by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 6, 2025
An icon. An original A pillar of the hunter breeding community. Diana Dodge, owner of the legendary stallion Sir Thomson, has died.
She earned fame with the flashy chestnut named in honor of her grandmother, whose maiden name had been Thomson before she married one of the Dodge brothers who founded the car company.
Diana Dodge
Born in London of American parents, Dodge learned to ride in Windsor Great Park as a child. She graduated from Smith College before embarking on her breeding career. Her Nokomis Farm in Montpelier Station, Va., became famous for producing winning show hunters.
Sir Thomson, who was Best Young Horse at Devon, had been as well-known for earning championships in the ring as he was for his stud duties.
Dodge was totally devoted to her farm and the animals who lived there.
“Horses teach you the important things in life,” she liked to say.
As Nancy Peterson noted on social media, “She was part of the Dodge family tradition of horses: The Dodge name appears in so many different disciplines, including the American Saddlebreds, hunters, as well as horses in the dressage and eventing world. Last year, she attended the Olympics and was in the front row of spectators watching and critiquing every horse and rider, always quoting her mentors from years past.
“Her knowledge of the different disciplines was amazing and her “back to basics” philosophy was ironclad. She was an amazing horsewoman. This is a loss for all of us.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 9, 2025
We told you last month that this was going to happen, when McLain mentioned to me at Devon that Contagious was retiring, adding that it hadn’t been formally announced yet.
Now it has. Here’s what McLain said about his reliable partner:
“With a tremendous amount of pride and gratitude, we would like to announce the retirement of Contagious. Contagious came to us from Reed Kessler who produced him beautifully through his early career. Through the incredible support of Beechwood Stables, Lise and Annabel Revers and Max Amaya, we acquired Contagious in 2018.
“Contagious is horse who has always given his best, and at times more than that. We hoped for him to be a successful Grand Prix horse. In the end he became a championship star, competing successfully at a World Games, two World Cup finals, a Pan Am Games, winning team gold and individual bronze.
McLain and Contagious at Devon.
“His crowning achievement was being a member of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic team that brought home a silver medal. Contagious will enjoy his retirement at the beautiful Beechwood Stables in Weston, Mass. Special thanks to all of our team who worked with and cared for him so diligently over the years, especially our home team led by Lee and Erica McKeever, Owen Rogers and Virginie Casterman. Thank you for all the great moments Poussin!
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 7, 2025
Eve Jobs, daughter of the late Apple wizard Steve Jobs, in August will marry British Olympic team gold medal show jumper Harry Charles, according to the NY Post and other outlets.
The bride-to-be is a 26-year-old rider and fashion model whose credits include a cover of Vogue. Her mother, Laurene Powell-Jobs, is one of the world’s wealthiest women. Harry’s father is Peter Charles, a member of Britain’s 2012 gold medal show jumping team. At age 25, Harry is ranked number 32 in the world on the Longines list.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 27, 2025
Reacting to “recent opinion pieces that raise critical concerns and alarming allegations regarding the unethical treatment of horses in our sport,” the U.S. Equestrian Federation Tuesday sent out a strongly worded statement calling on “every member of the equestrian community…to stand up for our horses.”
USEF CEO Bill Moroney and COO/Legal Counsel Sonja Keating advise that “When we unite, we can transform the sport, making it stronger and more sustainable for the future.”
Click here to read an article on this website about discussion involving governmental oversight of horse sports.
Moroney and Keating noted, “We call on every member of the equestrian community to join us and stand up for our horses. When we unite, we can transform the sport, making it stronger and more sustainable for the future.”
Here is what else they had to say: We unequivocally agree that we cannot tolerate mistreatment or doping of horses. Such actions are harmful to horses and bring our sport into disrepute. As a community, we are responsible for holding each other accountable to ensure the respectful treatment and proper care that horses deserve.
USEF maintains sport integrity and horse welfare through regulations. We are focused on strengthening our enforcement mechanisms while maintaining integrity in our processes. We want to share the following most recent measures and efforts to improve our sport and safeguard horses.
• Establishment of stricter penalty guidelines for rule violations.
