Competitions

Kent Farrington on Greya won the $1 Million Grand Prix

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March 29, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--World No. 2 Kent Farrington on Greya won the $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix,  a Rolex Series Event, in front of a huge crowd of 10,000 on March 28 during Saturday Night Lights.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sportfot)

From a field of 40 that included six of the world’s top 10-ranked athletes, five advanced to the jump-off over Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge’s  track.

"This was a million dollar class,"  said Farrington. "It had the best riders in the world. It was an incredibly strong starting field."

World number 2 Ben Maher of Great Britain on Enjeu de Grisien was first to go in the jump-off and finished clean in a fast time of 43,72

Third in the order, Farrington finished in 42.99 seconds to take over the lead, but had to wait through the last two very fast riders, Darragh Kenny of Ireland on Eddy Blue and Richie Vogel of Germany on Gangster Montdesir.

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Erynn Ballard Leading Lady Rider

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March 28, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard won the Overall Leading Lady Rider Award after amassing the most points over the course of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Erynn Ballard on Her Game Ball (Photo by Sportfot)The Leading Lady Rider Award was presented each week of WEF to the female rider who earned the most points based on performances in that week’s WEF Challenge Cup and featured grand prix event.

Despite not winning a weekly award, Ballard kept adding points to her total week after week with consistent performances.

At the end of the season, Ballard was on top the standings with a total of 557 points to win the Overall Leading Lady title.

Nina Mallevaey of France, winner of the Leading Lady Rider Award during WEF 7, finished a close second in the standings with a total of 539 points, and Marilyn Little, winner of the Leading Lady Rider Award during WEF 1 and 8, finished third overall with a total of 529 points.

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Shane Sweetnam won the WEF Challenge Cup over Richie Vogel

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March 27, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z won their second WEF Challenge Cup of the season on March 26 in Thursday’s $116,100 CSI5* class.

Shane Sweetnam on Corlaan van Klapscheut Z (Photo by Sportfot)The week’s first qualifier for Saturday's $1 million Grand Prix, a Rolex Series Event, was run under a Winning Round format in which the top 12 qualified to return for round two.

As a qualifier for the Grand Prix, one would have expected a tough course.

But in the Challenge Cup. in which the 30 top finishers would qualify for the Grand Prix, 25, almost half of the class of 60, went clean over the course set by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil..

Ironically, Richie Vogel, in a press conference the day before, had said. "Everyone wants to be on top of their game. That’s what makes it even more exciting, it’s a guarantee of top sport. The classes are faster and the course designers build a little more, because everyone is in top form.”

And after 10 of the first 15 in the class went clean, it turned into a speed contest.

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Richie Vogel won the $32,000 Two Phase at WEF

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March 26, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Richie Vogel of Germany on Michael Jackson W won the $32,000 CSI5* Two phase on Wednesday, March 25 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Richie Vogel on Michael Jackson W (Photo by Sportfot)Vogel had just flown back from Europe after winning the Dutch Masters to win the first class of the final week of tWEF.

Vogel finished clean in 33.60 over the course set by  Guilherme Jorge of Brazil.

France’s Julian Anquetin on Beau de Laubry Z was clean in 33.92 to place second, with  Kyle Timm on Glamour du Chanu third in 33.95 seconds.

“He’s a very exciting horse; a lot of fun to ride, super fast and always motivated,” said Vogel, who just recently returned from his Rolex Grand Prix win in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. “He has shown how quick and efficient he can be, and it was a very fast class, so I’m even more happy that I could be at the top.”

The finale of this last week is the Rolex Series $1,000,000 Grand Prix.

“It’s something we’re all looking out for, and we get excited for it," he said. "We plan our string of horses around this week, and everyone wants to be on top of their game. That’s what makes it even more exciting, it’s a guarantee of top sport. The classes are faster and the course designers build a little more, because everyone is in top form.”

The Rolex Series includes seven events, beginning in Wellington and culminating in Brussels, with the world’s top riders competing for the podium.

The $1m Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix begins the series during Saturday Night Lights on March 28.

“Our sport is a lot about confidence, and at the moment, I have a super string of horses,” said Vogel. “That obviously gives you, as a rider, a lot of confidence. I couldn’t be thankful enough for all the super horses I have, and that’s already a big puzzle piece towards success.”

