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March 18, 2017

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Richie Vogel now World Ranked number one (2)

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September 5, 2026

By Staff Writers

Richard Vogel, a member of Germany’s gold medal team at last month’s FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany, has taken over as world number one in the World Rankings for the first time in his career.

Richie Vogel on United Touch S (Photo by Benjamin Clark)The 29-year-old Vogel, who had been second behind Kent Farrington, had already earned enough points to overhaul Farrington with that team medal on home soil, but he made absolutely sure of it by winning the Brussels 5* Grand Prix with Gangster Montdesir on the final Sunday of August.

Vogel won individual gold and team bronze at last year’s European Championship in A Coruña, Spain. team gold in Aachen, and with the additional points from Brussels, Vogel has now turned around a 147-point deficit in the Rankings a month ago to a 73-point lead over Farrington.

“It still feels very surreal to hear that I am world number one”, Vogel said. “It is a huge achievement and makes me incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve together as a team. As a rider, I am certainly far from being the best in the world, but I believe this title is a pretty good indication that I have the very best team around me.

“BOTH THE people and, of course, the horses by my side have made this possible. There are countless people I am grateful to who have supported the young boy with big dreams and helped me get to where I am today. Every single one of you is part of this achievement.

“A very special thank you goes to the whole VW team, especially to my grooms, Felicia and Gigi. The passion, dedication and care you give our horses every single day is the foundation of everything we achieve.

“And the biggest thank you, of course, goes to our horses," Vogel said. "Having superstars like United, Cloudio and Gangster under my saddle is a true honour, but this achievement belongs just as much to the many other horses who stand slightly in their shadows, as well as those I have had in the past who taught me so much along the way. They are what drive and motivate us every single day.”

Until this week he had spent an uninterrupted 28 months in the Rankings top-10.

He is the sixth German to top the rankings since 2000, following in the footsteps of Christian Ahlmann, Daniel Deusser, Marcus Ehning, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Ludger Beerbaum.

Farrington, who had removed himself from Team USA selection for Aachen well prior to the championship, won his third Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix, making it the 11th 5* Grand Prix win with Greya, one of the horses that earned him the Jumping World Cup Final crown back in April.

But that wasn’t enough to maintain his world number one slot and he has now dropped to second on 3,303 points behind Vogel’s leading tally of 3,376.

Scott Brash, part of the British bronze medal team in Aachen and a three-time former Rankings leader, has moved up a place to third on 3,274, with Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, fresh from his gold medal with Dynamix de Belheme, leaping up from 16th to fourth on 3,074.

Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, previously in third, has dropped to fifth on 3,066 ahead of Ben Maher of Great Britain with 2,866.

Piergiorgio Bucci of Iraly, 2,866), Daniel Deusser of Germany, 2,823) and McLain Ward, 2,734, are next in line, with Nina Mallevaey of France rounding out the top-10 on 2,730 and retaining her world’s best female athlete title while Laura Kraut is112th.

JJ Torano won the National Grand Prix at HITS (2)

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September 7, 2026

By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--JJ Torano on I Am Inge won the $75,000 National Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 6 at HIT Hudson Valley.

JJ Torano on I Am Inge (Photo by ESI Photography)Only four from the starting field of 21 were clean over the course set by Bernardo Costa Cabral of Portugal. 

Stella Wasserman withdrew her mount Tick a Lu from the jump-off, giving her fourth and leaving three remaining contenders for the top prize.

Christian Coyle of Ireland on Ballyoskill Big Bucks, first in the jump-off, had four faults in 40.941 seconds,

Nest to go, Torano on I Am Inge was fast and clean in 39.897 seconds for the lead.

Laura Chapot on Ginola then had 12 faults in 44.340 seconds to place third., and Coyle was second, while it was once again Torano won.

McLain Ward on La Serra, fastest of those with four faults, was fifth in 68.916 and Chapot on C&C Willow was sixth with four faults in 70.054.

“I KNEW Laura was coming behind me, and she’s always quick, so I wanted to put enough pressure on,” said Torano. “I saw Christian go, and he did five strides up the first line. We questioned it for a second, but my dad told me to stick to my plan and just curve the six strides instead of trying to match the five Christian did. So, that’s what I did, and I ended up being able to turn really tight back to the third jump. Everything else came up pretty well, and luckily, it worked out in my favor.”

Torano has been partnered with the 10-year-old Holsteiner mare since the beginning of the 2026 year, and already the pair have some impressive placings together, really heating up over the summer season. 

“I have to thank her owner Ilan Ferder; he really helps me out and gives me a horse to ride almost every year,” said Torano. “I know Inge very well; she’s an incredible horse and I’ve gotten really confident with her. We’re very comfortable with each other, and she’s right with me when we go fast, so a lot of credit goes to her as well

“I have great horses and I’m really grateful for the horses and team behind me,” he said. “Obviously, none of this would be possible without them.”

