Competitions

Phillip Dutton won the Four Star Eventing at Plantation Field with Boyd Martin second

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September 24, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Phillip Dutton on Possante won the CCI four star Eventing at Plantation Field on Sept. 21.

Phillip Dutton on Possante in stadium jumping (Photo by Randolph PR)Dutton and Boyd Martin, the two who have been the backbone of U.S. international teams for the past decade, placed first and second. 

Dutton led through all thee phases, finishing on 26.9, adding just 2.4 time faults to his first place dressage score of 24.5 after going clean both in stadium jumping and over the fences on the cross country.

Martin on Commando 3 placed second, adding just 5.6 time faults on cross country to his third place dressage score of 26..7.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake moved up from eighth in dressage on 29.1 to sixth after jumping, and then to third on 32.7, adding just 3.6 time on cross country.

There were 28 starters with only six eliminated or retired.

"Possante came from England, but he had a few issues when he came, so I took my time with him," said Dutton. "He's pretty established now, and he's pretty good in all three phases. He's good on the flat. Lauren Hough has been helping me with jumping. He looks like he has a good future."

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U.S. won the Grand Prix and finished sixth in Nations Cup in St. Tropez to qualify for the Final in Barcelona

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September 23, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

ST. TROPEZ, France--The U.S. team of Laura Kraut, Alessandra Volpi,, Alex Matz and Karl Cook finished sixth in he Nations Cup in St. Tropez pn Sunday, Sept. 21 after Cook and Kraut finished first and third in the Grand Prrx on Friday.

 Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque winning the Grand Prix (Photo by EcoryBut the most important result of the Nations Cup finish was that it qualified the U.S. for the Final in Barcelona on October 2-5.

"Karl and Laura were brilliant Friday night over two very hard courses, and we did qualify for Barcelona," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland, "We have had an unprecedented series of winning either the grand prix or the Nations Cup on Nations Cup weekends. There's only been one CSIO5* where we haven't won one or the other."

Usually, each rider's top horse is saved for the Nations Cup as competing in in a two round class over a difficult course on Friday can leave a horse a little tired for Sunday's class.

But, the U.S. team only had to finish the Nations Cup to qualify for Barcelona, and knowing that Ridland had Cook on Caracole de la Roque and Kraut on Bisquetta compete in the Grand Prix.

"That probably figured a little" said Ridland about Kraut having a rail down in round one and two rails down in round two and Cook having a rail in round two.

The U.S. finished just two rails off a podium finish, but ti was round one that was the real nail biter.

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Kent Farrington on Greya won the $340,000 American Gold Cup

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September 22, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--World no. 1 Kent Farrington on Greya won the $340,000 American Gold Cup during the final day of the Traverse City Horse Shows, Sunday, Sept. 21.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Megan Giese)Farrington set a new standard with Grey  as together they won a record sixth five-star grand prix inside a year m finishing with the Gold Cup.

The American Gold Cup was first awarded in 1970 and has been won by some of show jumping’s most legendary names throughout its 55-year history.

The event has been held at  Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City since 2020, the sixth location to host it.

Farrington was the first of six in the jump-of the course set by Alan Wade of Ireland as he designed his 11th American Gold Cup track this week.

Riding Greya, Farrington set the time to beat in the jump-off at 34.75 seconds, which would stand as the winning result.

Farrington has now won the American Gold Cup three times, previously in 2016 and 2020.

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Karl Cook won the Grand Prix in St. Tropez with Laura Kraut third

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September 21, 2025

By Staff Writers

ST. TROPEZ, France--Karl Cook on Caracole de La Roque won the CSIO5* 1.60m Grand Prix on Friday, Sept. 19 during the week of the fourth and last qualifier of the season in the Longines League of Nations.

Karl Cook on Caracole de La Roque (Photo by Ecory)Laura Kraut on Bisquetta placed third of the 49 competitors in the competition over two rounds, over  curses designed by Grégory Bodoof France.

Cook and Kraut were the only two Americans that entered the class.

“Our horses arrived later than expected at the show, so there was a little uncertainty about their condition," said Cook. "Apparently Caracole wasn’t bothered and seemed delighted to be back in France! Winning is always special, but going last in the jump-off makes it even sweeter."

