Category Archives: Winter Equestrian Festival

Women Dominate Again in $75,000 Battle of the Sexes at WEF

Abigail McArdle and Samuel Parot Jr. face off. © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 8, 2022 – The first “Saturday Night Lights” event of the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival kicked off on January 8 with the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes, presented by Wellington Regional Medical Center. The women’s team won for the 11th time in the 13-year history, and the class made its return after a hiatus in 2021.

The women’s team for Battle of the Sexes consisted of team captain Kelly Soleau-Millar, Hayley Iannotti, Taylor Land, Caelinn Leahy, Samantha Mackenzie, Mia Mannis, Abigail McArdle, Jacqueline Steffens, Anna Wilks, and Heather Caristo-Williams.

The men’s team, led by captain Charlie Jayne, also included David Blake, Christian Coyle, Daniel Coyle, Jordan Coyle, Luis Larrazabal, Simon McCarthy, Samuel Parot Jr., Michael Tokaruk, and Hardin Towell.

WEF First Timer Richard Vogel Makes His Debut a Winning One

The CaptiveOne Advisors Championship series kicked off on Saturday as well. Germany’s young talent, Richard Vogel, and his horse Darius de Kezeg Z sped to the win in the $25,000 CaptiveOne Advisors Championship Jumper Classic. In a field of 26 riders, Vogel was one of 12 who jumped clear over Eric Hasbrouck’s (USA) delicate first track.

In the jump-off, Vogel’s blistering pace could not be beat as he crossed the timers in 33.011 seconds. Right behind him was Vanessa Hood (USA) who finished the short course in 33.392 seconds with Take Two LLC’s Cascalretto. Grant Seger (USA), who won the $8,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m class earlier in the week, jumped to third place with Plot Z owned by Grey Fox Crossing in 33.707 seconds.

Not only are Vogel and his horse Darius de Kezeg Z making their WEF debut this year, it is also their first time ever competing in the United States. Vogel, who is based in Germany, is delighted by what he’s seen so far at WEF.

Hayley Hewitt Holds Top Spot in THIS National Children’s Medal 14 & Under

Saturday in the FarmVet Ring 7 began with 25 horse and rider pairs vying for a top spot in the THIS National Children’s Medal 14 & Under. The course required riders to be deliberate in setting their pace, finding their line, and sticking to a plan.

Less than half of the entries had scores 80 or above and of those, only five were called back to test with only three points separating the first from the fifth spot.

After a challenging work-off which included a halt mid-line, counter canter, and trot jump, Hayley Hewitt and Harper Phipps remained unchanged in their positions securing the first and second place finishes, respectively.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Laskano Takes Top Spot in $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 2*

Jimmy Torano and Laskano © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2022 – Hunters were the highlight on Friday, January 7, 2022, at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), as Jimmy Torano and Isalou Inc.’s Laskano took the top spot in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby 2*.

After securing the second spot in round one with a score of 182 out of 26 entries, Jimmy Torano piloted Laskano around a twisty second round with bold and precise execution to finish top of the field with a second-round score of 211 and a total of 393.

McLain Ward Notches First 2022 WEF Win

Four-time Olympic medalist McLain Ward (USA) notched his first win of the 2022 WEF circuit on Friday in the $6,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Speed Challenge on Bonnie M Z over 44 other entries. The pair sped to victory in 60.780 seconds over the Eric Hasbrouck-designed course. Finishing just off the pace in second place were Laura Chapot (USA) and Out of Ireland, owned by Chapot and The Edge, who stopped the timers in 61.304 seconds. Catherine Tyree (USA) and Newton van het Krekelhof were third in 65.324 seconds.

Ward and Bonnie M Z showed on Wednesday and improved to a winning performance in Friday’s 1.40m class. Ward got the ride on Bonnie M Z two weeks ago through the Holtgers family of Gut Einhaus LLC. Ward has started a new partnership with them and will train Ansgar Holtgers Jr. Gut Einhaus entered into ownership of the horse in 2018, and he has been ridden by Olympic champions Eric Lamaze of Canada and Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED).

“They asked me to ride the horse and see what I thought he could be,” said Ward of the 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Bentley Van De Heffinck x Berlin. “He’s done up to three-star grand prix. The Holtgers have owned him for a few years, and now we’re getting started with him.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hector Florentino and ABC Quantum Cruise Capture First Adequan WEF Challenge Cup

Hector Florentino and ABC Quantum Cruise © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 6, 2022 – The series of Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup classes began on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. Olympian Hector Florentino (DOM) took the win in the $35,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Premiere Round with ABC Quantum Cruise, owned by Wyndmont.

