The CSIO 5* of Mexico concluded in grand fashion at Otomí Club Hípico on Sunday, as Kent Farrington (USA) and Landon lit up, flying to first in the MXN $3,400,000 Grand Prix CSIO 5*.

The last class of the event was contested by 30 combinations in the first round but only one-fifth of them mastered all the 1.60m obstacles set on the course designed by Benjamin Fernandez (MEX). The time allowed was not a major factor and the time allowed of 86 seconds was only exceeded by one combination. 

One of the favorites for sure, Kent Farrington (USA) and Landon  left a stride out early on in the jump-off course and kept motoring. Farrington and Haity McNerney`s 10-year-old chestnut Zangersheide gelding (Comilfo Plus Z x Quadrillo) set what turned out to be the winning round in 38.32 seconds.

Source: https://jumpernews.com/2023/05/01/kent-farrington-flies-to-first-in-the-3400000-longines-grand-prix-csio-5/

The NetJets U.S. Jumping Team made the most of their first team outing of the 2023 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Series with a strong start, finishing atop the podium and earning crucial points for qualification towards the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain, in September. The team earned the victory after a competitive jump-off with Mexico after both teams battled it out for first place to break a tie on eight combined faults after two rounds. The team was led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland.

“It was amazing. We almost went rider for rider with Mexico the entire time, which made for an incredible competition. By the time Laura [Kraut] went, we knew that we would probably be in a jump-off,” said Ridland. “The course was excellent. It was going to be a major test but also doable, but they didn’t lower the standards at all, and it was a real course. By the results, any Nations Cup that only has one double-clear combination means it was tough. It was an amazing Nations Cup. It was a fantastic venue, and they’re wonderful hosts. There’s a lot on the line this year, and it was so gratifying that when we had our call to arms at the beginning of the year, everyone, including our athletes, owners, and staff, came forward to make this happen. We have a great support team behind us.” 

At the conclusion of round one, the U.S. squad moved forward on just four total faults, ahead of both Mexico and Canada. With the pressure mounting, Kent Farrington (Wellington, FL) and Landon delivered a clear-round in their second tour of the course. Landon, a 2013 Zangershiede gelding owned by Haity McNerney, made his debut for the U.S. Jumping Team last year and has become a promising young talent for Farrington. Bliss Heers (Las Vegas, NV) and Antitode de Mars added two unfortunate rails to their round, finishing on a total of eight faults. 

Jessica Springsteen (Colts Neck, NJ) and Don Juan van de Donkhoeve jumped a beautiful round, with an unlucky and late-falling rail at the plank vertical keeping them from producing a second clear round on the day. Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, FL) and Baloutinue gave it their all for the team and produced two clear rounds in the competition, adding nothing to their second-round score and finishing in 77.91 seconds. 
 
In an exhilarating finish, a tie with Mexico on a two-round score of eight faults forced a head-to-head jump-off between Eugenio Garza Perez of Mexico and Laura Kraut. Garza Perez went first in the jump-off aboard Contago, finishing in 42.13 seconds and putting the team’s final placing in Kraut’s capable hands. Kraut executed a precise and efficient jump-off round with Baloutinue, crossing through the finish in 39.43 seconds to secure the team’s win. 

Source: https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/netjets-us-jumping-team-secures-win-in

U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington has found yet another leading lady in Toulayna with a win in the $226,000 Horseware Ireland CSI4* Grand Prix under the glow of ‘Saturday Night Lights’. Befitting of St. Patrick’s Day week, the event highlighted Week 10 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at Wellington International in Wellington, FL.

 Stepping up to the biggest test of her career to date, the nine-year-old Zangersheide mare could not be caught over the Andy Christiansen Jr. (USA) designed jump-off track and ticked the box for her first grand prix win. Nine horses advanced to the tie-breaking short course where the lead changed five times.

“This is definitely the biggest track she’s jumped,” said Farrington of the mare that was also third in the NetJets CSI4* Grand Prix during WEF 3. “I have high hopes for this horse. She’s fast, careful and everything I like in a show jumper.”

 Farrington’s Tokyo teammate Jessica Springsteen set the pace as the first clear round aboard her Olympic mount Don Juan van de Donkhoeve for owner Stone Hill Farm. Their time of 39.58 seconds was soon eclipsed by fellow U.S. rider Lillie Keenan on Chansonette Farm’s Agana van het Gerendal Z in 39.10 seconds.

Ireland’s sole representative in the Horseware Ireland Grand Prix was Darragh Kenny in the irons of Amsterdam 27. They stole the lead from Keenan and stopped the clock at 38.94 seconds before Nicole Shahinian-Simpson took it back for the U.S. in 37.94 seconds. Farrington did just enough to seal the deal by stopping the timers at 37.38 seconds.

