Competitions

U.S. second in thrilling Rotterdam Nations Cup

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June 20, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

 ROTTERDAM, Netherlands--In a competition that showcased the most exciting aspects of show jumping, Great Britain, the U.S. and Switzerland tied for the win after two rounds in the Nations Cup in Rotterdam League of Nations on Friday, June 18.

Mariiyn Little on La Contessa (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)Then in the jump-off for the win, the three riders were separated by a mere four-tenths of a second.

Great Britain's Harry Charles on LT Holst Freda, a relatively new ride, was  first to go in the jump-off and finished in 31.18, then Marilyn Little on La Contessa finished just seven-one hundreds of a second back in 31.25

It looked like Jason Smith of Switzerland on Picobello van't Roosakker, with the advantage of going last, might win, but he finished in 31.64 to place third.

So the British team of Charles, Ben Maher on Catelly, Sienna Charles with Chawton and Jessica Mendoza on Summerhouse won with the U.S. team of Little, Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque, Katie Dinan on Out of the Blue SCF and Callie Schott on Garant second, and Switzerland third.

"We’ve got a great team here,” Britain's chef d'equipe Di Lampard said. “I think it was a wonderful day of sport and a fantastic course that was fair to the horses as well. To finish with three teams in the jump-off. Wow.”

It was a thrilling cliff-hanger all the way, as team scores changed with every rider in round one.

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Kent Farrington won on a young horse in Traverse City

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June 20, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich,--Kent Farrington on Diakatisa won the $31,100 CSI3* Speed on Friday, June 19 during week three of the Traverse City Spring Series.

Kent Farrington on Diakatisa (Photo by Natalie Suto Photography)World No. 1 Farrington uses Traverse City to develop his younger horses into international competitors.

There were 27 entries competing over the oourse set by Andy Christiansen of Ecuador, and nine went clean.

Farrington finished in 59.24 to win by over three seconds, with Charlotte Bettendorf on Kalliope second in 62.93 and Victoria Heurtematte on Condara third in 63.84.

“I thought my horse was great,” Farrinton said. “With her I wanted to practice going full tempo and teaching her to look for the jumps. I think she handled it great today.”

Despite going later in the order, Farrington said he didn’t change anything about his plan with Diakatisa.

“Overall her rate of speed is just higher than most horses,” he said. “I did a couple fast options and kept the track tight around the end, but I don’t think there was one spot that took the class today.”

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Spencer Smith won the $116,000 Grand Prix in Traverse City

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June 14, 2026

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Spencer Smith on Keeneland won the 116,000 CSI4* Grand Prix on Saturday, June 13 during the second week of the Traverse City Spring Series.

Spencer Smith on Keeneland (Photo by Natalie Suto)All six in the jump-off went clean, turning the class into a race against the clock.

“I have such a good horse here with Keeneland,” Smith said. “I’m working on jump-off turns with him and getting better every round. He’s jumped a lot of Nations Cups and double clears but we haven’t gone so fast, so we’re building on that every year.”

With five other extremely fast horses to face over Meghan Rawlins’ course, Smith tried not to compare his plan to others’ and trusted the partnership he’s built with Keeneland.

With a few still to come after his round, he was able to retain his lead as the class came to a close.

Smith finished in 48.47 to win over Charlise Casas on Kanny-Fee, who finished in 49.30, and Molly Ashe Cawley on Lorona, who stopped the clock in 49.34.

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U.S. 9th in La Baule Nations Cup, McLain Ward 2nd in Prix Saur

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June 13, 2026

By Staff Writers

LA BAULE, France--France won the CSIO5* 1.60m Nations Cup in La Baule, beating Germany and Ireland on Friday, June 12.

McLain Ward on High Star Hero was second in the Prix Saur (This is an earlier photo by  Shannon Brinkman)The U.S. team of Laura Kraut on Baloutinue, Lillie Keenan on Kick On, Natalie Dean on Mr. Bombastic and McLain Ward on Lestro VD Valckenborg finished the first round with 12 faults to place ninth, not qualifying for the second round.

 Kraut went first for the U.S., and had four faults, Keenan had an uncharacteristic eight faults, and Dean was clean, so Ward, last to go, could have had four faults and the team would have qualified fifth for round two,

But Lestro stopped at an early fence, a wall, and with time faults Ward finished with 24 faults and the team was out of round two.

That's how close it was - one stop and the team went from fifth to ninth.

