News

Support Kevin Babington Foundation through Instagram

Details: May 4, 2024; By Staff Writers

Did you know you can support the Kevin Babington Foundation without making a donation?

Kevin Babington logo This is your chance to show your support for the Kevin Babington Foundation by following us on Instagram.

By following us, you give us the opportunity to reach more people and spread the word about this incredible organization.

Don’t just sit back and wait for someone else to do it, follow the Kevin Babington Foundation on Instagram to help us provide funding and support for show jumping athletes who sustain spinal injuries.

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Government evasion about the Fair Hill turf track continues

Details: May 3, 2024; By SARA CAVANAGH

That the turf track at Fair Hill is evidence of Government at its worst continues.

Fair Hill turf courseMillions of dollars have been spent, over five years have elapsed and still no turf track and questions go answered.

Following the story about the Fair Hill turf track published April 24, The Horse got a phone call from Greg Bprtz of the office of communication of the Department of Natural Resources of the state of Maryland.

Bortz promised he would get answers to our questions, the most important of which is who is in charge of deciding when the turf track will be opened.

For a day or so, hope bloomed.

But then, again, the DNR replied with official evasions and lack of trans-parity.

There is still no one named to be the one who will decide when the track can be opened, no one to whom questions can be addressed.

There is still no answer to why the track has been unusable.

Peter Wylde, an Olympic gold medalist, to be inducted into IHSA Hall of Fame

Details: May 3, 2024; By Staff Writers

GLADYS, Va.--Peter Wylde will be inducted into the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Hall of Fame at a ceremony that will take place during the National Championship at Tryon International Equestrian Center on Saturday, May 4.

Peter Wylde second from left and Chris Kappler left, Beezie Madden IHSA Hall of Famer and McLain Ward were the gold medal winning Team USA at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. (Photo by Diana DeRosa) The IHSA Hall of Fame inducted its first members in 2020, and the second class will include coaches, founders, riders and horses, and announcements of additional honorees will follow.

Wylde went from a top junior rider to a champion at IHSA to an Olympic team gold medalist and Eventing show jumping coach.

Wylde began riding at 7 years old in his hometown of Medfield, Mass., when he ventured across the street to his neighbor's farm and asked if he could ride their pony.

He quickly knew he would be involved with horses as a life passion.

Wylde showed successfully in the pony divisions, followed by equitation, hunters and eventually junior jumpers.

Wylde worked his way up as a junior rider to win the New England Horseman’s Council’s Equitation Final in 1981 and the Maclay National Equitation Championship at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden in 1982.

In his last junior year Wylde was Junior/Amateur Jumper champion at the prestigious International Jumping Derby in Portsmouth, R.I., and co-Champion at the Washington International Horse Show.

Devon issue now up on The Horse's website

Details: May 1, 2024; By SARA CAVANAGH

Devon 2 riderswith blue The Horse of Delaware Valley's Devon issue is now up on the website.

Go to the website thehorseofdelawarevlley.com, and browse through the titles along the top of the page.

There's the full schedule of events, so you can choose the best days and times to attend.

There''s a list of vendors, so you can choose what you want to buy during your visit and even a map of the grounds so you can see where best to go.

This is such a big edition that ou rlist of advertisers has been divided into three categories; Devon BARNS and EQUIPMENT; Devon FENCING, FOOTING, TRAILERS and HAY; and Devon FARMS TO VETS AND ALL BETWEEN.

So enjoy this issue, and keep coming back to sample all there is to see.

Again, no racing at Fair Hill, it's a debacle and Government at its worst

Details: April 24, 2024; By SARA CAVANAGH

FAIR HILL, Md.--The disaster that is the turf track at Fair Hill is evidence of Government at its worst.

Fair Hill turf courseThe turf track has cost Maryland taxpayers millions of dollars, with the cost going up annually, and the inability to use it has cost racing a prime venue and trainers at Fair Hill Training Center a turf track on which to work their horses.

No one in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or the Sports Corporation of Maryland contacted by The Horse of Delaware Valley claimed responsibility for the turf track - or at least no one admitted to that responsibility.

No one even seems to know why the track can't be used.

Julia Solomon, Assistant Secretary, Enterprise Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said "I oversee finances, not the land."

Jeff Newman of the Sports Corporation of Maryland and President and CEO of the Fair Hill International 5* Event said "You'll have to talk to the operators of the track. We're promoters of the venue. I can't comment on the track."