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu on Medoc won the Future Challenge Final at the Festival

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March 26, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Canadian Olympian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu on Medoc scored 68.588% to win the Prix St. Georges Future Challenge Final on Sunday, March 22 at the Glpbal Dressage Festival.

Brittany Fraser Beaulieu on Medoc (Photo by Centre Line Medial)After five qualifiers throughout the Festival, nine made the cut to compete in the Final.

Lars Peterson on New Rock scored 67.853% to place Reerve Champion, and Hope Cooper was third on 67.353%, rounding out a trio of Dutch Warmbloods on the podium.

The series is open to developing small tour horses aged 7 to 9.

It is designed to offer horses with international quality the opportunity to perform a test under CDI conditions in the main ring but without some of the pressures of an international show. 

“We are so fortunate to have a class like this,” said Fraser-Beaulieu, who is the top-ranked Canadian rider at 19th in the world. “It’s amazing to get the young horses out in an environment like this with top judges. It gets them used to the show ring and the atmosphere. Jill Irving purchased Medoc when he was 5, and he just grew. He’s a very big horse, so we took our time with him, but he’s pre-schooling all the grand prix work, it comes naturally for him."

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Jordan LaPlaca won the Grand Prix Special at the Festival

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March 25, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Jordan LaPlaca on Gold Play won the FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* Grand Prix Special on Saturday, March 21 at the Global Dressage Festival.

Jordan LaPlaca on Gold Play (Photo by CentreLine Media)LaPlaca was delighted as he had just won his second gold medal in his senior team debut following his team gold on Thursday.

LaPlaca and Gold Play, the youngest horse in the class, set a new personal best of 71% in the Special.

Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu of Canada on Jaccardo, won the silver medal on 70.362%.

Anna Marek on her sister-in-law Cynthia Davila’s Fayvel won the bronze with 68.021%.

That result was impressive given that Marek was only called up at the last minute to ride in the Nations Cup.

“I honestly expected none of this, and I’m a little bit in shock,” said LaPlaca. “Riding for the U.S. team is not only a privilege, it’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. It’s what kept me inspired to learn, to teach, and to keep going. It’s incredibly humbling and an honor and I don’t take lightly. I just wanted to give my horse a good season and a good go at the CDI3* level, and it ended up in a gold medal. It’s what dreams are made of.”

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Richie Vogel won the 2* Grand Prix in Ocala

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March 24, 2026

By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla.--Germany’s Richard Vogel won the $65,000 Grand Prix CSI2* on Sunday, March 22, the final day of competition at the League of Nations in Ocala.

Richie Vogel on Cardentos (Photo by Andrew Ryback)Eight went clean from the field of 27 to make the jump-off, where six went clean again.

Vogel was clean in 35.46 to win by over a second over Samantha  Schaefer on James Bond HX, who finished n 36.96.

Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium on Rolex ter Leydonck was third in 37.27, with Eduardo de Menezes of Brazil on HS Kadco Hero Z fourth in 37.57, Beat Mandl of Switzerland on Pegasus fifth in 38.70, and Stephanie Maciera of Brazil on Kantella van't Merelsnest sixth in 39.84.

“It felt that we were still under control but he's a very speedy horse and he's game for it,” said Vogel. “He likes to be competitive and he’s super careful, so you don't really have to worry about a rail so much. You can put your main focus on getting good foot speed and turning a little bit tighter. It's a lot of fun with him.”

Vogel only began riding Cardentos earlier this season.

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Alex Matz won the $200,000 Grand Prix at WEF

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March 23, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Alex Matz on Junior Kannan won the $200,000 CSI4* Grand Prix, their first international victory together, on Sunday, March 22 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Alex Matz on Junior Kannan (Photo by Sportfot)Matz, 29 of Coatesville, Pa., won in a nine-horse jump-off over the course set by Andy Christiansen.

First to go in the jump-off, Ibrahim Barazi of Jordan on Joie De Vigo R.T. was clean in 37.04 seconds to set the time to beat.

That time held up until Matz, with only one to return after him, finished clean in 35.79 seconds.

McKayla Langmeier on Riesling van de Gaathoeve, was the last to go, but she came up short in 36.59 seconds to finish second.

