by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 26, 2025
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.
Andrew McConnon competing in 2024. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
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.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 23, 2025
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.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 22, 2025
For the second year in a row, Jessie Springsteen won the $40,000 1.5 meter grand prix at Santa Anita Saturday afternoon, clicking around the jump-off course in 43.93 seconds on Naomi van het Kaisershof, her 2024 victor.
Jessie Springsteen and Naomi van het Keisershof
At the Split Rock 5-star show, Jessie had a good margin over runner-up Natalie Dean and Pedro van d Bariebuis, timed in 46.03 seconds.
Naomi, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood by Cardento, is in her element at 1.5 meters.
“I went early on in the course so I was really able to stick to my plan,” Jessie explained.
“Sometimes it’s a little bit easier when you just walk in and go with your gut instinct straightaway. She jumps great here. So excited to be back, it’s such a beautiful show, the view is unbelievable,” said Jessie, referring to the moody backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains, which changed color as the sun sank lower.
Jessie pats Naomi for a job well done.
Jessie revealed she has a new horse, an eight-year-old named Rock Star, which is so appropriate, considering her father is Bruce Springsteen. And the horse came with that name, so it obviously was karma.
In 2021, Jessie was on the U.S. silver medal Olympic team in Tokyo, and she would like to try for the podium again when the 2028 Games come to Los Angeles, where she was born.
“That’s something I’m always thinking about and working toward. I’m rebuilding my string right now. It would be a dream come true to compete here,” said Jessie, referring to LA28.
“The venue here is really unbelievable,” she commented.
“It would be so special to have my family and friends come out. They were all cheering at home last time,” she said, referring to the fact that the Tokyo Games were held during Covid, and spectators couldn’t attend..
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 22, 2025
With stars such as Karl Cook and Laura Kraut competing, the $25,000 National Welcome Grand Prix at Santa Anita took on importance greater than the amount of prize money it offered Friday night.
So topping a 62-horse field was a thrill for Della White, who guided Gucci to the win in 31.967 seconds. The runner-up in the class at the Split Rock 5-star show was U.S. team veteran Natalie Dean with Mr. Bombastic in 32.108.
“I was super nervous coming in, because obviously it was against some of best riders here,” said Della.
Della White and Gucci
“My goal was always to go fast, and I had a super smooth round,” she said of her trip on the 11-year-old Holsteiner by Casall.
“Gucci is truly a unicorn – she’s the best horse ever and she tries her heart out every time,” observed Della.
“I love that Split Rock makes every class so special, especially with the victory gallops, and they do an amazing job, especially here at Santa Anita.”
Laura had three horses in the class; her best finish was sixth on Una Mariposa. Karl did not ride in the tiebreaker despite a clean round with Foxy de la Roque because his time did not qualify him for the top 15 format.
The big excitement at the show will be Saturday night in the $400,000 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier that has attracted European Champion Richie Vogel and world number one Kent Farrington and Mclain Ward of the U.S., as well as Ireland’s Conor Swail, who won the World Cup qualifier at Toronto last weekend.
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 22, 2025
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.
For accurate and reliable information regarding the clinical signs and transmission of EHV-1, visit the Equine Disease Communications Center: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 21, 2025
Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet “came to California to get the sun.”
Instead, he got rain; cold, pouring rain in Arcadia Thursday night during the 1/ST Split Rock show at Santa Anita Racetrack. But Gregory also got $30,000 for winning the $100,000 qualifier for Saturday night’s featured $400,000 World Cup qualifier.
A determined Gregory Wathelet had no problem going first in the class and the jump-off.
There were 57 starters over the course designed by Anderson Lima of Mexico, with Gregory being the first to go on Argentina La Machette. His clean round with the clever gray mare was replicated by nine other competitors in the class, despite the adverse weather conditions at the facility that will host the equestrian events of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
However, three Americans — Karl Cook with Caracole de la Roque, Laura Kraut (Bisquetta) and world number one Kent Farrington (Toulayna) declined to return for the tiebreaker. They obviously were saving their horses for the big class on the weekend, but Gregory has a different mount, Ace of Hearts, for that assignment. Since Ace is 15 years old and had been busy competing this autumn on the East Coast, his rider gave him a break from the Thursday outing. And he was not about to follow the lead of the U.S. trio and bow out of the jump-off.