Fran Steinwedell, 89, a top show jumping supporter, died April 8

Details: April 18, 2024; By Staff Writers

Frances B. Steinwedell, a beloved figure in the world of show jumping, passed away on April 8, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Born in 1933, Fran dedicated her life to equestrian sport, impacting riders, horses, and the community in profound ways.

Fran was a devoted supporter of show jumping and a trailblazer in the sport.

Fran’s journey began in Chicago, where she schooled, hunted, and showed horses during her junior years.

Her passion for the sport led her to co-produce one of the first all-junior horse shows, earning her a certificate of honor from the Chicago Sun newspaper in 1946.

Throughout her riding career, she consistently won many top, year-end Amateur Owner Hunter awards.

As an owner of several top grand prix horses, Fran played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of talented riders.

U.S. Olympic medalist Anne Kursinski and Fran’s daughter, Francie Steinwedell-Carvin, both benefited from her guidance and support.

Francie, who won both the Medal and the Maclay Finals, went on to represent the U.S. in Europe and establish her own successful business.

Fran’s involvement extended to the West Coast where she and Francie rode at the Flintridge Riding Club.

As both an active board member and President, she helped create one of the first FEI World Cup Qualifiers in the West,The Grand Prix of Flintridge.

Fran was also a founding member of the American Grand Prix Association and served on various boards, including the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association, The United States Equestrian Team and the USET Foundation.

Her tireless devotion to the sport was well recognized when she was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2017.

F. Bruce Miller, 89, a top steeplechase trainer, died

Details: April 18, 2024; By Staff Writers

Thanks to Joe Clancy of This is Horse Racing for much of the information and quotes in this article.

UNIONVILLE, Pa.--F. Bruce Miller, 89, the top steeplechase trainer who trained Hall of Fame Lonesome Glory, died in early April.

Bruce Miller (Photo by Tod Marks)
Not only was Miller a top trainer, but he passed on his ability as both his children were top jockeys as is his grandson.

His daughter Blythe was the National Steeplechase Association champion jockey in 1994 and 1995, and his son Chip was NSA champion jockey in 1996.

Miller's daughter Blythe rode Lonesome Glory throughout most of his illustrious career, and Blythe's son Teddy carries on the family tradition as a top young steeplechase jockey.

Miller, who trained both flat and steeplechase horses but was best known for hurdle horses, trained for 60 years and won 561 races on the flat and over jumps, earning more than $10 million.

He was NSA Leading Trainer Races Won in 1996 and Leading Trainer Money Won twice, in 1995 and 2000, despite never training more than 15 horses at a time.

Miller trained the top steeplechaser Lonesome Glory, who was elected to the Hall of Fame, won over $ 1.3 Million, and is the only jumper to capture five Eclipse Awards,

Miller also conditioned NSA 2000 champion All Gong and NSA 2012 champion Pierrot Lunaire, owned by Calvin Houghland.

Miller's other top runners include grade 1 stars Pelagos, Popular Gigalo, and Yellowroad, along with stakes winners Turkish Corner, High Card, Najim, Best Attack and Serenity Prayer.

Gail Emerson, Equine Dentist, died March 26

Details: April 10, 2024; By SARA CAVANAGH

COCHRANVILLE, Pa.--Gail Emerson, 68 of Cochranville, died March 26 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pa.

Gail Emerson 1 Gail Emerson
Gail Emerson was a graduate of the State University of New York, receiving an A.A.S. in Animal Husbandry (emphasis on horses) in 1975.

She had been an equine dental practitioner full-time since 1987.

"Gail Emerson is a highly skilled Equine Dental Technician with many years of experience in the field and in educating others in Equine Dentistry," said Suzanne Grist during Emerson's life. "Gail's ethics, knowledge and skill is exceptional, and I would recommend her to anyone seeking a consummate professional."

"She was a big part of me starting a career in equine dentistry," said Louis Heffner

Gail was a Past President of the International Association of Equine Dentistry, having served from 1989 to 1996.

She assisted in the development of Certification for Equine Dental Practitioners/technicians and was certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry in 1992.

Her works were published in the Practical Horseman, The Grazier in Australia, The Horse and Chester County Town and Country Living.

She was the author of Correspondence Courses in Australia and presented several Continuing Courses in the USA and Australia on horses-related topics

She was a member of the International Association of Equine Dentistry since 1988, a member since 1988 of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

She completed Humane Police Officers Training in May 2009.

Burial and services were private.

