News

Judy Cousins, a reporter who covered point-to-point racing, died June 3

Details: June 11, 2026; By Staff Writers

WEST CHESTER, Pa.--Judith (Freehafer) Cousins, 94, of West Chester, Pennsylvania and Bernard, Maine, passed away peacefully in her home on June 3..

Judy CousinsCousins was a well known. well liked and respected figure on the point-to-point circuit.

For many years, she covered point-to-point racing for The Chronicle.

She was predeceased by her husband Samuel Cousins with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.

She was born on April 12, 1932 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania,

She graduated from Baldwin School, Mount Holyoke College, and completed graduate school at Bryn Mawr College.

She later earned a degree from Longwood Gardens Horticultural School.

She worked at the family business, Thermal Pipe Systems with headquarters in Wilmington, Del., and a manufacturing plant in Durant, Okla.

She was a dedicated member of the Pocopson township planning committee for many years and was passionate about preserving open space.

Teams for Rotterdam, third leg of the League of Nations series

Details: June 10, 2026; By Staff Writers

The Longines League of Nations returns to CHIO Rotterdam next week for the third qualifying leg of the 2026 season.

Karl Cook on Caracole de la Roque, shown here at the Olympics, will lead the U.S. teamAt the halfway point of the qualifying campaign, Germany is leading on 190 points, giving them a 35-point cushion over France with 155 points and a 40-point lead over Ireland with 150 points.

Anchored by reigning FEI Jumping European Champion Richard Vogel, Germany' team in Rotterdam includes Rene Dittmer, while Mario Stevens and Michael Jung make their series debuts.

Winners of the opening leg in Abu Dhabi, France's team of Antoine Ermann, Jeanne Sadran, Nina Mallevaey and Kevin Staut offer a blend of youth and experience.

Ireland's chef d'equipe Jessica Kürten has Shane Sweetnam, Jordan Coyle, Michael Duffy and Niamh McEvoy.

Back competing in the League of Nations for 2026 and currently fourth in the standings with 130 points, Brazil's team includes Rodrigo Pessoa, whose family has a remarkable connection with CHIO Rotterdam.

U.S. team for La Baule Nations Cup

Details: June 9, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky,-- US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Nations Cup La Baule CSIO5* to be hosted in La Baule-Escoublac, France, from June 11-14, 2026.

La Baule Nations Cup teamThe team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and supported by Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Natalie Dean of Wellington, Fla.

Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y.

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Jessica Springsteen of Los Angeles, Calif.

McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y.

Competition Information

The competition at Jumping International de La Baule will begin on Thursday, June 11 at 8:30 a.m. , which is 2:30 a.m. Eastern

The two-round €250,000 Nations Cup CSIO5* is set to take place on Friday, June 12 at 1:30 p.m., which is 7:30 a.m. Eastern.

The €500,000 Rolex Grand Prix Ville de La Baule will begin on Sunday, June 14 at 2:30 p.m., which is 8:30 a.m. Eastern.

U.S. team for St. Gallen Nations Cup

Details: June 1, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.-–US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Jumping Nations Cup St. Gallen CSIO5* to be hosted in St. Gallen, Switzerland, from June 4-7.

St. Gallen Nations Cup team The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Katie Dinan of New York, N.Y.

Mimi Gochman of Palm Beach, Fla.

Charlotte Jacobs of Wellington, Fla.

Paris Sellon of Los Angeles, Calif.

Aaron Vale of Williston, Fla.

This is an observation competition for those on the short list for the World Championships , and Aaron Vale and Katie Dinan are on the short list, the other three are not on the short list.

Competition Information

The Jumping Nations Cup St. Gallen CSIO5* will begin on Thursday, June 4, and will feature the two-round €250,000 Range Rover Nations Cup of Switzerland CSIO5* on Friday, June 5, at 3:30 p.m., which is 9:30 a.m. ET.

The €500,000 Longines Grand Prix of Switzerland CSIO5* will start at 2:30 p.m., which is 8:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 7.

Grant to Thorncroft funds purchase of two lesson horses

Details: May 28, 2026; By Staff Writers

MALVERN, Pa.--Thorncroft Equestrian Center has announced a first-time grant awarded from Foxwynd Foundation partners designed to fund the purchase and first-year care of two specially trained adaptive lesson horses, Bentley and Flash, helping expand access to its renowned Adaptive/Therapeutic Horsemanship Program.

Thorn 1 BentleyThrough a partnership with Thorncroft, the Foxwynd Foundation will directly support the acquisition, veterinary care, training, feeding, and first-year maintenance of Bentley and Flash, two carefully selected horses chosen for their temperament, health, training, and suitability for riders with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

Bentley is a versatile, beginner-friendly horse whose calm temperament and strong foundational training make him an ideal partner for riders beginning their horsemanship journey.

