Competitions

Christian Simonson placed second again, in the Freestyle at the World Cup Final

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April 12, 2026

By Staff Writers

FORT WORTH, Texas--Christian Simonson Indian Rock scored a personal best of 83.810% to place second in the Dressage World Cup Final Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday evening, April 11.

Christian Simonson on Indian Rock (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan Photography)This was his second silver medal finish after also placing second in the Grand Prix Thursday evening.

Becky Moody of Great Britain on Jagerbomb scored 88.330% to win for the second time, and Sandra Sysojeva of Poland on Maxima Bella was third on 80.770%.

Kevin Kohmann on Duenensee finished ninth on 76.730, and Benjamin Ebeling on Bellena was 10th on 74.965%.

“We accomplished another goal we set for this year, which was to have our riders finish in the top 10,” said Chef d'Equipe Christine Traurig. “Ben and Kevin both have World Cup Finals experience, and they rode great tonight with good results in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Christian’s finish on the podium in second place is a fantastic result for USA Dressage and continues to build momentum towards this summer’s World Championships and beyond. I am so proud of our riders, their horses, the grooms, their personal trainers, and our owners. It was truly a great week to celebrate dressage here at home in the United States.”

On Indian Rock, a 13-year-old KWPN stallion, Simonson, in his first World Cup Final freestyle, rode to a Rocky franchise-themed choreography that showcased Indian Rock’s tremendous elasticity and power.

“We wanted to show the hero’s journey in the choreography,” Simonson said. “And we just really wanted to show how powerful ‘Rocky’ is, of course. It’s based on the music from the Rocky movies and the story as well.”

“At the end of my test, looking up and seeing this wall of people applauding Rocky and I, it was super special and something I will never forget,” said Simonson. “He’s such a special horse and deserves every amount of praise. This whole week has been a childhood dream come true and unbelievably surreal.”

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Kent Farrington wins again at the World Cup Finals

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April 11, 2026

By Staff Writers

FORT WORTH, Texas--Kent Farrington on Greya won Round two of the World Cup Final on Friday evening, April 10 after winning Round one on Toulayna to go into Sunday's final with zero faults.

Kent Farrington on Greya (Photo by Sarah Miller for MacMillan Photography)Farrington won in a seven-horse jump off, going clean and finishing in 34.36 seconds.

Eiken Sato of Japan on Chadellano JRA was second, clean in 34.90, and Kevin Staut of France on Visconti du Telman was third, clean in 35.79.

Going into Sunday's two round final, Farrington is on zero penalties with a rail in hand over Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, who will start with four faults,

Staut will start with six faults, and Saro will start with 7 faults.

“I think I came with a faster horse today, which makes it easier,” said Farrington. “I’ve been really thinking about Sunday and wanted to measure her efforts and measure her speed to put myself in the best position possible. Hopefully we have some luck for the Final here on Sunday.”

 “She’s jumped indoors before, so she has some experience," said Farrington. "She’s 12 years old now, so when you look at coming from outside to inside, it’s not the easiest, but they both are exceptional horses, and when you have great athletes like this with experience, you’re able to do things like that. The venue will matter less with age because they’ll really know the sport and the game.” 

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Christian Simonson second in the World Cup Final Grand Prix

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April 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

FORT WORTH, Texas--Christian Simonson on Indian Rock finished second to Becky Moody of Great Britain on Jagerbomb in the Grand Prix at the World Cup Final on Thursday evening, April 9.

Christian Simonson on Indian Rock (Photo by Allen MacMillan Photography)Moody on her bronze medal-winning mount from the Paris Olympics scored 76.761% to win.

Simonson finished second on 75.413%, and 2024 World Cup Champions Patrik Kittel of Sweden on Touchdown was third with 72.869%.

When Simonson entered the ring, the Texas crowd was behind every movement as he executed his test with the 13-year-old stallion, Indian Rock.

The second-youngest athlete in the field at just 23 years old, Simonson was full of perspective as he shared the podium with Olympic veterans Moody and Kittel.

“It feels a bit surreal to even say that I’m here at a World Cup Final, let alone be here with two people I really admire and have watched for so long,” he said. “’Rocky’ was amazing tonight. He is a horse that is just so dependable. I love him so much, and I think he and I have such a good bond together.”