"The facilities are incredible, and the arena and warm-up are spacious, which we really appreciate," said Cook. "The setting and the atmosphere also help us feel at our best.” 

The first course featured 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts, with the closing stages, notably the triple combination at fence 13 set against the warm-up arena, proving particularly testing.

Only nine riders managed to go clean and earn their ticket to the second round, which was open to the top t2 from round one.

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Shane Sweetnam and McLain Ward win in Traverse City

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September 20, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz is primed for the 2025 American Gold Cup after winning the $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier on Friday, Sept. 20.

Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz (Photo by Megan Geise Photography)Sweetnam won in a 10-horse jump-off over a course set by Alan Wade, and then Ward won over the 10 that make it to the second round in the Winning Round on Saturday.

Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz has previously won the American Gold Cup at Traverse City Horse Shows in 2022 and 2024.

“We are having a great career together and ‘Gizmo’ is fresh right now, so I wanted to give this class today some respect for $117,000 and try to win it,” said Sweetnam after finishing clean n 33.71 seconds.

“He’s very sensitive," said Sweetnam. But if you do the right things, you get a reward for it, so it’s worth it. He feels great and jumped fantastic today, so hopefully we’ll have some luck on Sunday.” 

Erynn Ballard, currently the top-ranked Canadian in the world, was second in the Qualifier on Dior, clean in 34.62 seconds, and Conor Swail of Ireland finished third on Clonterm Obolensky in 38.39 seconds.

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Hunter Holloway won the 5* Speed class in Traverse City

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September 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Two-time FEI World Cup Finalist Hunter Holloway on Pepita Con Spita opened five star competition during the American Gold Cup at Traverse City Horse Shows on Thursday, Sept. 18 with a win in the $32,000 CSI5* Speed.

Hunter Holloway on Pepita Con Spita After a nearly two-year injury recovery, the mare is back and winning at the top level.

Pepita Con Spita was Holloway’s mount for the 2022 FEI World Cup Final in Leipzig and carried her to third overall in the 2023 edition in Omaha, Neb

Two months later, the mare was sidelined by a check ligament injury and has been absent from FEI competition until this summer.

“It feels a little bit like cheating when I get to go in these classes with her because she’s the best,” said Holloway. “It’s exciting to have her back in the ring. You can’t really get a horse competition fit without doing it, so I’m easing her back in and we’ll do more as she tells us she’s ready for it.”

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Stella Wasserman won over Beezie Madden and Lillie Keenan in Traverse City

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September 17, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Three U.S. women led the victory gallop in the $32,000 CIS2* Grand Prix with Stella Wasserman at the front in her first international grand prix victory to finish two-star competition at Traverse City Horse Shows on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Stellla Wasserman on Myjorka (Pjoto by Megan Giese Media)Wasserman, 20 years old, rode Myjorka to win in an eight horse jump-off course designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil.

Wasserman finished in 32.38 to win over four-time U.S. Olympian Beezie Madden on Micky-Cara, clean in 33.59 seconds, and Lillie Keenan on Emerlon was third iin 33.98 seconds.

“This is really special,” said Wasserman. “I feel like I’ve been close a couple of times now and today it all worked out."

“This is an amazing horse,” she said of her 10-year-old Hanoverian a mare that she rides under the direction of five-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward. “She’s game to do anything you ask and my plan worked out.”

Wasserman began riding Myjorka at the start of the year.

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Adrienne Sternlicht won the $200,000 Grand Prix at old Salem, Mia Bagnato and Elena Haas also won

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September 16, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Adrienne Sternlicht on Origa V/H Zuid-Pajottenland won the  $200,000 Old Salem Farm FEI 4*  Blue Diamond Cup Grand Prix on Saturday, Sept. 13,

Adrienne Sternlicht on Origa VH Zuid Pajottenland (Photo by SEL Photography)Five were clean over the course set by Alan Wade, and all five were clean again, but Sternlicht was the fastest, finishing in 39.11 seconds.

First in the Jump-off, Molly Ashe Cawley on Quimi Del Maset set the time to beat of 40.50 seconds, but she were quickly beaten when Marilyn Little on La Contessa, just off her victory in Thursday’s $65,000 Old Salem Farm 4* Welcome Stake, finished in 39.85 seconds.

The following two riders, Jonathan McCrea and Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain weren’t fast enough to catch either of those times.

