by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 4, 2026
The world’s number one-ranked show jumper, Kent Farrington, has won yet another grand prix — but this time with a new horse.
On Saturday at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, the U.S. star topped a field of 28 with a skillfully executed jump-off on Descartes, a horse he doesn’t know well but is figuring out fast. And fast he was in the six-horse tiebreaker, with a fault-free trip in 43.338 seconds that clinched victory in the $75,000 national grand prix over a 1.50 meter course designed by Oscar Soberon.
Recounting how he and his mount found each other, Kent said, “Francisco Pasquel called me and said he has an unbelievable horse in Mexico for me, and said I had to come and ride it. So, I flew to Mexico to ride the horse and here we are.”
Kent Farrington and Descartes. (Andrew Ryback Photography)
With limited mileage as a pair, Farrington kept his jump-off plan simple.
“He has a giant stride and a great canter, so I just trusted it and did my round,” Kent said.
That trust paid off as the 9-year-old Mexican-bred gelding galloped effortlessly around the short course, stopping the clock clear in 43.338 seconds to take over the top spot. Tracy Fenney was close, but not close enough, on MTM Apple in 43.970.
Descartes previously was ridden by Nikolaj Hein Ruus of Denmark. The horse’s best effort with that rider in 2025 came in April with a third-place finish at 1.35 meters in a Guadalajara 4-star competition.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 26, 2025
Between the celebration of Christmas and new year’s eve champagne toasts, let’s take a few minutes to think about the people and horses who sadly left us over the last 12 months. They deserve our attention in a final salute, recalling their achievements and what they contributed to our world.
At the end of 2025, dressage lost several superstars, horses whose names bring instant recognition.
The U.S. dressage community mourned the death of Laura Graves’ Verdades at age 23 this month. Laura brought Diddy up from an unruly foal to a champion who teamed with her to be the only world number one-ranked combination ever in dressage for this country.
Along the way, the two triumphed over some devastating setbacks, but dedication to correct training set a fine example of what could be achieved with determination and love, as well as the help and advice of strong supporters.
Britain’s dressage duo of Valegro and Uthopia, in the same age demographic as Verdades, departed in November. Under the guidance of Carl Hester, the two horses helped put Britain squarely at the top of the global dressage hierarchy for the first time at the 2012 London Olympics. (Another member of the gold medal team, Mistral Højris, died at age 30 in March).
Carl rode Uti in front of a home crowd at those Games, while Charlotte Dujardin guided Valegro. The two horses were close companions, and Carl wanted them to end their lives that way rather than being separated when their health deteriorated.
Valegro and Uthopia
Influential show jumping stallion Indoctro died in April at the age of 35 after siring 4,335 horses registered with KWPN. The Holsteiner by Capitol out of a Caletto II mare had dressage offspring to his credit as well.
Also in what poet T.S. Eliot called the cruelest month, we lost Authentic at the age of 30. Beezie Madden’s mount,was her partner in taking two Olympic team gold medals in 2004 and 2008 for the U.S., as well as an individual bronze at the Games and double silver at the world championships. Bud was retired in 2009 and lived happily with Beezie and her husband, John, at their upstate New York farm.
Beezie Madden and Authentic at the 2008 Olympics.
And now we will reminisce, month by month, about the people who departed this year. We did individual obituaries about them as the year progressed, but you really understand the scope of the loss by seeing their names all in one place, for the same sad reason.
January: Stylish and effective show jumper and hunter rider Terry Rudd, driver Muffy Seaton and Paul Cronin. Paul was director of the riding program at Sweet Briar College from 1967 through 2002, but he also contributed to horsemanship in a wider perspective as an author. His 2004 volume, “Schooling and Riding the Sport Horse,” is a classic that covers the American forward seat riding system.
March: Michelle Bloch, a gifted writer who was a mainstay of the Capital Challenge Horse Show; announcer Mike Moran, three-time endurance world champion Becky Hart, hunter rider and judge Brian Flynn and dressage trainer Vera Kessels.
April: Dr. Allen Leslie, 84, an FEI veterinary official and the U.S. Eventing Team veterinarian at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. A lifetime rider, he completed the Tevis Cup endurance ride, competed in point-to-points and fox hunted.
Dressage trainer and author Charles de Kunffy, 88. His outstanding book, “Dressage Principles Illuminated,” is a distillation of the classical horsemanship tradition.
Lois Walter, a founder of Beval Saddlery who was always a guiding force and a welcoming presence there.