Kent Farrington on Dolores PS won in Traverse City (2)

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September 8, 2026

By Staff Writers

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.--Kent Farrington on Dolores PS won the $116,050, CSI3* Grand Prix on Sunday, ,Sept. 6 in Traverse City.

Kent Farrington on Dolores PS (Photo by Natalie Suto)Farrington thus was the podium in two different countries within a span of 24 hours.

Late Saturday night, he placed second in the CSI5* Grand Prix in Canada, then made it back to Traverse City Sunday in time for the Grand Prix, which he won on Dolores PS.

“I’m thrilled with this horse,” Farrington said. “She’s very new stepping up to this level; it’s her first three-star Grand Prix. She had her first international show a week ago and she won a class there too, so off to a great start.”

“With young horses I always say there’s hope and hype and I don’t like to hype anything so I have hope for the moment,” Farrington said. “The horse came from a friend of mine, Emanuele Camilli, he told me the horse was great and one I should have on my team. So far so good, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

FARRINGTON was one of seven to go clean over Colm Quinn’s course on Sunday, and he just narrowly missed having two spots in the jump-off, with Orafina finishing eighth on a fast 4 fault.

He went early in the jump-off order, making the rest of the field chase him, and none could catch his fast time of 35.95.

Jacob Pope on Jecibelle, just about a second off the pace, was second and Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen on Mochito V/D/ Mishagen finished third.

When asked what really sets the mare apart at this stage, he said, “I would say her way to fight to win. She’s very green but learning how to go fast. She doesn’t even really know how to look for the next fence, but she’s always game and puts in a big effort and that’s what winners do.”

The travel between two different countries made for a busier weekend than usual, but it’s all part of Farrington’s plan as he develops up-and-coming talent while also campaigning horses at the highest level.

Dividing his time between two shows in one weekend felt crucial for the development of his team in Traverse City and his team in Canada, so he put in the miles.

“I was bringing young horses here and I was in Europe this summer so a few of my young ones got put on the back burner,” he said. “So I’m trying to play catch up at the end of summer and get them enough rounds so I have a strong team for next season.”

Rodrigo Pessoa won at Old Salem (2)

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September 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

NORTH SALEM, N.Y.--Eight-time Olympic veteran Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil on Ziggy Stardust won the $5,000 2* Two Phase on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Old Salem Farm September Horse Shows.

Rodrigo Pessoa on Ziggy Stardust (Photo by ESL Photography)Pessoa was clean in 24.57 seconds to win, and he was also third on Giorgio D’Ellipse, clean in 25.50 seconds over the course set by Alan Wade.

Olympian Luis Fernando Larrazabal of Venezuela on Kannonball was second in 25.32 seconds.

“This horse has not shown in a couple of weeks, and he’s jumping again tomorrow,” Pessoa said. “Today was an opportunity to do a nice, working round. He goes better when he has a little bit of pace, so without looking to do anything crazy, my goal was to let him float around and get ready for tomorrow. I’m grateful we came up with a win.”

Earlier in the day, many of the FEI riders had their first rides in the Old Salem Farm International Arena during the national $3,000 1.30m Open Jumper, won by  Samantha Schaefer on Emely Van De Pluimert Z, clean in 26.406 seconds .

The $2,000 1.20m Open Jumper immediately followed, with McKayla Langmeier on Conmitage winning in 31.572 seconds.

Daniel Coyle won at Spruce Meadows (2)

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September 10, 2026

By Staff Writers

SPRUCE MEADOWS--Daniel Coyle on Calippo 57 won the Cardel Holmes Cup 5*, 1.55m competition on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Spruce Meadows Master.

Daniel Coyle on Calippo 57 (Photo by Mike Sturk)The world’s top show jumping riders entered the International Ring for the first time today as international competition officially got underway at the Masters.

With qualification opportunities for the Grand Prix on the line throughout the week, riders are looking to put themselves in the best possible position early in the tournament.

With many of the world’s top riders competing, FEI course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela had his work cut out for him.

From a starting field of 55, 21 went clean  in the first round of the 1.55m Cup, showcasing the depth and caliber of the field assembled for this year’s ‘Masters’.

A SPRUCE MEADOWS veteran, and having the advantage of going late in the jump-off, Coyle, riding a relatively new mount, Calippo 57, knew exactly what it would take to get the job done.

He finished clean in 40.24 seconds to take two seconds of the then leading time of 42.25 set by Daniel Desusser of Germany on Pepita Van T Meulenhof BR.

McLain Ward on High Star Hero was third in 42.49

“I think, for me specifically, knowing Spruce Meadows is a big help," said Coyle. "Coming here as a first time, second time is challenging for the riders. Things are different here at Spruce Meadows than they are anywhere else as they should be. That's why it's called the ‘Master's’.” 