"Lestro is a relatively new ride for McLain, and he's still getting know him," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland. "McLain just over corrected on the turn too the wall and Lestro stopped."

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Daniel Bluman won the $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic

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June 8, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

UPPERVILLE, Va.--Daniel Bluman of Israel on Hummer Z won the $200,000 Upperville Jumper Classic in a six horse jump-off on Sunday, June 7.

Daniel Bluman on Hummer Z (Phoo by Erin Gilmore)Over the course set by Alan Wade, Bluman, second to last to go, finished clean in 34.95 to win over Chloe Reid on Crossover 4, clean in 36.74, and Sloane Coles on Ninja JW van de Moerhoeve, clean in 37.43.

Saturday evening, Lilly Ward, who rode Woodlands Corduroy in medium ponies, had kidded her Dad, McLain, saying, "I've won two classes and you've won only one."

Her boast stayed true as Ward on First Lady in the Classic had a rail down to finish fourth with four faults in 35.13.

Jacob Pope on Highway FBH was fifth with for faults in 43.71, and Vanessa Hood on Vins VD Tojopehoeve was sixth with four faults in 45,44,

"Hummer has been unbelievable for for me," said Bluman, world ranked 12th. "I've had him for three years. He was developed by Beezie Madden. He's been nothing but great for me."

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Caroline Pamukcu and Phillip Dutton win in 4*-L and 4*-S in Bromont

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June 9, 2026

By Staff Writers

BROMONT, Canada--Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Double Sixteen and Phillip Dutton on Denim maintained their positions after cross country in the show jumping phase to win in CSI4*-L abd CCI4*-S divisions respectively at the Bromont CCI on Sunday, June 7.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Double Sixteen (Photo by Cealy Tetley)The CCI4*-L division featured three former racehorses, one of which was the winner,, HSH Double Sixteen, who had raced in Ireland before starting his career with Irish eventer Leila Barker and then went on with Pamukcu.

Pamukcu had ridden warmbloods, but changed her mind while based with New Zealand Olympic rider Andrew Nicholson.

“Andrew told me, if I want to be a proper five-star rider, I need to get more blood horses,” she said. “So I called up my business partner, Kelley Hutchinson, and said ‘We need a Thoroughbred!’ And she was like ‘I have one!’”

From the moment Pamukcu sat on HSH Double Sixteen, she knew he was the one.

Following a quick cross-country on Saturday, Pamukcu had a rail and some time in hand with “Six” but wound up with more space.

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Caroline Pamukcu and Phillip Dutton lead after cross country at Bromont

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June 7, 2026

By Staff Writers

BROMONT, Canada--Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Double Sixteen leads in the four star- long.and Phillip Dutton on Denim leads in the four star- short after the cross country at the Bromont CCI.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Double Sixteen (Photo by Cealy Tetley)Over the course designed by Derek di Grazia and Jay Hambly, and with persistent rain hovering throughout the day, Pamukcu, the first to compete over the course, was clean with just 4.0 time penalties to finish on a total of 39.5.

After the morning withdrawal of dressage leader Sharon White on Claus 63, Pamukcu is now in the lead.

HSH Double Sixteen raced in Ireland before beginning his eventing career with Irish rider Leila Barker.

Pamukcu picked him up with the intention of reselling him, but after three years in which the gelding went unsold, Pamukcu struck up a partnership of her own with him.

He’s become one of her most consistent CCI4*-S horses, winning four times at the level. 

“He's kind of a weird little pony, but I really have so much fun with him,” Pamukcu said. “He's like a little dirt bike. He gave me a really good feeling in the beginning; everything rode to plan. I should have done a better job on dressage, but I wasn't so wound up because I saw we were gonna have rain, then I walked the course before I did my dressage test, so I knew I didn't have to be so stressed.”

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U.S. fourth in St. Gallen Nations Cup

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June 6, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland--The U.S. finished fourth in the Nations Cup in St. Gallen on Friday, June 5 in a competition won by the home team of Switzerland.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 earlier this year in Ocala (Photo by Andrew Ryback)Aaron Vale on Gray's Inn also won the featured Speed and Handiness on Thursday and was second in the featured Prize Suttero Speed on Saturday.

The competition was so close in the Nations Cup that the U.S. was just one rail out of second place in the CSIO5* 1.60m class.

