Competitions

Jessica Mendoza on In The Air won the WEF Challenge Cup on the grass Derby Field in Wellington

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January 18, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain on In The Air won the $32,000 CSI3* WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 over a field that included a number of Olympians and top-10 ranked riders at the Winter Equestrian Festival on Friday, Jan. 17.

Jessica Mendoza on In The Air (Photo by Sportfot)Just a week ago, Mendoza was on a horseback safari in Africa admiring elephants and other wildlife from the comfort of the saddle, and after returning from her African vacation, Mendoza went straight into competition at WEF

“It was incredible,” Mendoza said of beginning the winter with a big win after a jump-off against a “who’s who” of international show jumping riders that included world no. 1 and Thursday’s victor Henrick Von Eckermann of Sweden, German Olympian Richard Vogel and world no. 3 Ben Maher of Great Britain. “It was not an easy jump-off against those boys, so it was nice to beat them.”

Mendoza was one of 14 to go clean over Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s first round course, and one of only three women to make the jump-off.

She took over the lead midway through the jump-off with a clean round in 43.43, knowing there were still fast riders behind her, but no one was able to beat her time.

“My horse is honestly the most incredible horse to go in the ring on, let alone a jump-off,” Mendoza said. “I have complete faith in her but it’s pretty nice to see them behind me.”

 Vogel on Cydello was second, clean in 44.03, Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazabal on Quick Chick was third, clean in 44.26, and Maher on Dallas Vegas Batily was fourth, clean in 44.26.

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Henrik von Eckermann on Glamour Girl won the 1.45m in Wellington

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January 17, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--World Ranked number 1 Henrik Von Eckermann of Sweden on Glamour Gairl won the $32,000, CSI3* 1.45m on Thursday, Jan. 16 to open competition on the grass derby field during Week 2 of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Henrik von Eckermann on Glamour Girl (Photo by Sportfot)Von Eckermann, who has held the top show jumping ranking in the world for 30 consecutive months, had the advantage of being last to go over Olaf Petersen, Jr.’s speed course, and he used that advantage to finish in 64.40.

Nayal Nassar of Eqypt on Linguini de la Pomme was clean in 64.80 to place second, less than half a second off the winning time, and he was also third on Dorado de Riverland, clean in 65.92.

“I saw Nayel, and he started off on a slow pace from fence one to two,” Von Eckermann said of the then leader, who went approximately 40 rounds before him. “He had 10 strides then seven and then 10 so I knew I could go easy nine, six, nine. I was a little ahead of him, so I took my time to the second to last and rode forward to the last one. That’s the good thing about being last to go, you know exactly what you have to do. For me, I was fortunate to have that starting number today.”

Glamour Girl has won at WEF in the past, which was also on their opening day of jumping four years ago, so Von Eckermann knows the mare feels at home.

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Darragh Kenny on Chassossini won the 1.50m Classic at WEF

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January 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Ireland's Darragh Kenny  on Chaccossini won the $32,000, CSI3* 1.50m Classic on Sunday, Jan. 12 for his second FEI victory in just his third show on this new mount.

Darragh Kenny on Chaccossini (Photo by Sportfot)“Straight away we clicked,” Kenny said about Chaccossinip, having taken over the ride from Martin Fuchs of Switzerland. “Our first show, we won a ranking show already, second show I took him to London, and he was clear in a 1.55m and won a big 1.50m class, and this is my third show with him. He’s a cool horse. He’s unbelievably fun and competitive. He also has this huge stride which makes him fast against the clock.”

Kenny was one of 10 clean over the course set by Nick Granat to make the jump-off.

“I knew the jump-off class was going to suit him because I could do two things that nobody else could do: from fences one to two we were all going to do the same number, but I could do five in that next line which nobody else could do,” Kenny said. “I think one other person maybe did six to the last, so that's where his stride is just so fast.”

Kenny finished clean in  32.16 seconds to win over Lillie Keenan on Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN, clean in 33.57, while Charlotte Jacobson on Thomascourt Ballypatrick, clean in 34.32, was third..

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Nayal Nasser just edged out McLain Ward in the $140,000 Grand Prix at WEF

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January 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Egypt's Nayal Nasser on ESI Ali just edged out McLain Ward on High Star Hero to win his first-ever ‘Saturday Night Lights’ $140,000, CSI3* Grand Prix during week one of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Nayal Nasser on ESI Ali (Photo by Sportfot)“This one feels great,” said Nassar. “It's always special to win here, and I've come close a few times but never won under the lights. This was my horse's first time jumping at night, so I didn't know what to expect but he impressed us all.”

