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 10, 2026
“Love your outfit!” someone in the lively crowd at the Zen Elite FEI World Dressage Cup Final yelled to Becky Moody, all a-twinkle in sparkly gold glitter across her helmet and brown tail coat on Thursday night.
The British star was definitely a favorite, and she delivered for her fans with her homebred Jaegerbomb, earning 76.761 percent to top a 16-horse field at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
“It was an amazing crowd, they were so enthusiastic,” Becky commented.
A sparkly Becky Moody and her Jaegerbomb.
And ham that he is, Jaegerbomb appreciated the appreciation.
“It was really cool for him because he loves that as well, the more people cheer, the better he is.”
Although the top four-ranked international dressage riders declined to make the trip to the Lone Star State, Becky, who is number five, wanted to see how her 12-year-old Dutchbred gelding would handle flying across the ocean.
“He was amazing traveling,” Becky said, joy infusing her voice, as it often does.
“He came off the transport here quite nice and pingy. He has been super cool to work with all week,” she continued.
“He felt really good today. I had that nice balance of energy with relaxation. I say he’s not exceptional at anything but he’s really good at everything. He’s just a joy to ride in an arena like that.”
Finishing a close second was 23-year-old Christian Simonson, earning 75.413 percent with Indian Rock.
Christian Simonson and Indian Rock.
Christian’s first World Cup was double special, because his sponsor Zen Elite Equestrian, is also the sponsor of the competition.
Rocky, as the Dutchbred stallion is known, was in perfect sync with his rider.
“He was amazing tonight. He’s a horse that is just so dependable. I love him so much,” said Christian, who kissed his horse on the neck after the final salute.
Christian Simonson had a kiss for Indian Rock.
“We have a good bond together,” the rider emphasized. He loved the fact that as he circled the arena, he could hear the spectators chanting and yelling encouragement.
“The crowd really was fabulous,” noted Christian, the USA’s highest ranked dressage competitor at number 12 in the standings .
Patrik Kittel brought his 2024 Cup champion, Touchdown, and earned a third-place finish with 72.869 percent on the Swedish warmblood gelding.
“It’s been a fantastic night. Normally, i don’t smile when I go around the ring,” he revealed but then someone yelled “We love you Patrik.” That got the Swede smiling “from ear to ear, even before I started.”
He added, it’s just nice to see the people in the audience getting into the game.
A delighted Patrik Kittel thanks Touchdown for a fun ride.
“We want to present our horses that we work with every day, that we love every day, that we train with every day for this audience when they can take in what we give. That’s the best feeling, the horses enjoy it so much. You can really feel it. It’s a pleasure to be in the horse sport.
click here for results
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 9, 2026
It wasn’t a shocker when Kent Farrington headed to the top of the leaderboard — and stayed there — in the opening leg of Thursday’s FEI World Cup Show Jumping Final in Fort Worth, Texas.
Ranked number two in the world (number one, Scott Brash of Great Britain isn’t competing) Kent was clocked in 62.03 seconds over the one-round speed course with Toulayna, a 12-year-old Zangerheide mare he describes as versatile, reliable and naturally fast.
Kent enjoys his triumph.
“I’m pretty confident on this horse to do what I want to do,” the winner said, noting he wasn’t looking at what the 14 riders before him had done, or worrying about what the 19 yet to come after him would do.
Germany’s Daniel Deusser, a former World Cup champion, was just a stride or so off the pace in 62.21 seconds with Otello de Guldenboom, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood stallion.
“My horse has a big stride. He’s not the fastest horse,” Daniel said, noting his approach involved seeking a smooth round over the route designed by Anderson Lima.
Daniel Deusser and Otello de Guldenboom.
Steve Guerdat of Switzerland, seeking to become the first person to win four Cup finals, was right behind in 62.49 seconds on Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte, to stand third. He was hoping to have a top five finish, so third is a good spot. But as he noted, there are “still a lot of things to do,” observing that there are two strong riders ahead of him “and a lot of strong ones behind.”
After the class it was selfie time for Daniel Deusser, Kent Farrington and Steve Guerdat.