Using the advantage of going last, Sternlicht won in 39.11 seconds.

“Going last is always a big advantage,” Sternlicht said. “Marilyn is always so fast, so I said, ‘Any day that I can beat Marilyn and La Contessa is a good day.’ I was able to really take advantage of my horse’s stride and his bravery; I knew that I could do fences 1 to 2 in seven strides on the bend where Marilyn’s horse really had to keep going, so that helped us get back to the next fence quicker. I really trusted my horse because he’s so game and has so much scope. I knew that if I did it right and gave him a good chance, he would fight for me.

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

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September 15, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--World no. 1 Kent Farrington on Greya won the $340,000 Jumping World Cup CSI5*-W - Traverse City for the second year in a row on Sunday to begin the 2025/2026 North American League season.

Kent Farington on Greya (Photo by Megan Giese)The class was a qualifier for the 2026 FEI World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas.

After leading the NAL standings last season, Farrington now leads the standings with 20 points to start the season.

From a jump-off field of seven, Farrington and Greya were the only pair to stop the clock under 40 seconds, clocking in at 39.45 seconds for the win.

Spencer Smith on Keeneland had the first clear round in the jump-off, finishing in 41 seconds flat tp eventually finish second.

Smith is hoping for his first FEI World Cup Final appearance on home soil this seasons.

Jacob Pope on Highway FBH was third, clean in 41.11 seconds.

“Greya continues to improve and evolve as a show jumper, so I'm really proud of her today,” said Farrington. “Today, you're seeing a more mature horse than I had last year, even though she was already winning. I didn't think today would be the fastest jump-off in the world, but still big jumps and difficult enough to go clear."

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Wendy Chapot Nunn on Zealous is Champion at the Devon Fall Classic

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September 15, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Wendy Chapot Nunn dominated the 1.15m Amateur Jumper Classic, winning the $3,000 Stake on on Anytime Sunday, Sept. 14 after placing first and second on Zealous in the Friday and Saturday classes and winning the Championship on Zealous.

Wendy Chapot Nunn on AnytimeAnytime was also fifth in the first class on Friday.

"Anytime is a new ride for me," said Nunn. "He's a homebred that we had out on lease. Then when we got him back, I started riding him last summer. He's by Gemini."

Gemni is the stallion that the Chapots got from cloning Gem Twist.

"Zealous is a handful, but she's very good," said Nunn. "She's a homebred, too, and she's 21 now. She has a very big stride."

"She just loves to go," said Nunn. "Her tail goes up and down when she goes. Mom says when she sees Zealous' tail go up and down, she knows she's happy and going to do well, but if it's not going up anddown, she's too quiet. She's a wonderful mare."

Katie Brandt on Clinto VH Dingensho Z won the Friday class, clean in 26.368, with Chapot on Zealous second in 27.194, while on Saturday, Chapot on Zalous won, clean in 50.343 with Brandt second, clean in 51.455.

Chapot on Anytime won the Stake on Sunday, clean in 32.757.with Vanessa Stoltzfus on Teddy Sarco second, clean in 33.18 and Jody Kelly on Aire Line third, clean in 33.979.

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Elizabeth Traband won the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix

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September 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Elizabeth Traband of Happy Valley, Pa., on Eddie Blue won the s $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix Saturday evening, Sept. 13.  

Elizabeth Traband on Eddie BlueTraband won in a seven horse jump-off from a starting field of 36 over a course set by Manuel Esparza of Mexico. 

Second to last to go in the jump-off, Traband was clean in 42.488 to win over Collin Reynolds on Ideal HX , clean in 42.566, with Devin Ryan on Mondorado, the fastest of the four-faulters thirfd in 39.564.

Morgan Ward-Knowlton  on GF Diego was fourth, four faults in 42.012, with Michael Kocher on Dexterity Z fifth, four faults in 42.523, Eleanor Kunsman on Covarina Blue PS sixth, four faults in 42.772, and Laura Chapot on C & C Willow seventh, eight faults in 39.341.

This was Traband's first Grand Prix win.

“I don’t think you can explain it," said Traband. "Devon is a place you just dream about as a kid. It’s the place where you watch your first class. You really get the bug here, so it’s pretty full circle.”

