by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 24, 2025
Paraphrasing a saying from the Eighteenth Century that referred to the dominant racehorse, Eclipse, you could sum up the results from day one of the Defender Kentucky 5-star three-day event by saying, “Michael Jung first, the rest nowhere.”
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH (Amy Dragoo photo)
The Olympic gold medalist and four-time Kentucky winner offered judges at the Kentucky Horse Park a superlative dressage test, with fischerChipmunk FRH moving as effortlessly as if he were controlled by telepathy, rather than anything Michi did from the saddle.
The judges paid tribute to the German rider’s excellence, scoring him with a mere18.6 penalties, nearly 10 penalties less than Tim Price (Jarillo) and Clarke Johnstone (Menlo Park), the pair of New Zealanders tied for second place on 28.4.
It’s the first time Clarke has been at Kentucky since 2010 when the FEI World Equestrian Games were held there. He described his horse, whom he rode in the world championships and Olympics, as ” just a lovely guy.”
Tim, ranked number two in the world, also is fourth on 29.1 penalties with Happy Boy, and Boyd Martin is the top contender for the home team in fifth place (29.8), riding his Olympic mount, Federman B.
Federman B and Boyd Martin had a test with some wonderful moments. (Photo courtesy Boyd Martin)
While it’s early days yet, with another afternoon of dressage scheduled for Friday (not to mention Saturday’s anything-can-happen cross-country and Sunday’s show jumping) Michi is very much at home in Kentucky, where he has won the 5-star four times. That bodes well for the prospect of having him set a possible new record for the number of victories one rider has scored at the event.
“I’m always quite a bit lucky here, so it’s a good place for me. This is a perfect place for competition,” he said.
“When I went in, I feel he was completely relaxed and calm and with me, and I could start riding forward and have really a test like I wished.”
Of the 17-year-old Chipmunk, Michi noted, “he’s in really great shape,” and thanked his team for keeping the horse that way.
“He’s getting older, but the feeling is, he’s getting stronger and stronger, and better and more muscle. And the body looks like he’s a young boy. A great horse.”
Michi already holds the world record for a 5-star of winning by finishing three phases on his dressage score of 20.1 penalties, which happened at Kentucky in 2022. If he does the same this weekend, that will be another world record score for the globe’s most successful eventer.
But of course it won’t be easy, even for Michi, with resident course designer Derek DiGrazia’s cross-country route posing its usual stern test.
“It’s pretty serious,” observed Boyd, who has two more horses to ride on Friday.
“It’s a good, strong course; challenging and there are a couple of alternative routes that aren’t that time-expensive. It’s going to be an exciting day.”
Tim, who also has three horses, will be riding his most experienced mount, Falco, on Friday.
But he was impressed by Jarillo, a Dutchbred chestnut 9-year-old with four white stockings. (Tim obviously didn’t pay attention to the old rhyme that says, “If you have a horse with four white legs, send him far away.”)
The flashy Jarillo and Tim Price.
Jarillo’s smitten rider definitely won’t be following that advice.
“He’s just so glamorous,” Tim pointed out as he outlined the horse’s other attributes.
“He’s quirky, he’s sexy. Good looking men, you know, they’ve definitely got an edge to them,” he continued, adding the horse is an “out-and-out talent. To bring him over here is a real treat.” Tim did mention that “he’s a little bit of a fiddle to ride,” saying that means “I need to hold his hand everywhere.”
As you may remember, I made New Zealand’s Monica Spencer my pick for best dressed during Wednesday’s horse inspection, citing her black leather pants and cape-like contrasting jacket.
Turns out I wasn’t alone in my choice. She won the official best-dressed award from Dubarry, as Danny Hulse presented her with a pair of boots,
Danny Hulse of Dubarry and Monica Spencer. (Amy Dragoo photo)
click here for 5-star results
In the 4-star that runs concurrently with the 5-star, the very veteran Phillip Dutton is first with Denim. He leads the top 22 entries, all of whom, like him, are from the USA.