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Kent Farrington leads after day one in the World Cup Final

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April 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

FORT WORTH, Texas--Kent Farrington on Toulayna won the first class of the World Cup Final, a 1.60m speed class, finishing clean in 62.03, but perhaps the most impressive result is that four U.S. riders are  in the top six.

Kent Farrington on Toulayna (Photo by Cindy Lee for MacMillan Photography)Daniel Deusser of Germany on Otello de Guldenboom was second in 62.21 seconds, and three-time Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland on  Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte was third in 62.49.

In the Speed class of 35 over a course set by Anderson Lima of Mexico, in which 3 seconds were added to a rider's time for each rail down, Lillie Keenan on Kick on was the fastest in the class, finishing in 60.78, but a rail down left her fourth in 63.78.

Jacob Pope on Highway FBH was fifth in 63.39, and Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25, who had been first to go, was sixth in 64.32.

"My strategy was really to stick to my own plan and execute on what I thought would work best for my horse," said Farrington. "She's naturally fast, so as you said, trying not to beat myself and put in a solid round. Happy to win, of course, thrilled with that, but it wasn't necessarily my plan to try to have the fastest time. I just did what I thought could be competitive round without taking all the risk and luckily, that was enough for the win today."

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Lillie Keenan first and third with Laura Chapot second in Welllington

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April 5, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla--Lillie Keenan placed first and third in the $35,000 National Grand Prix with Laura Chapot fitting  in between in second at the first show of the Wellington International Spring Series on Saturday, April 4.

Lillie Keenan on Electrique (Photo by Sportfot)Lillie Keenan on Electrique won in a 10 horse jump-off from a starting field of 45 over a course set by Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz Harris (of Mexico.

After winning the $10,000 Open Stake earlier in the week, Chapot on C & C Willow led for most of the round with a time of 39.459 seconds. 

Keenan, second to last to go on Electrique, finished clean in in 35.855 seconds to win by almost four seconds over Chapot.

Keenan was also third on Anton, clean in 39.485 seconds.

Keenan is riding Electrique for her student and the horse’s owner, Isabel Coxe.

“I show her in order to give Izzy the best instruction I can," said Keenan. "I competed Electrique during Premiere Week of WEF, and it set us up well for them to be able to grow a lot in the season. That recipe seems to work for our system. The priority is that they develop a relationship and a bond, and see how far they can go together, but the horse is exceptional.”

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Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén is Developing Grand Prix Horse Champion

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April 2, 2026

By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--Swedish Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén on So Perfect won the championship of the Future Challenge Developing Grand Prix Horse after winning the Final with 71%.

Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven on So Perfect (Photo by Centre Line Media)Canada’s Lindsay Kellock Duckworth was reserve champion on Kensington with 70.184%, and Dawn White-O’Connor finished third with 68.974% on Leon.

Now in its seventh year at AGDF, the Future Challenge Developing Grand Prix Horse Final drew a record 51 entries across its five qualifiers in 2026.

The final, in which horses performed the FEI Young Horse Grand Prix test, took place in the main arena and offered a prize of $15,000.

“It was so great that I could ride in this, to participate in the series and also promote it,” said Vilhelmson Silfvén, who has only been riding the 9-year-old So Perfect since buying him from Helgstrand Dressage in June 2025. “Initially, we started the developing young horse classes in Sweden in 2011 because we saw how popular they were in Germany. Then we wanted to give something back to the place we live in the winter."

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Colleen Loach won the four star short at TerraNova

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March 30, 2026

By SARA CAVANAGH

MYAKKA CITY, Fla.--Canadian Olympic veteran Colleen Loach of Dunham, Quebec 0n FE Golden Eye. the only competitor to finish the event with a score in the 20s, won the CCI4*-S on March 29 at TerraNova.

Colleen Loach on FE Golden Eye (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)The Event at TerraNova started out with a closely ranked leaderboard, but the cross country course changed things on Sunday.

Loach added just two time faults to her score to finish on 27.5.

Mia Farley on Invictus placed second on 33.6, after moving up from eighth place after dressage.

Dan Kreitl, who had led the competition after dressage and stadium jumping, stuck to his plan of taking an easy canter around the cross country course as he prepares Carmango for the CCI4*-S at the Kentucky Three-Day Event next month.

With 16.4 time faults Kreitl finished on a final score of 41.4 to place third.

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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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