by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 4, 2025
Julien Epaillard took a chance.
The Frenchman, who led after Thursday’s opening round of the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup Final, decided not to compete in what would have been a six-horse jump-off for Friday’s second leg of the championship in Basel, Switzerland. He wanted to save the strength of his horse, Donatello d’Auget for Sunday’s two-round final.
Julien Epaillard
But he didn’t have the hard data to assure that he would stay in the lead without participating in the tie-breaker, because the math was too difficult to do by hand. So he could only guess.
“It’s complicated to calculate this. So we take the risk,” he explained.
“It was not an easy decision. We think a little bit with the staff of the (French) federation.”
As it happened, he guessed right.
Marcus Fuchs, riding “my incredible unicorn” Leone Jei for the host country, won the class with “two risky turns.” But because the Swiss campaigner was tenth the first day, he is four points behind Julien in the overall standings. Julien figured it would be something like that, but couldn’t be sure when he withdrew from the tiebreaker.
A former European champion, Marcus was clocked in 40.77 seconds over a challenging jump-off course. Austria’s Max Kuhner with Elektric Blue P was second in 42.32, while Alessandra Volpi became the second U.S. rider of the show to make the podium. She was third on the clever mare, Gipsy Love in 45.78 seconds.
Gerard LaChat’s course.
Rather than spending the evening celebrating after his win, Marcus planned on going back to his hotel room to study the tapes of his rides and “see what I can improve on Sunday.”
Marcus Fuchs and Leone Jei.
Alessandra had said beforehand that she wouldn’t go all-out in the tiebreaker, with a thought process similar to Julien’s, that her mare needed to have reserves of strength for Sunday’s stringent test.
“It’s hard to catch these guys.. But I wanted to make sure she was in good shape for Sunday,” commented Alessandra, who trains with Markus Beerbaum of Germany.
“I couldn’t have asked for more. That’s what you dream of here,” continued Allessandra, praising her Silesian mare.
“It’s taken us a bit of time to get to know each other, because she is tricky and she really likes things the way she wants them, but I feel like now that we’re coming together as a combination, we’ve put in a lot of solid rounds, and it’s helped us build a lot of confidence and that’s paying off,” the Californian added.
Alessandra Volpi and Gipsy Love. (©ShannonBrinkmanPhotography/Photo courtesy U.S. Equestrian)
“She still tried her hardest. I knew a solid clear round could get you pretty far. I didn’t expect to be in such a great position. That lack of expectation has gotten us this far. We still have a job to do on Sunday, so stay focused.”
The USA’s Lilllie Keenan, who was third on opening night, had a rail in the first round to finish ninth with Kick On and is tied for fourth overall.
The biggest U.S. show jumping names, Kent Farrington, McLain Ward and Laura Kraut, aren’t competing in Basel. But U.S. Coach Robert Ridland is proud of the riders who are.
Alessandra Volpi enjoys the victory gallop. (©ShannonBrinkmanPhotography/Photo courtesy U.S. Equestrian)
“We sent a group over here, a young group, but one that we’re excited about. And now we’ve been on the podium both nights. Pretty good.”
Click here for a link to Friday’s World Cup dressage story.
Click here for results of second World Cup competition
Click here for World Cup standings after second leg
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 3, 2025
In the first leg of the Longines FEI Wold Cup Show Jumping Finals Thursday, the U.S. was on the podium courtesy of Lillie Keenan, who last month turned in two faultless rounds as the pathfinder for the winning American.effort in the Longines League of Nations/ Ocala.
The one-round speed segment of the three-part Cup competition in Basel, Switzerland belonged to France’s Julien Epaillard, known for his ability to beat the clock. He and Donatello D’Auge, a horse who “is like family to us” handled Gerard Lechat’s course in 60.30 seconds. Ben Maher of Great Britain finished just 0.13 seconds behind on Point Break, despite the handicap of riding with a broken foot. Lillie, aboard Kick On, was timed in 60.69 seconds.
“I left out (strides) in a few places that for sure were risky, but I knew my horse could do it,” Lillie said.
When there was a question, Kick On answered.
“He knew, `This is what mom says, so this is what we’re gonna do.’ I think that’s a testimony to the partnership and how special our sport is,” observed Lillie, ranked world number 28.
Lillie Keenan and Kick On in Basel. (©ShannonBrinkmanPhotography/Photo courtesy U.S. Equestrian)
While she had qualified for World Cup finals previously, Lillie didn’t go because she didn’t want to push it unless she felt she had a real chance.