Click here for the 4-star results
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 23, 2025
The U.S. Center for SafeSport has fired CEO Ju’Riese Colón in the wake of an investigation by U.S. Sen Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) into the organization’s hiring of an investigator who subsequently was charged with rape.
The CEO, who was let go on Tuesday, assumed her role in 2019 to run the center created to combat sex abuse in Olympic sports. SafeSport became the target of criticism on several fronts, including delays in processing its caseload and what some of the accused called a lack of due process in the way its business was handled.
The tipping point came after former Allentown, Pa., vice squad officer Jason Krasley was hired by SafeSport in 2021, but fired in November 2023 when it was revealed he had been arrested for allegedly stealing money from a drug bust. Two weeks later, Krasley was arrested on charges involving rape, sex trafficking and other crimes. The Center went on to make changes in its hiring process.
The Center was founded eight years ago, when the Olympic movement was faced with abuse issues in several sports The most headlines were generated by the scandal at USA Gymnastics, where team doctor Larry Nassar eventually wound up in prison after being accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of female athletes under the guise of medical treatment.
Steve Silvey, an attorney who represents Athletes for Equity in Sport, commented about the SafeSport leadership change, “It gives little satisfaction to see the titular head of an organization fired as some sort of public sacrifice. Similar to firing a coach for a dysfunctional team’s performance. We have commented for many years that the entire SafeSport organization is an abject failure for all concerned: victims, the sporting community, the NGBs (National Governing Bodies) and the USOPC (U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.)
He added, “SafeSport is lost, it may be too late to fix it and it is probably irretrievable. However, if the organization is genuinely interested in getting on track with the intended mission and finding its way to a proper path, then it is a good start but a complete spring cleaning and total reset is required.
“The Board needs to be reset, and the rest of any dysfunctional existing leadership should follow out the door. Now is both the time and opportunity for a major correction. Otherwise — it just smacks of a coach being sacrificed as strategic posturing and the root problems remain unaddressed. It also does nothing to correct the lives damaged or even destroyed by the root dysfunction. I suppose we’ll see, but we’re not holding our breath either.”
The U.S. Equestrian Federation requires competing members 18 and older to complete SafeSport training on line, along with officials and show managers. USEF has a 24-page document outlining SafeSport policy on its website.
SafeSport board chairperson April Holmes will lead board members in a management committee while they search for a new CEO.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 22, 2025
Stating that “the integrity of our sport is in danger,” U.S. Hunter Jumper Association President Britt McCormick warned during his organization’s online Town Hall Monday that there must be “zero tolerance for people that use illegal medication on horses.”
Britt, who had spoken on the topic during both the USHJA and U.S. Equestrian Federation annual meetings, was responding to a comment during the Town Hall made by Lynn Walsh, former president of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Texas. Her concerns involved the overuse of medications.
The USEF in January passed an addition to the prohibited substances rule that banned from all showgrounds a list of certain injectable substances and those that are potentially deadly. The rule, which went into effect April 1, included formaldehyde and liquid nitrogen, as well as injectable pentobarbital, unless a veterinarian needs it to euthanize a horse. Rectal administration of any substance also is prohibited on the grounds of a licensed show.
Speaking about the medication issue, Britt said, “Those of us as horsemen, we have to stop this. It’s disgusting, there’s no other word for it. I think this is one of those ‘See something, say something’ -type situations. We have to be willing to stand up to our fellow competitors and say ‘Enough is enough.’
“It doesn’t matter who you are. It can be at the lowest level, it can be at the highest level. The integrity of our sport is in danger. The ability of us to compete these animals is in danger,” he pointed out.
With Social License to Operate focusing on the horse industry, the sport is under ever-increasing public scrutiny, elevated by the pervasive presence of social media.
“If we allow even one bad actor out there to use prohibited substances, we could all be in danger of losing our livelihood, losing our industry, losing our sport,” Britt emphasized.
