by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 9, 2025
It’s been more than three years since dressage rider Michael Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity on a charge of second-degree attempted murder, and bit by bit, he is regaining some autonomy.
At his eighth Krol hearing Tuesday, the 2008 U.S. Olympic team alternate got permission for a little more latitude in his movements, with judge Stephen Taylor allowing him to drive from his Florida farm to New Jersey as needed so he can retrieve belongings from his former home state. Previously, he was required to fly to New Jersey for the Krol hearings.
They are held to evaluate the progress of a criminal defendant who has been confined to a psychiatric institution following a verdict like the one delivered for Barisone in April 2022. The next hearing is scheduled for February.
Michael Barisone with the Olympic team in Hong Kong, 2008. The others are Debbie McDonald, Courtney King Dye and Steffen Peters. (Photo © 2008 by Nancy Jaffer)
Barisone was charged in the 2019 shooting of Lauren Kanarek, a tenant at his former farm in Long Valley, N.J., farm who also trained there. He said he doesn’t remember the incident, which left Kanarek hospitalized with two bullets in her chest. The shooting occurred during a confrontation with Kanarek and her boyfriend, Rob Goodwin, who had been at odds with their landlord.
During Barisone’s trial, his lawyer, Edward Bilinkas, asked Kanarek whether she was bent on destroying his client and threatening everything he held dear. She replied, “at some point, yes.”
As was the case during the last Krol hearing seven months ago in the Morris County, N.J., Courthouse, Taylor listened to testimony from clinical psychologist Dr. David Landry, who usually sees Barisone on a weekly basis in Florida.
In response to a question from Morris County Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn, Landry said on a Zoom call aired in the Morristown courtroom that in his opinion, Barisone has no signs of any active mental diseases or disorder.
Asked by Schellhorn whether he discussed the shooting, referred to as the “index event,” with Barisone, Landry said they talked about “his lack of memory of the event and what that means for his having to internalize and accept these events as occurring, and where we go from here, knowing that this has occurred…and what his plans are in moving forward.”
Landry said Barisone, 61, spends much of his time working around his farm in Loxahatchee, Fla., and keeps “a low profile.”
As a result of the shooting incident, Barisone is under an interim suspension from the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which means he can’t take part in any U.S. Equestrian Federation sanctioned competitions, or even be on showgrounds. That sanction remains in place pending the outcome of an investigation or final decision.
Michael Barisone riding at his former farm in Long Valley.
Landry characterized the SafeSport situation as a “stressor,” in Barisone’s life, noting that is “pretty typical in these circumstances.”
In treatment, doctor and patient talk abut all possible outcomes. Landry said they “develop plans around that. He seems to be okay with whatever happens and has a plan in the event any outcome would occur.”
In an interview after the hearing, Barisone said, “I’ve been doing everything exactly as I’m supposed to do. I’ve abided by every single rule.”
Speaking about the judge’s decision, he observed, “At least now I can start finishing moving my stuff out of New Jersey and really get the place in Florida (to be) home. So I think at this point, this process happened just like it’s supposed to, like it’s written in the law.
“The doctors all say, `He recovered from what happened to him’ and I’ve been given pretty much freedom to be about as normal as I can.”
When he returns to Florida, he hopes to start riding after a break to deal with legal matters.
Barisone riding in Florida earlier this year.
But there also are other legal matters with which is involved.
In July, Barisone sued the USEF. Those legal papers state that on Aug. 1, 2019,, he had phoned Sonja Keating, the federation’s chief operating officer and general counsel, saying he was “in a life and death situation due to the malevolent and dangerously unpredictable conduct of Kanarek and Goodwin,” and that he feared for his life.
The lawsuit noted Keating offered no assistance and suggested he call the police. Barisone told Keating the police refused to help. According to the lawsuit, Keating never mentioned the Center for SafeSport, nor did she say she would refer the matter to the Center. The lawsuit stated she was obligated to refer the matter to SafeSport, which she did not do.
On August 7, 2019, the shooting took place.