Although she has been partnered with her son of Warrior only for 18 months, the horse has come a long way from the 2-star competitions he was jumping then.
“We only took a step forward when he told me he could. He reminded me every time he went in the ring that he was ready,” commented Lillie, who is a protege of U.S. team anchor McLain Ward. He is on hand in Switzerland to help her.
Lillie’s bay stallion was purchased from Amanda Derbyshire and David Blake. Prior to Lillie getting him, the horse had only jumped in England, where he was bred, with one side tour to Belgium.
“He was not a standout as a young horse,” commented Lillie, but noted that wound up being a plus, because he wasn’t rushed.
He reminded her of her Young Rider horse, Super Sox, and that was a selling point.
“His markings were very similar,” she mused.
“There was something about the expression in the horse’s eye. I rode him and I felt this very strong bond, I felt like he was right there with me. There was something so reminiscent of SuperSox.
“I called my dad up and said, `He’s just like Sox, and we have to have him.’ I feel like the horse’s heart is really in the sport. I think everything he does is for me.”
The rest of the American contingent is far behind the leaders, which puts pressure on Lillie, but she doesn’t mind.
“In my opinion, pressure is a privilege,” she explained.
“The person that puts the most expectation on myself is me. And I know how special my horse is. I just want to do a good job for him and hopefully come away with a great result.”
The USA’s Katie Dinan, clocked in 64.76 seconds with Out of the Blue SCF, was in the money with an eleventh place finish. Allessandra Volpi and Gipsy Love of the U.S. were right behind in twelfth, tied with Germany’s Richard Vogel on United Touch S. Both were timed in 64.81 seconds.
No other U.S. riders finished in the top 20 of the class, which drew 39 starters.
World Cup action resumes Friday with a jump-off class.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 2, 2025
With so many social events in the Wellington, Fla., area during the Winter Equestrian Festival, it takes a lot for one to stand out, especially at the end of an intense 12-week circuit.
Yet Kevin’s Rockstars Lip Sync Fundraiser was a spectacular sellout last weekend, an evening to remember. Despite the zany name, it’s serious business, bringing in impressive amounts of money for the Kevin Babington Foundation.
Although the paralyzed show jumper is the foundation’s namesake, the charity also gives grants to other athletes who, like Kevin, have sustained spinal injuries while show jumping.
Kevin fell with his horse in a grand prix nearly six years ago, and since then, life has been a constant battle, as he has to rely on aides and family members for nearly everything. After being treated last month for a life-threatening case of pneumonia, Kevin got out of the hospital just a few days before the party. His aides and three Intensive Care Unit nurses stood up and rightfully were acknowledged at the festivities.
In typical Kevin fashion, as soon as he was discharged, he was back teaching, passing on his knowledge to help others with their horses.
“That’s what I love,” he explained simply. His daughters Marielle and Gwyneth are also professional equestrians; Marielle works with the family’s horse business in Florida, while her sister rides with Olivier Perreau in France.
Kevin had been worried he wouldn’t be able to attend the Foundation fundraiser, but with his typical resilience, the Irish Olympian was determined to be part of it.
“They would have had to chain me down not to come here tonight,” he told me, as he sat smiling in his wheelchair and ready for what he called “a great craic,” an Irish expression signifying great fun.
The event had started four years ago as a “bit of a lark, a drag night with the Irish guys,” Kevin recalled, and grew from there into quite a production, with familiar faces from the show world transforming themselves into their favorite recording artists or characters from the songs that they lip synched.
The stage presented professional lighting and backdrops, all beneath a large tent on the picturesque Hatfield family farm. The Hatfields also made a $100,000 donation to kick off the evening, and energetic bidding overseen by emcee Jimmy Torano brought more contributions into the till.
Emcee Jimmy Torano and Dianna Babington. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
Kevin’s energetic wife, Dianna, spoke of the “fantastic community of love” that has wrapped its many arms around the cause.
As Jimmy, also a show jumper, acknowledged what Kevin has gone through, he pointed out, “This could be any of us.”
Dianna mentioned that when she’s working in the VIP tent at WEF and “I hear the calamity of (falling) rails, I just feel this moment of `Oh My God’…and hold my breath for a minute.” Thankfully, there are few accidents as serious as Kevin’s, but she is always aware of what could happen.
