The Finals were contested in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District with horses stabled in barns on the Will Rogers Memorial Center equestrian campus. The warm-up ring, competition arena, shopping and entertainment were all located in the adjacent, state-of-the-art Dickies Arena.

Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, home of the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals. Photo by Nancy Bryant/MacMillan Photography

Staged with a decidedly Texas flair, the World Cup featured live country music performances, a festive light show, and cowboys executing rope tricks and directing at-liberty horses, to open each competition session. Country barbeque, Tex-Mex cuisine and desserts featuring Texas pecans were served during Wednesday night’s draw order party. Sleek Euro-style meshed with Fort Worth’s “Cowtown” culture when all of the riders were gifted cowboy hats by Sole Rider and boots by Tony Lama.

The USA previously hosted the FEI World Cup Jumping Final 11 times (Baltimore, 1980; Tampa, 1989; Del Mar, Calif., 1992; Las Vegas, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, and Omaha, 2017 and 2023), and the FEI Dressage Final seven times (Los Angeles, 1995; Las Vegas, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, and Omaha, 2017 and 2023).

Farrington Flies to Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final Win

In jumping, 35 starters from 18 countries tried their hand at course designer Anderson Lima’s (MEX) track in Thursday’s speed class (Table C over a Table A, where 3 seconds were added to the time for each rail down). Then, on Friday all competitors who completed Thursday’s class were eligible to move forward to the next class (Table A against the clock with one jump-off) when they jumped in reverse order of standings from the day before.  

Kent Farrington aboard Toulayna during Thursday’s speed class, the first of the jumping classes. Photo by Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

On Sunday there were two jumping rounds (A and B). In round A, the best 30 horse-and-rider pairs based on results from the previous two days competed. Then, the number was pared down to the top 20 competitors for round B (Table A not against the clock). The winner was the competitor with the fewest number of cumulative penalties. Countries with competitors were: Australia; Belgium; Brazil; Hungary; Germany; Georgia; France; Ireland; Japan; Mexico; New Zealand; Norway; Spain; Switzerland; the Netherlands; Turkey; the USA, and Uzbekistan.  

Total prize money offered over the series of four jumping classes was 1,300,000.00 Euros. Find the FEI World Cup Final jumper rules here.

In the end, it was “Air Farrington” all the way through. Currently number two in the FEI World Jumper Rankings, Kent Farrington (Wellington, Fla., USA) first piloted his and Rabbit Root Stables’ quick and handy 12-year-old Zangersheide mare Toulayna (Toulon-Parco) to top the speed class on Thursday, April 9. Then, since a one-time horse substitution is allowed, he gathered Greya’s reins to guide the classy, careful mare to win the second and third World Cup jumper classes on Friday, April 10, and Sunday, April 12. Greya (Colestus-Contender) is a 12-year-old Oldenburger Springpferde mare owned by Farrington.  

Both mares performed brilliantly with Farrington laser-focused on the plan with his horses. Greya dropped just one rail in Round A on Sunday to finish with only four faults total over her two days of jumping. After the final two rounds on Sunday, Farrington lifted the Longines trophy above his head to celebrate his first-ever World Cup Final win which added a missing piece to his already-impressive résumé.  

A very supportive home crowd cheered and hundreds of U.S. flags waved in the stands as Farrington and the other U.S. riders competed. His win helped the USA stay atop the list of countries with the most World Cup Jumping Final wins. The USA’s total is now a dozen wins over the history of the World Cup Jumping Final, keeping them two ahead of Germany which has 10 wins and six ahead of Switzerland which has a total of six.  

Farrington, who credited both Toulayna and Greya, talked about the achievement, “It’s important to note I rode two horses here and I couldn’t have done it without Toulayna on day one. I have two exceptional mares that put me in the position that I needed to win the title. This means a lot to me because the World Cup Final is what I grew up watching. I didn’t have access to major events and competitions where I grew up, but I had access to video tapes of every single year of the World Cup Final. I would study all the rounds and all the rides hoping I could ride like that, so to be here winning it today is really special for me.”  

Second was Daniel Deusser from Germany riding the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Otello de Guldenboom (Tobago Z-Caretino) owned by Stephex Stables. Deusser, who won the 2014 World Cup Final, talked about success in Fort Worth, “My expectations were high. That’s why I’m coming here. I had a very good start on day one, [but] one rail down that pushed me back a little on day two. Today, I have to say that [Otello de Guldenboom] really tried his heart out. He really tried his very best and I’m proud of him.” 

Daniel Deusser and Otello de Guldenboom. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

The USA’s Katie Dinan (Wellington, Fla.) rode the American-bred mare Out of the Blue SCF, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Verdi TN-Cassini I) owned by Grant Road Partners and bred by Spy Coast Farm, Lexington, Ky., to third. Last year they were the highest-placed American pair finishing eighth in the World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland. 

Katie Dinan and Out of the Blue SCF. Photo by Mary Cage

“I’m in awe of my horse Out of the Blue. She was spectacular every day. I owe everything to her,” Dinan said. “Out of the Blue is the only U.S.‑bred jumper in the show jumping here, and I think that’s really exciting. She was bred at Spy Coast and they have done an amazing job increasing U.S. breeding. This is a mare that did her whole young horse career in the U.S. It’s exciting to represent my country like that, especially at a World Cup on home soil.” 

The USA had three more combinations in the top 12. Aaron Vale (Williston, Fla.) and Carissimo 25 were seventh overall, Lillie Keenan (New York, N.Y.) and Kick On finished 10th overall, and Jacob Pope (Columbia, Md.) and Highway FBH were 12th overall in their first World Cup Final. Also competing for the USA were: Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Tres Bien Z, 18th; Mimi Gochman (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and Inclen BH, 21st; Skylar Wireman (Bonsall, Ca.) and Barclino B, 25th, and Kaitlin Campbell (Temecula, Ca.) and Cosm Castlefield Cornelious, 26th.  

US Equestrian Jumping Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was enthusiastic about the week in Fort Worth. “It’s always great to win the World Cup Final, but never better than on home soil! Most impressive though was that we showed a lot of depth this week with five U.S. riders finishing in the top twelve placings. Across the board, our riders all rode extremely well, and finally, kudos to the organizers for producing a world-class event and to Anderson Lima who built masterful courses all week.”   

Dynamic Dressage Dazzles

To say that the 2026 Zen Elite World Cup Dressage Final competition was electric and filled with dazzling performances really isn’t enough to do it justice. Even without a few of the usual top contenders this year, it was spectacular. And, the crowds in Fort Worth loved it. In true Texas fashion, they often clapped, whooped and hollered during tests as one might expect for a Western reining competition, but isn’t really traditional for dressage-watching etiquette. Yet, many competitors commented post-ride that they thought the enthusiasm was great for the sport and, in several cases, it helped their horses perform to an even-higher level.  

The crowd’s energy is reflected on the USA’s Christian Simon’s smiling face during his Freestyle test with Indian Rock. Photo by Mary Cage

Sixteen athletes from 13 countries competed in the 2026 World Cup Dressage Final in Fort Worth. At least seven of the human athletes, including the USA’s Christian Simonson (Ventura, Calif.) riding Indian Rock, were competing for the first time in a World Cup Final. Countries represented there were: Australia; Austria; Belgium; Ecuador; France; Germany; Great Britain; Lithuania; Morocco; Poland; Sweden; the Netherlands, and USA.  

World Cup Dressage Final competition comprises two days, one using the FEI Grand Prix test and the other the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle. All athletes who score better than 60 percent in the Grand Prix test are allowed to move on to compete in the Freestyle, and this year all 16 horse-and-rider combinations scored well enough to compete both days. Scores from the Grand Prix serve as the qualifier, with scores from the Freestyle determining the final placings. Total prize money for the World Cup Dressage Final Fort Worth was 275,000.00 Euros.  

Find the rules for the 2025-26 Dressage World Cup series here. 

Number-five dressage rider in the FEI World Rankings, Great Britain’s Becky Moody and her homebred Jagerbomb, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding (Dante Weltino OLD-Jazz), came to Fort Worth hoping to dazzle the judges and win. That’s just what they did; scoring 76.761 percent in the Grand Prix and a personal-best 88.33 percent in the Freestyle, dancing to a medley of Beatles songs, for their first World Cup Final win together.  

Moody and Jagerbomb were also members of the bronze-medal British Team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She commented that she was hoping for a personal-best score in their World Cup Freestyle and that mission was accomplished. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. All our horses are complete and utter diamonds, but today ‘Bomb’ was absolutely unreal,” said Moody after their win.   

Moody admitted that she wasn’t sure how Bomb would handle the exuberant crowd, but she was ecstatic with the results, “The crowd was insane; it was just incredible to be part of such a cool competition. I wasn’t sure how he would cope [with the atmosphere], but it turned out to be the perfect place for him. He could feel the enthusiasm, and even though it was so electric and so technical, he stayed with me so well. I need to rent that crowd everywhere I go now so they can come cheer,” she said with a huge smile.  

Also scoring above 80 percent in their Freestyle tests to finish second and third, respectively, in the World Cup were the USA’s Christian Simonson and Indian Rock (83.810 in Freestyle and 75.413 in Grand Prix) and Poland’s Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella (80.770 in Freestyle and 71.696 in Grand Prix).  

Simonson was all smiles the entire week as he enjoyed his first World Cup Final experience with “Rocky”, a 13-year-old KWPN stallion (Apache-Vivaldi) owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center and who he has ridden for only the last 14 months. He said he was taking it all in and praised his coach Adrienne Lyle for her guidance. They finished in the second-place spot on both days of competition with their score in the Freestyle a personal-best and performed to music from the Rocky movie franchise.  

“I don’t have the right words to describe the emotions I’m having right now. I’m so happy to be here, and I’m so proud to represent my country. What a fun night. Rocky is one in a million. To take me to the World Cup and now a double podium placing—I get teary‑eyed just thinking about him,” he said after their runner-up overall finish.  

He also said that the crowd’s enthusiasm reflected something bigger happening in U.S. dressage. “That’s what we need in the sport—fun. I’m super fortunate that Heidi [Humphries] and Zen Elite have been such a big part of building up dressage in the U.S., and you could really feel that tonight with the excitement in the arena.” 