Lana DuPont Wright, 85, the first woman to compete in eventing at the Olympics. She also was involved with endurance and driving, while serving as co-president of the Fair Hill International event.
Eclectic horsewoman Lana DuPont Wright.
Trakehner breeder Tim Holekamp, whose Windfall and Tsetserleg were part of many U.S. eventing teams. He was very involved with the U.S. Eventing Association’s Young Event Horse program.
June: Hunter breeder Diana Dodge, international dressage competitor Belinda Nairn Wertman and Mary Alice Malone, 75. A pioneer in the importation of European warmbloods to the U.S., Mary Alice amassed an enormous record of success in a half-century of her efforts at Iron Spring Farm in Pennsylvania. Her horses took many honors internationally, and were seen everywhere from the Olympics and World Cup Finals to the Paralympics and driving championships.
In thoroughbred racing, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89.
July: Cecile Hetzel Dunn, 89, who was involved with Arabians, Friesians, Andalusians and saddlebreds, spent decades working as a licensed official and volunteering with a variety of governing bodies. She was a mainstay of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s board of directors.
Cecile Dunn accepted the USEF’s Lifetime Achievement Award from David O’Connor.
August: Mary Anne McPhail, 92, who was instrumental in creating the Florida dressage circuit that contributed to the discipline’s unprecedented growth in the U.S. She was devoted to the Dressage Foundation, where she was a volunteer committee member for more than 20 years, With her husband, Mary Anne established the Mary Anne and Walter McPhail Judge Education Fund to provide support for the U.S. Dressage Federation’s judge education initiative.
Mary Anne McPhail.
Linda Andrisani, an influential trainer and hunter judge who also was known for her fashion sense.
In thoroughbred racing, Ron Turcotte, 84, the jockey who guided Secretariat to the Triple Crown in 1973.
September: Coaching stalwart Dr. Donald Rosato.
October: Lu Thomas, 79, a trainer and rider who worked as a team with her husband, Butch, and was a key figure in the California horse hunter/jumper industry.
December: Adrienne Cotter, former executive vice president of the American Horse Shows Association.
Judith Hennessy, 89, the first woman to groom for the U.S. Equestrian Team, who went on to be a mentor for youth in 4-H programs. She shared her extensive horse care knowledge with the 4-H members to insure they knew how to take care of their animals the right way.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 19, 2025
You may know her best as an interviewer and analyst on the live stream, but Jessica Kürten has just been appointed Horse Sport Ireland’s new High Performance Jumping Manager, succeeding Michael Blake.
One of Ireland’s most accomplished, and influential figures in international show jumping, Jessica brings an exceptional blend of elite competitive pedigree, advanced coaching expertise, leadership experience, and global governance insight to the role.
Jessica Kürten
A former world number two in the FEI rankings, Jessica is a dual Olympian who represented Ireland at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 and at Athens in 2004. She was a key member of Ireland’s historic European Championship gold-medal winning team in 2001. She is also an Aga Khan Trophy winner for Ireland (at the Dublin Horse Show) and was a regular representative at World Cups and major championship events, earning her place as one of Ireland’s most successful and respected international riders of her generation.
Jessica said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Ireland’s new High Performance Jumping Manager. Ireland has a strong track record in jumping and I look forward to working closely with all members of the team, with HSI and with all the other stakeholders to ensure that we put ourselves in the best possible position.
“I am hugely excited about our prospects for the World Championships next year and for the European Championships (2027) and Olympics in 2028.
“I have been involved in equestrian sport for 40 years, and I will bring all of my experience to fostering a collaborative and successful culture within the Irish team.”
HSI Chief Executive Denis Duggan,said: “Jessica Kürten is one of the most iconic figures in Irish jumping, and her record speaks for itself. A former world number two, dual Olympian, European champion and Aga Khan winner, she brings unrivaled experience as an elite athlete who understands exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
“Her combination of competitive excellence, coaching expertise, leadership experience and international governance knowledge will further strengthen Ireland’s position on the world stage.”
Since stepping away from competing, Kürten has remained deeply connected to elite sport. A HSI Level 3 Coach, she is widely recognized for her technical expertise, performance insight and ability to develop riders across youth, development and senior levels. Her advanced coaching qualifications, combined with her first-hand experience of championship environments, position her uniquely to lead Ireland’s High Performance Jumping program through the next World Championship cycle and forward to the Olympic Games in 2028.
