Competitions

Iron Spring Farm's Love Dance was Dressage At Devon Grand Champion Breed Division

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September 29, 2023

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Iron Spring Farm Inc.’s Love Dance, handled by Quinnten Alston was awarded the top Dressage At Devon Grand Championship of the Breed Division on Wednesday evening, Sept.27.

Love Dance and Quinnten Alston (Photo by Phelps Media )There was huge camaraderie among the group of riders who laughed and celebrated with and for one another as each award was presented.

The presentations weregivenunder a neraly full moon following a beautiful fall day full of top level competition in the Breed Division at DAD.

For nearly 50 years, Dressage at Devon has made countless valuable contributions to the sport of dressage - from breeding to performance and all the many levels in between, DAD has been, and will continue to be there to support and promote the evolution of the sport, and the love of the horse.

One of the most frequent visitor’s to the Winner’s Circle during the competiton, Alston, was back again in the evening, though this time he entered the Dixon Oval limping just a bit.

His husband, Johnathan Clark, and long time friends Hannah Heritage and Chris Talley, came to Alston’s rescue putting in a group effort to carry him to the Winner’s Circle, all with beaming smiles on their faces.

At the end of a long horse show day, to see the connection the four shared through a long time friendship was a good reminder of just how close knit and supportive friends, who become like family, are in this community.

That community, as Alston later pointed out while being interviewed, is one of the many things that makes coming to Dressage at Devon such a magical experience.

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Iron Spring Farm a winner on first day of Dressage at Devon

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September 27, 2023

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Dressage at Devon began Sept. 26 with the Breed Division, which will be held over the course of three days, continuing through Thursday, Sept. 28.

Iron Spring colt by Cum Laude out of Apache (Photo by Phelps Media)Following the Breed Division, the Performance Division will begin Friday, Sept. 29.

Opening day of the Breed Division welcomed the Individual Breed Classes, featuring the many breeds seen competing throughout the levels in Dressage today.

From Hanoverian's, to Highland Ponies, to Thoroughbreds, to Oldenburgs, the IBC's give each breed a chance to take center stage and compete against horses of their same breed.

Upon completion of the IBC's, the winners of each breed received their championships in the Parade of Breeds.

Opening day of the Breed Division at DAD had 16 Individual Breed Classes which culminated with the Parade of Breeds.

Hannah and Equito's Davish was awarded The German Oldenburg Verband Perpetual Trophy (Donnerhall) – which is awarded to the Highest Scoring Registered Oldenburg in the open classes each year.

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Ariel Grald on Diara, one of only six to complete the course, won the CCI4S at Plantation Field

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September 24, 2023

By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--As tropical storm Ophelia brought a torrential downpour to the area, Ariel Grald on Diara won the CCI4-star as one of only six that completed the course at Plantation Field International on Sunday, Sept. 24.

Ariel Grald on Diara (Photo by Amber Heintzberger)The Plantation Field International CCI4S concluded with the cross country phase, and the final standings were nearly a matter of “last one standing”  as a number of riders decided to opt out: of 38 competitors, only six completed the CCI4-star and 20 withdrew before the start of cross country.

Grald on Diara was one of the last to tackle the course, and, despite the horrendous weather, jumped clean with 20.8 time faults to move into the win.

Caroline Pamukcu on HSHS Vamonos, who was13th after dressage and was clean in the show jumping on Saturday, moved up to second overall.

Third place went to Canadian Colleen Loach on FE Golden Eye, and New Zealander Monica Spencer, who’s here in the US preparing for the Maryland 5-Star, finished fourth with Artist after adding 32.8 time faults.

“The ground was holding up really well through the morning and then it kept raining, and I think that was the last straw for a lot of people," said Grald. "Honestly that worked in my favor because I was still able to find the good ground for the take-off at a lot of jumps."

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Jennie Brannigan Saville moves into the lead in the CCC4S going into cross country at Plantation Field

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September 24, 2023

By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Jennie Brannigan Saville on FE Connery had a clear round in stadium jumping to move into the lead on her dressage score of 28.7 in the CCI4S division at the Plantation Field International Horse Trials on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Jennie Brannnigan Saville on FE Connery (Photo by Amy Dragoo)Dressage leader Boyd Martin and Luke 140 had a rail down and dropped to ninth place.

As Tropical Storm Ophelia brought soaking rains to the region today, the Plantation Field International continued its four days of competition with CCI3S and CCI4S show jumping and cross country for one-through three-star divisions.

Saville recently competed at the Burghley CCI5-star in England and is riding seven horses in four divisions this weekend.

“I’ve been working on the show jumping and my coach, Erik Duvander, rode my horse while I was teaching a clinic in Aiken last week and we changed up how we ride him," said Saville. "We’re not starting him out super deep; he has a short neck and likes to go with a longer neck, and we’ve also been working on me calming down.”

