by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 18, 2025
Belgium made a great podium leap from third place to take gold Friday at the Longines FEI European Jumping Championships for the first time since 2019.
The scores were so close it could have been anybody’s gold among the top three.
Britain, which had been leading since the competition began on Wednesday, slipped back to silver with two Olympic gold medalists and two championships newcomers on its side. Germany stayed steady to keep ahead of Ireland for bronze in the contest that attracted teams from 18 countries to Spain. Only the top 10 nations took part in the finals.
The Belgian team of Pieter Devos, Gilles Thomas, Nicola Philippaerts, Thibeau Spits and chef d’equipe Peter Weinberg. (FEI Photo/Benjamin Clark)
After Gilles Thomas put in a perfect trip to secure the Belgian win aboard Ermitage Kalone, the anchor rider said the victory “means a lot. From a young kid, you always watch championships, the championships are so important. To have a horse like Ermitage Kalone, I have to give him a medal. The way he was jumping today, he felt amazing.”
Gilles knew, “I could just do my thing and he will leave the fences up.”
Belgium’s chef d’equipe, Peter Weinberg, noted about his squad, “It was a quite young team this time, but they are unbelievable riders and with very good nerves, as you could see in the second round. We came from behind and the horses were jumping brilliantly.”
The route put together by 2024 Olympic co-course designer Santiago Varela and his team was imposing but delicate, with an 81-second time-allowed that proved a bit more challenging than on the other days of the competition. German veteran Marcus Ehning called it “a really, really tough course.”
The Belgian, British and German teams on the podium.
The British drop score on Thursday and Friday belonged to senior championships newcomer Matthew Sampson. He had two refusals in the triple combination on Thursday with Medoc de Toxandria and was eliminated.
A different triple on Friday also was a problem. Matthew’s horse hit the A element oxer and then refused the B segment, which was a vertical topped by a plank. It was an “oh, no!” moment, but instead of retiring, Matthew tried again and made it through. He finished on 14 penalties; 8 for the knockdown and refusal and 6 for time, but completing showed the mettle of horse and rider.
“Medoc jumped amazing again,” said Matt.
“Obviously, we had a little hiccup the first time in the triple combination and I think that was really, honestly, coming to (due to) yesterday. I had the feeling that he really wanted to jump it, honestly, and that’s why I came back the second time, and I think he proved what an amazing horse is,” Matt continued.
“There aren’t many horses that can lose confidence like that, you know, in a certain fence, and the rider a little bit, and come back from it. But I put my leg on and said, ‘Come on boy, we can do it’ and he said, ‘Okay’. And he just jumped it.
“I think he jumped it better than you could ever want a horse to jump it the second time, so I’m disappointed with the score, but very proud of the horse. It’s a difficult situation to be in, especially in a championship like this,” he noted.
Although Olympic gold medalists Ben Maher (Dallas Vegas Batilly) and Scott Brash (Hello Folie) were fault-free, taking out both top rails on B of the double combination that was the next-to-last obstacle meant 4 faults for Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette.
Without that error, Britain would have stayed in the lead, but it wound up with 7.96 penalties to 5.61 for Belgium.
After a clean slate Thursday, 4 faults each in the final round from 2024 Olympic individual gold medalist Christian Kukuk on Just Be Gentle and Marcus Ehning (Coolio 42) left Germany with bronze and 8.19 faults. If either of them had gone clear, Germany would have won.
Germany’s Richard Vogel on the fabulous Westfalen stallion United Touch S is in the lead for the individual title, which will be contested Sunday by the top 25 riders, some of whom, like Richie, were on teams, and some who were not. He has 0.01 penalties, while Scott has 1.08 with his Selle Francais mare, only 10 years old and doing herself proud in her first championships.
Reigning European Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland had a beautifully planned trip Friday, giving a real riding lesson, with Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte, descended on his dam’s side from the famous Tinka’s Boy. Steve’s total is 1.19 penalties. The top 12 after Sunday’s first round will come back for a final crack at the title.
There are 13 riders within one fence of each other, and two fences between the top 25.
