World number one-ranked show jumper Kent Farrington of the USA was concise in commenting on his performance after losing the Rolex International Jumping Riders Top 10 Final by 0.16 seconds to Great Britain’s Scott Brash on Friday night.
“The horse jumped to win tonight and the rider rode to lose, so that was not good,” Kent said ruefully of his second-round trip in Geneva, Switzerland’s Palexpo arena aboard Toulayna.
Continuing to beat himself up, he commented, “That was stupid riding.”
It cost him a third victory in the class that always attracts the sport’s stars and this time included two Olympic individual gold medalists and the European champion.
Kent Farrington, wearing the world number one armband, and Toulayna.
Last to go, Kent had the advantage of watching Scott’s 45.63-second effort on Hello Chadora Lady, a 14-year-old daughter of the famous Chacco Blue.
“I thought I matched his round early,” mused Kent, noting Scott’s horse “is a bit quicker across the ground. I saw everybody knocking down the second-to-last vertical (the black and blue IJRC fence) so I tried to play it a little easy there.
“I probably needed one less (stride) to the last,” which was the Rolex oxer.
Of Scott’s effort, Kent observed, “He just caught me by a whisker.” The American was clocked in 45.79 seconds on his intrepid 11-year-old Zangersheide mare.
Scott Brash and Hello Chadora Lady on their way to victory.
Scott, who collected 170,000 Euros (nearly $200,000 U.S.) after his precision trip, said, “I’m absolutely delighted, and delighted for the mare. I always had this class in mind for her.”
In 2014, Scott took the IJRC title and then became the only rider ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam.
It also bears mentioning that the Olympic team double gold medalist won the world’s richest grand prix, another Rolex feature, at Spruce Meadows in September over a course that was remarkable for its difficulty.
He noted Chadora is the type of alert contender who “just wants to get on with it.” So “it’s a balance, letting her get on with it but still listening to me. She was absolutely incredible. She was amazing.”
The podium in Geneva: winner Scott Brash, center; runner-up Kent Farrington, left and third-place Richie Vogel.
European Champion Richie Vogel of Germany was third on the aptly named gray stallion, Cloudio, despite being faster than the top two, finishing in 44.24 seconds. That was because he carried over 4 faults from his first trip, but was able to rise from eighth place in the initial round to reach the podium in the second, after those who had been ahead of him either had rails or a slower time.
“I’m very happy with Cloudio’s performance tonight,” Richie commented.
“It’s his first time in Geneva. The way he felt home in the arena tonight was absolutely amazing. I was very disappointed after the result in the first round, where I had a clear misunderstanding while approaching fence 10 ending up with a pole down”.
The course, put together by Swiss designer Gérard Lachat and Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo of France, featured several fences higher than 1.60 meters. But the real demand of the second round was in its twists and turns, particularly at the sixth of 10 fences, a vertical flanked by Christmas trees that demanded a sweeping approach which could not be cut too close. Ben Maher, Britain’s 2021 Olympic individual gold medalist, fell off there when Dalls Vegas Batilly stopped on the angle.
The Top Ten class has unique appeal.
“I think it’s just great to be here and to be part of the Top 10 class. And I think if you run this class 10 times, you’ll probably get 10 different results. It’s just amazing,” Scott said.
Kent was the only American in the line-up. Although Laura Kraut and McLain Ward qualified for the class, both instead stayed in the U.S. to win at Desert International Horse Park in California..
A firm from the United Arab Emirates will be joining investors in Wellington Lifestyle Partners with a strategic investment as WLP builds a “landmark ultra-luxury real estate development of homes,” a hotel, commercial marketplace properties and a championship golf course.
Modon Holding PSC of Abu Dhabi also will support the long-term development of Wellington International showgrounds, already well under way at the home of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
The portfolio includes The Wanderers Club, a private family-oriented country club offering golf, tennis, swimming and dining; The Wellington, a new private residential club community comprising 253 best-in-class residences set to open in 2028 and featuring a championship-level golf course designed by David McLay Kidd. According to a statement from WLP, “these assets form a long-term master plan to strengthen Wellington’s position as the global home of equestrian sport and luxury living.”
The investment includes a strategic license agreement enabling Modon to use Wellington International’s brand and intellectual property across several key strategic markets to support the development of future lifestyle and community destinations. As part of the agreement, Modon will also become a premier sponsor of the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) – the world’s largest and longest-running hunter/jumper and dressage competitions, attracting over 250,000 spectators and exhibitors each year.
Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, chairman of Modon Holding, said: “This strategic investment reflects Modon’s ambition to invest alongside world-class partners that share our vision for excellence in destination development. Wellington Lifestyle Partners represents a unique collaboration that brings together expertise in real estate, equestrian, hospitality and sports-led communities. By extending our reach to the United States, we are furthering Modon’s role in delivering sustainable destinations that embody quality, innovation and cultural connection.”
Bill O’Regan, group CEO of Modon Holding, added: “Our partnership with Wellington Lifestyle Partners aligns with Modon’s strategy to develop integrated lifestyle destinations that combine community, sport and hospitality. Wellington International is recognized globally for its equestrian excellence, and this collaboration provides a valuable opportunity to exchange expertise in operations, master planning and design.
Mark Bellissimo, founder of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, said: “The addition of Modon Holding to Wellington Lifestyle Partners brings together an exceptional blend of expertise. With Modon’s world-class destination development experience, Doug McMahon and NEXUS’ leadership in luxury community development, and equestrian Murray Kessler as CEO of Wellington International, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate our vision to set a new standard of quality for an equestrian lifestyle destination here in Wellington.”
The 25-year-old rider, who just won individual gold at the FEI Asian Jumping Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, is hardly a household name.
Although Egor now represents Palestine, he competed for Russia until 2022. So did his wife, Aleksandra Maksakova, a dressage rider who also has switched from Russia to Palestine after riding for her homeland in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The two run a stable in the Netherlands.
Egor has quite a competition record. In the last 15 years, he logged 2,329 starts and 101 victories. He has competed in multiple European Championships in junior and young rider categories, coming in fifth in the individual competition at the 2021 European Under 25 Championships. He is ranked number 445 in the Longines Rankings and number 70 in the FEI Jumping U25 Ranking. Egor attended the Young Riders Academy and has trained with German coach Johannes Rueben.
At the championships in Thailand, he rode Crack HV, a son of Cornet Obolensky, to faultless performances across all five-rounds to finish on a total of 2.93 penalties and take the title.
Egor Shchibrik, new Asian show jumping champion. (FEI photo)
“I don’t have the words,” Egor said after his win.
“This is my first (senior) championship. I came here wanting to learn, to gain experience. Crack HV jumped his heart out from the very first day. He felt like a lion today.”
Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafi and impressive I delivered the only other clear in round two to rise from fourth to second place and claim the individual silver with a final score of 5.50 penalties. Yun-Chi Lin of Chinese Taipei, riding Driss de Kerglenn took bronze on 6.04 penalties.
Long-time championship leader Taizo Sugitani of Japan began the day carrying a total of zero penalties that kept him in the lead. He was the reigning Individual Asian Champion from Pattaya 2019, and a seven-time Olympian.But as Sugitani cantered into the sunlit arena for round two, the shadows cast by the afternoon light stretched across the opening line.
His mount, Quincy 194 clipped the back bar of the oxer at fence one on the course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr., and dislodged the top rail of fence two within seconds of entering the arena. Within a matter of moments, the favorite’s medal hopes evaporated.
“I’m still trying to understand what happened there,” Taizo said.
“The shadows were definitely playing a part today, and Quincy hesitated for a fraction of a second. That’s all it takes at this level. I’m proud of my team and my horse, but today wasn’t our day.”
His eight penalties in the final round saw him finish in fifth place on eight faults.
The FEI (international equestrian federation) on Wednesday released details of a hearing involving U.S. eventer Andrew McConnon, who was suspended for 20 months after a three-member tribunal found he had committed horse abuse. The suspension started on the date of his provisional suspension, Jan. 8, 2025, and continues until Sept. 8, 2026.
The tribunal that heard the case consisted of two Canadians and an Argentinian, who found that while McConnon breached the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse, he was a “very credible and reliable witness.”
At the same time, the panel stated in its Nov. 24 decision that the majority of the FEI’s evidence was deemed insufficient to prove its allegations, which included numerous witnesses examined during a two-day hearing. McConnon also presented witnesses on his behalf.
However, the panel “carefully considered whether the respondent (McConnon) had a motive to misrepresent any events. While he clearly has an interest in the outcome of these proceedings, his willingness to admit wrongdoing, coupled with his refusal to shift blame to others, enhanced his credibility.”