Flash’s smooth gait, balanced build, and specialized training make him uniquely suited for riders living with neurological and mobility challenges, including Cerebral Palsy, traumatic and non-acquired brain injuries, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Both horses will also serve individuals with developmental disorders, neurodivergent learners, and riders with a wide range of support needs.

Bentley and Flash possess the steady disposition and advanced training required to safely support adaptive riders alongside instructional teams.

“The growing demand for adaptive riding services continues to outpace available lesson horses,” said Tiffany Meyer, President of Thorncroft Equestrian Center. “The addition of Bentley and Flash will allow us to reduce waitlists and provide more riders with access to the life-changing benefits of adaptive horsemanship.”

Bunny Meister honored at Radnor Hunt Races

Details: May 19, 2026; By Staff Writers

MALVERN, Pa.--Carl J. "Bunny" Meister was presented with the Stalwart of Steeplechasing Award in between races at the Radnor Hunt Races on Saturday, May 16.

Stalwart of Steeplechasing Award (Photo by Jim Graham)Following his passing in 2022, Skip Achuff's family created the Stalwart of Steeplechase Award to recognize those who epitomize the qualities Skip brought to the sport.

Nominees for the award represent the sport of steeplechase with professionalism, integrity, and dedication; uphold the rules of the sport; and prioritize the safety of horses and jockeys.

On behalf of the Achuff family, Radnor Hunt Races announced Carl J. "Bunny" Meister as this year's recipient of the fourth annual Stalwart of Steeplechase Award.

Bunny is a lifelong Brandywine Valley resident, landowner, race rider, foxhunter and volunteer.

He started riding before the age of 10, winning his very first maiden timber at Radnor in 1956 on John Strawbridge's Teddy Million, who was trained by Bob Tindle.

U.S. team for Langley 4* Nations Cup

Details: May 14, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian to announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping team at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Langley CSIO4*, hosted at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, from May 26-31.

Langley N C The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Anne Kursinski and Team Leader Erin Keating, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Lucy Davis Kennedy of Venice, Calif.

Tali Dejong of Golden, Colo.

Hallie Grimes of Houston, Texas

Katherine Huffstutler of Austin, Texas

Brooke Kemper of Reddick, Fla.

Competition Information

Competition in Langley will begin on Wednesday, May 27, with the opening day of CSIO4* competition.

The $117,000 Grand Prix CSIO4* will start at 1:00 p.m. PT, which is 4:00 p.m. Eastern on Friday, May 28.

The two-round $75,000 FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO4* competition will begin at 11:00 a.m. PT, which is 2:00 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, May 31, to conclude the week.

Laura Kraut leads Nations Cup team for Rome

Details: May 11, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Nations Cup of Rome CSIO5* hosted at the Piazza di Siena in Rome, Italy, from May 27-31.

N C team forRome The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, with horses to be confirmed the week of the event.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Natalie Dean of Palo Alto, Calif.

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Marilyn Little of West Palm Beach, Fla.

Callie Schott of Wellington, Fla.

Competition Information

Competition at the renowned Villa Borghese will begin on Thursday, May 28, with the opening day of CSIO5* competition.

The two-round Jumping Nations Cup CSIO5* will begin at 2:30 p.m. GMT, which is 8:30 a.m. Eastern, on Friday, May 29.

The Rolex Grand Prix of Rome CSIO5* will start at 12:30 p.m. GMT, which is 6:30 a.m. Eastern, on Sunday, May 31, to conclude the prestigious competition.

William J. Solomon VMD died May 5

Details: May 8, 2026; By Staff Writers

NEW FREEDOM, Pa.--It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Joseph Solomon VMD who died peacefully on May 5, at the age of 84.

Dr. William Solomon Dr. SolomonDr. Solomon was born on Jan. 20, 1942, the youngest of four siblings.

He grew up in Johnstown, Pa., where he attended Catholic school, played baseball and basketball, and closely followed Notre Dame football.

In 1956, when he was 14, the family moved to Gettysburg to a beautiful farm with a stone home that had been a Civil War hospital.

The family raised Arabian horses and during these years Dr. Solomon developed a deep love for horses and farm life.

He and his siblings played ice hockey on the pond and went pheasant hunting with his favorite dog, Katie.

He attended Delone Catholic High School and then Georgetown University, where he was a pre-med student, played varsity baseball, and made lifelong friends.

After Georgetown, Dr.Solomon pursued his love of animals and farming at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School.