In a 35-horse field, Florentino and ABC Quantum Cruise were one of five that advanced to the jump-off over a course designed by Eric Hasbrouck (USA). First into the jump-off were Jordan Coyle (IRL) and Centriko Volo, owned by Celtic Park LLC, who had a rail for four faults in 38.289 seconds for third place. The only other double clear round for second place came from Nicholas Dello Joio (USA) and Cornet’s Cambridge, owned by The Berry Group LLC. They finished the jump-off in 41.001 seconds. In the final spot in the jump-off, Florentino and ABC Quantum Cruise brought the winning time down to 40.495 seconds with a clear round.

For Always and Scott Stewart Rise to the Top in Green Hunter 3’9”

The Equine Tack & Nutritionals Green Hunter 3’9” division came to a stylish finish Thursday in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring.

With an almost perfect clean sweep, Scott Stewart of Wellington, FL rode Betsee Parker’s For Always to the championship title with four firsts (including a division high score of 92) and one second place ribbon.

Stewart was quite pleased with the eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Nick Skelton’s famous Olympic show jumper Arko, noting, “He felt great, jumped great, the courses rode nice, and he felt fresh again.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Grant Seger Opens Up the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival with 1.45m Jumper Victory

Grant Seger (USA) and Dr. J. © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – January 5, 2022 – The 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the world’s largest and longest-running horse show circuit, is underway with competition beginning on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. The 13-week circuit features top jumper, hunter, and equitation competition until April 3.

In the opening class of the 2022 WEF, the $8,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Jumpers, Grant Seger (USA) and Dr. J, owned by Grey Fox Crossing, used their final position in the order as an advantage as they sped to the win in the two-phase format class in 35.827 seconds. This week’s International Arena course designer is Eric Hasbrouck (USA).

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

David Blake Blasts Off in $50k Wanderers Club Grand Prix CSI2* to Conclude 2021 WEF

David Blake (IRL) and Dy Zento © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 4, 2021 – On the final day of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), David Blake (IRL) and Dy Zento, owned by Pine Hollow Farm, put forth a stellar double clear effort on their way to being crowned victorious in the $50,000 Wanderers Club Grand Prix CSI2* on Sunday, April 4, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

In the feature class on Sunday morning, a total of 44 pairs represented the starting field as course designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) set an impressive 1.45m track. Just five horse-and-rider combinations from the first half of the class qualified for the jump-off while another 10 pairs were added to the list from the second half. In the end, an exciting group of 15 set to return represented seven different nations.

The fourth rider to jump in the subsequent round posted the first double clear effort of the day, as Alejandro Karolyi (VEN) guided Venitienne, a Karolyi Showjumping Inc.-owned entry, around the track effortlessly. He and the 12-year-old Selle Français mare by Lando x Flipper D’Elle crossed the finish line in a time of 47.90 seconds.

Next to go would answer the questions even faster as Kevin Mealiff (IRL) and Tupac Van De Vrombautshoeve Z, owned by Oakmont Stables, LLC, set the new leading time of 44.05 seconds. Mealiff and the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Thunder VD Zuuthoeve would hold the lead through the next few pairs until Blake and Dy Zento returned.

Broder and Gorin-Byrne Finish WEF 2021 on a High Note in the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal

On the final day of the WEF 2021 season, Amber Broder and Tip Jar bested a field of 14 adult equitation riders in the Rost Arena to claim the top prize in the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal. Tracey Gorin-Byrne and Fiach Byrne Inc.’s Honor Hill’s Giovanni were awarded as the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal Series Winners.

Equitation riders were asked to navigate an over fences course and then the top 12 scores returned for a flat phase in the medal. Broder, of Setauket, NY, and Tip Jar, owned by Kimberly Griffiths, earned a score of 85 in the first round and moved up two spots in the flat portion to take home the blue ribbon.

“I felt like I did all of the jumps really well,” commented Broder. “I was just trying to make all my distances match and be consistent. He was really with me today. To end so strong with one of my favorite horses and a horse I feel so lucky to ride was amazing.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Patience Pays Off for Adam Prudent in $214k Wellington Agricultural Services Grand Prix CSI4*

Adam Prudent (USA) and Baloutinue © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 3, 2021 – As the final week of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continues, Saturday’s feature class led to an exciting finish for Adam Prudent (USA) and Baloutinue, owned by Plain Bay Farm, as they raced to a victory in the $214,000 Wellington Agricultural Services Grand Prix CSI4* on Saturday, April 3, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

A starting field of 42 horse-and-rider combinations set out over the 1.60m track designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) with eight pairs, representing four different nations, qualifying for the jump-off round.