Earlier in the day, Richard Vogel of Germany on  Chember Z won the 1.50m Telus Cup.

The Telus Cup 1.50m speed class had 62 entries.

World No. 1 Vogel proved exactly why he holds the top spot in the rankings.

He delivered a blisteringly fast clear round, crossing the finish line in just 62.83 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than second place finisher Martin Fuchs of Switzerland on Falcon de Tijlia Z.

Sameh El Dahan of Egypt on WKD Aimez Moi was third, with Aaron Vale on Helios Du Moulin fourth.

Morgan Ward-Knowlton won at the Devon Fall Classic (2)

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September 11, 2026

By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.-Morgan Ward-Knowlton on Qornet VD Bisschop won the $5,000, 1.40m Welcome Jumper Stake on Thursday evening, Sept.10 at the Devon Fall Classic.

Morgan Ward Knowlton on Qornet VD Bisschop (Photo by Phelps Sport)Under a format in which those who had gone clean immediately continued into the jump-off, 30 competed over the course set by Manuel Esparza of Mexico.

Ultimately, it was Morgan Ward-Knowlton on Qornet VD Bisschop, who was clean in the jump-off in 31.072, who was the winner.

Ward-Knowlton also rode GF Diego in Thursday night’s class, the same horse with whom she finished second in last year’s Welcome Stake.

Laura Chapot placed second on C&C Willow, clean in 31.610, and Alex Matz on Omthago VDL, clean in 32.53, was third.

“It feels great! When I saw Laura chasing me again, I was like, ‘Oh no.’ It was amazing,” Ward-Knowlton said of turning the tables this year after finishing second to Chapot in last year’s Welcome Stake.

Ward-Knowlton and Qornet VD Bisschop will return to the Dixon Oval Saturday evening to compete in the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic.

Opening-day competition also featured the $1,000 Junior/Amateur 1.30m Jumper class.

Melissa Strawser on Darwin De Mars was the winner.

“I was using today as a warm-up,” said Strawser, who is recovering from a recent injury and competed Thursday in a borrowed helmet after forgetting her own.

Despite the circumstances, Strawser and Darwin De Mars quickly found their stride in the historic Dixon Oval.

“Darwin felt great,” she said. “He felt energetic, and he loves the Dixon Oval. He was on his game today.”

“It’s always nice to start with a win. It just sets the tone for the weekend, and I’m really excited to continue on Friday and Saturday under the lights at Devon.”

Grace Haley on Concentalla PS placed second, while Niamh Campbell on Mystique, rounded out the top three.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the Cana Cup at Spruce Meadows (2)

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September 11, 2026

By Staff Writers

CALGARY, Canada--Lillie Keenan on Kick On won the 1.55m Cana Cup against a field of top international riders on Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Spruce Meadows Masters.

Lillie Keenan on Kick On (Photo by Mike Sturk)Keenan was clean in 41.03 to win over Sophie Hinners of Germany on Iron Dames My Prins, clean in 43.78, with Ben Maher of Great Britain on Catelly, clean in 47.11, third in a three horse jump-off.

Despite wet weather earlier in the day, the drizzle began to fade as competition got underway in the Cana Cup.

Knowing the strength of the field, FEI Course Designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezueal set a challenging track for the 54 competitors. 

Time was tight from the start, and only three managed to produce clear rounds and advance to the jump off.

With victory — and a coveted spot in Sunday’s ‘International’ Grand Prix— on the line, Keenan was the last of the three to return to the International Ring in the jump off.

THE PRESSURE was on, but Keenan executed her plan with precision.

Keenan delivered a fast, fault-free round, crossing the finish line in 41.03 seconds, over 2 1/2 seconds faster than Hinners, to claim the Cana Cup 1.55m and secure her place in Sunday’s ‘International’.

“What makes our sport so special is it's also an art," said Keenan. "And it's about that unison of the horse and the rider, and you have to do that under time pressure.”

"Kick On was unbelievable," she said. "Yesterday, I didn't ride my best, so there was a lot of pressure today. I went first on Fasther, the horse I'm going to ride Sunday, but he had a rail down."  

Earlier in the day, Conor Swail of Ireland on Casturano won the 1.50m Atco Cup.

For riders hoping to compete in Sunday’s Winning Round, the class before the Grand Prix, the ATCO Cup was an important opportunity, with only the top 30 from the 46 entries earning their place in the field.

Eleven were clean to advance to the jump-off, where rain added another challenge to an already competitive class.

But the wet weather was no trouble for the Irish.

Long-time Spruce Meadows competitor Swail was clean in 41.30 seconds to win over Nayel Nassar of Egypt on Orphea HQ, clean in 41.72m with Jack Whitaker of Great Britain on Skyfall OS third, clean in 41.92.

Spencer Smith on Keeneland was fifth, clean in 43.18.
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