Simonson said that competing in the World Cup was one of his aspirations. “When I was around 13, I wrote down all my biggest dreams. One of them was the Pan American Games, and one of them was the World Cup Final. This whole week has been a childhood dream come true, which feels very surreal. Looking up and seeing this wall of people standing and applauding Rocky was super special. He’s such a special horse; he deserves every bit of praise.”  

“I cannot believe it,” said Poland’s Sysojeva who was visiting the U.S. for the first time in order to compete Maxima Bella, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare (Millennium-Christ), in Fort Worth. “We did not expect this, but my horse behaved so well today with no big mistakes. I’m really, really happy and very proud of her. I was afraid of the atmosphere—it was so loud and everybody was clapping. Usually she gets too excited, but today she was happy, and she liked it. She’s still young and getting so much experience at shows like this. That was very special for me. If it wasn’t for the show, we would never have come to Texas. But the people are very friendly, and we’ve really enjoyed this 10‑day holiday here.” 

Sandra Sysojeva and Maxima Bella. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Sweden’s Patrik Kittel and Touchdown, who won the 2025 World Cup Final in Switzerland, finished fourth overall (80.260 in their Freestyle and 72.869 in the Grand Prix). The ever-popular, US..-based rider from Ecuador, Julio Mendoza Loor and his Jewel’s Goldstrike, a.k.a. “Goldie,” took fourth place in the Grand Prix (72.000) and sixth overall with a score of 78.645 percent in the Freestyle. World Cup Final rookie from Germany, Raphael Netz riding SP Dieudonne, moved up to the fifth-place overall spot after a spectacular Freestyle test earned them 79.245 percent.  

U.S. riders Kevin Kohmann and Duenensee (Wellington, Fla., 68.674 in Grand Prix and 76.730 in Freestyle) and Benjamin Ebeling and Bellena (Wellington, Fla., 67.717 in Grand Prix and 74.965 in Freestyle) finished in respectable ninth and tenth places, respectively.  

US Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig commented on the week in Fort Worth. “We accomplished another goal we set for this year, which was to have our riders finish in the top ten. Ben and Kevin both have World Cup Finals experience, and they rode great tonight with good results in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Christian’s finish on the podium in second place is a fantastic result for USA Dressage and continues to build momentum towards this summer’s World Championships and beyond. I am so proud of our riders, their horses, the grooms, their personal trainers, and our owners. It was truly a great week to celebrate dressage here at home in the United States.” 

Another significant happening during the World Cup Dressage Final was the official retirement of Morgan Barbançon’s (FRA) competition horse, the 20-year-old Oldenburg stallion Sir Donnerhall II (Sandro Hit-Donnerhall). The emotional retirement ceremony took place during intermission of the Freestyle competition. They had competed together for 14 years and were members of France’s 2024 Paris Olympic Team. They finished 13th in Fort Worth, earning 68.956 in the Grand Prix and 72.46 percent in the Freestyle.  

Morgan Barbançon gratefully waves to the crowd after a final ride on Sir Donnerhall II OLD, aka Gus. Photo by Mary Cage

FEI World Cup Results & Replay on Demand

To find a complete set of results for both FEI World Cup Final sports, as well as orders of go and jumper course maps, visit here.

More news from the Fort Worth Finals can be viewed by going to the official event site and on US Equestrian’s website.

Find interesting facts and figures about the World Cup Finals, plus an explanation of how the competition works, in the FEI’s press kit here.

Replays of the competition, plus athlete interviews, are available by subscription on FEI TV via ClipMyHorse. Find the competition link here. 

2027 FEI World Cup Finals

The 2027 World Cup Finals for dressage, show jumping and vaulting will be held at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, March 24-28. This event also marks the 50th anniversary of the Gothenburg Show. For more information, visit here.

This recap of the 2026 Fort Worth FEI World Cup Finals is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Reliving the Fort Worth FEI World Cup Finals 2026 appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

 

The German Team in the victory gallop after the 2026 Longines League of Nations Ocala competition: Richard Vogel; Christian Kukuk; Rene Dittmer, and Andre Thieme. Photo by Cindy Lee/MacMillan Photography

Nations with teams competing there were Belgium, Brazil, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, USA, and reigning champions Great Britain, who secured their place by winning a dramatic jump-off at the Longines League of Nations Final 2025 last October in Barcelona, Spain. The course designer for LLN Ocala was Irishman Alan Wade, who will also design the courses for the 2028 LA Olympic Games. 

In LLN competition, teams of four horse-and-rider pairs from the ten qualified nations jump two rounds, with each team being allowed one of the four as a drop score. Everyone jumps in the first round, then based on the scores from that round, three riders from each of the top eight teams return to jump the same course again with scores from the two rounds combined to determine the overall winner. The ten teams’ accumulated points are tracked over four qualifying competitions to determine the series rankings going into the finals.  

The League of Nations is the FEI’s newest “Nations Cup” competition. It all began in 2024 with teams from ten countries competing in a series of four events throughout the year leading to a final to determine the overall series winner. The WEC has hosted the North American stop of this series in mid-March each year thus far. The other legs are: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in mid-February; Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in mid-June; Gassin-St. Tropez, France, in mid-September, and the finals in Barcelona, Spain, October 1-4, 2026. Find out more about the FEI Longines League of Nations here. 

Horse-and-rider combinations for the German Team were Andre Thieme and DSP Chakaria, Christian Kukuk and his Olympic gold-medal mount Checker 47, Richard Vogel and Cloudio, and Rene Dittmer and Corsica X, with Olympic rider Otto Becker serving as their Chef d’Equipe. The Irish Team, all male riders as well, was a close second with 8 faults total. The Belgian Team, composed of two male and two female riders, was also in the hunt, finishing third on 12 faults.  

2024 Olympic gold medalists from Germany Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 clear the last fence in the 2026 LLN Ocala. Photo by Cindy Lee/MacMillan Photography

All three German riders went clear in the second round, with Vogel and Cloudio as their anchor pair. “I have great teammates here. They did a really good job. I went in almost in a bit of a comfortable situation, having one rail to give. In this format, it makes it very exciting; anything could happen, as we saw in the second round. I’m very proud of my horse, Cloudio. He came over from Europe for the Nations Cup; I just met him here, and he delivered double clear. I couldn’t be happier with him,” said Vogel, who lived for a time in the USA training with McLain Ward.  

Richard Vogel and Cloudio of the winning German Team sky the water jump during the 2026 Longines League of Nations Ocala. Photo by Kim MacMillan

Chef d’Equipe Becker was beaming in the press conference following Germany’s win, “What a week, what a team. I have no words. We had a great week and to win the Nations Cup today means a lot to me. I’m very proud. A big ‘thank you’ to the Roberts family [owners of the World Equestrian Center], to the organizers, to Longines, to the sponsors. Special words for the course builder; it was a fantastic course. I appreciate what we saw today and thought it was great advertising for the sport.” 

The U.S. Team, which was victorious in the LLN in Ocala last year, had a rough go in this year’s League of Nations Ocala. Originally the team was to have been a repeat of last year with Lillie Keenan, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale and McLain Ward all tapped to ride by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland. However, a last-minute substitution was necessary when Ward injured his hand in a fall with a horse the week before, so Natalie Dean stepped up to fill in. In the end Dean, who jumped second in the order for the USA and was the Team’s best in this LLN Ocala, put in a fault-free ride in the first round with Marigold Sporthorses LLC’s Pedro van de Barlebuis.  

Best scoring rider for the U.S. Team in the 2026 Longines League of Nations Ocala, Natalie Dean on Pedro van de Barlebuis. Photo by Kim MacMillan

In a cruel twist of fate, the other seasoned and decorated U.S. riders all encountered just plain bad luck no one could have foreseen. First out for the U.S. Team was Lillie Keenan and her long-time partner Argan de Beliard, a horse that had an impressive four double-cleans in Nations Cup competitions last year. After pulling only one rail over the challenging course to that point, Argan stunned everyone by stopping at the final fence which caused Keenan to fall off. Horse and rider were both alright, but the rider fall resulted in mandatory elimination.  

“The biggest mystery was Lillie’s horse stopping,” said Chef d’ Equipe Ridland. “We’re not sure why he did that. The last fence was right towards the crowd. Maybe he saw something.” 

This left the U.S. Team with only three riders (and no other drop score) to try to qualify for the second round since only the top eight teams of the ten returned for the second class. After Kraut’s horse Tres Bien Z (who won the Washington International Horse Show Grand Prix last fall) also refused on the first attempt at the water jump and had an additional three rails down plus time faults, things began to look very bleak.  

Anchor U.S. rider Vale on Carissimo 25, a horse with a history of clean rounds and big wins, also grabbed an uncharacteristic four rails for 16 faults. This left the USA with 49 total faults so they failed to qualify for the second round in Ocala. They plan to move on to compete in the next two legs of the LLN, however, so they have the potential to improve in the LLN standings. Switzerland also had a difficult first round and did not return for round two.  

View the complete results and a list of competitors from the 2026 LLN Ocala here.

A drone show lit up the sky over the WEC main arena before the 2026 LLN Ocala awards. Photo by Cindy Lee/MacMillan Photography

France won the first round of the LLN in Abu Dhabi in February, with Germany second there and Brazil third. After two of four legs have been completed, the Longines League of Nations preliminary overall standings thus far are: Germany, first; France, second; Ireland, third; Brazil, fourth; Great Britain, fifth; Belgium, sixth; Switzerland, seventh; the Netherlands, eighth, Italy, ninth, and USA tenth. Track the 2026 League of Nations standings here.

Fans of the sport can relive the excitement of the Longines League of Nations Ocala on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, March 28, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, with an encore presentation on Thursday, April 16, at 6 p.m. ET. 

The post 2026 FEI Longines League of Nations Jumping: Germany Shines Under Ocala Sun appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

It’s fitting that this Year of the Fire Horse corresponds with Horse Illustrated magazine’s golden anniversary. The publication’s first issue was on newsstands in 1976, just ten years after the last Fire Horse in 1966. In Chinese culture, the color gold symbolizes prosperity, so may Horse Illustrated readers enjoy many more information-packed issues in the years to come!

Also significant in equestrian circles this year are the 2026 FEI World Championships in August in Aachen, Germany, which will begin the journey toward the next Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles. Performances at these World Championships, and the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, will be part of determining which countries will qualify to compete and who will ride for the USA in the LA28 Games.

A pair of beautiful gilded horses and carriage in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park usher in the 2026 Year of the Horse. Photo by Queenie MW Lam

What is a Fire Horse?

