Competitions

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

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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.

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Felix Vogg on Cartania won the Maryland 5 Star with Boyd Martin third

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October 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

FAIR HILL, Md.--Felix Vogg of Switzerland on his 14-year-old mare, Cartania, won the CCI5*-L at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill with a clean show jumping round on Sunday, Oct. 19 to finish on a final score of 28.7.

Feliix Vogg on Cartania (Photo by Allen MacMillan for MacMillan Photography)Monica Spencer of New Zealand on Artist, the leader gong into jumping, had a two rails down to drop to second, finishing on 31,7.

 Although Spencer competes for New Zealand, she is a neighbor of Boyd and Silva Martin, and this coming February she will be located in the U.S., for two years.

In the 3*, Maryland Native Isabelle Bosley on Conner won on her dressage score of 24.8, with Alyssa Phillips on Rockett 19 second on her dressage score of 25.5

Two very familiar names finished third in the 5* and 3* respectively, Martin and Dutton, but in this case, although it was Boyd Martin, it was Olivia Dutton, not her father Phililp who was on the leaderboard.

Martin on Commando 3  with a clean round on Sunday jumped two places to finish third on 32.9 in the 5*, while Dutton on Jewelent finished on 35.4 to place third in the 3*.

Caroline Pamukcu was fourth on HSH Blake in the 5* with a score of 39.4.

With this win, Vogg makes history once again.

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

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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 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.

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Monica Spencer on Artist leads the Maryland 5 Star after Cross Country

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October 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

FAIR HILL, Md.--Monica Spencer on Artist, her 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Artist, was clean, no jumping and no time, over Pierre Le Goupil’s Cross-Country course on Saturday, Oct.18 at the Maryland 5 Star to lead going into the final phase 

Monica Spenser on Artist (Photo by Allen MacMillan for MaxMillan Photography)Spencer, who rides for New Zealand and is now based in the U.S., has a long partnership with Artist, a former racehorse she has developed to the top level of the sport.

Spenser on Artist won a team bronze for New Zealand at the 2022 World Championships and they have since become established in five-star competitors.

After the CCI5* Cross-Country, Spencer leads on a score of 23.7, with Felix Vogg of Switzerland  on the 14-year-mare Cartania second with a score of 28.3, and Mia Farley on Phelps third on 32.2.

“He was definitely ready to run, and I certainly let him do that on those lovely gallop strips,” said Spencer. “The ground was perfect. He was a machine, and I am very happy.”

“I think it was tough out there and you really had to fight for it the whole way, be ready to act on your feet and have a brave horse,” said Spencer. “It was as hard as we thought it would be, but we did it, so we’re very happy.”

The CCI5*-L cross-country field included 22 horses, of whom 13 completed the course.

Seven had no jumping penalties for a 32% clear jumping rate, with four inside the time for an 18% double-clear rate.

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

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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 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.”

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

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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 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.

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

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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 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.

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

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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.

“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 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. 

Laura Chapot won both jumper classes in Harrisburg

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October 16, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa--Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J.,, placed first and second in the first open jumper class, the 1.30m Two Phase, and then won the second class, too, the 1.40m Twp Phase, on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Laura Chapot on Tyson Fury (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photogaphy)Chapot won the $10,000 1.30m Two Phase on Tyson Fury, clean in 26.39, and placed second on Calafornia, clean in 27.14, and she won the $10,000 1.40m Twp Phase on C&C Wlllow,clean in 25.63.

Steven Bluman was third in the 1.40m on Cachemire De Braize in 27.53 seconds.

A regular at the Pennsylvania National, Chapot had three horses in the 1.30m class, and Tyson was the second of her three rides.

“She is a pretty competitive horse,” said Chapot of the Irish Sport Horse mare. “In fact, she’s probably more difficult to slow down than to go forward. So, for her, I wanted her to just have a good experience, and for sure she could be competitive to win the class, but also just a positive, forward experience, because as I said, her biggest fault might be that she jumps too high, and she’s a little bit difficult in between the jumps if you try and slow her down too much. So just trying to keep it smooth and keep her focused on the fences, and then she gives it her all every time.”