Nasser had the advantage of going after Ward, who had finished in the very fast time of 37.92, but  while Nasser left out all the same strides as Ward, he was just slightly faster across the ground to finish in 37.35 for the win.

After winning the $30,000 National Grand Prix earlier in the afternoon, Colombia’s Mark Bluman ended the day with a third place finish on Concare PS , clean in 38.24 seconds.

Fron the starting field of 45, 14 advanced to the jump-off over a course set by Nick Granat.

“In the jump-off, I try to set my pace early, and once you put him in gear, you don't have to do a whole lot,” said Nassar of the horse that was found for him as an 8-year-old by former world no. 1 Harrie Smolders. “I came out of the ring and everyone told me he didn't look that fast, but he has an amazing way of covering the ground and a natural rhythm that once you set him off, you just have to steer and avoid the jumps. If I can match everyone else's strides, he comes out a little bit quicker."

“I only caught part of Mclain's jump-off on the screen but he's always so fast,” said Nassar. “The eight to the last was a must and luckily we were able to get it done.”

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Susan Pape on Harmony's Eclectisch won the Grand Prix Special

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January 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Great Britain’s Susan Pape on Harmony’s Eclectisch made it two for two in the opening week of the Global Dressage Festival, winning the CDI3* Grand Prix Special with 69.021%.

Susan Pape on Harmony's Eclectisch (Photo  by Susan Stickle)Locally-based Kevin Kohmann on Giulietta was second with a 68.128%, capping a good week for the German-born rider, who finished first or second in all four of his CDI tests.

Another team Harmony Sporthorses rider, Michael Klimke of Germany on Harmony’s Zomancie, finished third with 62.809%.

Harmony’s Zomancie was bred at Paul Schockemohle’s Gestüt Lewitz and was contesting just his second CDI and making his international big tour debut this week.

Pape went first in the class.

“I wanted to have that same feeling again and he was a little bit spooky with the camera today, and I’m not sure why,” she said. “I wanted to make sure he didn’t throw in some ones-times right after the right pirouette like in the grand prix, so I leaned to the right and that part was maybe not so pretty, but for the rest I was very satisfied. His half-passes are really good and his changes are nice and big. The weakest point is probably the piaffe, but we can live with that given the quality of the rest."

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Roberto Teran Tafur won again while Lilly Ward won the Pony Derby

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January 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Roberto Teran Tafur of Columbia on Santana won the $32,000, CSI3* 1.45m Speed on Friday, Jan. 10 for his second win in two days.

Roberto Teran Tafur on Santana (Photo by Sportfot)Also on Friday, Lilly Ward, McLain Ward's 9-year-old daughter, already one of the top riders on the circuit despite her youth, won the Pony Derby.

 “When you’re on, you’re just on,” said Teran.

“It feels amazing,” Teran said of going two-for-two in international competition so far. “To win here is super exciting, and two wins here is fantastic. When you have a good week, usually it keeps going like that."

Going early in the order of 48 entries over the course set by Nick Granat, his time of 58.73 seconds remained unmatched, with Lillie Keenan on Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN placing second in 58.77, and Egypt’s Nayel Nassar placing third on Dorado de Riverland in 59.68.

Teran has been riding Santana since the winter of 2022.

“He’s always been very talented, but a little too full of energy,” Teran. “I think he’s finally mentally ready to be more consistent. He was always brave and good but he had his ups and downs. Since the summer he’s been very consistent.”

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Felicitas Hendricks on Drumbusch OLD won the Grand Prix Freestyle

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January 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Germany’s Felicitas Hendricks on Drombusch OLD won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle on the first ‘Friday Night Stars’ evening of freestyle competition at the Global Dressage Festival.

Felicitas Hendricks on Drombusch OLD (Photo by Susan Stickle)On an unusually cold evening, Hendricks scored 78.2% to win as the last rider to go.

The class was also a qualifier for the new US Equestrian Open of Dressage, which features 23 qualifiers. seven of which are at the Festival, before the final in California in November.

US Olympic team silver medalist Adrienne Lyle on Helix finished second with a 77.28%, reversing the placings from Thursday’s qualifying Grand Prix.

Sweden’s seven-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén on Devanto scored 75.515% to place third.

Hendricks, who at 24 years old is still eligible to ride in under-25 classes, is competing at the Festival as a senior for the second year running after finishing as the top rider at the Festival last year.

Her test showed harmonious self-carriage coupled with power and balance and featured 20 one-time changes down the centerline.

“He exceeded my expectations, like he does every time,” said Hendricks. “He leaves his heart in the ring. I can tell that he’s very happy to be back, and he was loving the crowd. He was a little spicy, but in a good way."