This Year of the Fire Horse runs February 17, 2026, through February 5, 2027. There’s a common Mandarin Chinese idiom, “Mǎ dào chéng gōng,” which basically means “Success upon the horse’s arrival.”

Chinese tradition combines the qualities associated with the animals in their 12-year Zodiac cycle with those of their five philosophical elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) to produce this 60-year cycle. The Horse is the seventh animal in their calendar, with the others being the Rat (first), Ox (second), Tiger (third), Rabbit (fourth), Dragon (fifth), Snake (sixth), Sheep (eighth, sometimes listed as a ram or goat), Monkey (ninth), Rooster (tenth), dog (eleventh), and pig (twelfth). Learn more about why the Chinese Zodiac animals are listed in this order here.

Chinese Zodiac calendar wheel featuring the 12 animals of their Zodiac.

In Chinese culture, the Horse is said to have an independent, dynamic, confident and adventurous spirit and to symbolize vitality, speed, perseverance and success. The Fire element adds intensity and high energy to the mix. According to Chinese horoscope forecasters, this makes 2026 a year for bold decisions and rapid transformations supported by a surge of creativity and ambition. However, Chinese philosophy cautions that while the Horse is brave and enthusiastic, it can also be impulsive. Overall, the forecast for this Year of the Fire Horse is potentially one of moving forward, renewal, vibrant transformation, economic growth and technological advancements.

This year is also a Yang Fire year, one which favors those who are willing to take risks and make quick decisions. In Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang are the dual, yet interdependent, forces present in all aspects of life. Years ending in even numbers are Yang while Yin years are odd-numbered. Yang is associated with activity, dynamism, brightness, warmth and masculinity, while Yin is thought of as having passivity, receptivity, darkness, coolness and femininity.

Babies born in a Year of the Fire Horse are thought of as energetic, charismatic and desiring the freedom for self-expression. Find out which animal corresponds to your birth year and check out the 2026 horoscopes for all of the 12 Chinese Zodiac symbols here.

Numerology also plays a huge role in shaping Chinese culture and beliefs. Last year was the ending of the last Universal Year cycle—it was Year 9. In 2026, we enter a new Universal Year 1. (When added together, the numbers in 2026 add up to 10, which leads back to number 1.) Additionally, the five elements are associated with numbers; numbers that end in “6” or “7” are always associated with Fire. Hence, in 2026 we have the Fire Horse and next year, 2027, will be the Year of the Fire Goat/Sheep.

It is also interesting to note that the start of this year’s Chinese New Year corresponds with the Ring of Fire solar eclipse that will appear over Antarctica on February 17. This adds even more intensity and fireworks on that day!

More About Chinese New Year

One of the most important holidays of the year, this lunisolar (combines the solar year with the moon’s cycle) event is celebrated in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and in Chinatown neighborhoods in other countries around the world, among others. The day on which the Chinese Lunar New Year lands varies from year to year based on when the first new moon falls (this can be any day from January 21 to February 20).

The first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year marks the start of a 15-day Spring Festival which celebrates the end of winter and the start of new agricultural cycle. This spring celebration ends with a Lantern Festival on the final day (this year’s Spring Festival runs February 17-March 3). The day before the Chinese New Year is called New Year’s Eve, which comes with a set of practiced traditions as well.

A merchant selling Chinese New Year gifts at the 2026 Honolulu Chinatown New Year Spring Festival. Photo by Dorrel Whinery

Same as the January 1 New Year in the Gregorian calendar used by the Western world, the Chinese New Year is a time to shrug off the old and bring in the new, and to follow traditions that invite luck, good health and wealth. Across China, people traditionally have holiday time off from work with many traveling back to their hometowns; it’s said to be the biggest mammalian migration in the world. Other Asian cultures celebrate in similar fashion, but with a few different traditions.

As with all holidays, there are many traditions associated with Chinese New Year. Starting with today, New Year’s Eve, it’s a time to clean house to “sweep out the old year’s dust.” And, to prepare a good-luck meal to enjoy with family; the meal should include long noodles to encourage longevity and rice for abundance, but there are many other lucky foods on the list to try as well. Also important on New Year’s Eve, leave the lights on until midnight to drive away evil spirits so the New Year can begin with good luck.

Wearing red for the New Year celebrations is very important as well; it is the ultimate lucky color. Bonus points if your underwear and socks are red, too! Red is thought to bring good luck, prosperity and ward off evil spirits. Continuing with the red theme, on New Year’s Day people gift red envelopes containing money to children and unmarried young people in their family as part of New Year’s celebrations to pass on good fortune, joy and blessings.

Flowers, red envelopes with money inside and a Chinese ceramic horse are examples of gifts that will be given during the Year of the Horse. Photo by Queenie MW Lam

Buying flowers and plants is also something that can bring growing luck for the coming year. Honoring one’s ancestors is another New Year’s tradition. And, fireworks are a visual delight to usher in the New Year. Only kind and lucky words should be spoken on New Year’s Day to start the year on a positive note.

There is also a list of things to avoid on Chinese New Year’s Day because they might invite bad luck. These include no washing of clothes or dishes and no house cleaning (these should be done on New Year’s Eve instead) and not wearing torn clothes. And, don’t wear white or black since these are colors associated with death in China. Find other New Year’s dos and don’ts here.

There is much more to learn about this important holiday than space allows. Here are some links to more information:

◆ Chinese New Year Overview

◆ Lunar New Year Overview

◆ The Chinese New Year from Britannica

◆ 15 Chinese Lunar New Year Fun Facts

New Year’s Fun & Games

Beyond wearing red, watching fireworks and consuming lucky food, there are so many fun ways to celebrate the incoming Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse. Here are a few ideas.

1. Take a Virtual Tour of  Smithsonian Museum Equestrian Art

Enjoy some equestrian art from the Smithsonian Museum’s 2026 Year of the Horse collection. Find some beautiful pieces here.

“Celestial Horses,” artist unknown, an ink and color on silk artwork gifted to the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum by Charles Lang Freer, is one of the featured artworks in the Smithsonian’s 2026 Year of the Horse web feature. Photo courtesy the Smithsonian Institute

2. Learn How To Write a Decorative Holiday Couplet

This really cool video, shared by Queenie MW Lam in Hong Kong, shows how to create a couplet of two written Chinese traditional Han characters to create a festive New Year’s greeting. Watch the video here.

The character Fu (福; fú) means fortune and good luck. And, the character for horse is 馬 (it kind of looks like a horse with the four legs, trailing tail and mane flowing out behind).

Note in this video the use of the red paper and the gold writing, plus the little gold gourd next to 2026 (which symbolizes prosperity, protection and harmony), the gold ingots in the upper right-hand corner (inviting wealth in the New Year), and the traditional New Year’s fireworks to the left of the horse.

For all the artists out there who would like to try their hand at re-creating the couplet in the video, here is the English translation of the subtitles at the top of the video:

1. First, write a “5”.
2. Then, write “2026”.
3. Write a reversed “7”.
4. Connect the lines to draw the mouth and nose.
5. Draw the eyes.
6. Fill them in.
7. Add the ears.
8. Draw the horizontal and vertical lines.
9. Use zigzag lines to create the mane.
10. Draw the two connected circles to make the bridle.
11. Write the other half of the fortune character.
12. Use several “S” shapes to form the tail.
13. Draw a small circle and a big circle to make the gourd.
14. Use two “C” shapes to draw the gold ingots.
15. Add small dots to create fireworks.
16. Draw some additional decorations.
17. The Fu (福) character for the Year of the Horse is complete.

3. Breyer’s Special Year of the Fire Horse Model

Most horse lovers have at least one Breyer horse model on a shelf or in a toy box, most of us many more. Since 1950 this U.S.-based company (now owned by Reeves International, Inc.) has produced lifelike models of equines and other animals. The company’s BreyerFest attracts many thousands of visitors each year to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, proving just how popular their products have become.

In 2026 the company released a special Year of the Fire Horse model called Yàn Wǔ. Stephanie Macejko from Reeves International said that this limited edition has been their most popular release of the year thus far.

Yàn Wǔ, a Breyer limited-edition model for the Year of the Fire Horse has been their most popular item thus far in 2026. Photo courtesy Breyer

She explained the creative process behind this flashy chestnut and white statue, “For Breyer, every year is the Year of the Horse! For over 75 years, we’ve celebrated all the different breeds and disciplines that inspire us, including those in art and culture, too! The colorway was inspired by Chinese watercolor art, but converted to celebratory metallic reds and golds, with a pearl base.  The symbol for horse is shown on the hip, and his name means ‘flame’ and ‘dance,’ which captures the spirit of the horse’s stance and the fact that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse.”

According to Macejko, Yàn Wǔ is not their first Year of the Horse tribute. In 2014, Breyer celebrated the Year of the Wood Horse with a limited-edition model painted with a woodgrain finish, and also produced a second collectible model showcasing the colorful smoke used in traditional Chinese celebrations. Before that in 2002, they released “Jade,” decorated to evoke the look and feel of the gemstone, to mark that year’s Chinese New Year of the Horse.

4. Chinese New Year’s Galloping Horses Scroll from LEGO

LEGO, the Danish construction-block toy company, has attracted both young and old fans from around the world since their founding in 1932. LEGO representative Sydney Mauro shared that, beginning in 2019, they have been releasing Lunar New Year sets as part of their seasonal portfolio. These feature festive scenes, zodiac animals and cultural traditions that celebrate Spring Festival.

In 2026 for the Year of the Horse, they introduced the LEGO Galloping Horses Canvas set. It is a build-and-display model that brings traditional Chinese brush painting to life in brick form.

LEGO introduced this Galloping Horses Canvas set in 2026. Photo courtesy LEGO

“The LEGO Group’s Lunar New Year sets are designed to inspire kids and families to celebrate cultural traditions through hands-on building. This year the brick-built horses and printed canvas feature symbols of strength, good fortune and the traditional blessing of ‘success upon arrival’ in the New Year. The set also allows builders to pose the four horses and turn a handle to make them move as if galloping out of the painting, creating a playful Spring Festival decoration families can build and enjoy together,” explained Maduro.

5. Pokémon GO’s Lunar New Year’s Game

For aficionados of Pokémon GO, there is a Lunar New Year event on February 17 with added features as a nod toward the Lunar New Year. Visit here for more information.

2026 Year of the Fire Horse Photo Gallery from Around the World

Happy New Year!