“I’m very confident on this horse and that’s the way I like to do it; get them when they are young and produce them myself so I know them quite well,” said Farrington, who has been with Toulayna since the mare’s seven-year-old year. “Even if they are green stepping up to this level, I know where I can take a shot.

 “[Toulayna] is extremely sharp and I was very quick to the verticals,” continued Farrington of his jump-off round. “Taking a run down to that single is probably where I made up some time. She has a big stride, but I wasn’t sure if I could get eight strides to the last jump. She jumped so strong out of the double, it was easy.”

 Farrington has set high expectations for Toulayna. Ones that she is already meeting. “She’s a very high strung horse with a lot of blood and very sharp, but I try to keep the horses fresh and interested in the job because it’s a long season here. She’s done four weeks this season and I think that’s plenty. We will hit the trails now and just chill out.”

Farrington was presented as winner of the $226,000 Horseware Ireland CSI4* Grand Prix by Filette and Erin Gregory, Marketing Coordinator at Horseware Ireland. To close the evening, winning groom and Toulayna’s caretaker Denise Moriarty was honored with the $500 Grooms Award, presented by Double H Farm’s Quentin Judge and Cayce Harrison.

Source: Wellington International

Kent Farrington and Dagny Win CSI2* Grand Prix at Terranova Equestrian Center

February 26, 2023

The TerraNova Hunter/Jumper Week 2 $77,300 FEI 2* 1.45m Grand Prix had a very competitive field of 39 to contest the Manuel Esparza-designed track. In the star-studded field of top-ranked international riders and Olympic veterans, Kent Farrington and his newest mount, Dagny, led the victory gallop. 
 
Manuel Esparza (MEX), an FEI Level 3 course designer, challenged the riders with a tough vertical-vertical-oxer triple combination and a tricky oxer-to-vertical one-stride off a short turn going away from the in-gate, followed by an airy skinny vertical of three white rails and a rollback to a maximum-height triple bar along the rail.
 
The tight time allowed on course caused some difficulty early on, with only four going clear out of the first 20 entries. Of the remaining 19 riders, six more horse-and-rider combinations produced clear rounds inside the time allowed of 77 seconds, confirming 10 to come back for the jump off. 

As the 22nd to navigate the first-round course, Farrington went clear and returned for the shortened jump-off course fifth in the order. Aboard the 9-year-old mare Dagny (Durrant x Boloma Paulowna/Verdi), Farrington was out to win and stopped the timers in a blazing time of 40.18, 2.77 seconds faster than the rest of the field. 

Beginning the jump-off course with more pace than his competitors, Farrington rode nine strides from jump one to the TerraNova Equestrian Center vertical, where others did 10. The rollbacks to fence 15 and the Helm Limited vertical at fence two were smooth and efficient. He opened up Dagny’s stride to 9b-c, and the mare had an impressive jump out of the combination. Landing with pace, the pair easily jumped fence 10 and galloped their way to a big effort at the final oxer. 

“This is a very fast horse—a new horse in my stable,” Farrington said. “But you can see she looks like a racehorse. (She) is naturally quick so I just let her do her thing and try to stay out of the way.”

This is my first FEI show and I think the fourth class I’ve ever ridden the horse, so things are still very, very new,” he added.

Source: https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2023/02/26/kent-farrington-and-dagny-win-csi2-grand-prix-at-terranova-equestrian-center/

Kent Farrington and Orafina Are Untouchable in Adequan CSI4* Grand Prix at Desert Circuit 6

February 20, 2023

Kent Farrington’s (USA) cross-country trip to the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) paid off in spades Sunday afternoon as he and Orafina took top call in the $226,000 Adequan® CSI4* Grand Prix to conclude Desert Circuit VI.

With the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (For Fashion x Canturo), Farrington bested a field of six jump-off contenders over Alan Wade’s (IRL) course, winning by a margin of nearly five seconds with Orafina’s unmatched speed.

“Orafina is a very fast horse,” Farrington said. “She’s extremely careful and she really doesn’t have a middle speed. There were a few in the jump-off–not a huge amount–but that doesn’t change my strategy. I just tried to do her best round. I thought she jumped incredibly today, both rounds. A great finish to come out with a win.”

Taking second place behind Farrington was Alison Robitaille (USA) with Oakingham’s Lira for Alison Firestone LLC. The duo clocked the second-fastest double-clear ride in their second CSI4* appearance in their year-long partnership.