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Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden won the WEF Challenge Cup

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January 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Colombian Olympian Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden won the $32,000 CSI3* WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 on Thursday, Jan. 9 during the first competition of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden (Photo by Sportfot)The Challenge Cup was run In the winning round format where the top 12 riders from the first round over a course designed by Nick Granat advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off.

Teran had a rail down over the first course but was clean in the jump-off to finish in 41.63 seconds, more than two seconds faster than closest challenger, Ireland's Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z, clean in 43.39 seconds

Nicky Galligan of Ireland on 1 VDL Nikita van de Leeuwerk was third in 43.54 seconds

Teran got the ride on Iron Maiden at the end of winter season in 2024 and has already had nine international podium finishes.

“He has a great technique,” said Teran. “He's light off the ground, sensitive and a true modern type but very rideable. He's a fantastic prospect for the big sport. He lets you put him exactly where it's optimal for him to jump clear."

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Adrienne Lyle on Helix won the World Cup Grand Prix at the Global Dressage Festival

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January 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Adrienne Lyle, a team rider in the 2024 Paris Olympics, on Helix won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix during opening week of the Global Dressage Festival.

Adrienne Lyle on Helix (Photo by Susan Stickle)Lyle scored 74.065% for the unanimous win from the five judges over 13 starters.

Germany’s young Felicitas Hendrickson on Drombusch OLD scored 70.913% to place second, and Sweden’s seven-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén finished third on Devanto on 69.565%.

Hendrickson returned to Wellington with her 14-year-old Drombusch OLD after a 2024 season in which they were only beaten once in their eight CDI starts.

The conditions were unusually chilly for Florida as a blast of arctic air has lowered the temperatures considerably this week, but Helix was unfazed.

“Conditions do not affect him at all,” said Lyle. “It was 100 degrees in Paris, and he was still hot to trot. Hot, cold, doesn’t matter, he’s ready to roll any day. Personally, I love it.”

Lyle began competing on Helix in January 2024, with a tight window in which to qualify for the Paris Games, and they made their international debut at the 2024 AGDF in late March.

“It’s really good to be back here,” said Lyle. “I’m excited to get a jump start on being able to show a little earlier this season and not have everything crammed into the end of it. It’s been nice to be home for a few months after Paris and to be able to relax and train without a big, looming deadline quite so close."

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Netherlands to compete in League of Nations

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January 9, 2025

By Staff Writers

Going into the League of Nations 2025 season, The Netherlands is qualified after finishing eighth last year with 11,625 points, just 18 points behind Switzerland.

Maikel Van de Vleuten on Beauville (Photo from the FEI)Netherlands had a strong end to the 2024 season, placing second to Germany in the Final in Barcelona last October.

Netherlands has twice won Team Jumping at the World Equestrian Games, in 2006 in Aachen and in 2014 in Normandy, France, it was the Team Champion at the Olympic Games in 1992 in Barcelona, and won the team silver medal at the World Championship in 2022 in Herning, Denmark.

“Competing at the League of Nations, the highest level of international Jumping, is a great honor,"said Jantien van Zon from the Dutch Equestrian Federation. "We are proud of the results we’ve achieved over the years and remain committed to maintaining our excellent standing in the sport.”

“The competition season always offers a rich choice of events, even without the Olympics and World Championships in the mix," she said. "But we always strive to have our best combinations ready for the League of Nations, because it is so prestigious and well-supported by nations and fans, and we want to be fully part of that excitement for both the honor and for our supporters.”

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Richie Vogel won twice during the opening week of WEF

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January 6, 2025

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Richard Vogel of Germany won the two featured classes of Premiere Week, the opening week and precursor of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Richie Vogel on Event De LHeribus (Photo by Sportfot)Premiere Week of the 2025 WEF at Wellington International set the stage for the international season,beginning with the season's first CSI3* competition on Jan. 8.

Vogel, ranked World number six, rode Levi Noesar to win WEF Challenge Cup Premiere Round on Thursday, Jan. 2, and riding Event De L'Heeribus won the $75,000 WEF Premiere Grand Prix on Sunday, Jan. 5.

In the Grand Prix, their first show together, Vogel and the 10-year-old German-bred gelding won in a 12-horse jump-off over a course designed by Eric Hasbrouck.

Vogel was clean in 34.086 seconds to beat Shane Sweetnam of Ireland on Gilona AO. clean in 34.24 seconds to place second, while Jacqueline Ruyle on Cyramo Z, clean in 35.065 seconds, was third and McLain Ward on High Star Hero was fourth.

“I'm very excited about our future with him,” said Vogel, who is based in Wellington for his winter season. “It’s a super way to start the season and a spectacular way to begin our partnership.”