So, now on Chinese New Year’s Eve, get ready to ride into 2026. It’s time to say goodbye to 2025, the Year of Wood Snake. Then, break out the celebratory red and gold, gather with two and four-legged family and friends, and get ready for all the Year of the Fire Horse will bring.

Author’s Note: I dedicate this article to my late sister-in-law Jennifer Ho Whinery, a true animal lover, who inspired my interest in Chinese culture. A big thank you to family and friends who helped with the preparation of this article and with photos: John Babson; Kathy Cheung; Maya Ho; Queenie MW Lam, and Dorrel Whinery.

The post 2026 Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse Gallops In appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

This spring, however, a different kind of boots and saddles will move into “Cowtown” when the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final and Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup Final come to the Dickies Arena, April 8-12, 2026. It all started when the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI, the international governing body for equestrian sport) accepted Fort Worth’s bid to host this year’s Finals back in 2022.  

A front view of Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, where the 2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final and Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup Final will be held. Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Worth

The Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT, based out of Lexington, Ky.) will host this prestigious international competition in partnership with the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Sports Commission. SRJT Founder and President Derek Braun shared his thoughts on bringing the Finals to Texas, “This is a testament to what the Split Rock team and the City of Fort Worth have accomplished over the last several years. I am truly honored to bring a welcoming, world-class experience. There is no better way to showcase the best in show jumping and dressage and celebrate the sport as a whole.” 

Braun and World Cup Finals Event Director Sami McDermott promise not only exciting international sport, but also educational events, daily entertainment with a decidedly Texas flair, an impressive laser light show, and lots of dining, shopping and tourism options. 

Find more information and tickets here.

Competition Synopsis of the FEI World Cup Finals

Created to cap the fall and winter season of international competition, the World Cup Jumping Final was first held in 1979 and the Dressage Final in 1986. While riders are listed by the country they represent, the World Cup Finals are not team competitions. Horse and rider combinations compete in designated qualifier competitions throughout the year in order to earn a berth in the Final.  

Dressage horse and rider combos compete in two classes, the first day in an FEI Grand Prix test, followed by a rest day, then on day three in an FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class. World Cup Final jumping competition comprises three days of classes with a rest day in between the second and third competition days. They jump two rounds on the final day. All horses in both sports are inspected by the ground jury for fitness to compete before official training and arena familiarization the next day, then competition starts the day after that.  

This is the first time that the FEI World Cup Finals will be held in Texas. The USA has previously hosted the FEI World Cup Jumping Final 11 times (Baltimore, 1980; Tampa, 1989; Del Mar, Calif., 1992; Las Vegas, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, and Omaha, 2017 and 2023), and the FEI Dressage Final seven times (Los Angeles, 1995; Las Vegas, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2015, and Omaha, 2017 and 2023).  

Find the 2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final and 2026 Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup Final schedule here. 

Past World Cup Winners

The reigning World Cup Dressage Final top three from last year’s event in Basel, Switzerland, are Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale of Great Britain, first; Isabell Werth and DSP Quantaz of Germany, second; and Isabel Freese and Total Hope OLD of Norway, third. In the 2025 Longines World Cup Jumping Final the top three were Julien Epaillard and Donatello d’Auge of France, first; Ben Maher and Point Break of Great Britain, second; and Kevin Staut and Visconti du Telman of France, third.  

Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale were the 2025 World Cup Dressage Final winners in Basel, Switzerland. Photo by Kim MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Best World Cup Dressage Final placings for U.S. riders include Steffen Peters and the outstanding gelding Ravel, winners in the 2009 Final in Las Vegas; Debbie McDonald and the super mare Brentina, victors in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2003 (they also placed third in 2005); and two second-place finishes in 2017 and 2018 by Laura Graves with her former world-number one partner Verdades. Guenter Seidel riding Nikolaus placed third in 2003 and Peters took third on Floriano in 2007 in Las Vegas.  

In World Cup Jumping Finals, the USA has accrued a long list of accomplishments, headlined most recently by Beezie Madden’s win on the athletic stallion Breitling LS in 2018; McLain Ward’s win on the impressive mare HH Azur in Omaha in 2017; Devin Ryan’s second with Eddie Blue in 2018; and Hunter Holloway’s third-place finish in 2023 with Pepita con Spita. Madden also won with Simon in 2013. The uber-talented, U.S.-based stallion Flexible flew to victory in 2012 after taking second in 2008. Further back in World Cup Final history, U.S. jumper riders Katherine Burdsall, Leslie Burr Leneghan, Donald Cheska, Norman Dello Joio, Conrad Homfeld, Lisa Jacquin, Michael Matz, Katie Monahan, and Melanie Smith all had top-three finishes, several of those first-place titles.  

U.S. rider Hunter Holloway and Pepita Con Spita jumped their way to third place in the 2023 FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Omaha. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

The Venue

Dickies Arena will host the competition, entertainment, educational programs and a shopping village. The horses will be stabled in barns located on the adjacent Will Rogers Memorial Center Campus. Due to FEI rules and United States Department of Agriculture quarantine regulations, stabling will be secure and the general public will not have access. A warm-up ring will be constructed next to Dickies Arena.  

The Arena, which is owned by the city, is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility with a capacity of up to 14,000 seats. Opened on Oct. 26, 2019, it is ranked as Billboard’s number one in the world in that size class. The arena’s namesake is the Texas-based clothing company Dickies. 

The neighboring 120-acre Will Rogers Campus is a major hub for equestrian and livestock shows. It is named for the famous cowboy actor and humorist Will Rogers, who was of Native American descent. A botanical garden, a number of art and history museums, and a planetarium, are also located on or near the campus.  

Venue Info

Dickies Arena
1911 Montgomery Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107  

There is a fee for parking. Directions and parking information can be found here.

Visit Fort Worth

Come for the World Cup Finals, but stay to tour Fort Worth too! There are intriguing and entertaining options for everyone in your family or friends group. Find information at the city’s tourism website, and a video listing top ten things to do in Fort Worth here. Find information about parking here.

Texans will proudly tell you the state is the second biggest in the USA after Alaska. Fort Worth is the fourth largest city in Texas behind Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. It is a city of contrasts, rich history and diverse cultural communities, each with their own heritage, art, music and culinary delights. Established in 1849 as a U.S. Army outpost along the Trinity River, there were several ebbs and flows in population over time, but today the city has over one million residents. When combined with neighboring Dallas, the Metroplex is the fourth most populous in the USA and the largest in Texas.

Fort Worth was a stop on the historic Chisholm Trail, a cattle drive and wagon route from south Texas up to Kansas where the cattle were sold and loaded onto rail cars to ship east. Eventually many meat packing companies established facilities in Fort Worth. With ranching, cattle drives and meat packing being big business there, the city earned its “Cowtown” moniker. The first commercial oil well in the Permian Basin was drilled in 1921. Although the Basin is four hours to the west, the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is home to over 600 oil and gas company offices.  

Shopping opportunities in Fort Worth run the gamut from cowboy hats and boots to high-end luxury brands to art and antiques to treasure hunting in some really unique thrift stores. Dining options are equally diverse, ranging from premium steaks and Texas barbeque to Mexican and Tex-Mex to many other cultural cuisines from around the world.  

Dickies Arena and the Will Rogers Campus are located in the city’s Cultural District, which is home to a number of impressive art and history museums, a botanical garden and a planetarium, as well as Casa Mañana Theater. Many of the art museums offer free admission to their regular exhibits. The Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, the Fort Worth Water Gardens and the Fort Worth Zoo are all a 10-20 minute drive away from the Cultural District. Find details here. 

World Cup attendees should not miss the chance to immerse themselves in Western history in the Stockyards District, where the Fort Worth Herd conducts twice-daily cattle drives free for public viewing. Also in the Stockyards are the John Wayne Experience and the Historic Stockyards Museum. Stroll Mule Alley, where you’ll find shops and restaurants occupying what was once a large mule barn and is now home to the American Paint Horse Association headquarters, with its famed Paint Horse statues on display. Follow history markers on a walking tour around the area. In the evening visit one of the Stockyard’s many saloons or the world’s biggest honky-tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas. Find more information here.  

Fort Worth Herd features twice-daily live cattle drives in the Historic Stockyards District. Admission is free. Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Worth

One of the most impressive sites in the Fort Worth is the stunning Water Gardens located near the Fort Worth Convention Center downtown. Also in the downtown/Sundance Square area are many shops, restaurants, theaters, the Sid Richardson Western Art Museum (free admission), and the Bass Performance Hall. Sundance Square is a walkable, 37-square-block area with many fountains, outdoor gathering areas, murals and art galleries. There is a free downtown circulator bus and a bike share program to help visitors explore downtown. Discover more about the area here.

This is just scratching the surface of things to do and see in Fort Worth. Among other things, visitors can tour one of only two U.S. Government Bureau of Engraving and Printing currency production sites in the country where paper money is printed. The Fort Worth Zoo has over 500 species of animals, including over 60 endangered species, and a water park.  

If sports beyond equestrian are of interest, Fort Worth has a number of golf courses as well as the Texas Motor Speedway, where on April 11 you can try your hand at driving on the track in the NASCAR Racing Experience. A short drive away in Arlington, the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team will play home games on April 7 and 8. If you stick around a few more days, Lone Star Park begins its Thoroughbred racing meet on April 16 in nearby Grand Prairie.

Fort Worth Travel Tips

Closest Airport 

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (airport code DFW) is an easy drive to and from Dickies Arena, although depending on the time of day, allow around 35-50 minutes to make the trip.  

DFW is a large international airport offering many amenities and multiple flights landing daily from around the world. The airport ranked third in global traffic volume in 2024 behind Atlanta, Ga. (USA), and Dubai. They have a tram (Skylink) that takes passengers from terminal to terminal. There are both public and private transportation options from DFW to Fort Worth and Dickies Arena.  

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
2400 Aviation Drive
DFW Airport, Texas 75261 USA 

On the DFW website, you can find links to an airport map, driving directions, and information on public (train/tram/bus from DFW to Fort Worth) and private transportation (taxis, rental cars, for-hire airport shuttle services that will take you to Fort Worth). Ride share companies Uber and Lyft operate in the area as well.  

Another useful transportation planning tool is Rome2Rio, which provides options and price estimates. Find more info here.

Housing Options

Official World Cup partner hotels are offering discounted rates. Find out more here.

