HDV Logo Full

Devon Supporters  click here! | Devon Barns & Equipment   click here!   
Devon Feed & Fencing
  click here! | Devon Arenas & Footing  click here!

Join Our Mailing List and Get a Free Subscription.

Sign up to get interesting news
delivered FREE to your inbox.  

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Competitions

Defending champion Boyd Martin on Miss Lulu Herself to compete in Arena Eventing at Devon

DEVON, Pa.--Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa., has entered Miss Lulu Herself, the mare he rode to win Devon's Arena Eventing last year, to defend his title in this year's Arena Eventing to be held Sunday evening, May 25, at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Boyd Martin on Miss Lulu HerselfBoyd Martin on Miss Lulu HerselfNot only is Martin going to defend his title at Devon, but also since last year's win he has risen to be ranked World Number One in Eventing.

It's an honor for Devon to have the World Number One competing, and what a bonus for Devon spectators.

Martin has entered two in the class, as he will be competing on Shanroe Cooley as well as on Miss Lulu Herself.

The three-time Olympian also won Devon's Arena Eventing in 2019 on Contestor.

There will be two previous winners of the Devon Arena Eventing competing, as Buck Davidson of Unionville, Pa., has also entered two horses, Cooley Candyman and Sorocaima.

Davidson won the class in 2023 on Erroll Gobey.

Julia Ennia Batters of Queenstown, Md., who finished third in last year's Arena Eventing on Cooley O, will compete Cooley O again this year.

Read more ...

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

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 SEL PhotographyAmy 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.

Read more ...

Jonathan Corrigan won three classes at Old Salem

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 Corriggan on Darina De Kerglenn SEL PhotographyJonathan 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.

Read more ...

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

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 ChickLuis 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.

Read more ...

Lordships Graffalo makes Badminton history by regaining his title

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 Lordsship Graffalo Peter ixonRosalind 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.”

Read more ...

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

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 Sarah Miller for MacMillanKent 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.

Read more ...

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

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 KeepMe With You SEL PhotographyJordan 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.”

Read more ...

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

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 SEL PhotographyMcLain 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."

Read more ...

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

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 Winslow PhotographyKent 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.”

Read more ...

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

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 SEL PhotographyJordan 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

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 SEL PhotographyMark 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.”

Read more ...

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

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*.

N C Rome teamThe 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.

Read more ...

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

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

Kent arrington on Greya 1.60 SportfotKent 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.

Read more ...

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

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.

CharlotteJorst on Zhopin Langholt JessicaBuehler 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.

Read more ...

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

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 EbelingBen 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."

Read more ...

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

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 ParisOlympics Liz Gregg FEIBoyd 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.

Read more ...

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

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

3 Jumping TeamThe 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

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 by Jen Emig MacPhotoMichael 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.

Read more ...

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

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 Sarah Miller for MacMillanKent 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.”

Read more ...

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

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 Allen MacMillan Ky 25 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.”

Read more ...

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

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.

Alex Matz on Cashew CR Bn Radvanyl PhotographyFile 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

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 Allen MacMillanBoyd 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.

Read more ...

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

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 Grays Inn Winslow PhotographyAaron 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*

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 47Christian 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.

Read more ...

Luis Larrazabal won the $62,000 Qualifier in Wellington

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 SportfotLuis 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.

Read more ...

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

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 2 SpotfotBen 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.

Read more ...

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

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 SpringSportfotKent 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.”

Read more ...

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

 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 Ebelingon Bellena 2 Andrew RybackBen 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.”

Read more ...

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

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 SportfotLuis 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.

Read more ...

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

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 Andrew RybackBen 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.

Read more ...

Centenary University one of only eight qualified for the IHSA Finals

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.

Centenary University winners Jena OConnorThe 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.

Read more ...

More Articles ...