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Charlie Jayne on One and Only won the final Grand Prix of the Holiday series

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December 23, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Charlie Jayne on One and Only won the $50,000 Grand Prix, the featured event of the ESP Holiday Finale on Saturday night, Dec. 21.

Charlie Jayne on One and Only (Photo by Cassidy Klein)FEI Level III course designer Anna Catalina “Catsy” Cruz of Mexico set a track that narrowed the field from 45 to just six for the jump-off.

Riding last, Jayne was clean in 36.714 seconds to edge out Germany’s Tony Stormanns on Donjon D’Asschaut, clean in 37.326 seconds to finish second, and Lebanon’s Jad Dana on Itchcock Des Dames was third in 37.699 seconds.

Earlier in the week, Amanda Derbyshire of Great Britain on Sade De Rialfo Z won the $10,000 1.40m Open Stake.

After a strong second-place finish the prior week, Derbyshire returned with determination to capture the win in the Stake and was clean in the jump-off in 34.172 seconds.

Alison Robitaille on Oakingham Lira finished second, just behind with a jump-off time of 34.6 seconds, and Lacey Gilbertson on Baloppi, was third in 34.661 seconds.

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Kent Farrington placed second in Geneva Top 10 and McLain Ward was fourth in Geneva 5* Grand Prix

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December 18, 2024

By Staff Writers

GENEVA, Switzerland--Kent Farrington on Toulayna placed second to Martin Fuchs of Switzerland on Leone Jei in the Top10 Final at a spectacular CHI de Geneva Grand Slam of Showjumping horse show.

Kent Farrington on Toulayna (File photo from Riyadh by Helen Cruden) In a huge, sold out indoor arena in Geneva, the Top10 Rated riders in the world competed in the Final on Friday, Dec.13.

Farrington delivered an outstanding performance to place second in one of the sport’s most elite events, and McLain Ward on Ilex was fifth.

The U.S., Switzerland and Germany had two riders each in the Final, with Great Britain, Austria,Sweden and France having one each.

Fuchs, who is rated number 11 in the world, made it into the Top Ten Final at short notice after world number 10 Conor Swail was unable to compete when his horse's flight from the U.S.was cancelled at the last minute.

The Top 10 Final was a two round class, with faults from the first and second round added together while the time in the second round decided the placings between riders with equal faults.

In the first round, Fuchs, Farrington, Ben Maher of Great Britain on Point Break,Christian Kukuk of Germany on Just Be Gentle, Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden on King Edward, and Julien Epaillard  of France on Donatello d"Auge were clean, while Ward, Max Kuhner of Austria on Eic Cooley Jump the Q, Steve Guerdat of Switzerland on Albfuehren's Lashin Sitte had four faults and Richie Vogel of Germany on United Touch S had eight faults.

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Kayla Langmeier won the featured $30,000 Grand Prix at the ESP Holiday II show

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December 16, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Kayla Langmeier on Jiselle NS won the $30,000 Grand Prix, the highlight of the ESP Holiday II show, on Saturday night, Dec. 14.

Langmeier won over a competitive field of 42.

McKayla Langmeier on Jiselle NS (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Course designer Andy Christiansen of Ecuador set a challenging track that had 12 riders advance to the jump-off.

Second to go in the jump-off, Langmeier was clean in 39.825 seconds, a time that held through the class.

Kevin Gallagher of Ireland on Ballerina-Hoem, was a full second slower, finishing in a time of 40.879 seconds to place second.

Pieter De Brabandere on MTM Caden was third, clean in 41.397 seconds.

 “I think Jiselle and her groom have the best partnership,"said Langmeier. "They definitely understand each other really well. And she's definitely a 'mare' kind of horse, so she needs someone that, you know, takes their time and really gives her the extra carrot when she needs it and tells her she's a good girl. So I really do have an amazing groom that looks after my horses immaculately.”

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The Trailblazers team of Lillie Keenan, Conor Swail and Daniel Bluman won the $1 million Major League Show Jumping Team Competition

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December 16, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--The Trelawny Trailblazers team of Lillie Keenan, Conor Swail of Ireland and Daniel Bluman of Israel won its second consecutive Major League Show Jumping Team Championship on Saturday evening, Dec. 14.

Conor Swail on My Lady Lavista (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)In this very confusing competition, eight teams of about six riders each compete through the year, and with so many riders on a team, entries are often unknown until the competition actually begins.

Along with Bluman, Keenan and Swail , the Trailblazers included Natalie Dean, Charlotte Jacobs and Darragh Kenny of Ireland.

