by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 16, 2025
The 2026 U.S. Equestrian Federation Grand Prix Dressage National Championship is moving to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla., from May 13-17, where the atmosphere will offer a special opportunity in the run-up to the FEI World Championships at Aachen, Germany, later that year.
The Grand Arena, set against the impressive pillared backdrop of a 5-star hotel, is a special setting to test American riders at the top of their discipline. Although the Grand Prix competition is usually held among a variety of classes for national titles — from ponies on up — at the Dressage Festival of Champions in Illinois, that will not be the case next year.
“It was important for us to make our Grand Prix National Championship a stand-alone event, as it should be one of the most highlighted events for the qualified combinations. It’s also our intention to make it part of our selection process for the World Championships,” said Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig.
The atmosphere is stunning, with spectators all around the arena and seated at ringside tables so close to the action that spectators may feel they can practically reach out to touch the horses.
“It is essential we see the top combinations on the same field of play with the same panel of judges in a comparable setting to what our experience will feel like in Aachen, Germany, at the Championships. WEC provides us with everything we need to best prepare our combinations for just that, while also attracting spectators and ensuring a memorable championship,” Christine explained.
The facility hosts the only U.S. competition in the Longines League of Nations for show jumping. It has attracted top riders from Europe and the Americas.
A view of spectators with a ringside seat at the hotel during the Longines League of Nations. (Photo © 2024 by Nancy Jaffer)
On behalf of the Robert family, which owns WEC, Roby Roberts said, “We are honored to host the USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at World Equestrian Center Ocala. This prestigious event represents the pinnacle of American dressage, and we are excited to provide a stage that reflects the caliber of the athletes competing. With our world-class facilities and commitment to quality, class and distinction, WEC is uniquely positioned to deliver an unforgettable championship experience for competitors, horses, and fans alike. We look forward to welcoming the equestrian community to Ocala and celebrating the best in U.S. dressage.”
The qualification period for the championship begins Sept. 1 and combinations seeking qualification for the championship must earn required scores at FEI events.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 5, 2025
London. Vienna. Rome.
Liberty State Park?
How does a New Jersey park wind up on the same page of the Longines Global Champions Tour website with some of the world’s greatest cities that have hosted its show jumping competitions?
It’s all about the vista — because the park has a great view of the Statue of Liberty and New York skyline. A presence in the Manhattan area is important to the international jumping competition, which is why the GCT is scheduled to host a show at the park Sept. 19-21.
Among the many accomplished riders who are regulars at GCT competitions are Olympic multi-gold medalist Ben Maher of Great Britain; current individual gold medalist Christian Kukuk of Germany, world champion Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden and the USA’s Jessica Springsteen, who grew up in New Jersey,
The last time GCT was staged in the New York metro area, its show was a half-mile south of Manhattan at Governor’s Island, reachable only by ferry, a situation that made it inconvenient at best.
Liberty State Park and its vista.
Liberty State Park is easier to access, which means there is great demand for tickets to the competition. The Sunday, which features the grand prix, is a sellout except for some VIP opportunities, but tickets in both the covered and uncovered stands, as well as the lounge, are still available for the Friday and Saturday shows that also include 5-star jumping.
Six-person and eight-person tables in VIP for all three days are on sale at $16,633.50 and $22,178 respectively.
For tickets, click here.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 6, 2025
An investigation of allegations that dressage trainer/rider Cesar Parra “repeatedly and deliberately subjected the majority, if not all, of the horses he owned and trained to recurring and serious abuse over a number of years,” has resulted in a record suspension of 15 years from the FEI (international equestrian federation).
Parra, a native of Colombia who became an American citizen and competed internationally for both countries, had been the subject of disciplinary proceedings since May 22, 2024 on charges of abuse of horse, conduct that brings the FEI and/or equestrian sport and the FEI into disrepute and breach of the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse.
“This case is deeply unsettling, not only because of the recurring nature of the abuse, but also because of the number of horses affect-ed,” FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch said.
“That such behavior came from a top-level athlete makes it all the more troubling. Our athletes are expected to represent and uphold the highest standards of horsemanship. Horse welfare is the foundation, not an add-on, of equestrian sport”
He noted, ““The investigation demanded significant time and resources due to the volume and complexity of the evidence, which had to be meticulously verified. The 15-year suspension sends a clear message that regardless of profile or position, those who violate the principles of horse welfare will face serious consequences.”
Cesar Parra on a victory lap. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Parra’s suspension, which lasts until 2039, when he would be 75 years old, is five years longer than the previous record of 10 years for the use of electric spurs by U.S. show jumper Andrew Kocher.
However, Parra said he will appeal his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, contending, “We need a better system that relies on facts. I accept some guilt, even though the reasons are questionable.”
He added, “But other stuff, it is …fabricated.” Parra suggested there also were some “false accusations.”
Parra noted, “I can see a suspension, I can see okay, excessive whip, whatever. I agree, things have to change bit.”
But in terms of the offenses with which he is charged, he maintained, “that’s something you see three months, six months, a year, a year and a half. Fifteen years, I think, is exaggerated.