If these hotels are full, there are many other hotels and rental properties to choose from in Fort Worth. Search hotel or rental property booking sites and use these key words for housing close to the World Cup venue: Dickies Arena; Fort Worth Cultural District; Will Rogers Memorial Center; Texas Christian University (TCU); Fort Worth Medical Center.  

(Note that the Fort Worth Historic Stockyards are a bit farther away, although still within seven miles of Dickies Arena. As with any big city, keep rush hour traffic in mind when planning travel times to the venue.) 

Weather

Spring is a great time to visit Fort Worth; it is before the heat of summer yet warmer than much of Europe and North America during that time. Average daytime high temperature in April in Fort Worth is about 75°Fahrenheit (23.9 C). Average nighttime low temperature in April in Fort Worth is about 56.7°F (13.7°C). On average it rains about 13 days out of 30 in April in Fort Worth—though spring thunderstorms in North Texas can be severe. There will be about 12.5 daylight hours in Fort Worth during the World Cup Finals and a UV index of around 3 is common (moderate risk).  

Don’t Miss the FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth!

The 2026 FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals in Fort Worth are a chance to see the best horses and riders in the world here on U.S. soil and get a sneak peek of the race toward the 2028 LA Olympic equestrian competition. Combine that with all there is to see and do in the fascinating and vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and it’s a vacation and a half with a bow on top!  

This article about the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth are a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post A Preview of the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Felix Vogg (SUI) and Cartania, winners of 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CCI5*-L division. Photo by Allen MacMillan

Monica Spencer (NZL), riding her own 14-year-old Thoroughbred Artist (Guillotine – Volksraad), was second and the USA’s Boyd Martin and Yankee Creek Ranch’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Commando 3 (Connor 48 – Amigo xx) took third. Caroline Pamukcu riding HSH Blake and Jennie Brannigan on FE Lifestyle, both from the USA, were fourth and fifth, respectively. For a complete set of the results from the 2025 Mars Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, visit here.

Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist, second place in the 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CCI5*-L division. Photo by Allen MacMillan

It was Vogg’s first time competing at the Maryland 5 Star and his second 5* win (he also won in Luhmühlen in 2022 aboard Colero). He is the first Swiss event rider to win twice at the level, the first Swiss competitor to win the Maryland 5 Star, and is only the second Swiss rider ever to win a 5* (Hans Schwarzenbach won Badminton in 1951 which was the top FEI level, but at the time was called a 4*). He joins these past Maryland 5 Star winners on the prestigious list: Boyd Martin (USA) with On Cue, 2021; Tim Price (NZL) and Coup de Coeur Dudevin, 2022; Austin O’Conner (IRE) on Colorado Blue, 2023, and Oliver Townend (GBR) aboard Ballaghmor Class, 2024.  

Vogg and Cartania were in the hunt to win the CCI5*-L division from their first pass down center line in the dressage arena on Friday. They laid down a beautiful test, scoring 28.3 which put them in third after dressage behind Spencer and Artist (23.7) and Pamukcu on HSH Blake (28.2).  

Then, on Saturday, Vogg and Cartania were one of only four pairs to complete new designer Pierre Le Goupil’s (FRA) cross-country course, jumping both clear and within the time. The other three horses achieving a double-clear run were Thoroughbreds (Spencer’s Artist who ranked first after cross-country, Mia Farley’s (USA) Phelps who sat in third at the end of the day, and Sophia Hill’s (AUS) Humble Glory who finished the cross-country in seventh position). Of the 22 starters from six countries (Australia, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA), 13 completed cross-country for a finish rate of 59.09% over Le Goupil’s course.

After all 13 of the 5* horses presented passed the final horse inspection Sunday morning, it was on to the show jumping phase. The competitors returned mostly in reverse order of finish from cross-country, with Pamucku jumping her horses out of order since she had two competing (HSH Tolan King in addition to Blake). Entering the arena next to last, Vogg and Cartania did what they had to do, jump clear with only 0.4 time penalties over Michel Vaillancourt’s stadium course.

When overnight leaders Spencer and Artist dropped two rails, the victory was Vogg’s. Martin and Commando 3 also left the rails up and confidently sailed around the course for double-clear to move up from fifth after cross-country to take third. Pamukcu and Blake did the same, advancing from sixth to fourth.

Vogg was able to make the trip to the Maryland 5 Star with support from a Maryland 5 Star International Riders Travel Grant. The Grant program assists elite riders from around the globe to travel to Maryland to compete.

“Many people invite me [to the U.S.] but costs are quite high. To be honest, without that grant, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” Vogg said. “I am very thankful that people donated so that we can all come over.” 

Quietly smiling after the win, he admitted that he had a bet with his groom that involved her cutting his hair if he won and him cutting her hair if he didn’t. He was understandably elated on the victory, “It is unbelievable; the horse was unbelievable. Of course, I wanted to win all week, many people wanted that. She was all week mentally so strong.”   

One Degree of Separation from Boyd Martin

Sitting in the final 5* press conference, Martin shared that he, Vogg and Spencer had a connection to the area around Fair Hill. Martin’s farm is only half an hour from the showgrounds.  

“Felix was sort of living with us in America for about a year. He’s a top fella,” said Martin. “Me and Monica are a great mates; she’s my next-door neighbor. So, I love to win, but it’s not so bad being third to these two champion riders, who are both fantastic people. I feel honored to be here with them. They’re well deserved to come first and second. My horse Commando, he’s just a champion.” 

Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3, third place in the 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CCI5*-L division. Photo by Allen MacMillan

Immediately after the press conference, Vogg hopped on a plane to travel to Pratoni, Italy, (the site of the 2022 FEI World Championships) to compete five horses in a horse trials there. And, Cartania was headed home for some well-deserved rest.  

Spencer has been based in the USA for a little less than two years. All week she had shown emotion about the connection with her long-time equine partner Artist, a.k.a. “Max,” “I’ve had him since he was four and he’s just been a great horse for me. He has taken me all over the world. We come to these big events and I’m just thankful to be here. He just tries so hard.” 

Her plans for after the Maryland 5 Star included a much-deserved vacation for Max and a trip for her and her husband Andrew and son Gus to go on a vacation back to New Zealand for three weeks to visit family and friends. She hasn’t been home since moving to the USA in February 2024.  

Martin jumped on a jet right after the Maryland 5 Star as well, flying to France to compete in the Pau 5* where he will compete Cooley Nutcracker, one of fellow eventer Liz Halliday’s mounts that Martin took on during her rehabilitation from a traumatic brain injury.  

Elsewhere at the Maryland 5 Star

Maryland native Isabelle Bosley, riding Karen Martin’s 8-year-old gelding Oldenburg gelding Conner (Consiro 3 – Concetto), led the CCI3* division from start to finish, winning on a score of 24.8. From Monkton, Md., Bosley comes from an equestrian family with her parents training racehorses. She has also competed in timber racing.

Isabelle Bosley (USA) and Conner, winners of the 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CCI3* division. Photo by Kim MacMillan

“I couldn’t be happier,” she said, “It means so much to have my family and friends here supporting me this weekend. Conner was incredible; he’s such a good boy. He’s definitely not for sale.”  

Second in the 3* was Alyssa Phillips, who also maintained that spot throughout the weekend, on her 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding Rockett 19. And, third from wire to wire was Olivia Dutton riding Jewelent, a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse her father competed before her.  

Alyssa Phillips (USA) and Rockett 19, second in the 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CCI3* division. Photo by Kim MacMillan

Olivia Dutton (USA) and Jewelent, third place in the 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill CCI3* division. Photo by Allen MacMillan

In the USEA Young Event Horse Championships, presented by Dubarry, the winner of the 5-Year-Old Class was Pine Top Penny Belline ridden by Kylie Cahoon. MBF Mirror Image ridden by Arielle Aharoni won the 4-Year-Old Young Event Horse Division.  

In the Maryland Corgi Cup, around 125 enthusiastic, short-legged dogs made a mad dash over several heats in the morning, then a whittled field raced a final time in the afternoon to determine the victor. First-time winner Cheese took home a trophy and gift basket from Corgi Cup producers Major League Eventing. 

Corgis race off the line during the finals of the 2025 Maryland Corgi Cup where “Cheese” was the victor. Photo by Allen MacMillan

The long weekend was full of other family fun, including a Kid’s Corner area with games, crafts, a petting zoo, and a Hall of Champions tent which housed successful event horses such as Jennie Brannigan’s Cambalda, two of Boyd Martin’s Olympic horses Otis Barbotiere and Black Foot Mystery, and Erin Sylvester’s Paddy the Caddy. During the lunch break on Saturday, Shetland Pony races delighted spectators too. Also on Saturday the Maryland 5 Star hosted a beer, wine and spirits festival, and on Sunday a local food vendors showcase. Throughout, there was a nice variety of shopping and dining choices, as well as live music performances. The Real Rider Cup, a Thoroughbred retraining fundraiser, a dog adoption event, and the Mars Pet Experience chalet were also part of the fun.  

For more news and the dates of the 2026 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill event, visit the Maryland 5 Star website. 

To watch replays of the action at the 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, go to FEI TV via ClipMyHorse (subscription required). 

This article about the 2025 Maryland 5 Star is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Vogg Is Victorious at 2025 Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

A classy bay gelding stares out of his stall. He stamps his feet, then pricks his ears when he sees anyone walk by. Normally by this time of day, he’d be working under saddle or kicking up his heels in the pasture, but today he’s been sidelined due to a minor injury. Now he is getting frustrated and anxious. He might be thinking, “What happened here? Where did everyone go? What am I missing? I’m bored, bored, bored!”

Photo by PhotoLifestyle/Adobe Stock

By nature, horses are nomadic herd animals. In the wild, they’re almost always on the move together—grazing and walking, grazing and walking—with short periods of rest in between.

Yet domesticated horses are often stalled, at the very least a few hours each day. They spend even more time in a stall when an injury dictates rest, or in show-circuit situations where turnout may be limited. While in most cases more time outside makes for a happier, healthier horse, there are times when keeping them in is unavoidable.

The challenge is safely maintaining and entertaining a stalled horse to support his mental and physical well-being. This breaks down into four categories: creating a calm environment; adjusting nutrition to meet his current needs; fighting dehydration; and planning activities for the horse to combat boredom.

Think Like A Horse

Carefully think through what your horse needs and wants to be happy, then try to provide that within the confines of a stall. Food, water and attention are top of the list. If the horse is injured or recovering from surgery, then of course medication and physical therapy are probably on the itinerary too. Providing all of these things interspersed throughout the day will help break up the monotony.

