by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 19, 2026
The remarkable black Rheinlander stallion Zonik Plus has set another personal best for his rider, Belgium’s Justin Verboomen, earning a stratospheric 91.855 percent in the Fontainebleu, France 5-star Dressage Grand Prix Freestyle this weekend.
One judge had the 10-year-old son of Zonik marked at 93.850 percent. The scores put runner-up Lottie Fry of Great Britain in the shade with Glamourdale, another black stallion, doing their usual Glamourdale Airlines routine.
The world champion, who will defend her title this August in Aachen, was marked at 88.225, although one judge did give her more than 90 percent, with a 90.150. Frederic Wandres of Germany finished third on Bluetooth Old with 81.085.
Justin, the number one-ranked dressage rider in the world, said “The setting at Fontainebleau is exceptional. I was really looking forward to taking Zonik out to compete outdoors again, because I feel that in this environment, he really wants to show off, to put on a show.
Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus.
“For our return to outdoor competition, we delivered the two finest tests of our career. (He received 83.500 for the Grand Prix.)
“I am truly delighted. Before the class, I stay completely focused and in my own bubble; however, once we leave the arena and during the prize-giving ceremony, it is incredibly gratifying to see so many people lining the ring.”
In the Grand Prix Special, Isabell Werth of Germany, the world’s most decorated dressage rider, was the winner with Wendy de Fontaine.
“I’m really happy with my mare this weekend, even though we still need to do a bit of work on the Special test.,” Isabell conceded after receiving a mark of 79.893 percent.
“The competition was exceptional: a mini-Paris 2024. I came to Fontainebleau two years ago and it was already amazing at the time. But the competition has really gone from strength to strength. I say this with a smile, but we’re really looking forward to a World Championship stage being held here.”
Isabell was part of the German team that won the Nations Cup earlier in the week, with Britain second and Belgium, led by Verboomen, third.
Second in the Special was Carl Hester of Great Britain with Fame.
“Today, I really felt my horse was with me,” he said.
“And we undoubtedly performed one of our best Grand Prix Special tests ever. The horse was relaxed, easy to ride and in good spirits. Since this was the first outdoor competition of the season,”
Click here for Freestyle results
Click here for the Special results
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 17, 2026
There’s a long way to go before the FEI World Championships this August in Aachen, but the candidates for the U.S. show jumping squad were announced today.
There are 10 riders on the short list, but plans call for prospects to compete over five different observation events in Europe.
Those on the list include Olympic silver medal teammates Laura Kraut, Karl Cook and McLain Ward, who has been out of action for a month due to a fall when his horse refused a fence in March.
As expected, Kent Farrington — winner of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final last weekend — is part of the group. He is ranked number two in the world and in March, won the $1 million Rolex US Open.
Katie Dinan, who appeared on the podium with Kent at the World Cup, where she placed third, is also on the list, along with Aaron Vale, seventh in the Cup and Lillie Keenan, who was tenth. Others named were Natalie Dean, Marilyn Little and Callie Schott.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 17, 2026
There was much speculation about why Great Britain’s multi-gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin dropped out of last weekend’s Zen Elite FEI World Cup Dressage Final after accepting a place for the contest in Fort Worth, Texas.
But the answer, revealed by Eurodressage, is that her mount, Alive and Kicking, was sold to five-time Olympian Kristy Oatley, who rides for Australia. The actual transaction was made to Rosalind Oatley, Kristy’s mother, and Bollmoor Partner GmbH & Co.
Charlotte was second with the mare at the London International Horse Show last December, and seemed a likely pick for the British team that will be competing in Aachen this summer at the FEI world championships. She discovered the Westfalian, now 12, as a four-year-old.
Alive and Kicking appeared to be the perfect comeback vehicle for Charlotte to resurrect her career after serving a year-long suspension for a whipping incident that left her open to a storm of criticism.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 14, 2026
You’ve seen top show jumpers, such as Laura Kraut and Jimmy Torano, wearing safety vests in competition. They believe the vests protect them in case of a fall — but research has been insufficient to determine the extent of the protection they provide.
