Competitions

Amy Millar on Christiano won the Two-Phase at Old Salem

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May 16, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.---Two-time Canadian Olympian Amy Millar 0n Christiano , clean in 23.45 seconds, won the $5,000 FEI 1.45m Two-Phase on Thusday, May 15 at th Old Salrm Spring Horse Shows.

Amy Millar on Christiano (Photo by SEL Photography)Course designer Alan Wade set the course for 47entries from eight nations.

“Christiano likes to go fast,” Millar said. “I was here all last week, and my experience has been that there is no speed limit in this ring. These people ride fast. So I came out motivated this morning and this week, and I wanted to get the horses going. The jump-offs in the previous classes have been big, and these guys all come out running. The more practice I get, the better off I will be."

“This facility is gorgeous, and the footing is unbelievable,” she said. “Everything is so nice, and the people are so friendly. It’s a joy to be here. I have a couple of really nice horses here. Jagger HX cruised around easy today, and he’s my main shot for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Then I have another really nice mare, Jelvinia MB, who will do the qualifier and the other classes. I hope to just keep doing what I did today.”

Egypt’s Nayel Nassar on Donvier placed second in 23.72 seconds, and Brian Moggre on Edgard De Prefontaine finished third in 24.12 seconds.

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Jonathan Corrigan won three classes at Old Salem

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May 15, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Jonathan Corrigan of Ireland rode Darius De Kerglenn, Tricolor MB, and Navarro O to win three classes in a row on Wednesday, May 14 at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.

Jonathan Corrigan on Darina De Kerglenn (Photo by SEL Photography)On another rainy day, over courses set by Alan Wade, Wednesday’s competition began with the $10,000 Open Jumper 1.40m, where Corrigan beat a field of 36 entries by going clean in 27.161 seconds on Darius De Kerglenn.

Beat Mandli  of Switzerland on  Qoachella was second in 28.239 seconds, and Walker Pozzi on Dolce finished third in 29.055 seconds.

The $4,000 Open Jumper 1.35m immediately followed with 49 entries.

Corrigan rode Tricolor MB to go clean in 31.121 seconds to win.

Two seconds behind in 33.132 seconds was second-placed Joey Roman of Colts Neck, N.J., on BP Swifty,, and Mark Bluman of Colombia was third in 33.135 seconds on Phelina De Septon.

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Luis Larrazabal won the $125,000 Grand Prix in Kentucky

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May 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Luis Larrazaball of Venezuela on Quick Chick 3 won the the $125,000 Grand Prix CSI3 on Sunday, May 11 at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

Luis Larrazabal on Quick Chick 3Luis Larrazabal narrowly edged out Germany’s Rene Dittmer on Cody 139, beating him by just one second in a five horse jump-off.

Savannah Jenkins on Sanella 6 was third.

“Every time you win a class, it’s an amazing feeling,” said Larrazabal. “I’m so grateful for my horses, my team. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. Quick Chick 3 is very clever and smart, and she just wants to win!”

Four horses were clean in the jump-off, with Joao Eduardo Ferreira De Carvalho on Saido setting the early time to beat , clean in 41.83 seconds.

He was soon beaten by Jenkins on Sanella 6 as she left a stride out to the final vertical and stopped the clock in 41.08 seconds, which would hold up for third.

Dittmer on Cody 139 was even faster, clean in 39.55 seconds to eventually place second..

Larrazabal was the last to go on Quick Chick 3, and with a quick gallop to the third oxer and an even faster turn to the combination he was able to shave a second off the time, finishing in 38.62 to win.

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Lordships Graffalo makes Badminton history by regaining his title

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May 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

This is reprinted from England's Horse and Hound magazine.

Ros Canter has claimed the Mars Badminton Horse Trials trophy with Lordships Graffalo, who at the age of 13 is already deserving of the title “all time great”, for the second time.

Rosalind Canter on Lordships Graffalo (Photo by Peter Nixon)From fourth in the Badminton Horse Trials results after dressage, to second after cross-country, the pair seized victory when the long-time leader Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent lowered one rail to finish second.

Like Kauto Star regaining the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Michele and Archie Saul’s Lordships Graffalo (Walter) has become the first horse in Badminton history to win the title twice, but not back-to-back.

In 2023, Ros and Walter won their first Badminton title, and have since gone on to win European gold and Burghley.

Ros was visibly emotional afterwards.