The lawsuit also noted that Murray Kessler, who was USEF’s president at the time, did not return Barisone’s phone calls about his situation.
The lawsuit contends that USEF “breached its fiduciary obligations to the Plaintiff in that it did not exercise its duty of care and protect the Plaintiff from the actions of Kanarek and Goodwin,” and as a result, Barisone was damaged.
He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from USEF.
Asked for a comment on the lawsuit, a USEF spokesperson said the federation does not comment on matters in litigation. Attorney Steven Tarshis, who filed the lawsuit, said USEF attorneys had requested an extension until the end of September to respond.
In February, Barisone sued Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital, where he was a patient for more than a year in 2022 and part of 2023 before the judge allowed him to live in a private home later that year.
The way he was treated at the hospital led to “emotional harm, pain, damage and suffering, among other injuries,” according to the lawsuit filed by attorney Christopher Deininger, which alleges medical malpractice.
A motion by the hospital to dismiss the action was denied by a judge, but the hospital has filed another such motion that has yet to be ruled on.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 8, 2025
There’s nothing more important to people who truly love horses than the welfare of their animals. And in the big picture, the focus on welfare for equestrian competition is key to its survival in the era of social license to operate.
But not everybody recognizes welfare issues, or how to cope with them. With that in mind, the U.S. Equestrian Federation on Monday released a set of horse welfare guidelines under the title, “Protecting Horses.” The information can be accessed at this link.
The guidelines align human and horse interactions with the concept of a stoplight – green, yellow, and red to help create a mutual understanding of horse-friendly vs. cautionary vs. unacceptable actions for all breeds and disciplines. A rule change effective last year enabled USEF to take action against anyone involved with cruelty, abuse and unethical treatment of a horse beyond the showgrounds as well as at a competition.
USEF Chief of Sport David O’Connor introduces segments on various topics. Today’s videos focus on an overview of the subject and recognizing issues in horse movement and appearance. More instructive videos will be released weekly through Oct. 27, and a list of rules involving horse welfare is available to explain how welfare is encouraged and enforced.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 7, 2025
If I had asked you to guess on Sunday morning which U.S. competitor would be second in the world’s richest grand prix at the Spruce Meadows Masters during the afternoon, you might have guessed Lillie Keenan, who has been rolling out double-clear trips in Nations Cups this season, or Aaron Vale, winner of two grands prix last spring.
The odds are you wouldn’t have mentioned Kyle King, a 50-year-old journeyman rider who is number 144 on the Longines ranking list.
But he made a big statement in the $5 million (Canadian) CPKC International in Calgary, Canada, with a 10-year-old Zangersheide, Kayenne Z, a mare he has been riding for just seven months who also was second in the Queen Elizabeth Cup earlier this summer during Spruce Meadows’ golden anniversary year.
Kyle finished the incredibly testing CPKC class as runner-up to Great Britain’s Scott Brash, the only person ever to have won the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Scott Brash and Hello Jefferson on their way to victory. (© Spruce Meadows Media/Bart Onyszko)
It was also Scott’s third victory in the grand prix presented by Rolex, which was not just the richest class of 2025, but the most valuable ever held in the sport. The purse, $3.6 million in U.S. dollars, was worth $1,192,000 (U.S.) for the victor, who said he was “shocked and surprised and delighted” at his triumph aboard Hello Jefferson.
“I’m absolutely delighted for my horse. More than anything, he deserves a title under his belt,” said Scott.
“He’s been such a good horse for so many years and we’ve had ups and downs, but he has been a fantastic horse. So I think it’s great finally being able to get a title under his name.”
Leopoldo Palacios, the perennial course designer for the class, headed a team that put together one of the most challenging routes seen anywhere.
“You never know what this man’s going to build,” Scott observed.
“I was kind of in shock all the way around when I walked it,” Kyle said.
Laura Kraut, who had been double clear in the Nations Cup Friday aboard Tres Bien Z to help the U.S. to third place, decided after walking the grand prix course not to compete on the still-developing 10-year-old mare because she “didn’t want to bite off more than she could chew with a super horse,” according to U.S. Coach Robert Ridland.