“I wanted to have a competitive round, but I wasn’t going in to beat Kent,” Robitaille said of her strategy with the 10-year-old mare (Tornesch x Del Piero P&B). “I wanted to do, like [Kent] said, my best round for today. She’s a really special horse. Kent found her for me. I’ve been working with him for over a year now and I’m really happy. It’s going great.”

Farrington has been developing Orafina for the past two years. He has seen his efforts pay off, with the athletic mare recording multiple wins at the five-star level.

“[Orafina has] more confidence in her jump-offs now to go a little tighter in the turns than I did before,” he added. “Her rate of speed is probably the same because she’s always on go, but a little more confident. It’s still not an easy ride. She can still be tough to manage, but she’s a fabulous jumper and an incredible athlete.

“[She is] a hyper careful, very sensitive horse,” he continued. “That is my favorite type of horse to work with. I think this is the ultimate modern sport horse. There’s a lot of power there, it’s just getting the horse to work with you. To control their power takes time. I’ve been putting in a lot of time and it’s starting to pay off with great results.”

Source: https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2023/02/20/kent-farrington-and-orafina-are-untouchable-in-adequan-csi4-grand-prix-at-desert-circuit-6/

Farrington Clinches CSI3* Grand Prix at WEF 2

January 22, 2023

The Winter Equestrian Festival’s (WEF) Week 2 finished with a fantastic display of sport on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village on Sunday afternoon. U.S. Olympic team silver medalist, Kent Farrington and Landon stormed to a win in the CHF140,000 Florida Coast Equipment CIS3* Grand Prix over runner-up Daniel Coyle (IRL).

A sweeping course designed by Oscar Soberon (USA) welcomed an all-out foot race in the jump-off for the five combinations that advanced.

Returning immediately after, Farrington and Landon, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding quickly took over the lead in 39.30 seconds. In the end, Landon, owned by Haity McNerney, could not be caught.

“Landon is a big-strided horse, but Daniel’s horse is also a big-strided horse, and I thought he had an incredible round,” said Farrington. “I probably have a little quicker foot speed than him, but it took a lot to beat that round today because he was dropping strides everywhere on a huge gallop the whole way around.”

Landon’s speed across the group proved enough to take top honors, the gelding’s first grand prix win to date. “He’s very careful and a competitive horse,” said Farrington. “I have a great team coming up and he’s one of that group, so it was an exciting day for the horse and our team.”

Of Landon’s strengths, Farrington noted, “He has so much power and such a big stride. He has to learn to contain his power, and we are starting to see that now. His rounds are getting much smoother, and the jump off today I thought was great.”

Winning groom and Landon’s caretaker Denise Moriarty was honored with the $500 Grooms Award, presented by Double H Farm.

Source: https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2023/01/23/farrington-clinches-chf140000-florida-coast-equipment-cis3-grand-prix/

Kent Farrington and Greya Give it Their All in Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix

January 21, 2023

The third week of the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) saw national level jumper competition peak on Saturday night during the $50,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic Grand Prix. WEF 2, presented by Florida Coast Equipment, went under the lights at Wellington International for a win that went to Kent Farrington (USA) aboard the rising star, Greya. 

Besting the field of 44 in a time of 37.756 seconds over a track designed by Catsy Cruz (MEX), Farrington topped a seven-horse jump-off from the lead-off position.

As the first to return, Farrington and his 9-year-old Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contender) immediately set forth a challenge for the remaining contestants with all rails still in the cups on a seemingly uncatchable time. 

“It’s [Greya’s] first time jumping under the lights,” explained Farrington. “So, I tried to just work out of her normal gallop which is already pretty quick. Luckily, it worked out tonight and I thought she was incredible.” 

The 2023 WEF season is an exciting one for Farrington’s team as he looks forward to introducing his younger string of mounts to top international competition at the venue. 

“The last year has been a rebuilding time for my string as some of my main horses are winding down their international careers,” he continued. “It’s time for the young ones to step up; I have a group of horses—the oldest being 10—that are starting to jump in the international scene and I’m excited to see what happens with each of them.” 

Greya is among the promising young horses in that string.

“She’s a very special horse and I thought she jumped very well tonight,” he said. “She’s an opinionated mare; she has her own ideas but those are my favorite horses because I think in the end they are the best. When you can train the horse to work with you and use all of their energy to go in the right direction it can be great.”

Source: https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2023/01/22/kent-farrington-and-greya-give-it-their-all-in-50000-palm-beach-equine-clinic-grand-prix/

Farrington Returns to the Desert a Winner in CSI5* 1.50m

Dec. 10, 2022

Kent Farrington (USA) returned to Thermal for the first time in more than 10 years and snagged a CSI5* win Friday evening of Desert Holiday II aboard Orafina in the $72,400 CWD CSI5* 1.50m.