Click here for team results and here for individual standings
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 17, 2025
Calling on all his experience and the courage of his mare, Great Britain’s Scott Brash powered through a nightmare moment when he lost his left rein before the troublesome triple combination at the Longines European Show Jumping Championships Thursday.
As he was just a few strides from the obstacle, his rein went astray, and it appeared he would have to circle and re-approach.
But the Olympic team gold medalist didn’t hesitate, and neither did the plucky Hello Folie. They kept going and cleared the vertical/oxer/oxer line-up in a breathtaking moment on their way to a clear round at the competition in Spain./”
“I just managed to gather up the rein at right time,” Scott said, “but I was very deep coming in and asked her to jump and she responded so well. What was nice was that line didn’t feel great, but she settled down and jumped home very well. I think that shows how confident she is with me and what a great partnership we have, so hopefully we’ll be in a great place tomorrow,” he said.
Explaining what happened, Scott said, “My mare jumped unbelievable…She jumps high behind and sometimes snatches a little bit, so I lost my rein and we were lucky just to get to the triple.
“What a spirit and fight she showed to jump through what was a very testing triple anyway,” he said of the 10-year-old Selle Francais (Luidam X Diamant de Semilly).
“Her attitude’s amazing. She wants to do the job and that makes life easy for me.”
Scott Brash and Hello Folie with reins. (British Equestrian/Jon Stroud Media)
Their performance was vital to keep day one leader Britain in front of Germany on the second day of the show, since Scott’s teammate, Matt Sampson, had two refusals at the last element in the triple and was eliminated, becoming the drop score, since only the best three scores count–and the other team members all were fault-free.
Chef d’Equipe Di Lampard joked when asked about Scott’s feat, “I think he was saying to Matt, actually, `I can do this one-handed. What’s the matter?’ ”
The team race is a tight one. The Brits need some luck to stay ahead of Germany with perfect rounds from each of its riders, because the margin between them is only 0.23 penalties. On their heels are the Belgians, just 0.42 back. Ireland is further away, another 3.78 penalties behind.
On Friday, the top 10 teams of the 18 that started Wednesday will return for their finals. Sweden, the reigning European championship squad, just made the finals in tenth place. After its victory in its home Rolex Nations Cup in Falsterbo last weekend, its two star riders — Henrik von Eckermann and Peder Fredricson — were not part of its team at the Europeans.
Fifty riders will be competing, since individuals are also included, with their final set for Sunday at Casas Novas in A Coruña. Following the decision of overnight leader Daniel Coyle to drop out and save Legacy for next month’s Dublin Horse Show (read about it here), Germany’s Richard Vogel with United Touch S (0.1 penalties) moved into the lead, with Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette (0.67) in second place for Britain.
“United jumped in great shape. He gave me the feeling he was very collected today and every much with me,” said Richard.
“It’s always a bit easier if you have a horse like United and you can trust his quality and his enormous stride and scope. That gives you obviously a lot of security.”
Donald Whitaker of Great Britain and Millfield Colette (British Equestrian/Jon Stroud Media)
For his part, Donald said of his 12-year-old gray mare by Cornet Obolensky, “I’m delighted. She jumped amazing again. She tries her heart out every time.
“She means the absolute world to me. When you go in the ring, she never gives up. I don’t always have to be perfect, she helps me out there. She’s unreal. She’s one in a million.”
Click here for the individual standings and here for the team standings.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 16, 2025
The British moved ahead ahead in the team competition as the Longines European Show Jumping Championships got under way in Spain Wednesday, but it was Daniel Coyle of Ireland who was at the head of the class individually with Lothlorien Farm’s Legacy.
Daniel Coyle and Legacy at the European Championships (FEI/Benjamin Clark)
However, after his victory in the first leg, Daniel decided not to continue on Thursday.
“She’s already done all these championships and I want to try and see whatever is still in there for the next thing,” he said. Her form had not been consistent recently, so he was not part of the Irish team.
The way it worked over the 1.50-meter route laid out by 2024 Olympic co-course designer Santiago Varela Ullastres, who tested speed and handiness, four seconds were added for having a fence down. Scores are multiplied by a coefficient of 0.5 to give everyone a starting penalty. The leader in the individual contest, is on zero and the others are tagged with the difference in penalties between their score and the leader at Casas Novas in A Coruña.