Heading into the final, the Trailblazers were third in the overall standings, but team owner and manager Cara Raether Carey chose Bluman, Keenan and Swail to ride on Saturday night.

At the conclusion of round one, the field of eight teams was narrowed to the top four to advance to rounds two and three.

For the Trailblazers, clear rounds from Bluman on Corbie V.V. and Swail on My Lady Lavista guaranteed them the chance to come back to vie for the win.

“I jumped My Lady Lavista last night, and it didn’t go as planned,” said Swail. “We sort of unraveled a little bit. I felt I didn’t do a good enough job with her, and she got a little bit edgy. So obviously coming into tonight, I wasn’t just brimming with confidence, but I trusted the mare. She warmed up beautifully. It was a difficult course, and when I went in, I knew I needed a clear round to make sure we were going to go through [to the second round]. Lady felt so comfortable, and I was really clear with my plan and how to ride her. Everything came up perfectly.”

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Columbia's Mark Bluman won the $200,000 Major League Show Jumping Classic

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December 15, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Colombia’s Mark Bluman had the first major CSI5* victory of his career on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Desert International Horse Park in the $200,000 CSI5* Major League Show Jumping Classic.

Mark Bluman on Concare PS (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Bluman on Concare PS was one of just two to advance to the jump-off, which he won.

Course designer Alan Wade, along with Colm Quinn, set a challenging first-round track for the Friday night featured class with 38 competitorsn.

As the ninth to go, U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z made the course look easy, producing the first clear round of the evening.

But after Kraut, none went clean until, as the 36th to go, Bluman went clean to guarantee that there would be a jump-off.

While Kraut and Bluman were the only ones clean, six others went clean but had time faults.

Finishing with just one time fault were Emilie Conter on Portobella van de Fruitkorf who placed third, Roberto Teran Tafur on Dez’ Ooktoff who was fourth and Amy Millar on Jagger HX who was fifth.

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Ashlee Bond on Donatello 141 won the $1 Million Coachella Cup Grand Prix

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December 13, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Ashlee Bond of Israel on her Olympic mount Donatello 141 won the $1,000,000 Major League Show Jumping CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix on Saturday Dec. 7.

This win was 10 years after her first $1,000,000 grand prix win at the Desert International Horse Park.

From a field of 40, including Olympians and top-ranked riders from around the world, Bond was one of 12 to advance to the jump-off over a course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr.

Early in the jump-off, Lucy Davis Kennedy set the time to beat with a clear round inf 41.33 seconds on Ben 431, but soon Mark Bluman of Colombia on Ubiluc took the lead with a time of 40.91 seconds.

But then Bond, riding eighth in the order, shaved more than a second off Bluman’s time, finishing in 39.33 seconds to win.

Aaron Vale and Carissimo 25 placed second in a time of 40.48 seconds, while Bluman and Ubiluc finished in third.

The Coachella Cup Grand Prix was a highlight of the Major League Show Jumping series.

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Trailblazers team of Natalie Dean, Lillie Keenan and Conor Swail won $200,000 team competition

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December 7, 2024

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--A team competition, called Major League Show Jumping, is a year-long series begun by well-to-do parents to enable their offspring to compete alongside of show jumping stars, is one week away from its $1 million finale.

Natalie Dean on Oasis van de Bucxtale (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)Top professional grand prix riders are paid on compete on the teams/

It's a difficult series to follow, as there are eight teams, but each team has up to 12 members and only three or four of those12 compete in each event, so although the team names remain the same there are different riders each week.

There is no central listing of the team members of the eight teams, so there's no way of knowing who competed on each team.

As the series draws to an end, it appears that in most teams only the professionals are competing.

On Friday night, Dec. 6, the Trailblazers team of Natalie Dean, Lillie Keenan and Conor Swail won the $200,000, 5* Team Competition, giving the Trailblazers enough points to move up to third in the team standings.

Maccabi United currently leads with 107 points over Roadrunners, a team whose members include McLain Ward, Richy Vogel and Erin Ballard, with 106 points, and Trailblazers with 97 points.

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

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December 3, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Kent Farrington on his 10-year-old mare, Greya, won the $200,000, CSI4* Grand Prix on Sunday, Dec.1 at the Holiday & Horses show.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sportfot)The grand prix had 42 entries from 12 countries, with eight advancing to the jump-off over a course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio.

Farrington was clean in 37.01 seconds, narrowly edging out Daniel Bluman of Israel on Hummer Z, who finished just behind in 37.17 seconds.

Lacey Gilbertson on Loulou MPSZ placed third, clean in 38.67 seconds.

Charlotte Jacobs on Playboy was fourth, clean in 39.63, and Ilan Bluman of Columbia on Acajou,, the fastest of the four-faulters, was fifth with four faults in  37.89.