Barazi was third, and Peter Lutz on Katriona, the only other clean in the jump-off, was fourth in 37.78. 

Kent Farrington on Descartes SR was fifth with four faults in 35.51, and Brian Moggre on Vivre Le Reve was sixth with four faults in 35.61.

“Junior is feeling phenomenal,” said Matz, who has ridden Junior Kannan for three years. “Today, he jumped even better in the jump-off than in the first round. I felt like I could really give it a go because of how he was jumping."

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Daniel Bluman won the $150,000 Championship Jumper Series Final

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March 23, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--In a thrilling jump-off, Daniel Bluman of Israel on Gemma W, going right after cousin Mark Bluman on Colombia on Phelina de Septon went a tenth of a second faster to win the $150,000 CSI4* 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Final on Saturday eventing, March 21 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Daniel Bluman on Gemma W (Photo by Sportfot)Forty-three qualified for the Final, and under the Winning Round format, 12 went forward into the second round.

First to go in the second round, Nayal Nasser of Egypt on Igor van de Wittemore set a fast time to beat of 47.80.

Kent Farrington on Casynna, seventh in the order, finished in what looked like an unbeatable time of 47.47.

Three horses later Mark Bluman did beat that time, though, finishing in 47.22.

Then Daniel Bluman incredibly beat even that time, finishing in 47.10 for the win.

Mark Bluman was second, Farrington third and Nasser fourth, with Gabriel de Matos Machado on It Girl fifth in 52.03 and Marilyn Little on Narado, the fastest four-faulter, sixth in 48.35.

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Germany won the Nations Cup in Ocala over Ireland

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March 22, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

OCALA, Fla.--Germany won the second leg of the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center on Saturday, March 21 with Ireland finishing second and Belgium third.

Natalie Dean on Pedro van de Barlebuis (Photo by Kim MacMillan)In an extraordinary evening, the highly regarded U.S. team  of Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale, Lillie Keenan and Natallie Dean finished 10th with an incredible round one total of 49 faults.

The team seemed jinxed from the start as McLain Ward had to withdraw from the team just a few days before the competition after injuring his hand when a horse fell with him. 

First to go in Ocala was Keenan on Argan de Beliard, a horse than had four times last year jumped double clean in Nation Cup competitions, a feat almost unheard of.

Argan de Beliard had a fence down and then stopped so sharply at the last fence that Keenan fell off, to be eliminated and leaving the team on just three scores to count.

"The biggest mystery was Lillie's horse stopping," said chef d'equipe Robert Ridland. "We're not sure why he did that. The last fence was right towards the crowd. Maybe he saw something."

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Rene Dittmer won the $120,000 Winning Round in Ocala

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March 21, 2026

By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla.--Germany's Rene Dittmer on Cody 139 won the $120,000 Winning Round CSIO5* on Friday, March 20, a part of the Longines League of Nations.

Rene Dittmer on Cody 129 (Photo by Sportfot)It was the second day in a row that a German won in the WEC Grand Arena following Andre Thieme’s victory in Thursday evening's $350,000 Grand Prix.

In the Winning Round format, the top 10 riders from the opening round returned for the “winning round,” so going clean didn’t automatically guarantee qualification.

Twelve clear rounds had already been posted by the mid-way break, and another five went clear in the second half, making time the determining factor over the course set by Alan Wade.

The top 10 went in reverse order of standing in the second round.

Second to go in round two, Marie Demonte of France on Epona du Quesnoy was clean in 38.89 seconds.

But her lead didn't last long as the next rider, Dittmer, also was clean but in a new leading time of 37.53 seconds.

That put the pressure on the rest of the field, and the next six had rails down trying to beat Dittmer's time.

Hunter Holloway on Pepita Con Spita had the advantage of going last and came the closest to catching Dittmer, going clean in 38.27 seconds to place second, leaving Demonte third.

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Frederic Wandres won the Freestyle at the Festival

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March 21, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Germany’s Frederic Wandres on Verrenberg won the gold medal in the FEI Nations Cup CDIO3* Grand Prix Freestyle on Friday,March 20 at the Global Dressage Festival.

Frederic Wandres on Verrenberg (Photo by Centre Line Medial)For Wandres it was a new personal best of 77%, and it capped an unbeaten week for the Olympic gold medalist.

