News

The U.S. team for the Nations Cup in Canada

Details: June 2, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Jumping Nations Cup of Canada CSIO5* in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, from June 1-4.

Nations Cup Canada The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

The following riders have been named to the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
• Kent Farrington of Wellington, Fla.
• Lacey Gilbertson of Lake Forest, Ill.
• Charlotte Jacobs of East Aurora, N.Y.
• Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y.

Competition Information

The competition will begin Thursday, June 1, and conclude Sunday, June 4.

The Nations Cup will take place Sunday, June 4, at 5:00 p.m. ET, which is 2:00 pm. PT.

The Grand Prix will take place on Friday, June 2, at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Watch Live on FEI.TV

New genetic testing reveals a speed gene, and a PET scanner reduces fractures at Santa Anita

Details: May 25, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa.--The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association provided $300,000 to fund research to detect gene doping in race horses that has now been expanded to include new and exiting genetic testing.

Dr. Mary RobinshonThe funding, one of the highest of any state-bred association for research, was provided to maintain integrity in the sport, which was the number one issue for the PHBA membership.

Dr. Mary Robinson, Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, described this new research at the annual meeting of the PHBA at the Kennett Square Golf Club on May 24.

Earlier this year, the PHBA asked its members to allow blood to be withdrawn from their horses.

The PHBA hoped to get 500 blood samples, and, as of May 24, Dr.Robinson reported they have received 490 samples.

"We've been working with Dr. Emmaline Hill, an equine geneticist who runs a gamut of tests," said Dr. Robinson."This is new and exciting research that is taking off."

Dr Emmeline Hill is an Irish horse geneticist who is credited with discovering a gene for speed in horses.

"There's a speed gene that shows the possibility of a horse getting to the racetrack, that shows the optimal distance a horse should run and how long the horse may be able to compete," said Dr. Robinson.

This research is using the 490 samples from a bio blood bank, and new research is also looking to genes that might be involved in fractures.

Of course, none of this research does any good unless horses are fed and cared for properly from their birth and their trainers are careful to care for them properly.

Dr. Robinson said that they hoped that within a year they would have a blood lest that identified markers that could be used stall side, making it available for use at 2-year-old in training sales.

Brooke Boyer awarded the Charles Wayne (Skip) Achuff Jr. Annual Memorial Stalwart of Steeplechase Award

Details: May 23, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

MALVERN, Pa.--Brooke Boyer was presentedwith the inaugural Charles Wayne (Skip) Achuff Jr. Annual Memorial Stalwart of Steeplechase Award during the Rsdnor Hunt Races on may 20.

Brooke BoyerThe following was a write-up in the Radnor Hunt Races race day program.

Following his passing in 2022, Skip Achuff's family created the Stalwart of Steeplechase Award to recognize those who epitomize the qualities Skip brought to the sport.

Nominees for the award represent the sport of steeplechase with professionalism, integrity, and dedication; uphold the rules of the sport; and prioritize the safety of horses and jockeys.

The winner receives a one-time cash prize of $1,000.

On behalf of the Achuff family, Radnor Hunt Races is proud to announce V. Brooke Boyer of Colora, Md, as the first recipient of the inaugural Stalwart of Steeplechase Award.

Scott Stewart, Victoria Colvin and Clementina Brown to compete in Hunters at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

Details: May 19, 2023; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Many times Leading Hunter Rider Scott Stewart of Flemington, N.J., Victoria Colvin and Clenentina Brown of Kennett Square, Pa., will compete in hunter divisions at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair that runs May 25 to June 4.

Scott Stewarton Nottingham Jessica Brighenti for Phelps Sports Scott Stewart on Nottingham at Devon 2022 (Photo by Jessica Brighenti for Phelps Sports)Devon recognizes and thanks all of its exhibitors for their support, as their commitment to the legacy and importance of this event has allowed the world-class competition.

Scott Stewart is no stranger to the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair; the top hunter rider and trainer has been competing at this show for the last decade.

Stewart has won 17 Devon Leading Hunter Rider awards, which are presented to the rider who accumulates the highest number of points in the hunter division.

"Devon has always been my favorite show," said Stewart. "The feeling when you walk into the Dixon Oval is like no other. The history of the top hunter rounds I’ve seen in that ring is something that has been inspirational to me."

Update on Jonathan Millar's recovery

Details: May 21, 2023; By Staff Writers

The Kevin Babington Foundation received an update on Jonathon Millar’s progress.

Below is an update directly from his wife Kelly:

Jonathan MillarI wanted to reach out today and give you an update on Jonathon’s incredible progress.

I also wanted to thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement.

Your support has been critical in the progress that Jonathon has made. We stand on the shoulders of giants . . . and for you and that fact, we are grateful.

The last 10 weeks of our lives have been a whirlwind filled with chaos, fear, and confusion, yet at the same time it has been incredibly powerful, and joy filled.

In the beginning, I was terrified that Jonathon may not survive.

I was overwhelmed with grief and sadness of what our lives were going to look like; and of course, I feared of what the future held for him.

Wordley Martin Completes HITS-on-the-Hudson Arena Renovation Project

Details: May 18, 2023; By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--Wordley Martin, a leading developer of equestrian properties and premier riding surfaces, wrapped up an extensive renovation project at the HITS-on-the-Hudson showgrounds in Saugerties, ahead of the facility’s busy 2023 show season under its new management team.

HITS Saugerties Grand Prix ring resurfaced Wordley Martin The HITS-on-the-Hudson Grand Prix Ring has been resurfaced with Wordley Martin's premium footing blend. (Photo courtesy of Wordley Martin)Wordley Martin co-founders Sharn Wordley and Craig Martin are highly respected in the private arena construction industry and work with riders in the Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage, and eventing.

This is the second collaboration for the Wordley Martin and HITS teams, following the successful undertaking at the HITS Post Time Farm property in Ocala, Fla.

Overall, Wordley Martin’s work at HITS-on-the-Hudson encompassed more than 205,000 square feet of riding arenas at the world-class venue, reaffirming HITS’ dedication to providing the best experience for both horses and riders.

Changes included utilizing Wordley Martin’s premium footing blend to resurface the Grand Prix Ring and the former Diamond Mills Ring, which was transformed into the new grand prix schooling ring.

The picturesque stone-lined Main Hunter ring also received refreshed footing.

Devon offers all new 3-night limited ring side evening bench seat package! Thursday, June 1st through Saturday, June 3rd

Details: May 16, 2023; By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair offers a new package of RING SIDE bench seating for 3 nights for some of the most popular and exciting evenings.

Devon jumper right side This is new for 2023, so do not miss the action.

Each evening includes the Budweiser Clydesdales at approximately 6:55 pm in addition to:

Thursday: The $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix, an Electric Atmosphere!

Where else do people gather six and seven deep at the rail, wait all day long, saving their favorite spots in anticipation of the evening’s class?

Horse shows in the United States don’t often get to enjoy the energy of such a crowd, but Devon brings it in each and every year.

With all attention on them as the main attraction, the riders respond by galloping a little faster, their horses jump a little higher, and the spectators cheer them on over each and every fence.