“The course today was beautiful and the ground held up really well," said Saville. "I also rode a few cross country and it felt great, I just plan to do the same as today when I ride tomorrow. There’s no better event to ride in the rain.”

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Boyd Martin on Luke 140 leads the CCI4-S after the dressage phase at Plantation Field International

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September 23, 2023

By Staff Writers

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pa., on Luke 140 leads the CCI4-S division and also is third on Fedarman B following the dressage phase on Sept. 22 at the Plantation Field International Horse Trials.

Boyd Martin on Luke 140 (Photo by Amy Dragoo)On the second day of dressage competition, 39 competed in the CCI4-S division.

Martin is also placed 23rd with Contessa.

After having been sidelined with an injury during the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympic Games, Luke resumed competition and finished 4th at the Luhmuehlen CCI5-star in Germany earlier this year.

“I feel like Luke’s going from strength to strength,” said Martin. “This is his final prep for the Maryland 5-Star, and I had Bettina Hoy training me all week. My beautiful wife Silva warmed me up today and Luke did a ripper of a test. I feel like he’s still got a few points in there to improve on.”

Fedarman B, known as “Bruno” in the barn, is prepping for the Pau CCI5 star in France.

“Bruno is continuously improving," said Martin. We’re working on getting his frame more uphill in the dressage, and this was one of his better tests.”

He said that Contessa is also continuously improving, and while her big stride makes collection a challenge, he said he feels like there is a lot of improvement to come with the mare.

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Megan McDermott won the Open Jumper 1.30m at Old Salem Farm

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September 22, 2023

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Megan McDermott of South Salem, N.Y., on Bruce Z won the Open Jumper 1.30m in  a two horse jump-off on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows.

Megan McDermott on Bruce Z (Photo by SEL Photography)McDermott had the only clear round in the jump-off to win over Hayley Mercer of Langley, British Columbia on Fastday VDL, second with three time faults.

Mathilde Lockwood of Wellington, Fla., on Zohra M Z was the fastest of those with one time fault in the first round, placing third in 85.222 seconds.

Riders and spetators at Old Salem Farm enjoyed Wednesday’s beautiful weather as hunters and jumpers began Week 2 competition in the June Road Ring and International Arena, respectively.

Among the first winners was Caroline McLeese of Omaha, Neb., and who won the  Open Jumper 1.20m class.

on Lady Chester.

Jennifer Januzis of Stroudsburg, Pa., placed second on Scarlett O’Hara N89 Z, clean in 43.977 seconds.

Katie Lynch of Amenia, N.Y., finished third in 46.584 seconds on David Hopper Inc.’s Kitty Price.

U.S Junior team 3rd in the Nations Cup Youth Final, Young Rider team 4th

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September 20, 2023

By Staff Writers

OPGLABBEEK, Belgium--The U.S. Junior Jumping Team placed third and the U.S. Young Rider Jumping Team earned fourth place overall on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final at Sentower Park in Belgium.

The U.S. Junior Team (L-R): Tessa Downey, Laurel Walker, Elise Stephens, Stephanie Garrett, Carlee McCutcheon, Anne Kursinski stand on the podium (Photo by US Equestrian/Matt Turer)“The juniors were great,” said U.S. Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski. “There were some nerves and some pressure from them. Overall, they were amazing in getting on the podium. I'm proud of all of them, they all rode great.”

The Juniors led off a busy day for the U.S. after both teams qualified for Sunday’s final round earlier in the week with strong performances in the first round of competition.

Laurel Walker of Copper Canyon, Texas on Armani led off for the team with a 12 fault round which ended up serving as the team’s drop score.

Stephanie Garrett of New York, N.Y., on Darius de Kezeg Z  followed in the order, adding just a single rail to put the U.S. on 4 faults at the midway mark of the competition.

Up third in the rotation, Tessa Downey of Houston, Texas on Isabelle finished with two rails, giving the team to a three round total of 12 faults.

Needing a clear to secure a podium placing, Carlee McCutcheon of Aubrey, Texas on Coco Mercedes delivered the needed clear, crossing through the timers in 70.24 seconds.

“Carlee was amazing,” Kursinski said. “She fought for it the whole way. The mare jumped clear, and it wasn’t the easiest ride. It definitely got us on the podium, and that’s what she had done in Traverse City. at the FEI North American Youth Championship, and she repeated it here again.”

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Wendy Chapot Nunn finished first and second in High Adult Jumpers at the Devon Fall Classic

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September 19, 2023

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Wendy Chapot Nunn won the $3,000 High Adult Jumper on Zealous and also finished second on Cache on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Devon Fall Classic.

