Competitions

Kent Farrington on Greya won the 1.2 million Euro Grand Prix in Geneva

Details: December 15, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

GENEVA, Switzerland--In one of the top Grand Prix in the world, Kent Farrington avenged his loss to Scott Brash in the World Top 10 competition to win in Geneva on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Kent Farrington on Greya from Geneva Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo from Geneva)Farrington on Greya won the 1,200,000 Euro Rolex Grand Prix. a part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, in a thrilling eight horse jump-off.

In a tremendous day of sport, Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on James Kann Cruz was second to go in the jump-off over the course set by Grégory Bodo and Gérard Lachat, and he set the time to beat of 41.39,

Farrington was the fifth to go in the jump-off, and with a beautifully ridden, smooth and very fast round finished in 40.04, over a second faster, but then had to wait through the three remaining riders before claiming the win.

Thibeau Spits of Belgiom on Impress-k van't Kattenheye Z then finished in 42.21 to eventually place third, followed by Sophie Hinners of Germany on Iron Dames Singclar,, who finished in 42.35 to finish fourth, and then Christian Ahlmann of Germany on Dourkhan Hero Z had eight faults to give Farrington the wi5n.

Callie Schott on Garant won the Grand Prix in Thermal

Details: December 14, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Callie Schott on Garant won the $340,000, CSI5* Grand Prix over Aaron Vale and Jessie Springsteen on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Desert Holiday CSI5* finale,

Callie Schott on Garant High Desert SportPhoto Callie Schott on Garant (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)“I told myself that I was just going to try to go and not touch the reins and see what happens,” said Schott. “This was definitely the fastest I’ve ever gone! Normally, I give him a few checks here and there. Today, I said, ‘You know what? I have nothing to lose. Let’s just go for it!’”

Schott was the fastest by more than a second in the seven-horse jump-off over the course set by Olaf Petersen, Jr.

Schott had the advantage of being the second to last to go in the jump-off, and when she went the time to beat had been set at 39.48 seconds by Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25.

Schott finished in a lightning quick time of 38.08 seconds to win, with Vale placing second and Springsteen on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve third in 40.14.

“This is the third jump off he’s made in a row at 1.60m, so hopefully we’re developing some consistency,” said Vale of Carissimo 25. “The horse has all the ability, and I feel like we’re really starting to get some consistency. I was a bit early in the jump off, so I was pretty good at the beginning. In hindsight, I’d like to take a little more chance at the second to last, but I left the ring as the leader and only one of them beat me, so we got to say it was a good night!”

Scott Brash edged out Kent Farrington to win the Top 10 Final in Geneva

Details: December 13, 2025; By Staff Writers

GENEVA, Switzerland--Scott Brash of Great Britain just won over Kent Fsrriington by a tenth of a second in a thrilling Rolex Top 10 Final on Friday, Dec. 12.

Kent Farrington on Tpulayna High Desert Sport Photo Kent Farrington on Tulayna at Thermal on his way to becoming World number one (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Brash on Hello Chadora Lady finished clean in both rounds and finished on 45.63 to win over Farrington on Toulayna, clean in both rounds but in 45.79, while Richie Vogel on Cloudio was third with a total of four faults in 44.24.

"I'm absolutely delighted to win," said Brash, who had also won the Top 10 Final in 2014, "I'm delighted for my mare. She's such a quik mare,and she deserved it."

In a unique competition, the top 10 World Ranked Riders competed in a two round competition over two courses set by Gerard Lachat of Switzerland and Gregory Bobo of France.

In round one, riders went in reverse order of their world standing, and in round two went in reverse order of their finish in round one, with their aggregate score from the two rounds determining their finish, with their time in round tie breaking any ties.

Erynn Ballard, Kaitlin Campbell and McLain Ward won the Team competition at Thermal

Details: December 13, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Erynn Ballard, Kaitlin Campbell and McLain Ward of the Roadrunners won the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping CSI5* Team Competition on Friday, Dec. 12

Mclain Ward on First Lady team High Desert Sport Photo Mclain Ward on First Lady (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)“We play to win!” said Ballard. “You have a very strong group of winners riding on this team, so there’s nothing better than a win. There’s nothing better than a win at home. I think all of us rose to the occasion tonight.”

In MLSJ format, after all eight teams with three riders each go in the first round, the top four teams advance to the first jump-off.

There, each team selects two riders to try to win a spot in the gold medal podium jump-off round.

“Our strategy was to put McLain and I in the first jump-off to get us into the winning round,” said Ballard.

Both Ballard on Her Game Ball BG and Ward on First Lady went clean, with Ballard also having the night’s fastest round.