The team of Katie Dinan on Out of the Blue SCF, Mimi Gochman on Iron Maiden, Charlotte Jacobs on Playboy JT  and Aaron Vale on Carissimo finished on 20 faults, with Switzerland winning on eight faults, Austria second on 16 faults and Great Britain third on 17 faults.

 "We had a good day," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland. "We just had too many four fault rounds. We weren't that far sway from the podium, just one rail. But finishing fourth is always annoying."

"We beat some pretty good teams," said Ridland. "The course was right on."

It was a tough course, with only two, Jason Smith of Switzerland and Katharina Rhomberg of Austria, going double clear.

In round one, Dinan had four faults, Gochman had 16, Jacobs finished with four faults and Vale was clean to be third on eight faults going into round two.

in round two, Dinan, Gochman and Jacobs all had four faults, but Vale had eight to add 12 faults to their first round score and finish on a score of 20.

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JJ Torano wins his second and third FEI classes

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June 6, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

UPPERVILLE, Va.--JJ Torano, still just 15 years old, won his second and third FEI classes at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show on Thursday and Saturday, June 4 and 6, and he did it on two different horses.

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 (Photo by Cealy Tetley)Torano on Lyon 50 won the $31,500 FEI/CSI4 Upperville Power & Speed Stakes on Thursday afternoon, but in a result that left spectators checking the scoreboard twice, Chloe Reid and Chelsea 179 matched Torano stride for stride, and Toano and Reid both finished clean with identical times to tie for the win.

Competing over  FEI course designer Alan Wade’s first international class of the week, both stopped the clock at 29.5 seconds.

McLain Ward on Lilesta GE, a brand new ride, finished third behind Torano and Reid, finishing clean in 30.64.

Torano then won the $31,500 Upperville Speed Stake on Saturday, but this time riding Dora Du Valon.

Torano was clean in 60.96 over Wade's speed course for the win.

Reid on Chelsea 179 was second, almost two seconds back in 62.43, and Stella Wasserman on Myla was third in 62.53.

Torano was also clean on Lyon 50 but finished slower, seventh in 63.89.

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Phillip Dutton leads the CCI4*S after dressage in Bromont

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June 5, 2026

By Staff Writers

BROMONT,  Canada--Phillip Dutton on Denim scored 29.3 to lead the CCI4*-S after two days of dressage on Friday, June 5 at the Bromont CCi.

Phillip Dutton on Denim (Photo by Cealy Tetley)Denim, who was sixth in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park in 2025, came into the weekend as the second-highest rated horse in the division.

He’s had 10 starts at this CCI4*-S level and this score beat his 30.4 six-run average dressage score.

Dutton said that he felt this performance was one of the gelding’s best performances to date.

Dutton was also both second and third in the CCI2*-L with Darwinn and United Mara, respectively.

Lucienne Bellissimo on Kitsch Couture HPK placed second in the CCI4*-S, scoring a 34.1, and Sharon White,  the CCI4*-L with Claus 63, on Jaguars Duende scored 34.5 for third place following the dressage.

While on Claus 63 leads theCCI4*-L on a score of 31.4 going into the cross country.

White on Claus had placed fourth in the Lexington CCI4*-S in Kentucky in April.

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Sue Lyman on Kensington Court won the Thoroughbred Hunter Derby

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June 4, 2026

By Staff Writers

UPPERVILLE, Va.--Sue Lyman on Kensington Court won the inaugural $25,000 Upperville Thoroughbred Hunter Derby on Tuesday, June 3 at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

Sue Lyman on Kensington CourtThe class drew close to 70 entries to compete in the two round competition over fences 3' in height, and as each horse went the announcer listed the horse's breeding and past history as a race horse.

The thoroughbreds just stepped over the 3' fences that didn't allow them to show the superb jumping ability of the thoroughbred.

Lyman won with a score of 173,5, with Caden Nolt on Gio Lemon second on 173, and Madison Barnett on Comin' Back third on 164.

Kensington Court is by Giants Causeway out of Backseat Rhythm, by El Corredor.

Gio Lemon is by Gio Ponte out of Bitter Lomon, by Lemon Drop Kid, and Comin’ Back is by Competitive Edge out of Maydell, by Sky Classic.

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Correction - Photo of All That, Devon Best Young Horse

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June 3, 2026

By Staff Writers

This is the correct photo of All That, Best Young Horse at Devon, owned and handled by Elizabth Capor.

The picture previously sent out with the story was the photo on Phelps Sports Devon Daily, which it uses as its press release.

The correct photo is now in the story on the Horse of Delaware Valley website.