Wendy Nunn on Zealous (Photo by Brenda Carpenter)"Both horses were amazing today," said Nunn.

Zealous,, by Royal Kaliber, Chris Kappler's team gold medal and individual silver medal mount at the 2004 Olympics, was previously ridden by Nunn's sister Laura Chapot to win numerous speed classes.

"Zealous is 19," said Wendy. "Laura used to show her, and she said, `She's a lot of fun to ride, you ought to try her.' I've been riding her since May. I've shown her at Princeton and Lake Placid, and she and Cache have traded places winning in both places."

Nunn went second in the Classic on Zealous.

In the Classic, all those clean stayed in the ring to go immediately in the jump-off.

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Rodrigo Pessoa Won the $30,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix for second consecutive year

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September 19, 2023

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil on Eclat Du Cerisier won the $30,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 17, successfully defending his title from last year when he won on Chili.

Rodrigo Pessoa on Edlat Du Cerisier (Photo by SEL Photography)Pessoa was clean in the 12 horse jump-off over Ken Krome's course, finishing in the time of 40.258 seconds on the Selle Français stallion Eclat Du Cerisier, a 9-year-old Pessoa has been developing for the last two years.

“He’s starting to do the bigger classes now and trying to be more competitive at the 1.45 to 1.50m,” Pessoa said. “He jumped the Hampton Classic 2* Grand Prix two weeks ago. Although he had an unlucky rail there in the first round, he jumped really well here this week. He’s a fairly easy ride. Sometimes getting him to adjust can be a little hard, but he’s very simple and straightforward. He’s honest and brave, and today, he was really game to go in the jump-off. We stuck to our plan, and while the margins were a bit close, we luckily came out on top.

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Jimmy Torano won the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic

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September 17, 2023

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Jimmy Torano of Mohrsville, Pa., shipped in to the Devon Fall Classic for the $25,000 Classic and won the biggest class of the show on Saturday evening, Sept. 16.

Jimmy Torano on Kochio Z Photo by Brenda Carpenter)Riding Kochio Z, Torano was one of only two clean in the 10 horse jump-off from a starting field of 27.

He was second to last to go i the jump-off, and took that advantage to finish clean in 40.645, beating Eleanor Kunsman on Jermaine HX, clean in 41.0684.

Arielle Aharoni, winner of the Speed Stake Friday evening, was the fastest of the four faulters to place third in 38.237, with Alex Matz on GK Finette fourth with 4 faults in the jump-off in 39.541, and Devin Ryan on Hangover was fifth, also with 4 faults in 41.073.

"I got Kochip in Florida last year," said Torano. "He's jumped plenty of grand prix and has won several in Kentucky and Tryon. He's very, very careful and very, very competitive."

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Arielle Aharaoni won the Speed Stakes while Laura Chapot won three at the Devon Fall Classic

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September 17, 2023

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Arielle Aharoni on Dutch Times won the $5,000 Speed Stake, beating Laura Chapot on a brand new mount, Kanjer P, on Friday evening, Sept. 15 at the Devon Fall Classic.

Laura Chapot on Ciego (Photo by Brenda Carpenter)Aharoni, who went close to the end of the class, finished clean in 69.569 to win over Chapot, who went seventh in the orde and also was clean but in the slower time of 70.985.

"This is my first time winning at Devon," said Aharoni. "I have been hungry for the win and I'm happy it finally happened."

Along with finishing second in the Speed Stakes, Chapot won three classes earlier in the day.

Riding Mimi Chapman's Ciego, Chapot won the 1.30m Jumpers in a six horse jump-off.

Chapot was clean in 34.586 to win over World Championship team gold medalist Devin Ryan on Kazarro, clean in 37.316, with Linda Sheridan on Gem Star Van De Vlierbeek Z placing third, clean in 40.14.

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Laura Chapot won the Welcome Stake at the Devon Fall Classic in defense of her championship

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September 16, 2023

By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--Laura Chapot opened her defense of her championship at the Devon Fall Classic with a win in the $5,000 Welcome Stake Thursday evening, Sept. 14.

Laura Chapot on C&C Willow (Photo by Brenda Carpenter)Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J., was co-champion with two horses along with Sloane Coles and Mia Mannis last year.

This year, she is showing two different horses in the open Jumper section, and she won Thursday evening on C&C Willow.

Not only did she win, but she won in a seven horse jump off with a clean round in 37.734, an amazing five full seconds faster than second placed Coles on Ninja Van De Moerhouve, who finished clean in 42.614.

Andrew Ross on Cornet's Cobalt was third, Clean in 44.804.

"I've had this mare for about a year," said Chapot. "She's nice. She's very forward and brave. She likes to go to the jumps."

"I was about 10th in the order," she said."I just rode my plan. She has a big stride so that means in makes leaving out a stride very easy. This was her first rime showing under lights. She was good."

