News

Maryland Five Star canceled

Details: March 11, 2026; By SARA CAVANAGH

FAIR HILL, Md--The U.S.Equestrian confirmed on Tuesday, March 10 that there will be no Maryland Five Star this year.

Boyd Martin on Commando 3 jump Allen Macmillan for Macmillan Photogaphy Boyd Martin on Commando 3, third at Fair Hill in 2025 (Photo by Allen Macmillan for Macmillan Photography)Maryland had held the annual license for the five star competition, and as the 2026 competition has been canceled, the license is open and the 2027 competition is now open for bidding from other organizations.

The event was canceled "due to apparent financial concerns,"but not only has the five star been losing money, it also has lost its entire leadership.

Joanie Morris, the longtime competition director, left in November to go to the Aiken Horse Park Foundation in South Carolina.

Sports & Entertainment Corporation President Terry Hasseltime and CEO Jeff Newman left in December.

The five star has been losing money, and employees missed paychecks until the state recently authorized $94,000 for the Sport & Entertainment Cor[oration.

"It's such a shame," said Boyd Martin, who is eventing world ranked number two, and he won the Five Star in 2021 and finished third last year on Commando.

Press release by the Fair Hill Foundation on fall 3* and 5* future

Details: March 11, 2026; By Staff Writers

The Fair Hill Foundation announces plans are underway for the CCI3-L Event to take place at Fair Hill in October 2026. Anticipating approval by the United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) and support from the State of Maryland, The Foundation reaffirms its long‑term vision for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill

Fair Hill turf course 1 Fair Hill stands, left, and competition rings, rightOn Tuesday, March 10, the United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) announced that the 2026 Maryland 5 Star, scheduled for October 2026, has been cancelled. Since 2020, the event had been held annually in the Special Event Zone of the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, owned and managed by the State of Maryland.

The Fair Hill Foundation is immensely proud of what the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill has become. In just a few short years, the event has earned its place as one of only seven 5 Star Eventing competitions in the world - an extraordinary achievement that reflects the passion, commitment, and generous support of so many individuals and organizations who helped bring this vision to Maryland.

From its earliest days, the Maryland 5 Star has represented more than a competition. It has been a statement of what is possible at Fair Hill: world‑class sport, meaningful community engagement, and a platform capable of attracting the very best of the global equestrian community. The Foundation recognizes and sincerely thanks all those whose leadership, energy, and perseverance established this event and elevated it to international prominence.

As the Maryland 5 Star has grown, it has also reached a natural point of evolution. Events of this caliber require different structures, resources, and leadership as they transition from successful launch to long‑term institution. With that in mind, and in close collaboration with key partners and stakeholders, the deliberate decision has been made to pause the CCI5‑L competition in 2026.

Scott Brash leads in jumping world rankings with Kent Farrinton second

Details: March 6, 2026; By Staff Writers

In Longines Jumping World Rankings, Scott Brash, Great Britain’s double Olympic gold medalist from London 2012 and Paris 2024, retains his lead, and the gap between the Scottish rider and Kent Farrington, the man he deposed from world number one at the end of January, has widened considerably from the 44 points that separated the pair in the end-January rankings.

Kent Farrington on Greya from Geneva Kent Farrington on Greya Brash leadse on 3,477, with Farrington now 241 points behind on 3,236.

Ben Maher, a triple gold Olympian for Great Britain, is third on 3,060 in an unchanged top three, but Richard Vogel of Germany, the 2025 European champion, has moved up two slots with 3,022 points , dropping Gilles Thomas of Belgium with 3,019 and Christian Kukuk of Germany with 2,966 to fifth and sixth.

Nina Mallevaey of France moved up one place to seventh on 2,885 points to hold onto her world number one female athlete title.

The top 10 is completed by Julien Epaillard of France on 2,881, Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on 2,794 and McLain Ward on 2,791.

In the Longines League of Nations Ranking, Team USA still leads, with its latest total of 15,253 increasing its advantage to 769 points over second-placed Belgium on 14,484.

U.S. team of Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale and McLain Ward to defend in Ocala

Details: March 4, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Longines League of Nations Ocala CSIO5*-LLN in Ocala, Fla., at the World Equestrian Center from March 17-22.

U.S teamfor Ocala The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

The FEI also announced the riders for the other nine teams.

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

Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y.

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Aaron Vale of Williston, Fla.

McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y.

The competition will begin on Wednesday, March 18, and conclude on Saturday, March 21.

The $350,000 Grand Prix CSIO5* will take place on Thursday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET, while the highlight event, the League of Nations CSIO5* team competition, will take place on Saturday, March 21, with round one beginning at 5:15 p.m. ET.

The competition includes the top 10 teams from around the globe with fields of four-athlete teams, and the best three scores will count from the first round.

