In The News

Darragh Kenny and Amsterdam 27 win $25,000 JTWG Grand Prix in Florida on Sunday.

Atmosphere and topsport delivered a nice 1.55m Grand Prix at Jumping Indoor Maastricht. After a Jump-Off with eleven it was Maikel van der Vleuten who secured a home win aboard Tal Milstein Stables' Luigi d'Eclipse. Van der Vleuten and the 12-year-old son by Catoki were just about half a second faster as compatriot Willem Greve aboard his top horse, Highway M TN (Eldorado vd Zeshoek). 

At Equita Lyon, the drivers once again took center stage. The sporting program kicked off on Saturday with the Driving World Cup. Boyd Exell drove to perfection and steered his four-in-hand to another World Cup victory.

For Dutch Olympian Harrie Smolders, who took home the coveted 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Championship title for the second time this October, the accolade, while rewarding, speaks more to the longterm viability of his program than any one victory or horse. 

In an entry destined for the history books, the unstoppable Harrie Smolders has claimed the esteemed title of the 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour Champion of Champions, marking a moment that will endure through the ages. Securing this title for the second time, Smolders has soared into the realm of stardom.

With a total of 252 points, Harrie Smolders managed to secure the LGCT 2023 title. This is Smolders' second title in the LGCT, after he also won the series in 2017 following a decisive round, with Don VHP Z, in Rome before the final in Doha. His victory back then was a first for the series because no rider had managed to secure the title with certainty before the final.

As the third and final Longines Global Champions Tour Championship contender, Harrie Smolders is without doubt the most consistent of the trio in terms of his performances throughout the year. From a staggering four consecutive podiums, 9 LGCT Grand Prix starts for 4 double clears, with an impressive 3 horses contributing to his Championship points tally, it isn’t hard to see why he is wearing the leader’s armband heading into the Final showdown this week in Riyadh.

Helsinki, Finland – October 20, 2023 –Shane Breen (IRL) and Scarteen scored the biggest win of the day on Friday at the 2023 Helsinki International Horse Show CSI 5*-W, riding supreme in the  €28,200 Pohjola Kansainvälinen Prize CSI 5*-W

In what was poised to be a well earned and clear victory of the Longines Global Champions Tour Championship, Maikel van der Vleuten started the 2023 season strong, chasing the most revered podium position on offer for the year.

Jack Whitaker celebrated his birthday with fine form after registering his first win at an event only days after he turned 22. Whitaker who resides in Whatton, secured a win from the final draw with horse, Equine America Q Paravatti N in the Dallamires Stables Cup. It was his first win at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.

Neither of the other two Championship contenders - Harrie Smolders or Maikel van der Vleuten match Henrik’s tally of LGCT Grand Prix wins this year, however we’ve done the maths, and there are a few statistics that may surprise the biggest of Von Eckermann & King Edward fans amongst us. 

“If he keeps improving like this, there could be no end to him.” Joe Stockdale and Ebanking showed just what they’re capable of this evening at Horse of the Year Show, as they took the Grandstand Stoneleigh Events Cup from 32 starters.

Shane Breen joked that Scarteen is “the perfect old man’s horse”, after the pair put in a blistering round to take the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) speed horse of the year title.

The roof of the NEC must have been tugging at its moorings this afternoon, as John Whitaker and Shane Breen both cleared 1.85m (6’1”) to win the Thistledown Investments HOYS six-bar.

Jos Lansink’s world-class Dutch team had to pull out all the stops to beat Australia for the Challenge Cup tonight at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2023 at the Real Club de Polo in Barcelona, Spain. Carrying four faults apiece, it came down to a duel between the two sides in a second-round jump-off against the clock, and it was Willem Greve who clinched it for The Netherlands with a fast clear from Highway TN.

Tonight the FEI Nations Cup finals consolidation is scheduled in Barcelona. In the 1.50m Queens Cup, counting for Longines Ranking points, Dutch showjumper, Harrie Smolders was the best aboard his Deesse de Kerglenn. Smolders and his 10-year-old SF-mare, jumped with over one second difference, to victory. 