The tribunal found that McConnon in one instance that was brought forward had used a whip on a horse “more times than was appropriate,” but noted the FEI did not meet its burden of proof for determining that McConnon had engaged in “excessive beating.” In another instance, the tribunal determined his use of the reins was “firmer than necessary” and that jabbing the horse in the mouth three times constituted horse abuse. He also was found to have slapped a horse seven times on the top of its neck.
Those who wish to read the panel’s entire 120-page decision can click here.
McConnon, a 5-star rider who has represented the U.S. in competition, was fined 2,500 Swiss francs ($3,092). He is banned from taking part in any competition or event, or in any related activity under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any national federation during his suspension. The North Carolinian also is prohibited from training any FEI/national federation-registered athletes and/or FEI/national federation-registered horses.
There are members of the equestrian community who questioned what they considered the relatively short length of McConnon’s suspension. But as for the sentiment to ban the rider for life, the tribunal noted the offenses fell in the “mid-range” category of the table provided at Article 164.13 of the General Regulations. This table provides for a suspension ranging between three months and two years.
“Accordingly, a sanction up to a lifetime ban – as requested by the FEI – is not warranted in this case,” the tribunal stated in its decision.
The tribunal did find that McConnon engaged in abuse of horse as well as in conduct that has brought the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute, thereby violating Article 142.1 (Abuse of Horse) in conjunction with Article 164.11 (offenses) of the FEI General Regulations.
The case surfaced in September 2024, after videos appeared on social media of McConnon hitting horses.
Witness credibility was an issue with the tribunal. Of the eight witnesses testifying against McConnon, the tribunal gave four no weight, two minimal weight and one moderate weight, while deeming another witness not applicable. On the other hand, the panel gave the eight witnesses testifying on McConnon’s behalf moderate to full weight.
Testifying before the tribunal about what had transpired, McConnon said he had to “let go” a groom, who became one of the witnesses against him. However, he had already committed to clients to bring in seven horses. Without his usual support, he had difficulty managing all of the horses on his own, he stated. At the same time, his father’s health was in decline after being diagnosed with cancer. In addition, the owner of one of the horses mentioned in the case was delinquent in paying and owed him tens of thousands of dollars.
McConnon stated, “Those are just some of the things that were going on personally and inappropriately I let my personal life go over into my work life and that never should have happened.” The panel considered his personal circumstances to be a mitigating
factor.
Before viewing videos of his behavior toward the horses during the hearing, McConnon told the tribunal, ” just want to be clear that in my explanation, this isn’t justifying my actions. You’ll hear throughout my testimony and in my thoughts at the end that it’s absolutely unacceptable. I’ll make that clear. I just don’t want that to be confused with me describing what happened on the day.”
At the end of the hearing, McConnon asked to make a statement before the tribunal.
“In the beginning of last year, I acted out of character with my values as a horseman. As a professional athlete and an upper-level competitor, it is my responsibility to set an example.However, in March 2024, I was extremely thankful to [FEI Witness 1] for kindly speaking with me after a difficult ride about what she had witnessed. That conversation helped me put my then current struggles into focus. I made the necessary changes that day and I was thankful for her forgiveness for my behavior. This isn’t a case of `I’m sorry I got caught.’ I’m genuinely sorry for my actions. Being a private and independent person, I incorrectly tried to handle my struggles
alone.
“Because of the overwhelming things that were going on in my personal life, I inappropriately allowed it to carry over into my work and what I need, what I needed was help. Soon after that day, I called a fellow professional, [Respondent Witness 1],7 whom you’ve met and shared with him my shortcomings.
“In September, after the social media attacks started, I personally contacted each of my sponsors and clients, as well as the group from Rebecca Farm, who gave me the grant to compete in Europe. During my career, I’ve never received a verbal warning or a sanction in any way. My horses have been inspected and drug tested dozens of times with no positive results. While the investigation
understandably has focused on my shortcomings, I hope my years of service, volunteering and dedication is taken into consideration. I respect and understand the importance of reporting.
“A few years ago, I was a victim of bullying and had to utilize SafeSport myself. I also understand the importance of correct reporting and allowing the organizations to conduct their investigation. While I’ve taken responsibility personally and have discussed this matter privately with my sponsors, clients, and close friends, I’ve stayed off of social media out of the respect for this investigation.
“I’ve been criticized for not making a statement online, but I did not think that it was appropriate to deal with this on social media. I still believe that I have not been hiding, and despite paying a heavy price for my silence online, I didn’t want to interfere with this investigation in any way. During these difficult times, my privacy has been violated. My reputation has been destroyed.