Young U.S. Eventing team a good second in Great Britain

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June 2, 2026

By Staff Writers

BICTON, Great Britain--With a result that bodes well for the future of Eventing in the U.S., a young American team finished second to Great Britain in England in the second leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026 Series.

Laura Collett on Hester (Photo by Leslie Law)Great Britain led from start to finish to defend their title at Bicton and win the second leg of the Series on a score of 135.6.

In a repeat of 2025’s competition at Bicton, it was the USA who came closest to the British.

The Americans were represented by a team of up-and-coming riders on talented young horses, including Quidley Kellermann on Blakeneys Cruise, Alexandra Knowles riding Montpellier Scais, Tommy Greengard with That’s Me Z and Cassie Sanger with Fernhill Zoro, who finished on a final team score of 182.2.

The relatively inexperienced team at this level showed huge promise to impress Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law.

“This is a developing team, and the competition has been a great experience for everybody,” said Law.

“I have to give a big thank you to the team at Bicton who have done an amazing job in producing good ground. The amount of work and effort that has gone into giving us this event is creditable. We’re really very grateful,” Law said.

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All That, Yearling Filly, Best Young Horse at Devon

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June 1, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa,--All That, a Yearling Other than Thoroughbred Filly owned and handled by Elizabeth Capor, won the Best Young Horse at Devon on Sunday, May 31 to conclude the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. 

All That, Devon Best Young Horse, owned and handled by Elizabeth CaporJay Raach was Leading Handler.

From Wayne W.Grafton, President and CEO.

Thank You for a Memorable Year

As we conclude the 130th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, I extend my sincere gratitude to the exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, staff, patrons, media partners, and supporters who helped make this milestone year so memorable.

For 130 years, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has been a cherished tradition, bringing together generations of horsemen, families, and community members in support of equestrian excellence and Bryn Mawr Hospital. This anniversary year was an opportunity to celebrate that remarkable legacy.

The success of this year's event reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved. From the competition rings and Dixon Oval to the Country Fair and countless behind-the-scenes efforts, your contributions helped create an experience worthy of this historic occasion.

As we honor our past, we also look to the future with excitement. The traditions that have defined Devon for 130 years remain strong because of people like you, and we are grateful for your role in preserving and advancing this remarkable legacy for generations to come.

Thank you for helping make our 130th year one to remember. We look forward to welcoming you back next year.

Until then,

Wayne W. Grafton

Chairman & CEO

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

Shane Sweetnam won the Idle Dice Stake, McKayla Langmeier Devon Leading Open Jumper Rider

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May 31, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Pegina VD Bisschop won the $182,000 Idle Dice Stake on Saturday evening, May 30, but McKayla Langmeier was Leading Open Jumper Rider, Leading Open Jumper Lady Rider and on Pepita VD Rollebeek was Reserve Open Jumper Champion.

Shane Sweetnam on Pegina VD Bisschop (Photo by Phelps Sports)To be Leading Rider, Langmeier had amassed a terrific skein of victories and high placings on three different horses, finishing in the money in all five classes.

Langmeier won the first two Open Jumper classes and was third in the Devon Speed Stake on Pepita, was second in the Grand Prix on Riesling van e Gaathoevv and 12th in the Idle Dice Stake on Isadore de Chalusse.

Sweetnam won the Idle Dice Stake in a six horse jump-off, finishing clean in 36.24 to beat Daniel Bluman of Israel on Gemma W, clean in 37.49, and Bluman was also third on Kester de Nyze Z, clean in 37.92.

Chloe Reid on Crossover 4 was fourth, clean in 38.90, with Raleigh Hiler on Lennox VD Bisschop fifth, clean in 40.32, and Sarah Segal on Boreale de Fondcombe sixth with four faults in 37.54.

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JJ Torano at 15 years old won his first FEI class, a Speed, at Devon

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May 30, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--JJ Torano on Dora du Valon won the $32,000 Devon Speed Derby on Friday evening, May 29, a huge achievement for someone who is only 15 years old.

JJ Torano on Dora du Valon (Photo by Phelps Sports)In the faults converted into seconds Speed Derby,, Torano won in 86.210 to beat Stella Wasserman on Myjorka, who finished in 93,570 after adding four seconds for one rail down, and McKayla Langmeier on Pepita D Rollebeek was third in 95.300 after adding 12 seconds for three down.