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Boyd Martin on Miks Master C won the inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Final

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October 15, 2025

By Staff Writers

LEESBURG, Va.--Four-time Olympian Boyd Martin on Miks Master C was clean in the final jumping phase to win the inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Finale on a final score of 28.7 on Sunday, Oct. 12.

Boyd Martin on Miks Master C (Photo by Avery Wallace)“It’s an incredible feeling to win here,” said Martin of Cochranville, Pa. “This event has been so well organized, and Morven Park is one of the best venues in the world. For years, we’ve all seen the potential here. Morven Park has beautiful cross-country tracks, great rings and a world-class facility. The US Equestrian Open has brought in amazing prize money and attracted the country’s best horses and riders and to win this inaugural event is a huge honor.”

Miks Master C is a newer mount for Martin, having previously been campaigned by fellow U.S. Eventing Team rider Liz Halliday .

Martin begin riding Niks Master C just over a year ago.

Martin said this victory holds special significance for him, personally, his team, and the supportive team behind Miks Master after taking over the ride following Halliday’s accident in 2024, and the growing partnership he’s developed with the talented gelding.

“I’m so grateful to the owners for trusting me with one of Liz’s top horses," said Martin. "Miks Master C is a legend. He was Liz’s top hopeful, and this whole year we’ve just been getting to know each other. He’s an incredible horse with the right mix of power, grit, and heart.”

“When Liz first bought him, I was extremely jealous,” he said with a laugh. “Mikki is totally my type of horse. He has a lot of Thoroughbred in him. He’s one of those horses that moves like a Warmblood, but thinks like Thoroughbred – a true three-day eventer with an amazing gallop.”

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Kate Conover on Clear As Day was Harrisburg Grand Hunter Champion

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October 15, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Kate Conover on Clear As Day won the Grand Hunter Championship at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show on Tuesday, Oct. 14,

Kate Conover on Clear as Day (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography)With four wins and a second place in the Green Conformation Hunter, Conover won the Grand Green Hunter Championship with enough points to also to also win the Grand Championship.

“It’s very special,” said Conover. “I’m from Pipersville, Pa., originally, so I was coming here as a kid and watching, and this is a big deal for me. Coming from this state to win Grand Hunter Champion, it’s amazing.”

Clear As Day is normally ridden by Nick Haness, but he was unable to ride this week, so trainer Carleton Brooks asked if Conover would ride him in Harrisburg.

“Nick is one of my best friends, so we kind of share horses,” said Conover. “I’ve ridden horses when he’s not here in the past, so he gave me all the directions I needed to have a successful week, and Carleton’s program is great, so it was really fun to come here.”

“He’s as easy going as can be,” Brooks said of the gelding. “He likes to lay down a lot, and he can be frisky, but he’s always been show, all show. By the time he comes to the horse show, he’s all show.”

Michael Britt-Leon on Cannon Beach was the reserve champions in Green Conformation Hunters.

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Bull Run Hunt won the PNHS Hunt Night Championship while Cheshire won the featured Hunt Team class

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October 14, 2025

By Staff Writers

 HARRISBURG, Pa.--For the first time since 2019, the Bull Run Hunt l won the Hunt Night Championship on Monday, Oct. 13 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show,

Cheshire won the Hunt Team classEighteen hunt teams, made up from riders from across 11 different hunt clubs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey participated in Monday’s Hunt Night competition.

Throughout the evening, riders participated in Field Hunter, Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Team classes in order to earn individual ribbons and points towards the team championship.

Bull Run Hunt traveled up from Mitchells, Va., with the goal of having a good time and enjoying their horses.