“This was for Caroline Moore, she was by my side my whole career and passed away a couple of months ago,” she said. “I’m so pleased I managed to make her proud. It’s the first time I’ve done anything without her. Not only was she my trainer and mentor, but also the best friend.”

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World # 1 Kent Farrington and World # 8 McLain Ward to compete at Devon

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May 14, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--The Open Jumper division at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has always attracted top riders and provided thrilling competition, but this year is the best ever.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan Photography)Both World Ranked number one Kent Farrington and number eight McLain Ward lead a list that include eight riders in the top 50 World Ranking among others also topl ranked and exciting young up-and-coming riders.

Ward has won the Grand Prix 12 times, and the $226,000 Grand Prix featured on Thursday evening May 29 is named for his great mare Sapphire.

Ward has always said that Devon is one of his favorite shows, and this year he is flying back from Italy after competing in the Nations Cup in Rome over Junior weekend to compete at Devon, and then flying back to Europe right after Devon to compete in La Baule where the U.S.team will again contest in a Nations Cup.

Other top ranked competitors include World number 17 Shane Sweetnam and number 20 Darragh Kenny, both of Ireland, along with number 24 Daniel Bluman of Israel, number 25 Lillie Keenan. number 35 Aaron Vale and number 42 Nayel Nasser of Egypt.

Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa., who won the Idle Dice Stake on Saturday evening last year on Cashew CR, will compete again this year.

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Jordan Coyle won the $135,000 Grand Prix, and Rodrigo Pessoa won a $40,000 class at Old Salem

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May 12, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Jordon Coyle of Ireland on Keep Me With You N.C., won the $135,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix over a field of 34 at the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows on Sunday, May 11.

Jordan Coyle on Keep Me With You (Photo by SEL Photography)Coyle was one of six clean in the jump-off to win in 34.67 seconds.

Course designer Alan Wade set a technical 16-effort course at 1.55m for the Grand Prix, narrowing the field of 34 entries to 11 in the jump-off.

First to go in the jump-off,  Adrienne Sternlicht on Faquitol-S set the time to beat at 38.74 seconds, only for Coyle to immediately beat her in 34.67 and ultimately clinch the win.

“My strategy was to just let her go a little bit,” Coyle said. “She’s incredibly fast when I do that, and I try to just stay off her and go with it. I think there are some really good days to come with this horse.”

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McLain Ward won the $65,000 Welcome Stake at Old Salem

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May 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Six-time U.S. Olympian and World #8 McLain Ward on High Star Hero won the $65,000, 1.50m New York Welcome Stake over a field of 40 on Saturday, May 9 at the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows.

McLain Ward on High Star Hero (Photo by SEL Photography)Ward was clean in 31.62 seconds to win the 15 horse jump-off over the course set by Alan Wade.

Jordan Coyle of Ireland on King Kannan GP had he early lead, clean in 32.93 seconds, and only two others were able to beat that time: first Daniel Bluman ofIsrael on Hummer Z, clean in 32.33, then Ward on High Star Hero as the penultimate entry, clean in 31.62.

“Having experienced horses like Daniel’s and mine helped a lot[when catching Jordan’s time, especially in that turn from Fence #1 to #2,” Ward said. “These classes are very competitive, and the levels are very high. With a great surface, even after the many inches of rain that we’ve had, we were able to compete at 100 percent."

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Kent Farrington on Orafina won the $62,500 3* Classic in Kentucky

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May 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Newly minted World No. 1 show jumping rider Kent Farrington on Orafino won the $62,500 Spring Classic CSI3* at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show/

Kent Farrington on Orafina (Photo by Winslow Photography)Farrington won over four in the jump-off from a starting  field of 68.

Farrington was clean in 37.50, beating second placed Francisco Goyoaga Mollet on Stakato Cornet, clean in 40.86, by 3 seconds, while Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan Van Klapscheut was third in 43.44 and Alex Granato on El Diablo Du Nord had a rail down for fourth

“The plan for the jump off is always let Orafina go Orafina speed,”said Farrington. “The first round is the hardest because you’re actually trying to slow her down the whole time, and then in the jump off you just let her run like she wants to run – that’s actually normally the easier of the two rounds. If I can get into the jump off, she’s normally a good contender.”

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Jordon Coyle won with McLain Ward second and third at Old Salem

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May 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Ireland’s Jordan Coyle on Ariso won the $25,000 Old Salem Farm Jumper Classic, riding in a downpour on Friday, May 9.