“My income has been halted, and my future in the sport I love has been threatened. I know that my reputation will never be restored because of the social media campaign, but I have learned from my mistakes and I still believe that I can be a valuable and contributing member of the FEI community.
“My passion is to produce horses, compete, and to give back to the sport, and help mentor junior and young riders. I believe if given the opportunity I can train and compete correctly while continuing to educate the next generation on the importance of horsemanship
and asking for help when needed.
“I can’t undo what has happened, but I wish to be a positive influence moving forward. I hope you accept my apology and admission of wrongdoing. I will never repeat these behaviors.”
Parties can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 21 days of receipt of the full decision.
Meanwhile, U.S. singles driver Raymond Helmuth of Iowa also has been provisionally suspended by the FEI on allegations of horse abuse.
Highlighting Santa Anita Park’s continued relevance for equestrian sport, the 5-star Split Rock horse show at the vintage California track glittered with a $400,000 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier last month.
The brooding multi-hued San Gabriel mountains preside over a 90-year-old facility set on 320 acres. The venue enjoys an invigorated equestrian charisma following its selection in April as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics’ venue for show jumping, dressage and eventing.
An overview of the grand prix arena for the Split Rock shows.
McLain Ward, who won the 5-star grand prix, called Santa Anita “a brilliant location; it’s busy enough but at the same time, a little bit more peaceful area than downtown LA. It’s an exciting venue for the Olympics.”
But Santa Anita’s significance also stems from history. It is where the equestrian competition (with the exception of eventing’s cross-country) was held at the last Los Angeles Olympics, in 1984.
That was an incredible moment, especially for the U.S., which decisively won show jumping team gold, as well as that discipline’s individual gold and silver, in addition to eventing team gold and individual silver. Coming four years after the boycotted 1980 Moscow Olympics, the ’84 LA Games were seen as a celebration of America, and its place not only in sport, but also in the world.
It was the first time since 1932 that the Olympics was staged in the U.S. Those Games, where the U.S. medaled in all three disciplines, also were in LA, with show jumping featured right before the closing ceremonies at the Memorial Coliseum, while dressage was held at a country club and eventing in LA’s Westchester neighborhood.
The athletes who competed in 1932 are long gone, but many of the riders from 1984 are still very much with us.
One of them, American show jumping team gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor, was at the 5-star watching the action and renewing old friendships. The field of play, however, didn’t look the same as it had when she rode there in 1984.
At that time, the track’s Art Deco-esque main building in its traditional colors of Persian green and chiffon yellow was the focal point, and the jumps were on the track.
Now the arenas are set across the infield tor the Split Rock show, which has a contract to run at Santa Anita through 2027. The horses stay in temporary stalls a short hack from the action, rather than in racetrack stalls, as they did at the last Games.
Several times, Melanie was asked if being at Santa Anita brought back memories of 1984.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s definitely a different scene because the ring is in a different place, so that didn’t really ring a bell,” she replied.
“But when an American won a class and they played the national anthem, and I’m looking at the flag and out over the mountains, it definitely brought a tear to my eye and brought me back to ’84, standing on the podium and thinking about all that we had accomplished as a team.”
That was the USA’s first Olympic team gold in the discipline, a landmark.
Eric Navet, who competed for France in show jumping 41 years ago, also was back for the Split Rock show, helping U.S. rider Karl Cook, who won the Split Rock grand prix in 2024.
While he didn’t medal in LA, Eric had a wide range of memories about competing at Santa Anita.
“I was very young, I was 25 years old. What I remember is that there were very, very big temporary (grand)stands; very high, it was huge. They were full, full, full.
“This is the only Olympics where we were at the Olympic Village,” he recalled.
Since then, many nations, including the U.S., put up their equestrians in hotels. That means they don’t have the benefit of mingling with non-equestrian participants on a daily basis.
“We had this experience to share with other athletes from all the sports from all over the world. That was fantastic,” recounted Eric of his time in the athletes’ village. He went on after the Games to become world champion, European champion and also win team bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Santa Anita has been identified with glamour since its inception. The location in Arcadia, practically within cantering distance of Hollywood, meant it once was frequented by stars such as Cary Grant, Esther Williams, Lana Turner and a host of other big names for whom racing was their recreation of choice.