“Don’t use a human’s thought process as perception for a horse,” advises Kirsten Johnson, founder and owner of Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KESMARC) in Versailles, Ky. “Think like a horse. They like to eat. They like their humans—some of them like their humans more than others. Give them a quiet, comfortable environment where they are getting the needed nutrition and grooming.”

Stall Placement & Set Up

Johnson says a horse relegated to stall rest for healing should be moved to a quieter part of the barn; a change of venue to a rehab barn may be an even better idea. She stresses that it’s important for humans working with horses on stall rest to maintain a calm, low-key demeanor, too. Be mindful of any factors that may disrupt the peace. 

“Avoid exposing the horse in full stall rest to over-stimulating situations, including other horses being turned out or ridden,” she says. “A horse on stall rest gets very anxious when he thinks he’s been left behind or isn’t doing his normal riding activity. Sometimes the worst place for a stall-bound horse is in a training barn, or whatever his normal setting is.”

One of her pet peeves is a stall with little or no bedding.

“If a horse has to be in a stall, then give him a proper bed, and make it nice and cushy,” she says. “In most cases, I prefer shavings over straw because there are fewer allergens in it. I find the cleanest, most dust-free shavings I can. But if the horse has severe allergies, then shredded paper is best. I use straw for horses with open wounds. If I have a horse with a fracture, then I want the bedding banked around the sides of the stall.”

A nice bed of fluffy shavings away from stressors such as an arena where horses are being ridden helps maintain a calm, low-key demeanor. Photo by Holly Caccamise

Though it may be tempting to introduce a companion animal for the horse on stall rest, Johnson advises against that, citing experiences where it backfired. It might be OK if the horse already has an animal buddy living with him, but don’t add a new animal to the mix.

Feeding Strategies

“Feed smaller meals more frequently” headlines the advice from Tania Cubitt, Ph.D., an equine nutrition consultant based out of Virginia for Performance Horse Nutrition. These are words to live by not only for horses on stall rest, but for any horse. This helps prevent an unhealthy overload on the horse’s digestive system and offers a good distraction to reduce boredom.

Cubitt specializes in feeding strategies for special-needs horses. She says the mantra “forage first” is important. Feed a palatable, dust-free, and mold-free hay suited for the horse’s age and body condition, then augment that with concentrate (equine-specific bagged grain, fat/fiber feed, or ration balancer), depending on the individual horse’s requirements.

“Provide plenty of forage and make it available all the time to mimic grazing,” she says. “Feed hay first to slow down the rate of intake of grain.”

Having forage to snack on all day helps replicate grazing and keeps the stall-bound horse busy. Photo by Penny/Adobe Stock

Cubitt says that many people don’t realize that an injured horse has similar nutritional needs to those of a horse in light work because he needs to rebuild his body. Therefore it may not be correct to cut out all concentrates in the stall-bound horse’s diet, although starches and sugars should be replaced by fats and fiber to reduce excitability.

She also recommends the following:

◆ Instead of the full portion of grain that the horse might receive when in work, pelleted ration balancers, which meet protein, vitamin and mineral requirements, may be fed along with hay to a horse on layup.

◆ Feeding treats is fine, but “everything in moderation.” She recommends forage-based or forage-only horse treats for idle horses. And, yes, the occasional carrot is fine too.

◆ Use slow feeders for hay and grain to reduce intake rate. Cubitt prefers the those that rest on the ground rather than hanging ones.

Hydration

Monitoring water intake of horses on stall rest is critical. They may back off on water consumption since their activity level is lower; this can result in dehydration and increase the risk of colic, among other serious ailments.

Cubitt advises giving wet feed, if tolerated by the horse, to increase hydration, and says feeding soaked beet pulp is one good way to do this. Johnson agrees and is a big proponent of soaking hay before feeding, too.

Activities & Hand-Walking

There are many options for in-stall activities to break up the long hours for a horse on layup. Grooming sessions are great bonding time for horse and handler and contribute to the horse’s overall health and relaxation.

You can also try carrot stretches, clicker training and other exercises. Hide treats around the stall. See if the horse responds well to soothing music. Get creative, but also keep safety and maintaining a calm environment in mind.

Johnson says not many rehabbing horses need complete stall rest for the duration of their healing, so if the horse is cleared for hand-walking around the barn or arena, that will help beat the boredom. Just know the horse and be prepared so hand-walking remains as safe as possible for horse and human.

If the vet has cleared your horse for hand-walking and it’s safe to do so, this will help with rehab as well as alleviating boredom. Photo by PhotoLifestyle/Adobe Stock

Stall Toys & Treat Dispensers

A wide variety of fun horse treat dispensers and stall toys are available, not only for rehabbing horses; they can be great time-fillers for any horse in a stall or paddock.

Hanging toys and treats offer a time-consuming challenge. Just make sure they can’t be pinned against a wall! Photo courtesy Likit

There are stall balls and tug toys for the horse to grab and bounce around, hanging toys to nose and swing, rolling balls and puzzle boxes with holes that dispense treats as the horse moves the toy, hanging lickable treat dispensers and entertaining “lollypops” for horses. There are also scratch pads to mount on stall walls that allow horses to reach their itchy spots.

Recent studies in the United Kingdom¹ and the U.S.² included the use of some stall toys and treat dispensers. Both reported a reduction in stereotypical behaviors (also called barn vices, which researchers now believe are initiated by stress) in the studied horses.

Rolling pellet dispensers like the Snak-a-Ball give horses a mentally and physically stimulating task during stall time. Photo courtesy Likit

Regardless of the enrichment items you choose, make sure that the toy and any mounting hardware are sturdy enough to withstand abuse from an overenthusiastic equine. Johnson cautions that some horses may overdo it with toys, annihilating the object and possibly injuring themselves in the fray, so read all directions and be cautious when introducing new playthings.

Treatment & Physiotherapy

Make sure to include an injured horse’s entire care team during the rehab process. Consult veterinarians, physiotherapists, farriers and nutritionists, as well as grooms and trainers, to create a plan. Prescribed veterinary treatment, massage, and other physiotherapy modalities will help heal the horse while also occupying its mind.

Even with a well thought-out plan to break up the boredom, Johnson says some horses on stall rest may need herbal quieting remedies or long-term sedation for their own safety if they become overly exuberant. Don’t be shy about speaking with a veterinarian if these options are necessary.

About the Experts Tania Cubitt, Ph.D. Tania A. Cubitt, Ph.D., is an equine nutrition consultant with Performance Horse Nutrition who specializes in feeding broodmares and senior horses as well as those afflicted with gastric ulcers, metabolic syndrome, and developmental orthopedic disease. Kirsten Johnson Kirsten Johnson is the founder and owner of Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center (KESMARC) in Versailles, Ky. KESMARC offers a wide variety of treatment options, including a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a swimming pool, cold therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), Theraplate, and more.

¹ “The effect of a stable toy, ‘The Boredom Breaker,’ on the behaviour and welfare of stabled horses”; Ball, M.; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol

² “Effects of environmental factors on cribbing activity by horses”; Whishera, L. et al.; 2011; Applied Animal Behavior Science 

This article about solutions for stall boredom appeared in the September 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Solutions for Stall Boredom appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Photo courtesy CHIO Aachen

The folks in Aachen are old pros at big equestrian events. The iconic venue has been home to equestrian competition since 1898 and they hosted the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, so expect a well-organized Championships next year. For nearly 100 years they have staged several international-level shows each season, most notably their CHIO Aachen in July when the riders, drivers, vaulters and spectators from around the world gather for top-level sport.  Ask anyone who’s been and they’ll tell you, “Aachen is not to be missed! You’ll love it there.” 

Stefanie Peters, President of the Aachen-Laurensberger, talked about their commitment to hold the 2026 Championships in an August 11 press conference, “It is a great honor for us to host these important Championships. We will do everything in our power to offer equestrian sport a stage that will do more than justice to this international highlight.”  

She listed some of targeted investments, partly funded by the German government, that are to be made in time for the World Championships. These include installing a cover over Arena 3 and modernization of the cross-country course (which is being designed by Italian Giuseppe Della Chiesa), to name just a few. “Our goal is for Aachen to continue to be seen as the global flagship of equestrian sports in the future and to set new standards for major international events.”  

Olympic gold medalist from Germany Julia Krajewski riding Nickle at CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Hubert Fischer

FEI 2026 Aachen World Championships Schedule & Venue

The fourteen days of the 2026 Aachen World Championships competition is divided into two weeks with three sports each week. Week one features dressage, eventing and vaulting, then in week two show jumping, four-in-hand combined driving and para-dressage fill the calendar. 

There will be three competition stadiums and an outdoor course where eventing cross-country and driving marathon will be run. The Main Stadium will host the opening ceremonies, dressage, show jumping, and the final show jumping phase of eventing. Stadium 2 will be the home of the driving dressage and cones phases and eventing dressage. Stadium 3 will stage the vaulting and para-dressage classes.  

The Aachen Main Stadium during CHIO Aachen jumping competition. Photo courtesy CHIO Aachen

Rave Reviews for Aachen

Germany’s Isabell Werth, the most decorated dressage rider of all time, had nothing but praise for the 2006 Championships during a press conference to mark the one-year until Aachen 2026, “The FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen were the greatest championships we, as riders, have ever experienced.” 

The most decorated dressage rider of all time, Isabell Werth of Germany, riding Wendy at the 2025 CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Jasmin Metzner

“Aachen is the mecca of show jumping. It’s one of the greatest shows in the world,” said Olympian and U.S. Show Jumping Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, after a U.S. Team Nations Cup CSIO5* win in Aachen in July. “There’s truly nothing like winning as a team here in Aachen.” 

Six-time Olympian for the USA, McLain Ward commented on his affinity for showing at Aachen while competing there in 2024, “I think I came to Aachen for the first time 30 years ago, not to date myself, and it just never gets old.” 

2024 Olympic show jumping gold medalist Christian Kukuk from Germany attended the 2006 Aachen Championships as a 16-year-old spectator on the stands and looks forward to making a bid for his country’s team in 2026. He said he had always hoped that a Championship of this magnitude would be staged in Aachen again. “I have not forgotten that breathtaking atmosphere.”  