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Karl Cook on Kalinka van't Zorgvliet's won the Winning Round class in Traverse City

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September 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Karl Cook on Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet’s won the $62,500, CSI5*-W Winning Round on Saturday, Sept. 13 during the penultimate week of the Traverse City Tournament of Champions and the first competition of the FEI Jumping World Cup North American League season.

Karl Cook on Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet’sThis was Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet’s second international competition in nearly a year and a half.

The 15-year-old Belgian-bred mare was sidelined with a fractured hip in the spring of 2024, and her future at the top level was in question.

“Having this horse back is amazing. Her injury is rough to come back from, but it’s what you have to do whether they come back all the way or retire,” said Cook, who rode the mare in the 2023 FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona. “What’s important is that you ride them where they’re at and if you get where you want to go, great. If not, that’s the way it goes."

“She feels great,” said the U.S. Olympic team silver medalist. “She’s always been such a fighter, and it’s so much fun to ride a horse that loves to do the job. She knows how to do it, and today I went as I felt comfortable. If there’s one fence that feels not right, I just slow down. There’s no reason, for what she’s done, to push it.”

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Stella Stinnett won the $10,000 Speed Stake at the Devon Fall Classic

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September 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Stella Stinnett of New Hope, Pa., on Storiall Blue won the $10,000 Devon Fall Classic Speed Stake in a fairy tale ending on Friday, Sept. 12.

Stella Stinnett on Storial BlueStinnett had always dreamed of riding under the lights in the Dixon Oval, and not only did that dream come true, but she made it even better by actually winning under the lights on Friday.

Stinnett was clean in 64.687 to beat Collin Reynolds on Ideal HX, clean in 65.179.

Only four from the starting field of 17 were clean, with Michael Kocher on Chanel 479 third in 64.046, and Elizabeth Traband on Rokeechobee STB fourth in 70.390.  

“Devon is a huge goal for everyone, and for me, especially growing up here," said Stinnett. "This is an iconic show, and it has always been my dream to show under the lights.

"Thanks to the whole team that supports me and Storiall, and especially my mom and dad,” she said.

 Stinnett has ridden Storiall Blue for three years, and on Friday night her strategy was to ride conservatively, and it paid off.

“Storiall Blue is really unique because I can go and do anything like this, and I am never nervous, never scared, because I know he’s got my back,” Stinnett said.

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Abdul Said won over Katie Dinan in Traverse Cily Grand Prix qualifier

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September 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Abdel Saïd of Belgium on Quaker Brimbelles Z won the $117,000 CSI5*-W Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, Sept. 12 during the penultimate week of the Traverse City Tournament of Champions, featuring the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup.

Abdel Said on Quaker Brimbelles Z (Photo by Megan Giese)This was the same class he also captured during his debut at Traverse City Horse Shows in 2024. 

Saïd, currently ranked no.13 in the world was the only rider to cross the jump-off timers in under 40 seconds.

Seven horses advanced to the jump=off course, designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA).

Saïd finished faster than the current leader Katie Dinan to ultimately take the win.

Sais wa clean in 39.77 seconds to Dinan’ on Out Of The Blue SCF, who was clean 41.67 and Daniel Bluman of Israel on Hummer Z, clean in 42.23, was third.

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Nayel Nasser won the first jumper class, a Two-Phase, at Old Salem

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September 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Nayel Nasser of Egypt on Dorado De Riverland won the $32,000 FEI 4* Two-Phase at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Nayel Nasser on Dorado De Rierland (Photo by SEL Photography)Nasser set an early time to beat in the Two-Phase of 24.26 seconds that no one could better.

Alan Wade set the course for 44 entries, 14 of which went on to jump clean over the second phase.

“It was a good start to the week for sure,” Nassar said. “I won on Dorado, who’s kind of my specialist for these classes. He’s extremely fast, so it really becomes about leaving the jumps up and finding the neatest track possible. The leave-out to the last fence was a long way for him, but I knew that if I didn’t do it, I’d probably be off the time. I went early enough in the class that I figured we could take the risk, and it paid off today. He jumped awesome."

“I also jumped Donvier in this class just to get his feet wet,” Nassar said.

Donvier was also clean in 25.34 seconds to place fifth.

