News

U.S. Jumping Team for Longines League of Nations Final CSIO5*

Details: September 27, 2025; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Longines League of Nations Final CSIO5* hosted in Barcelona, Spain, from October 3-5, at Real Club de Polo de Barcelona.

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

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

Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Laura Kraut of (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa.

Callie Schott of Wellington, Fla.

Alessandra Volpof Woodside, Calif.

Competition Information

The Longines League of Nations Final will begin on Thursday, Oct. 2, with the Longines Grand Prix of the City of Barcelona CSIO5* hosted under the lights on Friday, Oct. 3, starting at 8:00 p.m.,whch is 2 p.m. Eastern.

The highlight of the week, the Longines League of Nations Final team competition will start at 12:00 p.m., which is 6a.m. Eatern, on Sunday, Oct. 5, to conclude the 2025 LLN season.

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Kevin Babington's post on Facebook

Details: September 26, 2025; By Staff Writers

Kevin Babington's post on Facebook

Kevin Babington rehabilitatingIt’s been six years since I hit the ground.

I have made the best of it.

I have tried to set an example of getting on with it and to contribute in some way.

To the industry, to my daughters and Dianna, and to our customers.

I have much to offer still.

I am proud that my accident has helped others and hopeful it will continue to past my lifespan.

When I fell the hardest part was coming to a full stop.

People who know me know I was moving 100 mph.

We all were.

Di was teaching and riding and running to Boston for clients up north.

We were operating the mill.

I was laser focused on my career.

U.S. team for St.Tropez League of Nations Narions Cup

Details: September 12, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Longines League of Nations St. Tropez CSIO5* hosted in St. Tropez, France, from September 18-21.

NC Tea St T The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson.

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

Karl Cook of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.

Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Alex Matz of Coatesville, Pa.

Alessandra Volpi Woodside, Calif.

Competition Information

The final qualifying competition for the Longines League of Nations Final will be hosted in St. Tropez, France, at Haras de Gassin Polo Club - St. Tropez, from September 18-21.

Competition will begin on Thursday, Sept. 18, with the Longines League of Nations Grand Prix CSIO5* starting at 6:00 p.m, which is12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 19.

The Longines League of Nations two-round team competition will start at 1:30 p.m., which is 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 21, to conclude the week of competition.

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Laura Chapot to compete at the Devon Fall Classic

Details: September 10, 2025; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J. will be competing on three horses in the 1.40m classes at the Devon Fall Classic, which begins tomorrow, Sept. 11, and runs though Sunday, Sept. 14.

Laura Chapot on CC Willow KindMedia Laura Chapot on CC Willow at an earlier show this year (Photo by KindMedia)The 1.40m division is shaping up to be three evenings of hard fought and exciting competitions.

Chapot has been Leading Rider at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair a number of times, and she has also won the Grand Prix at the Fall Classic a number of times.

But last year, Caitlin Boyle on Navaar won the Fall Classic Grand Prix, and Chapot is campaigning to win that title back again.

Boyle has said that she expects to be back at the Fall Classic to defend her title, and she'll be riding Prianti van het Mikkenhof his year.

Get your tickets early to watch this exciting battle between two of the winningest riders on the circuit, as the Grand Prix annually draws a standing room only crowd.

Chapot will be competing on a relatively new horse, Jolie, as well as C &C Willow and Ginola in the 1.40m classes.

She is also competing Ciego in the 1.30m division.

WEF is buildng a huge indoor arena

Details: September 9, 2025; By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.-A covered riding arena that will redefine the future of equestrian sport at the Winter Equestrian Festival is being built on Wellington International's 111-acre property.

Wellington indoor arena under constructionThe structure will included not only an indoor riding arena but also ample space for spectator seating.

Coastal Steel Structures, Wellington International and Wellington Lifestyle Partners are collaborating to build the the 86,000 square foot facility structure that will be the largest equestrian arena ever built for both Wellington International and Coastal Steel Structures, and the biggest in South Florida.

The addition of this expansive covered arena will provide riders and horses with a premier and competitive environment, regardless of weather conditions, further enhancing Wellington International's reputation as a leader in equestrian sport.