That Hollywood aura was captured at the 5-star, where statuesque women, some adorned in show girl feathers, others in glittery cowgirl outfits, brightened the VIP area. The food there was equally awesome; everything from beef Wellington and seafood towers to abundant champagne and captivating desserts .At Santa Anita, it’s all about the guest experience, and they know how to do it well.
A touch of Hollywood in the ringside hospitality area at Santa Anita.
The innate character of the venue derives not only from its history, but also its future beyond the Games. The vision of 1/ST (pronounced First), which runs the track belonging to the Stronach Group, involves consideration of non-racing horse-related activities beyond the Split Rock series and even the Olympics. The grands prix have ratcheted up every year, and in 2026, that will mean two 5-stars (2025 had a 3-star week and a 5-star week).
The idea of having show jumping at Santa Anita was “all Nikki,” according to Derek Braun, founder of the Split Rock Jumping Tour, who was referring to Nikki Walker, a member of the Canadian show jumping team and daughter of Belinda Stronach, president and chairman of the Stronach Group.
Nikki Walker and her mother, Belinda Stronach, with 5-star grand prix winner McLain Ward.
Nikki, vice president of 1/ST, said she had “no expectations” when the concept was undertaken, but the wisdom of putting it forward was soon obvious.
“Our goal was to make it one of the biggest events on tour all year from the beginning,” commented Derek, saying it was a “natural fit” for the venue. It’s a great partnership.”
It also works well for him because Split Rock is putting on the 2026 World Cup finals in Fort Worth next April.
Nikki of course is delighted with the way show jumping clicked at the track. She began focusing toward 2026 immediately after the 2025 event, as the 1/ST team continues to “grow and elevate this event even further.”
The main arena used for the Split Rock featured classes is too small for Olympic competition, and while other areas in the infield are available, no announcement has been made as to where the Games arena will be built. Eric Navet hopes it will have a view of the mountains, noting how successful the 2024 Paris Olympics setting at Versailles was with the palace as a backdrop.
Most classes for the Split Rock shows don’t start before 10:30 a.m., giving space for thoroughbreds working out on the track. Karl took advantage of the opportunity to breeze a racehorse himself, happily calling it a “wild experience.”
Ashlyn Moore, vice president of equestrian operations for 1/ST, is a former member of the track’s racing team. Following inception of the partnership with Split Rock and hosting the Longines FEI World Cup qualifier, Ashlyn transitioned more into the equestrian sport aspect. There are 1,500 horses at the track 11 months of the year (all the horses head south to Del Mar for August), but racing goes on for 10 months annually.
“We pride ourselves on the ability to keep horses safe at this facility, and I think that shows on the equestrian side,” Ashlyn said, noting there has been a major investment in top line ESI footing that has held up, even in heavy rain.
“We’re always looking to see how we can continue to grow the sport in California. Our goal is to introduce new shows,” she said, whether that involves show jumping, dressage, saddle seat or western pleasure, just one element of including the quarter horse contingent.
“We want to continue to bring horse sport to Santa Anita. It’s part of a larger process to invigorate and make this an equestrian ecosystem,” she said.
Next year, the back-to-back Split Rock shows are the only competitions scheduled, but she noted, “We’ll see what happens in ’27 (the year of the Olympic test event.)
“We never say no. The racing ecosystem, trainers and owners, have really adopted it and been really supportive of just keeping this as a year-round facility.”
What is now an area with secondary rings with a view from the grandstand may be the place where the Olympic arena will be built, but no announcement has been made about that.
While such big names as the world’s number one-ranked show jumper Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut and McLain are in the spotlight along with the VIPs at the grands prix, Santa Anita also has an eye on the average horse lover.
World Number One-ranked Kent Farrington was among the high level competitors at Santa Anita.
“We have over 2,000 people who have signed up for general admission,” Ashlyn said before the grand prix, talking about who wanted to come to the property for the horse show. The demand was such that the section where they were located was standing room only when all the seats were quickly filled for the grand prix evening.
“We’ve done outreach to equestrian barns. Not everybody knows, because it is a new facility, what is available. So we try to make that outreach and develop those partnerships. The regional market is also very important,” she emphasized.
“We talk a lot when we look at show jumping about the international scale. But the regional circuits are a new generation of sport and they’re looking up to the Karl Cooks, the Laura Krauts. It’s important to foster those programs as well.”
The concept of non-racing competition has been on the table for awhile.
Ashlyn noted, “We started thinking about this long before LA28,” made its announcement about coming to Santa Anita.