First to return, Ioli Mytilineou (GRE) and Levis De Muze set the tone for the day with an impressive double-clear round making 40.20 seconds the time to beat. Multiple changes atop the leaderboard would continue from there as Canada’s Jim Ifko entered next guiding Un Diamant Des Forets, owned by Eventyre Farms Ltd, to a double-clear finish, besting the leading time in 36.54 seconds.

The next rider found a way to get the job done even faster as Prudent and the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Balou du Rouet x Landor S, produced a double-clear round in a blazing 35.28 seconds.

Greg Crolick and Chappy Stay on Top to Win $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Hunter riders entered the Derby Field at Equestrian Village one last time for the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday of WEF 12. Twenty-seven of the top hunter horse-and-rider combinations entered the two-round class with the hopes of winning the top prize. In the end, Greg Crolick and Carole Chase’s Chappy produced two flawless rounds to earn a total score of 374.5 and take home the blue ribbon.

Havens Schatt, of Georgetown, KY, and Ken and Amy Wexler LLC’s Cascartini finished with a second place ribbon in the class and a total score of 371.5. Third place was awarded to Elizabeth Towell Boyd, of Camden, SC, and Rebekah Warren’s Cassico with an overall score of 370.

Riders were asked to navigate a classic round course, designed by Ken Krome, consisting of 13 fences and offering four high options. After completing the first round, the top 12 combinations returned for the handy course to impress the judges one last time. The 10-fence handy round included a trot jump to a two-stride line and four high option fences.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Update Regarding Equine Herpesvirus Results at Winter Equestrian Festival

Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) reports that a horse in Tent #17 was reported with a fever in the late morning of Thursday, April 1st.

The horse – Horse A – was isolated to the quarantine stalls immediately on Thursday for Equine Herpes Virus testing and treatment. Nasal and blood tests were pulled and sent out for rapid testing.

Friday night at 7 pm, the results came back from the lab that the nasal test was positive for EHV-1 and the blood was negative.

At 7:30 pm a teleconference was held with Palm Beach Equine Clinic Veterinarians and the State Vet. The decision to place the single barn aisle where the horse was stabled in quarantine was made.

Management met with the barn owner last night and established a barrier at the end of the aisle and went over biosecurity protocols.

The State Vet met with ESP management and the Horse A barn owner. At this point, two aisles in Tent 17 are under mandatory quarantine, and a third aisle is voluntarily quarantining. The rest of Tent 17 is considered not to be at risk.

Horse (A) remains isolated and is currently bright and not showing any neurologic signs. The owner made the decision to have the horse transported to the University of Florida for treatment.

ESP has been working closely and in direct communication with Palm Beach Equine Clinic and the State Vet to ensure we are receiving the most accurate information as quickly as possible since the fever was first noted in Horse A.

ESP has long-standing strict protocols in place regarding rapid isolation and testing of febrile horses and we are confident these protocols will limit transmission and enable us to continue showing safely.

It is our shared responsibility to keep our horses safe. Similar to the suggested protocols in place for humans due to COVID-19, we urge all equestrians to please remember and abide by the following biosecurity measures:

  • Take all horses’ temperatures daily and report any horse with a temperature above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease to your veterinarian and/or show management.
  • Take the temperature of all horses prior to shipping to WEF or AGDF, and do not bring any febrile horses to the show.
  • Avoid mixing of horses where possible; practice equine ‘social distancing’.
  • Ensure good hygiene and biosecurity at the show and your home farms.
  • Make sure your horses are currently vaccinated for influenza and EHV. Under no circumstances should a horse that has been vaccinated compete within 7 days.
  • You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24-hour period, please consult your local Veterinarian immediately.
  • Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van or moving from stable to stable is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbor’s horses’ health.
  • Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and impress its importance to your grooms and barn managers in everyday care.

Further biosecurity protocols and additional resources can be found here:

United States Department of Agriculture Information on Equine Herpesvirus

American Association of Equine Practitioners FAQ on Equine Herpesvirus

United States Equestrian Federation Biosecurity Measures for Horses at Home and at Competitions

ESP has longstanding protocols to manage such events and will provide isolation facilities if and as required. Experience has taught us that early identification is key when dealing with disease outbreaks, and this requires cooperation from everyone within the community.

If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s health, please contact our veterinary partners: Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599.

For more information, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Splendid Finish for Shane Sweetnam in $73k CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic Series Final

Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef © Sportfot.

Kenny Wins Overall Title

Wellington, FL – April 2, 2021 – A busy Friday afternoon at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) was highlighted by a victory for Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra Van De Oude Heihoef owned by The Blue Buckle Group, in the $73,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic Series Final on Friday, April 2, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

The series final began over a 1.50m opening round track set by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) featuring 16 jumping efforts for the 33 competitors who qualified for Friday’s competition. From there, 13 horse-and-rider combinations representing five different nations put forth clear efforts to punch their ticket into the jump-off.