Jordan Coyle on Ariso (Photo by SEL Photography)There were 15 in the jump-off from a starting field of 35, and Coyle was clean in 30.146 seconds to beat World #8 McLain Ward, who was second on La Serra, clean in 30.243, and third on Snapchat Van De Broekkant, clean in 30.710.

Coyle on Action T, was fourth with a time of 31.295 seconds, and rounding out the top five was Coyle’s countryman Jonathan Corrigan on Tricolor MB, clean in 31.734).

Friday afternoon’s featured classes, which included the $65,000 New York Welcome Stake, were rained out.

The Welcome Stake took place in the International Arena on Saturday at 9:00 a.m., while Saturday’s $40,000 FEI 1.45m Jump-off is rescheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Sunday.

McLain Ward had a first and a third at Old Salem Spring Horse Shows

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May 9, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--McLain Ward finished third in a $10,000, 1.40m jumper class and won a $4,000 Open Jumper 1.35m on Wednesday, May 7 at the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows

Mark Bluman on Pinot Gris Di Fer (Photo by SEL Photography)In the 1.40m class, Mark  Bluman of Colombia on Pinot Gris Di Fer won over a field of 37 competing over courses set by Alan Wade, finishing clean in 29.525 seconds.

Jonathan Corrigan of Ireland on Nadal VD Wateringhoeve was second in 29.987 seconds, and Ward on Snapchat Van De Broekkant Z was third in 30.316 seconds.

“This horse has been with us in the family for a while now,” Bluman said. “We bought him when he was six, and then a student of mine, Alexa Schwitzer, just bought him. She’s out in California jumping her other horses, so I took the ride this week. It was good. It was fun to have him back. He has a big stride, and this is a big ring, so I could really take advantage of that. I was able to leave out a couple of strides everywhere and just kind of flowed with him.

“I really take advantage of these weeks [here at Old Salem],” he said. “It’s really close to home, so I try to take all the horses out to show. We’ll have a great group of horses showing this week, and we’re very excited to be back here.”

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World ranked # 8 Ward and # 1 Farrington to lead US Nations Cup Rome and La Baule teams

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May 8, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Nations Cup of Rome CSIO5* and the Nations Cup La Baule CSIO5*.

The US has strong teams going to both venues, with World Ranked number eight Mclain Ward on the Rome team and World Ranked number one Kent Farrington on the team for La Baule.

The Nations Cup of Rome CSIO5* will be held at the Piazza di Siena in Rome, Italy, from May 22-25.

The Jumping Nations Cup La Baule CSIO5* will be held at the Jumping International de La Baule in La Baule, France, from June 5-8.

The teams will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

The following riders have been named to the U.S. Team for the Rome CSIO5* and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

• Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y.

• Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

• McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y.

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Kent Farrington with numerous top wins now leads in Jumping World Rankings

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May 7, 2025

By Staff Writers

Kent Farrington is now the new world number one, taking the lead on the world rankings with 3,269 points.

Kent Farrington on Greya winning at WEF (Photo by Sportfot)Farrington has had a string of strong performances on home soil in Wellington and Lexington.

His most recent triumph, a commanding win at the CSI5* in Lexington, Ky., has earned him crucial ranking points, propelling him to the top of the World Rankings.

After months of chasing Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann, Farrington finally owns the coveted World No. 1 spot.

The US now has riders leading in both Jumping, with Farrington. and in Eventing, with Boyd Martin.

This is the second time in Farrington’s career that he has led the global standings.

He first reached the No. 1 spot in May 2017, overtaking McLain Ward.

Farrington held the leading position for a full year before ceding it to the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders in May 2018.

To date, Farrington and Ward remain the only American riders to have held the top spot in the World Rankings.

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Charlotte Jorst on Zhaplin Langholt won the 3* Grand Prix at TerraNova

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May 4, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

MYAKKA CITY, Fla.--Charlotte Jorst on  Zhaplin Langholt moved up from second in Friday’s qualifying grand prix to win the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday, May 3 at TerraNova.

Charlotte Jorst on Zhopin Langholt (Photo by Jessica Buehler) She scored 74.085% to just beat Ben Ebeling on Bellena, who was just 0.1 percentage points back on 73.985% in their second freestyle together.

Devon Kane was third with 72.705% on Vamos.

Jorst has produced Zhaplin Langholt, an imposing black gelding, from the small tour level.

She took over the ride  from his previous owner Andreas Helgstand, who had won the bronze medal at the World Young Horse Championships in 2019, when Zhaplin Langholt was 6.