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Daniel Bluman just edges out McLain Ward to win the $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS

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September 11, 2023

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--Israeli Olympian Daniel Bluman won the $300,000 FEI Grand Prix CSI4* at HITS on Sunday, Sept. 10, just edging out McLain Ward in a six horse jump-off.

Daniel Bluman on Gemma W (Photo by ESI Photography)A field of 42 in HITS biggest event of the year at Saugerties was narrowed to six for the jump-off, with clear rounds from each of the final three riders.

Bluman was the last to go and used that to his advantage, beating Ward on Contagious by less than 2/10ths of a second.

The youngest rider in the class, 17-year-old Zayna Rizvi, produced the first jump-off clear on Exquise Du Pachis to finish third.

“Gemma W and I have been together since she was 5 years old and she's 12 now, so we've been together seven years,” said Bluman. “She's won multiple classes in her career. She's a very fast horse, a real trier, with lots of quality. She really has a great personality too, we love her very much at the barn. We've grown together in these last seven years, and she's a very reliable horse when you put her in the right classes.”

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Young U.S. team eliminated in Spruce Meadows Nations Cup won by Ireland

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September 11, 2023

By SARA CAVANAGH

CALGARY, Canada--In a Nations Cup competition at Spruce Meadows that included a top rider suffering a fall in the water jump, two riders slipping badly on a turn with one falling and the other just missing a fall and a huge discrepancy of scores from a two round total of 5 faults to an eliminated U.S. team.

Natalie Dean on Acota M (Photo by Mckenzie Clark)"I think anyone would agree, it was a strange Nations' Cup," said U.S. Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

 The U.S. Jumping Team finished sixth of seven teams as the team didn't finish the second round in Nations Cup after Mimi Gochman had a fall and was eliminated in the first round and Brian Cournane retired after hitting a fence hard early in the second round.

Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela set a course that included a very tight time allowed that might have been the cause of some of the problems vexing the riders in the competition that started with seven teams and was reduced to six for the jump-off.

"It was a brilliant course," said Ridland. "It fit both short strided horses and long strided horses, but you had to ride it correctly. Leopoldo is known for setting tight time alloweds. A tight time increases the degree of difficulty. It was the tight time that caused the two horses to slip as the riders tried to turn tight to save time."

Ten riders from the 27 riders had time faults in the first round.

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Kelli Vanderveen and Will Simpson win at HITS

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September 9, 2023

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen on Isabella Van De Zuuthoeve won the $77,300 HITS Jumper Classic CSI4* on Friday, Sept. 8 against one of the biggest fields seen at HITS this year.

Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen on Isabella Van De Zuuthoeve (Photo by ESI Photography)In Friday afternoon’s class, 15 qualified for the jump-off from a starting field of 69 that competed over the course set by Oscar Soberon.

The class was the qualifier for Sunday's $300,000 Grand Prix CSI4*.

Last to go in the jump-off, Vanderveen of Wellington, Fla., went clean and finished just 5/10ths of a second ahead of Victoria Heurtematte on Scarlett Du Sart Z.

“My favorite thing about my horse is the journey that I've gone on with her,” said Vanderveen. “I got her as a 6-coming-7-year-old, and we had a lot of success with her as a 7-year-old in the young horse classes. Then as an 8-year-old, she actually had a tooth abscess that she was out for most of the year with. So we had to start back from the basics and build her back up. This is really the first time that I've felt like we've come together as a partnership at this level. It’s very special, and a big thank you to my whole team, the vets, everybody that's helped Bella along the way. I'm very appreciative for that.”

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Daniel Bluman won the $425,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix in a two horse jump-off and HH Azur is retired

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September 4, 2023

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Two time Olympic veteran Daniel Bluman of Israel won the $425,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 3 in a two horse jump-off with  2018 World Equestrian Games Team Gold medalist Adrienne Sternlicht at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

Daniel Bluman on Ladriano Z (Photo by KindMedia)Bluman was the only one of the two that went clean in the jump-off, and he won the Hampton Classic Grand Prix for the second time on his 2022 World Championship and 2023 World Cup Finals mount, Ladriano Z.

Bluman is now one of four riders to have won the Grand Prix on three occasions, with Ladriano Z in 2017 and with Gemma W in 2021.

Prior to the Grand Prix, World  Number 5 ranked show jumper McLain Ward took the legendary 17-year-old Belgian mare HH Azur to the competition ring for the last time.

Ward announced “Annie’s” retirement earlier this summer following an eight year partnership that included 25 FEI Grand Prix wins at the 4* and 5* levels.

Among her many victories, Annie helped Ward win the team silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, gold at the 2017 World Cup Finals in Omaha, and team silver at the 2017 Nations Cup Final.