“We have fun,” said Becca Pizmoht, who serves as a board member for the hunt and coordinated their trip to Pennsylvania. “We like to compete, but we also have fun. We don’t take ourselves all that seriously. Our hunt motto is, before we all go off every time is to say, ‘What are we going to do today?’ and we all cheer, ‘Have fun and kick on!’”

Three time reigning champions Keswick Hunt Club was reserve, while Mr. Stewart's Cheshire Foxhounds team won the featured Hunt Team class.

Dr. Anne Renzetti, Julia Marinan and Kelsie Haverlock were on Cheshire;s winning team, while Cheshirse team 2 of Skylar McKenna, BuzzFisher and Christina Jerell placed fourth. 

McKenna on Sovereign Fund also placed second in Field Hunters Under 35.

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Olivia Sweetnam won the Hunter Seat Medal Final

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October 13, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, Fla., and Lexington, Ky., won the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final over 157 juniors after two rounds and a four rider work-off on Sunday, Oct, 12 at the 79th Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Olivia Sweeetnam on Efendi (Photo b y Andrew Ryback Photography)For the past two years, Sweetnam has been one of the four riders chosen for a final work-off, and this time, the victory was hers.

“This is my fourth time doing Medal Finals, I believe, and I’ve been lucky enough to have a really good go all three times,” said Sweetnam, who finished in fourth in 2023 and in fifth in 2024. “This is my third year in a row testing, and I’ve tragically messed up the test both other times. So, I’m really happy to be able to pull it off today! I’ve been wanting to win this final for a really long time.”

Finishing in second place was Parker Peacock of Pfafftown, N.C., and Lily Epstein of Coral Gables, Fla., was third

In an impressive, and likely unprecedented, feat for trainers Ken and Emily Smith, all three of Sunday’s top finishers train for the equitation at the Smith’s Ashland Farms.

Following the first-round course, judges Ralph Caristo and Michael Tokaruk selected the top 25 to advance to round two.

“For the first round, I just wanted a smooth, consistent round. I didn’t want many changes in pace,” said Sweetnam. “All three rounds actually were very suited to my horse, so I’m very thankful for that. Efendi is the best, and I knew that he was beyond capable of this. He’s done it before with different riders, so he’s really the talent in the pair.”

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Clara Propp won the individual gold medal in the Junior Jumper National Championships

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October 12, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Clara Propp of New York, N.Y., on Mistral van de Vogelzang won the Individual Championsip of the USEF Junior Jumper National Championships on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Clara Propp on Mistral van d Vogelzang (Photo by Andrew Ryback)On Saturday evening,in the third and final day of junior jumper competition, Propp moved from fifth place for the win,

Going into the final round, Propp was on a cumulative score of 4.8, while just fractions of a point separated the top three, including Avery Griffin on a score of 0.87, Gabriella Curry with a score of 0.88 and JJ Torano with a score of 0.95.

Riders returned to the Harrisburg Coliseum in reverse order of their standings to compete over a course set by Oscar Soberon, and a clear round from Propp and Mistral van de Vogelzang put pressure for the four riders that followed her.

As a least one rail fell for each of them, Propp continued to move up the leaderboard.

With one rail down in the final phase, the silver medal went to Griffin on Oh My Star Van Strytem on an incredibly close score of 4.87, and Torano and Lyon 50 won the bronze on a 4.95 score.

“My horse is absolutely incredible,” said Propp of her 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding. “I’m really happy that it all came together tonight. I feel like I’ve been working on my partnership with him for almost a year now, and tonight really solidified that. Coming into tonight, I was going in fifth, so I knew I kind of didn’t really have anything to lose. I just wanted to put down a solid, clear round and hope for the best."

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U.S. Zone 4 won the Prix des States in Harrisburg, Zone 2 second

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October 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Zone 4 won the $15,000 Prix des States Team Championship for the second year in a row on Friday evening, Oct.10,  at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg.