A German vaulting squad performing at CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Jasmin Metzner

Tickets, Travel & Housing Tips

Tickets for this every-four-years event are selling fast with over 50 percent already purchased, so don’t wait if you want to attend in person. Ticket prices run from the 15-Euro Village Passes (with no competition seating) up to 620 Euros for a show jumping all-access pass in the Mercedes Benz Grandstand, with many affordable pricing options in between.  

Eventing cross-country and driving marathon tickets cost 50 and 30 Euros, respectively. Para-dressage tickets are free with the purchase of another ticket (stadium seating for another sport or a village pass). Reasonably priced standing-room-only stadium tickets are also available for dressage and show jumping. Ticket prices may also include local bus fare for the date on the ticket.  

The USA’s Chester Weber during an awards ceremony at the 2023 CHIO Aachen. Photo by CHIO Aachen/Michael Strauch

Closest airports to Aachen are Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany (53 miles), Düsseldorf Airport in Germany (62 miles), Maastricht Aachen Airport (17 miles) in the Netherlands and Liège Airport (37 miles) in Belgium. Aachen transportation options include trains and buses as well as car rentals, taxis, ride share companies such as Uber and FreeNow, and bicycle rentals. When looking for housing, in addition to looking in Germany, also consider hotels and rentals in Belgium and the Netherlands due to the close proximity of Aachen to those borders. The address of the Aachen showgrounds is: Albert-Servais-Allee 50, 52070 Aachen, Germany.  

More About Aachen

The city of Aachen is located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia directly bordering Belgium to the southwest and the Netherlands to the northwest. The city has approximately 261,000 residents and is situated in the northern foothills of the High Fens and the Eifel Mountains and along the Wurm River. 

Links to More information

Ticket Sales

◆ Ticket Sales Brochure
◆ Online Ticket Sales

Television Coverage

The competition will also be available live and on demand on FEI.TV via ClipMyHorse (subscription required).

General Information

For more information about the 2026 FEI Aachen World Championships, visit their website or the 2026 Aachen FEI page.

◆ Aachen 2026 World Championships E-Newsletter
◆ Aachen Tourism (includes housing and travel information) 

2026 FEI World Endurance Championships

Fans of the seventh FEI sport, endurance, should note that the 2026 FEI World Endurance Championships will be in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, on October, 17, 2026. For more information about that competition, visit here. 

But Wait, There’s More!

Aachen 2026 also begins another exciting three-year cycle of top-tier equestrian championships with the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games following. Ticket sales for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Lima 2027 Pan American Games should open soon. (Anyone considering a trip to the Lima Pan Am Games could easily tack on a side excursion to see the historic Machu Picchu site in the Peruvian Andes too. It’s well worth the effort and organized tourism packages are readily available through approved tourism vendors listed on the Games website.)  

But before all of those, to whet the appetite of equestrian fans for international sport here in North America, the Maryland 5* at Fair Hill Three-Day Event happens October 15-19, 2025, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event April 23-26, 2026, and then April 8-12, 2026, the USA will host FEI World Cup Finals for dressage and jumping at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Watch for further updates on all of these competitions, as well as event coverage, on HorseIllustrated.com and in print in Horse Illustrated magazine. 

The post FEI 2026 Aachen World Championships Countdown Under One Year To Go With Brisk Ticket Sales  appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

While this article is specifically about showing sport horses in hand, many of the basic concepts and potential benefits also translate to showing hunter horses on the line, in western halter classes, or presenting a horse for ground jury inspection in eventing.

In-hand work also provides the basic framework for later at-liberty training and will certainly make it easier if a horse needs to be shown to a veterinarian for a pre-purchase or lameness exam.

“For me, the basis of in-hand work starts with groundwork; this leads to desensitizing, the concept of boundaries, and responsiveness to pressure or aids—all things that translate to a more well-adjusted horse and are hugely beneficial to any horse once starting under saddle work,” says Quinnten Alston. Alston is a professional rider and handler who runs his own breeding program at Quantico Sporthorses in Southeastern Pennsylvania, which has produced an impressive string of breeding class champions at prestigious shows, such as Dressage at Devon. He is also an in-house rider and sales manager for Iron Spring Farm, a successful sport horse breeding facility in Coatesville, Pa.

Running alongside a homebred mare Frida Kahlo QC, a Champion at Dressage at Devon, Quinnten Alston keeps her tracking straight and moving forward to show her lovely, big trot. Note the slack in the reins so she isn’t restricted and that Alston keeps his eye on her as they move. Photo by Purple Horse Designs

Purpose & Process of Showing in Hand

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules for Dressage Sport Horse Breeding lists the purpose “To encourage the breeding of horses suitable for dressage and to provide an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of breeding programs.”

Horses are judged on their conformation and movement and are given a “general impression” score (which may be influenced by the behavior of the horse, turnout, and other factors). The handler’s job is to present the horse in a way that can show his best qualities.

An important consideration is that the handler must be able to keep up with the horse in order to show him well in competition, so be honest in evaluating your capabilities. If in doubt, ask someone to video you working with your horse to see if you are negatively restricting his forward motion. If you aren’t physically able, it may be better to hire someone else to show your horse.

Each animal is presented one at a time in the ring (except for group breeding classes, such as “Produce of Dam” or “Get of Sire,” where related horses are shown together). The handler walks the horse into the ring for examination by a judge. The horse is first stood up for conformation evaluation; the judge walks around the horse looking at him from both sides as well as from the front and back. Next, the horse is walked around a triangle pattern, followed by trotting the triangle. Finally, the horse is set up again for evaluation before exiting the ring.

The United States Equestrian Federation-approved patterns for showing a horse in hand, taken from the dressage sport horse breeding section of the US Equestrian rule book. Photo courtesy US Equestrian

The judge stands at the apex of the triangle. He or she observes how “true” the horse travels, looking first from the back as he goes away down the first short side and then from the front as he returns on the other short side. The judge evaluates the horse’s more extended gaits as he travels on the long side of the triangle.

This mare is being shown at the trot on the long side of the triangle show pattern. The long side is for showing more extended gaits and brilliance. Photo by Allen MacMillan/MacMillan Photography

Getting the horse to move in a straight line is very important.

“The judge is analyzing the correctness of the gaits, which is harder to do if the horse is not moving on a straight line to or from the judge,” says Alston.

Getting Started with Showing a Horse in Hand

The aids a handler may use to communicate with the horse in hand include the handler’s body language, gentle touch-pressure applied to the body of the horse, guidance from the reins or lead, voice commands, and encouragement or direction (not punishment) using a whip.

Alston says he starts teaching a horse groundwork as early as he can, many when they are foals, after they are familiar with leading.

“Small introductions to moving away from pressure is the foundation,” he says.

The lessons start with responding to pressure applied to the front and hind end. Then, once the horse progresses on to walking and trotting in hand, he asks the horse to do both gaits on zig-zag lines. This helps the horse learn to change direction and teaches him to be more in tune with Alston’s body movement.

He also uses “square” drills: walking in a straight line, turning a 90-degree angle, continuing on a straight line again, and repeating until a square has been created. This teaches the horse to be respectful and to take into consideration where his handler is and will be going.

Alston advises that it’s easiest to have help from a whip person walking behind the horse the first couple of times so that the horse can figure out confidently walking and trotting in hand. He explains that some young horses may not understand the first time you ask them to trot in hand, but once they have a clear understanding of that, it’s as simple as asking them to be adjustable within the gaits.

“I use the terms ‘big walk/big trot’ and ‘small walk/small trot,’ but you are essentially asking the horse to cover more or less ground based on stride length,” says Alston. “I will also change my own stride length to match the horse. To accompany a bigger walk by the horse, I make my stride bigger, not faster. I always want to have the feeling that the horse is marching within his gait if I am asking for more ground cover. The movement has purpose and energy.”

Teaching your horse to stand in an open stance, then to stand square with front and back legs, and finally to go back to an open stance on the other side, is important so he understands the concept, according to Alston. However, since most of the horses he shows are young, and shows can be busy environments, he doesn’t get too focused on whether the horse is always standing perfectly in front of the judges.

A good example of the desired “open stance” pose of the horse, demonstrated by Andrew Palmer and the young Trakehner stallion Hart Throb, which makes all four of the horse’s feet visible to the judge. Photo by Shelley Higgins/MacMillan Photography

He advises keeping training sessions short, 15 minutes or less, especially with younger horses, and to always end on a good note.

Equipment & Attire

USEF rules state that foals, weanlings, and yearlings may wear a leather halter with lead, but starting at age 2, horses must wear a bridle. Alston says he knows some handlers who use a bridle for yearlings, but he doesn’t until the horse turns 2. Regardless, he stresses that the halter or bridle should be well fitted to the individual horse.

“If in a bridle, the bit should be appropriate in size for the horse,” he says. “Every part of the bridle should be fit to the horse: noseband, flash, throatlatch, browband. The bridle should be practiced in prior to the show. Nothing is worse than a horse’s first introduction to a bridle being at the show.”

According to USEF rules, handlers and/or assistant handlers are allowed to carry either a dressage whip or longe whip to help direct the horse. Although Alston chooses not to carry one when he is showing, he does use a trusted assistant handler moving behind the horse with a longe whip at shows and inspections.

“I don’t always need a whip person at home, but you want to practice having that second person before you go to a show,” he explains. “If you have a horse that isn’t confident or is less forward, having a whip person while practicing can definitely be advantageous.”

The USEF rule book directs “conservative sports attire and a helmet” for handlers. Beyond that, Alston advises that the helmet be well-fitted and to wear comfortable running shoes. He doesn’t wear gloves, but knows some handlers prefer to.

For more tips from Alston and a list of USDF learning resources, visit our Introduction to Showing Sport Horses in Hand.

The post Showing Horses in Hand appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Without therapy horses, there would be no equine-assisted activities for helping humans. They’ve been referred to as “angels with four legs and a tail” and priced at “worth their weight in gold.” But where do these equine miracle workers come from, and what makes a great one? Horse Illustrated shines a light on these special animals by visiting with program directors at two PATH International Premier Accredited Equestrian Centers.

Finding Connection with Therapy Horses

Horses possess a remarkable ability to connect with humans: to comfort, teach and heal. A wide variety of people are helped through equine-assisted activities at centers across North America. Special needs children and adults, veterans recovering from physical and emotional trauma, and abused women and children are just a few examples of those who benefit from spending time with these exceptional equines.