Great Britain wins Nations Cup Final opening leg in Barcelona. Great Britain will go into the showjumping Nations Cup Final eight-way decider in pole position on Sunday (1 October) following a fantastic opening round yesterday (28 September). The Brits; Tim Gredley and Medoc De Toxandria, Robert Whitaker and Vermento, Lilly Attwood and Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z and Harry Charles and Aralyn Blue

Meanwhile the Dutch, with the luxury of a drop score, joined them at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the night on a four-fault team tally, courtesy of clears from Jur Vrieling (Long John Silver 3 NOP) and Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z NOP. Four-fault rounds came from Kim Emmen (Inflame Go) and Willem Greve riding Highway TN, forcing a jump-off between the two teams to decide top honours for the Challenge Cup in the Nations Cup Final, Barcelona.

Irish showjumper Shane Breen welcomes a new horse to the team. The five years old stallion Nadim il Faut is the latest addition to his stables.

The Dutch also look strong, with Harrie Smolders, Maikel van der Vleuten and Jur Vrieling amongst Jos Lansink’s selection.

There’s just one FEI Nations Cup leg left on the 2023 calendar, and boy, is it a big one: the Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L in the Netherlands, which will take place from October 4–8, is undoubtedly most riders’ favourite outing of the year. (Including) Hi Tech Xanthe Goldsack – Owned by Rider, Global Quest Georgie Campbell – Owned by Diana and Lance Morrish, Igor B Kristina Hall-Jackson – Owned by KHJ Eventing and Rider.

She and John have recently returned from Calgary in Canada, where John was in action at the CSIO Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in the showjumping calendar. Kerry was looking after John’s three top horsesEquine America Unick Du Francport, Sharid and Green Grass.

In one of the most tantalising GCL competitions of the 2023 season Madrid In Motion’s pair of Laura Kraut and Maikel van der Vlueten secured victory as the only team on 4 faults in Rome. With Rome's iconic backdrop and passionate fans, the competition was nothing short of spectacular as Madrid In Motion also secured their spot in the top four of the Championship, and their fast-track ticket straight to the GCL Super Cup Semi-Finals at the GC Prague Playoffs.

Dutch chef d'Equipe, Jos Lansink, has revealed his team for the FEI Nations Cup finals in BArcelona. For Lansink the stakes are high. "Our most memorable victory was the home-win in Rotterdam this year." Lansink says. From September 28 until October 1st, the FEI Nations Cup finals will be held in Barcelona. In 2021 the Dutch team won the finals.

This year following combinations will wear the orange jacket: Harrie Smolders - Monaco N.O.P. (Cassini II), Maikel van der Vleuten - O'Bailey vh Brouwershof N.O.P. (Darco), Jur Vrieling - Long John Silver (Lasino), Willem Greve - Highway M TN (Eldorado vd Zeshoek), Kim Emmen - Infame Go (Namelus R)

The 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials marked 20 years since Pippa Funnell narrowly beat Zara Tindall (then Phillips) to the Burghley title, and in doing so became the first rider to secure the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

Shane Breen added another Hickstead title to his list today when claiming the top spot in theThe ClipMyHorse.TV Sussex Cup, riding the 10-year-old grey homebred Scarteen II.

After claiming several podium finishes during the week at the Hampton Classic, it was Darragh Kenny’s (IRL) turn to top the leaderboard in Saturday’s $78,000 The Agency 5* Speed Stake. Kenny bested a field of 40 entries representing 14 nations with Kerry Anne LLC’s 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding Eddy Blue, stopping the clock in a faultless, blistering time of 69.27 seconds.

Pippa Funnell stops the clock with 8.8 seconds of time, which will keep her well in contention on a 38.4 and fourth position.

Pippa and Majas Hope, who she co-owns with Marek Sebastek, were eighth after the first phase on 29.6 and a good clear jumping round today could pay dividends given the track has caused its fair share of problems.

Two-time Burghley winner Pippa Funnell moved into third place after her dressage test aboard her own and Marek Sebestak’s consistent Majas Hope on day two of the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials dressage.