The field was notably dominated by exceptional 9- and 10-year-old horses, highlighting the promising future of show jumping.

 “I got Greya when she was 5, and she's really just a phenomenal show jumper, as you can see,” Farrington said. “She's unbelievably careful. She's super fast, a very modern type. I love this horse. She's been great, and she’s really come into her own.”

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Jimmy Torano won the 1.50m Speed in Wellington

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December 2, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z won Saturday's featured event, the $32,000, CSI4 1.50m Speed on Nov. 30 at the Holiday & Horses show.

Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z (Photo by Sportfot)Torano won with a blazing first round time of 64.06 seconds, securing the top spot on the podium over a field of 36.

Torano and Kochio Z have a winning partnership. 

"This is a horse I've had since he was 7," said Torano. "He's a real winner. I mean, this horse I can count on a lot. He runs a lot of ranking classes. He's won a lot of Grand Prixs, just a very, very reliable horse. He's very careful, and he is extremely fast."

Success at this level is a team effort, and Torano praised his groom, Pablo, for his exceptional care and dedication.

"He's taken care of this horse since the day I got him," said Torano. "He knows him inside and out. He does a great job with him. He's got a very good demeanor, so horses really like him. He's my FEI groom for both of my horses that are in FEI this week, and he does a really, really good job."

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Daniel Bluman won the 1.50m grand prix qualifier in Wellington

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November 30, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla--Daniel Bluman of Israel on Hummer Z won the $65,000, CSI4* Grand Prix 1.50m Qualifier on Friday, Nov. 29 as the holiday season began with the ESP Holiday & Horses Series,

Daniel Bluman on Hummer Z (Photo by Sportfot)From a starting field of 51, eight advanced to the jump-off over a course set by Anthony D'Ambrosio.

Bluman was clean in 38.02 seconds to edge out Nayel Nassar of Eqypt on ESI Ali, who placed second with a time of 38.21 seconds, followed by Alessandra Volpi on Candy Luck Z in third.

“I started riding Hummer Z in April,” said Bluman. “He was developed by one of my greatest idols, and in my opinion, one of the best that ever existed, Beezie Madden.”

“Getting a horse that has been developed by such an incredible horseman and incredible program really makes things easier on my end," he said. "I also have a very good relationship with the Madden team, so I was able to get the complete information and package on how to work with the horse.”

“It’s been about becoming a partnership." said Bluman. "We’ve jumped a lot of clear rounds. He actually jumps clear rounds most of the time. We’ve had a lot of top 10s, a few top-three podiums, and everything. But this is actually our first win, so it’s great. We’re very happy. The horse deserves to win, and yeah, I am really happy with the result today.”

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Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the $125,000 Welcome at the World Cup - Los Angeles

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November 22, 2024

By Staff Writers

LOS ANGELES, Calif.--Lillie Keenan on her 10-year-old stallion Kick On won the $125,000, 1.50m Welcome CSI5*-W at Santa Anita Park.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On (Photo by Winslow Photography)Keenan, last to go in the eight horse jump-off, won by almost a full second, finishing in 35.91 seconds.

"I think it was my turn to the combination that won the class," said Keenan. "My horse is incredibly brave. I knew that turn was a big gamble, but I thought he could do it."

Kick On had previously won a CSI5* Grand Prix win in Toronto, and had  two runner-up finishes at the Devon Horse Show, as well as a close second at the 5* in Greenwich.

A field of 73 riders from 15 nations competed over the course set by Anderson Lima, with only eight managing to advance to the jump-off.

Six of the eight went clean in the jump-off.

Carly Anthony, a trainer from Colts Neck.N.J., on Heavenly W finished second in 36.85 seconds, and Tokyo Olympics team silver medalist Jessica Springsteen on Naomi van het Keizershof was third in 37.26 seconds.

Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z was fourth in 37.33, Abdulrahman of Saudi Arabia on Ventago was fifth in 37.70 and Shawn Casady on Cool Quarz was sixth in 39.14, followed by Daniel Bluman on Corbie VV seventh with four faults in 37.01 and Callie Shott on Garant with eight faults in 36.59.

The competition was a qualifier for Saturday’s $400,000 FEI Jumping World Cup Los Angeles CSI5*-W, where riders will win points toward the World Cup Finals in Basel, Switzerland, in April 2025.

The World Cup qualifier is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00 PM EST or 8:00 PM PST.

Jessie Springsteen won the $35,000 Two-Phase at the World Cup Los Angeles

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November 21, 2024

By Staff Writers

LOS ANGELES, Calif.--Jessica Springsteen, an Olympic silver medalist, won the $35,000 1.45m Special Two Phase CSI5*-W at the FEI Jumping World Cup North American League qualifier in Los Angeles at Split Rock.