"I'm really happy," said Torano. "This was my first four star. I'd ridden a three star and a couple of two stars before."

Torano, who will be 16 later this year, is now old enough to be allowed, under FEI rules, to ride in all four star FEI classes except the grand prix. 

"At the start of the week, I i was happy with it, but obviously I like to win," said Torano who was eighth in his first ever FEI four star class, riding against such competitors as world number one Kent Farrington and number 10 McLain Ward. "The first two days, Dora had one down each day, I pulled through today. 

"It was nice for her to come out today and jump like she did and win this class. I still have tomorrow night, but I'm pleased to b e leaving here with a win. I was looking forward to this class specifically."

Tomorrow (the $182,000 Idle Dice Stake Saturday evening) is a big step up for me. I'm going to try to not put too much pressure on myself. I might be a little nervous going in, but I'll just try to ride my round," said Torano.

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U.S. seventh in Rome Nations Cup won by Mexico

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May 30, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

ROME, Italy--The U.S. finished seventh in the Nations Cup in Rome on Friday, May 29 in a competition won by Mexico after a jump-off between Mexico and Germany.

Laura Kraut on Dorado 212 - a file photo from a previous competitionThe U.S. team of Natalie Dean on Pedro van de Barlebuis, Marilyn Little on La Contessa, Callie Schott on Garant and Laura Kraut on Dorado 212 was tied for second on four faults after round one, with Little and Kraut having gone clean, Dean having four faults and Schott the discard with eight faults.

But in round two, Schott had 22 faults, Dean had eight faults and Little and Kraut each had four faults to finish seventh on 20 faults.

"We had a good showing in round one, tied for second, but it all fell apart in round two", said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland. "Marilyn was al ittle unlucky not to be double clear. But we have to remember that we're in these Nations Cup competitions to choose our team for the World Championships from the 10 on the short list."

Ridland pointed out that some of the horses on the short list were not accustomed to competing in a two round competitions or to competing on grass, and that the reason for putting those on the short list in these Nation Cups was to see how they fared under those conditions.

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Charlotte Jacobs won the $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon

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May 29, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Charlotte Jacobs on Korbach van de Renger won the $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon in an eight horse jump-off from a Charlotte Jacobs on Korbach van de Renger (Photo by Phelps Sports)starting field of 23 on Thursday evening, May 28.

Earlierin the day, Amanda Steege on Lafitte De Muze won the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

In the Grand Prix, Jacobs was clean in 32.77 to beat Kayla Langmeier on Riesling van de Gassthoeve, clean in 33.48.

McLain Ward on First Lady was fourth in 33.53, Roberto Teran Tafur of Colombia on DSP Callas was fourth in 34.90, Ilan Bluman of Colombia on Acajou was fifth in 34.95 and Hunter Holloway on Hanry Jota Ariel, fastest of the four faulters, was sixth in 31.89.

"I just tried to stay on my plan and do the least number of strides between fences," said Jacobs."I watched McKayla go because her horse has the same stride as mine. I just gave it my best shot."

“The atmosphere at Devon is like nothing else," she said. "It’s incredible. I showed here a lot as a junior, and last year was my first year back since 2013. I came this week with horses that I thought would suit this ring, and I’m thrilled with the result.” 

"I bought Korbach at the end of his 9-year-old year." she said. "He had done some U-25 classes. I tried him and just fell in love with him. He has a lot of ability. He’s super athletic and very, very careful.”

"He was fourth in the Old Salem Grand Prix and is getting consistent now," said Jacobs. "So I'm happy with how far he's come in a year."

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McKayla Langmeier won second jumper class at Devon

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May 28, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek posted her second consecutive win, this time in the the $32,000 Main Line Challenge two phase on Wednesday evening, May 27 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek (Photo by Phelps Sports)She had previously won the Jet Run Welcome Stake Tuesday evening.

Over a course set by Colm Quinn of Ireland, 30 competed with 14 going clean.

Langmeier was clean in 31.960 seconds to win over Tanner Korotkin on Etonemoi del Cabalero, who finished in 32.200.

Charlotte Jacobs on Rincoola Milsean was third in 32.540,with Samantha Schaefer on James Bond HX fourth in 34.210, Brian Moggre on Johann FS Z fifth in 34.410,and Ilan Bluman on Echo LVF sixth in 36.080. 

“The first phase always makes me the most nervous,” Langmeier said. “It’s always disappointing if you have a rail in the first phase. I trusted the plan I walked and trusted my horse.”.

