Category Archives: Show Jumping

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

McLain Ward Two-for-Two at Wellington International

McLain Ward & Alanine De Vains. Photo © Sportfot.

As Week 5 of the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) came to a close on Sunday, McLain Ward (USA) continued his winning streak from the previous night into the final five-star event of the week. Ward topped a field of 67 in the CHF75,000 CaptiveOne Advisors CSI5* 1.50m Classic to be the first rider to win the grand prix and 1.50m classic back-to-back at WEF since 2014. Frank Rothenburger (GER) built a track worthy of its contestants which included some of the world’s best from 13 individual nations. Fifteen of the original starting lineup advanced to the short track, while heartbreaking time faults kept an additional six riders out of contention.

Hot off his win in Saturday night’s CHF406,000 Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix, Ward delivered again, this time aboard Alanine De Vains. Germany’s Richard Vogel appeared to have the win in the bag as he took the early lead, but Ward knocked a little over a second off his posted time with Sportpferde Herbert’s 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding Codex 28 (Contendros 2 x Espri).

“I didn’t think Richie went full out today,” explained Ward. “He took a notch off, and I was aware of that. It allowed me to take a breath and ride my round, and it was just good enough.”

The ride on the 13-year-old Selle Français mare (Allegreto x Adelfos) is a recent acquisition for Ward, who has a long-standing relationship with the mare’s owners. Lindemann Barnett Sporthorses asked for his help in campaigning the horse for sale – a task that Ward has kicked off to a good start.

Parker Peacock’s Jumper Turned Hunter Takes Tricolor in Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 and Under

Parker Peacock checked off a milestone in her young hunter career this weekend as the 14-year-old North Carolina native was awarded the champion honors in the Kask Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 and Under division.

The win marked a career milestone for Peacock’s mount, an 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding Acclaim (Heartbreaker x Calanda Z) as he transitions into the hunter ring after a successful upper-level jumping career.

“Acclaim was originally being shown by Luiz Francisco de Azevedo in the jumper ring when we found him,” Peacock detailed. “My trainer – Victoria Colvin – saw him competing one day and convinced me that I needed to try him for the hunter ring. I fell in love with him the moment I sat on him.”

With the help of the Colvin family, Peacock has spent the past few years guiding Acclaim in his transition and feels they have found a firm footing in their partnership.

Jacqueline Ruyle Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop in CHF50,000 Griffis Residential CSI2* Grand Prix

After winning the qualifier on Friday, Texas native Jacqueline Ruyle raced to the top of the leaderboard in the CHF50,000 Griffis Residential CSI2* Grand Prix. With a first-round field of 44, the lucky number of the day seemed to be 15 as again 15 competitors advanced to the jump-off. Of those that advanced to the next course, nine exhibitors produced double-clear efforts. The lap of honor, however, was dominated by American female athletes as Ruyle led the charge, followed by Mimi Gochman, and rounded out by Molly Ashe Cawley.

The phrase ‘tiny but mighty’ was practically made for Ruyle’s partner, the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare Cyramo Z (Clarimo x Vigo D Arsouilles Stx). Standing not significantly taller than a pony, and looking even smaller with the backdrop of large fences in Wellington International’s expansive International Arena, the mare proved that heart counts more than size.

“She is by far the smallest, hottest, fastest horse I have,” Ruyle laughed. Her time of 34.93 seconds, a full two seconds ahead of runner-up Mimi Gochman, proved as testament to the statement. “I bought her as a seven-year-old and she was competing in the 1.20m classes and we thought she would be an awesome Medium Amateur horse.”

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Competitions, Show Jumping

Ward and Callas Shine Bright in Fidelity Investments CSI5* Grand Prix

McLain Ward & Callas. Photo © Sportfot.

USA’s McLain Ward had a packed house on its feet at the end of a nine-horse jump-off in the CHF406,000 Fidelity Investments® CSI5* Grand Prix during Week 5’s ‘Saturday Night Lights’ at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). He and Callas had precision and speed in spades to tackle Frank Rothenberger’s (GER) track and win the first CSI5* event of the WEF season.