“The ground, even with the rain was amazing. I didn’t see any reason except to be wet (for) not riding,” he said, adding that the weather conditions at the 5-star show reminded him of weather in Belgium.
In the jump-off, Gregory said he “didn’t do crazy,” but he was sharp-focused on the clock and his time of 36.59 seconds was impossible to beat. Going first meant he could ride to his plan, without being influenced by what other riders did.
France’s Nina Mallavey with Dynastie de Beaufor came close in 37.08 to finish second, just ahead of Irish rider Michael Duffy on BE Skyhawk (37.13). The top U.S. competitor was McLain Ward on First Lady (37.35).
Nina Mallavey and Dynastie de Beaufor.
Gregory is pointing toward being in Ft. Worth during April for the Longines FEI World Cup Final, for which Saturday’s class is a qualifier. And he has an ambition beyond that to return to Santa Anita.
“It’s a really nice venue. We all know it’s going to be the Olympics in two years, I hope I can be part of it,” he said.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 20, 2025
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.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 15, 2025
Ben Ebeling scored a personal best with Bellena to win the Grand Prix Freestyle Saturday night at the inaugural US Open of Dressage. He came oh-so-close to the treasured 80 percent mark with a score of 79.930 percent. Two judges actually gave him more than 80 percent, but that wasn’t enough to make the 80 percent mark with the entire panel.
Ben Ebeling and Bellena (Terri Miller/Desert International Horse Park)
His ride to music that offered a take-off on the famous Fiddler on the Roof song, redone as “If I Were a Wealthy Girl,” was executed with style and some daring, as in his canter pirouette to a piaffe fan.
“This freestyle really highlights [Bellena] as a sort of a diva mare and really a strong, powerful woman with artists such as Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and Rihanna,” Ebeling said.
“Honestly, I don’t think that anybody does it better than a mare…I do feel like it’s a new freestyle for Bellena, but it feels like home for me.”
Ben was emotional after his victory at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif.
“It’s just been incredible,” the American said.
“I really do feel that this series has opened dressage…to a wider audience that can appreciate horse dancing. Who the heck doesn’t like that? I’m just so happy to be here at this final,” said the rider, who relocated from California to Florida, where he is based now.
Ben Ebeling takes his victory lap. (US Equestrian/Devon Trethewey)
“I’m really happy to be back in my home state. The first 5-star on the West Coast. It means a lot.”
Speaking about his Hanoverian mare, Ben said that to him, she means, “Everything. There’s not a lot of words; she’s spectacular. Every time I’ve asked her to come into the clutch, she always comes through for me. She’s a special mare.”
Ben Ebeling and US Open trophy. (Terri Miller photo/Desert International Horse Park)
He got eight marks of 9 or more for choreography, degree of difficulty and music and interpretation of the music.
It was a big night for the Ebeling family, as Ben’s father, Jan, finished fifth on Jubi’s Tenacity. Jan rode Bellena until Ben took over the mare this year.
German rider Felicitas Hendricks was the runner-up on Drombusch OLD, with 78.260 percent.
“He gave his all today,” she said of her mount.
“Drombusch was on fire in the most positive way he could have been. The crowd was amazing. For the final piaffe/passage, where they all started clapping and cheering, that’s what it’s all about, right?
“I love when the crowd gets going and likes the music we picked. I know Drombusch loves it,” said Hendricks, who, like Ben, is trained by Germany’s Christoph Koschel.
The USA’s Anna Marek, who won the qualifying series and Friday night’s Grand Prix on Fayvel, finished third on 77.830 percent. Her horse stepped in perfect rhythm to the X Ambassadors’ “Boom Boom Boom,” a song seemingly made for doing a freestyle.
Some big names were missing from the final. Marcus Orlob, the top-ranked U.S. dressage rider in thirtieth place in the world, has been taking his time working on training with Jane. Olympic medalist Adrienne Lyle and her student, Christian Simonson, had other priorities. Kevin Kohmann, a perennial representative for the U.S. at the World Cup finals, decided to focus on last weekend’s World Cup qualifier in Mexico where he was fourth on Dunensee.