The event is the most special night for Kevin, who got a standing ovation when he spoke to the 500-strong crowd.
Those attending the fundraiser stood and clapped for Kevin when he spoke. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I’m blown away every year. Because I’m always worried about, are we going to get enough people here? And it sells out. It’s not just supporting me, it’s supporting what the Foundation stands for,” Kevin said.
“I hope it doesn’t have to have too many other riders, but it’s there for them.”
Dianna said items paid for by the Foundation include round-the-clock aides and a special mattress for Kevin, all necessities that aren’t covered by insurance. It is used for big picture items, not the electric bill or the mortgage.
Kevin recalled the roots of the Foundation, explaining, “A group of friends got together to start a foundation for me and now look what it’s grown into,” with the subsequent involvement of Jeff Papows, its chairman.
“I never in a million years would have expected this,” said Kevin, as he looked around the crowded tent.
“I actually pinch myself all the time.”
Richard Goodall, the Indiana school janitor who won America’s Got Talent last year, kicked off the evening with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which could be Kevin’s anthem.
Richard Goodall sang “Don’t Stop Believin'” the theme song of the fundraiser. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
Dianna told the crowd, “ `Don’t Stop Believin’ ’ is completely relevant, as it embodies everything the Foundation is about and everything that keeps each and every one of us that is involved in paralysis able to get up each and every day to carry on with their lives. We cannot stop believing that something will break in the medical community and… restore people’s mobility.”
She and others working with the foundation keep up with the latest medical advances for helping paralysis victims to someday move on their own. Jefff said he has a Google alert on his computer network that searches for anything to do with paralysis.
“One of these days, there’s going to be a breakthrough that will improve his (Kevin’s) quality of life significantly further,” Jeff predicted.
Among those Dianna cited is Onward Medical out of Switzerland. Their Arc-Ex medical device, which received FDA approval in January, is not invasive. Instead, it sends impulses to activate dormant neural pathways. As Dianna pointed out, there have been “huge strides” since actor Christopher Reeve’s accident. An amateur eventer, he was paralyzed after a 1995 cross-country fall and remained in a wheelchair until he died in 2004. He had actively lobbied for spinal injury research.
Dianna, who Kevin called, “My first and foremost advocate through this whole thing,” is nothing if not versatile. As a child, she was “Little Miss New Jersey,” went on to model, act in films during high school and college, and worked as a professional cheerleader for the Nets professional basketball team. Then she pursued her interest in horses, taking lessons with Gary Kunsman at Four Seasons Farm.
For the Lip Sync, she put her show biz background to use with a very professional performance as J Lo while Marielle (wearing a bald wig that took two hours to put on properly), played Pitbull in their convincing rendition of “On the Floor.” They were helped along by back-up “singers,” including show jumpers Schuyler Riley and Lacy Morrone-Cramer. The whole effort took quite a few rehearsals.
Dianna Babington (J Lo) with her daughter, Marielle, (Pit Bull) do their lip synch with the Sirens. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
In addition to lip sync acts, the evening included real singers, Heather Caristo Williams and Ki-Juan Minors, the first winner of American Equestrians Got Talent. It was a great opportunity to show off the non-riding abilities of people in the horse show community.
Kevin Rose of Ken Rose catering served a meal that touched all bases with barbequed brisket, mac and cheese and dumplings, as well as crème brulee and cheesecake shooters.
Mike Cruciotti worked with the production aspects of the show. Trainer Missy Clark received an award for encouraging people to put together acts featured during the evening. Others who received acknowledgement included Carol Coleman and Victoria McCullough, but there was a host of volunteers who helped things run smoothly.
Kevin Babington Foundation Chairman Jeff Papows and Missy Clark. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
The subject of air vests came up during the evening.
“I was never one to push anything on anybody,” said the guest of honor.
“I’m not sure if a vest would have saved me, there’s a very good chance it would have,” Kevin noted.
“Even if you only wear it for jumping, just think about it. I would have been one of those macho guys that would be the last person to wear the vest, which is completely stupid.”
The research on the effectiveness of the vests is not complete, but Jeff said, “I think it’s something every equestrian has got to consider very seriously.”
Kevin has aides with him around the clock every day of the year. Jeff noted “the Foundation has developed connections with the best and the brightest doctors and hospitals and labs around the world
“That said, he still lives in a very compromised state.”