Evidence of the difficulty quotient was the fact that the glittering field of 36 riders did not include anyone who was fault-free in all three rounds. After the top 12 from the original group of starters competed in the second round, the two best — Scott and Kyle — were tied for the lead on 4 penalties each, with the tight time allowed in both rounds having been a huge factor in that result. Even Leopoldo was surprised that he had no double clears for a tie-breaker, but he acknowledged he knew it might have to happen at some point in his career.
The two leaders jumped off over a new course of seven fences, with a time allowed of 48 seconds. Scott was fault-free in 46.97 seconds, so Kyle knew he not only had to go clear, but also beat the time of a gold medal Olympian who had already won the class twice in his career.
Kyle King and Kayenne Z on their way to the victory ceremony.(© Spruce Meadows Media/Tony Lewis)
It was all going according to plan when Kayenne ticked the jump composed of planks that formed a Canadian flag, and Kyle was penalized for the knockdown. He finished faster than Scott in 46.09 seconds, so his plan almost worked — except for the 4-fault toll it took.
Kyle and Kayenne at the infamous Canadian flag plank jump.
“The mare’s pretty green. I don’t have much control up there,” said Kyle.
“I would do it the same again. I thought I had it just right and I thought the planks showed up probably better than anything else. When I heard them fall I was like `Oh.’ I was surprised that I actually still did beat his (Scott’s) time. I’m just getting to know that mare, she is actually fairly quick. She covers the ground really well. I’m really proud of the way it all worked out,” he emphasized.
“This has always been one of my biggest dreams…to win this grand prix. To be that close was incredible.”
Third place went to Olympic multi-medalist Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, who made it through the difficult double of liverpools in the second round, only to have a rail at the iconic Dutch bicycle fence (as did Kyle and four others). Just a time fault with Venard de Cerisy kept him out of the jump-off. His countryman, Martin Fuchs, was not as lucky aboard Leone Jei, however.
The defending champion in the class, Martin was embarking on the Rolex Grand Slam trail after winning the Rolex grand prix at Aachen in July. To win the Grand Slam, a rider must take three of the four competitions (the others are the Dutch Masters and Geneva) in a row. But Martin’s quest ended at the first fence in the second round, when his grey gelding took off a stride early and tumbled to the ground. Both horse and rider walked away from the accident.
Coach Robert Ridland has known Kyle a long time around the California circuit.
He said Kyle has never been on one of his teams, but noted, “he’s a terrific rider, always has been.” However, he mentioned Kyle never had a horse who was “a legitimate contender.”
Now that he has a horse who is “the real deal,” Robert commented, “I can’t wait to have him on a team He would be a huge asset.”
But Robert better move fast.
Kyle, who has been coming to Calgary his whole life, rides out of Rocky Mountain Sport Horses south of Calgary.
“I’m a permanent resident now of Canada and pretty close to getting my citizenship and possibly riding for Canada. I’m in the works of doing that at the moment. And then I had the Canadian planks down,” he said ruefully.
Kyle King was overjoyed with his finish in the world’s richest grand prix.
“Canada and Spruce Meadows is my one way to ride against this caliber of people in my life. I’ve never shown in Europe. But Europe comes to Calgary once a year and I feel a special connection to Spruce Meadows. I thought I was going to win it today. I thought destiny was going to happen. But to me it was a win, so I’ll take it.”
Click here for results (the time for the jump-off is not in the results, but it is in the story above)
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 1, 2025
The fiftieth anniversary of Kingsview Partners Dressage at Devon Sept. 23-28 has generated new vitality and excitement for a tradition that is far more than simply a competition.
It’s also entertainment, shopping and an opportunity for education, with a variety of possibilities for both riders and spectators, in addition to a multi-faceted breed show.
The competition and fall festival at the historic venue on Philadelphia’s Main Line has reached a half-century landmark that was far from a certainty when financial insecurity threatened its future.
Anne Moss, who took over as president three years ago, emphasized the importance of the board having implemented a strategic plan “to make the show an even better place for competitors, spectators, vendors and volunteers, and to work a little bit on the culture of the show.”