Ironically, Kent actually didn’t have the fastest round in real time. That belonged to fellow U.S. rider Lillie Keenan with the aptly named Kick On, clocked in 60.78 seconds as she started out with her foot on the gas pedal and never let up.
However, a rail down at 7A, the first fence of the second double, added a 3-second penalty to her time under the formula for the class, putting her fourth.
She was a late addition to the line-up when her mentor, McLain Ward, withdrew, still suffering the after-effects of a bad fall he took when a horse refused with him last month. He is on hand to coach Lillie.
Overall, it was a strong showing for team USA. Jacob Pope was fifth on Highway FBH in 63.89 seconds, while Aaron Vale, in the unenviable position of being first to go, stands sixth with a clean performance on Carissimo 25 (64.32 seconds). Lillie was the only one of the top eight to have a knockdown.
“I don’t remember when we had four in the top six on the first day,” said a delighted U.S. coach, Robert Ridland.
He commended Aaron for sticking to his plan as the first rider in the class.
“It didn’t surprise me. He knew his plan and it probably wasn’t going to change if he went first or thirtieth. When everybody sees the start being positive, it helps everybody.”
He knows the key to success in the final standings means, “Don’t lay it all on the table on the first day. If you want to be in the game. Ideally, you want to be in the top10 and go from there. And that’s what happened.”
Kent will switch mounts for Friday’s class to Greya, the mare on whom he won the $1 million Rolex US Open grand prix last month and the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Click here for results
Riders’ positions in the order of go were determined by an unusual draw during a Wednesday party at Sundance Square (sponsor of the Cup show jumping final) in the heart of downtown Ft. Worth.
Derek Braun, the founder of the Split Rock tour that is presenting the finals, picked out hollow balls from fish bowls. Each contained a piece of paper with the name of a rider, who proceeded to come to the stage and select a cowboy boot (the evening was sponsored by Tony Lama boots) from a lineup of varied styles. The boots each had a number on the sole and that is how the riders learned where they would ride in the line-up.
Many of the riders, male and female, sported brand new cowboy hats that some styled to their own taste. Martin Fuchs, for instance, accessorized his with a jaunty feather. Katie Dinan wore a dress with a horse pattern topped off with a black hat. Kent Farrington went the opposite way; no hat, a white T-shirt and a jacket with jeans.
Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs shows Derek Braun of Split Rock the number he got at the draw party. (Photo © 2026 by Nancy Jaffer)
If you’re in the area and want to attend the show –the second round of jumping is Friday night, the dressage freestyle is Saturday night and the jumping finale Sunday afternoon — single-session tickets are available starting at $35. There are special pricing and package opportunities available for groups of nine or more. To purchase, contact Sydney at GroupSales@DickiesArena.com. Full ticket information is available online at https://www.fortworth2026.com/tickets, For more information, click here.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 8, 2026
I’ve been to all 11 FEI World Cup show jumping finals held in the U.S. since 1980, and look forward to adding number 12 this week in Fort Worth, Texas. And I also attended the first FEI World Cup Dressage Finals staged Stateside in 1995, when it was in Los Angeles (which will be the scene of the Olympics in two years.)
This website will be covering competition every day in both the dressage and show jumping Cup finals, which begin on Thursday.
Fort Worth, the eleventh-largest city in the country, will make a special mark with its own style on those attending the Longines FEI Show Jumping World Cup and Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup April 8-12. From the stockyards and the twice-daily Longhorn cattle drives, to the famous honky tonk, Billy Bob’s, it’s easy to be impressed. And that’s without even mentioning all the down-home barbeque you can eat.
The Texas debut of the Cups will offer a new look for competitors and spectators while imbuing the occasion with the spirit of the true west. It will be a special treat for those coming from overseas. Bet they’ll buy lots of cowboy boots.
My anticipation, however, is not just because it’s a unique location. It’s always great competition, and a chance for fans in the U.S. to see their international favorites in person without leaving the country. On Wednesday, both the dressage riders and show jumpers had a chance to get in the arena so their horses could get a look-see when there isn’t a crowd.
Spectators arrive on Thursday, and the home side will have more to cheer for with another American added to the lineup for the dressage finals, bringing the total number of U.S. competitors in that championship to three.