“It’s more than just the USEF coming down on somebody and imposing a lifetime sentence. It’s more than a multiple of thousands of dollars in fines. It starts with us.”
He maintained, “Peer pressure is going to work,” suggesting that those who see something wrong should call out the perpetrator.
“The rest of us are going to back you up,” emphasized Britt, a Texas-based trainer who is also a judge.
“I for one am not going to tolerate it. As the head of this organization, I’m going to be the first one to stand up and say, `If you get caught using some of these substances, you should be banned from our sport forever, we don’t want you in it.”
He added, “until all of us are serious about it, it’s never going to get better, and it’s never going to stop. We can have all the discussion about judging and everything else. Until we take care of this root evil that’s invading our sport, the rest of this doesn’t matter.
“I think we as horse people, horse lovers, enthusiasts, sports people…we all want fairness, we all want a level playing field. We have to have zero tolerance when it comes to these medications. Going forward, again; ‘see somethings say something’ is the only way. That goes for the vets, it goes for the pharmacists, it goes for everybody.
“A trainer has to get a medication from a vet, who has to make the prescription and a pharmacy has to fill it. There’s a lot of hands touching this stuff. Until we get serious about it. It’s never going to end.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 22, 2025
Noted breeder Dr. Timothy Holekamp, a former president of the American Trakehner Association, died on Sunday.
He was a founder of the Young Event Horse Program and co-chaired the Young Event Horse Committee.
The physician and his wife, Cheryl, were the owners of Windfall II, who started his career with Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and went on to earn teem bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics with the USA’s Darren Chiacchia aboard. Windfall became a popular sire. His son, Tsetserleg TSF, was ridden to many successes by U.S. team member Boyd Martin.
Remembering Dr. Holekamp, Boyd said on social media, “He was always my go to man whenever I was trying to get an understanding of a pedigree and was a wealth of knowledge that really inspired a lot of American enthusiasts to breed Trakehner horses.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 21, 2025
Olympic dressage and World Championships team medalist Steffen Peters is offering a two-day clinic June 7 and 8 at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone, N.J.
Auditors can enjoy the rare opportunity to learn from the former World Cup champion for a fee of $60 per day. One of the USA’s most decorated competitors and a mainstay of its team for nearly three decades, Steffen is known for his supportive teaching style as he offers instruction on the ways for horse and rider to improve their performance.
Steffen Peters at the FEI Dressage World Cup Finals in 2023. (Photo © 2023 by Nancy Jaffer)
Lidiya Frumova, who is organizing the sessions, noted that Steffen does only a few audited clinics annually. So the amateur trainer noted proudly how happy she is that he agreed to come from the other side of the country for the occasion.
There is a waiting list for participants, who are eager to ride in front of Steffen. However, as Lidiya noted, just being able to audit the clinic with the California-based rider is a valuable learning opportunity. Steffen will work for an hour with each rider, who range from First Level to Grand Prix.
Vendors will be on site with wares including boots, saddles and apparel.
To register, contact Lidiya at frumoval@gmail.com
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 23, 2025
Although the weather forecast for the next few days in Lexington, Ky., isn’t the best, the sun shone bright (as the song goes) on the Kentucky Horse Park for the Defender 5-star eventing horse inspection Wednesday.
Boyd Martin had three horses he showed to the judges, but perhaps his best shot at victory is with his Olympic mount, Federman B. (His others are Luke 140 and Commando 3).
You have to figure, though, that the combo to beat will be Germany’s Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. As past winners, they are hard to bet against, and Michi’s record in the sport is unsurpassed.
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH.
Sadly, Jennie Brannigan’s ride, Twilight’s Last Gleam, was not accepted after being re-presented following a stint in the holding box. That was the only entry to be rejected.
Jennie was gracious about her 15-year-old mount’s fate, noting owners “Tim and Nina Gardner and myself love this horse and he owes us absolutely nothing.”
No worries, though; we’ll still see Jennie in competition. She will be able to compete on FE Lifestyle in the field that has been narrowed to 34 starters.