This photo shows the built-in safety vest in Laura Kraut’s jacket.
To continue the research and arrive at a definitive answer, more funding is required. The U.S. Equestrian Federation now is putting $100,000 toward that procwess, part of its commitment to horse and rider welfare.
Although riding helmets have a standardized system for testing and rating products, there is far less standardization of rating safety vests. Many international ratings systems are based on motorcycle vests, which may not be absorbing the same kinds of impact as equestrian safety vests.
The research effort will have an academic partner to establish testing standards, then test existing products against those standards, similar to the helmet ratings work that took place at Virginia Tech. The unknown aspects of safety vest protection don’t mean that equestrians shouldn’t be wearing them, but it does mean there’s a gap in the understanding of their strength and limitations.
Noting that fall injuries can be catastrophic on relatively rare occasions, Dr. Mark Hart, chair of the FEI Equestrian Safety Vest Working Group and former chair of the US Equestrian Human and Equine Safety & Welfare Committee, said. “We feel it’s our duty as an organization to take a leadership role to evaluate and improve riders’ personal protective equipment. A lot of our USEF members have been requesting that this research be done to enhance rider safety.”
Funding for the project also is coming from a number of national and international governing bodies and affiliates, as well as private donors.
USEF also is directing another $100,000 to the Chromatic Fund, in addition to the $100,000 already allocated to research projects beginning in 2026.
This year marks the first series of projects made possible by the fFund, a collaboration with the American Association of Equine Practitioners; Chromatic BF’s breeder, KC Branscomb, and The Foundation for the Horse. The first year’s projects include a study on the effects of vitamin E supplementation on vitamin K in healthy horses, and another examining the safety of high-dose versus repeated low-dose steroid use.
The fund was started in memory of a show jumper who died after being administered a cocktail of several pharmaceuticals after a competition at the 2024 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals in Saudi Arabia.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 12, 2026
After victories in the first and second legs of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final, it seemed practically inevitable that the USA’s Kent Farrington would win the annual indoor championship for the first time.
He had planned carefully, using Toulayna in the initial speed leg, then switching to a very ready Greya for the last two days.
His approach gave him a four-penalty lead over Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, who was going for a record fourth Cup victory,. Naturally, the crowd in Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena was cheering Kent on. But nothing is ever for sure in show jumping until the last finish line is crossed, and Kent suffered that truth again.
Kent and Greya at the Longines triple.
In the first leg of Sunday’s two-round finale competition, a delicate plank on the Longines oxer slid off the cups after a mere brush from the hooves of magical mare Greya. But while Steve had a rail down with Albfuehrens Iashin Sitte, Daniel Deusser of Germany, the 2014 Cup champ, was fault-free on the 12-year-old stallion, Otello de Guldenboom, bringing his final total to seven penalties.. That development gave Kent only a three-penalty lead. He knew all too well it was not enough. If he had another four-fault rail in the second round ,and Daniel was penalty-free again, the world number two-ranked rider would lose the prize he had dreamed of since his childhood.
Meanwhile, another U.S. stalwart, Katie Dinan, was climbing up the ranks. She produced two clean rounds on Out of the Blue SCF, the only American-bred horse in the competition, having come from Spy Coast Farm in Kentucky. Katie was the highest-placed U.S. rider last year at the Cup final in Basel, and was close to reaching the same distinction this time.
Daniel noted his horse “really tried his heart out. The last couple of months, I had very consistent results. Of course, my expectations were high, that’s why I’m coming here.”
However, he added, “I didn’t really think about winning because I know everything was very close together and we had very strong combinations here. But you always dream a little bit, of course.”
Katie, who finished on 9 penalties, also had praise for her mare.