“Orafina is naturally a very fast horse,” he said of the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (For Fashion x Canturo). “She’s exceptionally careful so for her it’s really about riding her best round. You have to ride her on a high tempo and attacking stride because she’s so careful at the fences. Most jump-offs are just about doing her round and not worrying about what the rest of the class is going to do. I didn’t actually watch many others; I just let her do her thing and tried not to mess it up.”

Farrington and Orafina were one of eight pairs to jump clear over Alan Wade’s (IRL) first-round track and advance to the jump-off. From there, it was a game Farrington knew well, speeding to a time of 32.72 seconds, which could not be caught, though they tried. Simon McCarthy (IRL) took second with Rock Ridge Farms’ Gotcha, while Amy Millar (CAN) took third with Christiano, owned by Future Adventures.

Source: https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2022/12/10/farrington-returns-to-the-desert-a-winner-in-csi5-1-50m/

Farrington Repeats International Strength and Speed Challenge CSI5*-W Victory at Royal Horse Show

Nov. 10, 2022

Kent Farrington of the United States opened international show jumping competition at the Royal Horse Show by scoring victory in the $38,000 Jolera International Strength and Speed Challenge on Wednesday, November 9, as part of the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Competing over a “power and speed” track designed by Michel Vaillancourt, riders had to navigate eight fences fault-free within the 45-second time allowed before immediately advancing to the speed portion of the course.  Of the 12 horse-and-rider combinations to jump clear through the first phase, Farrington and Austria 2 were the fastest in the speed phase, stopping the clock in 30.08 seconds.  It marked a repeat victory for pair, who also won in 2019.

“Austria is a hyper-competitive modern show jumper, so almost any course suits her,” said Farrington of the 14-year-old Holsteiner mare (Casall x San Patrignano Corrado) owned by Take the High Road LLC.  “She’s won some five-star grand prix classes and jumped at some of the biggest shows in the world, but as she’s gotten older now, I try to pick classes that I think are a little bit easier for her to jump.  She’s a great winner and has been since day one, and I think she will be until the end of her career.”

Ireland’s Conor Swail, currently ranked number five in the Longines World Rankings, came the closest to catching Farrington’s time. Colombian Olympian Roberto Teran placed third with BP Wakita.

“It’s great to be back at the Royal,” expressed Farrington, who won the Longines FEI Jumping World CupTM Toronto in 2017.  “I can see they put a lot of effort into the 100th anniversary of the show; the place looks great.  The atmosphere and the crowd are always fantastic as well, so it’s a super start to one of my favorite shows of the year.

“There’s usually a strong field of riders here and this year is no exception,” added Farrington, 41, a U.S. Olympic team silver medalist.  “We have several riders ranked in the top 30 in the world, which is great for North American show jumping.  It helps to raise the level of the sport and gives a great glimpse of top-notch sport to a lot of the people here that might not see it on a regular basis.”

Source: https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2022/11/10/farrington-repeats-international-strength-and-speed-challenge-csi5-w-victory-at-royal-horse-show/

Kent Farrington and Orafina Finesse $139,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3*

Oct. 22, 2022

Kent Farrington (USA) and his own Orafina were victorious in the $139,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3* with a time of 39.06 seconds. Luiz Francisco De Azevedo (BRA) and Eurohorse BVBA’s Nashville (Diamant De Semilly x Darco), the 2013 Belgian Warmblood gelding, took the second place position with a time of 39.39 seconds. Rounding out the podium was Maria Gabriela Brugal Gasso (DOM) and BG Stables LLC’s J’Adore Flamenco, the 2012 Anglo-Arab gelding (Je T’aime Flamenco x Corofino 2), with a time of 41.69 seconds.

Thirty-three entries contested Michel Vaillancourt’s (CAN) course, with seven pairs advancing to the short course. Farrington and the 2012 Dutch Warmblood mare Orafina (For Fashion x Canturo) were able to produce a round that couldn’t be bested, despite some communication issues in the first round, he recapped. 

“I tried a new bridle today. It felt great in the practice class, and then as soon as I went over number one, I knew that I was in trouble and it was going to be a long way around the ring. We managed to get through the first round, and then I changed the equipment a little bit for the jump off, and it was so much better.”

“She's an incredible horse,” Farrington described. “She's lightning fast and she's unbelievably careful. The hardest part is just the control, so that's my limitation right now. If I can get the control, I think she will be a top horse in the world. Right now I'm still managing the controls, so I have been moving up and down in my classes. We'll see how far I get, but on days when she's good, it feels great."