“I feel very sad and remorseful. Okay, there is stuff I should have not done I did, passion to help a client with a horse. Now one of the horses in question is winning everything in Mexico. He was tough.”
Parra said he invited representatives of the USEF and FEI to inspect the horses in his barn, but they didn’t come. So he asked the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department to take a look.
“They were aware of the issue and they came. They didn’t find anything.”
The investigation into Parra’s conduct, launched in coordination with the U.S. Equestrian Federation, involved a review of video and photographic material, as well as multiple witness statements. In addition to the suspension, he was fined $18,589 and ordered to pay more than $12,000 in legal costs.
Parra had been based in New Jersey and Florida. His New Jersey farm was sold and the operation in Jupiter, Fla.,is for sale. He rode for Colombia at the Pan American Games in 1999, the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2002 and 2006, and the FEI World Cup™ Final in 2005.
After his 2008 switch in nationality, he rode for the U.S. at the 2011 Pan American Games and FEI World Cup™ Final in 2014.
Cesar Parara in 2021. (Photo © 2021 by Nancy Jaffer)
According to the FEI General Regulations (Article 164.6) during a suspension, the person cannot take part in any competition or event and/or in any activities related to any competition or event, as an athlete, support personnel and/or official or in the organization of any competition or event under the jurisdiction of the FEI or any competition or event under the jurisdiction of a national federation in ac-cordance with the statutes or in any FEI and/or national federation-related activity. Persons are entitled to train their own horses at their own facilities or at private facilities.
When USEF received horse welfare complaints against Parra in early 2024 and he was provisionally suspended in February of that year, the Federation did not have a rule allowing it to take action on welfare issues outside of sanctioned competitions. So USEF referred the matter to the FEI, which did have a rule allowing it to undertake an investigation. Since then, the USEF board passed GR838, which expands the Federation’s jurisdiction to unethical treatment that occurs on or off the grounds of a Federation competition.
“As a federation, we have strengthened our rules to ensure we are within our jurisdiction to pursue disciplinary action for behavior and actions endangering horse safety and welfare, both on and off competition grounds. Parra’s documented and repeated behavior has no place in our sport, and we will ensure the enforcement of the FEI Tribunal’s decision. We appreciate the FEI’s diligence and expertise in pursuing this matter,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney.
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 4, 2025
Did you ever think about doing endurance riding, but were intimidated by the challenge of something so different from your usual competitive routine?
There’s an easy way to test it out with the introductory rides being offered at the Horseshoe Bend Boogie Endurance Ride Aug. 16 in Kingwood Township, N.J.
Although the major rides of the day are at standard 25- and 50-mile distances, other rides at 5, 8 and 11 miles are perfect for those starting out, especially anyone with hunter or trail pace experience.
Arrive by 8 a.m. for registration. A rider information meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. and you can start riding any time before 10:30 a.m.
The entry fee is $65 if you register before Aug. 10 or $75 after that, including on site the day of the event. The fee includes continental breakfast, veterinary exams before and after the ride and a participation award. Register or request more information by emailing friendshorseshoebendpark@gmail.com .
The park’s address is 198 Horseshoe Bend Road, Frenchtown, 08825. Come to the north entrance.
Those interested in the 25- and 50-mile rides should register at the North East ride calendar at AERC.org. (https://aerc.org/calendar/?calID=24103)
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 8, 2025
Matt Morrissey, who has worked in show management with his father, Michael Morrissey and late uncle, Gene Mische, has been named general manager of the Desert International Horse Park. He is also a founder of the Major League Show Jumping series.
The facility previously was led by CEO Steve Hankin, who was bought out by the venue’ s three other partners last month. (to read that story click here)
In announcing Morrissey’s appointment, the Horse Park statement said he “will provide strategic leadership and will reinforce DIHP’s commitment to providing world-class competition as the premier equestrian destination on the West Coast.”
The facility hosts 19 weeks of competition from October through April. The show management team of Pat Boyle, Phil Devita, Ashley Keeler, Skyler Brittner, Lori Hill, David Runk, Duncan Peters and Joe Wilson will stay in place.
“This team’s extensive experience in producing world-class equestrian events and their deep understanding of what makes venues successful will be invaluable as we continue to build the equestrian sport on the West Coast and provide opportunities for our athletes to compete at the highest levels,” said DIHP partner Jeremy Smith..
by Nancy Jaffer | Aug 1, 2025
So what’s next for California’s Desert International Horse Park and its former CEO Steve Hankin, who parted ways this week?
Three partners in the venture bought out Hankin and his wife, Lisa. The couple was the fourth partner in the group that six years ago purchased a long-term lease on 240 acres where the HITS Thermal show had been held previously.
The Desert International Horse Park show will continue, and there are plans for a major expansion and development in years to come at another property just down the road.
Palms and mountains provide the backdrop at Desert International Horse Park. (Photo DIHP)
The break-up raised questions, however, because the show had developed into an incredibly successful fixture, attracting a following not only in the West, but also drawing prominent riders from the East Coast and Europe.