Devon prize list now available

Details: February 28, 2026; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--The countdown is officially underway.

Devon generic winner galloping Devon Sapphire Grand Prix winner Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25Entries are now open for the 130th Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, taking place May 20–31, 2026, in the iconic Dixon Oval.

As the largest and oldest outdoor multi-breed horse show in North America, Devon’s 130th anniversary year promises world-class competition, cherished traditions, and exciting new activations in celebration of this historic milestone.

Exhibitors are invited to secure their place in the Dixon Oval and be part of this landmark year.

The official Prize List and entry information are available at www.devonhorseshow.net under Exhibitors → Exhibitor’s Info.

Additional event details and anniversary announcements will be released in the coming weeks as the countdown to Devon begins.

For more information, visit www.devonhorseshow.net.

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McLain Ward anchors team for WEF Nations Cup

Details: February 18, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky. --US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO4* at the Winter Equestrian Festival from Feb. 25-March 1.

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

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

• Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
• Marilyn Little of Wellington, Fla.
• Callie Schott of Wellington, Fla.
• McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y.

Competition Information

The Jumping Nations Cup Wellington CSIO4* will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with the opening classes of the week, followed by the WEF Challenge 8 CSIO4* on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 8:00 a.m. ET.

The highlight class of the week, the $200,000 Jumping Nations Cup CSIO4* will start with the first round of competition at 6:00 p.m. ET, on Saturday, Feb. 28, with the second round beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET.

The classes will be live streamedon the Winter Equestrian Festival and ClipMyHorse.

The National Horse Show to move to Tryon

Details: February 13, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--The National Horse Show, in a press release, has announced its intention to move to Tryon next year.

Tryon International The big question, however, is whether the show will now again be a a FEI recognized competition, which will again draw top competitors. or whether it will remain a third rate jumper show.

It's a shame to have the once revered National Horse Show drop tp a third rate jumper show, so it's to be hoped the change in venue will save it enough money that it can pay to again be a FEI recognized jumper show.

Without top jumpers, it's just another run of the mill horse show.

The press release follows.

Lexington, KY.--The National Horse Show, the oldest and longest-running indoor horse show in the United States, announced its intent to host competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center beginning in 2026, pending USEF approval.

McLain Ward loses his top mount Imperial

Details: February 12, 2026; By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Imperial, McLain Ward's top hope for both a team and individual medal in the Los Angeles Olympics, was humanely destroyed after suffering colic.

McLain Wardon Imperial HBF La Baule McLain Ward on Imperial HBF at La BauleWard got the ride on imperial early in 2025 and started winning almost immediately.

Among his wins on Imperial, in just his second or third ride on Imperial, Ward finished clean in the Nations Cup at La Baule in May to anchor the team to a win.

In Rome, Ward's clean round on Imperial as the anchor rider for the team won the Nations Cup for the U.S., and he placed scond in the Loro Piana Trophy.

McLain just loves this horse," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland after one of his winning rounds. "He comes out smiling after every class."

"It is with great sadness that we share the loss of Imperial HBF (“Paddy”) yesterday due to complications from colic,"said Ward.. "Paddy suffered a bout of colic and, despite two surgeries and every possible effort to save him, the incredibly difficult decision was made—by his owner Michael Smith, myself, and a devoted team of caretakers and veterinarians—that the kindest and most humane choice was to let him go.
Paddy fought tirelessly, just as he did throughout his career as a competitor, and our entire family and team are devastated by his loss.
During this challenging time, his owner, Mike Smith, exemplified true horsemanship—spending countless hands-on hours by Paddy’s side, doing everything possible to support his recovery, and never wavering in his trust in the team caring for him.
The veterinarians and support staff at Rood & Riddle Wellington, along with Dr. Tim Ober, were nothing short of extraordinary. As always, I am deeply grateful to my own team for their unwavering dedication and compassion throughout this process.
Godspeed, Imperial."

Lee McKeever and Albany elected to Show Jumping Hall of Fame

Details: February 11, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Lee McKeever and Albany, Leslie Burr Howard’s 1984 Olympic mount, have been elected to the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.

Lee McKeeverThey will be formally inducted during the Hall of Fame’s Induction Gala on Sunday evening, March 1, at the Wellington National Golf Club in Wellington, Fla.

The Hall of Fame will also present its annual International Award to Irish Olympic veteran Kevin Babington.

LEE McKEEVER

For the last 38 years, Lee McKeever has been the sport horse manager and closest advisor to six-time Olympian McLain Ward.

McKeever has been an indispensable member of Ward’s team and has played a key role in Ward’s competing in 20 World Cup Finals and 14 major championships, bringing home 13 medals.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, McKeever started his love affair with horses when he was 12 years old.

While still a boy, McKeever left school and found a job as a groom.