The gold-medal showdown then was between Campbell and Maccabi United’s Daniel Bluman.

Mark Bluman won the Qualifier in Thermal

Details: December 12, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Mark Bluman on Landon de Nyze, in only their second show together, won the $182,000, CSI5* Qualifier at the Desert Holiday 2 show on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Mark Bluman on Landon de Nyze Daniel Bluman had a feeling that Landon de Nyze would be well suited for his cousin, Mark, and gave him the horse.

“Daniel is going to heaven if he keeps giving me these kind of horses!” said Bluman of the 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding previously competed by Daniel Bluman and to great success by Kent Farrington before him. “Landon was super successful with Kent. He got an individual silver medal in the Pan Am Games, won a couple CSI5* grand prix with him. Kent had enough horses at the time, and he wasn’t really taking Landon much to the show, so Daniel bought him for him to ride.”

“Again, same story with Daniel, he had many horses to ride at the time, and he knew the horse could be a great match," said Bluman. "Even at the beginning when Daniel first bought it, he said, ‘Listen, I think this could be a good match for you. Let me give it a go and see how it goes, but I know at the end of the day, you’re going to end up riding him.’ So, now it’s up to me!”

Stella Wasserman on Myla won at Thermal

Details: December 10, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Stella Wasserman on Myla won the $40,000, 1.45m Open Classic at Desert International Horse Park on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Stella Wasserman on Myla High Deseert SportPhoto Stella Wasserman on Myla (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Desert Holiday 1 was only Stella Wasserman and Myla’s fourth show together.

“She’s my type of ride,” said Wasserman of the mare previously competed to great success by world number one Kent Farrington. “She’s small, typey, hot, and that’s definitely what I like in a horse. With every horse you first start off with, you have to figure them out and learn their ins and outs, but she’s a great horse to work with so figuring her out is very pleasant.”

“My goal today was to kind of just keep forming that partnership with her and figuring her out and learning what makes her tick,” she said.

“She’s obviously an amazing horse coming from a great person and program, and I’m very lucky to be able to have a horse like this,” Wasserman said. “I’m just figuring her out and forming a partnership and seeing where that takes us!”

Karl Cook won the $62,000 Grand Prix in Thermal

Details: December 8, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.-Karl Cook on Kalinks van't Zorgvliet won the $62,000 CSI2* Grand Prix at Desert Holiday 1 on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Karl Cook on Halinka vant Zorgvliet High Desert Sport Photo Karl Cook on Kalinka vant Zorgvliet (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Following about a year and a half off from an injury, Kalinka van’t Zorgvliet returned to competition this fall, and this was her second major win since returning to FEI competition in September.

Cook was one of 51 entries in the CSI2* finale class at Desert International Horse Park, and he was one of nine to advance to jump-off over the Alan Wade-designed course.

Israel’s Daniel Bluman on Rebelline de Kwakenbeek set the time to beat of 34.69 seconds.

“I saw Daniel go, and Daniel’s always fast,” said Cook. “So, my plan was just go as fast as you can! It always helps to see someone go quickly before you, even if some of the numbers were different. I think he and I did near the same numbers, it’s just Kalinka’s a little bit faster in the air which is just the way that it is.”

Laura Kraut edged out McLain Ward in $750,000 Grand Prix

Details: December 8, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Laura Kraut on Bisquetta won the $750,000 CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix by just three one-hundredths of a second over McLain Ward on High Star Hero on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Desert International Horse Park

Laura Kraut on Bisquetta High Desert Sport Photo Laura Kraut on Bisquetta (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)It was a thrilling 11 horse jump-off over the course set by Alan Wade, with six going clean and less than one second separating the top four finishers.

Despite having to go second in the jump-off, Kraut finished in 36.27 to win over Ward, clean in 36.30.

Skylar Wireman on Barclino B was third in 36.43, with Daniel Bluman on Corbie V.V. fourth in 37.18, Nina Mallevaey on Dynastie de Baufour fifth in 37.54, and Cian O;Connor on Kentucky CN sixth in 28.82.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 had four faults in 36.98 for sevenths, while Nicola Philppaerts, Richie Vogel and Kaitlin Campbell had eight faults and Conor Swail had 12 faults.

“The best horse and rider combinations from Thursday’s $182,000 CSI5* Qualifier went at the end, and I had made a mistake on Thursday, so I went early,” said Kraut. “I thought, ‘It’s hard for me to beat this group on a day when I can watch them, but much less when I go early!’ I just thought, ‘I’m just going to go and go as fast as I can’ – which is normally not nearly fast enough.”