Jeff added, “The financial cost of these kinds of injuries is catastrophic. It’s not just the injured athlete; it’s the entire family and their entire inner circle that’s affected.” With the aid of the foundation, the patient’s family is “going to be able to see them with a reasonable quality of life without compromising theirs.”
The event raised a record amount,
“It was a significant success and makes up a useful part of our annual operating budget,” said Jeff.
The scene at the party. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
“The tragic part of it aside, I think it has unified the sport and created a closeness that is hard to describe, but it’s almost mystical,” he observed.
” We’ve got a database of 33,000 equestrians, and the open rate on that is 83 percent which is unheard of. I am constantly in awe of the love and generosity and tightness of the show jumping community. Talk about a sport and a community coming together.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 4, 2025
As expected, Great Britain’s world champion, Charlotte Fry on Glamourdale, won the Grand Prix, the first leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Switzerland Friday. Her score was 77.152, well ahead of the 74.848 turned in by Isabell Werth of Germany on DSP Quantaz. It was the twenty-sixth World Cup start for Isabell.
Riders must complete the Grand Prix to move on to Saturday’s Freestyle, the lone score that counts for the title in the Basel, Switzerland competition.
The only one of the three U.S. riders to break 70 percent was Adrienne Lyle on Helix, ninth of 17 entries with a mark of 72.565 percent. Adrienne said she was really happy with Helix.
“This is our first indoor ever, so his little heart was beating fast when we first came in,” she confided.
“He really settled down and was listening to me well. Another mistake-free Grand Prix; he’s just turning out to be a reliable guy in there and a great partner,” Adrienne said of the Dutchbred son of Apache, a horse she began riding little more than a year ago.
“He’s definitely becoming much more my ride. He wants to please and tries to do his best. To have him do a mistake-free Grand Prix is a testament to the fact he’s getting more secure. i don’t think we’ve tapped in at all to the limit of his potential.
“At home, the quality and brilliance is a little more than we’re able to put in the ring,” said Adrienne, adding, “It’s exciting to know it’s there.”
She goes in the arena walking on a loose rein, which is a contrast to the more active entrance by many riders.
“It might look a little bit odd to the public, but it really works.” she said, explaining it prevents Helix from getting his adrenaline going.
“Having a relaxed and happy athlete is the starting point and a priority,” she noted.
Looking ahead to Saturday, she added, “I’m excited to have him go in there and show off a little more of his stuff.”
Making the second finals start of his career, the USA’s Kevin Kohmann said of his mount, Duenensee, “It was amazing, my horse was amazing,” noting he and the Hanoverian had “never been in a stadium like this before. The people are sitting so close.”
He was fourteenth with a total of 69.130 percent.
“The highlight was the relaxation of my horse. My goal was to get my friend through the test, relaxed as possible, and set him up for tomorrow.”
First-time World Cup starter Genay Vaughn of the U.S. was last on Gino with a 62.978 percent, reflecting problems in the final passage and the one-tempis, among other issues.
“It wasn’t our best test, but i think it was a learning experience, i think i learned valuable things,” the California rider said.
click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 30, 2025
When show jumper Christian Kukuk said he had quite an “incredible” time on Saturday, he wasn’t exaggerating.
It started with the birth of his first child, a daughter named Lila. Then in the evening, the 2024 Olympic individual gold medalist faced and conquered a field of superstars at Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival in the debut of the $750,000 Rolex U.S. Equestrian Grand Prix, as more than 10,000 enthusiastic spectators took it all in at the Wellington International showgrounds.
Both Christian Kukuk and the crowd at the Rolex Grand Prix enjoyed his victory gallop. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
The class, the WEF finale, was part of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s new U.S. Open series across the Olympic disciplines, and it catered to spectators in an effort to popularize the sport. Fans loved the updated intro on the jumbotron featuring videos of the top riders, and they flocked into the ring when invited at the end of the class so they could get autographs from their heroes.
“To have the quality of riders we have now: Olympic champions, world champions world number one, and to draw the crowds we have, it just shows this sport is a spectator sport and there are fans that want to be a part of this,” said Michael Stone, president of Wellington International.
“To see the kids get so excited to get autographs and photographs with athletes… is special. It’s so important that we bring the sport to everyone. We want to help in growing the sport and this event has set an incredible mark for how we can do that and the kind of people and passion we can get behind it.”