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 anchored the Zone 4 team with two clear rounds. (Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography)The team of Gabriella Curry, Lily Epstein, Amy Krebs and JJ Torano, of Zone 4 representing Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina,  finished on zero fauls for the win.

Krebs and Torano were also a part of the 2024 winning team.

Winning the silver medal with 12 faults was the Zone 2 team of Rylynn Conway, Adriana Forte, Tarin Kiely and Clara Propp represting Pennsylvania, How Jersey and New York.

The Zone 7 team of Campbell Brown, Avery Griffin and Michaela Munson representing Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas won the bronze with 20 faults.

“The group of kids that we’ve had coming up around the last two years are just very, very strong,” said longtime Zone 4 chef d’equipe Kim Land. “They’re well trained; they’re well mounted. They work very hard at the sport. They spend a lot of time doing it.”

“It’s been a build toward this success that we’ve had over the last two years, including the gold at the North American Youth Championships as well with this team," said Land. "These kids also have competed together. That synergy that happens when you have a team spirit like that, it really serves the group, and they feed on each other. There’s an energy that’s created that just doesn’t happen any other way.”

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Taylor Cawley on Klaartje Z won Phase I of the Junior Jumper Championship in Harrisburg

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October 10, 2025

By Staff Writers

HARRISBURG, Pa.--Taylor Cawley of Zone 4 on Klaatje Z won phase one of the USEF Junior Jumper National Championship on Thursday evening, Oct. 9 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

Taylor Cawley on Klaartje (Photo by Andrew Ryback)The championship is a competition between the USEF Zones that represent various areas of the country, and Zone 4 includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

Zone 2 includes Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, and the Championship includes both team and individual competition.

Cawley, riding as a individual, won the $5,000 Junior Jumper National Championship Welcome Phase 1 in a time of 58.03 seconds.

Michaela Munson on Charlene placed second place, clean in 59.24 seconds, and Izzy Beisel on Diaz Barbotiere was third in 59.25 seconds.

Cawley has ridden Klaartje Z for just under a year.

Cawley, said the mare’s natural tendency to be quick on her feet paid off in Phase I.

“She's naturally quite fast, which I think helped,” said Cawley of the 11-year-old Belgian Sport Horse. “She's a competitor at heart. She has a super fiery personality, and you don't want to get in her way when she's in the mindset of winning.”

“It's really an amazing feeling to know that she's just as competitive as I am,” she said.

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U.S. finishes a close fifth in League of Nations Final Nations Cup in Barcelona

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October 7, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

BARCELONA, Spain--The U.S. team of Laura Kraut, Allessanda  Volpi, Callie Shott and Karl Cook finished just a rail out of a bronze medal in the League of Nations Nations Cup on Sunday, Oct. 5.  

Laura Kraut on Bisquetta (File photo by Jenny Abrahamsson)The faults that kept them from the podium included a questionable four faults for a foot in the water by Kraut on Bisquetta, a heart breaking light touch on the final fence that dropped a rail by Shott on Garant and a questionable decision by Cook on Caracole de la Roque hat caused a rail.

In a very exciting and tightly fought Final, after round one, Netherlands led with four faults while six nations, the U.S., Ireland, Italy, Great Britain, France and Germany were tied with eight faults , Belgium was eighth on 10 faults and Spain trailed with 20 faults.

Kraut was one of only a few that went clean in round one.

Bisquetta was just on form," said Kraut. "She flew the double, and she flew the water. When she's in one of those moods she can jump anything,"

"I've had her since she was 7, and each year she's gotten a  little better."said Kraut. 'This year's she's really come into herself."

In round two, only three riders from each country competed, meaning every rail down counted, and the lead changed with almost every rider.

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Alex Matx placed second to Scott Brash in the Grand Prix of Barcelona

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October 4, 2025

By Staff Writers

BARCELONA, Spain--Alex Matz on Ikiigai finished a close second to Scott Brash of Great Britain on Hello Folie in the CSIO5* 1.60m Grand Prix of the City of Barcelona at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona on Friday evening, Oct. 3.