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Kyle King finished second to Scott Brash a the 5 Million CAD Spruce Meadows Grand Prix

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September 8, 2025

By Staff Writers

CALGARY,Canada--Kyle King on Kayanne Z finished second to Scott Brash on Hello Jefferson in the 500 million CAD Spruce Meadows Master Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 7

Kyle King on Kayenne ZThe third Major of the year in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, with the unprecedented prize money of 5 million CAD  was a thriller.

From the first round of 36. the top 12  competed in a second round, in which Brash and King tied for the win with four faults each.

Steve Guerdat on Venard de Ceris was third with five faults..

The seriousness of the challenge was clear from the start. 

“The reality is, I design courses with focus on not being bad to the horses but challenging the riders – and the good riders can solve the problems," said course designer Leopoldo Palacious of Venezuela.

“When we had the ditches down in the second round, I thought that was it, over. It just shows what a test it was,” Brash said.

Going first in the jump-off, Brash was clean over the seven-fence jump-off in 46.97 seconds, and King did beat Brash’s time,but  at the cost of the Canada plank falling, leaving the title with Brash and Hello Jefferson.

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U.S. third in exciting Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows

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September 7, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

CALGARY, Canada--The U.S. team of Lillie Keenan, Elena Haas, Laura Kraut and Aaron Vale finished third, missing second by just one second, in a thrilling 5*, 1.60m National Cup at Spruce Meadows.

Lillie Keenan on Argan de Beliard (File photo)In a Nations Cup that came down to the very last rider for a decision, Great Britain won with zero faults, and Germany and the U.S.were tied with four faults each, but the tie breaker was the aggregate time of the top three riders, so Germany, finishing in 234,35 won by one second  over the U.S. team's time of 235.35. 

From an unusually large field of 11 nations, the top six nations from round one returned for round two,

"It was one of the best Nations Cups that I've ever seen," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland. "At the 50th annual Spruce Meadows, there was a very high level of competition."

For the second round, Brazil and Belgium returned with 12 faults each, the U.S. and Ireland had four faults each and Germany and Great Britain led with zero faults each.

Eliminated after round one were France, 12 faults, Netherlands, 15, and Canada, Austria and Mexico with 20 faults each.

"The course was tough enough, as you could see from the scores of the last three teams in round two," said Ridland.

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Kent Farrington on Grass de Mars won the $125,000 Grand Prix at HITS

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September 8, 2025

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--Kent Farrington on Grass de Mars won the $125,000 CSI3* Grand Prix in a five horse jump-off at HITS during Championship Week on Saturday, Sept. 6,

 Kent Farrington on Grass de Mars (Photo by ESL Photography)Five from the starting field of 35 made the jump-off over the course set by Alan Wade, including Daniel Bluman of Israel on Kapitaal L, Farrington with Grass de Mars, Nayel Nassar of Egypt on Ivory TCS, Luis Larrazabal of Venezuela on Jon Snow and Philip McGuane of Irelaith Orphea HQ.

“You’ve got a top course builder today in Alan Wade, so the course sort of separated the field,” said Farrington. “In the Welcome on Thursday, he had many clear rounds, so today he knew that even though this is a three-star, the caliber of horses and riders that are here is very strong. He built a proper course, and there were not so many clear. That’s usually the sign of a well built course is that the entire course can have faults all over the place with different strengths and weaknesses depending on the horse.”

In the jump-off, Bluman was clean in 41.88 seconds, then, Farrington finished faster in 39.14 seconds to take over the top spot.

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Kent Farrington on Orafina won the $5,000 Welcome Stake at HITS Saugerties

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September 5, 2025

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES,N.Y.--Kent Farrington on Orafina won the $65,000 CSI3* Welcome. HITS Hudson Valley VIII, also referred to as Championship Week, on Thursday, Sept. 4.

Kent Farrington on Orafina (Photo by EDL Photograpjy)Alan Wade of Ireland set the course for the 38 entries.

Second in the ring, Michael Walton on Blues had the first clear round immediately followed by Wednesday’s $31,020 CSI3* Jumper Classic winner Nayel Nassar of Egypt on IIgor van de Wittemoere , also clean.

Then world number one, Kent Farrington on Kanny-Fee was clean followed by 16 others followed, for a jump-off of 19.