Two-time Burghley winner Pippa Funnell moved into third place after her dressage test aboard her own and Marek Sebestak’s consistent Majas Hope on day two of the 2023 Defender Burghley Horse Trials dressage.

Zara Tindall made a promising start in pursuit of her first Defender Burghley Horse Trials crown, 20 years on from finishing second in a dazzling debut.

The Dutch returned from a relatively lean period to claim team silver behind the Swedish champions at last year’s worlds and the likes of Harrie Smolders and Olympic bronze medallist Maikel van der Vleuten will make the riders in orange ones to watch.

The end is near for the Global Champions Tour. With only two legs left in the schedule, the rankings have been completely shaken up after the previous LGCT in Valkenswaard. Maikel van der Vleuten held the top position for a long time but has to relinquish his lead to fellow countryman Harrie Smolders.

Just a few minutes prior, Sampson and the “gentle giant” were tearing around Peter Holmes’ (CAN) 1.50m jump-off track. Utilising an enormous stride, the pair bested a 10-horse jump-off and recorded the first international win of their short partnership, having just teamed up in June.

Zara Tindall, a former Burghley runner-up, is slated to start this year on Gleadhill House Stud’s Class Affair.

If there’s a theme to Matthew Samspon’s (GBR) brief partnership with Equine America Ivanhoe GPH so far, it’s being in the right place at the right time.

On Sunday afternoon, Harrie Smolders finished third in the five-star Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in London. He relied onMonaco N.O.P. for this achievement. "Monaco jumped wonderfully again today. I might have lost a bit in the line towards the double jump and the final line during the jump-off," Smolders explains his third-place finish.

In our second episode of an exclusive new online series,Horse & Houndcatches up with talented showjumperJack Whitaker, son ofMichael Whitaker, to find out more about his exciting string of horses, what he focusses on when training, and why the Whitaker family keep producing winning riders…

Andrew Hoy may not have been able to ride his Tokyo horse Vassily De Lassos at Aachen due to a hoof abscess but he did have some fun with the young mare Bloom Des Hauts Crets in the Ride N Drive competition

Andrew was part of the 2021 winning team (AUS/USA) consisting of driver Boyd Exell, eventing rider Andrew and US show jumper Lillie Keenan

With the top four contenders in the LGCT Championship race all present in London this weekend it is set to be a dramatic weekend of sport. The current overall ranking leader Maikel van der Vleuten will be looking to capitalise on his tally of 231 points, and is certainly a strong contender this weekend - the rider clearly on form. 

Boyd Exell (AUS) continues to demonstrate his dominance, maintaining his position at the top with a score of 264 points and an advantage of 96 points over Bram Chardon (NED).

The Swedish athlete continues to dominate the Longines Rankings with an impressive 3575 points, further widening the gap between him and Julien Epaillard (FRA) by 529 points. Harrie Smolders (NED) securely holds the third position with 2964 points, while Swiss rider Martin Fuchs (2918 points) makes a strong comeback to the top 5, surpassing Mclain Ward (USA), who now stands at fifth place with 2838 points

VALKENSWAARD - CSI2* 1.45m

Harrie Smolders (NED) - Darry Lou (v. Otangelo)

Thursday’s $142,000 Cabana Coast CSI5* Qualifier could have easily been divided into two categories: before the storm and after the storm. With severe weather blowing into Northern Michigan in the middle of the class, the CSI5* riders had to wait out a weather delay and go to battle in a 15-horse jump-off. Ultimately, it was one of the final competitors – and last to jump off – Darragh Kenny (IRL) with Chic Chic, who took top honors.

Darragh Kenny (IRL) had one more trick up his sleeve as the last to jump in Thursday afternoon's $142,000 Cabana Coast 5* Qualifier. Kenny and Chic Chic, an 11-year-old Westphalian stallion (Comme Il Faut 5 x Contendro I) owned by Vlock Show Stables, jumped late in the order after a weather delay halted competition, and returned last in a 15-horse jump-off.