“This horse show has been running for so long, and it has such a great atmosphere,” said Langmeier. “Winning here brings me back to my whole family being here when I was a junior, from the ponies to the equitation. It’s really special to win here.”

“You have the crowd right there, so there’s a ton of atmosphere,” Langmeier said. “Everyone dresses up, and it’s just a fun show to walk into the ring for.”

“Pepita’s done everything with me,” Langmeier said. “Derbies, Grand Prix classes. She’s my third-ranking horse and a vital part of my team.”

“I’m just very proud of my horse and my team behind me for making this happen,” she said.

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McKayla Langmeier won the $32,000 Speed at Devon

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May 27, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek won the $32,000 Jet Run Welcome Stake speed class on Tuesday evening, May 26 the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

McKayla Langmeier on Pepita VD Rollebeek (Photo by Phelps Sport)Over a course set by Ireland’s Colm Quinn, 36 competed, and, with some going for speed and some schooling, 13 finished clean.

Langmeier was clean in 57.340 o win over Daniel Bluman of Israel on Gemma W, clean in 58,439, with Charlotte Jacobs on Rincoola Milsean third in 58.480.

Tanner Korotkin on Etonemoi del Cabalero was fourth in 58.580, Raleigh Hiler on Lennox VD Bisschop was fifth in 60.060, and Chloe Reid on Chelsea 179 was sixth in 60.720.

JJ Torano, 15-years-old, in his first FEI competition, on I Am Inge, was clean in 61.080 to place eighth, and McLain Ward on First Lady used the class to get the mare familiar with the ring and finished clean with five time faults

 “This is my first time competing during senior week," said Langmeier. "I used to come every year when I was a junior, and I haven’t been back since I aged out,”

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Colton Parker won the inaugural Carriage Eventing at Devon

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May 26, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Colton Parker and his Welsh Pony cross pair, Jack and Jill won the $10,000 Carriage Eventing on Monday evening, May 25 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Colton Parker in Carriage Eventing (Photo by Phelps Sports)Parker finished the two round competition in 176.993 to win over Sara Bates with  her pony George, who finished in 178.570, and Jacob Arnold with his two horse team of Kenzo and Geandro, who finished in 179.15 for third.

The course included two marathon obstacles, through which drivers had to manoever in a proscribed pattern, and cones that they had to pass between without knocking the ball off a cone. 

The competition featured two rounds, with the top six drivers returning for a final showdown.

“We found these two ponies on Craigslist, of all things,” he said. “Jack is 19 this year, and Jill is 18, so I got them when they were around three and four. We didn’t do too much driving when we first got them—we literally got the horse before the cart. I didn’t have any carriages or harnesses at the time. I was around 14 or 15 when we got these ponies. It was a lot of groundwork, a lot of ground driving, and just getting acquainted with these two ponies.”

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Monica Spencer won Arena Eventing at Devon

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May 25, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Monica Spencer on Valkyrie won the $50,000 Arena Eventing on a rainy Sunday evening, May 24 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Monica Spencer on Valkyrie (Photo by Phelps Sport)Originally from New Zealand, Spencer now lives in Cochranville, Pa., and this was her first time in Arena Eventing, although  she had previously competed at Devon in 1.30m jumpers.

In April, she finished seventh in the Kentucky 5* on the thoroughbred Artist after leading in both dressage and cross country.

At Devon, Spencer finished in 78.522 to win over Ariell Aharoni on Notorious, clean in 79.043.

Boyd Martin on Miss Lulu, who had won for the two previous years, was third, clean in 83.021.

The 12 with the best scores from the first round of 18 went in the second, jump-off round, and eight were clean again.

The first round course, designed by Mark Phillips, wound through both the Dixon Oval and the Wheeler ring, incorporating both cross country and jumper fences, and the second course was just in the Dixon Oval.

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JJ Torano and Lilly Ward win championships at Devon

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May 24, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--JJ Torano collected all the Junior Jumper honors while Lilly Ward did the same in the Pony division at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair on Saturday, May 23.

JJ Torano on Vitus K (Photo by Phelps Media)Torano won the $20,000, 1.45m Junior Jumper Classic on Vitus K, was Junior Jumper Champion on Lyon 50, Reserve Champion on Vitus K, was Leading Junior Jumper Rider and won the Style of Riding Award.

Lilly Ward on Celebration won two Small Pony classes, the Small Pony Championship, was Pony Grand Champion and was Best Child Rider on a Pony. 