“This is a three-star show, but the list of riders is very strong,” said Farrington, who leads the world ranking for the fifth consecutive month. “We have one of the best course designers in the world this week in Alan Wade, so I think the course was very good. It can sometimes happen that you have more in the jump-off when you’re setting a qualifier event to try to get everybody going for the week. We’re riding young horses, some of us, and it’s a very mixed group of very experienced older horses and some younger ones coming up. You end up with a difficult class to build, which can happen, but there’s also an impressive caliber of riders we have in the Northeast staying in America to do these shows.”

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Jessica Mendoza on In The Air won the $400,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix

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September 1, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza on In The Air won the $400,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix with one of only two clean rounds in the three horse jump-off, finishing in 37.34 seconds on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Jessica Mendoza on In The Air (Photo by KindMedia)Nick Granat set the course for 39 entries representing 14 countries in the Grand Prix.

Granat’s course was challenging, with only three going clean.

Kristen Vanderveen was the first to go clean in the first round on Bull Run’s Jireh, but it took another 17 trips before Mendoza guaranteed the spectators a jump-off.

World #22 Shane Sweetnam of Ireland was the only other rider to go clean.

Charlotte Jacobs on Playboy JT  was fourth, the fastest of the four faulters, followed by Spencer Smith and Katie Dinan, each with four faults.

To show the difficulty of the course, riders with eight faults were 10th, 11th and 12th.

Kent Farrington and McLain Ward both had eight faults and were 13th and 15th respectively.

It was a pleasure to see a course commensurate with the value of the class that resulted in only three in the jump-off.

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Skylar Wireman on Barclino B won the Winners Round at the Hampton Classic

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August 31, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Skylar Wireman had her first FEI 5* victory on Saturday, Aug. 30 with a win in the $62,500 Winning Round class at the Hampton Classic.

Skyar Wireman on Barclino B (Photo by KindMedia)Wireman scored an impressive win, finishing 1.55 faster than second placed Luis Pedro Birabe of Argentina over a 1.50m course set by Nick Granat.

In the Winning Round format, of 35 entries, 10 were clean and two with one fault returned for the second round, all starting with zero vaults.

Wireman, the double-gold medalist from the 2025 North American Youth Jumping Championships finished clean inf 39.58 seconds in her first time at the Hampton Classic.a

Second and third were separated by just one hundredth of a second with Biraben clean in 41.13 seconds for second on Georgina De Carles, and Spencer Smith third in 41.14 seconds on Tulara Colmine.

“The goal was to shave off as many seconds as possible around every corner,” Wireman said. “I’ve had him for a little over a year now, and he is only 9, so still a little on the young side. I quickly learned he’s going to be a fantastic speed horse. He’s got a really good, natural ground speed which is very helpful. He also doesn’t spend a lot of time in the air. I know I can kind of turn into the jumps, and he’s right there with me.”

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McLain Ward won the $116,100 5* Grand Prix Qualifier at the Hampton Classic

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August 29, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--McLain Ward on High Star Hero won the $116,100, 5* Grand Prix Qualifier in a 10 horse jump-off on Friday, Aug. 29.

McLain Ward on High Star Hero (Photo by Kind Media)Nick Granat set the course for the field of 43 entries. 

Jump-off times got faster and faster until penultimate rider, Ward went clean in 36.84 seconds for the win.

The Qualifier ultimately came down to the final four riders in the jump-off, with Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain, Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam. Ward and Jonathan Corrigan, also of Ireland, closing out the class.

“It’s always nice to have the luxury of going at the end,” Ward said. “Shane’s horse is a very fast horse with a big stride. I know he’s setting up for Sunday and leaving a little in reserve, but Hero’s focus for this week was this qualifier so I was able to take some risks. We know each other very well, and we stuck to our plan today."

“I’m looking forward to this weekend,” he said. “I’ll be riding Imperial HBF in the Grand Prix on Sunday. I think he’s possibly the best horse I’ve ever ridden. You need things to go your way in this sport, but we’ve set up well for it. It’s been a few years since I’ve won the Grand Prix, so I’m hoping for the best result.”

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Alex Matz won the $32,000 CSI5* Two-Phase at 50th Annual Hampton Classic

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August 28, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Alexx Matz on Cashew CR won the $32,000 CSI5* Two-Phase at the 50th annual Hampton Classic on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Alex Matz on Cashew CR (Photo by KindMedia)Matz was clean in 24.36 seconds for the win over the course set by Nick Granat.

