by Nancy Jaffer | May 2, 2025
While he is the most visible U.S. eventer with a huge social media presence, Boyd Martin was only number two on the FEI world ranking list. That is, until Thursday. With the new month, he becomes the first American to make the top spot on that roster since Kim Severson did it 21 years ago.
Boyd, with three horses in the top 10 of last weekend’s 5-star Defender Kentucky event, called his elevation, “a huge honor and privilege to be named the number one rider in the world in eventing. It’s a goal I’ve been chasing for decades now. Many of my idols, who are champions in the sport and riders I’ve always tried to emulate, have accomplished this honor at some point in their careers.”
You can’t miss the trademark look of determination on the face of Boyd Martin aboard Commando 3. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Boyd added, “It’s really a humbling moment, and even though it’s my name on the list, I would not have been able to do it without the incredible horses and owners, as well as my dedicated team working day in and out in the stable. Lastly, to share this with my wife and kids, who have been with me on this journey every single day from the very beginning, is really special.”
While Boyd’s promotion is good news for U.S. eventing, the bad news is that you have to go down to number 30 to find the next-highest ranked U.S. rider, Jennie Branningan. Since one person does not make a team, U.S. eventers have some hard work ahead of them. But now they have some inspiration.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 22, 2025
Stating that “the integrity of our sport is in danger,” U.S. Hunter Jumper Association President Britt McCormick warned during his organization’s online Town Hall Monday that there must be “zero tolerance for people that use illegal medication on horses.”
Britt, who had spoken on the topic during both the USHJA and U.S. Equestrian Federation annual meetings, was responding to a comment during the Town Hall made by Lynn Walsh, former president of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Texas. Her concerns involved the overuse of medications.
The USEF in January passed an addition to the prohibited substances rule that banned from all showgrounds a list of certain injectable substances and those that are potentially deadly. The rule, which went into effect April 1, included formaldehyde and liquid nitrogen, as well as injectable pentobarbital, unless a veterinarian needs it to euthanize a horse. Rectal administration of any substance also is prohibited on the grounds of a licensed show.
Speaking about the medication issue, Britt said, “Those of us as horsemen, we have to stop this. It’s disgusting, there’s no other word for it. I think this is one of those ‘See something, say something’ -type situations. We have to be willing to stand up to our fellow competitors and say ‘Enough is enough.’
“It doesn’t matter who you are. It can be at the lowest level, it can be at the highest level. The integrity of our sport is in danger. The ability of us to compete these animals is in danger,” he pointed out.
With Social License to Operate focusing on the horse industry, the sport is under ever-increasing public scrutiny, elevated by the pervasive presence of social media.
“If we allow even one bad actor out there to use prohibited substances, we could all be in danger of losing our livelihood, losing our industry, losing our sport,” Britt emphasized.
“It’s more than just the USEF coming down on somebody and imposing a lifetime sentence. It’s more than a multiple of thousands of dollars in fines. It starts with us.”
He maintained, “Peer pressure is going to work,” suggesting that those who see something wrong should call out the perpetrator.
“The rest of us are going to back you up,” emphasized Britt, a Texas-based trainer who is also a judge.
“I for one am not going to tolerate it. As the head of this organization, I’m going to be the first one to stand up and say, `If you get caught using some of these substances, you should be banned from our sport forever, we don’t want you in it.”
He added, “until all of us are serious about it, it’s never going to get better, and it’s never going to stop. We can have all the discussion about judging and everything else. Until we take care of this root evil that’s invading our sport, the rest of this doesn’t matter.
“I think we as horse people, horse lovers, enthusiasts, sports people…we all want fairness, we all want a level playing field. We have to have zero tolerance when it comes to these medications. Going forward, again; ‘see somethings say something’ is the only way. That goes for the vets, it goes for the pharmacists, it goes for everybody.
“A trainer has to get a medication from a vet, who has to make the prescription and a pharmacy has to fill it. There’s a lot of hands touching this stuff. Until we get serious about it. It’s never going to end.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 6, 2025
Sabine Schut-Kery, who clinched a silver medal for the U.S. dressage team at the Tokyo Olympics, will be offering a clinic May 9-11 to benefit Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania as it prepares to mark its fiftieth anniversary. And at Dressage at Devon itself on Sept. 25, Germany’s Ingrid Klimke will give a masterclass. Ingrid, daughter of the legendary Olympic dressage multi gold medalist Reiner Klimke, is both a gold medal eventer and top dressage rider.
Auditors are welcome to attend the clinic at Dunmovin Farm in Pennsylvania and learn from Sabine, who gave a Masterclass at Dressage at Devon in 2022. She is known for her understanding of classical dressage principles combined with modern training techniques. From developing young horses to competing on the world stage, her expertise spans all levels of the sport. Her horsemanship, keen eye for detail and inspirational teaching style make her a sought-after clinician worldwide.
Sabine Schut-Kery and her Olympic mount Sanceo. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
“Dressage at Devon holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “I look forward to sharing my foundational principles with riders and spectators in May while working with a diverse range of horse-and-rider combinations.”
