by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 5, 2026
Lee McKeever, McLain Ward’s sport horse manager for 38 years, will be inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame March 1, along with Debbie Dolan’s Albany, ridden by Leslie Burr Howard on the 1984 Olympic show jumping gold medal team. The International Award at the Wellington, Fla., ceremony will go to Irish show jumper Kevin Babington.
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Lee McKeever became involved with horses when he was 12. After leaving school, Lee found a job as a groom. He came to the U.S. in 1988 and began working for McLain’s father, Barney Ward, at Castle Hill Farm in Brewster, N.Y.
Lee oversees every aspect of caring for more than 30 horse and has played a key role in the success of such superstars as Sapphire, Rothchild, Antares F, HH Azur, Contagious, HH Carlos Z, Clinta, High Star Hero, First Lady, and many more. With Lee at his side, McLain has won 13 medals at the Olympics, Pan American Games and World Equestrian Games, as well as topping the FEI World Cup Finals in 2017, in addition to many major Grands Prix in the U.S. and around the world.
Lee is always happy to share his knowledge and expertise. His success and importance in the industry is recognized around the world and was formally acknowledged in 2018, when he was honored by the FEI with its Best Groom award.
McLain says of Lee, “He knows the horses better than anybody. He knows just how to have their conditioning and their health, and how to prevent and deal with injuries. There’s never been a moment when I doubted that my horses were in anything but the best of care and that they had the best preparation to be ready to compete.”
“This has never been a job for me,” said Lee. “It’s a way of life.”
Albany had a personality as lovely as his jumping style. He was a classic Thoroughbred who began his career on the racetrack. Foaled in 1975, the gelding proved more talented over fences than he was on the track. After starting his career with Joanne Kovacs and Jimmy Kohn, Albany was purchased for the 1983 season by Debbie Dolan (Sweeney). He was shown in grands prix by Debbie’s trainer, Leslie Burr Howard, while Debbie was still showing in the amateur-owner division.
Albany was named the American Grandprix Association (AGA) Horse of the Year in both 1983 and 1984, and he carried Leslie to the AGA Rider of the Year title in 1983.
In 1984, the pair won the $100,000 American Invitational in Tampa Stadium, and topped the U.S. Olympic trials to secure a spot on the Olympic team alongside Joe Fargis and Touch of Class, Conrad Homfeld (Abdullah) and Melanie Smith Taylor (Calypso). At the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, Albany teamed with the others to make history as the first U.S. team ever to win Olympic show jumping gold.
When Debbie took over the reins from Leslie, Albany continued his success. The new combination won the Cleveland Grand Prix in 1986 and the Winter Equestrian Festival Challenge Series in 1988. They also had top-five Grand Prix finishes at the National Horse Show and Valley Forge in 1986; at Old Salem, Cleveland and the American Invitational in 1988; and at Palm Beach and Baltimore in 1989. Internationally, the pair rode on winning Nations Cup teams at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in 1987 and at Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1988, while winning the Ladies Show Jumping Championship at Windsor, England, in 1989. When Albany’s Grand Prix career came to a close at the end of the decade, his earnings ranked third in AGA history.
Kevin Babington was part of Ireland’s gold medal team at the 2001 European Championships, placed eighth individually in the 2002 World Championships and fourth individually in the 2004 Olympic Games, while going on to win many grands prix after that. A 2019 fall ended his riding career but he continues to teach from his wheelchair. .
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 11, 2026
Life these days offers elements of normalcy for dressage trainer Michael Barisone, who rides often at his farm in Loxahatchee, Fla., where he stays busy with projects that keep the stable running, as well as going to Lowe’s and spending time with his fiance.
Once a week, he has sessions with Palm Beach County, Fla., clinical psychologist Dr. David Landry. During a hearing via Zoom in Superior Court, Morristown, N.J., this week, Landry reported that Barisone “shows up on time,” is “cooperative and easily engaged and very talkative in session.”
Barisone’s reaction when things don’t go as expected has been “appropriate,” according to Landry.
Where things aren’t normal for Barisone, 61, involves issues with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the U.S. Equestrian Federation, which list him in the category “permanently ineligible,” citing sexual harassment, emotional misconduct and violation of the National Governing Body policies/bylaws. That means the 2008 U.S. Olympic reserve rider cannot take part in USEF-licensed shows, be present on the showgrounds during competition or give clinics attended by USEF members.
But the listing also includes the stipulation “subject to appeal/not yet final,” so Barisone will be going to arbitration with SafeSport on the matter.