Junior and Young Rider teams to compete at the Youth Nations Cup

Details: September 4, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Teams at the 2025 FEI Youth Jumping Nations Cup Final hosted from Sept. 19-21, in Lier, Belgium at Azelhof Equestrian Centre.

The U.S. will field both a Junior Team and a Young Rider Team.

Both teams 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 Young Rider Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

Mia Bagnato (Fishkill, N.Y.) and Cordiamo, a 2016 Oldenburg gelding (Cornet du Lys x Conthargos) owned by Elan Farm

Alexa Elle Lignelli of New York, N.Y.,, and her own XO Zadora, a 2013 KWPN mare (Zavall VDL x Padinus)

Carlee McCutcheon of Aubrey, Texas and Aralyn Blue, a 2014 Oldenburg mare (Chacco Blue x Ludwigs AS) owned by Road to the Top

Olivia Sweetnam of Wellington, Fla. and Epic, a 2015 Anglo European gelding (Billy Mexico x Flyinge Electro) owned by Monika Preston and Sweet Oak Farm

Skylar Wireman of Bonsall, Calif. and Barclino B, a 2016 Holsteiner gelding (Constanzehof’s Barcley x Lasino) owned by Wireman Investment Group

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

The Winter Equestrian Festival to offer more prize money

Details: August 20, 2025; By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--To Our Community,

The Wellington International Team, with incredible support from Wellington Lifestyle Partners, has been working hard to take the Winter Equestrian and Global Dressage Festivals to the next level.

I promised you that each year we would get better. I think we all agree that 2025 was better than 2024, and we are making sure 2026 is even more impressive with major improvements in sport, infrastructure, and hospitality. The newsletter below gives a preview of those improvements already in place and those in progress.

Sincerely,

Murray S. Kessler

CEO - Wellington International

New GGT textile footing is being installed by JTWG, Inc. in the International Arena and International Schooling Area.Record-Breaking 2026 Wellington International Winter Competition Season Unveils $16 Million+ in Prize Money

The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) will showcase 13 weeks of elite competition from Dec. 31 through March 29, while the Global Dressage Festival (GDF) will return to Equestrian Village with top-level international dressage from Jan. 7 through March 29.

As we prepare for another extraordinary competition season, the team at Wellington International, with the strong support of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, has been hard at work upgrading the facility and enhancing the competitor and spectator experiences.

Below are a few highlights of what’s new and improved for our community.

U.S. team for the Spruce Meadows Nation Cup

Details: August 17, 2025; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the riders selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup at Spruce Meadows CSIO5*, a part of the ‘Masters Tournament’ at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Sspruce Meadows team The competition will take place from Sept. 2-7.

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

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

• Elena Haas of Oakland, Calif.
• Lillie Keenan of New York, N.Y.
• Laura Kraut of Royal Palm Beach, Fla.
• Aaron Vale of Williston, Fla.

Competition Information

The ‘Masters Tournament’ will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the Spruce Meadows venue.

The Nations Cup CSIO5* will start at 11:00 a.m. MT, which is 1:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 5.

The week will conclude with the Grand Prix presented by Rolex on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 11:00 a.m. MT, which is 1:00 p.m. ET.

Fall Classic 2025: The Guide Launch, Sponsors and Entry Deadline

Details: August 16, 2025; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa,--The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair has announced key dates and updates for the 2025 Devon Fall Classic, returning Sept. 11–14 to the historic Devon showgrounds.

Devon Fall Classic generic jumper A jumper at the Devon Fall Classic The official Devon Fall Classic Guidebook was released Friday, Aug. 15 for the all jumper show, and the entry deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Devon continues preparations for this premier all-jumper event.

“With the generous support of sponsors, the Devon Fall Classic continues to shine as a leading event on the regional equestrian calendar. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available through Aug. 27, offering valuable brand exposure and community visibility in a cherished setting,” said Wayne W. Grafton, Chairman and CEO of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.

Current sponsors include (in alphabetical order): Breakaway Farm, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Chester County Eye Care, Herr's, Horseflight, John Neill Painting, Land Rover Jaguar Main Line, Land Services, Merdian Bank, Remarkable Leather Goods/The Engraver, and Woodedge Shows.

U.S. team for Eventing Nations Cup in Arville, Belgium

Details: July 28, 2025; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian announced the horses and riders selected to represent the U.S. Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Arville CCIO4*-NC-S in Arville, Belgium, from Aug. 13-17, 2025.