It seemed likely hat when World #8 McLain Ward on High Star Hero took the lead in 25.74 seconds during the middle of the $32,000 CSI5* Two-Phase on Thursday, no one could catch him.

But immediately following Ward in the order was 20-year-old Skylar Wireman on Barclino B, her double-gold winning mount from the 2025 Gotham North/North American Youth Jumping Championships.

Wireman went into the lead with a clean round in 24.83 seconds, knocking Ward from the top spot and keeping the lead until Matz went late in the class of 68 entries.

He shaved almost half a second off Wireman’s time, clinching the win in 24.36 seconds.

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Mark Bluman won the $40,000, 2* Grand Prix at Hampton Classic

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August 27, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Mark Bluman on Phelina De Septon won the $40,000, 1.45m National Grand Prix on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

Mark Bluman on Phelina De Septon (Photo by KindMedia)Bluman won over 13 in the jump-off from a starting field oh 33 over a course set by Nick Granat.

Bluman of Colombia  was clean in 36.252 for the win.

The only rider to have two entries in the jump-off, Bluman set an early time to beat on Phelina De Septon, his first horse,

He nearly caught his own time with his second mount, S & L Hello Sunshine, but the stallion had four faults.

“The mare I was riding is pretty quick across the ground,” Bluman said. “Even though she’s new to me, I know her quite well. We made a plan before the jump-off, stuck to it, and hoped it was going to pay off. And it did. When you go that early in the jump-off, the only thing you have to do is follow your plan, hope for the best, and sometimes have a little bit of luck.”

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 was the only other one to come within a second of Bluman and Phelina De Septon’s time, finishing clean in 36.426 seconds to place second.

Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza on Onslow De Roju, was third in 37.474 seconds.

Alexa Elle Lignelli won the $10,000 1.40m Open Jumper at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

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August 26, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMTON, N.Y.--Alexa Elle Lignell on XO Onermie won the $10,000, 1.40m Open Jumper at the 50th annual Hampton Classic on Tuesday, Aug. 26, beating Skylar Wireman on Citoki.

Alexa Elle Lignelli on XO Onermie (Photo by KindMedia)Lignelli and Wireman were two of the podium finishers from the 2025 North American Youth Jumping Championships, with 20-year-old  Wireman the double-gold medalist and 18-year-old e Lignelli the double-silver medalist.

At the Hampton Classic, Lignelli, clean in 60.386, won over Wireman, and longtime class leader Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain was third.

Thirty-three entries representing nine countries competed over Nick Granat’s speed course.

Ninth to go in the order, Mendoza and her first mount, Bullseye 111 Z, set the time to beat at 60.749 seconds.

It wasn’t until the final few rides that anyone came within a second of that time, with Lignelli finishing in 60.386 seconds.

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Brianne Goutal-Marteau won an early class at the Hampton Classic

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August 25, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Brianne Goutal-Marteau S & L Marlon VD Heffinckw on the first class of the Hampton Classic Horse Show, a national jumper class with 43 entries.

Brianne Goutal Marteau on S L Marlon VD Heffnick (Photo by KindMedia)Goutal-Marteau won the $30,000 Wellington Jumper Classic, held in  a winning round format with a clean round in 40.483

The show offers $1 million in prize money, and the highlight of the week is the $400,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 31.

International jumper classes begin Thursday.

 Goutal-Marteau was 1.4 seconds faster than second placed Sam Walker of Canada.

“I have a horse who rode a bigger stride than Sam’s,” Goutal-Marteau said. “My horse was fast everywhere; I was able to take advantage of his big stride from jumps one to two to three. Our whole team is so excited to be here for the Classic’s 50th anniversary. It’s just great to be back.”

Walker Funny on Star Semilly was second, clean in 41.838 seconds, and  Uma O’Neill of New Zealand on Luigi D’Eclipse was third.

Kent Farrington on Myla won the $63,000 Qualifier at the Major League Show Jumping in Toronto

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August 22, 2025

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--World no. 1 Kent Farrington on Myla won the CSI5* 1.50m $63,000 Grand Prix Qualifier under the lights on Thursday evening, Aug. 21 at the Major League Show Jumping in Toronto 

Kent Farrington on Myla (Photo by Mackenzie Clark)Toronto marks the second stop on the calendar of the fifth season for MLSJ.

