Competitions

Shane Sweetnam won the $120,000 3* Grand Prix in Wellington

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November 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--It's still November and a month and a half until the Winter Equestrian Festival, but top riders are already beginning to arrive in Wellington to compete.

Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z (Photo by Cassidy Klein)

Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z won the #120,000 CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday, No. 16..

FEI Level 3 Course Designer Héctor J. Loyola of Puerto Rico set the course, presenting riders with technical questions and forward-thinking lines.

Sweetnam on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, was clean in the jump-off, finishing in a winning time of 44.5 seconds.

“He’s still only 9, but he’s had a great year,” Sweetnam said of the gelding who is moving up to the bigger tracks.

Germany’s Rupert Carl Winkelmann on Imodo was clean in 44.65 seconds, just fractions off Sweetnam’s time, to finish second, and Natalie Dean on Con Calma, clean in 46.86 seconds, was third.

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Sydney Elliott won the 4*L at Terranova

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November 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

MYAKKA CITY, Fla.--Sydney Elliott on QC Diamantaire, barn name “Q”, had a clean stadium jumping rounn on Sunday, Nov, 16 to move up from second place to win the feature event, the CCI4*-L at Terranova over 11 horses that returned for the final phase.

Sydney Elliot on CC Diamantaire (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)Will Coleman on Diabolo had won the CCI4*-S the day before.

After a double-clear cross-country round Saturday over a challenging course, Elliott had another clean round jumping, just one second over the optimum time, to secure the CCI4*-L victory.

Phillip Dutton on Possante had been in the lead after dressage with a score of 26.8, but after a rider fall at Fence 6A on cross-country, Dutton was eliminated.

“Dressage has been a work in progress with him,” said Elliott, who was second in that phase score on a sore of of 29.3. “He’s so striking and has great movement, but we’ve never really been consistently scoring in the 20s. I’ve been working with Bettina Hoy for the last few years, just chipping away little by little to improve in the phase.”

“After cross-country yesterday, he felt incredible, so fresh, and even during the hold on the cross-country course, he wasn’t breathing hard," said Elliott. "That gave me a lot of confidence coming into today. He was very fresh this morning, which I was thankful for. He jumped well in the warm-up, and we kept things simple. I focused on not overthinking it. He knows his job and loves it, so I just let him enjoy himself out there, and here we are!”

Elliott had been briefly held on course while a frangible pin was reset from the rider ahead of them, which didn’t seem to faze QC Diamantaire.

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Ben Ebeling won the Freestyle at the Dressage Final in Thermal

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November 18, 2025

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Ben Ebeling on Bellena won the Freestyle to be the inaugural US Equestrian Open Dressage Final Champion on Saturday evening, Nov. 15.

Ben Ebeling on Bellena (Photo by Avery Wallace)Ebeling on Bellena had a personal best score of 79.903% for their freestyle composition to a mix of iconic female pop artists.

Felicitas Hendricks of Germany on Drombusch OLD was second on a score of 78.260%, and Anna Marek on Fayvel finished third on 77.830%.

The competition this week at Desert International Horse Park also marked the first-ever CDI5* hosted on the West Coast.

The day before, Marek on Fayvel had won the FEI Grand Prix CDI5*

“Every time I ask this horse to come through for me, she is just so clutch," said Ebeling. "She’s just an incredible competitor and I’m so lucky to have her by my side and in that arena. We’ve been working together for a year now and we’re just continuing to build this synergetic and symbiotic bond. I’m just so proud of her. As I’ve said, a rider is nothing without their horse, so really, thank you, Belle."

Ebeling of Wellington, Fla., took over the ride from his father, Olympian Jan Ebeling, in late 2024, and the pair have continued to improve with Bellena’s growing consistency and attitude.

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Conor Swail won the $250,000 World Cup Toronto

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November 16, 2025

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Conor Swail of Ireland on Casturano won the $280,000 Jumping World Cup Toronto, a qualifying class for the World Cup, on Saturday evening, Nov. 15 at the CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show, a part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Conor Swail on Casturano (Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan Photoraphy)In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 6,500 fans and over a course designed by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany., Swail  finished clean in 41.24 seconds to win.

In the firsr round, Swail was clean despite losing his stirrup with three fences still to jump, although his leg was  so tight you wouldn't have noticed it but for the stirrup flapping against the horse's side.

Two up-and-coming 21-year-old riders  were the only others clean in the first round of 21 contestants.

Skylar Wireman on Barclino B placed second in 42.08, while Mimi Gochman on Inclen BH. was third.

“If I do my job correctly and give him a good opportunity to do well, he generally does,” said Swail, 53, who left daring strides out to the second fence in the jump-off. “Both these kids are very good riders and they are great horsewomen. They’re tough to beat, so when I went in last and saw an opportunity there for me to win, I gave it my best shot.”

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Alex Matz on Cashew CR won the Winning Round in Toronto

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November 15, 2025

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--For Alex Matz of Cochranville, Pa., on Cashew CR, it was an emotional victory in the $90,000 Royal Winning Round on Friday evening, Nov, 14, at the CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show, a part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Alex Matz on Cashew CR (Photo by Ben Radvanyl)As he rode into the ring for the presentation, Matz announced the retirement of the 17-year-old horse that began his now very successful career that includes a number of top horses.