He also has sued USEF. That suit contends federation officials did not properly address his 2019 concerns about the behavior of his tenant and student, Lauren Kanarek and her boyfriend, Rob Goodwin. While seeking help from USEF, an emotional Barisone contended he was “in a life and death situation due to the malevolent and dangerously unpredictable conduct of Kanarek and Goodwin,” and that he feared for his life. The lawsuit maintains the USEF was obligated to refer the matter to SafeSport, which it did not do.
Barisone had been trying to evict Kanarek and Goodwin from a home on what was then his Long Valley, N.J., farm. Seven days after making his complaint to USEF, Barisone was charged with attempted second-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Kanarek during a confrontation outside the home. She spent time in intensive care after receiving two bullets in the chest. Barisone says he does not remember the incident.
During Barisone’s 2022 trial, Kanarek admitted that “at some point” she was focused on destroying him. Barisone was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent time in psychiatric hospitals before being freed under court supervision.
He appears in court twice a year for Krol hearings, such as the one on Tuesday. Krol hearings are held to evaluate the progress of a criminal defendant who has been confined to a psychiatric institution following a verdict like that received by Barisone. His next hearing is slated for August.
Landry offered no other significant revelations during the hearing, except to say at some point, he would be willing to discuss cutting back on the number of times he sees his patient, perhaps eventually to twice a month.
Barisone, who is able to travel between his Florida and New Jersey, was given permission by the court to expand his travel in order to spend time in Delaware cleaning up a family house, and in Rochester, N.Y., for dental work.
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 11, 2026
Even the best intentions and the greatest of care cannot save every horse who has severe medical issues.
McLain Ward announced that Imperial HBF (“Paddy”) was lost Sunday due to complications from colic.
“Paddy suffered a bout of colic and, despite two surgeries and every possible effort to save him, the incredibly difficult decision was made—by his owner Michael Smith, myself, and a devoted team of caretakers and veterinarians—that the kindest and most humane choice was to let him go,” McLain announced on social media.
“Paddy fought tirelessly, just as he did throughout his career as a competitor, and our entire family and team are devastated by his loss.
During this challenging time, his owner, Mike Smith, exemplified true horsemanship—spending countless hands-on hours by Paddy’s side, doing everything possible to support his recovery, and never wavering in his trust in the team caring for him.”
McLainn went on to thank veterinarians and support staff at Rood & Riddle Wellington, along with Dr. Tim Ober, saying they “were nothing short of extraordinary. As always, I am deeply grateful to my own team for their unwavering dedication and compassion throughout this process.
“Godspeed, Imperial.”
Michael said he was “so sad to loose this champion. Wish I could have owned him longer. He gave so much in the ring and brought that same spirit to his health challenge.”
The horse was developed by Tim Gredley of Great Britain, who bought him in 2022. McLain started competing the 13-year-old KWPN gelding by VDL Glasgow VH Merelsnest last April and was on the winning U.S. Nations Cup team in Rome a month later.
Bred by Laura Tinto of HBF Equestrian, Imperial was ridden by Scottish show jumper Alex Barr prior to Tim’s time with the horse..
“We started quite small and worked our way up,” said Tim. “It was a bit testing at times – I remember walking out of the grand prix at Wellington on my feet because he jumped so high – but when you know horses have that kind of quality and you have that belief in them, you’re always willing to put the time and effort into them. In the end, he came good.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 7, 2026
The highest-ranked U.S. dressage rider in the FEI standings, Christian Simonson, keeps accumulating honors.
Although he had never ridden a Grand Prix Special on Fleau De Baian, known as Felix, he won on his first try Saturday at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Christian topped the Modon CDI3* Grand Prix Special aboard the 16-year-old stallion by Jazz.
Christian Simonson and Fleau de Baian. (Centre Line Media photo)
Despite mistakes in both lines of changes on the diagonal, his other marks were high enough to give him a total of 70 percent. It was the first CDI victory for the pairing since Christian took over the ride in 2023 from Dutch star Adelinde Cornelissen, who rode Fleau De Baian’s full brother, Parzival, at two Olympics.
The win was special for Christian, number nine in the world, since he and Felix were eliminated for a blood speck in the horse’s mouth at the conclusion of his Grand Prix test during two weeks ago.
“Horses are always a learning process, and with Felix, I’ve learned an immense amount…already,” said the 23-year-old rider.
He called it a testament to his trainer, Adrienne Lyle, and their team.
“We can deconstruct what happened and look at how we can best understand it and move forward,” he said.