Torano, going last on Vitus K in the Classic, finished clean in 39.264 to narrowly beat Violet Taturm on Flotylla, clean in 39.538, with Alice Goodwin on Rockefeller G third in 42.564.

Torano had won the first two junior jumper classes on Lyon 50 but had two down on him in the Classic to finish eighth.

What Torano didn't know when he went on Vitus was that he had to go clean to be champion,, as, if Flotylla had won, with the bous points in the class, he would have been champion. 

"I didn't think about that," said Torano. "I just wanted to win the Classic. I've been trying to win it for three years. Two years ago I had a time fault, and last year I was leading on time but had the last fence down. This year, the goal was to win it."

"Vitus had an injury early in the year, so this was only his third show this year," said Torano. "He probably isn't completely fit, but he knows his job."

"I came home last night, but I'll go back to Devon tomorrow," said Torano from the family farm in Mohrsville, Pa. "I'm going to give it a try in the Open division. I'm old enough now to jump in FEI classes except the grand prix. I'm riding Dura du Valon and I am Inge."

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Richie Vogel on United Touch S won the Rolex Grand Prix in Aachen

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May 24, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

AACHEN, Germany--Richie Vogel of Germany on United Touch S won the 1.5 million Euro Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen in a three horse jump-off on Sunday, May 24.

Richie Vogel on United Touch S winning the Rolex Grand PrixThis was Vogel's second consecutive leg on the Rolex Grand Slam of Jumping after winning at the Dutch Masters, and you have to win three Rolex Grand Prix in a row to win the Grand Slam.

Only one person, Scott Brash of England, has ever achieved this amazing feat.

The next leg is at Spruce Meadows. 

In the two round Grand Prix, the top 18 made the second round, and of the 18, four were German, three were American and three Irish.

Of those that made up the 18 for round two, six made it with four faults, one with a time fault and 11 were clean.

And, of those clean in round one, three were German and three American.

With the World Championships to be competed in Aachen in August, those results may well be an indication of the teams to watch in that Championship.

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Lillie Keenan on Kick On won Aachen's 2nd Qualifier for the Grand Prix

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May 23, 2026

By Staff Writers

AACHEN, GERMANY--Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the 75,000 Euro, CSI5* 2nd Qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix on Saturday, May 23 in Aachen.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On from an earlier show (Photo by Kim MacMillan)Keenan won in an 11 horse jump-off, finishing clean in 38.21 to beat Abdel Said of Belgium on Wathnan Bonne Amie, who was clean in 39.59.

Jose Maria LaRocca of Argentina on Chris was fourth, clean in 40.10, and Jerome Guery of Belgium on Quito de Mariposa was fourth in 40.63.

McLain Ward on Lestro VD Valckenborg was 10th, giving both Keenan and Ward good placings going into Sunday's Rolex Grand Prix, which has drawn one of the strongest fields ever seen in show jumping, with 28 of the top 30 in world rankings competing in the class of 40.

Four of the six Americans in Aachen qualified for Sunday's two round Grand Prix, with Kent Farrington on Greya going fourth, Laura Kraut on Bisquetta going 10th, Keenan on Fasther going 34th and Ward on High Star Hero going 35th of 40.

The top 18 from the first round go in round two, and ties are broken in a jump-off.

Aaron Vale and Karl Cook didn't qualify for the Grand Prix.

"Kick On is an incredible little horse," said Keenan. "He gave me leave outs in every line in the jump-off."

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Parker Peacock was Devon's Equitation Champion

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May 23, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Parker Peacock of Winston Salem, N.C., won the R.W. “Ronnie” Mutch Equitation Championship on Friday, May 22 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Parker Peacock on Montverdi (Photo by Kind Media)JJ Torano won his second Junior Jumper class riding Lyon 50 in the evening session.

In the final three equitation classes, Elle Boyd of Camden, S.C. won Section A of the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Class, Violet Tatum of Los Angeles, Calif., won Section B and Peacock won Section C.

Peacock won the Championship after consistent top performances over two days of competition in Devon’s equitation divisions.

On the first day of Devon’s equitation competitions, she won both the WIHS Equitation Classic – Jumper Phase and the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, while also placing second in the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Section B on Montverdi.

“I was nervous, but excited," said Peacock before the Maclay. "My horse was incredible yesterday, and I wanted to end with a bang the way it went yesterday. I am so glad it did!”