• Expansion of rule enforcement for unethical treatment of horses.
• Adoption of the requirement that members must participate in investigations.
• Introduction of a new warning card system, with real-time online updates for issued warnings.
• Allocation of additional resources for investigating and resolving reports of horse abuse and doping.
• Simplification of reporting methods through electronic reporting forms online and an anonymous texting platform for making reports. Learn more here.
• Redesign of the USEF website for more user-friendly access to information regarding the unethical treatment of the horse and the disciplinary process. Learn more here.
• Innovative advancements in operations for the equine anti-doping sample collection and case management system.
Additional efforts for implementation by January 1, 2026:
• Enhance the equine anti-doping program by collecting and testing hair samples to detect prohibited substances.
• Expand educational resources on unethical treatment of the horse and demystifying the USEF disciplinary process.
• Create resources on what a good life for horses means, such as providing adequate nutrition, recognizing signs of exhaustion, distress, or onset of illness, and proper veterinary care.
• Educate licensed officials, participants, and competition management on the unethical treatment of horses and the new warning card system.
• Clarify the roles and responsibilities of USEF licensed officials and appropriate actions to take for unacceptable conduct.
• Enhance sports governance structures, transparency, compliance, and training for USEF stakeholders.
• Host live town halls on USEF’s horse protection efforts.
• Establish opportunities for dialogue and improve communication.
Your vigilance will promote a safe and respectful environment for our horses to train and compete. Our equestrian community must unite and uphold standards of good conduct, where every member actively fosters an environment of accountability and respect.
We need you to promote respect and make a positive impact in the following ways:
• Always be a role model of good sportsmanship and horsemanship.
• Verify facts. Fact-check headlines and emotionally charged social media posts from credible sources before sharing to avoid misinformation and hasty judgments.
• Don’t gossip or spread information you have not verified. It harms our sport and further threatens our social license to operate. Second-hand or third-hand information is often unreliable information.
• Report incidents to USEF that you see or know to be true; we rely on your awareness. Know your reporting obligations and Know how to report.
• Immediately document the incident with a photo or video and notify a Steward, TD, or Competition Management if on competition grounds. Always notify USEF whether the incident occurs on or off competition grounds.
• Text 28733 (2USEF) or complete a report form to report any concerns.
• Familiarize yourself with the four-step resolution process for reports and the timelines for resolving reported rule violations.
• Disciplinary proceedings are legal proceedings. Initiating disciplinary action requires a logical and rational unbiased assessment of the facts and circumstances. Thoroughness in the fact-finding stage is crucial, and it takes time. USEF affords members a fair and equitable process, which is time-consuming. The resolution may extend longer when criminal authorities or civil litigation is involved. USEF collaborates with but does not interfere in criminal investigations or civil lawsuits. As a private association, USEF lacks subpoena power. Criminal and civil proceedings have greater access to compel witnesses and information, leading to the discovery of evidence. Information from those proceedings aids in resolving matters through USEF disciplinary processes.
• Recognize that USEF cannot take disciplinary action based solely on gossip, a tip, or video posted to Facebook or other social media platforms. Eyewitness testimony or other evidence must corroborate an incident to prove a rule violation and withstand legal scrutiny.
• Educate yourself on USEF drug and medication guidelines.
• Keep informed of the latest research and evolving best practices for training techniques and equipment use.
• Provide constructive feedback by emailing feedback@usef.org. Your constructive feedback is essential. We ask that you provide it respectfully and thereby contribute positively to the improvement and growth of our community.
by Nancy Jaffer | Jun 6, 2025
Things went well for the USA in one discipline in Europe over the weekend, but not so well in another.
At the Hagen, Germany CDI 3-star Friday, the U.S. was 1-2-3 in the Grand Prix Special, with Kevin Kohmann winning the class, just as he did in the Grand Prix on Thursday. His ride, the elegant Dünensee came close to breaking 70 percent with a score of 69.170. The formidable black Hanoverian looked even better than he did in September, when he won the FEI World Cup qualifier during Dressage at Devon.