“She always had a real regal way about her, which is why I call her the queen,” Ward said. “I’ve been lucky enough to have some great top horses. She’s in the top two or three at the very least; one could even argue that she’s the best. I’m very privileged to have gotten this time with her.”

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Scott Keach won the $100,000 HITS Grand Prix and Laura Chapot won a $25,000 HITS Grand Prix

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September 4, 2023

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--Scott Keach won the #100,000 Hits Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 3 after Laura Chapot had won the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix on Friday, and each finished third in the other grand prix on Sept. 1 and 3 at HITS-on-the-Hudson VII.

Scott Keach on Noble De La Capelle (Photo by ESI Photograpy)On Sunday, 25 competed over the course set by  Ana Catalina “Catsy” Cruz, and Australia’s Keach on Noble De La Chapelle, one of only four to go clean in the first round, won the class as one of only two clean in the  jump-off.

“We bought Noble De La Chapelle as a 6-year-old,” said Keach. “I’ve been riding him for a few years. He’s by For Pleasure, and they're notorious for maturing a bit later. He's 10 now, and this is the year he’s really started to work stuff out. Everything seems to be going according to standard for a For Pleasure son at the moment.”

Keach was the first to go in the jump-off.

“I kind of rode according to plan, which was ‘try and be quick,’” said Keach. “When you're first to go with three more following, you’ve got to try and be quick enough, put pressure on without taking too many chances, and just hope that’s good enough.”

Keach on Noble De La Chapelle, wit a clean round, set the time to beat in the jump-off at 39.141 seconds.

Lorcan Gallagher on Copycat went next, and also was clean but in a slower time of 44.482 seconds, which eventually held up for second.

Ashley March on Magic Hoop was faster, finishing in 42.585, but had two rails down which ultimately placed her fourth.

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Liz Halliday won the $60,000 Advanced Final at the American Eventing Championships

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September 3, 2023

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Liz Halliday had one rail and 1.2 time penalties in hand with Miks Master C going into show jumping at the $60,000 USEA Advanced Final at the American Eventing Championshipson Sept. 2.

Liz Halliday on Miks Master C (Photo by Meagan DeLisle)After leading the competition from the start, she thought she was in the clear as she headed to the last fence, but a late rail and exceeding the time allowed over Bobby Murphy’s course made Halliday, and the large crowd, groan.

It took a few seconds, but announcer Brian O’Connor did the math and confirmed that Halliday only added .8 time penalties to her score to keep her overnight lead ahead of Phillip Dutton and Z, who’d put the pressure on with one of only four clear rounds.

“I am totally thrilled—I’m obviously going to have anxiety for the next 10 years after that,” Halliday said. “I knew I was right on the edge, and when they announced my score, I had a moment where I was like, ‘Maybe I did the math wrong.’ I was freaking out a little bit, like, ‘That was cutting it too fine, Halliday.’ He just jumped phenomenally the whole weekend. I think that light’s a little funny in there, and he just saw a glare in the water tray as he took off, and I was shocked because he was jumping so well."

Halliday got “Mikki” as a confirmed Advanced horse under Maya Black, and she spent the last year and a half getting to know him and picking up big results.

They were third in the gelding’s five-star debut at Kentucky this spring, then helped the U.S. team to a silver medal at the Aachen CCIO4*-S in Germany this summer.

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Darragh Kenny and McLain Ward win at Hampton Classic

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September 4, 2023

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Darragh Kenny of Ireland on Eddy Blue won the $78,000, 5* Speed Stake, beating a field of 40 representing 14 nations, finishing clean in a blistering time of 69.27 seconds.

Darragh Kenny on Eddy Blue (Photo by Kind Media)It's amazing that another horse can be named Eddy Blue after Devin Ryan's Eddie Blue has been so successful.

It would be great if  international jumping had a rule about conflicting names as well as one forbidding the re-use of some of jumping's most successful horses.

Earlie in the day, McLain Ward on Catoki won the morning’s $39,000 2* Open Speed Class

In the Speed Stake, Of the nine that went clean over Alan Wade’s 16 fence, 1.50m course , only two stayed under the 70-second barrier: Kenny and World #5 ranked show jumper Ward.

Just 0.41 seconds separated these two speed masters, with Ward finishing in 69.68 seconds for second on Cedric 84.

“I think I could have been a little quicker at the end of the course because I know the horse is very, very careful,” Kenny said. “You always have to worry about McLain’s rides, especially toward the end of a class. He’s one of the fastest and most competitive riders out there. With him coming up behind me, I likely could have made it more of a race to the finish as Eddy Blue is just learning to be a quick horse, but I’m very happy with his round and grateful to clinch the win.