Jessica served as team manager of the Prague Lions in the Global Champions League for three years, overseeing high-performance athletes and support teams in high-pressure international environments. In addition, she currently acts as Athlete Representative on the FEI Board, contributing to international governance, athlete welfare and high-performance policy, giving her an exceptional understanding of the global jumping landscape.
Highly regarded worldwide as a broadcaster and expert analyst, Jessica has also built a respected media career, offering insightful commentary at major international events. Her communication skills, tactical understanding and ability to articulate complex performance concepts will add further strength to the role when representing Irish jumping on the world stage.
In her new position, Jessica will be responsible for the planning, delivery and performance of Ireland’s senior jumping program, working closely with athletes, coaches and support teams to build on Ireland’s recent international success, while strengthening the pathway from youth and development squads through to senior Nations Cups and championships.
Duggan noted: “On behalf of Horse Sport Ireland, I would like to thank Michael (Blake) for his dedication, commitment and passion for Irish sport, and to wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Horse Sport Ireland expressed confidence that Jessica’s experience, insight, international standing and leadership will provide continuity and momentum, while also bringing a fresh, forward-looking perspective to the High Performance Jumping program at a pivotal point in the Olympic and championship cycle.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 21, 2025
It has been an incredible year for the low-key world number one Justin Verboomen of Belgium and his fabulous Hanoverian stallion Zonik Plus, with victories at Aachen and the European Championships. On Sunday, the duo finished their year in the same style, with a personal best score in the freestyle at Frankfurt to edge Danish powerhouse Mount St. John Freestyle with world number three Catherine Laudrup-Dufour riding.
Both horses were graded at more than 90 percent, but Zonik’s splendid mark was just a touch better at 91.195 percent, versus the Hanoverian mare’s 91.085 percent. The crowd went crazy applauding for Justin’s one-handed passage down centerline to his final halt.
Third place went to Germany’s eternal Isabell Werth, the world number two, on Wendy de Fontaine, further back at 87.165 percent. That normally would be a spectacular score and a winning one, but the two powerhouses at the top of the class are in a category that belongs to them.
The idea of the competition was to face off the discipline’s top 12 against each other, but among the missing were British riders Lottie Fry (Glamourdale) the world number five, and Becky Moody (Jagerbomb), world number five, were otherwise engaged at their home competition, the London International. They finished 1-2 there, but Lottie did not make it into the 90 percent range, though she came close. Read about it at this link
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 22, 2025
Show jumping often is called a lifetime sport. No one takes that more seriously than John Whitaker, who spent decades as a mainstay of the British team and is still going at age 70.
When the London International Horse Show drew to a close Sunday, John found himself in the five-horse jump-off of the Turkish Airlines Grand Prix, trying to beat the fault-free, 32.59-second mark of Ireland’s 20-year-old Tom Wachman, half-a century his junior and winner of the FEI’s 2025 Rising Star award.
John couldn’t quite manage it, dropping a rail with Equine America Unick de Francport, to finish fourth in 35.39 seconds. Although Tom took the top prize, John did collect a gigantic silver trophy as the top-placed British rider, which certainly was some consolation.
John Whitaker got a trophy as the highest-placed British rider in the Turkish Airlines Grand Prix.
Tom, who dominated the Young Rider ranks before moving on to the open competition, was clocked in 32.59 second for his clean round on the well-named Do It Easy, a 12-year-old Selle Francais who had been his second-string horse.
Tom Wachman and Do It Easy.
The gelding, by Vigo Cece, is owned by Coolmore Show Jumping, an offshoot of Coolmore Stud, the world’s largest thoroughbred racing breeding operation. Tom’s great-grandfather, trainer Vincent O’Brien, guided the likes of racing icons Sir Ivor and Nijinsky. His grandparents are billionaire John Magnier and his wife, Sue, while Tom’s father, David, also trained racehorses and his mother, Kate, was an eventer.
Do It Easy is “a very versatile horse. You can do a grand prix or a speed class. Any day you want him, he’s so reliable, said his rider.
Canada’s Kara Chad had the unenviable task of going first in the original 35-horse field, but she had the comfort of riding her special mount, Igor GPH, over yet another clever course designed by Alan Wade. The 2028 Olympic course designer is a master of using the time allowed to help determine the outcome even with a route that has challenges of distance, height and width.