“When we were looking at what we could do with the facility, show jumping seemed like the natural thing. It’s just a great way to relight the spark.”
Citing the outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown will be closed to horses for two weeks. That means cancellation of the Reindeer Run Dec. 7, barrel racing Dec. 6 and open schooling Dec. 2 and 9.
“While we are disappointed to be canceling our events, we want to ensure we are doing our best to keep everyone safe during these times,” said a Horse Park statement.
According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, as of Dec. 5, there were 46 EHV-1 neurologic cases, up from 3 on Dec. 1. They have been reported primarily in western states and Louisiana. The most cases, 30, are in Texas, where the outbreak began at a barrel racing championship. Other states with neurologic cases as of Dec. 5 are South Dakota, Colorado, Oklahoma and New Mexico. In the East, cases also have been reported in Maryland and Pennsylvania (Lancaster County), but they are not associated with the outbreak at the barrel racing championship.
Nearly two hours before the Essex Fox Hounds moved off through the countryside Thursday morning, tailgaters were streaming into the big field at Ellistan, the Peapack, N.J., estate that has hosted the hunt’s Thanksgiving meet for generations.
There’s always a crowd at the Essex Fox Hounds’ Thanksgiving meet.
It’s a turkey day tradition (like the Macy’s parade), except quieter and more refined, of course. Meredith Whaley remembers being at the meet as a child, 40 years ago. It was quite different then.
“There were very few people. You stood and you watched. There wasn’t the tailgating.”
Hundreds of spectators began coming when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was riding with Essex. She may have been the initial attraction, but the occasion’s appeal continues long after her passing.
Most of those in attendance are from the Somerset Hills or Hunterdon County. There’s no price of admission, no tickets. The gathering is informal and spontaneous.
Everyone is appreciative not only of the well turned-out riders on mounts with neatly braided manes, but also of the magnificent surroundings, offering scenic vistas in the USA’s most densely populated state.
It is a cherished occasion, but this year, the celebration was tinged with uncertainty. The hunt has met at Ellistan through rain, snow and even during Covid — though no spectators were permitted that year.
There was a special glitter to the 2014 Thanksgiving meet when snow fell.
The estate, listed at $14 million, is under contract in the process of being sold, and people question whether the new owner will want to host the hunt and the crowd that comes with it next Thanksgiving.
“It’s such a beautiful tradition for everybody. There’s nothing like it, nothing to replace it,” said Dana Sendro of Fox River Farm in Stockton. She’s a Thanksgiving regular who presided over two tables, one for champagne and the like, the other for food.
“Every year we look forward to it,” she emphasized about the meet.
Her friend, Nancy Spatz of Pittstown, seconded that sentiment, saying if it didn’t happen again, “I would be so sad.”
The name of the buyer hasn’t been revealed, since the closing on the more than 77-acre property is yet to come, but I have it on good authority that he is a resident of the Somerset Hills who was at the meet. Those with inside knowledge are optimistic that Thanksgiving 2026 will be at the same location.
Tucker Johnson, an honorary board member of Essex, carried out the custom of having a four-in-hand at the meet. He was driving a stunning team of black Andalusians imported from Spain.
A world championships medalist in combined driving, Tucker is now competing in coaching instead, at Royal Windsor in 2026 and perhaps Ascot when he goes to England.
Tucker Johnson and his team.
But Tucker, who has been involved with Essex for half a century, doesn’t forget his roots in the area, despite his travels abroad. When asked whether he thinks the Thanksgiving meet will be held again at Ellistan, he said, “I would think this would probably continue.”
Hank Slack, who has been the gracious host of the Thanksgiving meet for decades.
That assessment was borne out when I talked to Hank Slack, the current owner of Ellistan, whose wife, Sarah, is a joint master of foxhounds for Essex. I asked him the same question, “Do you think this tradition will continue?
He replied, “Of course. It’s been going since 1930. It can’t stop now. I think the new owner will do it, that’s my guess.”
All six of the couple’s children came to Ellistan earlier this month for “a last weekend together. Emotional but fun,” he recounted.
The Slacks, now empty nesters, will be moving to a house in Oldwick and another in England.
Hank noted for 40 years, his home at Ellistan “has been absolutely wonderful; a happy, happy chapter of my life and my children’s. We’ve had a really good time. But for two people to live in a house with nine bedrooms…” he said with a little smile that was easy to interpret.
(Click on the video below to learn more about Ellistan.)