Farrington beat Jordan Coyle of Ireland on Ariso by just over a half a second over the course set by Olaf Petersen Jr., 

Farrington finished clean in 31.05 seconds and Coyle was clean in 31.59.

Twenty-year-old Skylar Wireman was third on Barclino B, clean in 32.53 seconds.

Coming off a Grand Prix win riding Greya at the season opener in Traverse City just two weeks ago, Farrington returned to win again in Toronto – this time on Myla.

“Myla’s natural foot speed across the ground is incredibly fast, which is a big advantage in a small arena,” Farrington said. “Running is our normal speed – so for me – I don't really worry about the time allowed. If I do my normal tempo, it’s usually going to be good enough.”

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Adrienne Sterlicht won the $340,00 Grand Prix in Ottawa

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August 20, 2025

By Staff Writers

OTTOWA, Canada--Adrienne Sternlicht’s won the both $35,000 Grand Prix CSI2* and $340,000 Grand Prix CSI5* at the Ottawa International on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Adrienne Sterlicht on Origa vh Zuid Pajottenland (Photo by Ben Radvanyl)Sternlicht on Origa v/h Zuid -Pajottenland had the only clear riound in the three horse jump-off  to win the US $340,000 Grand Prix CSI5*.

A total of 24 riders took on the five-star track set by Brazilian course designer Marina Azevedo.

Sternlicht, Great Britain’s Jessica Mendoza and Elena Haas were the only three riders who had clear rounds to advance to the jump-off.

Mendoza was the first to return for the jump-off, setting the early standard with four faults in a time of 38.08 riding Summerhouse.

Haas, who is one of five who will be competing for the U.S. at Spruce Meadows, on Claude also had a rail down in a slower time of 39.02 seconds.

Knowing exactly what she needed to do to win, Sternlicht went slower but was clean to win.

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Boyd Martin and Will Coleman win in 3* and 2* at Bromont

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August 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

BROMONT, Canada--Boyd Martin placed first and third in the CCI3* at Bromont on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Boyd Martin on Shawnee Cooley (Photo by Sally Spickard)Martin continued his solid weekend on cross-country, riding Shanroe Cooley to win the CCI3*-S win on a score of 29.5 after adding 3.6 time penalties as the quickest round of the division.

Martin had said his plan was to be slightly more conservative on his other, more experienced horses as they set up for their various fall destinations.

However, with “Dallas,” he planned to “let ‘er rip” a bit more to get a feel for where the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding was in his fitness and training.

“It’s the first time I sort of opened him up a little bit, and for a big horse, he’s actually got a big step,” Martin said. “I was impressed with his galloping ability because I thought he might be slow, but he’s not. I’m very, very pleased with him.”

“Obviously, it’s one of Liz’s champion horses, and it’s just a real honor and privilege,” Martin said.

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Boyd Martin leads Bromont three star after dressage and jumping

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August 17, 2025

By Staff Writers

BROMONT, Canada--Boyd Martin dominated the first two sections of the Bromont Horses Trials CCI3*-S, finishing first second and third after dressage and show jumping, while Canadian Lindsay Traisnel leads the CCI4*-S and Will Coleman leads in CCI2-S.

Boyd Martin on Luke 140 The dressage and show jumping were held on Saturday, Aug. 16 prior ro Sunday's cross country.

World #4 Martin is first on Luke 140, who added nothing to his dressage score of 25.4 to hold  the lead, with Shanroe Cooley, 25.9 and Miks Master C, 27.0 second and third.

“I've come here with some mega horses that are four-star and five-star horses, so I just wanted to give them a nice confident run around an inviting course,” Martin said. “That's why I bring them up here to Bromont! It's sort of their first proper run as they prepare towards Maryland 5 Star, [Morven Park CCI4*-L], and Pau CCI5*. We’re off to a good start.”

Will Coleman on Honest Same is the overnight leader for the CCI2*-S division, with a two-phase score of 25.0, adding no penalties in the show jumping.

The 7-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding scored a personal best dressage score Saturday morning and will look to build on his growing experience on cross-country Sunday.

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