Kevin Kohmann has an appreciative pat for Dünensee after the Grand Prix Special.
Kasey Perry-Glass, an Olympic team medalist, finished second with 68.681 on Heartbeat WP. Her score was lowered by a jumble of one-time changes on the center line between the pirouettes, for which she got a mark of 4 from every judge.
Jennifer Williams and Joppe K were right behind with 68.021, making quite a comeback from the Grand Prix, where they were fifteenth after problems in their initial passage/piaffe/passage . Further back in the Special in sixth was Benjamin Ebeling on Bellena (65.340) while Marcus Orlob and Jane had a few problems to finish seventh on 65.213. Jane received two marks of three for the final passage/piaffe/passage transition and a number of 4s sprinkled among that movement, her entrance and the line of one-time changes.
In the Grand Prix, Jane — who is known for her sensitivity — reared at the first halt, and ran into trouble at the end of the line of one-time changes. She was fourth in that competition, behind Bellena.
Click here for Grand Prix Special results
At La Baule France, Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix went to Daniel Deusser of Germany on Otello de Goldenblum. Clocked in 37.22 seconds in the eight-horse tiebreaker, he was well ahead of Colombia’s Rene Lopez de Lizarazo on Londina in 38.36.
Had Rene won, it would have been the greatest victory of his career for the 61-year-old South American rider, who has been living in the Lorraine region of France for more than 30 years.
The USA’s McLain Ward on his new star, Imperial HBF, was third with a time of 39.17. Spencer Smith was the next-best American, fifteenth with Cassina.
As McLain noted, “I could have perhaps gained several tenths of a second, but Daniel was too good today. I haven’t been riding Imperial for that long – it was just our third competition together. He’s shown that he is capable of great results, such as at the Nations Cup in Rome with a double clear round. As a result, this podium finish is a great joy, especially here in La Baule at a wonderful competition in front of outstanding crowds”.
The winner knew what he had to do with his stallion to take the top prize of $165,000 Euros ($188,000).
“To be honest,” said Daniel, “I did not watch Rene’s ride-off. I was lucky enough to start the ride-off last. I drew up my plan after having seen Mclain’s round. I knew the right amounts of strides it would take.
“I’m really very happy with my horse because he did exactly what I wanted him to do. It’s a great day for me. Stephan Conter bought this horse three years ago because he was convinced about his potential. He had already won events but never at this level. It’s his first victory in a 5-star grand prix and all the team is very proud of it.”
Click here for grand prix results.
The U.S. Senior Nations Cup winning streak ended Friday when the team didn’t make the cut for the second round. Only eight of 10 nations qualified, and the USA’s 13-penalty score was higher than that accumulated by the countries with 12 penalties that got to round two.
“Today did not go exactly to plan. There were some highlights but there were also some things that were not up to par,” Coach Robert Ridland mused after his squad’s ninth-place finish.
“Of course, we always look to learn from these days and aim to come back with better results next time. We have had a great run of three Nations Cup wins, and today was a day of lessons learned.”
In the first round, the best American score on the course laid out by Olympic designer Gregory Bodo was Lillie Keenan’s single time penalty on Argan de Beliard, Spencer Smith had 8 with Cassina, while Laura Kraut logged two jumping penalties with Dorado and additionally had an expensive time penalty that made her the drop score. McLain Ward and Ilex were going well until they dislodged a rail at the last element of the double on the final line.
McLainn Ward and Ilex at La Baule.
The Cup went to Ireland, which had just won a Cup in Langley, British Columbia last month. The Irish had three clear trips in the second round, which meant anchor rider Cian O’Connor didn’t have to start in that segment. Belgium was second on 4 and Brazil made the podium with 8.
Click here for La Baule Nations Cup results.
by Nancy Jaffer | May 29, 2025
It was a morning of peaks and valleys at the Devon Horse Show on Thursday for Colin Syquia and Jennifer Hannan, as the couple shared a wide range of emotions.
There were smiles for Colin’s victory with Front Page in the show’s $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, and tears as Jennifer’s beloved mount, Mindful, was given a farewell ceremony in the same arena.