Aspiring amateurs, seasoned professionals and fans are all welcome at the clinic. Sabine’s commentary and ability to break down complex concepts will provide a deeper understanding of biomechanics, harmony and precision in training, whether those who come to Dunmovin are riding or watching.
Ann Moss, president of Dressage at Devon, emphasized the significance of this event.
“Sabine has long been a beloved favorite at Dressage at Devon, captivating audiences with her performances even before her Olympic success. After hosting our inaugural Masterclass in 2022, we are thrilled to welcome her back this spring. This clinic not only upholds our commitment to education but also supports our iconic fall show.”
Riders and horse owners will have a chance to interact directly with Sabine at a private dinner hosted by Christina Morin-Graham at Oak Springs Farm in Malvern, Pa. Proceeds from this clinic will directly support Dressage at Devon’s continued success and impact within the equestrian community.
For more details on Sabine’s clinic, visit dunmovin.net/clinic. For clinic information, contact Doreen Garland at (610) 416-3839 or Dunmovinenterprisesllc@gmail.com. For more information on the Ingrid Klimke masterclass, click on this link.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary September 23-28, 2025, at the Devon Horse Show Grounds in Devon, Pennsylvania, Dressage at Devon (DaD) has been a prestigious tradition since 1975. It attracts top competitors, trainers and judges from across North America and beyond, making it one of the most respected international dressage competitions.
Dressage at Devon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission centered on education and excellence in the sport of dressage.For corporate sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Engel at 908-310-6248.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 22, 2025
Noted breeder Dr. Timothy Holekamp, a former president of the American Trakehner Association, died on Sunday.
He was a founder of the Young Event Horse Program and co-chaired the Young Event Horse Committee.
The physician and his wife, Cheryl, were the owners of Windfall II, who started his career with Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and went on to earn teem bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics with the USA’s Darren Chiacchia aboard. Windfall became a popular sire. His son, Tsetserleg TSF, was ridden to many successes by U.S. team member Boyd Martin.
Remembering Dr. Holekamp, Boyd said on social media, “He was always my go to man whenever I was trying to get an understanding of a pedigree and was a wealth of knowledge that really inspired a lot of American enthusiasts to breed Trakehner horses.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 23, 2025
Although the weather forecast for the next few days in Lexington, Ky., isn’t the best, the sun shone bright (as the song goes) on the Kentucky Horse Park for the Defender 5-star eventing horse inspection Wednesday.
Boyd Martin had three horses he showed to the judges, but perhaps his best shot at victory is with his Olympic mount, Federman B. (His others are Luke 140 and Commando 3).
You have to figure, though, that the combo to beat will be Germany’s Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. As past winners, they are hard to bet against, and Michi’s record in the sport is unsurpassed.
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH.
Sadly, Jennie Brannigan’s ride, Twilight’s Last Gleam, was not accepted after being re-presented following a stint in the holding box. That was the only entry to be rejected.
Jennie was gracious about her 15-year-old mount’s fate, noting owners “Tim and Nina Gardner and myself love this horse and he owes us absolutely nothing.”
No worries, though; we’ll still see Jennie in competition. She will be able to compete on FE Lifestyle in the field that has been narrowed to 34 starters.
Jennie Brannigan and the beautifully turned-out Twilight’s Last Gleam sadly got a “no” from the judges.
The most eye-catching horse is Fluorescent Adolescent with a coat of splashy spots. He’s ridden by the only Canadian competitor, Jessica Phoenix.
Jessica Phoenix and the Flourescent Adolescent.
The 5-star trot-up is always a fashion show, and my choice as the best-dressed is New Zealand’s Monica Spencer, who will be riding Artist. She wore black leather pants and a cape-like checked top in a shade of oatmeal, both stylish and classy.
Monica Spencer and Artist.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 19, 2025
Olympic eventer Liz Halliday, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a cross-country fall last August, has reached out to her many friends and fans who have been following her recovery. Here is what she said on social media Saturday:
My voice is getting stronger all the time, and until I can talk to you all in a video, I’m writing to you with help from my family and friends. In a normal week, I would be busy making final preparations with my horses to compete in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. But as you know, my new normal is now focused on my recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
No two recoveries from a TBI look the same, and I feel grateful for the progress I’ve made so far and know I will continue to make. After spending six months at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, I have now moved to Dallas to continue my therapy at the Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS). Every day is filled with speech, occupational, and physical therapy with a focus to getting me back to doing what I love.
I’m so grateful for all of the messages of love and support I continue to receive. Above all, I am grateful to my family and friends for their continued support, and that my dogs, Archie and Ella, were able to move to Dallas with me and are staying with friends nearby. I am living in my own apartment now at CNS with the support of a dedicated care team, and every day my life feels a bit more back to normal.
To my fellow competitors who are gearing up to compete at Kentucky, I wish you all the best for a safe and successful competition. My heart will be with you all this week! Hug your horses and your people tight, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.