As she explained, “It started from within and really looking hard at ways we could better support each other on the committee and the management team and the board, and also with a huge focus on customer service for competitors and spectators, boxholders, volunteers and all of us, so that it would be a wonderful experience to be at the show at every level.
Anne Moss, president of Dressage at Devon. Photo © by Nancy Jaffer
“It’s a really joyful thing to work on the Dressage at Devon team. I’m not saying it wasn’t previously, but I think the focus was horse show and vendor village, and a little bit on the boxholders. We had to do more to show the boxholders and spectators our love and the competitors too, as one individual to another.”
Sarah Campbell, the show’s vice president of event operations (described by Anne as “my right hand”) called the venue “a magical place to come to and spend six days immersed in dressage, breeding and catching up with all your friends.
“The team we have pulled together over the years has worked really hard to revitalize it. It’s been a huge effort.”
Dressage at Devon once was a “must” for the top level of the discipline in the Northeast and beyond. Big name participants have been seen in the Dixon Oval over the years, including Anne Gribbons, Lisa Wilcox, Adrienne Lyle, Hilda Gurney, Lars Petersen and a combination that everyone remembers, the beloved floppy-eared Rocher and her rider, George Williams, former president of the U.S. Dressage Federation.
Board member Christina Morin Graham cited “the number of people the show has impacted over such a long time, literally generations of riders. The show has such an energy and I’m excited that it’s still able to deliver that for riders, spectators and enthusiasts.”
Christina Morin-Graham. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
But as the winter Florida shows grew in importance and people started going south earlier each autumn, Dressage at Devon became less of a key destination for riders. They determine their priorities amid an increase in the number of shows and changes in the calendar.
Efforts by the organizers and sponsors have played a big role in giving the show a leg up, but this year, Dressage at Devon also gets a boost in entries as a qualifier for the new U.S. Open for dressage, set for November in California.
In addition, the show is a qualifier for the April 2026 FEI World Cup Finals in Ft. Worth, Texas. That fixture is on the wish list for U.S. competitors seeking to match themselves against the best from around the globe, without having to travel abroad.
As a result, Dressage at Devon “has gained a whole lot more interest from competitors and that has filtered down to more interest from spectators, competitors and volunteers,” Anne said.
A fun attraction is the Friday night dance-off, with costumed riders showing their moves to music on creatively decorated horses. Who can forget Silva Martin winning the 2024 edition posing as a well turned-out hippie?
Dance-Off winner Silva Martin. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
This year, as a special event for the golden anniversary, riders and breed class competitors who are part of the show’s history will be included in a parade featuring “Legends of Dressage at Devon.” They are being invited back to the show to appear (horseless) in a Saturday night showcase. Those who have not been contacted but would like to take part should email Anne at annemoss380@gmail.com.
George Williams and Rocher from her Dressage at Devon retirement ceremony. (Photo © 2013 by Nancy Jaffer)
The Saturday night Grand Prix Freestyle always has been a highlight bringing in fans, but boosters know it takes so much more to attract the support that was needed to make sure the show not only hit its fiftieth anniversary, but also to keep it going beyond that.
Education is now a major feature, and introduction of the first Master Class with Sabine Schut-Kery four years ago has drawn a series of interesting clinicians (including Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, the individual silver medalist over the weekend at the FEI European Dressage Championships in France.)
The 2025 Thursday night Master Class will be conducted by Germany’s Ingrid Klimke, a German medal-winning eventer and dressage rider (she was on the gold medal team at the European Championships last week) who is the daughter of the legendary Olympic dressage gold medalist, Reiner Klimke.
Ingrid Klimke, right, with the European Championships gold medal winning team.
She’s a great attraction not only for dressage riders, such as Silva who has signed up (and whose eventer husband, Boyd Martin, also has ridden in the Master Class), but also obviously for eventers — a number of whom are based near Devon — looking for tips to improve their dressage phase.
One is the well-traveled Jennie Brannigan, a five-time U.S. eventing team member, who wasted no time applying for the class.