Ashley Holzer on Hawtins San Floriana won the silver medal with 74.35%, and Nations Cup first-timer Emma Caecilia Lienert of Germany on Windermere J’Obei W won the bronze with 73.105%.

“I didn’t feel much pressure, because I really enjoyed the last freestyle under the lights with Verrenberg,” said Wandres, who performed to an Ace of Base soundtrack originally made for his Olympic horse, Bluetooth. “The test tonight was super. He’s still a young horse, and he competed last week. It’s unusual to do two weeks in a row."

“In Europe, we wouldn’t do it because we have to travel long distances, but here we travel 10 minutes," said Wandres. "Verrenberg is fit, and he shone bright this evening. I think he really likes the music, and it suits him.” 

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Andre Thieme won the 350,000 Grand Prix in Ocala

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March 20, 2026

By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla.--Germany’s Andre Thieme on Paule S won the $350,000 Grand Prix CSIO5*  on Thursday evening, March 19, as part of the Longines League of Nations week at the World Equestrian Center.

Andre Thieme on Paule S (Photo by Andrew Ryback)Seven were clean from a starting field of 38 over the course set by Alan Wade of Ireland, who made full use of the WEC Grand Arena with a beautifully decorated track.

Christian Kukuk of Germany won the $350,000 Grand Prix last year, and the reigning Olympic champion opened the jump-off with a clear round in 42.14 seconds on Fantasia de WY, to lay down the gauntlet for those who followed.

 But Thieme, who went fifth in the order, went clean in 41.85 seconds to beat him and give Germany a one-two finish.

France’s Nina Mallevaey, 26, on Nikka vd Bisschop, last to go, was clean in 42.49 seconds to place third, exactly as they had done one year earlier.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25, clean in 42.88, was fourth, and Natalie Dean on Mr. Bombastic, the only other clean in the jump-off, finished in 44.23 to place fifth.

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U.S. won the Dressage Nations Cup over Germany

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March 20, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--The U.S. team of Anna Marek, Ashley Holzer, Meagan Davis and Jordan LaPlaca won the gold medal in the dressage FEI Nations Cup, narrowly beating a strong German team, with Canada placing third on Thursday, March 19 at the Global Dressage Festival.

Anna Marek on Fayvel (Photo by Centre Line Media)The Nations Cup competition went down to the wire with less than 1.5 percentage points separating the top three.

The U.S. team, led by Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig, came out on top by the slimmest of margins.

For the past five years, Germany has dominated this competition, until Marek broke the German stranglehold.

With a mistake-free test, her score tipped the balance in the U.S.’s favor, handing the U.S. an historic victory in the opening competition of the 2026 FEI Dressage Nations Cup series—the only leg held outside Europe.

With three teams competing in the Nations Cup, the U.S. team concluded on a total of 205.631, Germany placed second on 205.043, and Canada won the bronze with 204.196.

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Donald Whitaker won the Grand Prix Qualifier at Ocala

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March 19, 2026

By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fl--Great Britain’s Donald Whitaker on Millfield Colette won the $63,000 Grand Prix Qualifier CSIO5*-LLN on Wednesday, March 18, the opening day of the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center.

Donald Whitaker on Millfield Colette (Photo by Andrew Ryback)Eight from a field of 46 were clean over the course set by Irish course designer Alan Wade, but two, Rene Dittmer of Germany and Nina Mallevaey of France, opted not to return for the jump-off, leaving six to compete for the first major title of the week.

Going first in the jump-off, Dominik Fuhrer of Switzerland on Ghost set the time to beat with a clear round in 35.78 seconds, eventually finishing third.

Lillie Keenan on Chagrin d'Amour went into the lead after finishing clean in 33.99 seconds.

But Whitaker, the last to go, was clean in 33.64 seconds for not only his first at World Equestrian Center in Ocala but also his first on American soil.

Keenan was second, with Kevin Staut of France on Feline de Hus HDC fourth with four faults in 32.85, Hillary Scott of Australia on Oaks Milky Wan fifth with four faults in 35.56, and Callie Schott on Garant sixth with eight faults in 36.93.

“I did think it was tough enough,” said Whitaker of the course. “It took a bit of jumping with a lot of related distances and a lot of choices to be made. It was quite strong for the first day.”