Kate Storjohann is lead instructor at the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program (MGHSE) in Talladega, Ala., where she works with deaf, blind and multi-disabled students. She has witnessed many examples of the healing power of horses, but one story stands out. She was teaching a blind, autistic student who in the three years she had been going to MGHSE, had not spoken to anyone there.

“I was working with her one-on-one about how to groom horses when something wonderful happened,” shares Storjohann. “As we brushed, I started to guide her hand over different parts of the horse and tell her what she was feeling. After a few minutes, she started reaching out on her own. I could tell she was beginning to take an interest, so I repeated the parts of the horse. Then she said, ‘Mane?’ I had never heard her speak before. Since that day, I can ask her to find the ear, eye, nose, mane, tail, and many other parts, and she can show me where they are.”

MGHSE student Erin Paulson aboard Reba with volunteer David Vought walking alongside. Reba is an 18-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse/Belgian Draft mare. According to their website, “She is the favorite of many of our students and volunteers due to her impressive size and calm demeanor.” Photo by J.D. Haun

That student has progressed to using voice commands to her therapy horse when riding as volunteers lead and walk alongside. Storjohann says that students at MGHSE learn much more than horsemanship: they gain confidence and independence, learn teamwork, refine balance and motor skills, develop character, and discover that all things are possible.

Smiling Again

At Therapeutic Riding Incorporated (TRI) in Ann Arbor, Mich., Program Director Jennifer Beyer has seen her share of miracles worked by their horses. The TRI program offers mounted adaptive horsemanship classes, work-from-the-ground wellness sessions, and para-dressage lessons, to name just a few of their activities.

At Therapeutic Riding Incorporated, a program horse is used in equine-assisted therapy with sidewalkers. Photo courtesy Therapeutic Riding Inc.

Beyer recalls many examples, but the story of one young man and his bond with TRI’s Quarter Horse gelding, B Smiley, illustrates the restorative abilities of an equine companion.

Liam had been a student at TRI for several years when ongoing neurological issues caused him to be hospitalized for weeks at a time, diminishing his strength and balance.

“With every hospital stay, Liam looked forward to time at TRI,” recalls Beyer. “Coming to the barn to see ‘his’ horse, B Smiley, became his motivation to get better and stick with physical therapy. Smiley has impeccable ground manners and loves attention. When the doctors gave him the ‘all clear,’ Liam wasn’t strong enough to ride, but he came to every lesson to groom and walk Smiley. Fast forward a year, and Liam is now strong enough to ride and has made great strides with improved balance. He and Smiley are still a team, both in and out of the saddle.”

Meet the Experts Sweet Pea, a 27-year-old Icelandic mare, stands for grooming and interaction from the ground. “She loves people and has worked with numerous children at summer camps and as a family mount,” says TRI’s website. Photo courtesy Therapeutic Riding Inc. Jennifer Beyer is the Program Director for Therapeutic Riding Incorporated (TRI) in Ann Arbor, Mich., where she has been on staff since 2010. She is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI); a bronze-level United States Equestrian Federation Para -Dressage Coach, and a Level 3 Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor of Riders with Disabilities (CHA-IRD). Kate Storjohann, MGHSE lead program instructor, and her 9-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Danny. She has had Danny since he was 9 months old, and he is used for lessons at MGHSE. Photo courtesy MGHSE Kate Storjohann has been the Lead Program Instructor at the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program in Talladega, Ala., since 2015. She first volunteered there as a high school senior, then was hired as an assistant instructor. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI, a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and a CHA-IRD.

What It Takes to Be a Therapy Horse

Beyer and Storjohann explain that their program horses come from various walks of life, but most often they hail from show, lesson barn and trail riding backgrounds. Both emphasize that to be considered, a horse needs to be sound and in current work because the job is both mentally and physically challenging. These equines work with a variety of students on any given day, and their gaits need to be even, their minds calm and willing, and their bodies able to hold up to the work.

Sweet Pea, a 27-year-old Icelandic mare, stands for grooming and interaction from the ground. “She loves people and has worked with numerous children at summer camps and as a family mount,” says TRI’s website. Photo courtesy Therapeutic Riding Inc.

Beyer says that there is a misconception that adaptive riding horses simply give glorified pony rides.

“This is not a cushy retirement opportunity, but a rewarding assignment for sturdy, patient and well-loved horses,” she says. “Above all else, we seek horses that have friendly, people-pleasing personalities.”

A great therapy horse is sound at the walk, trot and canter, and the quality of the horse’s movement is what benefits the participants the most, according to Storjohann.

“We utilize a wide range of input [from the] movement from our horses,” she says. “With some of our students, it is preferred that the horse have a low amount of movement as they learn to ride and acquire a proper seat. In other cases, more exaggerated movement is needed to stimulate a rider and meet their sensory needs.”

Other qualities that Beyer and Storjohann look for in ideal horses for their therapy programs:

◆ Trained, adult horses (ages 5-18 for TRI and 8-20 for MGHSE)

◆ Height range between 14-16 hands, with some exceptions

◆ Healthy, sound, a negative Coggins test, and up to date on vaccinations, deworming, dental and farrier care

◆ Rhythmic gaits; able to smoothly transition from one gait to another

◆ Comfortable being handled and ridden by a wide variety of people

◆ Good ground manners; leads, ties and stands well

◆ Stands quietly for mounting and dismounting

◆ Respects human leader’s personal space, and tolerant of multiple sidewalkers

◆ Accepting of beginner riders; tolerant and even-tempered so a student riding may be safely led around an arena

◆ Obedient to both voice and leg aids

◆ Accepting of assistive devices and equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, et cetera)

◆ Able to calmly deal with new sights, sudden sounds, and unexpected/uneven movement by the rider

◆ Must display “therapy heart” and show enjoyment in their work.

Other selection criteria may vary from program to program. For example, TRI uses some gaited horses with good results, whereas MGHSE does not accept gaited horses.

They both advise that horses with dangerous habits (i.e. bucking, kicking, biting, rearing, bolting, spooking) or horses that stumble regularly are not well-suited to this job.

Para dressage rider and TRI Social Media and Content Creator Megan Braun riding Serena, a 15-year-old Morgan mare. “Serena will take care of the most fragile of our riders and is also a proven Para Dressage horse,” according to TRI’s website. Photo courtesy Therapeutic Riding Inc.

It’s important to note that the qualities that make a great therapeutic riding horse may differ from a winning para-equestrian competition horse. To win nationally and internationally in para-dressage, for example, may require bigger, flashier gaits and more contact.

Donation & Training

Both MGHSE and TRI accept donated horses, and also purchase a few horses, but ask for a trial period in each case. Visit their websites for more information.

“Donating a horse to a therapeutic or adaptive riding program will change the lives of people with disabilities,” says Beyer.

Program horses go through training and desensitization exercises once they arrive, as well as refresher courses as needed. They are regularly conditioned and also get “vacation time” to decompress.

English actress Pam Brown said, “Horses lend us the wings we lack.” Talking about her students, Storjohann puts this in perspective.

“They are no longer restricted by their disabilities,” she says. “There is a freedom that can only be experienced on the back of a horse. Our students understand it best.”

This article about therapy horses appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Therapy Horses: Equine Miracle Workers appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Santa Anita’s iconic backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. Photo by Terri Cage

After a long wait, accompanied by much speculation and a final dramatic turn, the official equestrian sports venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28) was finally announced by the International Olympic Committee and LA28 Organizing Committee today. Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., will be the site of Olympic equestrian action for all three sports (dressage, eventing and show jumping), and likely also for the para-dressage during the 2028 Paralympics. The LA28 Olympic Games are slated for July 14-30, 2028, followed by the Paralympic Games August 15 to August 27, 2028.

Arcadia is located in Los Angeles County about 13 miles (21 km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley and at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Santa Anita Park, a prestigious Thoroughbred racetrack, also hosted equestrian sports during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.  

“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” said Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) President Ingmar De Vos. “The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”

The Santa Anita property covers 320 acres (about 129.5 hectares) and already has grandstands that can hold 26,000 people, in addition to a park-like infield which can accommodate approximately 50,000 more. Sixty-one existing barns at the facility can house up to 2,000 horses, far more than needed for the Olympics and Paralympics.  

Unlike 1984, when the eventing cross-country was held off site on a then-brand-new golf course, for LA28 the cross-country course is planned to be staged on ground surrounding the racetrack. This will necessitate the construction of a new cross-country track.  

The announcement of the selection of Santa Anita came to big surprise to the owners of Galway Downs (Temecula, Calif.), and local and state officials who supported Galway Downs, as the previously nominated and expected venue for LA28 equestrian sports. As recently as March 28, the Los Angeles City Council had voted to accept Galway Downs as the venue.  

Two weeks later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the LA28 Organizing Committee announced the selection of Santa Anita instead. They notified Galway Downs representatives on April 11 that they were no longer in consideration as an Olympic venue before announcing the new venue selection on April 15. 

Galway Downs owner Ken Smith issued this statement after being notified, “We are extremely surprised that we were suddenly removed from consideration. We don’t understand how, based on the March 28 City Council’s vote of approval, that this could happen. When we started this process more than four years ago, we understood the equestrian venue selection for LA28 would be a highly competitive, evolving process. Being selected as the proposed equestrian venue put Galway Downs and Temecula Valley on the world stage. We’re very proud of that, and we’re just getting started. Galway Downs will continue to host elite national and international competitions as well as additional sporting events.” 

When the 2028 Olympics were awarded to Los Angeles, the first venue for equestrian sports put forward was Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, but that would have required an entirely new equestrian sports facility be built. In June 2024, plans to use Sepulveda for LA28 equestrian sports were abandoned in favor of Galway Downs. A few other facilities were also considered briefly.  

The LA28 equestrian venue will have big shoes to fill after the splendor of the Palace of Versailles as a backdrop for the 2024 Paris Olympics equestrian sports. But, Santa Anita has sunshine, palm trees and the eye-catching San Gabriel Mountains as scenery, as well as a long history of legendary racehorses like Seabiscuit and Zenyatta—plus Hollywood movie stars attending races and investing in the track. It certainly fits the bill for iconic horse sports in the land of stars.

More Information on the LA28 Olympics

◆ LA 2028 Official Site 

◆ Ticket Information

◆ FEI Olympic Games Page

◆ IOC LA 2028 Page

This article is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Santa Anita Park Officially Announced as LA28 Olympics Equestrian Venue appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.