by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 15, 2026
World Championship Hunter Rider Week at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla., was highlighted with a victory by Victoria Colvin and Dicoblue PS in the $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular.
That combination, which won the USHJA International Hunter Derby last summer, added another laurel to their collection by leading all the way through the two-round competition.
Tori Colvin and Dicoblue PS. (Photo ©Sportfot)
Tori and the 11-year-old son of Diarado’s Boy posted a 94.666 score in the first round and topped it with a 97 in the handy segment. One of the judging panels gave the entry a perfect score of 100. The winning average was 95.83 over courses designed by Meghan Rawlins.
Of her mount, owned by Stephanie and John Ingram, Tori said, “He is the best. He has not been fazed by anything. I was confident that he was going to be good, but you also never know. He walked in and was fantastic. I couldn’t have asked him to do anything better.”
Twelve from a 30-horse field at 3’6”, 3’9” and 4’ jump heights returned for the handy round.
“The Handy was the most fun for me,” said Tori, a resident of Loxahatchee, Fla.
“The course designer gave us many options, especially at the split-rail complex. You could jump the hay bales or the stick jumps either way. I jumped it straight, which most people did,” said Tori, who has won the Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular six times previously, but not since 2020.
Laena Romond of Brookfield, Conn., riding Oslo, owned by Lexi Maounis took second on scores of 90.16 and 92.33 for a 91.24 average. Rounding out the top three, Scott Stewart of Wellington finished on an 89.41 after scores of 87.83 and 91 were averaged for Cadet, owned by Stephanie Danhakl.
When asked about her mental game during big weeks like WCHR at WEF, Tori responded, “I never really get super nervous. I go into the ring and know the horse is going to do his best, and I’m going to try and do my best. I try not to put too much pressure on us.”
While making waves in the professional division with Colvin, Dicoblue PS also carried his owner, John Ingram, in the amateur-owner ranks.
Tori mentioned the significance of WCHR Week at WEF. saying, “This whole season, we’ve been gearing up for this week so that all the horses are prepared and ready. It’s exciting to see some new faces from Ocala and other places coming down for this. It’s very competitive and fun. I look forward to it every year.”
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by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 3, 2026
The future of October’s Maryland 5-star eventing competition became even more of a question mark this week, after the state Division of Legislative Services discussed 2027 budget proposals before the state Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.
To insure that “new grants are not crowded out by large ongoing grants,” the department recommended that grants for the 5-star should be deleted for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
In November, it was projected that the state could have nearly a $1.5 billion shortfall for fiscal 2027. Maryland’s numerous financial issues include work involved with Pimlico and Laurel racetracks. The lottery fund backing stadium authority bonds is approaching its debt limit, and there is concern that the rebuild of Pimlico could push it over the line.
Asked what the U.S. Equestrian Federation is doing in regard to the 5-star, Chief of Sport David O’Connor said, “We are in conversations with them,” but noted news of the proposed funding slash “just came out.”
Maryland Sports Authority Chairman Craig Thompson has said “the plan is to move forward in October” with the 5-star. However, neither he nor MSA Executive Director Michael Frenz, who is retiring in April, have responded to requests for interviews. There has been no information about who could organize the 2026 5-star,, who would be on their team and where the money would come from to fund it.
The five-year-old Maryland 5-Star had received approximately $3 million annually from the state. This event also got money for capital improvements on state-owned Fair Hill property.
It also was recommended that funds for the 5-star be reduced by $1.75 million, with this explanation: “This is an ongoing subsidy for an economic development event that is crowding out the Major Sports and Entertainment Event Program Fund’s resources.
“Lottery coverage ratios are close to the minimum target, which is that net lottery revenues are at least 3.0 times lottery distributions. Anticipated additional debt service required for the Racing and Community Development Financing Fund is expected to put the coverage ratio at or below the target.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Feb 21, 2026
A rare appearance by German dressage luminary Isabell Werth at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival ended the way anyone in the know could have predicted — with a victory in the the Zen Elite Equestrian FEI Dressage World Cup™ Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 82.66 percent on Special Blend 3.
Isabell Werth and Special Blend. (Centre Line Media Photo)
Canad’s Brittany Fraser-Beaulieu, third in the Grand Prix on Thursday, finished second with a personal best aboard Jaccardo. The Desperado x Jazz gelding scored 79.25 percent. Third went to Ecuadorian rider Julio Mendoza Loor on finished third on his 2024 Paris Olympic mount, Jewel’s Goldstrike with 78.16 percent. The riders were cheered by a capacity crowd of 2,000 at the Wellington, Fla., showgrounds.
Special Blend 3, an Oldenburg recently sold to Werth’s student, Natalie Stickling-Morzynski, did not reveal his inexperience in the freestyle, dancing to a classical compilation designed for Isabell’s Olympic team gold medal-winning horse, Emilio. Special Blend, at age 11 the youngest horse in the class, was recruited for the competition only only a few days before the show after DSP Quantaz came up with a small swelling on one leg.
“This freestyle is really, really difficult and I was not sure what Special would do, because he’s not experienced in these kinds of atmospheres, but he was very focused,” said Isabell, who had fans clapping along as she went up the final centerline.
“This crowd was so supportive and started to clap, which is something special. That end to a test is a feeling I really enjoy, and it’s how you know why you’re still in the saddle in a competition,” said Isabell.
Her test offered a full piaffe pirouette after the entry halt and 22 one-time changes on a curving line between canter pirouettes. It was a masterclass in her signature fusion of extreme technical difficulty and ease of execution. Hundreds of people were filming her performance on their phones, and then showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.
“I’d like to thank the show team because it was pretty impressive here,” said the seven-time Olympian, who last competed in Wellington 15 years ago.
“I didn’t expect that it would be like this. There’s a huge improvement in the whole environment here—the horses, the riding—which is great to see. We have to make dressage more global and for sure here there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which I love to see and be a part of. I’m pretty sure that I’ll come back next year.”
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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.”