” The plan was coming here with her coming into form and it looks like that happened. She’s a fantastic mare,” said Daniel, who is a co-owner of the horse.
Just behind Daniel’s tally with a mere 0.01 penalties was Germany’s Richie Vogel on United Touch S and now the leader, followed by Donald Whitaker of Great Britain with Millfield Colette, 0.67. Daniel was clocked in 73.93 seconds, a mere 0.03 ahead of Richie. Donald’s time was 75.27, leaving him with 0.67 penalties.
Donald noted of his mare, “It always feels amazing when you ride her because she goes in there like a panther, she knows what she’s doing and she wants to win – I think almost more than I do.”
He is very proud of being on the British squad, noting, “The team element to it is massive because you’ve got the likes of Scott Brash and Ben Maher, who have literally done everything in the sport, and they’re on your team. So you have to get your chest out a little bit and make sure you don’t make a mistake,” he explained.
“Obviously, you don’t want to disappoint them, but it’s also a good feeling of representing your country.”
Donald’s team is on 3.96 penalties, with only the best three scores counting. Hard to believe that three-time Olympic medalist Ben Maher had the drop score with Dallas Vegas Batilly. Second on 4.19 is the German powerhouse of current Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk, Sophie Hinners and veteran Marcus Ehning. Belgium is third with 4.61.
Click here for individual standings after Wednesday (and remember Daniel Coyle has dropped out.) Click here for team rankings.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 15, 2025
After 14 years of litigation, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has encountered a judicial setback to its plans for eliminating wild horses from more than 2 million acres of public land in Wyoming, home to the Adobe Town, Salt Wells Creek and Great Divide Basin herds.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit found serious legal failings in the BLM’s concept. contending it acted arbitrarily and capriciously in adopting its plan, violating federal law by failing to consider a core requirement of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. That is, managing wild horses and burros as part of a thriving natural ecological balance on public lands.
“This is a significant win for America’s wild horses and a meaningful check on BLM overreach. The court has made clear that the BLM cannot sidestep the law to appease special interests and eliminate wild horses from their rightful habitat,” said Suzanne Roy, executive director of American Wild Horse Conservation.
“Wild horses are meant to roam free, not be rounded up and erased from the landscape. We remain committed to fighting for the future of Wyoming’s iconic wild horse herds.”
Joanna Grossman, Ph.D., equine program director for the Animal Welfare Institute stated: “This ruling sends a clear message: the Bureau of Land Management cannot simply erase wild horses from the landscape because they pose an inconvenience to the agency. These animals are federally protected and must be managed humanely, not eliminated. The court’s decision upholds a key tenet of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, setting a strong precedent for the protection of wild herds across the west.”
American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC), the Animal Welfare Institute, Western Watersheds Project and their allies have secured a legal victory that delivers a major setback to the largest attempted eradication of wild horses in U.S. history.
“Public lands are suffering not from wild horses, but from the industrial livestock lobby’s corrosive influence. The BLM removes protected mustangs only to make room for cattle and sheep—subsidized at rock bottom fees—while ignoring the real ecological damage wrought by these domestic herds,” said Erik Molvar, executive director of the Western Watersheds Project.
“This ruling demands accountability and exposes who’s truly driving degradation on the range.”
The case challenged a BLM Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment that would have eradicated wild horses from two Herd Management Areas (HMAs) by changing their status to Herd Areas (HAs) with population targets of zero, and slashed the population in a third HMA by over half.
In planning documents, the BLM repeatedly acknowledged that areas under consideration for its management plan contained adequate forage, water, space, and other resources to sustain wild horse herds and maintain a thriving natural ecological balance. The court found the agency acted arbitrarily and capriciously by failing to assess whether its decision was consistent with ecological balance—a central mandate of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.
The ruling states that the BLM cannot “use the RMP process to skirt its Wild Horse Act obligations.”
However, it also leaves room for BLM to attempt to revise and potentially reinstate its plan, underscoring the need for continued oversight and advocacy.