Arville NC The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law and Team Leader Christina Vaughn.

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

Cosby Green of Lexington, Ky., on Clever Louis

Lauren Nicholson of The Plains, Va., on Larcot Z

Caroline Pamukcu of Springtown, Pa., on She’s The One

Cassie Sanger of Wilmington, Del.), on Redfield Fyre

Competition Information

Competition will begin with the first day of dressage on Thursday, Aug. 14, with the second day of dressage following on Friday, Aug. 15, beginning at 11:00 a.m. , which is 5:00 a.m. ET on both days.

The stadium phase will begin at 2:00 p.m. , which is 8:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 16, and the cross-country is Sunday, Aug. 17 starting at 10:00 a.m., which is 4:00 a.m. ET.

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Summer Updates from Jonathon Millar & Kevin Babington

Details: July 26, 2025; By Staff Writers

Summer is in full swing, and there’s no slowing down for Jonathon Millar and Kevin Babington.

Kevin Babington in wheelchair Kevin Babington and Mark Parker, one of Kevin's Amazing Aids providing care, at the World Equestrian CenterThe Kevin Babington Foundation recently caught up with both of these incredible horsemen to see what they’ve been up to — and let’s just say, they’re making every moment count.

For Jonathon, being back in the show ring has been nothing short of rejuvenating. He’s been riding and competing full-time, feeling strong and confident in the 1.25m classes.

“Getting back into the ring has brought back so much joy,” he shared. “I’m loving every second of it.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Babington continues to inspire, both in and out of the ring. His days are packed — giving 3 to 5 lessons daily, working with dedicated students in Florida, and even staying connected to his winter-season riders through virtual training sessions.

“I’ve actually gotten pretty good at this virtual coaching,” Kevin laughed. “Who knew I’d become so tech-savvy?”

In true Kevin fashion, he's taken his passion for teaching to new heights.

This week, he traveled to the World Equestrian Center – Ocala with three of his students to support them as they compete.

His knowledge, encouragement, and sheer love of the sport continue to elevate everyone around him.

Beyond the arena, Kevin has been contributing to research with the Miami Project — further proof that his impact reaches far beyond the saddle.

Kent Farrington remains on top in World Ranking in Jumping while Boyd Martin is fourth in Eventing

Details: July 21, 2025; By Staff Writers

Kent Farrington remains as world number one two months after reaching the top spot, with a tally of 3,161 points, closely followed by Great Britain’s Ben Maher, just 121 points behind.

Kent Farrington on Toulayna by Jenny Abrahamsson Kent Farrington on Toulayna (Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson)Former number one Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden is third on 2,886 points, while Christian Kukuk of Germany with 2,879 points and McLain Ward with 2,848 points repeat in fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Swiss duo Steve Guerdat, 2,775 points, and Martin Fuchs, 2,723 points, maintain their sixth and seventh positions respectively, while France’s Simon Delestre ascends to the eighth spot with 2,705 points, and Germany’s Richard Vogel climbs to ninth on 2,686 points.

Cian O’Connor of Ireland closes the top 10 after dropping from eighth, with a tally of 2,625 points.

JJ Torano Wins June’s Show Jumping Hall of Fame Rider of the Month Award

Details: July 10, 2025; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--JJ Torano of Wellington, FL, has won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Rider of the Month Award for June.

JJ Torano in a presentation KindMedia JJ Torano in a presentation (Photo by KindMedia)This is the third time he’s received the award in 2025, having previously earned it in February and March.

A talented junior rider, Torano competes in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series’ East Conference.

After earning fourth with Vitus K and 12th with Lyon 50 in the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair’s $20,000 SJHOF 1.45m Junior Jumper Classic, Torano went on to a highly successful month in the jumper ring.

At the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, he piloted Lyon 50 to victory and Good Mood Semilly to third place in the $10,000 SJHOF 1.40m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic; he also placed fourth in the $7,500 SJHOF/NAL 1.30m Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic with Coachella Z.

Then at the Lake Placid Horse Show,on Oopsala he won the $10,000 1.35m SJHOF Junior Jumper Classic, along with fifth place on Coachella Z.