Katie Dinan and Out of the Blue SCF
“I’m in awe of my horse. She was spectacular every day I owe everything to her,” said Kate, whose trainer, Beat Maendli, won the Cup himself in 2007.
But neither rival was able to deny Kent realization of his lifelong dream.
“From a little kid, I’ve always put a lot of pressure on myself, and at a certain point, there’s no more pressure to put on,” Kent noted, explaining how he stays cool in situations that would rattle others.
So he turned in a perfect trip over a second course, beautifully designed by Anderson Lima. As soon as Greya cleared the last fence, Kent collapsed with relief and gratitude onto her neck as the crowd erupted in cheers. Then he took off his helmet, raised his arm in triumph and smiled very wide indeed, acknowledging the fans who saluted him.
After clinching the Cup title, Kent put his head on Greya’s neck in relief and gratifude.
Daniel was second and Katie third, but Kent was the one who got to hold up the iconic trophy, which has been awarded since 1979.
“These guys made me work very hard today,” said Kent with a smile for his former competitors at the post-competition press conference.
Kent triumphantly holds the World Cup trophy aloft while on the podium with second-place Daniel Deusser and third-place Katie Dinan.
Despite the pressure, he was not shaken and just did what he does best.
“I’m very confident in my horse. I was hoping she would perform like she did, and she delivered.,” he pointed out.
“She’s really a super-star athlete.”
He also praised Toulayna, noting she was a big part of his victory also.
Although Kent has had a career studded with meaningful victories — from an Olympic team silver to the $1 million Rolex US Open grand prix last month, the Cup has special significance for the rider.
While he wasn’t able to attend high-end equestrian competition in person, his family had cassette tapes of the World Cup Finals, and that was what he watched; over and over — until the tapes were destroyed from being used so much.
“I would study all the riders and pretend I could ride like them,” said the first U.S. winner wince 2018.
“To be winning today is really special for me, and I’m really proud to have my name on the trophy.”
click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 12, 2026
That wasn’t “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” that they were playing during the award ceremonies of the Zen Elite FEI World Cup Dressage Finals Saturday night.
Same tune, different song.
It was God Save the King, Britain’s anthem in honor of winner Becky Moody at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, after she earned a Personal Best on her homebred Jaegerbomb to top the standings with 88.330 percent. The judge at H even had her at a whopping 90.325.
“This is pretty crazy,” Becky observed with delight, bubbling after the victory pass on her homebred star, who danced to a medley of Beatles tunes.
“Such a cool competition. The crowd in there were absolutely flipping out,” Becky observed.
She had fulfilled her ambition in the Lone Star State. When an interviewer earlier in the week had asked about her goal for the show, Becky replied, “I would like a PB in my freestyle.”
Becky and Jaegerbomb stepping out.
The fans were enthusiastic not only about the victor, but also the other riders on the podium, and frankly, everyone in the 16-horse competition who entertained the approximately 8,000 spectators with their routines. You might not have expected that reaction from people living in a city nicknamed Cowtown, but they were really into what they were seeing.
Near and dear to most of those in the seats was, of course, the American, Christian Simonson, also scoring a PB with his beloved Indian Rock, marked at 83.810. The stallion, known as Rocky, appropriately performed to music from the Rocky movies, with the crowd going wild as soon as they heard the first famous “da-da dum, da-dadum” notes of the music.
The crowd stood to salute Christian Simonson and Rocky.
“This whole week has been a childhood dream come true” said Christian. It happened sooner rather than later; he’s only 23 and still eligible for U25 competition, even as he’s moved forward to become the highest-ranked American on the international roster, in twelfth place.
He got a standing ovation as he rode out of the ring..
“Seeing this wall of people standing up and applauding Rocky” he said, was something “I’ll never forget.”
He was overcome with emotion while recounting his Texas experience, calling it “surreal.”
Christian and Rocky.