“Alan is one of the best course designers in the world,” he said. “He’s fantastic and super smart with his tracks. He knows that if he builds a short line at the end of the course, it’s going to be more difficult for us with our horses going fast, and that’s exactly what he did today. The lines were tough for a lot of people, but they worked out for me.”

Ireland's Conor Swail was third in 71.16 seconds on Vital Chance De La Roque.

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Jimmy Torano won the $78,000 Grand Prix Qualifier and Mark Bluman won the $38,000 Jumper Classic at the Hampton Classic

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September 3, 2023

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Jimmy Torano on Chewbacca HCC won the $78,000 5* Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, Sept. 1 at the Hampton Classic H.S.

Jimmy Torano on Chewbacca HCC (Photo by KindMedia)Only six went clean from the starting field of 45 entries representing 14 nations, and only three riders returned for the jump-of,

Torano won in 41.99 seconds in the Qualifier for Sunday’s $425,000 Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix over the 1.60m course designed by Alan Wade.

Torano of Mohrsville, Pa., was 3.8 seconds ahead of second placed Brianne Goutal-Marteau.

“With Carly Anthony going first and having a rail down, Brianne played it very safe, which opened the door for me,” Torano said. “Going last put me in the driver’s seat. I was very quick through the first part of the course and felt like I’d done enough, then really took it easy going over the last two jumps."

“My horse has a big scope,” he said. “He’s very careful and has a lot of ability. The rollback to the Hermès oxer in the first round was difficult for sure – it wasn’t a wide jump, but I think a lot of people may have underestimated it and touched the back rail. Going so late in the order, I overrode it a little, and my horse just jumped fantastic. I feel great going into Sunday’s Grand Prix. This horse won the Thursday qualifier and Sunday grand prix back-to-back at Lake Placid, and it would be great to do that again here.”

Goutal-Marteau was clean in 45.79 seconds to place second on S&L Marlon VD Heffinck, and Anthony finished third on Heavenly W with four faults.

Of the three that were clean in the first round but elected not to return for the jump-off, Daniel Bluman of Israel on Ladriano Z  was fourth in 70.51, Devin Ryan on Eddie Blue was fifth in 71.08, and Jessica Springsteen on Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve was sixth in 71.87.

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Germany's Rene Dittmar won the Speed Stake at Hampton Classic, Nick Haness won the Hunter Classic

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September 1, 2023

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Rene Dittmer of Germany on Burlington Riverland won the $39,000, 5* Speed Stake at the Hampton Classic Horse Showon Thursday, Aug. 31.

Rene Dittmer on Burlington Riverland (Photo by KindMedia)In the hunter ring, Nick Haness swept the top three places in the Hunter Classic.

Dittmer won over the 63 entries representing 15 countries that competed over Alan Wade’s 15  fence course, finishing clean in the fastest time of 31.18 seconds.

Darragh Kenny of Ireland on Eddy Blue moved into the lead towards the end of the class,, finishing in 31.95 seconds, but Dittmar on his second horse was still to go.

“I didn’t see Darragh’s round at all, actually,” said Dittmer. “But I knew I was about one second slower on my first horse, Corsica X. With Corsica, I rode eight strides to the first line in the first phase, but I set up better on Burlington to ride seven strides there and cut some turns a bit shorter. That was lucky enough to win in the end.”

Kenny on Eddy Blue finished second in 31.95 seconds, and Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen finished third and fourth respectively on Forever SFN , clean in 32.45, and Isabella Van De Zuuthoeve, clean in 32.63.

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Rodrigo Pessoa had his second win in Open Jumpers at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

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August 31, 2023

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Six-time Brazilian Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa won the $10,000 Open Jumper and alsoplaced fourth on Aug. 30 for his second consecutive win at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

Rodrigo Pessoa on Chilli, fourth in $10,000 Jumper(Photo by KindMedia)Riding his winning mount from Tuesday’s featured class, Dhalida Diamant VD Krekebeke Z, he had the fastest jump-off time of 25.691 seconds.

Thirty-four entries braved the rain to tackle Alan Wade’s course.

This was only Pessoa’s second time competing on Dhalida Diamant VD Krekebeke Z.

“We are finding out that she is deceptively fast without looking to go crazy,” Pessoa said. “We’re still finding out more about each other and our new partnership. We’re really happy with her performance these last two days. She’s won enough for the week; she can go home!”

Pessoa also placed fourth on Chili with a clean round in 27 seconds.

“She was well on target today,” he said. “She’s here for the 2* this week, so it was nice to get a round under her belt before that starts.”

Charlise Casas and Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen rounded out the top three.

Casas placed second on Chaccolina D, clean in 26.122 seconds, and Cruciotti Vanderveen was third on Far West De Hus, clean in 26.961 seconds.