First to return for the second round, Erynn Ballard (CAN) piloted Gakhir, owned by Ilan Ferder and Esperanza Imports, LLC, to a clear effort in 40.60 seconds, setting the pace for the remainder of the field. Next to go, Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Brighton, owned by Artisan Farms, LLC, had an unlucky rail at the final fence on course. With the following combination, there was a change atop the leaderboard as Jessica Springsteen (USA) and RMF Zecilie, owned by Rushy Marsh Farm, jumped a clear round in 39.04 seconds.

The overall CaptiveOne Advisors Jumper Series leader was caught by the final jump as Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Scarlett Du Sart Z, owned by Vlock Show Stables, LLC, landed on four faults in a time of 35.58 seconds.

Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Carento Can’t Be Caught in the $15,000 USHJA International Derby “Hunt and Go”

Hunter competition once again took the spotlight on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village on Friday. Thirty-four of the top hunter horse-and-rider combinations entered the $15,000 USHJA International Derby “Hunt and Go” for their chance to win the top prize. With impressive performances in both the classic round and handy portion, Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Sherri Crawford’s Carento earned the victory in the class with an overall score of 351.

The class was held in a “Hunt and Go” format, with the first eight fences counting towards the classic round and then the final six jumps being the handy phase. Ken Krome designed a technical course including four high option fences, a trot jump, and a “bounce” element. Riders were also asked to walk a circle in between the classic and handy phases.

First in the order of go, Boyd, of Camden, SC, and Carento set the pace with a classic round score of 173 and a handy round score of 178. The duo held onto the top spot throughout the remainder of the competitive class. Boyd is no stranger to this hunter derby and also earned a first place finish in 2019 aboard Tradition.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Brian Moggre Scores April Fool’s Day Win in $50k Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round 12

Brian Moggre (USA) and MTM Vivre Le Reve © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – April 1, 2021 – As the final week of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continues, Brian Moggre (USA) put forth a stellar double-clear effort aboard MTM Vivre Le Reve, owned by Major Wager, LLC, to capture the $50,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 12 on Thursday, April 1, at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

In the final grand prix qualifier of the winter circuit, a total of 63 entries challenged the first-round course set by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) with just eight punching their ticket into the jump-off. The seventh-ranked rider in the world, Kent Farrington (USA), elected to save his horse for the weekend leaving a total of seven combinations to contend over a shortened track.

First to return for the jump-off, Nayel Nassar (EGY) paved the way for the rest of pack as he and Lucifer V, a 15-year-old Westphalian gelding by Lord Dezi x Grandeur, put forth a clear effort. Nassar and the Evergate Stables, LLC-owned entry stopped the clock at 40.32 seconds.

Kelley Farmer and Prodigy Claim the Antarès High Performance Hunter Championship

The High Performance Hunter division, sponsored by Antarès Sellier France, wrapped up on Thursday morning in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Kelley Farmer, of Wellington, FL, piloted Prodigy, owned by Glefke and Oakmont Stables, to the tricolor ribbon after two days of competition. The pair earned two firsts, a second, and two third place ribbons.

Although new to the hunter ring, Prodigy is already making a name for himself with Farmer in the irons. The 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Vleut began his hunter career this year and has already proven to be a top competitor. Farmer piloted Prodigy to a fourth place finish in the gelding’s first hunter derby during Premiere Week of WEF in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby.

“We got him beginning of circuit,” explained Farmer. “He was doing some jumpers and Darragh [Kenny] thought maybe he could make a hunter. I started him early in the circuit, and we have shown him a little bit sporadically on and off in the First Year [Green Hunter] and the High Performance [Hunter]. He is a blast to ride because he is careful, has a great canter, and a light mouth. He always tries hard, and I think he really likes this hunter life. He always gives 110% all the time. I love riding him because you don’t have to pick up the reins.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Kristen Vanderveen Wins $10k Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Jumpers CSI4* at WEF

Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 31, 2021 – On the opening day of the final week of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Bull Run’s Faustino De Tili, owned by Bull Run Jumpers Five, LLC, flew to a winning finish in the $10,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45m Jumpers CSI4* on Wednesday, March 31, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

In the concluding class on Wednesday, 50 horse-and-rider combinations attempted the 1.45m two-phase course set by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER), a qualifier for Friday’s $73,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic Series Final. The track featured fences numbered one through seven in the first phase, with eight through 12 representing the jump-off.

Just ninth in the starting order, Vanderveen and the 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion by Berlin x Darco, flew around the second phase, leaving all the jumps up in a time of 21.92 seconds, fast enough to hold the lead until the end.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.