There’s another leading lady coming up in Ward’s impressive string of horses. He expertly piloted Callas, a 15-year-old Holsteiner (Casall x Coriano) to the first CSI5* victory of the mare’s career on Saturday. They eclipsed what seemed like an untouchable leading time from Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and Volnay du Boisdeville, a 2009 Selle Français stallion (Winningmood x Jalisco B) owned by Vlock Show Stables. Ward clocked in at 44.03 seconds, nearly a second faster that Kenny (45.09). An even smaller margin separated second and third place, with Kent Farrington (USA) stopping the clock at 45.14 seconds with Landon, a 2013 Zangersheide gelding (Comilfo Plus Z x Quadrillo) owned by Haity MC Nerney.

Ward has been the number-one rider for Callas for about a year, but is no stranger to the mare’s talent after scouting her for previous rider, U.S. Under 25 athlete Annabel Revers. “She’s been knocking on the door, so it’s nice for us to break through and get a big win,” said Ward of the Beechwood Stables owned mare.

Gazelle Retired from Sport in Wellington International Ceremony

Kent Farrington’s 17-year-old mount Gazelle was officially retired from sport on Saturday evening, February 11, in a ceremony at Wellington International.

During their storied career together, Farrington and Gazelle – owned by Robin Parsky – enjoyed victories across the globe. Their trophy case includes winner Grand Prix of Aachen in 2019, winner Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva in 2017, and twice winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows in 2017 and 2016.

Gazelle (Kashmir van Shuttershof X Indoctro) and Farrington also led the victory gallop during the Fidelity Investments® Grand Prix in 2017, making Saturday a poetically appropriate evening to celebrate the mare’s successes and healthy retirement.

With great admiration to Gazelle, Parsky noted, “After 10 years of extraordinary accomplishments at the most prestigious show jumping events in the world, it was a difficult decision for Kent and me to have Gazelle leave her sporting career, but I am delighted to report that she is in terrific condition, and she will be heading for a well-deserved life of green pastures and sunshine.

“Kent and I had a great experience here in 2017 when Gazelle won the Fidelity [Investments®] Grand Prix, so we decided that we would let her retire at the top of her game here. To be able to have her fans thank her and know how much we appreciate her, that is what we wanted. Thank you to all of Wellington and everyone here at WEF for helping us do this wonderful tribute to an incredible horse.”

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Competitions, Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping

Daniel Coyle Delivers Again with Win in $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic aboard Jasper

Daniel Coyle and Jasper (Photo by Equinium)

Loxahatchee Groves, FL (February 10, 2023) – Daniel Coyle answered his cousin’s back-to-back Grand Prix victories with back-to-back Rising Star victories. On Wednesday the Irishman piloted Ariel Grange’s Jasper to a wire-to-wire victory, proving untouchable against a field of more than thirty competitors in The Ridge at Wellington Groves’ $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. The win during the first day of Week 5 marks Coyle’s second consecutive victory in the Classic, while his cousin Jordan Coyle marked his second consecutive Grand Prix win at The Ridge during Week 4.

Coyle was the first rider to go in Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic, and his double clear effort and jump-off time of 36.650 seconds stood the entire day despite fierce opposition. The only two riders to come within a second of his time were Lola Head aboard Adelita (37.352s) and Rupert Winklemann aboard Omar van de Hunters (37.508s).

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Richard Vogel Strikes Again during WEF 5

Richard Vogel & Accoton PS. Photo © Sportfot.

Germany’s Richard Vogel picked up another win at Wellington International during week five at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This time, the win came in the CHF37,000 Bainbridge CSI5* 1.45m Speed on Friday in the International Arena aboard Accoton PS.