The final wrapped up the first year for the US Open concept of championships in the Olympic disciplines, put together under the auspices of the U.S. Equestrian Federation. Germany’s individual Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk won the first leg in show jumping on Checker 47 last March, while the USA’s Boyd Martin took the eventing competition on Miks Master C in October.
Click here for US Open results
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 15, 2025
Anna Marek, who topped the series of qualifiers for this weekend’s debut of the US Dressage Open, also was first with Fayvel in the Grand Prix at California’s Desert International Horse Park Friday night.
Now she’s looking forward to Saturday night’s ride to music.
“Fayvel’s freestyle is just so fun, and it always seems to get the crowd excited. I already, clearly, have a very excited Fayvel here for the crowd, so I think the music, as long as long as I can keep a lid on the energy, is going to be a great dance,” said Anna, who is from Donellon, Fla.
Fayvel, a 2010 KWPN gelding (Zizi Top x Houston) owned by Cynthia Davila, had to dampen Fayvel’s enthusiasm a bit in the Grand Prix.
“After the first extended trot, I was like, ‘Hey buddy, we need to get it together before this next movement,’ and after that, the rest of the test just flowed so well. What I loved about it was the energy I had, and he was so rideable at the same time, which is the goal.”
Anna noted the energy Fayvel brought into the arena for the Grand Prix fits perfectly into their energetic and modern choreography and musical selection, and the setting will only boost his performance.
“My first impression of the venue, when I checked out the show arena, which wasn’t even completely set up yet, I looked around and just thought it was just one of the most incredible and beautiful venues I’ve ever been to,” she said.
“Then when the ring was set up with all of the banners and the red, white, and blue flowers – it’s just so incredibly well done.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 15, 2025
| Cashew CR, the reliable mount of U.S. rider Alex Matz, delivered one final win Friday night at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as he took his last bow before retirement.
The 17-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cassini II x Quinar Z) is owned by Alex’s mother, D.D. Matz, who was on hand with Alex’s father, U.S. Olympic medalist Michael Matz, to watch their son top the field in the $90,000 Winning Round class at the 5-star show in Toronto.
Cashew’s nine-year partnership with Alex included 47 international podium finishes, including two wins at last year’s Royal.
“To have him go out on such a high note is really special; he’s a champion and he should go out with a win,” said Alex.
Alex Matz and Cashew CR at the Royal. (Ben Radvanyi Photography) “We decided a couple of months ago that at the end of this year, he would be retired. He’s given so much to me, the best that we can do for him is to give him a happy retirement where he’s sound and healthy. I’m sure he would do more for us, but he doesn’t owe me anything.”
The 10 top entries from the starting field returned in reverse order of standing for the jump-off. Continuing his Royal streak and staying true to his goal of finishing in the top five in every event, Colombia’s Mark Bluman set a pace of 39.37 seconds as the penultimate rider aboard Phelina de Septon. Alex, however, beat Mark’s clocking by nearly three seconds.
Almost a decade together means Alex and Cashew CR have the advantage of a close partnership.
“He knows all my moves; he knows when I’m going to lean too much one way or the other way, and he figures it out,” Alex said.
“It’s a credit to how smart a horse he is.”
Cashew will spend his retirement on the Matz family farm in Pennsylvania.
$90,000 Royal Winning Round
Friday, November 14, 2025
Rider / Nation / Horse / Faults / Time
1. Alex Matz / USA / Cashew CR / 0 / 36.96
2. Mark Bluman / COL / Phelina de Septon / 0 / 39.37
3. Rene Dittmer / GER / Echo vh Gerendal Z / 0 / 41.06
4. Skylar Wireman / USA / Citoki / 0 / 41.26
5. Vaclav Stanek / CZE / Calippo 57 / 0 / 41.99
6. Adrienne Sternlicht / USA / Los Angeles de la Cense / 0 / 43.15
7. Aaron Vale / USA / Helios du Moulin / 0 / 43.20
8.Kaitlin Campbell / USA / Cosm Hesed / 4 / 39.96
9. Daniel Coyle / IRL / Farrel / 4 / 39.97
10. Daniel Bluman / ISR / Gemma W / withdrawn |