Jennie Brannigan cross-country with FE Lifestyle. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
“I jumped at the chance,” said Jennie.
“It’s really exciting for me to be a part of that. It was just a no-brainer. To ride in the Dixon Oval is such an amazing experience. How can you turn that down?
At the same time, she noted another motivation, saying, “Dressage is my weakest link.” She’s looking for some insights from Ingrid, someone Jennie describes as “lovely” after meeting her in Europe.
A lecture series, headlined by Dr. Hilary Clayton speaking about harmony between the horse and rider in the barn and the arena, also will feature a number of other experts and updates by staff from the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. To learn more, click here.
Also on the education front, dressage and musical freestyle judges from around the country will be receiving training at the show, under the auspices of the U.S. Dressage Federation.
Last year’s Dressage at Devon Grand Prix Freestyle winner Kevin Kohmann with Dünensee (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
Sarah, like Anne and Christina, is a dressage rider. She competed at the show with her homebred Hanoverian, Bailamos, in 2023 and finished as the top amateur in her Fourth Level class. Christina and Anne both are riding in the show this time, so these key organizers are well-connected through their horses.
There was concern that the show, which at one point was out of money, might not celebrate its fiftieth. As Sarah noted, the big question was, “Can we make it?”
But the show achieved a milestone when it moved into the black by earning $5,000 last year.
An anonymous donor has offered a $50,000 matching gift if the show gets $50,000 in contributions. That benefit would be a huge step for the financially fragile fixture, which costs $1 million to run, while the cost of renting the showgrounds increases regularly as well.
Those who wish to donate and insure the show will continue can go to the donation page at the website, or click directly on this link.
“It’s still a huge challenge to do a budget on a horse show; you have no idea who is going to come spectator-wise, competitor-wise, sponsor/vendor-wise,” said Anne.
“At least we’re doing better. It will be the biggest Master Class attendance so far. The focus we’ve put on education has been a hit with spectators, too.”
While finances obviously are still an issue, the show is making progress.
“I think we have its nose pointing in the right direction,” said Anne.
“We are so excited to be an important stepping stone for high-performance riders and for spectators thinking about becoming high- performance riders. One of the biggest joys I have as president of Dressage at Devon is seeing the talent come to the show, and how it flourishes and grows afterwards.”
The show is seeking volunteers to help, whether it’s for a few hours or several days.Special needs are for assistance with the Dressage Explorers for kids on Sunday, and general/floater volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and 24, during the day.
Volunteers will receive an entry ticket, a parking pass and food on the day they help. There’s also special swag, including a commemorative fiftieth anniversary T-shirt. Click here to sign up.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 6, 2025
Saturday was British Day in several ways at the Spruce Meadows Masters.
The designation was made long before the hard-fought BMO Nations Cup took place this afternoon, with Sophie, Britain’s Duchess of Edinburgh, as the honored guest.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, with Spruce Meadows’ Linda Southern Heathcott. (Spruce Meadows Photo)
But the British team didn’t get a freebie in the competition because of the honor, and had to fight for its first victory in the class since 1996 at the show in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The question of who would take the towering trophy came down to Britain’s final rider, the last to compete in the class. That was Donald Whitaker (nephew of former British team mainstays Michael and John), and his dependable mount, Millfield Colette.
Before Donald entered the arena, Richie Vogel of Germany, who won the European championship last month, had just dropped a rail with Cloudio at the last of 12 fences on course, giving his nation a total of 4 penalties over two rounds. Three Germans had gone clear in the first round, so he didn’t have to ride at that point.
But his best effort was needed in the second round after Olympic champion Christian Kukuk toppled a pole at the first element of the triple combination. Once both rounds were completed, the Germans found themselves on a total of 4 penalties and Richie commented that he thought he overrode the liverpool obstacle.
But Richie’s score meant that if Donald could go fault-free for Britain, the title would belong to his nation.
Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette
Donald was, as British Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard described it, “steely cool” in delivering the hoped-for outcome on his lovely gray mare.