  1. Ben Ebeling on Bellena won both the Grand Prix and the Special at TerraNova
  2. U.S. had four in the top 20 at the Jumping World Cup
  3. Charlotte Fry won the Dressage World Cup, Kevin Kohmann highest American in 10th
  4. Charlotte Fry leads in World Cup Dressage
  5. Lillie Keenan is third following the first class in the World Cup Final
  6. The World Cup Final's first class begins at 2:15 on Thursday, April 3
  7. Jessica Phoenix and Will Coleman won at The Event at TerraNova
  8. Natalie Dean won the Overall Leading Lady Award
  9. Ashley Holzer placed first and second in the Future Challenge Final
  10. Christian Kukuk on Checker 47 won the $750,000 Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival
  11. Abdel Said on Calvaro won the $62,500 1.50m Classic at WEF
  12. Kasey Perry-Glass on Heartbeat W.P. won the Freestyle at the Festival
  13. Ben Maher on Point Break won the $116,100 WEF Challenge Cup
  14. Marcus Orlob on Jane won the 4* Grand Prix at the Festival
  15. Eleven Olympians from Six Nations Entered at Kentucky Three-Day Event
  16. Ansgar Holtgers, Jr. on Pixel-K van't Kattenheye won the $200,000 4* Grand Prix at WEF
  17. Sophie Hinners on Viva Las Vegas W won the $85,000 2* Grand Prix in Ocala
  18. Alex Matz on Cashew CR won the $150,000, 4* 1.50m Championship Final at WEF
  19. Nicola Philippaerts on Derby de Riverland won the $120,000 Winning Round in Ocala
  20. Ashlee Bond on Night Wish won the WEF Challenge Cup
  21. Christian Kukuk won the $350,000 Grand Prix CSIO5* at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
  22. Olivia Sweetnam won the WEF Equitation Championship
  23. Nicola Philippaerts on Derby de Riverland won $63,000 Lugano Grand Prix Qualifier in Ocala
  24. Paul O’Shea on Spy won the $100,000, 1.45m FEI CSI2* Grand Prix at TerraNova
  25. Jos Verlooy on FTS Killossery Konfusion won the $200,000 Grand Prix at Thermal
  26. Chester Weber and Christian Coyle win at Live Oak International
  27. Adrienne Lyle on Helix won the 5* Freestyle, Marcus Orlob on Jane won the 3* Grand Prix Special
  28. Carlos Hank Guerreiro on HS Porthos Maestro won the $215,000 4* Grand Prix at WEF
  29. Michael Hughes on KMS Ali won the 7-year-old Final at WEF
  30. Nayel Nasser on Ivory TCS won over McLain Ward on First Lady in the WEF Challenge Cup
  31. Laura Kraut and Lillie Keenan to compete in World Cup Jumping, and Kevin Kohmann and Adrienne Lyle will represent the U.S. in World Cup Dressage
  32. Ireland's Niamh Mcevoy won the $65,000 Grand Prix while Paul O'Shea won the Welcome Stake at TerraNova
  33. JJ Torano and Vitus K named Show Jumping Hall of Fame's rider and horse of the month
  34. Fiona Howard on Diamond Dunes won the Para Grand Prix Freestyle at the Festival
  35. Michael Murphy on Kaida CM won the 1.50m Classic at WEF
  36. Julio Mendoza on Jewel’s Goldstrike won the Freestyle at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
  37. Emilie Conter won the $500,000 CSI5* Grand Prix in a seven horse jump-off
  38. McLain Ward on First Lady won the $62,000 5* Speed at WEF
  39. Darragh Kenny on Zero K won the WEF Challenge Cup
  40. Anna Marek on Fayvel won the Four-Star Dressage Grand Prix at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
  41. Daniel Bluman finished first and third in the $65,000 Grand Prix at TerraNova
  42. Arturo Parada Vallejo of Mexico won the $200,000 Grand Prix at WEF while Kent Farrington won the $200,000 Grand Prix in Ocala
  43. Evelyn Eger on Dancing Darkness won the Grand Prix Special
  44. Robert Ridland to continue as chef d'equipe, while Richie Vogel and McLain Ward win in Ocala
  45. Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee won the Grand Prix Freestyle and qualified for the World Cup Final
  46. Spencer Smith on HHS Seattle won the WEF Challenge Cup
  47. Kevin Kohmann on Dünensee won the World Cup Grand Prix at the Festival
  48. Rebecca Cohen on Prince of Hope won the Future Challenge Prix St. George
  49. Kent Farrington on Grass de Mars won the $62,500, 1.50m Classic
  50. Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén on Hyatt won individual gold in the Grand Prix Special

The Horse of Delaware Valley-The Team

Editor: Sara Cavanagh
Target Market Publications
newshorse@aol.com
610-793-1964

Advertising Director: Ginny Jenkins 
ginny.jenkins@hotmail.com
For information please call:
610-873-4042

Assistant Advertising/Sales Manager: Emilie Brady
bradye13@gmail.com

Since 1980

facebook200

 


Get to Know Promo 300 x 300

Monthly Advertising Themes

  • January
    Photo Contest, Stallions & Breeding, Winter Care
  • February
    Barns & Equipment, Arenas & Fencing; Photo Contest 2025,  Stallions & Breeding
  • March
    Spring/Summer Show Previews, Barns, Fencing & Equipment, Equine Feed
  • April
    Equine Education, Spring/Summer Show Previews, Summer Camps, Equine Feed
  • May
    DEVON HORSE SHOW, Equine Education, Summer Camps
  • June
    Pets, Pet Supplies & Pest Control, Equine Vets & Caregivers, Footing and Fencing
  • July
    Pets, Pet Supplies & Pest Control, Equine Vets & Caregivers, Footing and Fencing, All Natural Products & Services
  • August
    Summer/Fall Show Previews, Equine Insurance, Legal & Accounting, Dressage at Devon, All Natural Products & Services
  • September
    Fall Show Previews, Equine Feed & Supplies, Equine Insurance, Legal, & Accounting, Dressage at Devon
  • October
    Trailers & Equine Transportation, Equine Feed & Supplies, Equestrian Trainers
  • November
    Holiday Gift Guide, Trailers & Equine Transportation, Equestrian Trainers
  • December
    Stallions & Breeding, Holiday Gift Guide, Winter Care
Website promo 2025