“Today was a good reflection of our mentality to always try to do right by our horses, understand them better and present them better.”
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by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 7, 2026
The first $500,000 class of the Winter Equestrian Festival Saturday night showcased a range of brilliant talent, but as he so often does, Germany’s Richie Vogel outshone them all.
Riding Gangster Montdesir (what an unflattering name for such a lovely horse), the European champion topped an eight-horse tiebreaker in the Fidelity Investments fixture before a capacity crowd at Wellington International.
Although the Selle Francais stallion is just turning 10, Ganster demonstrated plenty of polish going for time, edging runner-up Ben Maher of Great Britain on Enjeau de Grisien by 0.35 seconds after finishing the jump-off in 42.65 seconds. France’s Nina Mallevaey completed an all-foreign podium by taking third place on Dynastie de Beaufour 0/43.37.
“It was a quite thrilling jump-off for me,” said Richie.
“I tried not to leave the door too much open, but not risk too much,” he continued, noting Ben and the USA’s Lillie Keenan, who was fourth on Argan de Belliard, would be riding after he completed his round.
Richie Vogel and Gangster Montdesir on their way to victory in Wellington.
Noting that his mount by Kanan is “fairly green, I thought he jumped outstanding and was really with me everywhere,” Richie said proudly.
Ben said he has “grown up together,” with Enjeau, a son of Toulan he has ridden since the Selle Francais was seven.
“He’s always been in the shadows of some of the other horses, and he’s had to step up in previous months. He’s really taken the role on well,” said Ben.
“He’s been a little unlucky here and there, but he’s a very sharp, high-energy horse, and he’s an incredible learner. That’s been his biggest asset; he really wants to be a great horse.”
A field of 39 rode over the course designed by Gregory Bodo, who laid out the routes for the 2024 Paris Olympics with Santiago Varela.
World number two Kent Farrington of the U.S. was first to jump-off on Greya, who had the most outstanding record of any horse in the class, with nine jump-off wins and 11 podiums.
However, having done little with Greya since winning the Rolex grand prix in Geneva during December, Kent admitted to being “a little bit rusty. if I’m honest, from her top form.”
Kent nearly pulled it off, clocked in 40.43 seconds for the fastest time of the jump-off only to topple the front rail of the final fence, an oxer. He wound up fifth.
Fidelity winner Richie Vogel, center, with runner-up Ben Maher and third-place Nina Mallevaey.
The tight time allowed of 83 seconds in the first round caught a number of horses, as did a gold plank five strides from an oxer. The triple combination, with multi-colored rails as the A and C elements and a horizontally striped green rails in the middle, also incurred a good share of the penalties.
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by Nancy Jaffer | Jan 14, 2026
A new free feature called Lifetime Care Contacts is available for for horses registered with the U.S. Equestrian Federation. It enables USEF members to add their names to a horse’s USEF record. It means that if the horse is someday be in need of financial assistance or a home, the member would like to be contacted.
“We understand that many breeders, owners, athletes, and grooms care deeply for the horses who have touched their lives and want to be there for them if they should ever fall on hard times,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney, explaining the federation realized it could help.
The Lifetime Care Contact feature is free for USEF members or those who have a free fan account to add themselves to a horse’s record, because horse data is part of the membership section of the US Equestrian website. The feature will be accessible at no cost.
Those who want to add themselves as Lifetime Care Contacts to a horse’s USEF record may go to the Lifetime Care tile in the USEF Dashboard and search for the horse you’re looking for, using the horse’s recorded name or USEF number. Then click the button prompting you to add your contact information to that horse’s list. You’ll see a list of horses for whom you’re listed as the Lifetime Care Contact at the bottom of the page.
If you have found a horse in need and want to see if they have a Lifetime Care Contact on file, you will need a USEF membership or free fan account to access the Horse Search. Visit the Lifetime Care tile on the Member Dashboard and use the horse’s recorded name or microchip number to locate it You will be prompted to verify you’re assisting this horse and can click a button to be sent an email with that horse’s Lifetime Care Contact information.
Click here to learn more about this program and for a list of frequently asked questions.
The Federation can’t require anyone to reach out to a horse’s Lifetime Care Contact, but the program can make it easier for a horse in need to be connected with someone who has expressed an interest in helping them.
The Lifetime Care system is designed as a safety net for horses, and its use is voluntary. US Equestrian is unable to require that someone consult a Lifetime Care contact before moving, selling, or transferring a horse. The goal of the feature is to facilitate connections as needed, but this program can only be as effective as the scope of its use.