Jennie Brannigan and the beautifully turned-out Twilight’s Last Gleam sadly got a “no” from the judges.
The most eye-catching horse is Fluorescent Adolescent with a coat of splashy spots. He’s ridden by the only Canadian competitor, Jessica Phoenix.
Jessica Phoenix and the Flourescent Adolescent.
The 5-star trot-up is always a fashion show, and my choice as the best-dressed is New Zealand’s Monica Spencer, who will be riding Artist. She wore black leather pants and a cape-like checked top in a shade of oatmeal, both stylish and classy.
Monica Spencer and Artist.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 19, 2025
Olympic eventer Liz Halliday, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a cross-country fall last August, has reached out to her many friends and fans who have been following her recovery. Here is what she said on social media Saturday:
My voice is getting stronger all the time, and until I can talk to you all in a video, I’m writing to you with help from my family and friends. In a normal week, I would be busy making final preparations with my horses to compete in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. But as you know, my new normal is now focused on my recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
No two recoveries from a TBI look the same, and I feel grateful for the progress I’ve made so far and know I will continue to make. After spending six months at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, I have now moved to Dallas to continue my therapy at the Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS). Every day is filled with speech, occupational, and physical therapy with a focus to getting me back to doing what I love.
I’m so grateful for all of the messages of love and support I continue to receive. Above all, I am grateful to my family and friends for their continued support, and that my dogs, Archie and Ella, were able to move to Dallas with me and are staying with friends nearby. I am living in my own apartment now at CNS with the support of a dedicated care team, and every day my life feels a bit more back to normal.
To my fellow competitors who are gearing up to compete at Kentucky, I wish you all the best for a safe and successful competition. My heart will be with you all this week! Hug your horses and your people tight, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 18, 2025
I’ve attended 25 World Cup Finals since the first one held in the U.S. in 1980. Aside from a few special touches, most were like your average fancy European horse show, such as those staged when Volvo was the Cup sponsor in its home city of Gothenburg, Sweden. On the fun side, those finals were known for their fantastic flower arrangements that made it difficult to see some of the jumps. And then there was the indoor lake on the course at Dortmund, Germany, in 1990.
But the game changers that redefined the Cup competition were the glitzy finals complete with fireworks in Las Vegas. That wildly popular series debuted in 2000 and ran in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2015. Covid sadly cancelled the 2020 edition. It seems unlikely that Vegas, which put the dressage and show jumping Cups together for the first time, will be held again in the near future.
But now we can look forward to another innovative Longines FEI World Cup Finals, scheduled for April 8-12, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Derek Braun, whose Split Rock Jumping Tour is putting on the finals, promises iconic longhorn cattle will be part of the scene. Indeed, longhorns are driven through the stockyard in an exhibition twice daily. You can’t miss it. So polish up those cowboy boots and grab yourself a 10-gallon hat to fit right in.
A twice-daily cattle drive is a feature in Fort Worth. (Photo courtesy Dickies Arena)
“We’re going heavy with the Texas vibe, very western, very cowboy, very cow country-oriented. Which is what Fort Worth has to offer. I think it’s going to be a fun, cool, new exciting fresh take on it,” advised Derek, who noted accessibility of the massive Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport means the Cup destination is only one flight away from almost anywhere in the world.
With the 2024 Cup in Basel, Switzerland now behind us this month, it’s time to start making plans for next year’s dressage and show jumping finals. Fans already are buying tickets for the Fort Worth competition, to be held in the state-of-the-art Dickies Arena, adjacent to the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Dickies Arena will host the 2026 Longines FEI World Cup Finals (Photo courtesy Dickies Arena)
Derek was in Basel to accept the hand-off of the Cup finals flag and look at the “inner workings” of the Swiss version of the Cup. There are quite a few differences between the 2025 and 2026 host sites and their offerings.
“Our schedule is a lot lighter than theirs was, they had another 3 star (show jumping) and vaulting. Their days were extremely long,” Derek observed.