After he completed his veterinary training and served as the resident veterinarian at distinguished farms in both Kentucky and Pennsylvania, he movedto New Freedom, Pa., and started what would become both the great work and love of his life: Pin Oak Lane Farm and Equine Clinic.

Kent Farrington back at world number one

Details: May 6, 2026; By Staff Writers

Kent Farrington, who was untouchable at last month’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas after winning the first two legs of the three-part seasonal highlight and holding on to claim the title with his two superstar mares Toulayna and Greya, is back out in front in the Longines Rankings.

Kent Farrington on Greya WorldCup Kent Farrington on Greya winning the World Cup (Photo by Shannon Brinkman)The two-time Olympian and Team USA silver medallist at Rio 2016 has squeezed ahead of former world number one Scott Brash 0f Great Britain by the slimmest of margins, with just 19 points between the two rivals for the top spot.

Chicago-born Farrington, who now bases himself in Wellington, Florida, has been nipping at Brash’s heels ever since the Scotsman overtook him at the helm in February, closing the gap between them to 196 points in the end-March rankings after winning the $1,000,000 Wellington feature with Greya on the last weekend of the month.

Moving into April, and Farrington’s sensational run in Texas allowed the 45-year-old to lift the magnificent Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™trophy for the first-time ever.

And he then capped off an incredible month by topping the feature Kentucky Invitational in Lexington on 25 April with the Mexican-bred 5* Grand Prix first-timer Descartes SR, who went on to finish third in the Monterrey 5* feature a week later.

U.S. team for Lisbon 3* Nations Cup

Details: May 5, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Al Shira’aa CSIO Lisboa CSIO3*.

U S Lisbon team The competition will take place at Sociedade Hípica Portuguesa in Lisbon, Portugal, from May 22-24.

The team will be led by Chef d'Equipe Anne Kursinski and Team Leader Erin Keating.

The following riders have been selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

Kady Abrahamson of Georgetown, Ky.

Elisa Broz of Freedom, Calif.

Elena Haas of Oakland, Calif.

Carlee McCutcheon of Aubrey, Tex.

Competition Information

The FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Lisbon competition is set to begin on Friday, May 22, at 3:00 p.m. GMT which is 9:00 a.m. ET.

The €56,800 Grand Prix of Lisbon CSIO3* will take place on Sunday, May 24, at 3:00 p.m. GMT which is 9:00 a.m. ET.

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Skylar Wireman is third in U25 World Ranking

Details: April 30, 2026; By Staff Writers

With the U25 World Rankings, the U.S. seems well poised to continue to do well in Jumping, while in Eventing and Dressage, the future doesn't look as rosy.

Skylar Wireman on Tornado High Desert Sport Photo Skylar Wireman on Tornado (Photo by High Desert Sport Photo)In Jumping, the U.S. has two in the top 10 and five in the top 20 , while in Eventing the U.S. has only one in the top 20 and in Dressage none in the top 20.

Jumping chef d'equipe Robert Ridland has spent years building up depth, which has clearly paid off.

Eventing and Dressage need to encourage participation and build up depth.

In Jumping, The only other country with two in the top 10 is France, and in the top 20 Belgium is closest to the U.S. with four.

The U.S. has 13 in the top 50 in Jumping.

Skylar Wireman, a terrific talent who could use more top horses, is third, and Mimi Gochman is fifth.

Elisa Broz is 12th, Brian Moggre is 18th and Elena Haas is 19th.

Belgian Thibeau Spits, who took over at the head of the end-February U25 Jumping Rankings with the slimmest advantage of just seven points, has extended his lead to 117 points after some solid results in March, as well as celebrating turning 25 in the middle of the month.

Spits placed second in the mid-March Dutch Masters at ‘s-Hertogenbosch behind European champion Richard Vogel on United Touch S, and the he was just off the Paris podium a week later when finishing fifth in the final day’s feature.

Spits now has 2,060 points, leaving him comfortably clear of Antoine Ermann of France on 1,943.

The nightmare of any farm owner

Details: April 18, 2026; By Staff Writers

Barn fire destroys Jim Paxson’s Pennsylvania stable

No horses or hounds were hurt, but well-known huntsman and ‘chase outrider ‘lost everything’ in blaze lthree weeks ago.

This article by by Betsy Burke Donley is reprinted with thanks to the Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation.

At the bottom of this story is a way through the Foundation that tax fee donations can be made to help Jim Paxson,

Paxson has spent his life helping other people, so anything that can be done to help Paxson now would be hugely appreciated.

By Betsy Burke Donley

KIRKWOOD, PA.--Just after lunch on an otherwise ordinary Tuesday, the rhythm of chores and quiet routine at Funnel Lake Farm were broken by a phone call that would change everything.