Whitaker began riding Millfield Colette in 202, and he rode her when Great Britain won the 2025 League of Nations Final in Barcelona last October.

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JJ Torano won the U25 Grand Prix Final

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March 17, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--JJ Torano on Lyon 50 won the $50,000 U25 Grand Prix Series Final in an 11horse jump-off on Sunday, March 15 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

JJ Torano on Lyon 50 (Photo by Sportfot)Torano, 15, who finished clean in 33.24, was almost two seconds faster than second placed Ariana Marnell on Jikke-Cara, who finished in 35.17, and Alexandra Ryden on Irandole du Flot was third in 35.38.

Campbell Brown, who finished 12th on Colina Z in the Final, led the season wire-to-wire to take the overall U25 Grand Prix Series title.

Torano, who is in his first year of competition in the U25 division, had missed about a month of competition in mid season due to a broken collarbone sustained when a horse fell with him.

The U25 Series creates an on-ramp to higher levels for young show jumpers, featuring various challenges like change in venue, jumping under the lights, jumping the open water, team formats and more.

Torano trains under the direction of John Brennan and Missy Clark at North Run with support from his parents, Jimmy and Danielle.

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Beat Mändl won the $215,000 Grand Prix at WEF

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March 15, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.-Three-time Swiss Olympian Beat Mändl on Qoachella won the $215,000 CSI4* Grand Prix during Saturday Night Lights on March 14 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Beat Mandli on Coachella (Photo by Sportfot)This was Mändl's first Saturday Night Lights victory.

Six went clean from the field of 46 over the course set by Ken Krone.

Only two went clean in the jump-off, with the first coming from Mändli. who finished in 38.16 seconds.

Last to go, Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers on Genial de b’Neville was the only other clear, finishing in 38.71 seconds to place second.

Spain's Sergio Alvarez Moya on Quadrado, the fastest of the two with four faults, was third in 36.01 seconds, with Laura Kraut on Una Mariposa fourth with four faults in 38.22.

Sara Segal on Boreale de Fondcombe was fifth, eight faults in 37.67, and Luis Fernando Larrazabal on Baroness was sixth with eight faults in 38.93.

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Erin Nichols won the Grand Prix Special at the Festival

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March 15, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Erin Nichols, 22. on Elian Royale scored 70.617% to win the CDI3* Grand Prix Special on Saturday, March 14 at the Global Dressage Festival.

Erin Nichols on Elian Royale (Photo by Centre Line MediaNichols also won Thursday’s qualifying class. 

 Jordan LaPlaca on Gold Play, who had been third Friday, placed second on 69.894%.

This was Gold Play's third CDI Special, and two judges had LaPlaca as winner with over 70% despite errors in the one-time changes on the diagonal, thanks to the quality of the piaffe/passage.

Endel Ots on Bohemian was third with 68.596% after breaking to a canter in the trot work.

Otis and Bohemian, who were traveling reserves for the U.S. team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, recently returned to the competition ring after an 18-month absence.

Although Nichols is still eligible for U25, she and her coach Christoph Koschel opted to make the step up to senior ranks with Elian Royale to give her more ring mileage.

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Frederic Wandres won the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Festival

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March 14, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Frederic Wandres on Verrenberg scored 76.24% to win the World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle on March 13 at the Global Dressage Festival.

Frederic Wandres on Verrenberg (Photo by Centre Line Media)But for Kevin Freeman on Dünensee, who placed second on 75.715%, it was a major win, too, as it qualified him for the FEI World Cup in April.

Spain’s Pablo Gómez Molina on Ulises de Ymas placed third.

Wandres gave much of the credit for his personal-best performance on Verrenberg to his fiancée, Lars Ligus, who rode the 10-year-old gelding for several weeks while Wandres was in Germany, with Wandres only returning to Florida at the start of Week 10. 

“He’s a really promising horse,” said Wandres, who was on the German Olympic gold medal-winning team in Paris with Bluetooth OLD. “Of course, there’s a lot to improve, and Verrenberg is a bit green here and there, but he has everything. He’s very consistent in the arena to bring these good results already at this young age, which is not so normal.