Derek Braun accepts the Longines FEI World Cup flag in a hand-off at the end of the Basel show. .(FEI Photo)
“Our days are focused toward just the World Cup sessions. Footing is a major priority for me, we’ve already mixed our footing six months ago. Riders want to make sure the details are absolutely perfect for them.”
While Basel used tents for stabling and warm-up, everything at Fort Worth is permanent.
The interior of Dickies Arena. (Photo courtesy of Dickies Arena)
As Derek pointed out, “there are not many comparable arenas worldwide to Dickies, there’s not a bad seat in the house.” There will be 9,500 of them for the Cup finals. VIP space is limited, so early purchase of tickets is urged. They are available separately for the dressage sessions, jumping sessions and all sessions. Tickets are available at https://www.fortworth2026.com/tickets. VIP reservations can be made at VIP Reservations.
Although Derek’s management resume does not include a dressage show, he’s educated on the details required. But he emphasized that discipline will be guided by Thomas Baur, the German who runs the Adequan Global Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla.
Speaking about Dickies, Thomas said, “I think it’s probably the best venue for a World Cup I’ve seen in this country. There is enough space; for the horses, it will be easily accessible. The plan is to have a vendor and action area between the main ring and the last warm-up ring, so I think that will be great for the spectators. I was there in December and there are a lot of nice restaurants and hotels close by.”
In Fort Worth, he notes, there are “a lot of things to do for people who want to come to the World Cup. It’s absolutely fun.”
Derek is hoping qualifying participation will go “through the roof.” He called the new venue, “A little bit of an ode to the old Las Vegas World Cup finals days, when people got really excited to go to Las Vegas for everything they have to offer. Fort Worth is just as exciting of a town as Vegas, in different ways.
“There’s going to be a lot of activities, the whole town is really going to embrace it and people are going to be able to make a four- or five-day vacation out of this championship.”
Derek explained “the city is a major partner of ours for the final. The entire city is going to be laying out the red carpet. Everyone will be connected city-wide for this final, the restaurants and businesses.”
Two clinics, one each on jumping and dressage, will be presented by professionals from the top 10 lists in their disciplines, who are yet to be selected.
It’s not all clear sailing, however.
“In the state of Texas, we are battling a little bit against the FIFA World Cup (soccer) finals and differentiating between the two,” Derek mentioned.
The 2026 FIFA matches will be held in Dallas Stadium during June and July; thus there is potential for public confusion, even though the Longines FEI World Cup is two months earlier.
“We don’t have major (show jumping and dressage) events in Texas, we were the first ever FEI event in the state four years ago,” Derek said.
So Cup organizers are launching “a year-long strategy on promotion and education of what this is. When people see an ad or image,” he observed, “they understand what it is and the magnitude behind it. FEI and USEF are helping make a big push to advertise the World Cup League.”
The crowded equestrian calendar has another major competition in 2026, when world championships in dressage and jumping (as well as several other disciplines) are being held during August in Aachen, Germany.
“I’m hoping it doesn’t affect us negatively; it’s something I’ve thought about,” Derek said.
“Texas is such a new and incredible draw that I think we’ll stand on our own. It’s far enough away from the world championships that it will be a good stepping stone for them (championship contenders) and their horses.”
In terms of both participants and spectators, Derek believes going west is a draw, especially for people from other parts of the world.
“I think people are really intrigued by the culture. They really want to experience it; they know it’s going to be new, cool and different. Any time there’s a scenario like that, it always intrigues riders from everywhere. We’re going to make sure we let every rider experience the true Texas culture.”
At the same time, he added, “I think participation for people competing from North America will be through the roof.”
For more information about the finals, go to https://www.fortworth2026.com/.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 16, 2025
The heart of Beval Saddlery was Lois Walter, a much-admired woman who died Tuesday from cancer at the age of 91.