“I was actually conscious of his power today,” said Jorst, who rode to an upbeat rock medley that matched the horse’s abundant energy. “I took a personality test with him earlier this week and I found out that he really likes routine. Last time I showed him he was wild, so I decided to really try to go back to the things he likes and knows. I tried to get in there and just ride around quietly, and it worked really well."

“I love this facility at TerraNova; it’s so beautiful, a feast for the eyes , and it rivals anything in Europe. Yesterday I went for a walk and I saw deer and other animals, like in a sanctuary. I want to be here and show here and win here as much as I can,” said the Danish-born Jorst, who owns the clothing company Kastel Denmark.

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Canada’s Naïma Moreira Laliberté on Inspire won the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix at TerraNova

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May 3, 2025

By Staff Writers

MYAKKA CITY, Fla.--Canada’s Naïma Moreira Laliberté on Inspire won the CDI3* FEI Grand Prix at TerraNova Equestrian Center on Friday, May 2.

It was an extremely close-fought battle in the Grand Prix with just 0.8 percentage points separated the top six in the class, which Moreira Laliberté won on 68.891%.

Ben Ebeling on Bellena (Photo by Jessica Buefler)Second-placed Charlotte Jorst on Zhaplin Langholt was just 0.15 percentage points back on 68.739%.

Ben Ebeling, a double winner at TerraNova’s April CDI, was third on Bellena with 68.239%.

Ebeling edged out his trainer Christoph Koschel of Germany), whose 68.174% on Destare was fourth place.

There was a tie for fifth spot, with two scoring 68.087%: Katherine Bateson Chandler on Haute Couture and Kasey Perry-Glass on Heartbeat WP.

The win was Moreira Laliberté and Inspire’s first international grand prix victory since stepping up to the level at TerraNova’s April CDI a year ago.

“He really tried hard in there,” said the 28-year-old. “Of course, there are so many things I want to improve, and I always try and go mistake free. It is going to be achievable; I just need to run him. I consider him still a green horse and he still needs to learn the routine and get confidence and experience in there — he hasn’t done much at this level yet."

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Boyd Martin is Eventing World Number 1 in Rider Rankings for the first time

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May 2, 2025

By Staff Writers

Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa. is Number One in the Eventing World Rider Rankings after climbing from the 10th position in just one month with a total now of 543 points.

Boyd Martin on Fedarman B at Paris Olympics (Photo by Liz Gregg, FEI)Martin finished second, sixth and seventh in the Kentucky 5* Three-Day Event and this achievement had him unseat Britain’s Tom McEwen, who held the no. 1 position since August 2024.

Martin’s ascent to the summit of the rankings comes as no surprise after a series of solid performances in home soil over recent weeks in Aiken, Maryland and specially at the CCI5*-L in Lexington, where he finished in second, sixth, and seventh positions achieving three double clears in Cross Country and Jumping Obstacles.

He is only the third rider since 2008 to have three horses in the top 10 in a CCI5*-L after Phillip Dutton in 2017 and Andrew Nicholson of New Zealand in 2013.

Boyd Martin is the first USA rider to reach the top of the Eventing world rankings in 21 years.

Kim Severson was the last American at the top in 2004, while David O’Connor did it back in 2000.

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Anne Kursinski to lead the jumping team in 3* Nations Cups in Denmark and Norway

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April 30, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team in its spring European CSIO3* tour.

The team is set to compete in the Nations Cup CSIO3* in Martofte, Denmark, from May 21-25, and the Nations Cup CSIO3* in Drammen, Norway, from June 5-9.

Both Nations Cup competitions are part of the European Equestrian Federation Series.

The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski and Team Leader Erin Keating.

The following riders have been selected to represent U.S. Jumping and are listed in alphabetical order.

Cathleen Driscoll of Elk Mills, Md.

Hallie Grimes of Houston, Texas.

Raleigh Hiler of Boston, Mass.

Alise Oken of Charlotte, N.C.

Alessandra Volpi of Woodside, Calif.

Competition Information

The competition in Denmark will begin Thursday, May 21.

The Grand Prix takes place Friday, May 23, while the Nations Cup competition will close out competition on Sunday, May 25.

Both the events in Denmark and Norway will be live streamed on ClipMyHorse.

The competition in Norway will begin Thursday, June 5.

The Nations Cup will take place on Saturday, June 7, while the Grand Prix closes out the competition on Monday, June 9.