Orafina and Farrington have been quite a winning combination, currently ranking 6th in the FEI World Rankings as a pair: “I got her from Leon Thijssen. I've done business with him for over 20 years. He said, 'I think this horse could be great, but she is very difficult, and she needs a particular ride and will be hard to train. But if you can make her go well, I think she can be exceptional.”

Source: TIEC

Kent Farrington & Creedance Prance their Way to the Top in the $40,000 ATCO Cup CSIO 5*

Sept 8, 2022

The $40,000 ATCO Cup CSIO 5* 1.50m kicked competition off for those horses competing in the CSIO 5* classes of the ‘Masters’ Tournament. Over 60 horse/rider combinations made their way through the Clock Tower on the International Ring hoping to use their result from this competition to qualify for the $3,000,000 CP ‘International’ CSIO 5*, presented by Rolex.

Spruce Meadows suspended competition upon receiving news out of Buckingham Palace of the passing of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Following a brief citation honoring her majesty, there was a moment of silence and the flags of Canada and the Commonwealth were lowered to half mast throughout the property.  The passing of Her Majesty also meant that the Household Cavalry, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Band of the Household Cavalry, all participating at this year’s ‘Masters’ were recalled immediately to Great Britain for State duties.

Fourteen pairs passed all the tests laid out by FEI Course Designer, Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), in round one advancing to the jump-off. Twelve nations were represented in the jump off, but the victory belong to Spruce Meadows veteran and former world #1 Kent Farrington (USA). Riding the 15-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris) owned by Farrington and Haity McNerney, the pair crossed the finish line flawlessly in a time of 43.94s and could not be caught.

Source: Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington Steps Orafina Up to Win $215,000 RBC Grand Prix CSI 5* at Ottawa

August 28, 2022

In what Kent Farrington (USA) describes as a “building year” for him, he’s finding undeniable talent in up-and-coming horses. In the tack of Orafina, a 10-year-old Royal Dutch Sport Horse (Dutch Warmblood) mare (For Fashion x Canturo), the number-10 in the world won the $215,000 RBC Grand Prix CSI 5* on the final day of Major League Show Jumping Ottawa at Wesley Clover Parks.

Farrington describes Orafina as “careful like Gazelle and physically strong like Voyeur”, both comparisons that any developing horse would be lucky to share.

Orafina also has the speed to win when it matters, topping a four-horse jump-off against several notoriously fast contenders. Together, they slid Ireland’s Conor Swail (IRL) to the runner-up placing aboard Vital Chance de La Roque (Diamant de Semilly x Rivage du Poncel) for owner Mannon Farm.

Farrington’s CSI 5* victory comes just a day after leading Team Lugano to a much-anticipated gold-medal placing in the Major League Show Jumping Team Competition.

Winner‘s Circle – Kent Farrington (USA)

“[This was a] great week for me. It was my first time coming to this venue and I was really impressed. The footing was great, they have an interesting set of jumps that are different than what we see every week, which is great for my horses. Orafina is a spectacular horse and incredibly competitive. I have big expectations. In the end, the horses are going to decide what they do in the sport, and right now, she’s loving it. I hope that continues.“

Source: Major League Show Jumping

Kent Farrington & Orafina Claim the Jackpot in the $75,000 Scotiabank Cup CSI 5* at Spruce Meadows

July 8, 2022

The Scotiabank Cup CSI 5* was the final competition in the International Ring Friday of the ‘North American’ Tournament. It was also was the final qualifier for the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup taking place tomorrow. The challenging 532 meter track was designed by FEI Course Designer Peter Holmes (CAN). Three horse/rider combinations had clear rounds and advanced to the jump off – two of which were Kent Farrington (USA) aboard two different mounts. 

Rising star Katherine Strauss (USA) and Fair Field ((VDL Zirocco Blue x Chin Chin) there to challenge the veteran rider (the pair dueled in the RBC Capital Markets Cup earlier in the season), but unfortunately a rail in the jump off left her in second place.

Kent Farrington (USA) was third aboard Gazelle (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Indoctro) owned by Farrington and Robin Parsky, after electing to save the mare from taking part in the tiebreaker, most likely saving her for a more important challenge this weekend there.

“There’s a balance between the light modern sport and a bit of the old fashioned style jumping that we see here (Spruce Meadows) where the horses get a lot of experience.” Kent Farrington (USA) on the kind of sport to expect at Spruce Meadows.