“I was wondering whether we should do the three-star or the World Cup freestyle this week, but we so love the Friday nights under the lights, so the decision was made. It’s so special for us here,” said Wandres,. “This is Verrenberg’s fifth CDI and he becomes better and better. I think the future looks promising for him.”

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Shane Sweetnam won the $116,100 WEF Challenge Cup

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March 13, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam on Coriaan van Klapscheut Z had his second international victory on the gelding, winning the $116,100, CSI4* WEF Challenge Cup Round 10 on Thursday, March 12.

Shane Sweetnam on Corlaan van Klapscheut (Photo by Sportfot)Nine made the jump-off from a 49 horse field, and Sweetnam, going sixth of the nine, finished clean in 34.53 seconds  to win.

German Olympic champion Christian Kukuk on Viki Van Gogh, clean in 35.15 seconds, was second, and Canada’s Mario Deslauriers on Inside of My Heart, was third, also clean but three seconds slower in 38.12.

 “He’s a quick horse, Christian probably did fewer numbers in that line, but Coriaan was faster over the ground,” said Sweetnam, who has ridden the gelding since the middle of 2024. “We started with a nice rhythm and had a good turn to the double. Then I did the leave-out, though; the last jump was a bit of a flyer. Once he zoned in on it, I knew we’d be okay.”

“He got some really good results last year as well, but he was still learning," said Sweetnam. "This year, I found that he’s a lot more mature.” 

“Where he learns is in the ring," said Sweetnam. "He’s got a very good ring IQ, so anytime he goes in, he understands when he’s jumped clear. The more rounds I do, the better he gets.”

Sweetnam will ride Coriaan van Klapscheut Z in the $215,000, CSI4* Grand Prix during Saturday Night Lights on March 15 before focusing on summer competition.

Conor Swail won for a second day in a row at Thermal

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March 14, 2026

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Ireland’s Conor Swail won for the second day in a row on Thursday, March 12, this time on Clonterm Obolensky in the $63,000, CSI4* 1.50m Welcome at Desert Circuit 10l.

Conor Swail on Clonterm Obolensky (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)From a field of 41, 14 returned for the jump-off over the course set by by Peter Grant, and when Swail went, the time to beat had been set at 40.28 seconds by Kyle King on Kayenne Z.

In the end, a margin of less than half a second separated all of the top three.

“I saw Kyle’s time, and I already had an idea with my first round with Theo how quick I needed to go,” said Swail, referring to his first jump-off round on Theo 160, which resulted in two rails down but a quick time of 40.77 seconds.

With Clonterm Obolensky, Swail finished in 40.03 seconds to take over the lead and to ultimately win.

King and Kayenne Z finished second, and Canada’s Tiffany Foster on Battlecry was third in 40.45 seconds.

“I thought Clonterm Obolensky did very well,” said Swail. “Fences one, two, three, I think I was way quicker than the rest of the horses, and after that, everything came up lovely. I took an extra stride to the last just to make sure that we jumped it well."

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Conor Swail won the $32,000 Speed at Thermal

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March 12, 2026

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Conor Swail on Theo 160, first to go, led all the way to win the $32,000, CSI4* 1.45m Speed on Wednesday, March 11 at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal.

Conor Swail on Theo 160 (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)While many see being the first in the order of go as a disadvantage, Swail said that wasn't true with this horses.

“Theo 160 is very nervous of traffic, so he’s actually much happier going early,” said Swail. “He’s been wonderful the whole circuit. Last week, he was second and third in two classes. He was unlucky not to win something last week. So, it’s great that he went in and jumped so well today again.”

Swail finished clean in 61.50 seconds.

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Aaron Vale won the $120,000 Grand Prix at WEC

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March 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla.--Aaron Vale on Helios du Moulin won the $120,000 Alltech Grand Prix CSI3* over a field of 38 on Sunday, March 6 at the World Equestrian Center.

Aaron Vale on Helios du Moulin (Photo by Andrew Ryback)Seven went clean over the 1.50m course designed by Catsy Cruz, with only two going clean in the jump-off.

Vale was clean in 39.99 to win over Rodrigo Pessoa of  Brazil on Prins van't Eigenlo who placed second, clean in 43.39, and Spain’s Francisco Goyoga Mollet on Pst de Muze was the fastest of the four-faulters in 42.86 to place third.