Throughout their nine-year partnership, Matz and Cashew CR amassed 47 international podium finishes together, including two CSI5*-W wins at last year’s Royal Horse Show.

“To have him go out on such a high note is really special; he’s a champion and he should go out with a win,” said Matz. “We decided a couple of months ago that at the end of this year, he would be retired. He’s given so much to me, the best that we can do for him is to give him a happy retirement when he’s still sound and healthy. I’m sure he would do more for us, but he doesn’t owe me anything.”

Both Matz's mother DD, who owns Cashew, and father Michael were in the crowd, cheering as Cashew CR scored his final win.

From Friday’s starting field, the 10 top returned in reverse order of standing to start with zero faults over the course set by Olaf Petersen, Jr.

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Mark Bluman won the $175,000 Big Ben Challenge in Toronto

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November 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Mark Bluman of Colombia on Ubiluc won the $170,000 Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge on Thursday evening, Nov. 13, at the CSI5*-W Royal Horse Show, a part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Mark Bluman on Ubiluc (Photo by Shelley Higgins for MacMillan Photography)This was Bluman's second win in as many evenings after winning the McKee Family International Speed Wednesday night.

Over a course set by Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany, Bluman was clean in 35.62 seconds.

Nina Mallevaey, 25, of France, on Nikka vd Bisschop finished three tenths of a second slower in 35.93 to place second, and  Brian Moggre, 24, on MTM Vivre le Reves was third in 36.42 seconds.

The German-bred Ubiluc has been a part of the Bluman Equestrian program since the 13-year-old gelding was 6.

Ridden by Mark as a 6 and 7-year-old, his cousin, Daniel, then took over the ride and developed the horse to the international level.

He gave the ride back to Mark in 2023 and, since then, the pair have collected an astounding 44 top 10 international finishes.

“I told Daniel to watch the jump-off because I wanted to concentrate on warming up the horse correctly,” said Mark, 34, who is competing at the Royal Horse Show for the first time. “He told me exactly what I needed to do to make it happen and it paid off. He’s a very fast horse so I had that to my advantage.”

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Erynn Ballard and Mark Bluman win in Toronto

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November 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard and Colombian Mark  Bluman won the first two international jumping classes at the Royal Winter Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Joyce Dow, holding the Carl J. Dow Memorial Award, together with Tara Dow-Rein (second from right) and Cassidy Rein (far right) present to members of the McKee family ahead of the McKee Family International Challenge (Photo by Jump Media)

Bluman on Phelina de Septon won the $35,250 McKee Family Speed class during the evening session, while Ballard on Let's Fly won the $31,500 Strength and Speed in the afternoon.

Alex Matz, going fourth in the speed class, set a very fast time to beat of 58.94, a time that looked uncatchable, until Bluman went late in the class and incredibly cut three full seconds of Matz' time to finish in 55.40 for the win.

Kaitlin Campbell on Cosm Hesed placed third in 59.40.

"She's great," said Bluman of Phelina de Septon. "I started riding her at the end of May, and we've only finished out of the money once. She's brave and fast. She can win speed classes and also win big jump-off classes."

"I said to Alex that I didn't think I was going that fast." said  Bluman. "This is the first year that I've had the privilege of riding in Toronto."

The arena in Toronto is packed day and night, and in the evening the boxes are filled with men in white tie and tails and ladies dressed in beautiful evening gowns.

The Royal Winter Fair includes breed classes, hackney and harness and four-in-hand coaching competitions along with a variety of other classes.

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JJ Torano won the Maclay Finals and the 1.35m Grand Prix at the National

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November 5, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Emerging super star JJ Torano led from start to finish to win the ASPCA Maclay Finals by a big margin, and he also won the 1.35m Jumper Grand Prix against top adult riders as well as placing third in the 1.45m Grand Prix and, to demonstrate his versatility, also dominated the junior hunter divisions

JJ Torano on Favorite Edition Z in the Maclay (Photo frpm the National Horse Show)At 15 years of age, Torano is already consistently winning against top adult riders, having won a number of national jumper classes against Olympic medalists last winter at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

And, having won the Medal Finals last year at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Torano has now won the two top junior equestrian championships which have been won by such super stars as Billy Steinkraus, Frank Chapot, George Morris and Lillie Kennan.

Torano won the ASPCA Maclay National Championship with a final score of 93.46 over Parker Peacock, second on Montverdi with a final score of 89.03, and Madison Ramsey on Mac One III with a final score of 88.40.

Torano on Favorite Edition Z won by over four points, while those finishing second through 12 were all separated by a point or less.

Torano on Good Mood Semilly won the $20,000 1.35m Open Grand Prix, clean in the jump-off with the fastest time of 33.94 seconds to win over Irelands's Simon McCarthy on Sea Coast Queen B Van’t Paradijs and Mary Lisa Leffler on Zaza Z.

In the 100,00 1.45.Grand Prix,Torano on Vitus K was third behind Allssandra Volpi on Glamour and Sloane Coles on Ninja JW van de Moerhoeve.