Jessie Springsteen on Naomi van het KeizershofRiding Naomi van het Keizershof, an 11-year-old mare with six prior FEI wins, Springsteen won over an elite field of 69 competitors representing 15 nations.

Going first in the large class of 69, Springsteen laid down a trip that caused many faults in those following her that tried to beat her time.

Springsteen won by more than a second, leaving the competition in her wake.

The Anderson Lima-designed course featured two phases, each with seven jumping efforts.

In this unique format, riders could continue through the second phase even if they incurred faults in the first, ensuring an exciting and fast-paced event.

Laura Kraut on Tres Bien Z, was second, and Conor Swail of Ireland on Vital Chance de la Roque was third. .

Springsteen’s commanding win marks a triumphant start to her West Coast campaign, with the Split Rock venue providing the perfect stage for her debut success in California.

On Thursday, Nov, 21, the $125,000 CSI5* 1.50m Welcome begins at 9:30 PM EST.

Watch live on FEI.TV!

Rowan Love won the USHJA Emerging Athletes Training Session Competition

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November 20, 2024

By Staff Writers

GADYS, Va.--Rowan Love was named the top athlete from 16 top participants after four intensive days of riding and stable management at the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program National Training Session, held at Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Va., from Nov. 7-10.

Rowan Love on Star Jewel Photo from USHJA)The competition was judged by Olympic team and individual gold medalist Joe Fargis, the Lead Riding Clinician, Stable Manager Colleen Reed and the Emerging Athletes Program Committee.

Love attended the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio and graduated in 2021 with a bachelor of science degree in equestrian management and an associate's degree in English riding and training.

While at the University of Findlay, she was a member of the equestrian team and competed in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association.

"It feels very surreal to have won," said Love, 25, of Sweet Briar, Va. "It was cool to return to the National Training Session after doing it last year because I knew a little bit of what to expect and how the week operates."

In preparation for this year's National Training Session after riding in the Regional Training Session this past summer held at Sweet Briar College, Love dedicated herself to building on techniques learned during her time at the 2023 National Training Session.

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Phillip Dutton placed first and second in qualifier 3 of US Equestrian Open at TerraNova

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November 19, 2024

By Staff Writers

MYAKKA CITY. Fla.--Phillip Dutton placed both first and second in Qualifier 3 of the US Equestrian Open at TerraNova, placing first on Azure on a score of 43.2 and second on Quasi Cool with a score of 55.6

File photo of Phillip Duton on Azure fromm 2023 (Photo by Cealy Tetley)Dutton will start the series in 2025 as the outright leader in the US Equestrian Open standings with 75 points.

The US Equestrian Open series format is designed to reward both participation and performance across multiple qualifiers.

With its innovative structure, the series offers a place for both seasoned professionals and emerging competitors to showcase their skills and make their mark.

With $200,000 in prize money and an additional $50,000 series award, the competition is designed to bring the best eventing athletes together from across the country.

This was Dutton's first win in the CCI4*-S at TerraNova

Coming in as the strong favorite, Dutton capitalized on his horses’ CCI5* experience and prior wins at this level, showing why he’s one of the most consistent performers in the sport.

The course at TerraNova once again highlighted cross-country speed as the defining factor.

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Alex Granato won the $140,000 Grand Prix in Wellington

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November 19, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Alex Granato of Lexington, Ky., on Helios vd Nosahoeve won the $140,000, CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday, Nov. 17 t the ESP Pre-Charity show..

Alex Granato on Helice vd Noshoeve (Photo by Sportfot)With record-breaking entries totaling more than 750 horses for the week, 12 nations were represented in the day’s featured event.

In the nine horse jump-off over the course set by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico, Granato, 41, returned with only three to come behind him and posted a  time to beat of 42.60 seconds.

“I wanted to establish all my speed early to the triple bar so I could navigate and be patient to the verticals,” said Granato. “From there, I needed to keep the pace through the track.”

Luis Fernando Larrazabal of Venezuela on Baroness was second, clean in 45.50 seconds, and Andrew Welles on Idol H&H was third in 46.01 seconds.

Ireland’s Philip McGuane had the fastest four fault round in 41.98 seconds to place fourth.

“His strength is a super consistent attitude,” said Granato, a member of the bronze medal winning U.S. team at the 2019 Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru. “I was trying to keep up with him out there. He's so bold and brave at the jumps.”