Shortly thereafter, someone told him that a friend, Jimmy Doyle, could get him a job in America.

McKeever came to the U.S. in 1988 and took a job working for Barney Ward at Castle Hill Farm in Brewster, N.Y.

Scott Brash new world number one over Kent Farrington

Details: February 10, 2026; By Staff Writers

Great Britain’s Scott Brash is the new world number one, taking the lead of the global standings with 3,459 points, supplanting Kent Farrington.

Kent Farington on Greya Trevese Megan Giese Kent Farington on Greya (Photo by Megan Giese)Brash moves up from second place to claim the coveted World No. 1 position, edging ahead of former leader Farrington, who now sits in second place with 3,415 points.

“I’m incredibly proud to be World Number One again," said Brash. "More than anything, it’s a reflection of the extraordinary team around me - the people who work tirelessly every single day, caring for our horses with such love and dedication. They are the ones who make sure the horses are as happy and healthy as they can possibly be, allowing us to do what we do, and who keep everything moving forward.

“For me, reaching Number One is never about just a few recent results. It’s something that is built quietly and patiently over many years. With horses, success comes from the time you invest in them, the trust you develop, and a knowing it’s a long-term journey. That’s why it feels so special to stand here with such remarkable horses, all of whom feel at the very top of their game. This is also a moment to say thank you to my owners, who have supported me for so many years with trust and belief, and to our partners, whose support makes so much possible. My focus now remains simple; to keep the horses as fit, healthy and happy as they can be. Everything else follows from that.”

U.S. team for Abu Dhabi

Details: January 31, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Longines League of Nations Abu Dhabi CSIO5*-LLN in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from Feb. 12-15.

Team fo Abu Dhabi The team will be led by Chef d'Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order:
• Natalie Dean of Wellington, Fla.
• Callie Schott of Wellington, Fla.
• Sarah Segal of Flemington, N.J.
• Skylar Wireman of Bonsall, Calif.

Competition Information

Competition begins Thursday, Feb.12, and will conclude Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Center.

The highlight Longines League of Nations™ team event is set for Friday, Feb.13, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, which is 6"30 p.m Abu Dhabi timr.

The €308,600 Longines Grand Prix CSIO5*, will conclude competition on Sunday, Feb. 15, starting at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time,which is 4 p.m. Abu Dhabi time.

The Longines League of Nations competition brings together the top 10 teams from around the globe with fields of four riders per team with the best three scores counting from the first round.

For the second round, the best eight teams return with three riders, selected by the chefs d’equipe, starting in reverse order from the first round.

The final placings are determined by the combined penalties of each team’s three best scores in the first round and all team scores in the second round.

The Longines League of Nations Abu Dhabi CSIO5*-LLN will be streamed on FEI.TV.

US Equestrian competing members, subscribers, and fans receive a 10% discount on a ClipMy

Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase elects trustees

Details: January 14, 2026; By Staff Writers

The Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation has elected two new trustees and re-elected three others.

The new members of the non-profit are Achsah O'Donovan and Mark Beecher.

Mark Beecher in coat Mark Beecher Irish import Mark Beecher comes from an equestrian family.

As a junior, Beecher won the European show jumping championship, twice, on family homebreds.

He rode point-to-points in Ireland and England before shifting his tack to America in 2010 to ride for Maryland-based George Mahoney’s Rosbrian Farm.

Over nine seasons as a rider, Mark Beecher won two Maryland Hunt Cups, three NSA amateur titles and every timber stakes on the U.S. circuit.

Beecher retired from riding after the 2019 season and turned his full focus to training. In 2025 Beecher sat fourth in the NSA trainer standings (races won) with 14 wins from 70 starts and earnings of $393,000. (Douglas Lees photo)

Achsah O'Donovan grew up in Maryland, foxhunting with the Green Spring Valley Hounds.

She became a teacher, social worker and artist living in Colorado.

Later in life she returned to Maryland.

No longer able to ride, O'Donovan became involved in the steeplechase world as an owner.

She has owned horses with trainers Alicia Murphy, Joseph Davies and Mark Beecher.

Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance's donation to Thorncroft Equestrian Center

Details: January 8, 2026; By Staff Writers

MALVERN, Pa.--The Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance has announced its latest charitable donation to Thorncroft Equestrian Center, continuing a meaningful partnership dedicated to enriching lives through equine-assisted services.

Radnor Left to right, Tiffany Meyer, Executive Director, Thorncroft Equestrian Center;
Tobey Ross, Co-Chairman & President, Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance;
Michael G. Tillson III, Chairman and Founder, Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance (Photo by Emma Yanowsky)

Over the course of its relationship with Thorncroft, the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance has contributed well over $165,000 to support the organization’s adaptive, recreational, and veteran’s equine-assisted services programming.