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JJ Torano was the Classic Series Leading Rider

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October 30, 2025

By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--JJ Torano won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series Leading Rider Award, presented at the Washington International Horse Show on Saturday, Oct. 25.

JJ Torano on Oopsala winning the 1.35m Final (Photo by Shawn McMillen)Torano also rode Good Mood Semilly  to win the Leading Horse Award.

“Obviously, it’s been a great year,” Torano said. “To win something like this is a very, very big win. It’s such a great feeling. My mom’s won this award three times, so I guess the thing for me to do now is try to beat her record.”

The 2025 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series Finals were held at the Washington International on Saturday over courses set by Nick Granat.

Mary Rose Canterbury of Houston, Texas won the $20,000, 1.45m Final and Torano of Wellington, Flla., won the $15,000, 1.35m Final.

In the $20,000 1.45m Final, only Canterbury went clean in the first round to win on Extase Ste Hermelle.

Jole Kosloske of Tampa, Fla., finished second on Crystal Claire, and Torano was third on Vitus K.

“I went in seventh in the order, so I didn’t really get to watch anyone else go,” Canterbury said. “But I did manage to watch the 1.35m, which had the same initial course. I knew it was challenging enough, so I really just focused on giving my mare a confident ride. She tried so hard every single jump. I didn’t expect to be the only clear; I thought there would be a couple of others after me, so I immediately started making my jump-off plans. Luckily, I was able to give my horse the extra rest."

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Laura Kraut won the $340,000 President's Cup Grand Prix in Washington

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October 26, 2025

By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z won the President's Cup for the $340,000 FEI Jumping World Cup qualifier at the Washington CSI5*-W Horse Show on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z (Photo by Shawn McMillen)Earlier on Saturday, Olivia Sweetnam and JJ Torano dominated the junior divisions.

This was Kraut's second victory in the President's Cup. 

The field of 24 of the world’s top riders, including world numbers one, two, eight and 10  and 12 Olympians, competed over a course set by Nick Granat.

Eight of those were clean to go on the jump-of, but only three were able to go clean a second time.

As the fourth to go in the jump-off, and the first to go clean, Kraut set the time to beat at 40.83 seconds on a horse purchased from British show jumper Tim Gredley 18 months ago.

“I didn't think that seven strides was possible from fences two to three, but Lillie Keenan did it right before I went, so I thought, ‘I'll see how I jump fence two and give it a go.’" said Kraut. "He grew wings to do that because it was very far away, and I can't believe he did it. Then, I just went as quick as I could go with him. He's a handy horse. It was one of the reasons why I thought it would be good to bring him indoors, and he just tries really hard.”

“Being that the Final is in my home country, I think that would be really fun,” she said.

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Rodrigo Pessoa on Carrie 9 won the $63,000 Accumulator fun Costume class in Washington

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October 26, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

UPPER MARLBORO, Md--Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil on Corrie 9, dressed as Top Gun's Maverick, won the $63,000 Accumulator Costume class on Friday, Oct. 24 at the Washington International Horse Show.

Rodrigo Pessoa on Corrie 9 (Photo by Shawn McMillen)As is usual in Washington for the Costume class and Barn Night, the stands were packed.

And while it was good fun, and the riders seemed to enjoy getting dressed up, the competition was very serious.

Mclain Ward on First Lady had the unenviable spot of going first in the class of 23 competitors.

Dressed as the American Flag, Captain America Ward got the maximum number of points of 65 and set the very fast time of 49.13.

In an Accumulator class, fence one is worth one point, fence two is worth two points, fence three is three points, etc. with a final fence, the Joker, worth 20 points if jumped clean.

Fifth to go, Pessoa beat Ward by almost two seconds, finishing with 65 points in 47.43 to eventually win.

Daniel Coyle of Ireland on Incredible, and obviously dressed as Mr. Incredible in a tight red , Superman type of costume with his horse's neck 
also covered in red, then finished with 65 points in 47.51 to place second, dropping Ward to third.

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McLain Ward on First Lady won the $63,000 Welcome Stake in Washington

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October 24, 2025

By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--U.S. Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward on First Lady won the $63,000 FEI Welcome Stake, and Daniel Bluman of Israel on Gemma won the $63,000 Stars & Stripes Speed Stake, the second class of the evening on Thursday, Oct, 23.

McLain Ward on First Lady (Photo by Shawn McMillen)Course designer Nick Granat set the course for the night’s opening class, the Welcome Stake, and 28 competed in the opening round.

Eight were clean and continued to the jump-off, while one, Lillie Keenan, chose not to return.

Ward and First Lady set a fast time of 33.15 seconds for the win, with Mimi Gochman second in 33.55 seconds, and world number two rider Ben Maher of Great Britain on Faltic HB third in 34.66 seconds.

“I thought it was challenging enough,” said Ward of the course. “Nick is a great course builder, but he builds very delicate. I thought he had the right number clear. It was a fair, welcoming test.

“In the jump-off, I know she’s quick,” he said. “I thought if I could get the first two jumps done — where sometimes she can jump a little high — I had a very good chance.”