The lawsuit was brought by American Wild Horse Conservation, the Animal Welfare Institute, Western Watersheds Project, wildlife photographers Carol Walker and Kimerlee Curyl and sociologist and author Chad Hanson. They are represented by the public interest law firm Eubanks & Associates, PLLC. Two other wild horse protection organizations each filed separate lawsuits in the case.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 14, 2025
Town Halls throughout the summer and autumn have been scheduled at a number of shows across the country by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, with the idea of discussing equine well-being among those who compete in a variety of breeds and disciplines.
In July, forums on equine well-being were held at HITS in New York and the Oaks in California. Here are some of the suggestions offered at those sessions:
- Evaluate judging criteria for hunters and encourage judges not to penalize horses for expressiveness that’s appropriate for the level
- Increase the number of shows and horses that are drug tested
- Drug test the top placed horses in all classes
- Require horses on the grounds for 24 hours prior to competing in any class $10,000 or more
- Task USEF with assigning stewards to competitions to reduce concerns about conflicts of interest
- Guidelines for blood (a rule change will be considered by the USEF board Aug. 26)
- Minimum requirements for horses and/or riders to demonstrate aptitude at a level before they can move up to a new level
- Installation of surveillance cameras at stalls, in wash racks, in lunging and schooling areas
- Offer educational programs for grooms on ethical treatment, and also educational programs helping trainers know how to teach new grooms about proper handling.
One town hall has already led to an initiative. After the audience brought up concerns about the treatment of horses in the wash racks at shows, the Oaks show organizer Nilforushan Equisport Events posted signs at the wash racks in both English and Spanish the next day, letting grooms and competitors know that spraying horses in the face is prohibited.
More town halls are scheduled this year. In August, the sessions are set for the USEF Pony Finals Aug. 5 in Lexington, Ky., and on Aug. 22, for the Dressage Festival of Champions in Wayne, Ill.
During September, they will be at the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals Sept. 8-13 in Wilmington, Ohio; the All-American Classic Sept. 10 or 11 in Indianapolis and the Oktoberfest at Stable View, Aiken, S..C. Sept. 27,
Oct. 4-11, the session will be during the Morgan Grand Nationals in Oklahoma City and Oct. 30 at the U.S. Dressage Finals in Wilmington, Ohio. Dates are yet to be decided for December through February.
For those who can’t make one of the sessions at a show, an on-line forum will be held before the end of the year. Send any thoughts about the state of welfare for show horses, or how to improve it, to feedback@usef.org.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 13, 2025
A spectacular victory in the Rolex Grand Prix of Falsterbo, Sweden, once again demonstrated the effectiveness of show jumper Karl Cook and the incredible Caracole de la Roque against both the clock and a stellar field of rivals.
It was the second time in three weeks that the American combination showed its mastery in Europe, having won the Rotterdam, Netherlands, grand prix last month. And it was the first time since 1992 that a U.S. rider had won the grand prix at Falsterbo, though this is the first time it has been designated as a Rolex competition.
Cara — who U.S. Coach Robert Ridland contends “for sure” is the fastest horse in the grand prix world — had the advantage of going last in the tiebreaker by virtue of being the quickest in the first round. In the second round, where Cara finished in 43.28 seconds, Karl was aiming at the time set by the Netherlands’ Sanne Thijssen on the 19-year-old Con Quidam RB.
Sanne, whose father, Leon, won the Falsterbo grand prix in 2007, was blazing at the beginning of her round over the shortened 8-obstacle course. She finished in 43.74 seconds after giving it everything she had. No shame in coming second to a horse with a reputation like Caracole’s, though.
And Sanne had the edge over the third-place entry of European Champion Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, timed in 44.20 seconds on Dynamix de Belheme, who earned the same placing last week in Aachen.
The challenging format of the 500,000 Euro class presented by Agria offered a second round open to 25 percent of the 50 participants, or 13 riders. That turned out to be just one less the number who went fault-free over 14 obstacles in the first round, which meant Frank Rothenberg and his team practically set a perfect course.