Alex Matz Matz was only beaten by eight-tenths of a second by Brash, who had the advantage of going last in round two,

From a field of 38, the top 12 qualified for round two, with six of those going clean again.

Nine of those advancing to round two were on a score of zero, along with the three fastest four-faulters.

With riders going in reverse order of their times finishing round one, Matz returned sixth of the 12 in the speed round, and he finished in the fast time of 52.50 to hold the lead untli the very last to go. Brash, on his individual and team Olympic silver medal mount Hello Folie, who finished in 52.12 for the win. 

Piergiorgio Bucci of Italy on Kiss Me Fabulesse finished third in 53.77, with Megane Moissonnier of France on Crooner Tame fourth in 55.37, followed by Antoine Ermann of France on Floyd des Pres fifth in 56.86, with host nation Span’s Alberto Marquez Galobardes on Kelly sixth.

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Nick Haness won the Hunter Rider Final at Capital Challenge

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October 4, 2025

By Staff Writers

UPPER  MARLBORO, Md.--Nick Haness of Temecula, Calif., won the $30,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Finals  for the fourth time in a row at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center.

Nick Haness on ONeal (Photo by Shawn McMillen)The nation’s top three hunter riders—Nick Haness, Geoffrey Hesslink, and John French—were joined by Amanda Steege, winner of the 2025 WCHR Professional Challenge, for a head-to-head four-round class on unfamiliar horses, showcasing skill and adaptability at the highest level.

The four horses chosen for the class were Daily Planet, owned by Marlene Holland, O’Neal, owned by Valerie Renihan, Klutch, owned by Caitlyn Gidle and Ton Amie van Spieveld, owned by Ellie Goodfriend.

While Haness had a rail on his first horse to score 87, he more than made up for it as his scores in each successive round increased. 

His highest score of 95.33 came in the final round riding Daily Planet over a course set by Ken Krome, Meghan Rawlins and Joe Carnicom.

Having walked before they saw the horses school over the first course with their own riders, Haness had a plan but had to completely change it once he saw Daily Planet and talked with its trainer, Michael Britt-Leon.

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Ben Ebeling on Bellena won the Grand Prix Freestyle at Dressage at Devon

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October 3, 2025

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Ben Ebellng on Bellena, Anna Marek on Fayvel and Iron Spring Farm's Temptation were the major winners at Dressage at Devon.

Ben Ebeling on Bellen won the GP Freestyle (Photo by Susan J Stickle)Ebeling on Bellena won the Grand Prix Freestyle in a closely fought competition on Saturday evening, Sept. 27, while Marek on Favvel won the Grand Prix Special on Friday and Iron Spring Farm's Temptation was the Grand Champion in the Breeding division.

Saturday evening began with an opening ceremony featuring a color guard and a choir from nearby Villanova University singing the National Anthem, after which 17 competed in the Freestyle to a musical score of their choosing.

Ebeling on Ann Romney’s 15-year-old Hanoverian mare Bellena scored 77.665% for the win.

“That was an electric environment to be sure,” Ebeling said. “There’s no place like Dressage at Devon. This was a big step in getting my horse acclimated in big environments in an arena like this.”

Kevin Kohmann on Dünenesee, whose barn name is Denzel, placed a close second with a 77.005%. 

“I’m super thrilled,” Kohmann said. “It feels like a big show in Europe. I love it here. This was the show where I rode this freestyle the first time and I’m here one year later to ride it again.”

Meagan Davis on Toronto Lightfoot was third with a score of 73.315%. 

“He was actually pretty electric but rideable, which I’ve been looking to find in the ring,” she said. “I wanted to add a little power and keep that softness, because I’ve worked really hard on building a relationship with him.”