First Lady was back in her first five-star competition since March.

She sustained an injury in May that took her out of competition until she returned to the FEI ring two weeks ago in two-star competition.

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Washington International opens with wins for Casaccio and Roman

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October 22, 2025

By Staff Writers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md.--Kendall Casaccio of Marmora.N.J., on Freya d’Ambrel won the $12,500 Adult Hunter Championship to open the Washington International Horse Show on Monday, October 20,

Kendall Casaccio on Freya d'Amel (Photo by Shawn McMiillen)After winning at Capital Challenge, Casaccio won her second championship of the indoor season  when she scored 83 in the first round and improved to score 86 in the second round for a total of 169.

Molly Welborn on Theory was second wtih a total of 168, and Rachel Tanio on So Cool was third with 167.5..

Casaccio got Freya through Emil Spadone two years ago when she was imported from Europe as a jumper.

“I got to ride her in Ocala two years ago, and I just fell in love with her,” she said. “She's become a great hunter. She has always been so brave and transitioned to the hunters beautifully. She never has looked at any of the jumps and has always jumped in such a great form. She really fell so naturally into the hunters and has been so successful at it.”

“I've always wanted tto win at Washington as long as I have watched this class,” she said, “and I always wanted to trot in with the bright red cooler. It was really special being able to do that today.”

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Nicola Philippaerts won the $340,000 Grand Prix in Tryon, Kent Farrington third

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October 21, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRYON, N.C.--Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium rode a star in the making, Gadget Mouche, to win the $340,000 CSI5* 1.60m Grand Prix on Saturday night, Oct. 18 at Major League Show Jumping, Leg 5, at Tryon International.

Nicola Philippaerts on Gadget Mouch A seasoned Belgian Nations Cup rider and member of MLSJ team Archers, Philippaerts returned at the bottom half of a 12-horse jump-off over courses designed by Peter Grant of Canada.

Gadget Mouche—a French-bred Andiamo Semilly-son—was produced through the Philippaerts program by his father Ludo and brother Thibault and is now making a name for himself at the five-star level.

Philippaerts first moved up the gelding tp the 5* ranks at Spruce Meadows only a month ago.

When Philippaerts went, it looked very hard to win as Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz, his mount from the 2024 Paris Olympics, had set a blistering pace of 43.94 seconds to take over the lead from world no. 1 Kent Farrington on Greya.

“If you can beat these guys with these horses, it's always very nice to be able to do that,” said Philippaerts, who won his first competition in MLSJ Grand Prix.

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Matthew Boddy on Keatingstown Miami won the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National

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October 20, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Matthew Brody on Keatingstown Miami won the $100,000 Grand Prix de Penn National in a four horse jump-off on Saturday evening, Oct. 18.

Matthew Boddy on Keatingstown Miami (Photo by Andrew Ryback)It was Boddy’s first time attending the Pennsylvania National Horses Show, and he made it memorable, as his wife, Taylor Boddy, and their newborn son, Blake Boddy, watched his win. 

“It’s a very prestigious grand prix,” said Boddy. “I’ve never jumped here before, and in my first go in the grand prix I won. My horse was amazing. My team’s amazing; my amazing wife and my newborn son are here at his first show, so it’s a really emotional evening.”

In the jump-off, over a course set by Oscar Soberon, no one went clean.

Boddy, who rides for Great Britain, was the fastest of the four-fault rounds with a time of 34.26 seconds.

Last to go, Laura Chapot on C&C Willow, who won the opening 1.40m class on Wednesday with the mare, looked as though she might win until she had the last fence down, and her time of 34.53 seconds was just a hair slower.

Seth Vallhonrat of Malvern, Pa., om Lordy-P was third in 35.880, and Carly Campbell Cooper on Qornet VD Bisschop was fourth with eight faults in 32.794.

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Adam Sklansky won the 1.30m Classic, Laura Chapot second and Leading 1.30m Rider

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October 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Adam Sklansky, 30 of Birmingham, Ala., on Zibaloubet Z won the $30,000 1.30m Commonwealth Classic on Friday, Oct. 17 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Adam Sklamsku on Zibaloubet Z (Photo by Andrew Ryback)Sklansky has been coming to the Pennsylvania National since he was a kid competing on ponies.

But, Sklansky has never quite gotten his big Harrisburg win until now. 

Sklansky and the grey Zangersheide gelding was one of 13 to make the  jump off over the Oscar Soberon-designed course, and Sklansky had the winning time of 35.41 seconds.

That time narrowly edged out the week’s winningest 1.30m rider, Laura Chapot.

Chapot on Tyson Fury was clean in 36.25 seconds to place second, and she also finished third in 36.68 seconds on Calafornia..

“I’ve never won anything here. I’ve had a lot of chips here!” said Sklansky. “I finally won something, and it means a lot. It’s big show, so it’s fun to be here.”