Michael Jung won his fifth Kentucky Three-Day Event riding FischerChipmunk FRH

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April 29, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Germany’s Michael Jung on FischerChipmunk FRH scored a dominating win in the Kentucky Three-Day Event, finishing on a score of 25 on Sunday, April 27 after leading by a wide margin throughout the event.

Michael Jung on FischerChipmunk FRH (Photo by Jen Emig for MacMillan Photography)It was Jung's historic fifth win in the event.

Jung scored 18.6, a record, in the dressage, to lead Martin by 7.8, and he eventually won by 7.4, so it was his record setting dressage ride that won the event for him.

Jung went into Sunday’s show jumping leading by 11.8 faults, meaning he could have two rails down and time faults and still win.

Though he did have one rail down, he still had enough cushion to finish comfortably in first.

World #10 Boyd Martin chased Jung the whole way, finishing in second place with Commando 3 on 32.8, sixth with Fedarman B on 40.6, and seventh with Luke 140 on 44.7.

World #4 Harry Meade of Great Britain finished third and fourth with Et Hop Du Matz on 34.2 and Grafennacht on 39.6, respectively.

Et Hop Du Matz was the only horse to complete the weekend on his dressage score.

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Kent Farrington won the $400,000 Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix

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April 28, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Kent Farrington on Greya won the $400,000 Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix despite having to go first in the nine horse jump-off.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan Photography)Farrington made an incredible turn to fence three, an oxer over a liverpool, and laid down such a fast time of 42.93 that no one was able to catch him.

The others in the jump-off then had to try that turn, but it caused two stops and no one did it as smoothly and quickly as Farrington, who won by over two seconds.

Two-time Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam was second on James Kann Cruz, clean in 45.00, and Mimi Gochman was third on Inclen BH, clean in 46.06.

 Farrington calls Greya "a quintessential modern show jumper." 

“She’s incredibly fast, super careful, and a fighter,” he said. “She’s a real winner in her heart and an incredible horse, and I’m so proud of her tonight.”

Before a packed house of enthusiastic spectators, a field of 40 from 11 nations competed over the course set by Guilherme Jorge.

“None of these are easy wins,” Farrington said. “You look at the group in the jump-off today; you have top riders with their best horses and up-and-coming riders like Mimi. It was going to be a tough competition no matter what. All there was for me was to do my best round and hope that was enough. I knew I had a chance, but when somebody sets a mark and everybody comes after you, it’s almost always beatable. It’s all depending on how much risk you are willing to take.”

“She’s a very special horse in terms of talent, probably on another level than even many of the great horses I’ve had,” Farrington said. “But her character is very strong. It’s what makes her great, but it took time to build her up. She’s a boss mare, she runs the stable and is in charge and very confident in herself.”

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Michael Jung with a clean cross-country round extended his lead at the Kentucky Three-Day Event

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April 27, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Germany’s Michael Jung on FischerChipmunk FRH not only remained first after Saturday’s cross-country on Saturday, April 26 at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, but he also extended his lead to 11.8 despite his 2.4 time penalties.

Michael Jung on FischerChipmunk FRH (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan Photography) World #10 Boyd Martin on Commando 3 is second on 32.8, with World #4 Harry Meade of Great Britain on Et Hop Du Matz third on 34.

That 11.8 gap is the widest lead anyone has ever had going into the final phase of a CCI5*-L.

Jung, World #12, reigning Olympic champion and four-time Kentucky champion, went early in the day on the 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding.

“I had a great day and a super ride with FischerChipmunk,” Jung said. “He’s an amazing horse, super to ride in the dressage, very calm, but on cross-country, he’s full of energy. He went very well, galloping with a big stride. He’s very honest, and I can really trust him. We get better and better together. We’re still learning, but we have a great partnership."

“He felt a bit tired in some places today, so I gave him a bit of time,” he said. “I knew I was a bit behind on time, but he was galloping well to the end of the course, so I knew he was really fit to make it. I’m really happy about today.”

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Alex Matz on Cashew CR won the $35,000 Speed in Kentucky

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April 27, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Alex Matz on Cashew CR won the $35,000 CSI5*, 1.45m Speed class Friday evening, April 25 during the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

File photo of Alex Matz on Cashew CR (Photo by Ben Radvanyl Photography)Matz finished clean in 58.21t to win by two seconds over long time leader Simon McCarthy of Ireland on Gotcha, who had gone second in the order, and who had been clean in 61,20.