The Bluman's team won the team competition in Thermal

Details: December 6, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--The Maccabi United team of Daniel Bluman on Hummer Z, Mark Bluman on Phelina de Septon and Uma O’Neill on Luigi d’Eclipse

moved to the top of the Major League Show Jumping team standings following a win in the $200,000 CSI5* Team Competition on Dec. 5 during Desert Holiday 1.

Daniel Bluman on Hummer Z High Desert Sport Photo Daniel Bluman on Hummer Z (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)In the MLSJ format, there are eight teams of seven riders.but only three riders from each team compete in each leg.

Then in each leg, the eight teams of three compete with the top four teams going on to a second round, then if there's a tie one member of each team is chosen.

Two identical courses are set and those two go head to head over the identical courses with the winner the one with the fastest time under the faults-converted format, with three seconds added per knockdown.

Prior to Friday night, the Maccab team was second in the overall standings – and it was also second at the end of the night’s first round.

in round two, O’Neill and Mark Bluman were clean, but the Archer team of of Niclola Philippaerts on H&M Que Sera, Alex Matz on Junior Kannan and Callie Schott on Garan also had two clean, so there was a jump-off.

McLain Ward won the $182,000 Qualifier at Thermal

Details: December 5, 2025; By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--McLain Ward on First Lady, for the second year in a row, won the $182,000 Visit Greater Palm Springs CSI5* Qualifier on Thursday, Dec. 4.

McLain Ward on First Lady Photo by High Desert Sport Photo McLain Ward on First Lady (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)A field of 38 competed over the qualifying course designed by Alan Wade, and nine advanced to the jump-off.

As the fourth to go in the jump-off, Ward was clean and set the time to beat at 36.01 seconds.

Keri Potter and the very quick Kalimera van de Nethe Z went after Ward and had the best time of 34.89 seconds, but a rail down left her fourth.

Nina Mallevaey of France on Dynastie de Beaufour placed second in 41.59 seconds, and Ireland’s Conor Swail on Clonterm Obolensky was third.

“I was lucky to get to watch a few,” said Ward, who is currently ranked 11th in the world. “First Lady’s quick, not quite as fast as Keri’s mare, but it played out in our favor today. First Lady was out for a little while this summer with an injury, but she has come back really strong and been phenomenally consistent. She won the qualifier a Washington.The biggest shows, those are the competitions that we’ve been aiming for, and she’s just delivering week after week.”

Kent Farrington on Greya won the $200,000 Grand Prix in Wellington

Details: December 1, 2025; By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Kent Farrington on Greya was a runaway winner of the $200,000 Holiday & Horses CSI4* Grand Prix, winning in an eight horse jump-off by six seconds.

Kent Farrington on Greya Cassidy Klein Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Anthony D’Ambrosio set the course for the starting field of 39, of which eight went clean.

Hallie Grimes on Karoline of Ballmore went first in the jump-off, going clean in 45.78 seconds, which ultimately finished second.

Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z followed next, finishing with four faults in 43.46 that ultimately placed third, following his CSI3* Grand Prix win just two weeks prior.

Then Farrington delivered a masterclass in speed and precision, finishing clean in 39.34 seconds.

The remaining riders, Erynn Ballard of Canada and Jad Dana of Portugal, had four faults while Stephanie Macieira ad Daniel Bluman had eight faults.

McLain Ward won the $400,000 World Cup Los Angeles in a thrilling jump-off

Details: November 24, 2025; By Staff Writers

ARCADIA, Calif--McLain Ward on High Star Hero won the $400,000 the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Los Angeles on Saturday evening, Nov. 22 at Santa Anita Park.

McLain Ward on Hight Star Hero Shannon Brinkman McLain Ward on High Star Hero (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)Ward won in a thrilling seven horse jump-off to secure his biggest victory yet on High Star Hero.

Richie Vogel on the 9-year-old Gangster Montdesir went first in the jump-off, and, despite its being the young horse's first time in a World Cup, set a very fast time to beat of 34.39.

Vogel's time was seen to be fast indeed when Laura Kraut on Bisquetta, who has won plenty of speed duels, finished two seconds slower in 36.02.

It wasn't until Ward, second to last in the ring, that his time was challenged, but Ward left out a stride between the first two fences and turned back particularly quickly to the vertical three fences from home to finish in 33.99 for the win.

Nina Mallevaey of France on Dynastie de Beaufor, last to go, couldn't catch those two but finished in 34.73 to place third, with Kraut fourth in 36.02.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 was fifth with four faults in 34.54, Kent Farrington on Toulayna was sixth, with four faults in 34.72, and Kyle Timm of Canada on Casino Calvin, who retired after a stop, finished seventh to complete the jump-off, while Katie Dinan on Out of the Blue with one time fault finished eighth.