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Monica Spencer of New Zealand leads the Maryland 5* after dressage with Caroline Pamukcu second

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October 17, 2025

By Staff Writers

FAIR HILL, Md.--Monica Spencer of New Zealand on her 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Artist, had their international personal best score and leads following the CCI5*-L Dressage competition at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill on Friday, Oct. 17,

Monica Spencer on Artist (Photo by Allen MacMillan)Spencer finished Dressage with a total score of 23.7 with Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake second on a score of 28.2, Felix Vogg of New Zealand on Cartania follows close behind in third on 28.3 and Boyd Martin onCommando 3 fourth on 31.0.

Spencer, now based in the U.S., on Artist helped New Zealand win a team bronze at the 2022 World Eventing Championships, has completed many 5* events, including a strong showing at Kentucky this year and had a top finish at Maryland in 2023.

“We really enjoyed ourselves out there and he was offering me plenty of energy, but I managed to keep a lid on it and he showed himself off well, so I was really pleased,” said Spencer. “He’s a good boy.”

“I’ve had him since he was 4, so we’ve been together a little while, and he’s just been a great horse for me, he has taken me all over the world,” said Spencer of the former racehorse. “We come to these big events and I’m just thankful to be here. He just tries so hard.”

Pamukcu and HSH Blake also had their best ever 5-star score and the first time she has gotten below a score below 30.0.

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Tori Corts won the $30,000 1.40m Welcome jumper class in Harrisburg

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October 18, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Tori Corts on Semi Automatic won the $30,000 1.40m Welcome on Thursday evening, October 16, at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. 

Tori Corts on Semi Automatc (Photo by Andrew Ryback)He actually hit the first jump, which is very unlike him, and then he touched the second jump as well,” Corts said of her first round. “So, then I was like, ‘All right, it’s fine, he’ll get into it.’ Then I came around, and I had a really bad distance, but then he started jumping really, really well.”

“There was an inside turn from fence one to two, and I didn’t really want to take the option,” said Corts after the jump-off. “I saw that when Laura Chapot went in, she actually didn’t do it. So, I was like, ‘Okay, maybe I won’t have to do it.’ Then, my brother-in-law’s cousin told me, ‘Just commit to it. Just do it.’”

Corts did it, and it paid off as she finished in a winning 40.26 seconds.

Second in 42.60 seconds was Seth Vallhonrat on Lordy-P, and Chapot on Ginola was third in 42.73 seconds.

Corts bred Semi Automatic and also competed the gelding’s mother, Rockstar, in the junior jumpers.

“Their canter is really similar,” Corts said. “On Rockstar, I always felt like I could see my distance through the turn. I feel the same way about him. He’s super careful and really wants to win.”

“Obviously all my horses I’ve had throughout my career – I love them all, but he’s a little extra special, I have to say,” Corts said.

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Isabelle Bosley of New Zealand leads the Maryland 5* after dressage, Caroline Pamukcu is second

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October 17, 2025

By Staff Writers

FAIR HILL, Md.--Monica Spencer of New Zealand on Artist ,had their international personal best score and now leads following the CCI5*-L Dressage competition at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

Spenser finished Dressage with a total score of 23.7 to lead with Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake second on a score of 28.2, Felix Vogg of New Zealand on Cartania follows close behind in third on 28.3 and Boyd Martin on Luke 140 is fourth.

Spencer, now based in the U.S., has steadily built Artist into a high-level partner.

She helped New Zealand win a team bronze at the 2022 World Eventing Championships and has completed many 5* events, including a strong showing at Kentucky this year and a top finish at Maryland in 2023.

“We really enjoyed ourselves out there and he was offering me plenty of energy, but I managed to keep a lid on it and he showed himself off well, so I was really pleased,” said Spencer. “He’s a good boy."

“I’ve had him since he was 4, so we’ve been together a little while, and he’s just been a great horse for me, he has taken me all over the world,” said Spencer of the former racehorse. “We come to these big events and I’m just thankful to be here. He just tries so hard.”

Pamukcu on HSH Blake had their best ever 5-star score and the first time she has gotten below a score below 30.0.

“This is our first time at the 5 Star level, and I am just over the moon with how he performed,” said Pamukcu. “He felt like he really enjoyed himself. When I came into the arena, it’s like he kicked into another gear and just felt happy which made me happy.”

Four time U.S. Olympic veteran, Boyd Martin on Luke 140 led following the first day of dressage competition and is now fourth on 31.0

Martin won the inaugural Maryland 5 Star in 2021 and is among the favorites in this year’s 5th annual event.

“I was pretty happy with Luke,” said Martin. “He is a very talented horse and he’s got an amazing ability. The biggest challenge I’ve got is to keep him settled under a lot of atmosphere, and he went around and did a very nice test today. I was pleased.”

In the CCI3* following dressage, Maryland native Isabelle Bosley  leads with a score of 24.8 aboard Conner, an 8-year-old gelding.

“I was thrilled with him,” said Bosley. “I’ve had this horse for a couple years now and he’s always been a bit of a hothead, but he really stayed with me and I felt like I could kind of push a little bit more with all of the marks. He’s the best he has felt in the ring. He has leveled up for me and I am just so proud of how much he has matured over the years. He came out and did everything right today.”