Karl was ecstatic about what he and Cara achieved. After his time on the podium, he kept his victory gallop going, reveling in the sustained applause from the sold-out venue.
“I’m just so elated,” Karl said about enjoying another triumph, only two days after he put in the only double-clear for the U.S. team that was second in the Nations Cup.
“Caracole is everything,” the Californian continued, citing the team behind her and himself, as well as “the U.S. team; her owner, my mom (Signe Ostby).
“It’s a joy. I think she’s the fastest horse I’ve ever ridden and it’s great when you go in the jump-off and you know you have this beat. It’s whether me as a rider can bring it out,” he explained.
Looking at Sanne’s trip, Karl said, “I knew if I could handle the technical-type part well, I knew I had ground speed over her.”
The Rolex podium at Falsterbo: Karl Cook, runner-up Sanne Thijssen and Steve Guerdat. (Rolex photo)
Karl was the only U.S. rider to go clean in the first round. Carly Anthony had two rails with Heavenly W, world number one-ranked rider Kent Farrington on Toulayna tumbled a rail at the troublesome triple combination and McLain Ward dropped two poles with Callas, at the liverpool and the final oxer.
Discussing Karl’s performance, Coach Robert said, “The way he’s riding her (Cara) is beyond reproach. He’s gotten really consistent. Those four rounds (the two in the Nations Cup) and the two today, you couldn’t fault him. He rode beautifully. She’s an amazing mare.
“His strategy was perfect today. Those were two fast times he had to beat. They didn’t give it to him at all. The question was whether he was going to do six after the double (4A and B) or five, the leave-out, and the decision was do the six. Unless he really jumped out of the double, he was going to play the audible there.”
Plan A was the six because as Robert noted, Karl and his consultant trainer, former world champion Eric Navet, “were pretty sure she could make up for it with her foot speed to the jump at the end and then obviously, duplicating what Steve Guerdat did in the turn to the second-to last and then 11 strides home. She’s just quicker, but that was beautifully executed. It was really fun to watch.”
Before the prize-giving, Karl spoke to Sanne and congratulated her impressive effort.
“She and that horse are amazing,” he said.
“They’ve been together for over 10 years. It’s such a cool horse story. She and that horse are inspiring and you have to give credit to the journey they have had.”
Karl had a good tour of Europe this spring and summer, with lessons along the way. In Rome during May, for instance, he admitted to a mistake before the grand prix by choosing studs that were too small to handle the footing.
“I really feel if I had chosen the correct studs and we didn’t slip, the two major slips we had in that grand prix, we had a serious chance of jumping clear,” he said.
You can bet that the right studs were chosen for the grass footing in Falsterbo.
“We went bigger. If you make a mistake, you better learn from it,” Karl advised.
But aside from attention to detail, there’s no one secret that has him on a winning streak.
“When you get the opportunity to show at high level shows with the right cadence with the same horses, you’re basically bound to get better,” he commented.
“We did that last year and and I think we did it again this year.”
Robert pointed out, “It obviously doesn’t hurt having these 5-star nations cups under your belt. It’s a different world. He’s gotten quite comfortable with it. Having the teammates he has, it rubs off, and especially this year, when we’re on a bit of a roll.”
Let’s face it. Buying a world-famous horse and trying to ride up to that animal’s capability is a challenge, and it wasn’t easy for Karl, particularly at the beginning.
But while the two of them now obviously are working in sync and achieving success, Karl emphasized about the result, “It’s very much not just me. We do everything we can to track every detail that we’re able to, and make adjustments to any detail that we need to. That’s a credit to the strong team that we have, and it’s important for the incremental minute gains. You build up enough of them, you become powerful. No one thing is the secret.”
Karl Cook was all smiles after his winning ride. (Photo USA Equestrian)
Cara is heading home for a rest. The next outing for the 5-star U.S. team is in St. Tropez during September and then the Longines FEI League of Nations final in Barcelona during October. No one has been named to those squads at this point, but I would guess Karl might be a part of it, considering his recent record.