Third place went to Sandra Sysojeva of Poland on her precocious 10-year-old black Oldenburg mare, Maxima Bella, of the metronome piaffe and “can-do” attitude. She rode to the same music that accompanied her freestyle at the Paris Olympics, with a mention of Texas slipped in for the occasion.
“I’m really very proud of her, she’s still young really really getting a lot of experience doing shows like this. And I’m really proud to be here,” Sandra said, noting it was her first time in the U.S.
Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella.
Impressed by the talent that had surrounded her on the podium, Becky said firmly, “I think all our horses are complete and utter diamonds.”
A fourth horse also was awarded more than 80 percent. That was 2024 Cup winner Touchdown, ridden by Patrick Kittel of Sweden to a mark of 80.260.
Several other starters were especially worthy of note. Pan American Games individual gold medalist Julio Mendoza Loor was sixth with 78.645 percent on Jewel’s Goldstrike, the Dutchbred he purchased for $20 because he wasn’t a good match for the horse’s previous owner. The rider, representing Ecuador, is based in North Carolina.
And Morgan Barbancon of France got a standing ovation for her 20-year-old mount, Sir Donnerhall II, because it was the last show for the Oldenburg stallion before he retires to stud duty and a life of pleasure riding. He was marked at 72.460 to finish thirteenth.
The podium group with organizer Derek Braun of Split Rock, Zen Elite’s Heidi Humphries, FEI President Ingmar DeVos and Christof Umbach, president of the ground jury.
click here for freestyle results
The show draws to a close Sunday with the two-round finale of the jumping. Horses were inspected Saturday afternoon to insure their fitness to compete. After two rounds, the lead is held by Kent Farrington, who will be aboard the sensational Greya.
Greya at the trot-up with groom Denise Moriarty.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 3, 2026
Thursday is when admission tickets for the Los Angeles Games first go on sale to the public, though a presale already is on for residents in eligible areas of Los Angeles and Oklahoma City (which hosts softball and canoe slalom).
LA28’s program will include 1 million tickets priced at $28, the lowest price point. About 5 percent of tickets will cost more than $1,000 , but more than 75 percent will be under $400 and nearly half will be under $200.
“Tickets are comparable to,and in many cases well under, what we see for other professional sporting and major entertainment events in the US,” explained Allison Katz-Mayfield, LA28’s senior vice-president of Games delivery.
Fans in eligible counties who registered for the LA28 ticket draw will automatically be entered into the local presale draw. During the first general sales round, known as Drop 1, tickets placed in a cart must be purchased within 30 minutes, and buyers can make multiple transactions up to their ticket limit. For more information, go to https://la28.org/en/ticketing.html
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 1, 2026
We already have the Global Champions Tour (GCT), Major League Show Jumping and now, as announced this week, the Premier Jumping League. It’s yet another enterprise adding high-end fixtures to an already-crowded elite scene in the sport.
This ambitious entity, however, plans to start with a gilt-edged flourish, offering a whopping $300 million in prize money. Approval is awaited from the FEI (international equestrian federation) and national federations, so the competition format and specific schedule haven’t been revealed yet.
However, the basic plans call for 16 teams competing between March and October 2027 at 14 venues across the U.S., Europe and the Middle East (provided it’s safe to operate in that area then.) Most fixtures will be at established venues rather than pop-ups, as GCT often tends to do.
Thirteen big name riders, including world number 10 Laura Kraut of the USA, world number one Scott Brash of Great Britain and France’s fast-rising star, world number six Nina Mallevaey, have endorsed the concept as its “ambassadors.”
Laura Kraut on her way to an Olympic team gold medal on Cedric in Hong Kong 2008.
It’s a venture spearheaded by McCourt Global, which is involved not only with sport, but also technology and real estate. A familiar name in the equestrian world, Frank McCourt is a former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. He co-founded GCT with Jan Tops before the two went their separate ways.