Legendary British showjumper John Whitaker reflects on two momentous wins at Hickstead. Winning the Nations Cup on home soil at Hickstead on Friday was right up there as one of the very best. But when my son Robert followed that with victory in Sunday’s King George V Gold Cup, on a horse I bred, it became one of the greatest weeks of my life.

It was a British clean sweep in Saturday morning’s €26,200 The Royal International Salver CSIO 5*, with the host nation taking eight of the top nine placings. The win went to 21-year-old Jack Whitaker(GBR) on Equine America Valmy de La Lande, giving the rider his first Longines International Arena win for more than a decade.

Jack Whitaker secured not only the first British individual five-star win of the week but also his first senior win in Hickstead’s main arena when he headed a gripping 1.50m Royal International salver with Equine America Valmy De La Lande.

In Hickstead, the Breen Equestrian Queen Elizabeth II Cup was one of the highlights of the day. In this 1m50 with jump-off, victory went to Shane Breen. He rode Haya clear through the jump-off in 37.42 seconds. He thus managed to extend his title in this class by another year and take victory in his own sponsored class. "Maybe I should sponsor the King's Cup next year," he laughed afterwards.

For the first time since 2010, Great Britain has triumphed on home soil after a Hickstead Nations Cup thriller on Friday (28 July). It was John Whitaker, competing in his 180th Nations Cup, who summed up victory in the Longines FEI Nations Cup at the Longines Royal International Horse Show by saying: “We had good vibes all week, we felt quietly confident,” said the 68-year-old, who was joined on the winning squad by Harry Charles, Tim Gredley and Ben Maher.

Shane Breen not only extended his record as the most prolific winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup since it was opened to both genders, he also secured back-to-back wins with the same horse, cruising to victory on Old Lodge’s wonderful grey mare Haya at the Royal International Horse Show.

CSI5* riders came into action for the first time in 'The Royal International Salver', a 1m50 class with jump-off. Fourteen combinations managed to qualify for the jump-off and, as usual, British riders were very well represented here. Not surprisingly, the victory in this section also fell into British hands: Jack Whitaker rode Equine America Valmy de la Lande (by Mylord Carthago) clear to the finish in 41.15 seconds, enough to take the victory in his name.

It’s been 13 years since the home side triumphed at Hickstead, but on Friday July 28, at last, the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain was won by Di Lampard’s British team of Ben Maher (Exit Remo), Tim Gredley (Medoc de Toxandria), John Whitaker (Equine America Unick du Francport) and Harry Charles (Casquo Blue), and it was a victory to be savoured.

What a week it’s been for the Whitaker family at this year’s Longines Royal International Horse Show. The party had barely died down after Friday’s jubilant British Nations Cup celebrations before Hickstead erupted with delight once again on Sunday afternoon (30 July). This time the object of their appreciation was Robert Whitaker, a very worthy winner of an attritional Longines King George V Gold Cup showjumping competition with the only double clear on a horse who was bred by his father John Whitaker.

The prestigious 'King George V Gold Cup', the Grand Prix with jump-off, was on the program in Hickstead this afternoon. Many Brits had come to Hickstead to admire the spectacle with their own eyes and saw nine combinations jump a clear first round. A jump-off with nine had to provide a definite answer about the winner. The British of course secretly hoped for a British winner and got their money's worth: Robert Whitaker jumped to victory by jumping a clear jump-off in 56.70 seconds in the saddle of the only 10-year-old Vermento (by Argento). He was also the only one who could record a double clear round behind his name.

Britain’s Robert Whitaker won today’s Longines King George V Gold Cup after delivering the only double clear of the competition on Vermento. The win came two days after the Brits won the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™, with Robert’s father John part of that winning team, crowning an amazing week for the home nation at the Longines Royal International Horse Show.

John Whitaker’s gorgeous clear ride aboard Equine America Unick Du Francport in Round 2’s third rotation sealed the deal for the Union Jack, following a tight first round that had the team in third place. 