Sixty-six entries tackled a large and technical one-round speed track designed by Frank Rothenberger (GER). Vogel set an early time to beat at 59.16 seconds from the 18th position in the original order. A pair of Irishmen tried their best to top him but came up just shy of his winning time. Bertram Allen and Over Lux finished second by only fractions of a second in a time of 59.31 seconds for owner Ballywalter Stables. Third place went to Ireland’s Daniel Coyle and Amalia, owned by Ariel Grange’s Lothlorien Farm, after crossing the timers in 59.49 seconds.

Vogel described his strategies and thoughts, saying, “I had a good feeling from the beginning, and I got the first distance everywhere. I did one less stride into the double; I had a good rollback and then also to the plank, and after the plank was good. The five-stride got short but that was a good setup for the turn. Then in the last line I was a bit lucky; I didn’t get there with one less, so I had to add a stride at the end. He saved me so I think it was a good team effort.”

Jodi Lennox Looks Better in Blue

The Karina Brez Jewelry Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 division kicked off the day in the Rost Arena of Friday at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The one to beat was Jodi Lennox and her aptly named partner, Better in Blue, a 2009 Hanoverian gelding by Cassus, owned by First Blue LLC.

Lennox earned a pair of wins and second-place finishes during the two days of adult amateur competition. Their high score of 88 helped them to victory on Friday and clinched the division tri-color.

Lennox was all smiles after her ride and could not have been more pleased with her horse. “My first trip, I was under the pace a little bit, but he was really good,” she said. “The second trip I was better with my pace and he is always there for me. Any mistake is going to be mine.”

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Competitions, Show Jumping

Richard Vogel Races to Win in CaptiveOne Advisors CSI4* 1.50m Classic

Richard Vogel & Cepano Baloubet. Photo © Sportfot.

Germany’s Richard Vogel closed out Week 4 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in the Van Kampen Covered Arena at Equestrian Village with a win in the CHF75,000 CaptiveOne Advisors CSI4* 1.50m Classic aboard Cepano Baloubet on Sunday.

The day gave riders a variation in venue after jumping on the grass derby field throughout the week as their quickness was then tested in an indoor environment. From a field of 32, six advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off designed by Anderson Lima (BRA).

WEF 4, presented by MARS Equestrian™, is only the second show for Vogel and Cepano Baloubet after the gelding joined his string. “Last week he did really well in the International Ring, this week he was also great on the grass and now under these circumstances he was very good in the indoor today,” said Vogel, 25, of his versatile mount.

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Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Sweet Victory for Conor Swail in MARS Equestrian CSI4* Grand Prix

Conor Swail & Count Me In. Photo © Sportfot.

Victory was sweet for Count Me In and Ireland’s Conor Swail in the CHF216,000 MARS Equestrian™ CSI4* Grand Prix, the featured event on the expansive grass derby field at Equestrian Village during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Week 4 on Saturday in Wellington, FL.

The pressure was on for Swail riding Count Me In, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Count Grannus x Sherlock Holmes) owned by Sandy Lupton & Mannon Farm. The first to crack the code on the opening round track designed by Anderson Lima (BRA), Swail was the trailblazer again in a five-horse jump-off.

“I’m lucky to have Crosby,” said Swail, currently ranked fifth in the world on the FEI rankings. “He’s a very fast horse. I was trying to give it a good go and put the other riders under enough pressure and hope that they would make mistakes. It was a tough track but fair I thought. I have an amazing horse and I hope his good form continues. This was our first time out this year and I must say I thought he felt fabulous.”

Ruyle, Langmeier Score Wins in Helgstrand Jewellery CSI2*

WEF 4 has welcomed the return of Helgstrand Jewellery CSI2* competition on the derby field at Equestrian Village. The CHF37,000 Helgstrand Jewellery CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier highlighted the action on Friday with a win for Jacqueline Ruyle (USA) riding Cyramo. She piloted the 2011 Zangersheide mare (Clarimo x Vigo D Arsouilles Stx) to victory from a competitive 15-horse jump-off.