Di included the other members of the squad, Joseph Stockdale, Matt Sampson and 2021 Olympic individual gold medalist Ben Maher in her praise, saying, “The spirit of this team is second to none. It’s fantastic and it’s come together so well this year. To have the win here, I’m so proud of them all.
Ben Maher of Great Britain on Enjeu de Grisien. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
How important was it to take the title again for the first time in nearly three decades?
“It was huge,” she emphasized.
“Prior, it was won several times by the British, year after year. We do take a little stick from home for not following on. Finally we’ve come together and done it.”
She was confident her anchor rider could deliver.
“Donald has been in that position before for us this year. The progress he has made throughout the year in that position, I was happy he was last.”
Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette, partners in triumph. (Spruce Meadows Media/Mike Sturk)
While there was undoubtedly immense pressure on Donald, with a crowd of more than 25,000 on hand to watch and celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the show (not to mention the presence of a member of the royal family) he relished the chance to demonstrate what he and the dynamic mount could produce.
“It’s kind of everything you always dreamed of doing, really,” he said.
“Spruce Meadows, last to go to win it. It’s kind of a fairy tale in your head sometimes.”
How did he handle it?
“Just tried to stay relaxed,” he commented.
The British team: Ben Maher, Joseph Stockdale, Chef d’equipe Di Lampard, Matt Sampson, Donald Whitaker (Spruce Meadows photo)
The route for the class was laid out by Spruce Meadows’ perennial course designer, Leopoldo Palacios, who did not put pressure on the riders with a tight time allowed. But the clever arrangement of fences meant that faults were well-distributed, though the water jump fronted by a wavy wall that confused some horses drew plenty of penalties.
Eleven riders collected faults there, but even the first fence took its share of errors. It was the Austrian obstacle flanked by standards that resembled mountains and with a panel of musical notes, calling to mind the movie, “The Sound of Music.”
The vertical-vertical-oxer triple combination under the trees also caused its share of heartbreak as the afternoon wore on and shadows lengthened.
The first round drew 11 nations, with six coming back for the second round.
The U.S. was tied with the Germans on 4 penalties before Aaron Vale was the last to go for his team. He had 4 penalties in the first round with Styles, but that wasn’t the drop score, since 21-year-old rookie Elena Haas had two rails on Claude.
It appeared Aaron really didn’t have to ride a second time, because there was no way a even a fault-free trip could displace the Brits. But Coach Robert Ridland sent him out, explaining that ties other than for first place are broken by cumulative times of the top three scores in the second round.
So Aaron raced against the clock.
“When he went in, we still had a chance to be second if we could get a faster clear,” Robert explained.
“Bottom line — we weren’t going to concede second place.”
But as it turned out, Germany claimed the runner-up spot because it was timed at 232.56, while the U.S. wound up third on 234.34, even though Aaron delivered a quicker trip than his teammates, all of whom were clear, as he was.
It’s been quite a summer for the U.S. team, with podium finishes across Europe and a victory at the all-important Aachen show, at the venue which will host the 2026 world championships.
Robert was pleased with his crew, noting both Aaron and Laura Kraut (Tres Bien) “had young horses who were spectacular today. Pathfinder Lillie Keenan (Argan de Belliard) “has proven to be a double-clear machine” with that score in March at the League of Nations in Ocala, as well as Rome and Aachen, in addition to Spruce.
Lillie Keenan of the USA and Argan de Belliard.
“And finally,” Robert added, “Elena was outstanding in her first major 5-star Nations Cup and rode a picture-perfect second round under immense pressure.”
By the way, Robert rode on the USA’s winning Nations Cup team at Spruce Meadows in 1986. So he doesn’t just talk a good game.
In keeping with the festive anniversary of the show, horses were given dress sheets with a giant 50 emblazoned on them, and Britain’s Household Cavalry made an appearance complete with gold braid and smart uniforms.
Click here for results.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 5, 2025
Jovian, who helped the Danish team to the bronze medal at the European Dressage Championships in France a week ago, died after complications from a gelding procedure. The son of Apache, who ridden by Andreas Helgstrand, was an 11-year-old breeding stallion.