Later Friday afternoon, the day was Darragh Kenny’s after he scored a second Grand Prix victory in less than one week. The win Friday came aboard Serendepety, owned by Oakland Ventures and Beerbaum Stables, in the $30,000 Traverse City National Grand Prix.

Speeding to victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix in Riesenbeck. "Uricas simply wanted to win today," praises Smolders his stallion.

The electric atmosphere at the prestigious event soared to new heights as Smolders clinched the top spot by just over half a second, with Max Kühner aboard Elektric Blue P earning the coveted golden ticket to the Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix, closely followed by local favorite Daniel Deusser and Killer Queen VDM in third place.

The squad comprises reigning Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher (Exit Remo), British number two Harry Charles (Casquo Blue), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria), British team stalwart John Whitaker (Equine America Unick de Francport) and Donald Whitaker (Di Caprio).

Maikel van der Vleuten (NED), current leader in the LGCT will once again be joining us for the series. The number two and three of the current ranking, being Christian Kukuk (GER) and Simon Delestre (FRA) will also be present to defend their places or even climb up.

The A Coruña stage of Longines Global Champions Tour looked like it was going hand Maikel van der Vleuten the last leg up towards his first ever LGCT title. The dutchman, alongside 8 other riders, qualified for the jump-off and as one of the last to go in that jump-off van der Vleuten could easily get a huge points haul in the north-west of Spain. But things did not go as planned.

The quintet of riders selected to represent Britain in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain at Hickstead has been named. The squad comprises reigning Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher (Exit Remo), British number two Harry Charles (Casquo Blue), Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria), British team stalwart John Whitaker (Equine America Unick de Francport) and Donald Whitaker (Di Caprio).

A Coruña, a picturesque coastal city in Spain, was electrified today with equestrian excitement as it played host to the thrilling and crucial tenth stage of the 2023 GCL team series. It was Ben Maher with Ginger Blue and Harrie Smolders on consistent Monaco who leaped to the top of GCL A Coruña presented by CaixaBankas as the only double clear of the day.

Featuring an extraordinary line-up of world-class talent, next week’s rider list boasts the crème de la crème of the show jumping world. Taking center stage is current LGCT Championship leader Maikel van der Vleuten who is accompanied by world number one Henrik von Eckermann who will be aiming to rocket up the overall season standings.

Last year’s LGCT Grand Prix of Monaco winner, Max Kühner is in Monaco to defend his title. Several former winners are also present including Ireland's Shane Breen, winner in 2018 and in fine form with a second place in Stockholm.  Dutch rider Maikel van der Vleuten, who is currently world number 4, winner in Monaco in 2019 and currently leading the provisional Longines Global Champions Tour rankings, Italy's Emanuele Gaudiano who won in 2016, and Brazil's Bernardo Alves who claimed victory in 2010.

One of the highlights of the weekend was just jumped in Hickstead: the Al Shira'aa Derby. Yesterday the Speed Derby was already on the programme but now it was time for the real thing: a derby over a height of 1m60. Three combinations managed to clear the leaden basic round without faults and returned for the jump-off that would decide everything.

British Equestrian and the British Eventing selectors can today confirm the 18 horse and rider combinations that will form their list of nominated entries ahead of the FEI Eventing European Championship, set to take place at Haras du Pin, France from 9–13 August this year.

On Friday Dutch Harrie Smolders sealed the deal for his team at the CHIO Rotterdam Longines Nations Cup."Monaco and me love this kind of pressure! I love it because when your round really counts for something that brings out the best in me!”, Smolders said.

There was a thrilling three-way battle for the Breen Equestrian Beethoven seven- and eight-year-old championship at the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby meeting today (23 June) between three of the best young horse producers in the country.

The Netherlands will be aiming for a haul of gold on home soil in Rotterdam this week, with Jur Vrieling and his Long John Silver leading the way.

The Hickstead Annual Grade C, Championship in memory of Sarah Davidson.

WhenShane Breen won last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup at the Royal International with the stunning grey mare Haya, we were instantly smitten. But now she’s proved she’s competitive at the highest level, finishing second in her five-star grand prix debut – to the mighty combination of Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, no less.

Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 18, 2023 – Mother nature decided to add a little moisture into the mix for the final afternoon of theSpruce Meadows ‘National’ TournamentCSI 5* & CSI 2*and the$145,000ATB Cup CSI 5*. With the rain not letting up, the FEI Ground Jury (officials) met and opted to change the type of competition from a Table A Jump Off to a Table A Speed. The fastest round with the least amount of faults would be placed at the top of the leaderboard.

Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Alberta, Canada – June 18, 2023 – The $80,000 ATCO Grand Prix CSI 2* was the first competition on final day of the Spruce Meadows ‘National’ CSI 5* & CSI 2*, presented by Rolex. Only the top thirty-five horse/rider combinations from qualifiers earlier in the week were able to step through the iconic clock tower in hopes of making it to the winner’s circle.

Thirteen riders representing seven nations, passed all the first round’s tests set out by FEI Course Designer Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER) and advanced to the jump off. It was a slightly cooler temperatures in the Alberta Foothills Saturday morning, but it seemed to suite Ireland’s Darragh Kenny (IRL) just fine.

We’re pretty sure there’s nothing sweeter than a sunny day at Luhmühlen, which is, we reckon, the world’s happiest event. Seriously: everyone on site at this place is always smiling, always chatting, always ready to stop for a catch-up and a Schnapps (time of day permitting, of course), and that lends its own unique kind of magic to the place. It’s like a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, but for eventing. We adore it.

Zara Tindall and Class Affair take third in the CCI4*-S at Bramham 2023.

Maikel van der Vleuten just won the GCT Grand Prix of Cannes with Beauville Z NOP (s.Bustique) in a very clever way. In the jump-off he beat Pieter Devos, who finished second with Mom’s Toupie de la Roque (s.Kannan), before Michael Duffy, who took third place with Cinca3 (s.Casall). Van der Vleuten earned 165,000 euros with his victory. Harrie Smolders managed to seize sixth place with Monaco NOP (by Cassini II).

“I can’t tell you how special winning a big one is when you get to this stage,” says Pippa Funnell, who jumped a faultless round to retain her lead and secure the win in the 2023 Bramham CCI4*-L with MCS Maverick. “You think you’re past it — oh, god, I’m going to blub! — and then to do it…”

Pippa Funnell confirmed her place at the top of the Bramham Horse Trials results in the CCI4*-L  with a clear showjumping round on MCS Maverick.

In the LGCT Grand Prix, it was a wildly exciting jump-off between thirteen combinations. Michael Duffy was the first to go and immediately set a high pace for the rest to come. Belgium's Pieter Devos was able to go faster but it was Dutch Maikel van der Vleuten who eventually won this Grand Prix of Cannes! By doing so, the Dutchman strengthened his position in the overall standings and is now forty points clear of the rest!

Pippa Funnell won Bramham Horse Trials CCI4*-L  with a clear showjumping round on MCS Maverick. Pippa did not have even a second over the time in hand, let alone a rail. “I can’t tell you how special winning a big one is when you get to my stage – you think you’re past all that,” she said.

In La Baule, the 5* competition was treated to a real Derby. With fences and obstacles at 1.45m height, it was Shane Breen who emerged as the overall winner. 

Two years ago, Joe Stockdale graduated from School and was looking forward to pursuing a career in Cricket. Instead he followed in his late father Tim Stockdale's footsteps.

William Funnell describes his Olympic shortlisted 18.2hh home-bred as "the best I ever had."

Top showjumpers William Funnell and Joe Stockdale have signed major sponsorship deals with Equine America that involve renaming a number of their leading horses.

Twenty-one year-old, International showjumper, Joe Stockdale (GBR) has clinched a headline sponsorship deal with Equine America.

Equine America have confirmed their commitment to underpin the young talented rider, Joe Stockdale as he grows on the worldwide stage.

Deborah Leabeater, MSc, CBiol, MRSB - Lead Nutritionist at Equine America (UK) Ltd, answers some frequently asked questions on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.