She had been married to Bev Walter, who founded the business in 1955 in Bernardsville, N.J. After Lois and Bev divorced, he died in 1993. Lois went on to run Beval’s, which was synonymous with quality in English tack, working with her son, Mark, and her husband, Tom Spinks.
Lois Walter. (Photo courtesy Lori Jonas Seppi)
In addition to the stores in Gladstone, N.J., New York State and Connecticut, at its peak, Beval’s also had a mobile unit and shops on the HITS showgrounds in Saugerties, N.Y., as well as at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla. The company was sold and now operates out of Cross River, N.Y.
Lois retired at the age of 80 and moved to Arizona with Tom. A master gardener, she also kept busy doing artwork and enjoying nature on her walks. The couple relocated to Utah two years ago.
Writing on social media, former Beval employee Jennifer Gomez Hoffman said Lois had been “an incredible mentor,” noticing she had hired her at Bevals when she was just 16.
“I worked for her for 14 years until I started my family. Her knowledge of the saddlery business was incredible…. I was a sponge and she saw that and shared all of her wealth of information with me. She was kind, strong and humble…always preferring to be behind the scenes. She was pure class and grace.”
In addition to her husband and son, Lois is survived by her daughter, Lori Jonas Seppi, who worked as a sales rep for Beval; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are pending for a celebration of life, but her daughter said Lois wanted her ashes spread at the Jersey Shore, one of her favorite spots.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 6, 2025
Sabine Schut-Kery, who clinched a silver medal for the U.S. dressage team at the Tokyo Olympics, will be offering a clinic May 9-11 to benefit Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania as it prepares to mark its fiftieth anniversary. And at Dressage at Devon itself on Sept. 25, Germany’s Ingrid Klimke will give a masterclass. Ingrid, daughter of the legendary Olympic dressage multi gold medalist Reiner Klimke, is both a gold medal eventer and top dressage rider.
Equestrians who wish to get started on the road to more education next month with Sabine must submit an application for the clinic at Dunmovin Farm in Pennsylvania by April 15. Auditors are also welcome.
Sabine, who gave a Masterclass at Dressage at Devon in 2022, is known for her understanding of classical dressage principles combined with modern training techniques. From developing young horses to competing on the world stage, her expertise spans all levels of the sport. Her horsemanship, keen eye for detail and inspirational teaching style make her a sought-after clinician worldwide.
Sabine Schut-Kery and her Olympic mount Sanceo. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Dressage at Devon holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “I look forward to sharing my foundational principles with riders and spectators in May while working with a diverse range of horse-and-rider combinations.”
Aspiring amateurs, seasoned professionals and fans are all welcome at the clinic. Sabine’s commentary and ability to break down complex concepts will provide a deeper understanding of biomechanics, harmony and precision in training, whether those who come to Dunmovin are riding or watching.
Ann Moss, president of Dressage at Devon, emphasized the significance of this event.
“Sabine has long been a beloved favorite at Dressage at Devon, captivating audiences with her performances even before her Olympic success. After hosting our inaugural Masterclass in 2022, we are thrilled to welcome her back this spring. This clinic not only upholds our commitment to education but also supports our iconic fall show.”
Riders and horse owners will have a chance to interact directly with Sabine at a private dinner hosted by Christina Morin-Graham at Oak Springs Farm in Malvern, Pa. Proceeds from this clinic will directly support Dressage at Devon’s continued success and impact within the equestrian community.
For more details on Sabine’s clinic, visit dunmovin.net/clinic. For clinic information, contact Doreen Garland at (610) 416-3839 or Dunmovinenterprisesllc@gmail.com. For more information on the Ingrid Klimke masterclass, click on this link.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary September 23-28, 2025, at the Devon Horse Show Grounds in Devon, Pennsylvania, Dressage at Devon (DaD) has been a prestigious tradition since 1975. It attracts top competitors, trainers and judges from across North America and beyond, making it one of the most respected international dressage competitions.
Dressage at Devon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission centered on education and excellence in the sport of dressage.For corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Engel at 908-310-6248.