Asked for her perspective not only on the Thanksgiving meet, but on the larger picture in the area, Jazz Johnson, another joint master of foxhounds for Essex, commented, “We’re hoping that we can try to continue good will among the neighbors and share in a mutual appreciation for the countryside and allowing countryside sports.
There was a good turn out for the hunt.
“I’m hoping for the best and hoping people who move into the neighborhood at large have a sensibility for the kind of land stewardship that surrounds hunting, which created the beautiful feel of all those properties.”
She added, “It’s ultimately the preservation of countryside sports, like fox hunting and foot basseting, (that) helped keep the space open. It is a challenge that faces many hunts today.”
Homeowners greeted the hounds and hunt staff as they came through.
After the hunt departed, tailgaters gathered up their buffets and got ready to leave, either following the horses by car or going home to get ready for their family dinner.
As Dana Sendro said goodbye, she told me, “Fingers crossed, we’ll see you next year.”
An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy that began in Texas at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9 has spread to Oklahoma, Washington, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Louisiana. A horse testing positive for the disease in Maryland had no connection to the world finals.
No U.S. Equestrian Federation competitions have been affected, but USEF notes this situation should remind everyone to take biosecurity measures at competitions. That includes ensuring compliance with USEF EHV-1 and Influenza vaccination requirement (within 6 months of entry to a venue), taking temperature twice daily and recording them and mmediate reporting of a horse with a temperature over 101.5 fahrenheit. That is a USEF rule.
Also, USEF advises observing clinical signs of disease and reporting them to the veterinarian, avoid sharing equipment without cleaning and disinfecting between uses, limit horse-to-horse contact, maintaining separation while walking, riding or driving
In addition, limit the individuals touching horses to essential personnel and make sure horse trailers are properly cleaned and disinfected between loads of horses especially those loads containing sick horses.
While EHV-1 most commonly causes respiratory disease, some strains causes neurologic signs as a result of inflammation of the blood vessels and activation of blood coagulation within the brain and spinal cord. Neurologic signs occur as a result of a lack of blood flow and resulting damage to the brain or spinal cord; this disease manifestation is known as Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy,
Classic clinical signs of EHM include fever, swelling/stocking up of the limbs, hind limb weakness, and urine dribbling. Some horses are more severely affected and display behavior changes, signs of cranial nerve dysfunction, seizures, and inability to stand. While EHM is a serious disease, the majority of cases are not fatal. In most outbreaks of EHM, 60-70 percent of affected horses recover with treatment and supportive care. Veterinary evaluation and isolation of exposed or affected horses is crucial.
A seminar for horse owners on EHV-1 updates will be held Nov. 25 from 8-9:30 p.m. It is being presented by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Equine Disease Communication Center. Register at this link.
With the National Finals Rodeo starting Dec 4 in Las Vegas, the following precautions have been issued:
Las Vegas Events and the PRCA, in coordination with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission, have announced updated equine health guidelines for the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. These measures are designed to protect the wellbeing of all participating horses, while upholding the highest standards of biosecurity and animal care.
The updated stringent equine health guidelines for the 2025 NFR include the following key points:
– All horses must have a Seven-Day Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) and a unique entry permit number obtained from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
– All participants and competitors are responsible for daily temperature monitoring of their horses.
– There is a no-travel advisory for all horses participating and competing at the NFR.
– Enhanced verification and check-in procedures will be in place at the Thomas & Mack Center.
– Biosecurity measures will be maintained throughout the event.
**The Junior National Finals Rodeo will follow similar safety procedures for the competition at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
5
The Miss Rodeo America Pageant issued the following press release on 11-21-25 regarding the horsemanship portion of the pageant…
Miss Rodeo America, Inc. announced today that, out of an abundance of caution following recent outbreaks of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), the 2026 Miss Rodeo America Pageant will proceed without the traditional live horsemanship portion at the South Point Hotel and Casino. The remainder of the pageant, which officially begins November 29, 2025, will continue as planned.
Explosion W, British show jumper Ben Maher’s “horse of a lifetime,” will retire next month in a ceremony that is sure to bring more than a few tears as the special horse says goodbye to his fans and amazing career.
“I always knew he had something special, an incredible will to win and a presence that captured everyone’s attention,” Ben said about the son of Chacco Blue.
“We have shared unforgettable moments together, and it feels right to celebrate his retirement in front of a home crowd at the London International Horse Show.”
Ben Maher and Explosion W.
