Nancy Jaffer
EQUESTRIAN SPORTS
NEWS AND FEATURES
FROM NEW JERSEY AND BEYOND
On The Rail
Concerned about tendon injuries? Get some answers from Cornell
Understanding your horse's tendon injuries and making decisions about their care and long-term soundness prospects will be covered in a free Cornell University Equine Series webinar March 17 at 6 p.m. Eastern time. Dr. Shannon Connard will explain why these injuries...
A champion has a foal
TSF Dalera BB delivered Olympic, World Equestrian Games and European Championships dressage gold medals, as well as two World Cup titles under the guidance of Germany's Jessica von Bredow Werndl. Now she has delivered something else this week, a filly named Dolce Vita...
Endo the Blind has left us
Endo the Blind, an amazing sightless Appaloosa, has died at 26 after dealing with edema and other issues. He had his eyes removed years ago after being diagnosed with recurrent uveitis, glaucoma and cataracts, but that never stopped him or his owner, Morgan Wagner....
Want to be on a team? There’s an opportunity at the Essex Horse Trials
It's another first for the Essex Horse Trials. The U.S. Eventing Association's Adult Team Challenge will be offered during the May 31 competition at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, N.J. The finals of the Adams Horse Supply Adult Team Championships, from Starter through...
Not a surprise: U.S. autumn 5-star event won’t run in 2026
The fate of the Maryland 5-Star event really wasn't in doubt since word surfaced late last year that financial issues were affecting the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, which presented it. But on Tuesday, the U.S. Equestrian Federation made it...
A special night at the Show Jumping Hall of Fame
An emotional evening filled with smiles, tears and riveting stories made precious memories at the Show Jumping Hall of Fame's annual induction gala. The gathering Sunday at the Wellington National Golf Club was sold out, an indication of its importance to the sport...
Sponsored Content
Texas/Colorado Polo Dynasty – Jornayvaz Family to Sell Prestigious Legacy Asset in Landmark Transaction.
WELLINGTON, FL
Iconic Valiente Polo Farm, regarded globally as the most renowned and accomplished polo facility of the modern era, is being offered for sale for the first time in its extraordinary history.
Set across approximately 150 acres of pristine, private, and immaculately manicured land in Wellington, Florida, Valiente Farm is considered the most revered address within the global polo community – a place whose legacy transcends ownership and whose impact on the sport is unmatched. Four championship fields, barns, accommodations and infrastructure like no other.
“Valiente Farm is hallowed ground, and no matter its future owner or its future use, it will always be hallowed ground in the world of Polo.” – Icon Global Founder, Bernard Uechtritz.
Conceived through the passion, vision, and lifelong commitment of Robert (Bob) Jornayvaz, Valiente Farm represents a singular achievement in equestrian sport, design, and operational excellence. Jornayvaz assembled world-class architects, designers, horsemen, and management teams to build not only the iconic Valiente complex, barns, entertainment and hospitality infrastructure and its championship fields, but an entire ecosystem that redefined what was possible in polo
.
Valiente fields became the foundation for unprecedented global, competitive team success, while simultaneously serving as a platform for generations of aspiring professionals and amateur players. Through collaboration with the legendary G.O.A.T, Adolfo Cambiaso, and his La Dolfina bloodlines, together with the Jornayvaz family’s J5 Equestrian breeding operation, managed for decades by Roberto Zedda, Valiente evolved into the most successful and comprehensive polo enterprise in the sport’s history. Winning teams with winning horses that literally changed the game, while conquering the most coveted tournaments, winning polo championships the world over, including multiple US OPEN titles.
From its earliest days – when the land was still an orange grove – Valiente Farm was envisioned as more than a polo facility. Jornayvaz designed the property with future flexibility in mind: engineering an intricate yet simple sports complex capable of evolving acrossdecades, disciplines, use and development opportunities.
At the vortex of the world’s most prestigious and expensively built equestrian estates and competition venues within the Golden Triangle of Wellington, Valiente Farm offers unparalleled value and versatility of use. The property can host multiple concurrent events and lends itself to a wide range of uses, including polo, show jumping, dressage, reining, cutting, or conversion into a private multi-estate enclave or venue of any kind. Such adaptability was always central to its design.