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Amanda Steege on Lafitte de Muze won the $50,000 WCHR Professional Challenge

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October 2, 2025

By Staff Writers

 UPPER MARLBORO, Md--Amanda Steege on Lafitte de Muze won the $50,000 WCHR Professional Challenge at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Amanda Steege on Lafitte de Muze (Photo b y Shawn McMillen Photography)As the only one to score above 90 in both rounds, 91 and 92.33, Steege on Lafitte de Muze, a 14-year-old BWP gelding by Darco, had the top score of 183.33 for The win.

Placing second with a total of 181.24 after scoring 89.83 and 91.41, John French on Babylon just missed winning his fourth Pro Challenge.

Nick Haness Circa scored 89.16 and 91.33 for a 180.49 total and third place.

Steege riiding “Lafitte” won the Challenge for the third time after she first won in 2018,  and this was the second year in a row, which helped the pair qualify for the WCHR Hunter Spectacular this winter in Florida as well as giving Steege a place in Friday night’s WCHR Professional Finals.

“It's always such a thrill to win this class,” said Steege, “but it was extra special to win it back to back on Lafitte."

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The U.S. Young Riders team won the Youth Nations Cup while the Junior team placed third in their Youth Nations Cup

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September 25, 2025

By Staff Writers

LIER, Belgium--The two U.S. teams that competed in the FEI Youth Jumping Nations Cup Final had spectacular results, with the Young Riders team finishing first in its category and the Junior team placing third in its category over three daysof competiton ending Sept. 21.

Young Rider winning teamThe U.S. Jumping Young Rider Team finished on a final total of zero faults to twin the gold medal, while the U.S. Jumping Junior Team won bronze on combined final score of four faults.

Belgium was second in Young Rider with one fault and Switzerland was third with four faults, while the Junior team competition was won by Sweden with zero faults and Ireland was second on four faults but a faster combined time than the U.S.

Both teams were led by Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski and Team Leader Erin Keating.

“We had another very successful week here in Belgium, and I am extremely proud of our athletes and their horses for their effort, focus, and determination this week,” said Kursinski. “With podium finishes in both categories, and a win in a very competitive Young Rider final, these riders have gained valuable experience in a high-pressure team atmosphere which is crucial in their continued progression through the pathway. I always leave these finals with such optimism and excitement for the future of our sport and program, as well as for these athletes, as they continue to develop and deliver results for the U.S.”

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Phillip Dutton won the Four Star Eventing at Plantation Field with Boyd Martin second

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September 24, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Phillip Dutton on Possante won the CCI four star Eventing at Plantation Field on Sept. 21.

Phillip Dutton on Possante in stadium jumping (Photo by Randolph PR)Dutton and Boyd Martin, the two who have been the backbone of U.S. international teams for the past decade, placed first and second. 

Dutton led through all thee phases, finishing on 26.9, adding just 2.4 time faults to his first place dressage score of 24.5 after going clean both in stadium jumping and over the fences on the cross country.

Martin on Commando 3 placed second, adding just 5.6 time faults on cross country to his third place dressage score of 26..7.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSH Blake moved up from eighth in dressage on 29.1 to sixth after jumping, and then to third on 32.7, adding just 3.6 time on cross country.

There were 28 starters with only six eliminated or retired.

"Possante came from England, but he had a few issues when he came, so I took my time with him," said Dutton. "He's pretty established now, and he's pretty good in all three phases. He's good on the flat. Lauren Hough has been helping me with jumping. He looks like he has a good future."

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U.S. won the Grand Prix and finished sixth in Nations Cup in St. Tropez to qualify for the Final in Barcelona

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September 23, 2025

By SARA CAVANAGH

ST. TROPEZ, France--The U.S. team of Laura Kraut, Alessandra Volpi,, Alex Matz and Karl Cook finished sixth in he Nations Cup in St. Tropez pn Sunday, Sept. 21 after Cook and Kraut finished first and third in the Grand Prrx on Friday.

 Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque winning the Grand Prix (Photo by EcoryBut the most important result of the Nations Cup finish was that it qualified the U.S. for the Final in Barcelona on October 2-5.

"Karl and Laura were brilliant Friday night over two very hard courses, and we did qualify for Barcelona," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland, "We have had an unprecedented series of winning either the grand prix or the Nations Cup on Nations Cup weekends. There's only been one CSIO5* where we haven't won one or the other."

Usually, each rider's top horse is saved for the Nations Cup as competing in in a two round class over a difficult course on Friday can leave a horse a little tired for Sunday's class.

But, the U.S. team only had to finish the Nations Cup to qualify for Barcelona, and knowing that Ridland had Cook on Caracole de la Roque and Kraut on Bisquetta compete in the Grand Prix.

"That probably figured a little" said Ridland about Kraut having a rail down in round one and two rails down in round two and Cook having a rail in round two.

The U.S. finished just two rails off a podium finish, but ti was round one that was the real nail biter.

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Kent Farrington on Greya won the $340,000 American Gold Cup

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September 22, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--World no. 1 Kent Farrington on Greya won the $340,000 American Gold Cup during the final day of the Traverse City Horse Shows, Sunday, Sept. 21.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Megan Giese)Farrington set a new standard with Grey  as together they won a record sixth five-star grand prix inside a year m finishing with the Gold Cup.

The American Gold Cup was first awarded in 1970 and has been won by some of show jumping’s most legendary names throughout its 55-year history.

The event has been held at  Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City since 2020, the sixth location to host it.

Farrington was the first of six in the jump-of the course set by Alan Wade of Ireland as he designed his 11th American Gold Cup track this week.

Riding Greya, Farrington set the time to beat in the jump-off at 34.75 seconds, which would stand as the winning result.

Farrington has now won the American Gold Cup three times, previously in 2016 and 2020.

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Karl Cook won the Grand Prix in St. Tropez with Laura Kraut third

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September 21, 2025

By Staff Writers

ST. TROPEZ, France--Karl Cook on Caracole de La Roque won the CSIO5* 1.60m Grand Prix on Friday, Sept. 19 during the week of the fourth and last qualifier of the season in the Longines League of Nations.

Karl Cook on Caracole de La Roque (Photo by Ecory)Laura Kraut on Bisquetta placed third of the 49 competitors in the competition over two rounds, over  curses designed by Grégory Bodoof France.

Cook and Kraut were the only two Americans that entered the class.

“Our horses arrived later than expected at the show, so there was a little uncertainty about their condition," said Cook. "Apparently Caracole wasn’t bothered and seemed delighted to be back in France! Winning is always special, but going last in the jump-off makes it even sweeter."

"The facilities are incredible, and the arena and warm-up are spacious, which we really appreciate," said Cook. "The setting and the atmosphere also help us feel at our best.” 

The first course featured 14 obstacles and 17 jumping efforts, with the closing stages, notably the triple combination at fence 13 set against the warm-up arena, proving particularly testing.

Only nine riders managed to go clean and earn their ticket to the second round, which was open to the top t2 from round one.

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Shane Sweetnam and McLain Ward win in Traverse City

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September 20, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz is primed for the 2025 American Gold Cup after winning the $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier on Friday, Sept. 20.

Shane Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz (Photo by Megan Geise Photography)Sweetnam won in a 10-horse jump-off over a course set by Alan Wade, and then Ward won over the 10 that make it to the second round in the Winning Round on Saturday.

Sweetnam on James Kann Cruz has previously won the American Gold Cup at Traverse City Horse Shows in 2022 and 2024.

“We are having a great career together and ‘Gizmo’ is fresh right now, so I wanted to give this class today some respect for $117,000 and try to win it,” said Sweetnam after finishing clean n 33.71 seconds.