Source: Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington & Chatou Lou Triumph in $75,000 West Canadian Grand Prix CSI 2*

July 3, 2022

Thirty-five horse/rider combinations for the $75,000 West Canadian Grand Prix CSI 2* for the final day of the Spruce Meadows ‘Pan American’, presented by Rolex. The two round competition required athletes to jump clear in the first round of competition in order to qualify for the jump-off round against the clock.

There were 10 duos representing five countries who advanced to the jump off. Kent Farrington (USA) aboard a new stable addition, Chato Lou, owned by Haity McNerney and Amalaya Investments, was able to best them all putting in a clear ride aboard the 9-year-old bay Oldenburg gelding (Chacco-Blue x Dobel’s Cento) with a time of 43.14 seconds to win the $75,000 West Canada Grand Prix CSI 2*.

Winner’s Circle – Kent Farrington (USA)

“He’s obviously very fast. He’s extremely careful. Those type of forces it’s always hard to know how big they’re going to jump in the end. But I think at whatever job he does in the international sport, whether it’s for two star, three star, four star speed horse, he’s going to win.” – Kent Farrington (USA) on his newer horse Chato Lou.

Source: Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington Steals the Spotlight in $140,000 Canadian Utilities CSI 5* at Spruce Meadows

July 2, 2022

The $140,000 Canadian Utilities CSI 5* was the feature competition Saturday of the Spruce Meadows ‘Pan American’ CSI 5* & 2*, presented by Rolex. Over 40 horse/rider combinations took on the 570 meters, 16 jumping effort track set out by FEI Course Designer Peter Grant (CAN) hoping to jump clear rounds and make it into the jump off.

Six competitors made it through round one with no faults and proceeded to the jump-off. The shortened track covered the 380 meters and needed to be completed in 57 seconds. Kent Farrington (USA) aboard Orafina, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (For Fashion x Canturo) proved to be in top form laying down the fastest clear round in the jump-off in a time of 44.61 seconds.

Winner’s Circle – Kent Farrington (USA)

“She’s a very, very careful horse. It’s why I move around between the levels here (Spruce Meadows) and let her experience the big jumps. Being here (Spruce Meadows) gives her a lot of growth.” Kent Farrington (USA) on bringing horses to Spruce Meadows to develop them.

Source: Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington & Orafina Fly to First in $75,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup CSI 5*

June 18, 2022

The $75,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup CSI 5* was the final opportunity for riders not previously qualified to gain entry into the RBC Grand Prix of Canada CSI 5*, presented by Rolex. Thirty-three athletes entered the evening competition hoping for a trip to the winners circle. Of those who completed the first round, only eight produced clear rounds and advanced to the jump off.

Katherine Strauss (USA), a recent university graduate coached by John and Beezie Madden,  posted an early clear ride  and then posted a clear jump off time to beat of 43.25 seconds. The only rider to put in a faster round was former world #1 ranked rider Kent Farrington (USA) aboard Orafina. Farrington put in a clear jump off time of 41.27 seconds aboard the 10-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare (For Fashion x Canturo).

Winner’s Circle: Kent Farrington (USA)

“It’s great to be back at Spruce Meadows, I’ve brought a big group of horses (with me). I think it’s great sport and great for the horses to be here (Spruce Meadows).” Kent Farrington following his win of the 2022 RBC Capital Markets Cup.

Source: Spruce Meadows

Pair of Firsts Come for Farrington in CSIO5* Grand Prix

June 4, 2022

The list of five-star grand prix victories for World Kent Farrington (USA) is lengthy.

But the World No. 7 recorded a new milestone Friday at Thunderbird Show Park, when the Olympic silver medalist recorded his first five-star grand prix victory at Thunderbird Show Park, riding his own Orafina to the top of the CSIO5* Grand Prix.

The victory, which came over an eight-horse jump-off, also marked the first at the level for Farrington's talented mount. Last to contest Peter Holmes' (CAN) short track, the pair jumped straight to the top of the class, crossing the timers in 42.04 seconds. Jose Alberto Mirtinez Vazquez (MEX) and Quinley finished second (43.92). Katherine Strauss (USA) and Cincinnati Kid took third (44.74) as the only other combination to execute a double-clear performance.

"Orafina is a very special horse," Farrington said. "I started working with her about two years ago, and she's very careful. She's obviously extremely fast, [but] she's a very particular horse. She's not so easy to ride, but she's really an incredible athlete and starting to come into her own.

"This is our first five star win, and I'm so very proud of that today. It was a great first round and a great jump off."

Weather played a role on the day, with storms forcing the feature class of Friday's Odlum Brown BC Open program to be moved from the Fort Grand Prix Arena on the grass to the Thunderbird Jumper Arena on sand. In the first half of the class, five clear rounds were produced in relatively quick succession, but only three more pairs would add their names to the jump-off list as conditions cleared.