“For far too long,” McCourt believes, “many of the world’s best riders have been forced to choose between pursuing their talent and passion and building a sustainable career.
“The PJL is changing that by creating a clear and viable path for athletes to earn a great living by competing at the highest level, without compromising the traditions and values that define jumping.”
Frank Mccourt
He sees the league as “reshaping the future of the sport and empowering its most talented athletes to devote themselves fully to excellence.”
McCourt is a Wellington, Fla., landowner whose name was in the news last month when plans to develop his property with a country club feature were turned down by the Village Council.
The new league’s CEO is Neil Moffitt, well-known for being a big player in the hospitality and nightlife businesses, whose daughter, Emily, has show jumped for the British team. Moffitt described PGL’s mission as one designed to bring “a new level of engagement, energy and excitement to the sport.”
The chief equestrian advisor is Lisa Lazarus, an attorney who is CEO of HISA (Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority) and has worked for the FEI. Horse welfare is foremost in her role with the PGL, saying “it will reflect uncompromising standards of care, rest and responsible decision-making.”
She emphasized that with the Los Angeles Olympics on tap for 2028, care will be taken in 2027 not to ask too much of horses being prepped for the Games.
Efforts also are being made to see that PGL fixtures do not infringe on well-established “seminal marquee events,” but she acknowledged there might be some clashes with other competitions. However, she added, “pushing boundaries and bringing in more competition is a positive thing for the sport.”
Kraut noted that, “An Olympic gold medal is the greatest thing you can achieve in the sport.” And yes, she has one, from the team competition in Hong Kong at the 2008 Games.
“Yet for jumping athletes like me, the commercial opportunities often don’t follow,” Kraut continued.
“The gap between what athletes achieve and what they’re able to build tells you everything about the sport’s limited infrastructure to convert elite achievement into recognition and reward. I welcome the PJL’s values to reform this model in a way that drives revenue opportunities for all involved.”
The competitions in the U.S. will be overseen by Jon Garner, whose resume includes Spruce Meadows and the World Equestrian Center, and Dale Harvey, a West Coast show manager.
Nick McCabe, president of the PGL, has been involved with Moffitt in global entertainment and hospitality management. He noted that McCourt sees show jumping as sport “in which there is incredible athleticism, an incredible level of determination and focus required to get to the top…and yet it’s a sport perceived on the outside as really a hobby of the rich.”
He concedes there is a “pay-to-play element in the sport currently, there is a way to buy your way into it, arguably at the very top levels. “
McCabe explained, “We want the sport to be taken seriously, to be regarded in the same manner as other professional sports out there, and we want the athletes within it to be rewarded for that great determination, that focus, in a way that shows they could have a glittering career where they don’t have to worry about side hustles if they don’t want to.”
Most show jumpers are involved with training others or selling horses.
McCabe added, “The idea it’s necessary to support themselves in this world seems kind of asinine when you think about the level of skill required to get to the top.”
He considers the teams a serious “viable” investment and they will be sold on a permanent basis.
New leagues have popped up in many sports over the years. One of the most recent enterprises in that regard is LIV golf, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, shifting golf’s demeanor in a way that challenges the establishment PGA.
Showcasing jumping for the public is another goal of the PJL. It is acknowledged that live TV is no longer enough today; neither is free-to-air content. The key concept that drives success is learning who the audience is and what they want.
A partnership with Emmy award-winning production company Box to Box Films will showcase the sport by implementing “cutting-edge technology, radical transparency, and innovative team formats.”
The idea is to “enhance the drama, intensity, and rivalry that defines elite sport — unlocking the full potential of jumping, demanded by today’s global sports and entertainment marketplace, without compromising its core values.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 27, 2026
Murray Kessler, the CEO of Wellington International, has been terminated from Equestrian Sports Productions LLC and its affiliates after a storm of protest following allegations of a hair-pulling incident last month involving the show’s director of sponsorship. A petition campaign got under way last week seeking the removal of Kessler, who is the former president of the U.S. Equestrian Federation and also served as chief executive of several major corporations.