The 40 starters in the first round who tested themselves over Guillherme Jorge’s brilliant course was whittled to eight. How tough was the route set at 1.60 meters (with one fence an inch higher than that)? Those who didn’t qualify for the tiebreaker included world number one Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden with King Edward, world number two Kent Farrington with Greya and McLain Ward on his Olympic partner, Ilex. And there were plenty of other noteworthy competitors who missed the jump-off, among them Britain’s 2021 Olympic individual gold medalist Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly.
Course designer Guilherme Jorge. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
The USA’s Laura Kraut, though, was right in the thick of things, demonstrating how her eager mount, Bisquetta, has come along since last year with a bravura blazing trip in 39.49 seconds over the eight fences of the shortened course.
“She has gotten more experience and I’ve taken her to a lot of good venues. Now she sort of understands what her job is,” commented Laura, 59.
She said the Zangersheide mare has moved up to first string status with her Olympic team silver medal mount, Baloutinue, who is sidelined with a small injury. That caused him to miss this coming week’s FEI World Cup Finals in Switzerland. Laura said she is being extra careful with Baloutinue because he is 15.
Her thought process is the same as Christian’s, who said he is conserving his Paris Games mount, Checker 47, because that horse also is 15, and is pointing him toward grands prix and next year’s world championships at Aachen. For this summer’s European Championships, he plans on using Just Be Gentle, winner of the Longines Grand Prix in Ocala earlier this month.
Laura Kraut and Bisquetta. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
Laura noted she had been a bit cautious in the jump-off and left the door open by adding strides in two places during her ride, and Christian took advantage of that when he and Checker followed her trip.
“I knew that Laura was really fast and I had to try everything,” he explained after his second triumph of the 2025 WEF season.
“There is something special between him and this arena here. He has an extra gear,” Christian observed about the son of Comme Il Faut 5.
The German rider did just enough with the agile grey Westfalen gelding to cut 0.29 seconds from Laura’s time, and there was his victory in 39.20 seconds. He also won the class on his first visit to WEF last year, when it wasn’t part of the Rolex series, and offered less money. But it was still impressive, and I will never forget his 2024 victory gallop with the ribbon clutched in his teeth!
Third place went to Ashlee Bond, 39, representing Israel on her always steady Donatello 141, clocked in 40.41 seconds. The Westfalen won the USA’s only $1 million grand prix last December in Thermal, Calif.
Ashlee Bond was overjoyed to turn in the first clean round (Photo © and2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
Ashlee and Donny have been together for nine years and move as a unit, honed by a depth of experience. Although Donny is only 15..3 hands, smaller than most of his rivals, he makes up for it with determination and a desire to do well for his rider.
“He turned himself inside-out for me,” said Ashlee, and this despite the fact that he wasn’t as energetic as usual after an infection in his throat from an allergy. He won’t do any more championships, but she plans to prolong his career for as long as he wants to do it. After that, “he can give my daughter pony rides because he likes to do that, too.”
Christian packed a lot into the hours of March 29, and after his victory he still seemed stunned–but thrilled–about how it all turned out.
He explained everything with a big smile on his face.
Christian Kukuk was mobbed by spectators as he signed autographs after his victory. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
“My wife, Veronica was pregnant and the due date was actually next week,” the 35-year-old rider recounted.
“Perfect, right after week12 (the last week of WEF). I was hoping she’d at least wait until Sunday (the day after the Rolex Grand Prix).”
However, they had to go to the hospital Friday night as the baby was on her way.
“Everything went really well. Both are healthy. I honestly can’t wait to see them again,,” said Christian.
“It’s a story you cannot really imagine,” he continued, adding he looks forward to telling the tale to Lila when she is older.
And for his part, he said, “I will always have very, very special memories of her birthday.”
Click here for results.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 29, 2025
Heartbeat is a character.
The Dutchbred son of Charmeur doesn’t like other horses, wears a hood with sound-dulling earpieces so he can sleep and has been a “bit of a project,” over the last three years, revealed his rider, Kasey Perry-Glass.
But it has all come together, as demonstrated Friday night when he won his second Grand Prix Freestyle of the season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Fla., with a score of 75.915 percent. He danced to an original score by Tom Hunt that featured the sound of a heartbeat.
Kasey got help from Ali Brock, who rode with her on the 2016 Olympic bronze medal team.
“I can’t thank Ali enough; she knows how to coach. And she doesn’t ruffle feathers…making sure everyone’s on the same page. She’s been with Heart since the moment I got him,” said Kasey, who enjoys working with a “teammate.”