He immediately followed that with another win aboard Lyon 50 in the $15,000 FarmVet 1.45m SJHOF Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, as well as ninth place aboard Kerenia.

These multiple victories and top 10 finishes helped him earn the Hall of Fame’s Rider of the Month Award for June.

Devon Fall Classic to return Sept. 11-14, bringing top competition and family fun back to Devon

Details: July 1, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

DEVON, Pa.--The Devon Fall Classic, an all jumper show, will return forits four day run from Sept. 11-14.

Devon fair Photo by Brenda CarpenterAlong with the jumper competition in the Dixon Oval, there will be the traditional Fair in the adjacent area with shops, rides, food and all kinds of entertainment with music.

There's family fun with rides and games and adult entertainment with wine and music daily at the Fall Classic.

Horse show classes begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.

On Thursday, Sept. 11th, and Friday, Sept.12, Take2 Thoroughbred Jumpers are featured, with the $5,000 Welcome Jumper Stake at 7 p.m. Thursday evening and the $10,000 Open Speed Stake at7 p.m. Friday evening.

Junior and adult jumpers compete Saturday and Sunday, with the spectator favorite Leadline at 1 p.m. followed by the $7,500 1.45m Junior/Amateur Classic on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday evening, the National Anthem and a Color Guard Presentation are followed by the $25,000 Devon Grand Prix at 7 p.m.

Caitlin Boyle on Navaar won last year's Grand Prix in an exciting seven horse jump-off.

In the Country Fair, Vendor Booths open at 10:00 a.m. daily,so this is a wonderful way to get a start on Christmas shopping with the Boutiques offering an enticing variety of items.

For the kids and family fun, Midway Rides and Games run from 4 to 9 p.m.Thursday, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to close on Sunday.

Eventing for the 2028 Olympics at Santa Anita to be very short and very flat

Details: June 28, 2025; By Staff Writers

ARCADIA,Calif.--When the equestrian portion of the Olympic Games were last held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., in 1984, the cross country portion of the three-day eventing competition was held at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.

Santa Anita racetrackIn 2028, however, the cross country phase will be held at Santa Anita itself, reports Horse and Hound.

Alex Lochore, eventing manager at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics, produced a feasibility study that suggested two or three ways a cross country course can be laid out using the racetrack, infield, and part of the parking lot.

Now, Lochore, who has no previous championship course design experience, will have to deliver on that study. According to Horse and Hound, as expected course designer Derek di Grazia reached an impasse with organizers from the FEI and Olympic Committee; the organizers told the FEI they couldn't work with him.

Russell Jones recieved the Lifetime Achievement Award from PHBA

Details: June 26, 2025; By SARA CAVANAGH

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--Russell Jones of Unionvile received the Lifetime Achievement Awad from the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association at its annual meeting in early June.

Russell JonesBut in fact Jones' actual lifetime achievements far exceed those for which he was honored by the PHBA.

He was a top amateur steeplechase rider who won against the best professionals at major tracks, he was a realtor, he was a leading bloodstock agent who founded and led Walnut Green, one of the biggest bloodstock agencies in the country, he served a term as President of the PHBA, he was a Master of Foxhounds of one of the top foxhunts in the nation, he has served and still is serving as a commissioner for the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission and is currently a member of a syndicate that buys and sell top race horses internationally.

He was inducted into the Parx Hall of Fame in September, 2018.

And at 90 years of age, he is still going strong.

"I started hunting when I was 7," said Jones. "I won my first point-to-point when I was 13, but I couldn't ride at Brandywine until I was16. I won the Men's race at Brandywine when I was 16."

"Burley Cocks gave me a horse, actually, I paid $100 for him, and I hunted and point-to-pointed him, then I got Jacko off the racetrack. I won over hurdles at Delaware Park and over brush at Aqueduct. I rode at Belmont in the 1969 Temple Gwathmey, where I was leading but got caught in the stretch," he said.

In the sixties, races were run over natural brush fences that were over 4 feet in height.

At Belmont, there was a huge water jump right in front of the stands, and steeplechase races were run five times a week.

After running over brush, Jacko was converted to timber and was Timber Horse of the Year for four years.

"I won the Maryland Hunt Cup in 1975 and won the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup thee times," said Jones.