U.S. Jumping Team Short List for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Details: April 10, 2024; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky. --– US Equestrian announced the 10 riders who have been selected to the U.S. Jumping Team Olympic Short List for continued observation ahead of team selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this summer.

Olympic short list Four were named from the Riders' Ranking list, three from the Horses' Ranking list, which were the riders of the top ranked horses whose riders were not already named, and three were chosen subjectively by chef d'equipe Robert Ridland and a panel of selectors.

Kent Farrington, Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut and McLain Ward were named off the Riders' Ranking list that closed about a month go.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo, Callie Shott on Garant and Karl Cook on Kalinkka Van't Zorgviet were named off the Horses' Ranking list that closed after the final competition at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Natalie Dean on Acota M, Katie Dinan on Out of the Blue and Jessie Springsteen on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve were the three subjectively named riders.

Farrington, Kraut and Ward, who dominated the winners' list at WEF, were all named with multiple horses, as all off their horses named were also high on the Horses' Ranking list.

The Budweiser Clydesdales to perform at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

Details: April 9, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, renowned for its history and prestige, is thrilled announced that the internationally acclaimed Budweiser Clydesdales will be presented in exhibition again at this year's show.

Budweiser Clydesdales 24 The Budweiser Clydesdales
Devon runs from Wednesday, May 22 through Sunday, June 2.

These high-stepping Budweiser bays will grace the Dixon Oval during the evening session on Thursday, May 30th and Saturday, June 1st.

“The Clydesdales are just one of the many unique and exclusive exhibitions we offer our audience," said Wayne W. Grafton, CEO and Chairman of Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.. "The team travels 300 days a year, showcasing these gentle giants all over North America. We look forward to honoring them and the outstanding crew that cares for them.”

This year, Budweiser commemorates the 91st Anniversary of the Budweiser Clydesdales, a timeless symbol of the brewer’s legacy and a testament to the iconic horses’ integral role in American culture.

These majestic horses will pull the renowned red Studebaker beer delivery wagon, guided by an expert driver dressed in yesteryear’s traditional green and red delivery uniform.

Canine Support Teams has dogs ready to support those in need

Details: April 4, 2024; By Staff Writers

WELLINGTON, Fla.--The Kevin Babington Foundation and Canine Support Teams are on a mission to pay it forward.

Canine support 1 Samantha with Kevin during physical therapy
We're actively seeking Veterans or Equestrians who could use a special companion to enrich their lives.

For over 30 years, Canine Support Teams, a nonprofit committed to raising and training service dogs for individuals with disabilities has passionately served this mission.

More recently, they placed Samantha with Kevin, his faithful service dog and constant companion.

"Samantha has been life-changing for me, attending to my every need, even participating in my regimen of physical therapy. I don’t know what I’d do without her," said Babington.

Samanta has provided Kevin the remarkable gift of independence as well.

She is proficient in the command "get help," instilling in Kevin the confidence to depend on her and to enjoy some solitude when needed.

During that period, the Babington Foundation and Canine Support Teams pledged to raise and train a new four-legged angel to be placed to a disabled equestrian or veteran.

Dressage and Jumping Teams for the World Cup Final

Details: March 28, 2024; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--US Equestrian has announced the riders who will represent the U.S. in dressage and jumping at the 2024 FEI World Cup Finals.

World Cup Final Jumping The Finals will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 16-20, 2024.

U.S. Dressage

The following rider-and-horse combinations will represent U.S. Dressage in the FEI Dressage World Cup Final and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Ben Ebeling of Wellington, Fla., on Indeed, a 2008 Danish Warmblood mare
• Kevin Kohmann of Wellington, Fla., ond Duenensee, a 2009 Hanoverian gelding
• Anna Marek of Dunnellon, Fla.), on Fayvel, a 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding

U.S. Jumping

The following rider-and-horse combinations will represent U.S. Jumping in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Kent Farrington of Wellington, Fla., on Greya, a 2014 Oldenburg mare
• Jill Humphrey of Sacramento, Calif., on Chromatic BF, a 2011 Oldenburg gelding
• Devin Ryan of Long Valley, N.J., on Eddie Blue, a 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding
• Sophia Siegel of Portola Valley, Calif., on A-Girl, her own 2010 Swedish Warmblood mare (A-Dur x Sandburgs Carina)
• Groom: Javier Ibarra
• Skylar Wireman (Bonsall, Calif.) and Tornado, a Swedish Warmblood gelding

Devon entries for Hunter, Jumper and Equitation divisions close April 1

Details: March 26, 2024; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--The 128th anniversary of the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, "Where Champions Meet" will run Wednesday, May 22 through Sunday, June 2.