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Christian Coyle and Rodrigo Pessoa win at the Hampton Classic

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August 31, 2023

By Staff Writers

BRIDGEHAMPTON, N.Y.--Ireland’s Christian Coyle on Ma Pomme De Tamerville won the $30,000 Jumper Challenge on Aug. 27, The Hampton Classic's opening day, and Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil on Dhalida Diamant VD Krekebeke Z won the $10,000 Open Jumper class on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Christian Coyle on Ma Pomme De Tamerville (Photo by KindMedia)Coyle beat a field of 43 entries in the Jumper Challenge as the fastest of eight clear rounds in the jump-off, finishing in 37.975 seconds.

Over Ireland's Alan Wade's course, each of the 12 riders in the jump-off put in faster rounds than the last, until Coyle on Ma Pomme stopped the clock at 37.975 seconds.

Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen finished second in 38.386 seconds on Forever SFN,and Pessoa ond Lord Lucio was third in 38.815 seconds.

“I thought Kelli’s time would be really tough to beat,” Coyle said. “But my horse is naturally fast, and sometimes I have to try to slow her down. Going late in the class, I knew what I had to do, and I thought if we could just get over all the jumps that we would have a good chance. I’m really happy with how today worked out. I like the winning-round format; it seems to suit me and my mare well.”

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Lillie Keenan on Argan de Beliard won the $225,000 Grand Prix at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottowa, Canada

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August 28, 2023

By Staff Writers

OTTAWA, Ontario--Lillie Keenan, 26 of New York, N.Y., onArgan de Beliard won the $225,000 Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 27, to close out the Major League Show Jumping Ottawa tournament at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON.

Lillie Keenan on Aran de Beliard (Photo by Ben Radvanyi  Photography)It was a battle to the end as the 34 horse starting field was whittled down for the jump-off after 10 jumped clear over the track set by Canada’s Michel Vaillancourt on the grass field.

The jump-off proved to be full of surprises.

Ireland’s Daniel Coyle, who had been riding a winning streak all week in Ottawa, had a refusal with Quintin while the last to go, and hometown favourite Amy Millar of Perth, Onario, also had a refusal riding Truman.

In the end, only two riders managed to go clean in the jump-off, with Keenan beating fellow American Chloe Reid.

Reid had the first clear round in the jump-off in a time of 46.71 seconds riding Crossover 4, but Keenan was able to shave more than a second off to take over the lead, crossing the timers in 45.17 seconds on Argan de Beliard.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam on Cjoxx Z had the only four fault jump-off round, and would have had the time, 44.56 seconds, if not for a rail down.

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Tracy Magness won the $20,000 HITS Open Prix in Culpeper

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August 23, 2023

By Staff Writers

CULPEPER, Va.--Tracy Magness of Hughesville, Md., on Intenz Van HD won the $20,000 HITS Open Prix in a 10 horse jump-off on Aug. 20.

Tracy Magness on Intenz Van HD (Photo by Alison Hartwell Photography)On the Grand Prix Field, Magness with Intenz Van HD was on the podium during every major jumper class of the week.

“In my mind, I thought I was probably riding for third place, but my horse was like, ‘I don’t know why you're going for third; I'm going for first,” said Magness. “Candy [Intenz Van HD] this week has been really fresh. I had a month off before coming here, and she was amazing.”

With two horses in the class, Magness was second to go in the jump-off with her first horse, Chopin Du Chateau Hollogne Z. and finished clean in 40.519 seconds 

Addison Reed and Doc Di Villigana went next, and her time was quicker than Magness , but then Marylisa Leffle on Zaza Z finished in 36.168 seconds to take the lead.

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Scott Stewart on Florian won the Green Hunter Incentive Championships

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August 21, 2023

By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Scott Stewart of Flemington, N.J., on Florian won the 3'0"/3'3'' Championship at the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships with a six point lead on a score of 281 on Aug. 17..

Scott Stewart on Florian (Photo by Shawn McMillen)Over 200 competed for more than a combined $311,000 in prize money.

Sixty-one returned to the Final Rounds on Thursday, Aug. 17 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Californian Nick Harness on McQueen won the 3'6''/3'9'' Championship on an 11.50-point lead with a score of 284.

Stewart is no stranger to to winning the 3'0"/3'3" green Hunter Incentive Championship tricolor.

Stewart began the three days of competition with a second place finish in Tuesday's First Round, earning a bye to the Final Round and $7,915.44.

With the new format debuted this week, where the top 10 horses from the First Round may elect not to compete in the Second Round, Stewart chose to save the gelding for Thursday's Championship Round, and his decision paid off when he posted a leaderboard topping score of 281.

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John French on Paradigm won the International Hunter Derby Championship

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August 21, 2023

By Staff Writers

 LEXINGTON, Ky.--John French on Paradigm won the $223,350 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park on Aug. 19.