In the first round, the eleventh of 13 jumping efforts was topped by a plank. Rush there to make the time, and the plank would come down, as several riders found to their regret. Three riders collected time penalties and five elected to retire.
Kara was undeterred by being the pathfinder in both rounds, explaining she and her horse, “know each other inside and out.”
Her 33.64 mark in the tiebreaker was good enough for second, edging ahead of Austria’s Max Kühner, winner of the FEI World Cup qualifier the previous night with EIC Cooley Jump the Q, Max was on a different horse for the Turkish Airlines class, Greece 5, clocked in 34.14 seconds. The class was worth 110,000 Euros ($129,442).
Turkish Airlines Grand Prix winner Tom Wachman, center; runner-up Kara Chad, left and Max Kuhner.
While on the podium, Tom commented about his mount, “He’s a brilliant horse. We thought this class would suit him, he’s been in great form the last couple of weeks.” The rider, trained by Irish Olympic medalist Cian O’Connor, thanked his team for their help in his success.
Cian described Tom this way, “Grit, determination, belief and an outstanding work ethic are all qualities that he has in abundance. I feel privileged to work so closely with him.”
No U.S. riders competed at the London show, which a delightful holiday fixture, featuring a traditional appearance of Santa with his team of white ponies. There were exhibitions that included a Hungarian military drill team, Shetland pony races and dog agility among a host of classes.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 22, 2025
Explosion W got a salute worthy of a remarkable show jumper who had won 16 5-stars and individual Olympic gold. as he retired with Ben Maher aboard at the London International Horse Show on Sunday night.
A final gallop around the arena for the retiring Explosion W. (MARS photo)
A sold-out arena cheered him and 6,000 glow sticks were waved in tribute to the Dutch-bred equine hero. Escorted by a troupe of Santa’s elves, Explosion was garlanded with a wreath of carrots and apples. A reward close to the horse’s heart was the tub of carrots he got center ring, and the elegant chestnut didn’t hesitate to grab some.
Explosion W gets a welcome retirement present–carrots. (MARS photo)
Ben, who owns the horse with Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, said about the son of Chacco-Blue, “Explosion has been the horse of a lifetime. I always knew he had something special, an incredible will to win and a presence that captured everyone’s attention.
“We have shared some unforgettable moments together and it feels right to celebrate his retirement in front of a home crowd at the London International Horse Show.”
Explosion’s last competition was La Baule, France, in June 2023, when he was injured and did not finish his round. But before that, there were so many triumphs that he truly deserved the accolades rolling out for him as he left the spotlight.
Ben emphasized, “There are no words to explain him. He touched so many lives, in so many ways. He helped me achieve my goals and dreams.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 17, 2025
The survival of struggling national-level jumping show circuits, the places where riders can improve their skills at less cost than on the international level, is a global concern.
It was a topic last week at both the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s annual meeting in Florida and the International Jumper Riders Club general assembly in Geneva.
Jessica Kurten, an FEI board member and chair of the IJRC athletes committee, pointed out there is an advantage for riders to save money by competing in national classes until they are ready to move up to FEI.
She mentioned that while the national circuits have declined in some countries — it has been a real cause for concern in the U.S. — in others, they are still highly regarded. In Switzerland, for instance, most elite riders support national circuits.
Those in attendance at the IJRC session agreed, however, it would be difficult to find organizers for new or revived national shows when there already are waiting lists for the increasing number of international 2- and 3-star circuits, which are more lucrative to run.
“It’s seen as ‘cool’ to be competing alongside you guys,” Irene Verheul, secretary general of Equestrian Organisers and director of Jumping Amsterdam, told the elite riders in attendance at the IJRC session.
“Everyone wants to compete 2- star and 3-star. People like to be able to say they are going to an international show.”
The U.S. has seen a proliferation of what some at the USHJA meeting referred to as the “big box shows,” which run for weeks at a time. That means riders don’t have to travel as often to compete.
Several of the multi-week show locations, such as TerraNova and the World Equestrian Center, both in Florida have housing available that is adjacent. In Wellington, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, there long has been a real estate play, with many riders owning second (or first) homes and farms in the village.
Years ago, the major shows in the U.S. offered only major classes. The main trainer would go there with the stable’s more experienced competitors, while an assistant would take the barn’s lower-level riders to smaller, or local, shows.
The big shows now offer divisions that may go down to itty-bitty level, meaning every rider in the barn can compete there, even those who are just starting out.