Devon generic jumper Entries are open now for the Devon Horse Show for the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines.

Entries close for Hunters, Equitation, Local Hunters and all Jumpers on Monday, April 1 at 5 pm Eastern time.

Entries close for Coaching and Hunter Breeding and Pony Hunter Breeding on Monday, April 22 at 5 pm Eastern time.

Entries for non-qualifying sections like leadline, sidesaddle, the family class, or other hunter classes are required to include entry, office, stall, drug, and showing fees when electronically submitted.

Exhibitors can access more information for entries on specific disciplines on the Devon website.

Saunders Dixon of Thorncroft died Feb. 11

Details: March 16, 2024; By Staff Writers

MALVERN, Pa.--Saunders Dixon, 96 of Malvern, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 11.

Saunders Dixon (Photo by Babby Hunt Davis)
He was at home comfortably surrounded by his three dogs and wife of 32 years, Sallie.

Born March 5th,1928, he will be missed by many; his family, friends, and the Thorncroft community as welll as the Thorncroft Farm he started and nurtured for over 50 years.

A Quaker, pacifist, father, husband, teacher, and always true to his ‘north star’, his moral compass never wavered.

In his office he welcomed parents, riders and visiting friends who could be found in conversation about absolutely anything; sharing spirited opinions or sitting in silence.

His larger-than-life self was a presence in the barn where his knowledge of horses and horsemanship were respected and welcomed.

Watching him in the arena or quietly walking around his Farm with a rider, you would feel his presence.

Rodrigo Pessoa Honored with International Award, Pancho Lopez and Cedric inducted at Induction Gala in Wellington

Details: March 9, 2024; By Staff Writers

Wellington, Fla.--Francisco “Pancho” Lopez, longtime barn manager for Katie Monahan Prudent and then Elise Haas, and Cedric, Laura Kraut’s gold medal Olympic mount, were inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame during the Hall of Fame’s Induction Gala in Wellington on March 3.

Rodrio Pessoa accepts the International Award KindMedia Rodrigo Pessoa accepts the International Award from Peter Doubleday (Photo by KindMedia)The Hall of Fame also honored Olympic, World and World Cup champion Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil as recipient of the Hall’s International Award.

“This was the third year we have hosted our annual induction ceremony as part of a sit-down dinner in Wellington and it was our biggest and best yet,” said Show Jumping Hall of Fame chairman Peter Doubleday. “We sold out in advance and, unfortunately, had to turn away several people who wanted to be there. Our sport’s history was on display with 15 Hall of Famers and many more of our sport’s legends in attendance. Once again it was an incredible night, one that we will continue to build on each year.”

Prior to the formal induction of Lopez and Cedric, the Hall of Fame presented its International Award for just the second time, with the award going to Rodrigo Pessoa, one of the most successful riders in show jumping history.

Pessoa won the individual Gold Medal at the World Equestrian Games in 1998 and at the Olympic Games in 2004.

He is also the only rider ever to win the FEI World Cup Finals three consecutive years, winning the championship in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

The U.S. team for the Ocala League of Nations Nations Cup includes Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale and McLain Ward

Details: March 6, 2024; By Staff Writers

OCALA, Fla.--A heavyweight team of Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale and McLain Ward will compete against 10 teams that include the top riders in the world in the second leg Nations Cup of the League of Nations series.

Aaron Vale on Carissimo 25 Aaron Vale, who finished sixth individually in Abu Dhabi, on Carissimo 25 (Photo by Liz Gregg)
The U.S. has 55 points for finishing sixth in Abu Dhabi with an inexperience team.

Robert Ridland will lead the team as chef d'equipe,

A glittering cast of riders, including eight of the top 10 and 15 of the top 20 riders in the latest world rankings, will compete in in Ocala on March 23 in inaugural League of Nations series

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games looming ever larger on the horizon, this leg looks set to be a serious test of horse-and-rider combinations vying for selection.

And the quality of the field which is filled with Olympic, World and Regional champions, promises a spectacular day of sport.

The top-10 ranked countries in the world are competing in this brand new four-leg series which will culminate in the League of Nations Final in Barcelona, Spain in early October, and Germany took the early lead when getting the maximum 100 points for its victory in Abu Dhabi last month.