Conor Swail of Ireland on My Lady Lavista was third, clean in 62.42 and Alexandra Volpi on Candy Luck Z was fourth, clean in 62.72,

Matz went 38th of 52 and stood by the in-gate watching nervously as the last few horses went to see if his time would hold up, but no one came near to his time.

"He's done everything for me, said Matz. "I've had him from the beginning. He's the horse that changed everything for me."

"He loves to jump," said Matz. "He's lazy at home, but when he gets in the warm-up ring he lights up and he turns on."

"He thinks turn before I think turn," he said."As to where I think I won, I think the turn back after six, and then I left one out to the last."

Michael Jung still leads the Kentucky Three-Day Event while Boyd Martin is second, sixth and 11th

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April 26, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.,--Germany’s Michael Jung still leads after his record-breaking score of 18.6 in dressage, but Boyd Martin on Commando 3 is second on 26.0, Great Britain’s Tom McEwen on Brookfield Quality is third on 26.2, and Kentucky newcomer Libussa Lübbeke of Germany on Caramia 34 are just behind them in fourth on 27.1 on Friday, April 25 at the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Boyd Martin on Commando 3 Photo by Allen MacMillan)Jung has more than a 7-point lead over Martin, who had the misfortune to ride in the heaviest downpour of the day.

The four-time U.S. Olympian and current World #10 showed off Commando’s rideability as he worked through the stormy conditions.

“It might have helped me, actually, made him put his head down a bit further,” Martin said. “I was glancing up at the sky in the warmup, and thinking ‘this is not looking good,’ but some things you’ve got no control over. It was like a Louisiana typhoon, but I tried to stay in the moment. Commando is a champion horse, and he stayed focused. He can be spooky but maybe it distracted him a bit. I was thrilled with him.”

Martin is also sixth on Luke 140 on 27.9 and 11th on Fedarman B on 29.8.

As the highest-placed American entry, Martin on Commando currently lead the CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship and is second on Luke 140 and third on Fedarman B.

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Aaron Vale won the $75,000 CSI5* 1.50m Welcome Grand Prix Qualifier for the Kentucky International CSI5*

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April 26, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Aaron Vale on Gray's Inn won the 75,000 CSI5* 1.50m Welcome Grand Prix Qualifier at the Kentucky International CSI5* on Thursday evening, April 24.

Aaron Vale on Gray's Inn (Photo by Winslow Photography)Vale was clean in 35.09 seconds to win in an 11 horse jump-off from a starting field of 54.

Ireland’s Darragh Kenny on Eddy Blue was second, clean in 36.71, and Alex Matz on Ikigai was third in 36.83.

“I got from fence one to two in nine strides, which most of the fast ones did," said Vale. "Then I made a real effort to stay extra wide in the six from fences two to three, and I put a big curve in it. I could see I was inside everybody else’s tracks; I was in fresh dirt there,” said Vale. “Not only was I tighter around, but then I found a forward distance to the oxer, so I knew if stayed on the strides coming home, he’d be quick enough.”

Gray's Inn is owned and trained by his wife, Mallory.

“We’ve had him since he was a 4-year-old, and my wife’s done 90% of the work on him,” he said of the 11-year-old gray Warmblood. “So to have one like him since he shipped in from Slovakia, it’s just fun.”

Fourteen horses qualified for the jump-off, but three, Laura Kraut on Bisquetta, Kent Farringtono on Greya, and Charlotte Jacobs on Playboy JT Z, elected not to return, preferring to save themselves for Saturday’s $400,000 Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix.

Thursday’s $75,000 1.50m Welcome was the qualifier for Saturday’s $400,000 1.60m Grand Prix, with the top 40 in this class moving on.

Additionally, three riders, Olympic champion Christian Kukuk of Germany, McLain Ward and Alessandra Volpi, are prequalified for Saturday’s Grand Prix based on their FEI rankings.

The $35,000 1.45m Speed Cup takes place Friday evening following the conclusion of the Three-Day dressage.

Christian Kukuk, Kent Farrinton and McLain Ward to Compete in the Kentucky International CSI5*

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April 18, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Olympic champion and World #3 Christian Kukuk of Germany, World # 2 Kent Farrington and World 10 McLain Ward are among an impressive field of riders to compete in the $400,000, 1.60m Kentucky International CSI5*.

Christian Kukuk on Checker 47The field entered to compete over the course set by 2016 Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge includes 20 Olympians, top international stars from 12 countries and the three podium finishers from 2024.