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Will Simpson placed first and second in the $32,000 Speed in Wellington

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November 17, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--U.S. 2008 Olympic team gold medalist Will Simpson swept the top two placings in the $32,000, CSI3* Speed on Saturday, Nov. 16 during the ESP Pre-Charity week at Florida’s Wellington International.

Will Simpson on Chacco P (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Winning aboard veteran mount Chacco P, Simpson was second with up-and-coming 9-year-old Keminko N.

Simpson on Chacco P, despite going early, third in the field of 34 over the course set by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico, had the unbeatable time of 60.34 seconds.

He placed second on Keminko N, finishing in 61.39 seconds, and Alessandra Volpi on Berlinda was third in 61.5 seconds.

"He's in perfect condition and there’s no slowing down, he feels like he will go until he's 20," said Simpson of the 15-year-old Chacco P..

“He was on fire today; he's so fast with his feet,”said Simpson. “He's 18-hands, yet he can turn on a dime. He's a real fun horse to ride in the speed classes.”

"Keminko N is very green," said Simpson. "He’s 9 but he feels more like a 7-year-old."

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Simon McCarthy won the Grand Prix qualifier in Wellington

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November 16, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Simon McCarthy of Ireland on Narcotique v/h Dingenshof won the $32,000, CSI3* Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, Nov. 15 during the ESP Pre-Charity week at Florida’s Wellington International.

Simon MCarthy on Narcotique v/h Dingenshof (Photo by Sportfot)A large field of 16 horses made the jump-off over a course set by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico.

McCarthy was almost two seconds faster then second nplaced Roberto Teran Tafur on Iron Maiden, winning with a clean round in 36.57 seconds while Tafur finished in 38.25.

Abigail McArdle on Olympia was third in 38.29 seconds.

“I've had the last fence down in jump-offs a few times lately, so I didn't make a crazy solid plan this time,” said McCarthy. “I wanted to be smooth, and I knew she was going to be quick. I trusted she was going to be careful, but I made myself stay patient and do eight strides to the last. I was proud of myself for that.”

Narcotique v/h Dingenshof is relatively new to McCarthy after joining his string in June to jump a summer tour in Europe.

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Jad Dana won the Power & Speed as FEI jumping returned to Wellington

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November 14, 2024

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--With the indoor shows completed, national and international riders are returning to Florida  and FEI show jumping also returned to Wellington.

Jad Dana on Fleur de Lis Cherie (Photo by Cassidy Klein)Lebanon’s Jad Dana on Fleur-de-Lis’ Cherie won the $32,000 CSI3* Power & Speed on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Dana had a breakout start to 2024 by having nine international top 10 placings at Wellington International, and now he's finishing the year with a win.

“It feels great to be back,” said Dana, 29, who is based in Wellington. “I was looking forward to the season starting back up again, and it couldn't have started any better. It's very difficult to win any class in Wellington, so if you do, it's even more rewarding. Hopefully we keep it going this way.”

Competition at Wellington International is beginning to ramp up for the winter season as 46 horses competed over the two-phase course designed by Hector Loyola of Puerto Rico .

Dana won on his second mount in the class, Fleur-de-Lis’ Cherie, as he finished the speed phase in 28.76 seconds.

“I love all my horses, but this mare is something special because she tries very hard for me,” said Dana. “I know if we lose, many times it’s because I did something to take the win from her. It's almost like she knows where the next jump is, so she turns really well and she's very fast. She's game, so on a day like this when she's feeling great and really wanting it, she's unbeatable.”

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Alex Matz on Cashew CR won the Centennial Cup speed class in Toronto

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November 9, 2024

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa., on Cashew CR won the $85,680 Centennial Cup speed class at the Royal Horse Show on Friday evening, Nov. 8, during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Alex Matz on Cashew CR (Photo by Ben Radvanyl Photography)The win in Friday’s one-round speed competition was the second win for Matz, 28,  in his second appearance at the Royal Horse Show after also leading the victory gallop in Wednesday’s Strength & Speed Challenge.

Despite going early in the Centennial,, third in the order of 22 competitors, Matz made quick work of Oscar Soberon’s course in front of an enthusiastic crowd, finishing in 51,76

There was a long list of notoriously quick riders still to come, but no one came near Matz' time.

"Thee were a lot of fast riders and riders I look up to going after me," said Matz. "But I was lucky and my time held up."

“I knew if I gave Cashew a chance I’d be very competitive, but there were a lot of really fast people behind me so I had to give it my all and, luckily, it went my way,” said Alex Matz. “He’s a phenomenal horse. He always wants to jump clear and he’s a fighter. I don’t think I will ever have another horse like him.”

"This was his last class for this year," said Matz, who will ride Ikigai in Saturday evening's World Cup qualifier.

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