Hankin would say only that, “Whether the partners got along or not is not relevant to the people in the industry. It’s obvious we didn’t and the partnership failed. I think it’s disappointing for the industry that it did. I think what was accomplished in the last five or six years was really remarkable.”
But the details of the break-up aren’t important to those who come to the shows, he pointed out.
“What they care about is that we built something that wasn’t there before, we raised the level of the sport and that we cared about horses,” said Hankin, mentioning he got more than 100 messages after word was out about his departure.
Riders such as Kent Farrington came from the East to compete at DIHP. (Photo DIHP)
Hankin also will be missed by Michael Stone, president of Wellington International, which hosts Florida’s Winter Equestrian Festival.
“I was very disappointed to see he was going,” said Stone.
“He was really a leader to make change and elevate the level in California, which ultimately helps everybody. The higher the level, everybody gets better. You don’t sit on your laurels.
“Having him there was definitely beneficial for the sport in general,” Stone pointed out, noting he and Hankin worked closely when Covid hit.
“We had to come up with ways of being able to get back open as fast as we could. With the EHV (Equine Herpes) outbreak, we worked on that closely too. Good to have a like-minded person on the West Coast really driving the standards out there.”
As for Hankin’s future, he will stay in both the industry and California, his home for 11 years.
“I’m 100 percent not done,” said Hankin, who plans to move on with other projects.
Meanwhile, the remaining DIHP partners, Jeremy and Christina Smith, Rob Meadows and Catherine Harvey, are pursuing a vision of their own on 640 acres that will host the horse show and a development, part of a package called Thermal Ranch. But the show will continue to be called Desert International Horse Park.
It all starts with the leadline. (Photo DIHP)
The new land is being used to grow carrots at the moment and the project is still in the approvals process with the city and county.
“We have no interest in pushing it hard until it’s being built,” Jeremy Smith said about the project, located a short canter from the present facility. The best case scenario would be for the showgrounds to open in October 2029.
“It’s a big project, but we think it’s the future of show jumping on the West Coast,” he continued, adding that it will be 30 percent larger than the current showgrounds.
“We really want to build a permanent home for the horse park that is sustainable, to own your own facility and control your own destiny,” said Smith, who has been in the crafts business and now can add the word “developer” to his resume.
“It’s $100 million to build a show and do it right,” he said, explaining the only way to make the books balance is by constructing homes, hotel rooms and commercial opportunities in and around it as well.
That means “taking a big swing and having a big enough show to make it work.”
He pointed out that while the lease on the current showgrounds is long term, “in 20 years, if it (the land) were needed for anything else, there would be no place to go because development would have happened around it. Where development happens, horses always get pushed out.”
The current facility is aging with “old infrastructure…a hard beast to keep going,” said Smith, who cited all the benefits of a purpose-built venue. The layout for stables and rings will be convenient, and an indoor arena that can host FEI World Cup qualifiers is also part of the vision.
Harvey mentioned that on the current property “The way it’s lined up, you have tractors in the same aisle ways as horses and bicyclists and golf carts We would like to line things out in a much safer way, where those two don’t overlap; have a more efficient use of space and really create a proper center where your grand prix arena and grand hunter arena are and everything else revolves around it.”
That would be “as opposed to our (current) property, it’s (the rings) at one end and the barns are at the opposite ends of the property and the grass field is even at the farthest end of the property.”
The new acreage “would give us more space to do whatever needs to be done,” Harvey said.
As Smith noted, “Being able to build a brand new modern facility that’s perfect for horses as well as guests who can actually come and watch and is safe all around, it will be a breath of fresh air and a dream for all of us.”
Having homes around a showgrounds is a model that started in Wellington, and was done in a more modular way at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla., and TerraNova, east of Sarasota, Fla.
“We’ve learned a lot over the years and we’re still learning,” said Smith, who envisions people living so close they can take a golf cart over to the venue “and socialize around the horse show instead of just going home at night.”
Socializing is a big part of DIHP’s charm. (Photo DIHP)
The current facility will still be used after the new one is built, but it can have offerings beyond hunter/jumper competition.
Options are dressage, western, low-level hunters and jumpers with no braiding, “the possibility of three day shows with lesser entry fees. How do we lower the bar to have people come in and try it out?” said Smith.
“We’ve got to make it (showing) as accessible as possible, knowing that’s it still expensive,” he commented, pointing out that growing the base is key to keep the sport strong.
The partners aren’t seeking another CEO, but they haven’t made a decision yet about who will be heading up the team at the park.
“I think Steve did a lot and I think asking anyone to do his entire job isn’t necessarily what we want to do,” Smith said.
“We’ll split that up a little bit. There’s enough for a couple of people in there. I’ll take a lot of the business end of it with the team. We all like to be involved in the business. You don’t buy a horse show for an investment, you don’t build a horse park for an investment.
“You do this because you want to be involved in it and you like the business and you enjoy this. We want it to be fun. It’s really exciting for us. But we have no intention of jumping in and running everything.”