Erynn Ballard won the Speed Challenge at Santa Anita

Details: November 22, 2025; By Staff Writers

ARCADIA, Calif.--Erynn Ballard of Canada on Her Game Ball won the $35,000 CSA5*, 1.45m Speed Challenge at Santa Anita, a competition run by Split Rock, on Friday, Nov. 21.

Erynn Ballard on Her Game Ball BG (Photo by Winslow Photography)Ballard, going late in the class of 45 competitors, won in 58.930 to beat long time leader James Chawke of Ireland on Daido van't Ruytershof Z, who finished second in 59.46.

Europe's reigning champion Richie Vogel of Germany on Con Quality was third in 60.26.

“Her Game Ball has been a new addition to my string since June of this year,"said Ballad. "It was an instant partnership. She’s super special; all she does is win. She’s boosted my rankings with her placings all summer."

"It’s a fun, competitive horse, great owners with Mary France Looke and her mom," said Ballard. "When you’re riding for people that really support you, it makes it even more fun. I love the show; it has a Canadian vibe with Nikki Walker, the Vice President, The Stronach Group and professional equestrian being such a major part of it. Derek Braun and Split Rock always put on a great show, and we are happy to support it. Knowing that the Olympics are going to be here, there isn’t a better place to be.”

Gregory Wathelet won the $100,000 Welcome at Santa Anita

Details: November 21, 2025; By Staff Writers

ARCADIA, Calif.--Gregory Wathelet of Belgium on Argentina De La Marchette won the $100,000 CSI5*-W 1.50m Welcome at Santa Anita on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Gregory Wathelet on Argentina De La Marchette (Photo by Wnslow Photography)On an evening of uncharacteristic southern California weather, pouring rain and whipping winds, 10 of the top world ranked riders qualified for the jump-off from a starting field of 58.

But with the weather getting worse and worse as the evening progressed, three of the top riders, world number one Kent Farrington on Toulayna, number eight Laura Kraut on Bisquetta and number 38 Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque, chose not to return for the jump-off over the course set by Anderson Lima.

2020 Tokyo Olympics team bronze medalist Wathelet was first in the jump-off and set the fast time of 36.59 that no one could catch to take the win.

Niina Mallevaey of France on Dynastie De Beaufour was second in a time of 37.08, Ireland’s Michael Duffy on Be Sky Hawk was third in 37.13 and Mclain Ward on First Lady was fourth in 37.35.

Mathijs Van Asten won the $35,000 Two Phase at Santa Anita

Details: November 20, 2025; By Staff Writers

ARCADIA,Calif.--Mathijs Van Asten of Netherlands on Orlando Van De Afspanning won the $35,000 CSI5*-W 1.45M Two Phase over a huge and competitive field of 82 at the Santa Anita 5* on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Mathijs Van Asten on Orlando Van De Afsanning (Photo by PC Winslow)Some of the highest-ranked riders in the world competed over the Anderson Lima designed course, from reining European Champion Richard Vogel to World #1 Kent Farrington, leading U25 rider Nina Mulleavay, and multi-Olympic medalist McLain Ward.

Van Asten won the Two Phase in a time of 25.70.

Canada’s #5 ranked and Canadian Leading Rider of The Year, Nicole Walker on Atout Des Trambles placed second in 27.26, and world ranked #8, Laura Kraut on Lady D was third in a time of 27.59, narrowly beaten by Walker.

Although a number of the competitors used the class as a schooling event to get their horses used to the Santa Anita venue, there were still 19 that were clean over the speed course in the Two Phase.

Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque was fourth in 27.72.

Michae Duffy of Ireland on Chili Pepper was fifth in 27.73 and Ali Ramsy on Bonita vh Keizershof Z was sixth in 28.21.

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

Details: November 19, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney Elliott won the 4*L at Terranova

Details: November 19, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Ebeling won the Freestyle at the Dressage Final in Thermal

Details: November 18, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conor Swail won the $250,000 World Cup Toronto

Details: November 16, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: November 14, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erynn Ballard and Mark Bluman win in Toronto

Details: November 13, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

Kaitlin Campbell on Cosm Hesed placed third in 59.40.

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

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

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

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

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

Details: November 5, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 26, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 24, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington International opens with wins for Casaccio and Roman

Details: October 22, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 21, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 20, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 19, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 17, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 18, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details: October 17, 2025; By Staff Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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