John French on Paradigm (Photo by Sydney Jones for Phelps Media)It has been 14 years since  French won the International Hunter Derby Championship tricolor, but on Saturday, Aug. 19, he won it again, this time on Paradigm, scoring 599.25 after two rounds, for the win and the $37,719.35 check by a mere quarter of a point.

"It's been a long time. I didn't know if I was going to win another one. I'm probably the oldest person in the class, so maybe this will be the last time for me, so it makes it even more special," said French, reflecting on his 2009 win with Rumba. "It still feels amazing to win this class. To me, for the Hunters, it's the biggest special class that there is."

In Section A of the Championship, 30 horses competed over Alan Lohman's course in front of judges Jennifer Bauersachs, Jeanne Marie Dunford-Miller, Troy Hendricks, Jessie Lang, Holly Orlando and Mike Rosser.

Geoffrey Hesslink on Drumroll was leading on 599, so beginning with a 300.75 from Friday's Classic Round, when French went he needed more than a 289.25 to take over the lead.

Paradigm was awarded a 95.50, 97.75 and 93.25, plus four high options, to secure the title.

"I knew I couldn't make any big mistakes in the round. I mean, anything can happen. So, I just wanted to do the best that I could. And whatever happens, happens," said French, of Wellington, Fla.. "We had a bit of a lead going into tonight, so I was a little bit worried about the trot jump and the turning back to the vertical because my horse likes to land on the left lead, so I knew I'd have to do a change inside there and turn back to that jump. But, the high options, I think he jumped really well."

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Farrington on Toulayna won the 5* Grand Prix in Toronto

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August 20, 2023

By Staff Writers

TORONTO, Canada--Kent Farrington has an exciting new horse in 9-year-old Toulayna, who won the $250,000 Grand Prix under the lights at Angelstone in Toronto on Saturday, Aug. 19.

Kent Farrington on Toulayna (Photo by Atalya Boytner)Olympic team silver medalist rode Toulayna to her first 5* grand prix victory in front of an electric crowd.

After winning Thursday's qualifier with Toulayna, Farrington said that the mare has proven herself as a contender at the top level.

From a field that included 16 of the top 100 riders in the world, Farrington, 42, currently the world number eight, won over an eight horse jump-off with nearly two full seconds to spare.

The turns were tight and the foot speed was unbeatable from Toulayna, a horse that's had less than 10 five star starts in her career.

Brazil's Santiago Lambre on Chacco Blue finished second., crossing the timers just off the pace as the last to return over fellow Brazilian Guilherme Jorge's courses.

Nineteen-year-old Mimi Gochman scored her best 5* grand prix placing to date with a third place finish on Cosmos BH.

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Kent Farrington won in Toronto on Toulayna

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August 19, 2023

By Staff Writers

TORONTO,Canada--Kent Farrington on Toulayna won the $142,400 BFL Canada 5* Qualifier amidst a blitz of storms on Thursday evening, Aug. 17.

Kent Farrington on Toulayna (Photo by Aralya Boytner)Major League Show Jumping is back under the lights of Angelstone Events in Toronto this week where 5* action opened with a hard-fought win for U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington on the 9-year-old Toulayna

Toulayna, a Zangersheide mare , didn't show her inexperience with the atmosphere that defines a nighttime competition and stole the show by nearly two seconds in a 10-horse jump-off.

Farrington beat the time of the previous leader, Ashlee Bond of Israel, with daring turns and calculated gallops.

Farrington crossed the final timers in 32.97 seconds over Bond's 34.79.

Bond settled for second on Donatello 141 with Canadian Erynn Ballard third on Gakhir in front of a home crowd.

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Willie Tynan on Seattle won the final $40,000 HITS Grand Prix at HITS Vermont

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August 17, 2023

By Staff Writers

MANCHESTER, Vt.--Willie Tynan on Seattle won the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug, 13, the final competition of the Vermont Summer Festival.

Willie Tynan on Seattle (Photo by Jess Windhurst)This was Tynan's second grand prix win at HITS Vermont, as on Aug. 11 had won the $25,000 Grand Prix on Ballinteskin.

“Seattle’s been waiting for this one," said Tynan after the final rand Prix. "He’s been due a win. He’s done double clears in the Grand Prix’s, but just hadn’t had the luck to pick one off until now.”

The five horse jump-off gave riders the chance to execute tight turns and speedy approaches, setting the stage for a closely contested battle for top placings.

Going last in the jump-off, Tynan finished in a rapid time of 42.312 seconds to win.

Holly Bachor on Caddie R came incredibly close to Tynan’s time, finishing just shy with 42.832 seconds.

Amy Shafmaster on Infante SK was third, clean in 46.576 seconds.

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