Alyssa Phillips on Rockett 19 is close behind in second with a 25.5, while Olivia Dutton on Jewelent, who had Thursday’s top performance, is third on a 28.1.

Tommy Greengard on Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad is fourth with a 28.2, 

Dutton is fresh off her first international victory at last weekend’s Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, where she won on Sea of Clouds with a score of 57.1.

“It was great to have a good weekend last week and it is nice to have that extra confidence boost coming into this week,” said Dutton. “I am on a new horse and we are still getting to know each other so I am just going to ride the best that I can.”

On Saturday, riders will compete over the cross-country course designed by new course designer, Pierre Le Goupil,.

The event is being streamed globally via ClipMyHorse.TV and regionally via Maryland Public Television.

Earlier in the day, the CCI3-L* division began with dressage competition in the Main Arena, and Olivia Dutton on Jewelent leads on a score of 28.1.

Tommy Greengard on Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad is second with a 28.2, and Laine Ashker on Lovedance iis third on 30.0. 

Laura Chapot won both jumper classes in Harrisburg

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October 16, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa--Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J.,, placed first and second in the first open jumper class, the 1.30m Two Phase, and then won the second class, too, the 1.40m Twp Phase, on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Laura Chapot on Tyson Fury (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photogaphy)Chapot won the $10,000 1.30m Two Phase on Tyson Fury, clean in 26.39, and placed second on Calafornia, clean in 27.14, and she won the $10,000 1.40m Twp Phase on C&C Wlllow,clean in 25.63.

Steven Bluman was third in the 1.40m on Cachemire De Braize in 27.53 seconds.

A regular at the Pennsylvania National, Chapot had three horses in the 1.30m class, and Tyson was the second of her three rides.

“She is a pretty competitive horse,” said Chapot of the Irish Sport Horse mare. “In fact, she’s probably more difficult to slow down than to go forward. So, for her, I wanted her to just have a good experience, and for sure she could be competitive to win the class, but also just a positive, forward experience, because as I said, her biggest fault might be that she jumps too high, and she’s a little bit difficult in between the jumps if you try and slow her down too much. So just trying to keep it smooth and keep her focused on the fences, and then she gives it her all every time.”

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Kate Conover on Clear As Day was Harrisburg Grand Hunter Champion

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October 15, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Kate Conover on Clear As Day won the Grand Hunter Championship at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show on Tuesday, Oct. 14,

Kate Conover on Clear as Day (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography)With four wins and a second place in the Green Conformation Hunter, Conover won the Grand Green Hunter Championship with enough points to also to also win the Grand Championship.

“It’s very special,” said Conover. “I’m from Pipersville, Pa., originally, so I was coming here as a kid and watching, and this is a big deal for me. Coming from this state to win Grand Hunter Champion, it’s amazing.”

Clear As Day is normally ridden by Nick Haness, but he was unable to ride this week, so trainer Carleton Brooks asked if Conover would ride him in Harrisburg.

“Nick is one of my best friends, so we kind of share horses,” said Conover. “I’ve ridden horses when he’s not here in the past, so he gave me all the directions I needed to have a successful week, and Carleton’s program is great, so it was really fun to come here.”

“He’s as easy going as can be,” Brooks said of the gelding. “He likes to lay down a lot, and he can be frisky, but he’s always been show, all show. By the time he comes to the horse show, he’s all show.”

Michael Britt-Leon on Cannon Beach was the reserve champions in Green Conformation Hunters.

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Bull Run Hunt won the PNHS Hunt Night Championship while Cheshire won the featured Hunt Team class

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October 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

 HARRISBURG, Pa.--For the first time since 2019, the Bull Run Hunt l won the Hunt Night Championship on Monday, Oct. 13 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show,

Cheshire won the Hunt Team classEighteen hunt teams, made up from riders from across 11 different hunt clubs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey participated in Monday’s Hunt Night competition.

Throughout the evening, riders participated in Field Hunter, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Team classes in order to earn individual ribbons and points towards the team championship.

Bull Run Hunt traveled up from Mitchells, Va., with the goal of having a good time and enjoying their horses.

“We have fun,” said Becca Pizmoht, who serves as a board member for the hunt and coordinated their trip to Pennsylvania. “We like to compete, but we also have fun. We don’t take ourselves all that seriously. Our hunt motto is, before we all go off every time is to say, ‘What are we going to do today?’ and we all cheer, ‘Have fun and kick on!’”

Three time reigning champions Keswick Hunt Club was reserve, while Mr. Stewart's Cheshire Foxhounds team won the featured Hunt Team class.

Dr. Anne Renzetti, Julia Marinan and Kelsie Haverlock were on Cheshire;s winning team, while Cheshirse team 2 of Skylar McKenna, BuzzFisher and Christina Jerell placed fourth. 

McKenna on Sovereign Fund also placed second in Field Hunters Under 35.

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Olivia Sweetnam won the Hunter Seat Medal Final

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October 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, Fla., and Lexington, Ky., won the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final over 157 juniors after two rounds and a four rider work-off on Sunday, Oct, 12 at the 79th Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Olivia Sweeetnam on Efendi (Photo b y Andrew Ryback Photography)For the past two years, Sweetnam has been one of the four riders chosen for a final work-off, and this time, the victory was hers.