"My hat's off to management here for making do with what they had to work with. Luckily, they have a great sand arena here in addition to their great grass arena," Farrington praised. "So we were able to move it. I think for the best competition [and] for the safety of all the horses and riders that was the right move."

Tight rollback turns, a wide liverpool oxer and a gallop lane to the final fence defined a technical jump-off. One by one, athletes focused on turning to shave precious seconds off the clock, but Farrington also had footspeed on his side to accompany his willful mare's carefulness. The duo remained ahead of the curve from the moment they crossed the start timers.

"She's hyper aware of everything going on around [her], so that's not always the most comfortable ride," Farrington said. "But I think that those [types of horses] are the exceptional athletes that we have in our sport."

Over the course of the last five months, Farrington has calculatedly stepped his mount up to her first five-star grand prix events, and the mare has been knocking on the door of a win, including a runner-up finish at the level in Wellington (USA). At Windsor (ENG) last month, the pair again finished among the top 10. According to JUMPR app, they produced a clear effort at 1.60m with a 69% success rate. The key to success has required a bit of give and take.

"I think part of making the most of her athletic abilities is finding a way to work with her, some compromises in the controls and in the riding. That's how we get the best performance as a team," Farrington said. "I think the future looks bright [for her]. She's a great talent, and I think she has a great will to win and to please. We'll see where it goes, but she'll let me know what she wants to do. I have no doubt about that."

Source: Catie Staszak Media for Thunderbird Show Park

Farrington Trains For Success in CSIO5* Happy Welcome

June 2, 2022

World No. 7 Kent Farrington (USA) used the $8,800 CSIO5* Happy Welcome 1.45m as a training opportunity for rising talent Chato Lou, owned by Haity McNerney and Amalaya Investments.

"He's a younger horse I have coming up. He's naturally very fast," Farrington said. "I'm actually trying to train him a little bit to learn to keep his mind under control and keep the ride-ability at speed. So that's more or less what I was doing today. And he's making good progress."

The nine-year-old Chacco Blue gelding proved to be a quick study, running away with the first five-star class of the Odlum Brown BC Open. The pair crossed the timers of Peter Holmes' speed track in 60.81 seconds—a nearly five-second winning margin. James Arkins (AUS) finished second (65.06 seconds), with Manuel Gonzales Dufrane (MEX) and Hortensia van de Leeuwerk third another three seconds back (68.94).

Thursday marked Chato Lou's first international victory; Farrington has had the athletic bay since the gelding's 7-year-old year and has slowly developed him through the grades—a skill the horseman has honed for years with success with a rather "simple" formula.

"I try to be very pragmatic and kind of have no ego in approaching the horses. I put them in the classes I think they're ready for," he said. "The horses tell me when they're ready to move up, the horses also tell me if they need to take a step back. You know, I really just let the horses make all the decisions. I think if you can approach that without your own ego or your own agenda that's going to override what the horse is telling you, it's easier to make the right call."

Source: Catie Staszak Media for Thunderbird Show Park

Kent Farrington and Orafina Sweep the Competition in the $140,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI3*

April 16, 2022

It was a picture-perfect day on the derby field for the $140,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI3* on Saturday, April 16. The highlight class of the second week of the 2022 ESP Spring Series saw a starting order of 36 elite contenders test the opening track set by American course designer Ken Krome. In an exciting jump-off round, Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington (USA) and Orafina soared straight to the top of the leaderboard to claim the coveted prize and the lion’s share of the prize money.

“I have now had Orafina for almost two years. I really think a lot of her. She was quite green when I first started riding her. She is exceptionally careful and is really fast, so she is my kind of horse. I am excited about her future,” shared Farrington of the 2012 KWPN mare by For Fashion x Corofina. “Going into an impressive venue like the field here is always a challenge for greener horses like her, especially after jumping a bunch of rounds on the sand. However, I think the footing here is great, and it is a great opportunity to build up a horse on a grass ring.

The class showcased an international field of entries representing 17 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ireland, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Puerto Rico, Spain, the United States, and Venezuela. Krome created a pattern of 13 obstacles in the first round, which ultimately saw eight partnerships leave all the rails in their cups to advance to the jump-off.

