The horses were hopping all over the show circuit this weekend. I was at Old Salem in New York for its grand prix (that’s the lead story on the website).
Meanwhile, world number one Kent Farrington did nothing to endanger his standing with a win at Traverse City, Mich., in the first North American League qualifier for the 2026 Longines FEI World Cup finals in 2026.
Kent was aboard Greya, his winning mount from last year, for the victory with a 39.45-second clocking in the seven-horse jump-off. Right behind in 41 seconds flat was Spencer Smith on Keeneland, while an all-American top three finished off with Jacob Pope on Highway FBH (41.11).
“Greya continues to improve and evolve as a show jumper, so I’m really proud of her today,” said Kent of his 11-year-old Oldenburg mare. Today, you’re seeing a more mature horse than I had last year, even though she was already winning. I didn’t think today would be the fastest jump-off in the world, but still big jumps and difficult enough to go clear.
“She has a better understanding of the sport,” continued Kent.
“I know her better now; how to give her enough time before she goes in the ring, what jumps I need to show her, where I can take more risks, where I need to play it a little more safely. You only learn these things by doing the sport, and I think ultimately that’s what our sport is about—a rapport with your horse and getting to know your horse.”
Sunday’s win marks Farrington and Greya’s second five-star grand prix win at Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) in as many months.
“I think the level of sport in North America is really good,” Kent said.
“We’ve got great facilities like here in Traverse City, which helps us do the sport better because we have good conditions, great course builders, good jumps and great competitors too. We get a nice crowd that’s been very supportive of me, so I love coming back here.”
Click here for Traverse City results.
In Pennsylvania, Lizzy Traband won her second grand prix of the summer with the 16-year-old veteran Eddie Blue by taking the featured $25,000 feature at the Devon Fall Classic. Read more about her here.
She was thrilled to be in the spotlight at the iconic venue.
“I don’t think you can explain it,” she said about what the achievement meant to her.
“Devon is a place you just dream about as a kid. It’s the place where you watch your first class. You really get the bug here, so it’s pretty full circle.”
Eddie’s former rider, Devin Ryan, was third in the class on Mondorado, behind Collin Reynolds on Ideal HX.
Click here for Devon results