A statement from Helgstrand Dressage said about the circumstances of Jovian’s passing, “Following long and careful consideration, we decided to have him gelded, but unfortunately, complications arose during the procedure. Despite the veterinarians’ tireless efforts, his life could not be saved.
“This loss leaves all of Helgstrand Dressage in deep sadness.Jovian had an extraordinary career and was truly a horse in a class of his own. With his majestic movements and explosive presence, he captivated the dressage world and was loved by many.He made history with victories at the World Championships for Young Horses, both as a 5-year-old (scoring no fewer than four 10s) and as a 7-year-old, when he set the record for the highest score in the championship’s history. He also contributed to two Danish bronze medals at the European Championships and achieved top placings in both CDI5* and World Cup competitions.
“As a breeding stallion, Jovian left a strong mark with a large number of promising offspring who will carry on his genes and legacy.
“With Jovian’s passing, we have lost the king of our stable. It is an irreplaceable loss for all of us, but the memories of him will live on – both here at Helgstrand Dressage and among his many fans.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 4, 2025
Dressage at Devon is seeking volunteers to help with its fiftieth anniversary show, whether it’s for a few hours or several days.
Special needs are for help with the Dressage Explorers for kids on Sunday, and general/floater volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday during the day.
Volunteers will receive an entry ticket, a parking pass and food on the day they help. There’s also special swag, including a commemorative fiftieth anniversary T-shirt.
Click here to sign up.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 3, 2025
The May 16-17 Gladstone Driving Event will be utilizing facilities at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters, the Gladstone Equestrian Association’s driving committee has announced.
The marathon is the highlight of any driving event for competitors of all ages. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
Not only will horses be stabled at the USET Foundation, but the dressage is set for the venue’s main arena, while the cones phase will run on the grass in the North Field. The marathon is being contested at the Pine Meadow section of Hamilton Farm, where the entire event has been staged in the past.
The plan alleviates some of the issues with wet footing that affected the 2025 event at Pine Meadow.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 26, 2025
The U.S. Equestrian Federation’s blood rule is designed to protect horse welfare, but it too often frustratingly has meant elimination for the presence of blood in competition that was not the fault of the rider.
The federation has just approved a change to GR 843 regarding blood on horses that acknowledges a variety of situations may result in the presence of blood on a horse. According to the updated rule, effective Dec. 1, blood caused by the rider/handler or equipment (as opposed, to, say, a fly bite) requires the horse to be eliminated from the relevant class. The new rule language also states that the presence of blood on horses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a licensed judge or ground jury.
Noting that horses sometimes bite their tongue or lips, if minor blood is spotted in a horse’s mouth, the new rule allows the licensed judge or ground jury to rinse or wipe the horse’s mouth. It permits the horse to continue if there is no further evidence of blood. However, should the bleeding continue, the horse will be eliminated.
If a horse is eliminated during a class that is a qualifier for a championship or another class, they may compete in the championship if the bleeding issue is resolved. If a horse is eliminated in the work-off, a championship, or in a jump-off due to blood, they will be eliminated from that phase of the class and placed based on the score they had at the start of the work-off or jump-off round.
Each breed and discipline has its own chapter of USEF rules, separate from the general rules. If breed or discipline rules include stricter language regarding blood in competition, or have additional requirements and provisions beyond the general rule, the more restrictive elements of the breed or discipline’s rules will take precedence.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 31, 2025
From relatively unknown to two European Dressage Championships gold medals in less than two months — Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus have enthralled us with a seemingly impossible story.
For the second time in three days, the 9-year-old black Hanoverian and the man who selected the horse seven years ago in Portugal showed true mastery of their art as they won the freestyle Sunday with their miraculous connection at the title meet in Crozet, France. The combination showed it would be a force to be reckoned with by posting a freestyle victory at Aachen in July. (Click here to read about his first gold medal at the championships)
The freestyle winner and his horse have a special connection.