Comparable opportunities are nonexistent. The most recent sale of similar size and use of significance includes the 2022 National Polo Center and Isla Carol transactions, which together, traded for approximately $150M. The site of the Winter Equestrian Festival showgrounds is also comparable in size.
Valiente Farm, on every level – privacy, tranquility, flexibility, and ambience stands apart. Truly One of One. A rare opportunity for new stewards to continue their own vision and build upon one of the greatest dreams ever realized in sport.
About Valiente
As of February 2026, Valiente remains one of the most successful organizations in high-goal polo, most recently securing the 2024 C.V. Whitney Cup title, the sixth title for Valiente, retained back-to-back. Historically, the team is most noted for its dominance in the Gauntlet of Polo and the U.S. Open Polo Championship having won the latter in 2015 and 2017, while finalists in 2024, they lost, narrowly, to La Dolfina 10-7. Valiente is a 5-time winner of the USPA Gold Cup, 2-time winner of the World Polo League All-Star Challenge (2019 and 2020) and swept all three major 26-goal tournaments of the Triple Crown of Polo (US), in one season.
About Icon Global
Icon Global designs and implements strategic, tactical, national and global marketing campaigns for Iconic real estate, and additionally provides specialty advisory and portfolio services for owners of unique assets across the USA, parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Icon represents banking and governmental institutions, and high net worth individuals’, as well as corporations and family offices globally, in the acquisition, management and disposition of property in all asset classes. Icon Global was founded by complex deal maker and International real estate advisor, Bernard Uechtritz.
Sponsored Content
Sponsored Content
Judging Hunters and Eq
What was the judge thinking?
Did you ever wonder about that after a good trip in the hunters or equitation, only to leave disappointed when the class was pinned?
While it’s not a mystery, there’s no simple answer to the question about how placings are decided. Judging takes a host of factors into consideration. The complexity involves far more layers than many might realize, whether they are a rider, trainer, horse owner, parent or even a spectator wondering what’s going on.
The process is demystified in “Judging Hunters and Equitation,” a beautifully put-together book so authoritative it often is used as a text at colleges offering equine studies programs.
Now in the second edition, it should be required reading for anyone who hopes to show successfully. The mystery can be replaced with insight for those willing to make an in-depth exploration of what the judges look for when evaluating competitors and their horses.
Written by U.S. Equestrian Federation judges Julie Winkel and Tricia Booker, the volume offers information on far more than the judging criteria, though that is explained in great detail.
It starts with the basics, building the foundation for performance.
The look of the ideal show horse and its attributes are described as a useful guide to choosing a mount. From the pony, junior and amateur ranks to side-saddle and the professional sections, the authors detail advice not only about the traits it takes to succeed, but also how to choose the appropriate level of competition for horse and rider.
Tack, equipment and turnout necessary for show readiness all get their due, along with a discussion of strategy, which is as important as a good bascule or a braided mane. Then there’s a list of judges’ pet peeves — dirty boots and too-short hunt coats among them — as well how to become a judge, if a reader is interested in exploring that option.
There are plenty of details about judges’ perspectives and the way they mark their cards during a class. Although the live-stream era means people can see top competitions on their phones, Tricia pointed out they do not watch a class from the same vantagepoint as a judge. So the casual observer’s conclusion can differ from that of the official being paid to sort the entries.
She explained, “a score on any given day is not a standard score; it’s in comparison to the rest of the class. Your amazing and awesome trip could be a 90 one day at one show, and an 85 on another day at another show, because you’re coming into the ring and competing against different horses over another course on another day. It’s really not about the scores, it’s about where you place in the class.”
You may not have known that, or hundreds of other things you can learn from this book. Readers will better understand judges after gleaning information cover to cover. But there’s more to making decisions than that for hard-working officials.
As Julie noted, “Judging requires good judgment and a strong opinion that you aren’t afraid of sharing.”