"He’s a brave, game little horse, and he’s doing it well,” said Vale.

“I didn’t feel super fast in the beginning,” Vale said. “Toward the end, I caught a big angle to the vertical and made a really tight turn back to the second-to-last fence, so I got quicker as the course went on.”

“I bought him in France the summer before last, so we’ve had him a little over a year now, almost a year and a half," said Vale. "Not all 9 year olds are jumping classes like this. He’s a brave, game little horse, and he’s doing it well.”

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The U.S. Para Dressage team won the gold medal at the Festival

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March 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--The U.S. Para Dressage Team, anchored by record breaking scores from Fiona Howard, won the gold medal on Sunday, March 8 at the Global Dressage Festival CPEDI3*.

Fiona Howard on Vianne (Photo by Centre Line Media)The U.S. team, led by Chef d’Equipe, Technical Advisor, Michel Assouline and Team Leader Laureen Johnson, scored 446.238 points to beat second-placed Canada’s 389.503 points.

Howard, riding a new mount, Vianne, is a Grade II competitor.

At this show last year, Howard scored a new Grade II Freestyle world record of 83.276% on Diamond Dunes.

This year, Howard, 27 years old, rode Kate Shoemaker’s Olympic bronze medalist mpunt Vianne, the horse she had only begun riding just days before the CPED.

She scored Grade II world records in each of their three appearances, scoring a winning 78.85% in Friday’s CPEDI3* Para Grand Prix A Test, followed on Saturday with an 80.444% Grand Prix B Test, with all three judges awarding at least 80%.

They scored a perfect 10 from every judge for the stretching walk half circle.

On Sunday, Howard scored her third world record in as many days with 84.934% in the Grade II Freestyle, with a winning margin of more than 18 percentage points over the second-placed combination.

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Mark Bluman on Ubiluc won the $62,500 Classic at WEF

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March 9, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Colombia’s Mark Bluman on Ubiluc won the $62,500, CSI5* 1.50m Classic on Sunday, March 8 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Mark Bluman on Ubiluc (Photo by Sportfot)Under the Winning Round format, the top 12 from the opening round jumped again on a clean slate to determine the winner.

Bluman, who is on an exceptional run of form with 14 international top three finishes since November, went second to last and finished clean in 32.77 for the win.

“My horse is naturally a bit quicker than the rest of the others across the ground,” said Bluman. “As I was walking in the ring, I asked my cousin if he thought I could get the seven to the double. He said ‘absolutely,’ and I think that’s where we caught the time. My turn from one to two was super slick, and then doing the seven was good enough to take the win.”

Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard on Dior went second and set the time to beat of 33.15, which eventually placed her third.

Ireland’s Jordan Coyle on Ariso, last to go, finished clean in 32.80 seconds to place second.

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Darragh Kenny won the $500,000 Grand Prix at WEF

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March 8, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Irish Olympian Darragh Kenny on his European Championships mount Eddy Blue won in the $500,000, CSI5* Grand Prix on Saturday evening, March 7 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Darragh Kenny on Eddy Blue (Photo by Sportfot)Kenny, who had never before won a grand prix at WEF, won over a field that included six of the world’s top 10.

From a field of 41, nine went clean over the course set by Alan Wade of Ireland, who will be the course designer for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

First to go in the jump-off, Marilyn Little on La Contessa set the time to beat at 41.92 seconds.

Then six rounds later, there was a very unusual dead heat - there was suddenly a tie for the lead as Australian Thaisa Erwin on her Paris Olympic mount Hialita B matched Little’s time exactly.

Little and Erwin eventually shared second place on the podium.

Kenny, going second to last, used Eddy Blue’s big step to leave out a stride from one to two and finish in an uncatchable 41.77 seconds.

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Marilyn Little won the $62,500 Speed at WEF

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March 7, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Marilyn Little on Narado won the $62,500, CSI5* Speed over a field of 48 on Friday, March 6 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Marilyn Little on Narado (Photo by Sportfot)This was Little's eighth international top three finish at WEF.

“In January, a 1.50m seemed like a dream,” said Little.  “Today was a big step up, and to see Norado be that quick over a big track from a difficult designer like Alan Wade is fantastic and proves how smart the horse is.”