According to a report from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department, Lenore Brown was crouching by a table in the International Club at the Wellington, Fla., show on Feb. 7, talking with clients about sponsorship, when Kessler came up behind her and pulled her hair, tilting her head back into his crotch area. Four adults at the table witnessed the interaction, according to the report, as Kessler asked Brown to accompany him to the arena for a prize-giving.
Ten days later, Brown reported the incident to the sheriff’s department as a battery against her.
Murray Kessler
A statement from Wellington International Friday about the situation noted, “This action comes as an independent investigation has been conducted following a situation involving Mr. Kessler.” The termination announcement was made on the eve of the show’s most important competition, the $1 million Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open grand prix.
Wellington International’s statement continued, “Upon learning of the matter, the organization acted immediately to support the employee who brought it forward. Consistent with company policies, steps were taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Following notification of the incident, the company initiated an independent investigation within 24 hours, demonstrating its commitment to a thorough and objective review.
“Any reports or suggestions to the contrary are inaccurate. Today’s announcement underscores Wellington International’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. This matter continues to be handled thoughtfully and responsibly, with the best interests of our team, patrons and community at heart.”
A statement issued Friday on Kessler’s behalf by the law firm of Kudman Trachten Aloe Posner LLP, maintained the allegations against their client are false.
“Murray Kessler strongly denies the allegations against him and will vigorously defend his name and reputation.
Throughout his leadership, Mr. Kessler has played a significant role in strengthening Wellington International,
elevating its profile, supporting its growth, and positioning it as one of the world’s premier equestrian venues.
He is proud of the role he played and his contributions to a community he cares deeply about.”
Earlier in the week, the law firm issued another statement, which read: “The story being advanced is, on its face, undermined by serious inconsistencies, contradicted by witnesses, and has changed in material ways over time.
“We are confident that these claims will be exposed for what they are — a false narrative driven by opportunism. Those who know Mr. Kessler, or who have worked with him in the equestrian community and through his philanthropic efforts, understand that these accusations are wholly at odds with the character, integrity, and reputation Mr. Kessler has earned over a lifetime.”
The termination action also extended to Kessler’s role on the management committee of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, which will be building a golf community on what is now the Equestrian Village showgrounds for dressage.
Wellington International’s president, Michael Stone, will assume executive oversight of its operations. He has led the organization for 18 years. In his expanded role, he continues to oversee management of the premier equestrian competition venue. He serves as a key liaison to both the United States Equestrian Federation and the Fédération Equestre Internationale.
Michael Stone in front of the new grass field at Wellington International
Under Stone’s leadership, Wellington International has grown into one of the world’s premier equestrian venues, hosting 40 weeks of competition annually, including the Winter Equestrian Festival, which in 2025 generated more than $500 million in economic impact for Palm Beach County.
Stone’s broader industry experience includes serving as sports director for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, as well as more than decade of service with the FEI in Lausanne, where he held senior roles including secretary general and sports director.
A former international show jumping competitor for Ireland, he also remains deeply engaged in the sport through USEF committee work, the FEI Jumping Committee, and as a board member of the International Jumping Organizers group.
“I am honored to continue leading our exceptional venue and team,” said Stone. “I look forward to further strengthening our legacy alongside a best-in-class team whose talent and dedication define Wellington International as one of the world’s leading equestrian venues.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 11, 2026
Could the eighth time be the charm?
Kent Farrington had competed in seven FEI World Cup Show Jumping finals before coming to Fort Worth, Texas this week to try again for his first title in the annual indoor championship. The look of intense determination on his face as he sped over the fences at Dickies Arena matched his results so far — he’s two for two.