Adrienne Lyle, who rode with Kasey on the 2018 silver medal World Equestrian Games team, helped design her Freestyle. The riders have been working together since Debbie McDonald stepped away from teaching.
Heart previously was ridden by Dutch competitor Thamar Zweistra, which meant “he was crank and pull, so just to make him a small person ride has been a lot,” Kasey commented.
She rose to fame with Dublet, now happily retired to her family’s California farm, where he shares his pasture with a pony and a mini-donkey.
There were multiple times that Kasey was supposed to go to Europe to look for Dublet’s successor, but her mother-in-law, Jill Glass, kept getting sick.
Although she was in hospice, Jill didn’t want Kasey to cancel her trip.
“You have to go,” Jill told Kasey, who was reluctant to be away at such a difficult time.
“The day I left, she passed away, so to find a horse named Heartbeat…” Kasey said, noting she feels very close to the family of her husband, Dana Glass.
Heartbeat wasn’t a slam-dunk.
“Everything about him was a bit hot. His trot was so mechanical,” Kasey recalled.
But “I tried him and we just clicked.”
The 12-year-old continues to develop, and his freestyle was a testament to how far he has come in his transformation.
Kasey Perry-Glass thanks Heartbeat for his winning effort. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
“There was a lot of power and a lot to contain, but I’m starting to be able to manage it,” said Kasey.
“Sometimes Heart tries to overpower me, but tonight he proved that he can keep the power underneath me. It’s about figuring out what works for him, but once I get in the ring, he’s a true showman and he stepped up.”
Kasey is hoping to go to Europe later this spring with a U.S. team tour.
She was second Thursday to Marcus Orlob and Jane in the Grand Prix qualifier, but Marcus opted to do the Special instead of the Freestyle. (to read story, click this link.)
The Freestyle runner-up by a little more than a point, scoring 74.840 for her ride to a Neil Diamond medley, was veteran Ashley Holzer on Hawtins San Floriana. The Hanoverian mare was developed in Britain by Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin.
There was a period of adjustment with a “made” horse for Ashley, who usually brings her mounts through the levels herself.
Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I took her to Carl’s last summer and worked on trying to create a partnership. It’s really just in the last few weeks that I’ve started to feel that she’s speaking my language. She really tries so hard, and it’s special when you feel a horse start to become your teammate,” she reported.
Third in the field of 10 was Canadian Camille Carier Bergeron, an Olympic veteran like the others on the podium. She said of her ride aboard the Oldenburg mare Finnländerin, “That test was one of the times she’s felt the most relaxed and most connected with me; very accessible. The trot tour felt like a win to me, and the piaffe/passage.”
Despite some hiccups in the lead changes as her test drew to a close, Camille said, “I was really happy with her.” She was marked at 73.370 percent.
Janet Foy, head of the ground jury for the class, said of the officiating experience, “That was really fun for the judges. I’m a dancer (she competes in ballroom dancing), so there was a lot of great stuff going on in there. The top five or six horses were really special and did a great job.”
Click here for Freestyle results
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 29, 2025
How do dressage horses make it to the top of the game?
They gain experience through programs such as the Lövsta Future Challenge Developing Grand Prix Horse, which on Friday awarded the championship title in its finals to Jaccardo, ridden by Canadian Olympian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu.
The 11-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding, who is at the upper age limit for the class at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, turned in a 72.500 percent test at the Wellington, Fla., venue. Jill Irving’s personable son of Desperado gives his rider “a sense of secure power.”
Brittany added that “Sometimes he’s a little bit cheeky, but what I need is to give him space and allow him to settle into the movement. I’m not putting too much pressure on him in the ring right now, I just want him to have a great experience so he’s ready for Grand Prix next year.”
Ashley Holzer, second in the Freestyle, helped Brittany, her longtime student.
Jaccardo and Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
Second place went to Marcus Orlob and the stallion JJ Glory Day, with 70.842 percent for a test performed in a snaffle, which is allowed under the rules.
“Unfortunately, he wasn’t happy with the flower boxes today, but I can’t be mad at him,” Marcus aid of the nine-year-old Danish warmblood. He has been riding the horse owned by Alice Tarjan for five years.
“I think he has all the elements to be a good grand prix horse. He’s spicy enough, but not stupid in the head, and he likes to work.”
The partnership will continue in national Grands Prix this year, looking toward international classes in 2026.