The schedule is so demanding that it can be difficult to have enough riders to keep up with the pace. As Robert pointed out, the Swedes skipped Aachen, where the U.S. won the nations cup, so they could field their best combinations at their home show. And it worked.
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 11, 2025
But the U.S. show jumping team came very close in the Agria Falsterbo Nations Cup Friday, finishing second to the Swedish home squad by 4 penalties. It broke a tie by being better on the clock than Ireland, which also had 8 penalties over two rounds to finish third.
The winning Swedish team of Amanda Landeblad, Petronella Andersson, Chef d’Equipe Henrik Ankarcrona, Peder Fredricson and Henrik von Eckermann.
The podium finish came on the heels of the American triumph last week in the Aachen, Germany, Nations Cup, where Frank Rothenberg was also the course designer.
U.S. Coach Robert Ridland considers Aachen the gold standard of Nations Cups and was hoping to make it two in a row in the Scandinavian location. The U.S. has won four times at Falsterbo, but not since 2007.
“I guess we’re getting greedy,” mused Robert with a smile, moments after the competition ended.
On the other hand, he pointed out, “We always aim for the podium, and that’s clearly what we got.”
The composition of the Falsterbo team was different from the Aachen team with the exception of anchor rider McLain Ward, although he was on High Star Hero, rather than Imperial HBF.
Rising star Spencer Smith took on the role that Lillie Keenan (also on a gray horse) had played at Aachen, delivering two clears as pathfinder aboard Keeneland. Robert wisely focuses on bringing along younger riders when possible.
Spencer Smith and Keeneland.
He was convinced one of those, Carly Anthony, would have jumped clear in the first round on Heavenly W, had her horse not lost a shoe before the next-to-last jump, which she had down. Had all else gone as it eventually did, that clear round would have meant a jump-off with Sweden.
The footing was grass and it held up well, but considering the rain, horses needed shoes with appropriate caulks in order to handle the surface.
At the end of the first round, the U.S., Sweden, Ireland and Switzerland all were tied on 4 faults. Swizterland eventually finished fourth with the slowest time of the top group after the competition ended.
The Swedes had plenty to wave their flags about.
Karl Cook, winner of the Rotterdam grand prix last month with Caracole de la Roque, went double-clear. If there was a jump-off, he would have been the USA’s designated rider, and Robert said caulks were already being switched on Cara’s hind shoes as Karl prepared for that eventuality, but after McLain logged 4 faults in the second round, there was no need.
Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque. (USA Jumping/Helen Cruden)
Had McLain gone fault-free, it would have prompted the jump-off with Sweden. That country is often the USA’s chief rival, as it was in the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games and the Tokyo Olympics, Robert pointed out.
Robert Ridland and McLain Ward.
In the first round, McLain had a rail at the third fence, a narrow red and blue vertical, with his 13-year-old mount by Zazu out of a Darco mare. He left that fence untouched in the second round, but toppled a pole at the ninth obstacle, a 1.60 meter vertical.
The Swedish effort was buoyed by packed stands despite the steady rain that fell during the class, which did not deter hordes of fans who kept busy waving their blue and yellow flags.
Former world number one Henrik von Eckermann, the Swedes’ anchor rider, produced two fault-free trips on Minuteman.
Henrik von Eckermann on Minute Man (Photo Roland Thunholm)
We have gotten used to seeing Henrik on King Edward, but he’s bringing along a new string, and Minute Man’s scope and concentration are impressive. In addition, he won the grand prix qualifier on Thursday with Steely Dan.
“Minute Man hasn’t been in my stable that long,” said Henrik.
“He has had a very good development.But today it felt like yet another push forward. It feels like the trust has built up enormously over the last few weeks,” Henrik commented about his sensitive mount.
He added “In the first round, I was a bit annoyed that I was so close to the time. So I could step it up a little in the second round, with one less to the water and one less to the third. And still, he did it so very, very well. I’m very, very happy with him and of course to be able to contribute a bit to the team, since last year, it wasn’t like that.”
Peder Fredricson and Alcapone des Carmille.
For his part, team member Peder Fredricson said, “It’s always fun to ride on home soil. It’s a fantastic competition to win at with that crowd and that atmosphere. You step up on the podium there and you see the Swedish crowd and there’s no better place to be than there.”