As 5-star shows proliferate — often on the dates of the smaller shows — the latter often experience difficulty bringing in enough exhibitors to keep going. The situation also affects the USA’s historic boutique shows, even those with a well-known profile and FEI classes, because they run for only a week or two on the crowded calendar.
At the USHJA meeting, Louise Serio, a prominent figure in the hunter community who was involved with the former Brandywine show in Pennsylvania, noted the boutique shows “may struggle with footing. Some of them struggle with all the expenses of the horse shows. It’s amazing how much it costs to put on a horse show.”
USHJA President Britt McCormick wondered, “Are we our own worst enemy? Now we insist on having engineered footing in every single ring, from short stirrup all the way to the international derby ring, and the jumper ring. We have created a culture where if it’s not good enough, we don’t go.”
He pointed out, “Not that long ago, jumping on sand, jumping on grass, was the foundation of the sport. Have we created an unsustainable system? Once those boutique horse shows are gone, they don’t come back. And what does that do to us? This is a discussion we need to have on what does quality really mean, and what’s acceptable and what’s not.”
There has been a suggestion at the meeting that perhaps the USHJA Foundation could help boutique shows with items they need; a tractor for instance.
Britt responded, “Part of the thing we struggle with is, are we responsible (as an organization) for making sure horse shows stay in business? I don’t think so; that’s not our job.”
Another item of interest for the industry involves a new listing of maximum fees FEI organizers can charge show jumpers for services and utilities. It will be implemented in April. Eleonora Ottaviana, executive director of the IJRC described some of those charges as “fantasy costs.”
“We understand the situation is different indoors and outdoors and that times are changing,” she said, but even so, “the riders can contribute to, but not pay the full bill.”
She added there is confidence that having caps on those charges “will not cause any problems for shows that already operate in a professional and responsible manner.”
However, it was noted that a separate discussion on the subject is still needed in the U.S., “where costs are notably higher.”
Eleanora pointed out young riders cannot be asked to spend 6,000-8,000 Euros, or even more in dollars, on entry fees. Riders at 2- and 3-stars are hardest hit, with lower prize money but increasing costs.
She said it is “not fair to use the maximum cost allowed and the minimum prize money request.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 21, 2025
Verdades,who took Laura Graves to the world number one ranking for dressage, has passed away at the age of 23.
“I never thought this day would come. You were invincible,” Laura mourned on social media.
“Thank you for choosing me and being my friend for 23 years. I don’t know what a day looks like without you.”
Laura and Diddy in the 2017 World Cup finals. (Photo © 2017 by Nancy Jaffer)
A great equine talent bought as a foal off a video view by Laura’s mother, Freddie, he was not easy to deal with as he developed. But the foal nicknamed Diddy matured into a horse both Laura and the USA could count on.
His eccentricity included fear of fly spray, velcro, umbrellas and clippers. Yet persistence and patience paid off for Laura. It took time, a dislocated jaw and broken vertebrae for Diddy’s owner. But eventually, they meshed so well that they were one.
Piaffe and passage were classic in Diddy’s performances. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
“If I thought it, he did it,” she once told me.
Laura became a working student for Anne Gribbons, who would become the U.S. dressage technical advisor. Diddy either was sleeping or getting into trouble, as Laura put it, but she worked it out. Even when he broke his jaw in a 2011 stable accident, she took the time that enabled him to heal, get back to form and then exceed it.
Training with Debbie McDonald was a key to success, and Laura’s persistence with her beloved horse paid off. She was part of the 2016 Olympic bronze medal team, finished second in the 2017 FEI World Cup finals, won team silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games and became the only American ever to rank number one in the world standings.
Diddy retired to a life of ease and love at Laura’s Florida farm in 2020.
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 19, 2025
it was the kind of winning Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle performance you’d expect from a world champion, and Charlotte (Lottie) Fry delivered in a big way at the London International Horse Show Friday on her magical partner, Glamourdale.
The British duo got marks of 10 across the board for music and interpretation of the music, the ride on “Glamourdale Airlines,” to tunes such as “Let’s Fly Away” and realistic-sounding announcements from a flight attendant (Lottie’s voice).
Glamourdale, a 14-year-old pitch black Dutchbred stallion who is light on his feet, secured a percentage of 96.240 in the World Cup Qualifier for the artistic aspect of his dance and 82.04 for the technical side to hit a total of 89.170 percent and get a standing ovation.
“This is one of Glamourdale’s best ever performances,” a thrilled Lottie said after reaching out to her fans as she galloped by on her victory lap.