Kelly Layne, who found herself back in the saddle of Living Diamond when the horse’s young rider gave up the sport, finished third on 68.579. The former Australian Olympian now rides as a U.S. citizen. She also was third last year on the Hanoverian she co-owns.
Antonia Ax:son Johnson, proprietor of series sponsor Lövsta Stuteri got together with Swedish rider Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén a quarter-century ago. Their partnership has been a solid one, and Antonia trusts her opinion. When Antonia asked what was needed to develop top horses (jumpers as well as dressage) the series was born.
“At first we could hardly find anyone who wanted to enter, Antonia siad. “
“But today,” she pointed out, “we have a really strong tour,” which is active in the U.S., Sweden and the Netherlands. Eligibility begins for horses that are eight years old.
She explained, “Wellington is a place where we can give our horses, but also to others, an opportunity to grow and to learn at their own pace.”
During the innovative class, Tinne and judge Karin Pavicic told the audience what they thought of the horses.
“I absolutely love this combination,” Karin reported about Jaccardo to those watching.
“It’s super-exciting for the future in Canada,” she said.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 27, 2025
Things were pretty quiet at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival on Thursday afternoon in Wellington, Fla. No one was in the stands, there were only a few people along the rail and the VIP area was peaceful.
But the wind ruffled the canvas on the tents around the ring, so when Jane made her entrance for the 4-star Grand Prix, she reacted.
The mare reared before she got close to the entrance of the arena. Remember Fury from the old TV show? She did a pretty good imitation.
As usual, however, her rider, Marcus Orlob, was on the case. Unflustered, he got her going, went down centerline and put in a winning test.
True, it wasn’t the sensitive mare’s best effort, but it was her third victory this season. Her talent is undeniable and when she pays attention to business, she shows some spectacular moves.
But then there are the distractions.
The Dutchbred daughter of Desperado spooked in the canter half-passes, getting uncharacteristic marks of 3’s and 4’s. The other mishap occurred in the flying change between the pirouettes, with three 4’s and a 5 along with a 7 (everything depends on vantagepoint from where a judge is sitting.)
The scores strengthened as the test drew to a close and she was awarded 8’s for her definitive passage down the final center line. Marcus and Jane were the only ones among 13 entries to break 70 percent, finishing on 70.630 percent, though two judges graded the performance at 71.413.
“I was actually disappointed a little bit, but somehow proud of her. Compare the entrance to the performance it was not that bad. Once she’s in the ring, she usually starts to settle. I think the good horses are a challenge,” said Marcus.
Look at the synchrony that Jane is showing in passage. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I would like for her to go in the ring and feel calm and she keeps breathing. That’s my goal. She’s a fantastic horse. She’s just afraid.”
She’ll be seen again Saturday in the Special.
Why not the featured Friday Night Lights Freestyle, I asked Marcus.
“I didn’t want to start right away giving her too much atmosphere,” he explained.
“I think to do right away the lights with that many people, it’s too early for her brain, so I wanted to take it a little bit more easy on her. I have to be careful I don’t completely scare her. You see how she acts up around the ring. She’s afraid and stands up. I don’t want to give like a complete rodeo show here to the people.”
He’s been taking her over to the busy Winter Equestrian Festival down the street to get her accustomed to the buzz, where she doesn’t have to perform a test and he can desensitize her without an audience.
A native of Germany who is a U.S. citizen, Marcus began competing Jane for her owner, Alice Tarjan, who felt the mare needed a stronger rider. Marcus, who has been Alice’s trainer, made the Olympic team in Paris. But Jane spooked when entering the ring as she tried to follow another horse out and cut herself. The tiny scratch showed up on a white leg and she was disqualified under the blood rule.
Now his goal is to be among the six U.S. riders who will go to Europe this spring and he hopes to be chosen for the team that will compete at Aachen. That’s important, because it will be the venue for the world championships in 2026.
When Marcus has Jane’s attention, he’d like to work on getting “the neck a little bit out and softer again. And I think the piaffe/passage will be more expressive, softer through the body. I get the changes a little bit softer. But now I have a little bit the emergency grip that she doesn’t spook, that I keep her a little bit more conservative with me.”
He does feel it all can happen when she gets desensitized and trusts him.
Second place went to Kasey Perry-Glass on Heartbeat, marked at 68.022 percent. She figures to be the favorite for the freestyle.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 15, 2025
It’s been more than five very long years since show jumper Kevin Babington had a life-changing accident when his horse fell with him in a grand prix.