Click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 10, 2025
For the first time since 2019, horse racing will be held at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Maryland, best known over the last four years as the home of a 5-star eventing competition.
On Labor Day weekend, the turf track inside the Fair Hill Special Event Zone will reopen to racing. The card will be held Aug. 30, following the completion of an infrastructure modernization project. The sand-based turf course of Kentucky bluegrass with a state-of-the-art irrigation system has been in development for years.
The first course of its kind in Maryland, Fair Hill helps Maryland maintain its status as an equestrian destination by hosting major horse shows and racing events, as well as other recreational opportunities.
“The historic investments we’re making to ensure the future of horse racing in Maryland are also promoting work, wages, and wealth in communities across the state,” said Gov. Wes Moore.
“At Fair Hill, we’ve completed track and venue upgrades to usher in a new era of turf track horse racing in Cecil County. Our multifaceted approach will support Maryland’s tourism and agricultural economies, promoting prosperity for years to come.”
The 2024 Maryland 5 Star generated more than $15 million in direct spending for the state economy, more than $530,000 in local tax receipts, and $23.5 million in total business sales in the state.
The “Races at Fair Hill” event will be hosted by the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland in partnership with the Cecil County Breeders Fair, sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and the Maryland Racing Commission.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “The reopening of the turf track is just one part of DNR’s goal to promote Maryland’s equine heritage and support rural economies. It will be great for the community and it will help bring more world-class events to Fair Hill.”
Racing at Fair Hill was last held in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pause enabled time for construction and time to allow the new turf to mature.
The Kentucky bluegrass is a dense grass with horizontal rhizomes that provide support for racing horses. It recovers quickly after races are held. The track is engineered with modern drainage and rootzone systems to support consistency and durability during high-performance use.
Designed to enable a wide range of equine disciplines to train and compete at Fair Hill, the one-mile course will accommodate flat racing, steeplechasing and eventing.
“The collaboration between all the significant stakeholders to bring racing back to Fair Hill is a defining moment of our intentions from the onset of pursuing a bid and helping to redefine and reimagine a track and infield for the future of equestrian event competitions,” stated Terry Hasseltine, president and chairman of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland.
“We’re excited to be part of bringing racing back to Cecil County,” said Jeff Newman, senior vice president of events for the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland.
“The event on Saturday, August 30 will be a free, family-friendly open house, and we encourage everyone to come out and celebrate the return of live racing to Fair Hill over Labor Day weekend.”
“The Fair Hill Foundation enthusiastically supports the return of racing to this storied racecourse,” said Charles C. Fenwick Jr., President of the organization, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting equine activities at Fair Hill.
“First and foremost, the Foundation wants to thank those who have given generously over the past six years. Their patience has been extraordinary and is very much appreciated. We also wish those involved as both participants and operators the very best.”
Once a Du Pont family estate, Fair Hill has a rich history in equine sports and is home to Cecil County Breeders, the National Steeplechase Association, and Fair Hill International, the nonprofit that helps to manage horse events at the site. The natural resource management area also holds a number of opportunities for youths and families, including the Cecil County Fair, 4-H programs, and Pony Club activities.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 9, 2025
There will be a day of learning Saturday, July 12 in Pittstown, N.J., to honor the legacy of Debbie Haimowitz and launch the Debbie Haimowitz Horsemanship Foundation (DHHF).
Debbie, who died last year, was someone always willing to help who had a true commitment to classical training and horse care.
Debbie Haimowitz was happiest around horses and those who loved them.
The Foundation will support emerging equestrians ages 18-25, giving them an opportunity for an educational experience that will include horse care and training.
Saturday’s program, which runs from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., includes a training session with Olympic show jumping double medalist Chris Kappler, questions and answers with veterinarian Dr. Brendan Furlong, information on shipping safety with Kevin and Patty Hennessey of Nobody’s Business Farm and a presentation by Chris on setting courses. Lunch is being provided by Sergeantsville Grain and Feed, and Purina also is a sponsor of the day.