After winning the first speed leg on Thursday on Toulayna, he came back Friday with the brilliant Greya, seemingly his perfect equine match, to dominate the 34-entry competition yet another time. In the seven-horse jump-off, the world number two-ranked rider finished more than half a second ahead of the runner-up, three-time Olympian Eikan Sato of Japan on Chadellano JRA in his first World Cup appearance.
Eikan Sato of Japan and Chadellano JRA
Kent didn’t have to do anything drastic to gain his edge.
“I just did her normal round, and her normal round, I thought, would be fast enough for the class,” said Kent who, of course, was right.
“I’m just excited to be here with a chance to win,” Kent said.
In the overall standings going into Sunday’s two-round finale for the top 30 riders, Kent is on 0 penalties, 4 ahead of Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, who is seeking a record fourth Cup title. But Steve was running behind after toppling a rail in the tiebreaker, where he wound up fifth on Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte.
Kent enjoys a precious gem in Greya, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare he understandably treasures.
Kent Farrington and Greya.
“I’m really thinking about the final on Sunday, so I was trying to measure her efforts and measure my speed to put myself in the best position possible. And then hopefully, we have some luck on Sunday.”
He didn’t want Greya to be stressed by coming back into the arena for the presentation, so he borrowed Skylar Wireman’s Tornado for that appearance. The crowd would have noticed Tornado was a bay and no look-alike for the winner, but they cheered Kent with great fervor nonetheless.
While the U.S. dominated the top six with three riders besides Kent in the Thursday opener, the next best American in Friday’s class was Katie Dinan, coming in seventh after dropping two rails on the Anderson Lima-designed course with Out of the Blue SCF.
Jacob Pope was having a terrific round with Highway FBH until he had 4 faults at the final fence to drop him from fifth to eighth overall, tying with Katie on nine penalties.
It could have been worse. The last fence was a disaster for European Champion Richie Vogel on Gangster Montdesir, who crashed through the oxer, leaving his rider on the ground — but not before he had crossed the finish line after clinging to his mount’s neck for precious moments.
Happily, the world number three-ranked rider escaped Gangster’s hooves and was able to hop up and head toward his mount, who was running loose. The incident at that oxer was charged merely as a 4-penalty knockdown to bring Richie’s total for the class to eight penalties, putting him in twenty-third place.
Richie Vogel clung to his horse’s neck while crossing the finish line, escaping elimination.
Going into Sunday, Richi is in a three-way tie for seventeenth overall with 18 penalties.
Eiken hasn’t had it easy in qualifying for the Cup, because he had to do it in highly competitive Europe, since Japan has no indoor shows.
The rider’s Olympic experience showed in his masterful rides with his 15-year-old Chacco Blue gelding.
“I’m really happy about second place,” said Eiken, noting at the post-competition press conference that he was sitting next to “the best rider in the world.”
Of Chadellano, Eiken noted with a smile, “He’s a really good horse and I’ve had four years with him. He’s really fit this year and I’m really happy with how my horse jumped.”
Kevin Staut, a Frenchman who is a former European champion and now ranked thirtieth in the world, was grateful to have the chance to compete with Visconti du Telman, finishing third in 35.79 seconds in the jump-off and now is standing third overall on six penalties. one better than Eikan.
Discussing his trip in the tie-breaker, Kevin said, “I have a 17-year-old mare. She’s jumping wonderfully, but she’s not that fast, honestly. There were some riders that had some faults in the jump-off, so I just went in trying to do a normal round.”
Kevin appreciates the work that has gone into making the Fort Worth show run, and organizer Derek Braun was in the room to hear what Kevin had to say about the first Cup final ever organized in Texas.
Kevin Staut and Visconti du Telman.
“It’s not so easy to find the energy to organize this type of final,” Kevin observed, noting, “as riders, we sometimes complain because we want the best, but we also have to say thank you and recognize when the organization is perfect. The stables are wonderful, the horses are great, the grooms are happy, — so thank you.”
Click here for results of Friday’s class.
Click this link for standings after two rounds.