“This is my fourth time doing Medal Finals, I believe, and I’ve been lucky enough to have a really good go all three times,” said Sweetnam, who finished in fourth in 2023 and in fifth in 2024. “This is my third year in a row testing, and I’ve tragically messed up the test both other times. So, I’m really happy to be able to pull it off today! I’ve been wanting to win this final for a really long time.”

Finishing in second place was Parker Peacock of Pfafftown, N.C., and Lily Epstein of Coral Gables, Fla., was third

In an impressive, and likely unprecedented, feat for trainers Ken and Emily Smith, all three of Sunday’s top finishers train for the equitation at the Smith’s Ashland Farms.

Following the first-round course, judges Ralph Caristo and Michael Tokaruk selected the top 25 to advance to round two.

“For the first round, I just wanted a smooth, consistent round. I didn’t want many changes in pace,” said Sweetnam. “All three rounds actually were very suited to my horse, so I’m very thankful for that. Efendi is the best, and I knew that he was beyond capable of this. He’s done it before with different riders, so he’s really the talent in the pair.”

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Clara Propp won the individual gold medal in the Junior Jumper National Championships

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October 12, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Clara Propp of New York, N.Y., on Mistral van de Vogelzang won the Individual Championsip of the USEF Junior Jumper National Championships on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Clara Propp on Mistral van d Vogelzang (Photo by Andrew Ryback)On Saturday evening,in the third and final day of junior jumper competition, Propp moved from fifth place for the win,

Going into the final round, Propp was on a cumulative score of 4.8, while just fractions of a point separated the top three, including Avery Griffin on a score of 0.87, Gabriella Curry with a score of 0.88 and JJ Torano with a score of 0.95.

Riders returned to the Harrisburg Coliseum in reverse order of their standings to compete over a course set by Oscar Soberon, and a clear round from Propp and Mistral van de Vogelzang put pressure for the four riders that followed her.

As a least one rail fell for each of them, Propp continued to move up the leaderboard.

With one rail down in the final phase, the silver medal went to Griffin on Oh My Star Van Strytem on an incredibly close score of 4.87, and Torano and Lyon 50 won the bronze on a 4.95 score.

“My horse is absolutely incredible,” said Propp of her 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. “I’m really happy that it all came together tonight. I feel like I’ve been working on my partnership with him for almost a year now, and tonight really solidified that. Coming into tonight, I was going in fifth, so I knew I kind of didn’t really have anything to lose. I just wanted to put down a solid, clear round and hope for the best."

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U.S. Zone 4 won the Prix des States in Harrisburg, Zone 2 second

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October 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Zone 4 won the $15,000 Prix des States Team Championship for the second year in a row on Friday evening, Oct.10,  at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg.

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 anchored the Zone 4 team with two clear rounds. (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography)The team of Gabriella Curry, Lily Epstein, Amy Krebs and JJ Torano, of Zone 4 representing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina,  finished on zero fauls for the win.

Krebs and Torano were also a part of the 2024 winning team.

Winning the silver medal with 12 faults was the Zone 2 team of Rylynn Conway, Adriana Forte, Tarin Kiely and Clara Propp represting Pennsylvania, How Jersey and New York.

The Zone 7 team of Campbell Brown, Avery Griffin and Michaela Munson representing Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas won the bronze with 20 faults.

“The group of kids that we’ve had coming up around the last two years are just very, very strong,” said longtime Zone 4 chef d’equipe Kim Land. “They’re well trained; they’re well mounted. They work very hard at the sport. They spend a lot of time doing it.”

“It’s been a build toward this success that we’ve had over the last two years, including the gold at the North American Youth Championships as well with this team," said Land. "These kids also have competed together. That synergy that happens when you have a team spirit like that, it really serves the group, and they feed on each other. There’s an energy that’s created that just doesn’t happen any other way.”

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Taylor Cawley on Klaartje Z won Phase I of the Junior Jumper Championship in Harrisburg

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October 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Taylor Cawley of Zone 4 on Klaatje Z won phase one of the USEF Junior Jumper National Championship on Thursday evening, Oct. 9 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

Taylor Cawley on Klaartje (Photo by Andrew Ryback)The championship is a competition between the USEF Zones that represent various areas of the country, and Zone 4 includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

Zone 2 includes Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, and the Championship includes both team and individual competition.

Cawley, riding as a individual, won the $5,000 Junior Jumper National Championship Welcome Phase 1 in a time of 58.03 seconds.

Michaela Munson on Charlene placed second place, clean in 59.24 seconds, and Izzy Beisel on Diaz Barbotiere was third in 59.25 seconds.

Cawley has ridden Klaartje Z for just under a year.

Cawley, said the mare’s natural tendency to be quick on her feet paid off in Phase I.

“She's naturally quite fast, which I think helped,” said Cawley of the 11-year-old Belgian Sport Horse. “She's a competitor at heart. She has a super fiery personality, and you don't want to get in her way when she's in the mindset of winning.”

“It's really an amazing feeling to know that she's just as competitive as I am,” she said.