Ruyle was thrilled with her mare’s massive efforts, saying, “Everything was very spread out: a gallop to two, the combination off a tight turn which we are pretty good at, and a long gallop to three and four. It rode great and she tried so hard. I’ve had her a while – since she was seven and she’s thirteen now – so we’ve had a long time to build a strong partnership.” They bumped Ireland’s Francis Derwin, riding Intuitive for owner Eve Jobs, to second.

After a third-place finish on Friday with Chadina for Rafferty Farm, Mckayla Langmeier (USA) came back on top in Saturday’s CHF10,000 Helgstrand Jewellery CIS2* 1.40m Speed. In another jump-off that mandated impressive speed from seventeen qualifiers, Langmeier and Jiselle NS, a 2014 Dutch Warmblood mare (Balou du Rouet x Voltaire) flew to the win for owner Linda Langmeier.

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Show Jumping

An Entire Community Inspired to #BeTheChange

Photo © Wellington International.

Over $1.5 Million to Be Distributed at 14th Annual Great Charity Challenge

Wellington, Florida – February 2, 2023 – After a record year for the 2022 Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), donors, riders, and charities are at the edge of their seats to see what this year holds. Inspired by this enthusiasm, this year’s event aims to motivate the community to #BeTheChange and empower individuals to get involved locally!

As J. K. Rowling reminds us, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided,” and the GCC is an incredible example of how unity amplifies impact. On Saturday, February 4, people from all walks of our community will come together as one at Wellington International to cheer the night away. Home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, the venue will transform into Candy World and the night will feature an exciting relay style show jumping competition with horses and riders alike decked out in their most creative candy themed costumes.

Founded by father/daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 13 years, distributing a phenomenal $17.7 million to 294 local non-profit organizations. This united community effort will set out in its 14th year to help build a path to a sweeter future for our Palm Beach County neighbors in need.

Thirty-four non-profit organizations, who were randomly selected at our first annual Charity Drawing Party and leading up to the event, will meet their paired equestrian teams and sponsors as they compete for a share of the $1.5+ million purse. The winning team’s nonprofit will receive $100,000 while all pre-selected participants are guaranteed a minimum grant of $15,000. To view the full list of participating charities (listed alphabetically), CLICK HERE.

“Our community never fails us when it comes to the GCC. This year, especially, we want to extend this generosity beyond just that night and inspire more people to get involved with the amazing organizations this event highlights,” comments Kelly Arani, GCC Event and Marketing Coordinator.

To contribute to this community effort, visit https://unitedwaypbc.org/great-charity-challenge/.

Children of all ages will be back again this year for the Pet Parade and Costume Contest, generously presented by the Postage Stamp Farm Foundation. By dressing up with their favorite pet, children will represent pre-selected non-profit organizations and celebrate the power of doing good at any age! Exciting news this year: thanks to matching sponsor The Wedell Family Foundation, the 15 pre-selected non-profit organizations will share $50,000 in prize money.

Each year new and recurring donations and sponsorships from local families, foundations, businesses, equestrians, and more, ranging from $5 to $100,000, are the key to reaching our fundraising goal of more than $1 million.

Equestrian Sport Productions, the Wellington International operating organization that oversees equestrian events at the venue throughout the year, and Wellington International owner Global Equestrian Group donate the facility, staff, and infrastructure to ensure the success of the charitable event and guarantee that 100% of the funds raised are redistributed in the community.

The GCC competition will offer free general admission and will be held Saturday evening, February 4, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Wellington International during WEF’s “Saturday Night Lights.” Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414, home to the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds.

For the latest event information, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com.

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Competitions, Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping

Daniel Coyle and Amalia Swoop In to Claim Victory in Week 4’s $5k 1.30m Rising Star Classic

Daniel Coyle and Amalia.

Loxahatchee Groves, FL (February 3, 2023) – Daniel Coyle and the sporty, spotty bay mare Amalia were the last to go and the fastest pair in Wednesday’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic. The pair edged out two previous jump-offs to win the class, and with just tenths of a second separating the three.