The Kentucky International CSI5* is a part of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, April 23-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

With Kukuk joining countryman Michael Jung, the 2024 Olympic champion in Eventing, this year’s Kentucky weekend features the reigning Olympic champions in both disciplines!

The show jumping event begins Wednesday morning, April 23, with the $35,000 1.45m Two-Phase.

Thursday’s $75,000 1.50m Welcome Stake and Friday’s $35,000 1.45m Speed Cup both take place in the evenings after the conclusion of the Three-Day dressage competition.

The Kentucky International culminates with the featured $400,000 1.60m finale on Saturday evening after the event’s cross-country phase.

The entrants include two-time Kentucky champion and World #11 Conor Swail of Ireland), who is entered with his 2024 winning mount Casturano.

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Luis Larrazabal won the $62,000 Qualifier in Wellington

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April 18, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Venezuelan Olympian Luis Francisco Larrazabal on Condara won the $62,500 CSI3* Qualifier on Thursday, April 17 after winning the opening three-star event on Wednesday riding Belle de Muze during Wellington International’s Spring Series.

Luis Larrazabal on Condara (Photo by Sportfot)In the second round of the class held in a Winning Round format, Larrazabal went late in the order of the top 12 from the opening round.

He was clean in 40.08, nearly a full second over runner-up and fellow Paris Olympian Shane Sweetnam of Ireland, who was clean in 41.16 seconds.

The highest ranked female rider in the world, #18 Laura Kraut on 9-year-old Emeraldo 4, another up-and-coming mount, was third.

“When I have horses like these, I know they're fast and they have the experience to go for the class,” said Larrazabal of his back-to-back international wins, and a national 1.40m victory earlier in the day on Thursday. “I always try to go for the win, but also focus on my plan instead of looking to the other riders.

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Ben Maher on Ginger-Blue won the $120,000 Grand Prix in Wellington

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April 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla--British Olympic Champion Ben Maher ended his 2025 season in Wellington, FL, with back-to-back victories on the grass derby field during the Wellington International Spring Series.

Ben Maher on Ginger Blue (Photo by Spotfot)One day after a speed victory with Exit Remo, Maher on Ginger-Blue won the $120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday, April 13.

Maher was clean in 37.33 seconds to win in an 11-horse jump-off.

“She loves it on the grass over here,” said Maher, who has been battling through a fractured foot over the last several weeks. “She felt confident, but it’s always hard to know how much to do. I couldn't do anything more today. With the riders who were in the jump-off and Kent Farrington going last, it wasn't over until the last moment but fortunately it was enough for us today.”

Lacey Gilbertson on Loulou MPSZ was clean in 37.77 seconds to place second, and Canada’s Chris Pratt on Ideaal ES was third in 38.42 seconds.

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Kent Farrington on Myla won the $62,500 Qualifier in Wellington

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April 12, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--World no. 2 Kent Farrington on Myla won the $62,500 CSI3* Qualifier on the grass derby field over a field of 73 on Friday, April 11 during the second week of the Wellington International Spring Series.

Kent Farrington on Myla (Photo by Sportfot)“This is a nice experience for these horses before going into the summer,” said Farrington of the courses on the field designed by Mexico’s Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz. “Myla has stepped up to the top level, and this is her first win this season. She’s a strong part of my team that I’ll take to jump some Nations Cups this summer for Team USA.”

 “It's a big field and they used a lot of it in the jump-off,"he said "That's really about carrying a continuous rate of consistent speed for the course, which she has being that she’s a smaller thoroughbred type horse. She naturally covers the ground quite quickly.”

Farrington was clean in 44.76 seconds in the jump-off for the win, with Marilyn Little on La Contessa second in 45.45 seconds, and Ireland’s Robert Blanchette on Chardonnay third.

Farrington had a great season during the winter months in Wellington with back-to-back five-star grand prix victories, putting him close to taking the title of world no.1 from Henrik von Eckermann, an honor he held for almost a year in 2017/2018.

“It would be nice to do it again with a new group of horses,” he said. “That would be exciting for my whole team to get back there again, but it's not something that we chase. I think that's when you make poor decisions in management. We set out our calendar, and if we do end up getting world no. 1, it's a consequence of great results.”

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Ben Ebeling on Bellena wins again, this time in the Freestyle at WEC

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April 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

 OCALA, Fla.--Benjamin Ebeling on Bellena won the Grand Prix Freestyle on Friday, April 11 in the April Dressage CDI4* at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala

Ben Ebeling on Bellena (Photo by Andrew Ryback)It was Ebeling's first freestyle on Bellena, and he had never ridden the floorplan or ridden to the music.