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JJ Torano won the junior jumper speed class at Devon

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May 22, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--JJ Torano on Lyon 50 won the $3,750 1.40m Junior Jumper Speed on Thursday, May 21 at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 (Photo by Phelps Sport)This was the second year in a row for Torano to win this class, but last year he won it on Vitus K.

Going fifth  in a class of 26, Torano finished clean in 53.163 to win by seven tenths of a second over Violet Tatum on Flotylla.

Amy Krebs on Jabantos was third, clean in 54.792, and Torano was also fourth on Vitus K, clean in 55.152.

"Lyon is owned by North Run, and I've ridden him for over a year," said Torano. "So we know each other quite well."

North Run is a training center owned by Missy and John Brennan, and Torano trains with John Brennan for Lyon.

"Lyon is a stallion, but he's very well behaved,"" said Torano. "He's super careful and very competitive. He's my type of horse. We’ve had countless wins. We took the U25 final win together [$50,000 BrainJuice U25 Grand Prix Final]. "He gives 100% every time."

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Americans finish well in Aachen

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May 22, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

AACHEN, Germany--Ireland's Daniel Coyle on Farrel won the !50,000 Euro, CSI5* First Qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix on Friday, May 22 at the Aachen spring show.

McLain Ward on Lestro VD Valckenborg winning at Old Salem (Photo by SEL Photography)With Aachen hosting the World Championships in August, this show does not include a Nations Cup and is only three days instead of the usual six.

But with 28 of the top 30 riders in World Rankings showing, the competition is intense.

Friday and Saturday classes are both qualifiers for the hugely important Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday.

So the goal for most on Friday was not so much to win as to gain important points towards qualifying for the Grand Prix.

Coyle finished clean in 70.99 to win over Luciana Diniiz of Brazil on Vertigo du Desert, 71.47 seconds, and Kevin Staut of France on Feline de Hus HDC, 71.57 seconds.

Six Americans received the coveted invitation to compete at Aachen, and three were among the 29 that went clean from the starting field of 49.

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Jordan Coyle on Ariso won the Grand Prix at Old Salem

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May 19, 2026

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Ireland's Jordan Coyle on Ariso won the $225,000 Empire State Grand Prix in a 10 horse jump-off on Sunday, May 17 to close week two of the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows. 

Jordan Coyle on Ariso (Photo by SEL Photography)Coyle had also won Friday’s $65,000 Welcome Stake, but on For Gold.

Fourth to go in the jump-off, Coyle was the first of four to go clean, and he finished in 34.65, nearly a full second ahead of his competitors, to eventually win.

“Ariso probably should have won both the Welcome and the Grand Prix last week, to be honest,” Coyle said. “I didn’t want to let him down today, so for sure, I was just trying to be on my game. I didn’t change my plan at all after watching some of the others go. The B element in the combination was one jump I could count on him not knocking down, especially in a jump-off. He’s been doing these types of jump-offs for a while now, so he kind of knows what he’s doing. As long as I can stay out of his way, like today, he’s always going to be really good."

“This place has always been really lucky to me,” he said. “I started here when I first came to America; I spent a year riding here. Now, it’s nice to come back and be as competitive as we are every time we’re here. Going forward into the summer, we’ll have a week off, and then I’ll be heading to Rome for the 5* Nations Cup.”

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Scarlett Samuels won the $100,000 Hunt Seat Cup

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May 17, 2026

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Scarlett Samuels of New York, N.Y., on Torres won the $100,000 Governor’s Perpetual Hunt Seat Cup with a two round score of 177 points on Saturday, May 16 at the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows.

Scarlett Samuels on Torres (Photo by SEL Photography)The competition awarded $50,000 in scholarship to the winning rider and $50,000 in prize money split among the trainers of the top three riders.

Samuels trains with Laura Bowery.

As amateurs, these juniors cannot receive prize money, so the money was awarded to the horse.

Over the course set by Alan Wade, 22 competed in a two round class in which Samuels scored  90 points in the first round, the judges’ highest score in the class, before returning to score 87 in the second round and win with a total of 177 points.

“To have this class is such an amazing opportunity, especially the week before a big show like Devon,” said Samuels, 15. “It’s great to be able to practice in such a big, flowing ring, which really worked for me and my horse. I was definitely a little nervous coming into the second round; I’ve never been on top of such a prestigious class like this. It was a first for both me and my horse, who’s only 9, so to come in and do this together really comforted me.”

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