This prestigious automotive event supports adaptive and equine-assisted programming serving hundreds of participants annually

These funds help make it possible for more than 400 participants each year to learn, grow, and thrive at Thorncroft’s Malvern-based farm, advancing the physical and emotional well-being of individuals of all abilities.

“With grateful appreciation to the Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance Executive Board and volunteers, we thank them for their support of Thorncroft's mission to develop the physical and emotional well-being of all people, regardless of their individual challenges,” said Tiffany Meyer, Executive Director of Thorncroft Equestrian Center. “Their continued generosity allows us to expand access to life-changing equine-assisted services and deepen our impact across the community.”

Cotner Trailer letter to the Editor

Details: January 6, 2026; By SARA CAVANAGH

Letter to the Editor;

cotner 13 Just letting you know that I am calling it quits after 25 years or a total of 55 years for the Cotner name.

We are having an auction and have a couple horse trailers available.

Spread the work.

Thank you again for The Horse of the Delaware Valley, it has let us reach many customers over the years.

Pete Smith
Cotner Trailers

Kent Farrington leads in Jumping World Ranking, while in Eventing Boyd Martin remais second

Details: December 12, 2025; By Staff Writers

In world ranking for Jumpimg, Kent Farrington remains at the top of the Longines Rankings for yet another month with a tally of 3,417 points, followed by Great Britain’s Scott Brash, who stays behind the American with 3,222 points, while Germany’s Christian Kukuk ascends to the top three on 3,155 points after surpassing Ben Maher of Great Britain with 3,152 points.

Kent Farrington on Greya Sarah Miller for MacMillan Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan)Gilles Thomas of Belgium completes the top 5 with 3,039 points.

Richard Vogel of Germany with 2,870 points maintains sixth, while Laura Kraut with 2,779 points and Harrie Smolders Netherlands with 2,712 points exchange positions on seventh and eight respectively.

France’s Julien Epaillard is now ninth with 2,711 points, followed by Daniel Coyle of Ireland, 10th on 2,697 points, and McLain Ward stays 11th with 2689..

In the Longines League of Nations Ranking, the USA’s dominance continues.

For the 11th consecutive month, USA, 14,780 points, maintains its position as leader with current European Champions, Belgium second with 14,346 points, followed by Team France. 13,973 points, who is now third after climbing two spots.

Ireland drops to fourth, with a tally of 13,763 points, followed by Germany, with 13,558 points.

The rest of the positions remain unchanged, with Great Britain (13,195 points), Netherlands (11,819 points), Italy (10,177 points), Switzerland (10,169 points) and Brazil (9,429 points)

In Eventing, Harry Meade of Great Britain remains at the top of the World ranking for the seventh consecutive month with 588 points.

Meade is followed by Boyd Martin, who remains just 51 points behind the leader.

Current European Champion Laura Collet of Great Britain maintains third place on 469 points, followed by Tim Price of New Zealand, 455 points and Rosalind Canter of Great Britain who remains fifth on 453 points.

Team USA are leading the way in the senior Para Dressage Rankings: Fiona Howard (1,619 points) and Team USA (1,339 points) maintain the top spot in both Individual and Team rankings.

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Donates $375,000 to Bryn Mawr Hospital

Details: December 8, 2025; By Staff Writers

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair Donates $375,000 to Bryn Mawr Hospital as Part of $2M Pledge to Support Hospital’s Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Continuing Its Role as the Largest Donor to Bryn Mawr Hospital

DEVON, Pa.--The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair donated $375,000 to Bryn Mawr Hospital, part of Main Line Health, during a celebratory event and check presentation on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM. Continuing its role as the largest donor to the hospital, Wayne W. Grafton, CEO and Chairman of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, along with Country Fair Co-chairs Beth Previti and Christine Conners, presented the check to Ed Jimenez, Chief Executive Officer of Main Line Health; John Schwarz, President of Bryn Mawr Hospital; Pam Porter, Chair of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation Board; and Cinda Johnson, Executive Director of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation.

Devon presentation As Devon approaches its historic 130th anniversary in 2026, this milestone year carries added significance. The Show continues to embody a proud Main Line tradition of civic philanthropy—reflecting more than a century of community leadership, volunteerism, and partnership with Bryn Mawr Hospital.
This $375,000 donation is made against the $2M pledge supporting Bryn Mawr Hospital’s inpatient psychiatric unit. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair and the Hospital’s leadership team continue to celebrate their longstanding partnership as they prepare for expanded community engagement leading into 2026.

The relationship between the Devon Horse Show and Bryn Mawr Hospital dates back to 1919, making it one of the longest and most impactful philanthropic partnerships in the region—now 106 years strong. This enduring bond continues to fund capital projects, medical equipment, and essential patient care initiatives, reaffirming Devon’s place as the hospital’s most steadfast benefactor.