“He loves the crowd here and the support was just amazing today, Glammie really rises to that. The crowd seemed to love our new freestyle (the music was familiar but the moves were fresh.) The way he felt today was just the most incredible feeling.”
Lottie and Glammie. (FEI Photo)
Lottie also won Thursday’s Grand Prix. But her compatriot Charlotte Dujardin, second in the Grand prix with Alive and Kicking, had a few mishaps in the freestyle to wind up fifth.
Charlotte Dujardin with Alive and Kicking.
The entrance portion of Charlotte’s ride was marred by a break in the piaffe, and piaffe problems came again at the very end of her ride. That left her on 79.230 percent.
The void was filled by another British rider, Lottie’s Olympic teammate Becky Moody on her homebred star, Jagerbomb. Their new festive freestyle was a perfect fit with the holiday mood of the show. The music was all Christmas favorite tunes. Not carols, but bright numbers including “Sleigh Ride” (complete with vocal); “All I want for Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
The energy of the music was matched by Jagerbomb’s strong delivery, with the 11-year-old Dutchbred’s rhythm and elasticity getting marks from 8.5 to 9, but there was no question about the harmony between horse and rider. On that, they got marks of 9 from every judge except one, who awarded the duo 9.5.
“We tried to have a little bit of fun with the music,” said Becky.
“It was really cool. I’m incredibly lucky to have such a phenomenal horse, he has a heart of gold.”
Becky Moody and Jagerbomb. (FEI Photo)
Her total of 86.410 percent was more than respectable. It edged third-place Isabel Freese of Norway by a good bit, as she delivered a ride marked at 81.695 percent on Total Hope, a son of the legendary Totilas.
It’s interesting to see how far dressage has come since Totilas’ heyday 15 years or so ago. Many horses now exhibit a style that seems more natural and well-balanced, as opposed to relying on getting points with a blatantly manufactured showy front end. The eyes on dressage since the advent of social license to operate also have encourage a kinder approach to training.
A case in point is the current world number one, Zonik Plus, who is competing this weekend in Frankfurt in the world top 12 competition. Belgian rider Justin Verboomen took his time with the Hanoverian stallion (another black superstar) he bought as a coming three-year-old and patient training paid off, He won the Grand Prix at the German show with a score of 81.587 percent.
In case you’re wondering, there were no U.S. riders either in London or Frankfurt. They’re in Florida, where the season soon will start in earnest.
Click here for London results
by Nancy Jaffer | Dec 18, 2025
Dressage World Champion Charlotte (Lottie) Fry may have won the Grand Prix on the aptly named Glamourdale at the London International Horse Show Thursday, but much of the crowd’s attention also was on runner-up Charlotte Dujardin aboard Alive and Kicking.
Charlotte Dujardin on Alive and Kicking.
It was Charlotte’s first appearance in the Excel Centre in two years. Until July 2025, she had been serving a suspension imposed by the FEI after video emerged of her hitting a student’s horse with a longe whip during a lesson.
Relishing the cheers of the audience when she appeared, Charlotte said it was “a real buzz” to be back in the spotlight, competing at the top of the sport once again.
“Just going back in that arena, there is something so special about riding here, it is incredibly special. Going around the edge and having so many people shout `go on, Charlotte,’ it was very emotional,” she said, after putting in a test on the 11-year old Westfalian mare that yielded a mark of 76.544 percent.
On her longtime Dutchbred partner, Lottie was well ahead of Charlotte, scoring at 80.783 percent for a test that highlighted the 14-year-old Dutchbred stallion’s fluid movement and broad reach in the extended trot and canter. Only one of the five judges failed to give Lottie a score over 80 percent, but her total was not a personal best. She’s used to stratospheric scores.
Charlotte Fry on Glmourdale
The class was a total victory for the Brits, with Becky Moody in third-place on her homebred Jagerbomb, an 11-year-old Dutchbred who secured a total of 75.043 percent. Becky looked quite glamorous in her spangled brown tailcoat.
A lost shoe in the warm-up affected her preparation for the class, cutting the time she had available to get ready as it was replaced. An error behind with a slow change in the one-tempi’s affected her score.
The awards presentation for the class was made under a giant Union Jack that said it all about the dominant nation.
On Friday, the competitors will ride in the freestyle for points that go toward securing a place in the FEI World Cup Final, to be held in April in Ft. Worth.
Click here for results