Ben Ebeling and Bellena, who did not qualify on points for a slot in the competition, are replacing a drop-out and will be joining Christian Simonson, the top-ranked U.S. dressage rider, twelfth in the world with Indian Rock, and Kevin Kohmann with Dünensee.
Christian Simonson and Indian Rock getting familiar with the arena at the World Cup Wednesday.
The other North American representative, Canadian Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, won’t be coming due to a mishap involving her horse, Jaccardo.
“Unfortunately, Jaccardo got cast in his stall earlier this week and isn’t quite comfortable enough to perform at his best, so we’ve made the decision to withdraw from the World Cup Final.
“While it’s disappointing to miss such a special event, his health and long term well-being always come first,” Brittany said. She would have been the first Canadian in 13 years to have competed in the Cup final.
Carina Cassøe Kruth of Denmark also won’t be coming with Heiline’s Danciera because of an issue with travel documentation.
Key riders who chose not to aim for the dressage final include world number one Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour of Denmark; number two, Justin Verboomen of Belgium, Germany’s Isabell Werth, number three and the defending champion, Lottie Fry of Great Britain. Charlotte Dujardin, also of Great Britain, dropped out after getting a spot but did not give a reason.
With the world championships in both dressage and show jumping set for August in Germany, that is a priority for riders who want to save their horses and not run the risk of crossing the Atlantic while focusing on another show before the biggest competition of the year.
Show jumping’s indoor championship always has been an international high-point in the season. The far-flung venues that hosted the competition in the years following its 1979 inception in Sweden have been located in Asia and the Middle East, as well as Europe and the U.S.
The line-up from abroad for the jumping includes European Champion Richie Vogel of Germany, world number three; Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, the 2012 Olympic individual gold medalist, and his countryman Martin Fuchs, a former Cup winner, as well as Germany’s Daniel Deusser, another former Cup champion.
It isn’t called the World Cup for nothing–competitors come from a wide range of countries, such as Turkey, the home Necmi Eren riding PSS Levilensky.
The USA’s McLain Ward, who took the title in 2014, 2017 and 2022, told me last year that the 2026 Cup is a priority for him. But after a fall last month that forced him to sit out the Rolex US Open in Wellington, he won’t be competing. His place has been taken by his protege, Lillie Keenan, with Kick On.
In addition to the usual countries fielding riders, the Cup has an eclectic mix of nations not as frequently seen in show jumping. They include Uzbekistan, Georgia (the country, not the state) and Turkey.
No U.S. city has been named as a possible site for the Cup going forward, so the country’s hosting reputation hangs on Fort Worth for the foreseeable future.
In addition to Richie, the show jumpers in the top 10 who are in Fort Worth are world number two Kent Farrington and Laura Kraut, number 10, both of the USA. Other U.S. riders besides those two and Lillie are Aaron Vale; Katie Dinan, the top-placed American in the 2025 Cup, and Kaitlin Campbell, another regular on the U.S. team.
Fresh off his $1 million grand prix win, Kent Farrington brought Toulayna (seen here during the ring familiarization) and Greya to try winning his first World Cup finals.
The younger generation on the U.S. side will be represented by Mimi Gochman, Skylar Wireman and Jacob Pope.
Single-session tickets are available starting at $35, but there are special pricing and package opportunities available for groups of nine or more. To purchase, contact Sydney at GroupSales@DickiesArena.com. Full ticket information is available online at https://www.fortworth2026.com/tickets, For more information, click here.
by Nancy Jaffer | Apr 5, 2026
Much admired trainer, coach and USEF judge Gary Duffy of Little Brook Farms died Saturday. Based in Wellington, Fla., the beloved mentor is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters Augusta and Kelsey, and three grandchildren.
Megan MacCallum, a longtime friend, said of him, “He helped so many people over the years in so many different directions. We were all lucky to have him in our lives for as long as we did.”
Laurie Lynn Scott noted of the New York State native, “Gary was one of the most wonderful people I ever met. He did everything right, from how he treated the horses to how he treated people.”
Gary was always one to give back, whether to individuals or organizations, such as the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, for which he was a board member.
Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may contribute to Danny and Ron’s Rescue.