Ebeling received his music from Karen Robinson two days earlier, and it included the songs “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan, “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani, and “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado.

“I really love the music,” said the 25-year-old Ebeling. “Karen Robinson is a good friend of mine, and we just work so well together. We’ve been working together for 10 years now, since I was a junior rider. This music was also a little bit of a nod to my former mount, Indeed, also a very strong mare. It’s all very female inspired for Bellena.”

“I think that was my best ride ever,” said Ebeling. “It was just incredible feedback. The mare is such a powerhouse, and I think she really settled into this environment. She definitely feeds on an audience. I think this girl really loves to dance.”

Ebeling has only ridden Bellena for four months.

“This is really, for me, just an opportunity to train my horse,” he said. “It may look like a great, finished product, but I know there’s still a lot to work on. When my horse and I are acting in unity and as one, like we did tonight, I know that I’m on the right path, and that’s good enough for me. I contribute having a great, mistake-free test tonight to all of the work that we’ve put in training and couldn’t be happier with my horse.”

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Luis Goncalves won over McLain Ward in $32,000 Speed in Wellington

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April 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--The Winter Equestrian Festival may be over, but top riders are still competing in Wellington in the Spring Series.

Luis Sabino Goncalves on Vick du Croisy (Photo by Sportfot)Portugal’s Luis Sabino Goncalves on Vick du Croisy won over McLain Ward on L Serra in the one-round $32,000 CSI3* 1.45m, a class on the grass derby field that drew a record number of 72 competitors on Thursday, April 10.

Despite going second, Goncalves finished in 33.5, a time that couldn't be beaten.

Six-time U.S. Olympian Ward was the closest challenger and finished second in 33.80 seconds over the course set by Mexico’s Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz.

Egyptian Olympian Nayel Nassar finished third in 33.85 seconds riding Dorado de Riverland.

“When I have a lot of good riders in the field, normally I rise,” said Gongalves of the group that included a number of Olympians and five of the world’s top 15 ranked athletes. “Vick du Croisy is unconventional, she goes with her head a little bit up and back a little hollow, but she's a fighter.

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Ben and Jan Ebeling place first and second in the 4* Grand Prix at WEC

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April 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla.--Benjamin Ebeling on Bellena and his father Jan on Jubi’s Tenacity placed first and second respectively in the Grand Prix CDI4* at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Thursday, April 10.

Ben Ebeling on Bellena (Photo by Andrew Ryback)In only their seventh CDI class together, Ben Ebeling of Wellington, Fla., and Bellena delivered a smooth test for a score of 68.717%.

Jan Ebeling on Jubi’s Tenacity was close behind with a score of 68.065%.

Denielle Gallagher of Canada on Come Back de Massawas third with 67.630%.

While Ebeling has only been showing Bellena since February, they have been in the top five in every class, including two wins in CDI3* competition last week.

“Though our score was not as high as our Grand Prix from last week, I actually had a better feeling tonight,” said Ebeling. “She was a little more with me. It’s a marriage between horse and rider. You can’t ask for too much early on. I think you kind of have to steady your way into it, and in six months to a year’s time from now, we’re going to be looking even better than we did tonight. I’m really excited about the partnership.”

Ebeling took over the ride on Bellena from his father Jan, who had ridden and trained the 15-year-old Hanoverian mare since she was a young horse.

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Centenary University one of only eight qualified for the IHSA Finals

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April 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

GLADYS, Va.--Centenary University is one of eight qualified for the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Finals to be held at the indoor complex at Tryon International in Mill Spring, N. C., May 2–4.

The Centenary University winners (Photo by Jenna O'Connor)IHSA held eight Zone Finals across North America from March 29 to April 6. 

These premier hunter seat competitions determined the teams and individual riders advancing to the IHSA National Championship.

From each Zone Finals, the top two teams and the top two individual riders from each division all qualified to compete at the highlight of the IHSA season.

The top three USHJA/IHSA Hunter Seat High-Point Riders from each Zone qualifying class are eligible to compete in the USHJA/IHSA Hunter Seat High-Point Rider, Presenting the Cacchione Cup.

The IHSA National Championship determines the team and individual champions in both hunter seat and Western.

The Western qualifiers were determined at the NRHA Western Semi-Finals in March.

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