Justin’s mark of 89.964 percent in the championships’ freestyle was just 0.143 percent ahead of silver medalist Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour from Denmark (89.821) on the lightly campaigned Mount St. John Freestyle, who did not show at Aachen. Each of the top two had one big mistake that they made up on the joker line, but their excellence overall was unquestionable.
Justin and Zonik pirouette. (FEI photo)
Germany’s super-duper star Isabell Werth wound up with bronze on Wendy de Fontaine (88.046) after an incredibly determined ride as she sought to better her bronze from Friday’s Grand Prix Special. It was the twenty-ninth European Championships medal and the fifty-fifth overall for the sport’s most decorated rider.
European Dressage Championships freestyle winner Justin Verboomen gives as good as he gets with champagne on the podium from Catherline Laudrup-Dufour and Isabell Werth.
After his ride, Justin, 38, said, “I wanted everyone to feel the emotion, and to keep the connection with my horse.”
His error was breaking into canter steps in the trot half-pass, but aside from that, the two impressed with their connection.
“His strength is that he always wants to show his very best. If I don’t make mistakes, he doesn’t either,” the Belgian commented about the horse he trained through the ranks.
Asked about her mare, who had a whoops in the two-tempis, Cathrine said, “She was amazing again today. It was so close, but I think this is what the sport is about. Even though it comes with a little bit of disappointment right now, we’ve seen amazing sport here.”
Cathrine, who placed first in the team competition last week, told Isabell, “you always look so hungry every time you go in.”
Isabell, who commented on the “incredible standard” of the competition, was complimentary of her mare, saying, “I love to compete, I love to present the horse in the best way. She gives really her heart today. It made me really proud. In the end, 1 percent more or less, it’s more luck than performance in the freestyle. I can live with that for sure.”
The order of finish in the freestyle was the same for the top three in the Special. Justin’s golds were the first ever in the dressage championships for his nation.
The emotionally overwhelmed winner, when he managed to get out a few word after his score was announced, said of Zonik he was “so proud of my horse, he’s so young,” noting that the fact that the stallion is “always attentive to me is his greatest quality.”
This is more than a partnership; it’s a mind meld of human and horse. The duo garnered 14 marks of 10 in their test, ridden to an entrancing instrumental musical compilation. Four of the seven judges scored Justin at more than 90 percent.
Overall, the quality of the performances at Jiva Hill Stables was fantastic, elevating the state of the art even well down the ranks from the podium finishers.
Looking ahead to the 2026 world championships less than a year away, it will be interesting to see how the U.S. riders will fare at that competition in Aachen. They have 11 months to prepare, and they will need every minute of it.
The display of excellence at Crozet was stunning, and Britain was not far off the pace in the freestyle with Becky Moody and Jagerbomb. They finished fourth in their European Championships debut on 86.982 percent with a ride to a Beatles medley. One judge put her at over 90 percent.
But it did not go as well for her country’s world champion, Lottie Fry on Glamourdale. She was tenth with 79.579 percent for her imaginative ride on “Glamourdale Airlines,” as the voice of a “flight attendant” (Lottie herself!) announced the take-off and landing. The tunes included “Come Fly With Me,” but the first part of the “flight” was a bit rough, as her opening halt was not square and the black stallion scooted with his hind end during passage.
As her teammate, Carl Hester (seventh on Fame, 81.029 percent) remarked, the noise level in the arena felt rather high. Lottie’s music played quite loud, which put her mount on edge, particularly at the start.
The championships marked the last time the Netherlands’ Dinja van Liere will be showing Hermes, the 13-year old Dutchbred stallion who has been her partner. She finished thirteenth on 77.781 percent.
“Hermes has been great the whole week. We wanted to give it all today. It was a difficult ride, because it was our final one. I can’t say much more now, but I am sure he will have a great future ahead of him,” Dinja said sadly. The horse is not supposed to retire, but plans for him aren’t being revealed at this time.
The first time France has hosted the championships was historic. The team at Jiva Hill on the edge of Switzerland,with a backdrop of the Jura mountains, did a fabulous job even with having limited time to prepare after the original venue dropped out.
Click here for results.