“He’s very sensitive," said Sweetnam. But if you do the right things, you get a reward for it, so it’s worth it. He feels great and jumped fantastic today, so hopefully we’ll have some luck on Sunday.” 

Erynn Ballard, currently the top-ranked Canadian in the world, was second in the Qualifier on Dior, clean in 34.62 seconds, and Conor Swail of Ireland finished third on Clonterm Obolensky in 38.39 seconds.

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Hunter Holloway won the 5* Speed class in Traverse City

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September 19, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Two-time FEI World Cup Finalist Hunter Holloway on Pepita Con Spita opened five star competition during the American Gold Cup at Traverse City Horse Shows on Thursday, Sept. 18 with a win in the $32,000 CSI5* Speed.

Hunter Holloway on Pepita Con Spita After a nearly two-year injury recovery, the mare is back and winning at the top level.

Pepita Con Spita was Holloway’s mount for the 2022 FEI World Cup Final in Leipzig and carried her to third overall in the 2023 edition in Omaha, Neb

Two months later, the mare was sidelined by a check ligament injury and has been absent from FEI competition until this summer.

“It feels a little bit like cheating when I get to go in these classes with her because she’s the best,” said Holloway. “It’s exciting to have her back in the ring. You can’t really get a horse competition fit without doing it, so I’m easing her back in and we’ll do more as she tells us she’s ready for it.”

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Stella Wasserman won over Beezie Madden and Lillie Keenan in Traverse City

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September 17, 2025

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Three U.S. women led the victory gallop in the $32,000 CIS2* Grand Prix with Stella Wasserman at the front in her first international grand prix victory to finish two-star competition at Traverse City Horse Shows on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Stellla Wasserman on Myjorka (Pjoto by Megan Giese Media)Wasserman, 20 years old, rode Myjorka to win in an eight horse jump-off course designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil.

Wasserman finished in 32.38 to win over four-time U.S. Olympian Beezie Madden on Micky-Cara, clean in 33.59 seconds, and Lillie Keenan on Emerlon was third iin 33.98 seconds.

“This is really special,” said Wasserman. “I feel like I’ve been close a couple of times now and today it all worked out."

“This is an amazing horse,” she said of her 10-year-old Hanoverian a mare that she rides under the direction of five-time U.S. Olympian McLain Ward. “She’s game to do anything you ask and my plan worked out.”

Wasserman began riding Myjorka at the start of the year.

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Adrienne Sternlicht won the $200,000 Grand Prix at old Salem, Mia Bagnato and Elena Haas also won

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September 16, 2025

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Adrienne Sternlicht on Origa V/H Zuid-Pajottenland won the  $200,000 Old Salem Farm FEI 4*  Blue Diamond Cup Grand Prix on Saturday, Sept. 13,

Adrienne Sternlicht on Origa VH Zuid Pajottenland (Photo by SEL Photography)Five were clean over the course set by Alan Wade, and all five were clean again, but Sternlicht was the fastest, finishing in 39.11 seconds.

First in the Jump-off, Molly Ashe Cawley on Quimi Del Maset set the time to beat of 40.50 seconds, but she were quickly beaten when Marilyn Little on La Contessa, just off her victory in Thursday’s $65,000 Old Salem Farm 4* Welcome Stake, finished in 39.85 seconds.

The following two riders, Jonathan McCrea and Jessica Mendoza of Great Britain weren’t fast enough to catch either of those times.

Using the advantage of going last, Sternlicht won in 39.11 seconds.

“Going last is always a big advantage,” Sternlicht said. “Marilyn is always so fast, so I said, ‘Any day that I can beat Marilyn and La Contessa is a good day.’ I was able to really take advantage of my horse’s stride and his bravery; I knew that I could do fences 1 to 2 in seven strides on the bend where Marilyn’s horse really had to keep going, so that helped us get back to the next fence quicker. I really trusted my horse because he’s so game and has so much scope. I knew that if I did it right and gave him a good chance, he would fight for me.

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