The session will be held at Chris Kappler Inc, 731 Route 579. A donation of $50 is requested via Zelle or at the event. Space is limited, so those who want to attend should text 845-893-2364 by noon on Friday July 11.
Those who cannot attend the program may make a donation by Venmo or Zelle via Jonnagaston@gmail.com. Checks also can be mailed to the Debbie Haimowitz Foundation c/o Jonna Gaston, 20 Stillwater Dr., Slate Hill, N.Y. 10973.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jul 6, 2025
There is no show in the world like Aachen.
The best competitors in show jumping, dressage, eventing, four-in-hand driving and vaulting make sure it is marked on their calendars every year.
In addition to being an incredible sporting event, Aachen offers great entertainment (including two symphony concerts), a celebration of equestrian tradition and a good time.
There is always a partner country (this year it was Spain, complete with flamenco dancers), so culture is shared in an enjoyable fashion.
The enthusiasm of knowledgeable crowds adds to its burnished aura. The fans are completely involved in what is going on in the arenas or the cross-country course. They know when to clap, when to boo (occasionally, anyway), when to offer a standing ovation and when to indulge in the vast trade fair.
Fans were undeterred by a bizarre range of weather, from temps in the high 90s to clear sunny skies, thunderous downpours and rain on the last day.
Their involvement continues past the end of the competition part of the program. The Farewell of Nations is an event in itself, proceeding with riders carrying the flags of every country and a parade of participants, on horseback and in carriages, as their national anthems are played. They and the audience of 40,000 wave goodbye at each other with white handkerchiefs as the folk tune “Muss I denn” plays over and over. And over.
The Aachen farewell.
On the final day, the highlights are the Rolex Grand Prix of show jumping (read about it at this link) and the 5-star dressage freestyle.
A victory at the highest level of dressage is a foregone conclusion, more often than not in recent years, that it will belong to Germany’s Isabell Werth.
But this weekend, while Isabell won the Grand Prix with Wendy de Fontaine, she had to concede the Special and the Freestyle to an up-and-coming horse and rider, Zonik Plus, only nine years old, and Justin Verboomen of Belgium. He was the first person from his country to win the freestyle at Aachen.
In Sunday’s freestyle, Justin came very close to earning 90 percent from the judges, with a score of 89.40 percent, but the spectators were not hesitant to give him a standing ovation, complete with much cheering.
Justin Verboomen got a truffle as big as a basketball with his Lindt Prize title for the dressage freestyle. (CHIO Aachen photo/Jasmin Metzner)
Isabell had to settle for a little less, 88.44 percent, as the spectators clapped even before she finished her ride.
The woman who is used to winning was okay with second place.
“This is what I really love, to have competition. Sometimes you have a percentage more, sometimes less. You see two really completely different horses, one is more the dynamic type, one is a bit the smooth spot. That makes it really exciting. Today we had a super atmosphere, we had great sport. This is what we love to do, and why we’re here.”
She added with a sly smile, “As long as it’s like this, I maybe keep on going a bit.”
Discussing Wendy’s performance, Isabell said, “I am happy with the improvements that have occurred from day to day. The canter was much better and can improve a little more. The relaxation and the dynamic was really amazing for me.”
Isabell wound up with the Schindling award for the dressage rider who earned the most points in the show.
Justin and his horse were all about working together as one, what dressage at its best is supposed to be.
Justin Verboomen and Zonik Plus.
“I wanted to make it smooth and harmonious, so the people could feel the emotions,” said the soft-spoken rider.
“I want them to feel the sensitive part of Zonik and me. I want them to get goosebumps.”
Just bought the horse as a two-year-old in Portugal. Eighteen months later, he brought the black stallion to Belgium and began working with him in earnest.
“I am overjoyed, my horse was unbelievable,” Justin said in his low-key way.
“I really had a super connection with him today. That was my main goal here at the competition this week. That is the most important thing for me.”
This is a horseman.
Isabell and Justin will meet again soon, in this summer’s European Championships, where it will be interesting to see who gets the victories there.
Click here for the freestyle results.
“Medoc jumped amazing again,” said Matt.