Coyle, an internationally acclaimed show jumper representing Ireland, was contested by Abbygale Funk and Ryan Sassmannshausen over the course designed by Jaime Morillo. Sassmannshausen was an early double clear effort, galloping around the jump-off in 38.814 seconds. His round stood most of the day, until Abbygale Funk and Alastor edged them out by less than a tenth of a second, flying through the timers in 38.806 seconds. Coyle, however, would establish his dominance with the nimble Amalia, taking an amazingly tight inside turn to the final vertical to post a time of 38.039 seconds and win the class.

Coyle and Amalia have been successful up through the FEI level and the Irish rider stated that the course at The Ridge was a great warmup for the future FEI rounds they had planned during their 2023 Wellington show season. Coyle and his cousin, Jordan, have won multiple titles over the years at The Ridge.

Funk, an aspiring U25 Grand Prix rider, is new to The Ridge’s events this year, having discovered them during USEF Equitation Tuesdays in 2022. “I had two great rounds over the lovely course here at The Ridge,” said Funk. “It’s an amazing chance to show at the Grand Prix level while also still being able to develop the horses and prepare for bigger classes.”

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

Competitions, Show Jumping

Santiago Lambre Successful in CHF50k CSI4* Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round 4

Santiago Lambre & Casey. Photo © Sportfot.

The pinnacle event of Thursday’s competition on the Equestrian Village derby field during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Week 4 was heavily populated with some of the sport’s best international competitors. Athletes representing eleven different nationalities lined up to contest Anderson Lima’s (BRA) first round track in the CHF50,000 CSI4* Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 4.

From an original starting field consisting of 51 horse-and-rider combinations, 13 produced clean efforts to advance to the short course. No stranger to the winner’s circle, Mexico’s Santiago Lambre was at the bottom of the returning order but shot straight to the top to claim the day’s featured victory.

“This horse is quite new for me; I’ve only had her for eight months,” Lambre stated. “I jumped her on the grass two weeks ago for the first time and she did very good, so I felt she was ready for this week.”

While she is new to his string, Lambre’s brother had Casey for several years in Mexico and Lambre believes she has all the makings to become an international star.

“She originally was competing in Mexico with my brother before she got sent to me last year,” he added. “I know the mare and she just needs some miles, but she has proved that she is a fast horse and I think she is ready for the five-star next week.”

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Competitions, Equinium Sports Mktg., Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

First Hunter Derby of ‘23 and Irish Grand Prix Victory at The Ridge at Wellington Groves Week 4

Jordan Coyle and Picador (Photo by Romeo Ghete)

Loxahatchee Groves, FL (February 1, 2023) – The Ridge at Wellington Groves wrapped up its third week of competition with an Irish victory in the $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix, their first $1,000 2’6″ National Hunter Derby, and two extra days of classes for hunters, jumpers, and equitation riders, both recognized and unrecognized. On Friday Ireland’s Jordan Coyle and Picador fought their way to victory in The Ridge’s Week 3 $15,000 1.40m Grand Prix, besting a field of 30 over a course designed by Leopoldo Palacios. Second went to Week 3’s $5,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic winner, Israel’s Daniel Bluman riding Corbie V.V.Z Et, while third went to Coyle as well, this time aboard Ariso. The competition included some of the world’s top riders, including Adrienne Sternlicht, Beat Mandli, and Cian O’Connor, mixed in with freshly minted Grand Prix riders and horses over a dynamic course intended to challenge while allowing for growth and development.

Saturday’s Hunter Derby was the inaugural Derby event of the 2023 Ridge season, offering $1,000 in prize money and a course designed by Nona Garson with high options up to 2’6″. Julie Hogan riding Gigi Stetler’s Imagine That bested the three rounds, which included an optional Warm Up, first round, and handy round. Second went to Samantha Carp and Conchita 128, while Sara Kate Long and Delivered by Hand finished in third.

For more, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.