A spinal injury that paralyzed the Irish Olympian from mid-chest down has meant he can’t walk, use his hands or at this point, even cough effectively – leading to his hospitalization for pneumonia for two weeks.
As of March 25, he finally came home after a tough battle.
“His spirit is undeniably resilient,” Kevin’s wife, Dianna, said on social media.
“I have never met anyone so tough, mentally and now physically. Thank you to all for your prayers and support.”
Obviouslly, his situation has not dimmed Kevin’s spirit or determination to carry on. He is eager to be teaching lessons again at his home stable in Loxahatchee, Fla. He also has been available to do consulting work for those seeking his expertise with horses.
Dianna and Kevin on the porch of tvheir home, Kevin’s teaching vantagepoint. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
There’s always a struggle, but the bright light is that he is not alone. In addition to his wife and daughters Marielle and Gwyneth, there are many who rally for his cause time and again. They will be involved with a major event this Sunday, March 30, at Erica Hatfield’s EyeCandyland Farm in Wellington, Fla. It’s Kevin’s Rockstars Lip Sync Fundraiser, offering creative and zany entertainment that draws the equestrian community as both participants and audience.
The event benefits the Kevin Babington Foundation, which raises funds and generates support not only for Kevin, but also for other show jumpers who sustain spinal injuries. In addition to providing financial assistance the foundation’s mission includes educating riders, trainers and show organizers about safety measures designed to reduce the risk of serious injuries which can occur while riding.
For past Lip Syncs, big name riders, including Olympic gold medalist Nick Skelton of Great Britain, Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and the USA’s Heather Caristo got their acts together to show their creative side. This month’s show will feature the singing janitor, Richard Goodall, who won the 2024 season of America’s Got Talent.
“His heart, humility, and spirit perfectly represent our foundation. I knew we had to get him to perform,” said Foundation Chairman Jeff Papows.
Commenting on Kevin’s condition, Jeff said, “We have seen the incredible support and love pouring in at this time. The doctors have been doing a great job in managing Kevin’s condition and are working to get him back home as soon as possible.”
While Kevin can’t have visitors at this time, click here to get a form on which you can send a note to Kevin wishing him well. Jeff noted Kevin is determined to see the Lip Sync, always a highlight for him.
“We try to make sure people want to come every year, because they’re getting something for their money,” Dianna noted about the event.
Kevin and Mark Q after victory at Devon nine years ago. (Photo © 2016 by Nancy Jaffer)
Last year, Kevin suffered a setback when the ramp to his van failed, his wheelchair crashed to the ground and he hit the back of his head. He will need spinal surgery, as well as having a hip replaced.
“This is a stark reminder that this is not something that gets fixed,” Dianna observed, noting other equestrians have problems with which the foundation is helping.
“This is an ongoing medical tragedy. There’s always another shoe that’s about to drop, and it’s not just him. This is not something where we throw money at it and fix it and walk away. This is ongoing. There will be future recipients.”
Dianna said if she outlives Kevin, she will continue working with the foundation. She is one step removed right now, wanting to make sure there is no conflict of interest, but is involved in the Lip Sync and other events.
“I want people to come and participate, if not this year, next year. It is for Kevin and everybody who has come after him, and will come again after him,” said Dianna, noting “It’s a constant battle.”
Kevin is a good teacher who understands show jumping from a variety of perspectives. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
People can purchase a table to be part of the evening, or simply donate to the foundation. The need continues.
“This is never over,” is the way Dianna put it.
Click on this link to purchase tickets or tables for a very special cause.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 23, 2025
Vera Kessels, a much admired dressage trainer, rider and effective clinician, died March 22 of ovarian cancer.
A native of the Netherlands with ties to the horse-dealing Hendrix family, she moved to the U.S. in 1995 with her Dutchbred horse, Dotato. They started showing a year later and continued through Dressage at Devon in 1998. Other mounts with which she had success included Urbanus and Jane Suwalsky’s Whitman.
Vera Kessels, who always shared her sunny smile. Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Vera married U.S. dressage rider Michael Barisone, who began showing Dotato in 1999, and the two ran the Hathorne Hill training stable in Long Valley, N.J. The couple later divorced.
She was a respected teacher. As trainerEliza Puttkamer Banks put it in a tribute on social media, “I owe where I am right now and the confidence I have, to Vera. One of the most outstanding supporters of our sport from the center of the ring, always keeping correct training and understanding of the horses as sport. We have lost one of our shining lights.”
