years and made it into a more consistent winner with greater depth.

Both Assouline and Ridland had started with a plan and carried it out.

Chester Weber won the bronze medal at the World Championships in Hungary

Details: September 9, 2024; By Staff Writers

SZILVASVARAD, Hungary--Chester Weber won the bronze medal in the World Championships for Four-in-Hand Horses in Hungary on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Chester Weber in Cones by Allen MacMillan Chester Weber in Cones (File photo by Allen MacMillan from a previous event)
Weber had won the dressage phase on the first day at the competition that was held at Hungary’s State Stud Farm at Szilvásvárad Sept. 4-8.

“This whole season, we’ve really been dominating the dressage phase, and it just kept getting better and better,” said Weber. “The horses were in really good form leading up to the show, and we made some magic on the day.”

On the second day, the marathon, with the team of First Edition, Kadora, Kasper D, and Reno, Weber completed eight clean obstacles to finish 11th for the phase, then turned in a fast round on Sunday’s cones course but rolled two balls off the cones to finish in third place overall.

“It was a very different track from a lot of the sort of Dutch-esque tracks,” Weber said of the marathon course. “But I was very pleased with how the horses handled it and their performance.”

Weber highlighted the work of his support team and his horses in reaching the podium at the sport’s top competition.

“None of this is possible without the tireless efforts of many people working together in a synergistic manner to create excellence in horse sport,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the horses and their performance and how they showed up every day in a positive, willing way and did their job to be just as good as they could be.”

Fiona Howard and Rebecca Hart won Freestyle gold and Kate Shoemaker won bronze in Para Dressage Olympics

Details: September 8, 2024; By Staff Writers

VERSAILLES, France--Fiona Howard and Rebecca Hart concluded the Para Dressage in the Olympics with spectacular performances, winning gold in Grade II and Grade III respectively,while Kate Shoemaker won bronze in Grade IV.

Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes by Sarah Miller MacMillan Photography DSC 8984 Fiona Howard on Diamond Dunes (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan Photography)
Two more Individual gold medals on the final day of Freestyle crowned the United States’ best ever Para Dressage performance at a Paralympic Games as they led the medal table at Versailles.

Howard on Diamond Dunes and Hart on Floratina both won their third golds at this year's Games after also winning gold in the Team event with Roxanne Trunnell on Fan Tastico H.

That took the USA’s tally to seven medals overall - five golds, one silver and one bronze – to smash their previous Paralympic Games best of two golds and a bronze achieved at Atlanta 1996 and Tokyo 2020.

Howard, 25, on her chestnut gelding Diamond Dunes delivered another remarkable personal-best performance in her first Paralympic Games to win the Grade II Individual Freestyle with a score of 81.9944% over Georgia Wilson of Great Britain on Sakura.who won silver with 79.374%, and Heidemarie Dresing of Germany, bronze on Dooloop with 76.127%..

“When I came into these Games, I just wanted to put down the best tests I could,” Howard said. “It was my first Paralympic Games and I just wanted to do my best and help out the team. But this has gone above my expectations."

“On the third day, you have to dig a little deep because my muscles are definitely tired, but I have such a great partner in Diamond Dunes and he knows his job. He gave me everything, just like the past two times. I couldn’t have asked for any more.”