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Alex Matx placed second to Scott Brash in the Grand Prix of Barcelona

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October 4, 2025

By Staff Writers

BARCELONA, Spain--Alex Matz on Ikiigai finished a close second to Scott Brash of Great Britain on Hello Folie in the CSIO5* 1.60m Grand Prix of the City of Barcelona at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona on Friday evening, Oct. 3.

Alex Matz Matz was only beaten by eight-tenths of a second by Brash, who had the advantage of going last in round two,

From a field of 38, the top 12 qualified for round two, with six of those going clean again.

Nine of those advancing to round two were on a score of zero, along with the three fastest four-faulters.

With riders going in reverse order of their times finishing round one, Matz returned sixth of the 12 in the speed round, and he finished in the fast time of 52.50 to hold the lead untli the very last to go. Brash, on his individual and team Olympic silver medal mount Hello Folie, who finished in 52.12 for the win. 

Piergiorgio Bucci of Italy on Kiss Me Fabulesse finished third in 53.77, with Megane Moissonnier of France on Crooner Tame fourth in 55.37, followed by Antoine Ermann of France on Floyd des Pres fifth in 56.86, with host nation Span’s Alberto Marquez Galobardes on Kelly sixth.

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Nick Haness won the Hunter Rider Final at Capital Challenge

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October 4, 2025

By Staff Writers

UPPER  MARLBORO, Md.--Nick Haness of Temecula, Calif., won the $30,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Finals  for the fourth time in a row at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center.

Nick Haness on ONeal (Photo by Shawn McMillen)The nation’s top three hunter riders—Nick Haness, Geoffrey Hesslink, and John French—were joined by Amanda Steege, winner of the 2025 WCHR Professional Challenge, for a head-to-head four-round class on unfamiliar horses, showcasing skill and adaptability at the highest level.

The four horses chosen for the class were Daily Planet, owned by Marlene Holland, O’Neal, owned by Valerie Renihan, Klutch, owned by Caitlyn Gidle and Ton Amie van Spieveld, owned by Ellie Goodfriend.

While Haness had a rail on his first horse to score 87, he more than made up for it as his scores in each successive round increased. 

His highest score of 95.33 came in the final round riding Daily Planet over a course set by Ken Krome, Meghan Rawlins and Joe Carnicom.

Having walked before they saw the horses school over the first course with their own riders, Haness had a plan but had to completely change it once he saw Daily Planet and talked with its trainer, Michael Britt-Leon.

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Ben Ebeling on Bellena won the Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Devon

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October 3, 2025

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Ben Ebellng on Bellena, Anna Marek on Fayvel and Iron Spring Farm's Temptation were the major winners at Dressage at Devon.

Ben Ebeling on Bellen won the GP Freestyle (Photo by Susan J Stickle)Ebeling on Bellena won the Grand Prix Freestyle in a closely fought competition on Saturday evening, Sept. 27, while Marek on Favvel won the Grand Prix Special on Friday and Iron Spring Farm's Temptation was the Grand Champion in the Breeding division.

Saturday evening began with an opening ceremony featuring a color guard and a choir from nearby Villanova University singing the National Anthem, after which 17 competed in the Freestyle to a musical score of their choosing.

Ebeling on Ann Romney’s 15-year-old Hanoverian mare Bellena scored 77.665% for the win.

“That was an electric environment to be sure,” Ebeling said. “There’s no place like Dressage at Devon. This was a big step in getting my horse acclimated in big environments in an arena like this.”

Kevin Kohmann on Dünenesee, whose barn name is Denzel, placed a close second with a 77.005%. 

“I’m super thrilled,” Kohmann said. “It feels like a big show in Europe. I love it here. This was the show where I rode this freestyle the first time and I’m here one year later to ride it again.”

Meagan Davis on Toronto Lightfoot was third with a score of 73.315%. 

“He was actually pretty electric but rideable, which I’ve been looking to find in the ring,” she said. “I wanted to add a little power and keep that softness, because I’ve worked really hard on building a relationship with him.”

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Amanda Steege on Lafitte de Muze won the $50,000 WCHR Professional Challenge

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October 2, 2025

By Staff Writers

 UPPER MARLBORO, Md--Amanda Steege on Lafitte de Muze won the $50,000 WCHR Professional Challenge at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Amanda Steege on Lafitte de Muze (Photo b y Shawn McMillen Photography)As the only one to score above 90 in both rounds, 91 and 92.33, Steege on Lafitte de Muze, a 14-year-old BWP gelding by Darco, had the top score of 183.33 for The win.

Placing second with a total of 181.24 after scoring 89.83 and 91.41, John French on Babylon just missed winning his fourth Pro Challenge.

Nick Haness Circa scored 89.16 and 91.33 for a 180.49 total and third place.

Steege riiding “Lafitte” won the Challenge for the third time after she first won in 2018,  and this was the second year in a row, which helped the pair qualify for the WCHR Hunter Spectacular this winter in Florida as well as giving Steege a place in Friday night’s WCHR Professional Finals.

“It's always such a thrill to win this class,” said Steege, “but it was extra special to win it back to back on Lafitte."

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