The book may be ordered via its website, judgingwtf.com; on Amazon.com or wholesale through triciabooker@mac.com
Sponsored Content
Not a surprise: U.S. autumn 5-star event won’t run in 2026
The fate of the Maryland 5-Star event really wasn't in doubt since word surfaced late last year that financial issues were affecting the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, which presented it. But on Tuesday, the U.S. Equestrian Federation made it...
A special night at the Show Jumping Hall of Fame
An emotional evening filled with smiles, tears and riveting stories made precious memories at the Show Jumping Hall of Fame's annual induction gala. The gathering Sunday at the Wellington National Golf Club was sold out, an indication of its importance to the sport...
On The Rail
Concerned about tendon injuries? Get some answers from Cornell
Understanding your horse's tendon injuries and making decisions about their care and long-term soundness prospects will be covered in a free Cornell University Equine Series webinar March 17 at 6 p.m. Eastern time. Dr. Shannon Connard will explain why these injuries...
A champion has a foal
TSF Dalera BB delivered Olympic, World Equestrian Games and European Championships dressage gold medals, as well as two World Cup titles under the guidance of Germany's Jessica von Bredow Werndl. Now she has delivered something else this week, a filly named Dolce Vita...
Endo the Blind has left us
Endo the Blind, an amazing sightless Appaloosa, has died at 26 after dealing with edema and other issues. He had his eyes removed years ago after being diagnosed with recurrent uveitis, glaucoma and cataracts, but that never stopped him or his owner, Morgan Wagner....
Want to be on a team? There’s an opportunity at the Essex Horse Trials
It's another first for the Essex Horse Trials. The U.S. Eventing Association's Adult Team Challenge will be offered during the May 31 competition at Moorland Farm in Far Hills, N.J. The finals of the Adams Horse Supply Adult Team Championships, from Starter through...
Sponsored Content
Texas/Colorado Polo Dynasty – Jornayvaz Family to Sell Prestigious Legacy Asset in Landmark Transaction.
WELLINGTON, FL
Iconic Valiente Polo Farm, regarded globally as the most renowned and accomplished polo facility of the modern era, is being offered for sale for the first time in its extraordinary history.
Set across approximately 150 acres of pristine, private, and immaculately manicured land in Wellington, Florida, Valiente Farm is considered the most revered address within the global polo community – a place whose legacy transcends ownership and whose impact on the sport is unmatched. Four championship fields, barns, accommodations and infrastructure like no other.
“Valiente Farm is hallowed ground, and no matter its future owner or its future use, it will always be hallowed ground in the world of Polo.” – Icon Global Founder, Bernard Uechtritz.
Conceived through the passion, vision, and lifelong commitment of Robert (Bob) Jornayvaz, Valiente Farm represents a singular achievement in equestrian sport, design, and operational excellence. Jornayvaz assembled world-class architects, designers, horsemen, and management teams to build not only the iconic Valiente complex, barns, entertainment and hospitality infrastructure and its championship fields, but an entire ecosystem that redefined what was possible in polo
.
Valiente fields became the foundation for unprecedented global, competitive team success, while simultaneously serving as a platform for generations of aspiring professionals and amateur players. Through collaboration with the legendary G.O.A.T, Adolfo Cambiaso, and his La Dolfina bloodlines, together with the Jornayvaz family’s J5 Equestrian breeding operation, managed for decades by Roberto Zedda, Valiente evolved into the most successful and comprehensive polo enterprise in the sport’s history. Winning teams with winning horses that literally changed the game, while conquering the most coveted tournaments, winning polo championships the world over, including multiple US OPEN titles.
From its earliest days – when the land was still an orange grove – Valiente Farm was envisioned as more than a polo facility. Jornayvaz designed the property with future flexibility in mind: engineering an intricate yet simple sports complex capable of evolving acrossdecades, disciplines, use and development opportunities.
At the vortex of the world’s most prestigious and expensively built equestrian estates and competition venues within the Golden Triangle of Wellington, Valiente Farm offers unparalleled value and versatility of use. The property can host multiple concurrent events and lends itself to a wide range of uses, including polo, show jumping, dressage, reining, cutting, or conversion into a private multi-estate enclave or venue of any kind. Such adaptability was always central to its design.