Little was fastest by half a second, finishing in 67.98 to beat Charlotte Jacobs on Rincoola Milsean, who finished clean in 68.62.

Jonathan McCrea on Jannan S finished third in 70.88 seconds. 

In the 8-year-old gelding’s first five-star outing, Narado added a second top three finish in as many days after finishing third in Wednesday’s opening CSI5* 1.45m.

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Ben Maher won the WEF Challenge Cup

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March 6, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--British Olympic champion Ben Maher on Enjeu de Grisien won the  $116,100, CSI5* WEF Challenge Round 9 on Thursday, March 5 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Ben Maher on Enjeu de Grisien (Photo by Sportfot)From a starting field of 45, eight were clean over the course set by Alan Wade of Ireland.

Maher used his advantage of going last in the jump-off to finish clean in 36.39 to win.

Nayal Nasser of Egypt on ESI Ali was second, clean in 37.00, and Mimi Gochman on Iron Maiden,, first to go in the jump-off, was third in 37.89

“We’ve been knocking at the door,” said world ranked number three Maher of his first win at this year's WEF on Enjeu do Grisien

 “It was great to go at the end of the jump-off with an experienced horse," said Maher. "I got to see a little bit of what the others were doing. Enjeu is not the fastest horse in the first round, but in the jump-off, you can use his stride and let him go quick.”

“He’s an amazing horse, but he has been in the shadows of some of my own horses,” Maher said of the horse that most recently was second in the FCSI5* Grand Prix during WEF 5. “As those horses have had a break, he’s had to hold court on his own, and he’s really shone in that number one spot and had some great results.”

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Amy McCracken finished 15th in the Goucho Derby

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March 4, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

KIOWA-, Colo.-Jeanne Sharpe, formerly of Unionville, Pa., moved to Kiowa, Colo., and hunts with Comanche Creek, a pack of foxhounds that hunts coyote.

Amy McCracken Sharpe continues to read The Horse of Delaware Valley, often sends in photos, and sent this story.

"Our Huntsman Amy McCracken participated successfully in the most recent Gaucho Derby, a ride of 500 kilometers over the wild and rugged terrain of Patagonia in the Rocky Mountains for 10 days." said Sharpe.

Amy finished 15th out of 43 riders.

Competitors rode horses provided by the competition, drawing for the horse that they would ride each day.

"Our horses could never do this," said Sharpe. "The terrain and weather is very unforgiving. Winds alone were often 80 mph, and there was hail, rain, heat and cold These are Patagonia bred and raised horses. The terrain is very steep Rocky Mountains and steep valleys. There's deep water to cross." 

Riders get at least one horse a day," said Sharpe. "Some riders lost their horses and or gear and then had to walk carrying their stuff. Riders are penalized at Vet checkpoints if their horse has a saddle rub or has a too high heart rate. The ride is very well monitored."

"Some horses were just too wild for a particular rider to continue with, and they would redraw another horse," said Sharpe. "Riders had to help one another and tried to ride in small groups. They hobble horses at night since they are out on the range."

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Skylar Wireman won twice at Thermal

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March 3, 2026

By Staff Writers

THERMAL, Calif.--Skylar Wireman on Barclino B won twice at Desert Circuit 8 after returning from competing on the U.S. Nations Cup team in Abu Dhabi.

Skylar Wireman on Barclino B (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)She won the the $30,000 1.45m Open Classic on Thursday, Feb. 26 and then won the $75,000 Grand Prix on Saturday, Feb. 28.

 “I flew in from LAX yesterday and just literally got on to come to the ring this morning for this class!” said Wireman on Thursday. “I was just going for a nice, smooth round to set him up for the Grand Prix on Saturday. This is kind of our first week back after a nice break for him. I was thrilled with him. He jumped so well and was just so lovely to ride.”

Wireman was one of 25 to compete in the Thursday morning speed class, and her time of 64.983 seconds proved uncatchable.

Kyle King on Ninja BF was second in 65.534 seconds, and Mark Kinsella on Hamilton Ex Bart 111 Z was third in 65.739 seconds.

“I thought it was a nice course; it was very flowing and had some places you could shave time off here and there,” said Wireman. “In general, this horse is a very naturally fast horse. I don’t even have to think about going fast. I honestly was just thinking about cruising around and a nice, smooth round.”

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