Jim PaxsonJim Paxson had been taking a midday pause inside his farmhouse, Chinese takeout on the table and the low-volume hum of the Weather Channel in the background. Outside, preparations were already in motion for the next day’s River Hills Foxhounds closing meet – a favorite fixture along Fishing Creek near the Susquehanna. The hound truck was staged. The van was ready. The post-lunch break was, as Paxson would later describe it, classic "universal downtime in the horse world."

The phone rang.

“My Amish neighbor called,” Paxson recalled. “She says, you got flames shooting out the top of your barn.”

What followed unfolded in minutes but will linger for a lifetime.

Race against the fire

Paxson ran from the house in work boots, longjohns, and a T-shirt to find his 18th-century bank barn fully engulfed. The structure – stone-foundation, timber-framed and rooted into the hillside – had stood since the 1700s. Now, it was an inferno.

His first thoughts were for the animals.

U.S. short list for World Championships in Aachen in August

Details: April 17, 2026; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders and horses selected to the U.S. Jumping Team Short List ahead of the World Championships in Aachen, Germany, from August 16-23.

Wld Ch team The Short List riders and horses will compete across five different Observation Events before the final team selection in early July.

The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

The following riders and horses will represent the U.S. Jumping Team as a part of the program’s Short List ahead of the 2026 FEI Jumping World Championships Aachen and are listed in alphabetical order.

Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and Caracole de la Roque and Foxy de la Roque.

Natalie Dean of Palo Alto, Calif. on Mr. Boombastic and Pedro van de Barlebuis.

Katie Dinan of New York, N.Y. with Out of the Blue SCF.

Kent Farrington of Wellington, Fla., with Descartes SR, Greya and Toulayna..

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla., and Baloutinue, Bisquetta, Dorado 212 and Tres Bien Z.

Lillie Keenan of (New York, N.Y,) and Argan de Beliard, Fasther and Kick On.

Marilyn Little of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Heidi von Imhoff and La Contessa.

Callie Schott of Wellington, Fla., on Garant.

Aaron Vale of Williston, Fla., on Carissimo 25.

McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y., and High Star Hero) and Jordan Molga M.

Farrington and Martin second in Jumping and Eventing world ranking

Details: April 16, 2026; By Staff Writers

In Jumping world rankings, Scott Brash of Great Britain, who won the Grand Prix on Hello Chadora Lady in Paris last month, has held onto the Kent Farrington on Greya million Sportfot Kent Farrington on Greya winning the $! million Grand Prix (Photo by Sportfot)number one spot in the Longines Rankings, but his advantage over second-placed Kent Farrington has shrunk.

Brash’s total of 3,497 has him 196 points clear of Farrington, who won the end-March $1,000,000 Wellington Grand Prix on Greya to shave off 45 points and creep closer to the Scotsman.

There’s a change immediately behind the leading pair, with the 2025 European champion Richard Vogel taking over third from Ben Maher of Great Britain after a run of four victories for the German at Ocala and Wellington.

Vogel’s 3,187 puts him 70 points ahead of Maher, with Belgium’s Gilles Thomas staying fifth on 2,989.

Carriage Eventing on Memorial Day at Devon

Details: April 9, 2026; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa. (April 9, 20206) – A new tradition will take the spotlight this Memorial Day as the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair introduces Carriage Eventing for the first time in its 130-year history. This exciting discipline will make its debut on Memorial Day evening at 7 p.m., bringing a thrilling new dimension to one of the most storied equestrian events in the country.

Combining the art of carriage driving with the excitement of a fast-paced obstacle course, Carriage Eventing will challenge competitors to race through both the Dixon Oval and the Wheeler Ring in a dynamic test of skill, precision, and speed. Every second counts, every corner matters, and the excitement is nonstop. Learn more about Carriage Eventing under our special events section at the below link.

The inaugural competition will feature 12 entries competing for a $10,000 prize, underscoring the significance of this new addition to Devon’s Memorial Day programming. The debut is supported by sponsors Bennington Carriages, Koehler’s Jewelry, and Election Services Online, helping launch what is expected to become a new Memorial Day tradition at Devon.

The addition of Carriage Eventing follows Devon’s Memorial Day programming, a special patriotic tribute honoring America’s 250th anniversary. In keeping with its deep American roots, Devon will host an expanded Tribute to Heroes Ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25. The ceremony will feature the Valley Forge Park Alliance alongside a George Washington reenactor and Color Guard, the First City Troop, and local first responders, including recognition of a World War II veteran and a call for all active and retired military, fire, police, and EMS personnel in attendance to stand for a special flag unveiling.