Comparable opportunities are nonexistent. The most recent sale of similar size and use of significance includes the 2022 National Polo Center and Isla Carol transactions, which together, traded for approximately $150M. The site of the Winter Equestrian Festival showgrounds is also comparable in size.
Valiente Farm, on every level – privacy, tranquility, flexibility, and ambience stands apart. Truly One of One. A rare opportunity for new stewards to continue their own vision and build upon one of the greatest dreams ever realized in sport.
About Valiente
As of February 2026, Valiente remains one of the most successful organizations in high-goal polo, most recently securing the 2024 C.V. Whitney Cup title, the sixth title for Valiente, retained back-to-back. Historically, the team is most noted for its dominance in the Gauntlet of Polo and the U.S. Open Polo Championship having won the latter in 2015 and 2017, while finalists in 2024, they lost, narrowly, to La Dolfina 10-7. Valiente is a 5-time winner of the USPA Gold Cup, 2-time winner of the World Polo League All-Star Challenge (2019 and 2020) and swept all three major 26-goal tournaments of the Triple Crown of Polo (US), in one season.
About Icon Global
Icon Global designs and implements strategic, tactical, national and global marketing campaigns for Iconic real estate, and additionally provides specialty advisory and portfolio services for owners of unique assets across the USA, parts of Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Icon represents banking and governmental institutions, and high net worth individuals’, as well as corporations and family offices globally, in the acquisition, management and disposition of property in all asset classes. Icon Global was founded by complex deal maker and International real estate advisor, Bernard Uechtritz.
Sponsored Content
Sponsored Content
Judging Hunters and Eq
What was the judge thinking?
Did you ever wonder about that after a good trip in the hunters or equitation, only to leave disappointed when the class was pinned?
While it’s not a mystery, there’s no simple answer to the question about how placings are decided. Judging takes a host of factors into consideration. The complexity involves far more layers than many might realize, whether they are a rider, trainer, horse owner, parent or even a spectator wondering what’s going on.
The process is demystified in “Judging Hunters and Equitation,” a beautifully put-together book so authoritative it often is used as a text at colleges offering equine studies programs.
Now in the second edition, it should be required reading for anyone who hopes to show successfully. The mystery can be replaced with insight for those willing to make an in-depth exploration of what the judges look for when evaluating competitors and their horses.
Written by U.S. Equestrian Federation judges Julie Winkel and Tricia Booker, the volume offers information on far more than the judging criteria, though that is explained in great detail.
It starts with the basics, building the foundation for performance.
The look of the ideal show horse and its attributes are described as a useful guide to choosing a mount. From the pony, junior and amateur ranks to side-saddle and the professional sections, the authors detail advice not only about the traits it takes to succeed, but also how to choose the appropriate level of competition for horse and rider.
Tack, equipment and turnout necessary for show readiness all get their due, along with a discussion of strategy, which is as important as a good bascule or a braided mane. Then there’s a list of judges’ pet peeves — dirty boots and too-short hunt coats among them — as well how to become a judge, if a reader is interested in exploring that option.
There are plenty of details about judges’ perspectives and the way they mark their cards during a class. Although the live-stream era means people can see top competitions on their phones, Tricia pointed out they do not watch a class from the same vantagepoint as a judge. So the casual observer’s conclusion can differ from that of the official being paid to sort the entries.
She explained, “a score on any given day is not a standard score; it’s in comparison to the rest of the class. Your amazing and awesome trip could be a 90 one day at one show, and an 85 on another day at another show, because you’re coming into the ring and competing against different horses over another course on another day. It’s really not about the scores, it’s about where you place in the class.”
You may not have known that, or hundreds of other things you can learn from this book. Readers will better understand judges after gleaning information cover to cover. But there’s more to making decisions than that for hard-working officials.
As Julie noted, “Judging requires good judgment and a strong opinion that you aren’t afraid of sharing.”
The book may be ordered via its website, judgingwtf.com; on Amazon.com or wholesale through triciabooker@mac.com
Sponsored Content
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