The Dutch-bred gelding won individual gold with Ben at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and the European Championships’ individual silver and team bronze in 2019. He earned many other honors, among them the Super Grand Prix in Prague and the IJRC top 10 final.
The 16-year-old horse belongs to Ben, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright.
Discussing the Dec. 21 ceremony, London International Show Chairman Simon Brooks-Ward commented: “Explosion W is one of the greatest showjumping horses and his achievements with Ben have been a privilege for us all to witness on a global stage. We are honoured that Ben, Charlotte, and Pamela have chosen London International Horse Show as the place to celebrate this remarkable horse’s career. It promises to be an emotional and historic occasion for everyone who loves the sport.”
The mentor and his protege battled it out in the $400,000 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier at Santa Anita Saturday night, with only the narrowest of margins separating them in the standings.
While U.S. Olympic multi-medalist and World Cup champion McLain Ward finished on top at the Split Rock show in Arcadia, Calif., European Champion Richie Vogel of Germany was happy to have come so close, noting how important his friend has been to his performance.
“He’s always there for me. He always has a wise thought on the struggles I have,” said Richie, then added with a smile, “I’ll try to beat him next time.”
McLain was aboard High Star Hero, a 12-year-old Belgian sport horse, with whom he has had some ups and downs. After his top horse, Imperial HBF, was sidelined with an injury earlier this season, it was time for Hero to step up.
McLain Ward on his way to a win with High Star Her.
In the seven-horse tiebreaker, the partnership showed how well it is working now, finishing in 33.99 seconds after a time-saving sharp turn to the third fence, a vertical.
An extra stride may have cost Richie the title on Gangster Mondesir, a slick-looking bay 9-year-old Selle Francais, who finished so close behind the leader in 34.39 seconds. It was a pretty remarkable performance, since it was only their fourth class together and the first World Cup the horse had ever jumped.
The stallion has been getting better at each show, and as Richie pointed out, “every question we asked him, he has an answer to.”
After his ride, Richie generously shared some insights about the course with McLain before he went in the ring.
“It was great sport tonight and I’m happy for him,” said Richie.
“Unfortunately, I was too slow.”
Richie Vogel and Gangster Montdesir.
Third place went to Nina Mallavaey of France, number one in the world Under 25 rankings. She finished in the same range as the top two riders, clocked in 34.73 seconds with Dynastie de Beaufour. The USA’s Laura Kraut was further back with a time of 36.02 seconds on Bisquetta to finish fourth.
Although it might be intimidating for some young riders to be facing off against so many of the world’s best riders, Nina goes for it.
“I think I’m just surrounded by amazing people and horses and that gives me a lot of confidence. I’m really grateful to be here right now. I’ve been watching McLain since I was a kid, so to be a part of this now is a dream,” she said.
Nina Mallavaey and Dynastie de Beaufour
McLain called Hero “a very talented horse, incredibly sensitive.”
When Imperial was injured, McLain turned to Hero and told himself, “This is the best horse and he’s got a lot of good qualities and we’re going to dig in here.”
Hero had been getting “a bit tense in small arenas. This is probably the smallest arena and he performed well so I think he’s getting better.”
McLain is the leading U.S. rider in the North American standings for the 2026 Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Ft. Worth, which also will be presented by Split Rock. The North American qualifying list is headed by Conor Swail, who is from Ireland but based in North America.
Santa Anita will host the equestrian portion of the 2028 Olympics, which adds extra excitement to the competition there.
McLain walked the course with successful race horse trainer Bob Baffert, who was impressed by what he saw.
“I didn’t know what they were doing,” he said about the walk.
McLain Ward gives racehorse trainer Bob Baffert a course walk guided tour.
“I thought they were looking for holes in the surface, or something,” Bob revealed.
“He showed me how they step it off. It’s pretty intimidating when you get that close to see how high the jumps are And the timing and everything that goes into it. They’re like jockeys, but they really have to think out their strategy. Watching these horses, they’re all sizes and different shapes. The athleticism they have to get over that high. It’s pretty remarkable.”
The course, put together by Swiss designer Gérard Lachat and Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo of France, featured several fences higher than 1.60 meters. But the real demand of the second round was in its twists and turns, particularly at the sixth of 10 fences, a vertical flanked by Christmas trees that demanded a sweeping approach which could not be cut too close. Ben Maher, Britain’s 2021 Olympic individual gold medalist, fell off there when Dalls Vegas Batilly stopped on the angle.