But as she wiped her eyes, Jennifer noted the way it happened was “actually a double high, so great for Colin to win today” and “for Mindful to retire that way.”
Front Page, a Belgian warmblood, moved up from seventh place in the classic first round, earning a mark of 101from one of the two sets of judges, followed up by a 100 in the second round, the handy. The derby was a major goal for Colin, as Front Page is shown primarily in the amateur division by his owner, Cynthia Sulzberger. She’s a member of the family that publishes the New York Times; hence, her horse’s appropriate name.
Colin Syquia and Front Page. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
Front Page, who was champion in the second-year green hunters at Devon two years ago, “loves this venue. like I do. It’s iconic. You feel the energy. It makes you want to perform better. It’s a special place,” said Colin.
Referring to the historic trophies on display at the showgrounds, he noted, “If you’re lucky enough to have your name and your horse’s name engraved on that trophy, it’s immortalized.”
He said he and Front Page “have gained a great relationship.” He didn’t focus on every single class in the run-up to the derby, instead opting to get him stronger and looser. “So in the end, he’s fresh and happy.”
The horse knows when a competition is special.
You might not even notice him at an ordinary show, Colin said but “When he comes here, Kentucky or the National, he just grows a hand, he’s alert, his jump is electric.”
The next goal Colin has with the horse is the finals of the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship in Kentucky this summer. There he will meet up again with Hunt Tosh, a three-time winner in Kentucky, who settled for second at Devon with the Wheeler family’s Cannon Creek, and Michael Britt-Leon, third Thursday with Mark Dorfman’s well-behaved stallion, Prime Time. Like Cannon Creek, he is a Holsteiner.
The leader after the first round, which drew 31 starters, was Four Aces, ridden by David Wilbur. But the momentum didn’t last and that combination wound up ninth after the top 12 came back for the handy round.
“It was a great course today I thought, both rounds,” said Hunt, noting he had a rub in the first round.
“It was a great atmosphere we all have a good time in the schooling area and watching each other go. Every great hunter, I believe, has a story behind it at Devon.”
People who have horses at the level of the top performers in the Derby “start planning their careers and their show schedules around Devon,” Hunt mentioned.
Michael felt like “a little bit of an underdog coming out” because the horse is new for him since last fall, when he rode him at the indoor shows. But he said Prime Time is “very, very mellow…you know he’s going to get to the other side of all the jumps.”
Since this was their first derby together, he had “low expectations and just wanted to have a nice smooth round today.”
He said the course designed by Alan Lohman offered many possibilities.
“The jumps were large and there were definitely a lot of questions on the course that you could kind of make your own and keep it exciting,” said Michael, admitting to being “a bit of a ham,” adding he felt Hunt and Colin had the same inclination.
Mindful, a 21-year-old Hanoverian who could be 10 if you judged by his well-kept looks, was surrounded by friends as his saddle was removed for the last time and replaced with a blanket of white roses.
Jennifer Hannan wipes away her tears as she leads Mindful out of the arena after his retirement ceremony. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
His owner, Selma Garber, and former rider, Kelley Farmer, were on hand to wish him farewell for his retirement in Rhode Island. He will be turned out with his buddy, Olympic Fire, another hunter, and get plenty of his favorite treat, Publix iced oatmeal cookies.
Mindful’s former rider, Kelley Farmer, and his owner, Selma Garber, were on hand at his retirement. (Photo © 2025 by Nancy Jaffer)
He was imported from Europe as a jumper, and ridden by Canadian Jay Duke. He switched to the hunters and was an immediate success. Jennifer started riding him 10 years ago.
“He’s really sound and he’s great, but he’s 21 years old,” said Jennifer, explaining the decision to retire him.
Then she added quickly, “He’s still spry and very happy.”
At age 20, Mindful won a hunter derby at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla. But at the beginning of their relationship, it took some time for Jennifer to connect with him.
The first year, she got bucked off regularly, and then realized “I was going to learn from him. We ought to look inside our horses and figure out what makes everything tick.”
Jennifer added she is, “Grateful for an incredible experience with him. He has changed my whole career.”