The first pair to test the jump-off, Carly Anthony (USA) and Portfolio Horses’ Jet Blue, placed a clear round over the shortened course, setting the time to beat at 40.07 seconds, which would land them in fifth place. Darragh Kerins (IRL) was the next rider to go clear but stopped the clock two-tenths of a second behind Anthony’s time for sixth place. Fifth in the jump-off-order, Farrington and Orafina, owned by Kent Farrington LLC, flew through the course, slicing nearly five seconds off Anthony’s leading time. Hector Florentino Roca (DOM), Gonzalo Busca (ESP), and Santiago Lambre (BRA) followed Farrington on the field but couldn’t catch his time, solidifying Farrington and Orafina as the winners of the $140,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix CSI3*, with a winning time of 35.77 seconds.

On his plans for the future with Orafina, Farrington shared that he will continue to bring her along in competition. “I thought she stepped up this past winter circuit and had some great results. She surprised me in a good way when she was able to jump in a five-star grand prix. She almost won one of them,” he remarked. “I am in a phase where I am building up some younger grand prix horses. My older grand prix horses are winding down their careers as my young ones are building up to that level. So, I am hoping that she will be a part of that team.”

Source: Wellington International

Farrington and Orafina Can’t Be Beat the $75,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Round IX CSI5*

March 10, 2022

With only two CSI5* weeks remaining in the Winter Equestrian Festival 2022 season, the stage was set for the $75,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Round IX CSI5* Thursday. A competitive class of 51 entries, featuring 18 of the World’s top 50 FEI riders, took to the track designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade in the International Ring at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The course tested each combination with a total of 13 obstacles including eight oxers, a triple combination, and an open water with a time-allowed of 73 seconds in order to make it through to the jump-off. Ultimately, it was Kent Farrington and Orafina who bested the rest at the completion of the class.

The course proved to be a challenging one with only 10 of the 51 starting combinations making it to the jump-off. Farrington and Orafina started strong, going second in the order-of-go and jumping clear. The pair stood alone until their fellow United States duo Spencer Smith and Theodore Manciais completed the track just in the knick of time, guaranteeing a jump-off. Rounding out the first 15 trips of round one, back-to-back clear rides by Spain’s Sergio Alvarez Moya and Malibu De Muze and Canada’s Mario Deslauiers and Bardolina 2 deepend the jump-off playing field to four. The United States’ Adrianne Sternlicht, Jessica Springsteen, Lillie Keenan and Lucy Deslauriers, Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, and Belgium’s Jos Verlooy put together clear rounds of their own aboard their respective mounts, finalizing the jump-off tally at ten.

With the track shortened to seven obstacles and a time-allowed of 49 seconds, nine of the qualifying 10 competitors returned to the ring for the second round of competition to compete for the top spot in the class. Farrington was the first to go aboard his own 10-year-old KWPN mare and successfully maneuvered the track without fault, setting the time to beat at a quick 33.41 seconds that would ultimately hold against their competitors.

Farrington, who is no stranger to the top of the leaderboard, racked up his second CSI5* win of the 2022 WEF season. With the win, the pair qualify to compete in the $406,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI5* Saturday night, which will be their second CSI5* grand prix of 2022.

From the Winner’s Circle
On the plan:
“I’m really proud of this horse. It’s one that I’ve been bringing along for the last two seasons. I try to use Florida as a ‘spring training’ for my younger horses and she’s really stepping up. She jumped her first 5* Grand Prix [during Week 5 of WEF] and came back today and performed better than expected. Now we’ll aim for the grand prix [Saturday night] and see where that takes us.”

On Orafina’s program since taking second place in the $140,000 Southern Arches Grand Prix CSI3* during WEF I:
“It’s a long season. It’s been about building her up to get her under the lights in that type of environment, then dropping her back down into some smaller rounds to allow me to work on my ride ability and then going back up again. I think going back and forth between the levels is the best way to produce an upcoming horse here.”

Source: Phelps Sports

Kent Farrington and Easy Girl Win the $75,000 1.50m Championship CSI5*

February 13, 2022

Despite a downpour, 56 competed over Kelvin Bywater’s five-star course with 17 going clean to advance to the jump-off. Only four were clean in the jump-off, with Farrington on Easy Girl the fastest in a time of 37.27 seconds.

“She is a great horse, and she was winning classes before I got her,” said Farrington. “To be able to get on her and pick up on producing successful rounds with her immediately is I think a testament to what a nice horse she is. She is very fast, brave, and careful, which is a perfect example of what a modern show jumper should be.”

In the mare’s last big victory, she was ridden by Santiago Lambre, who won the $217,000 BFL Canada Major League Show Jumping Grand Prix CSI5* with her. Farrington only acquired the mare at the beginning of the circuit and is optimistic about her future after such success only several weeks into their start as a new team.

“She has turned out to be quite rideable, and as I get to know her we are only forming a stronger partnership class by class,” said Farrington. “My plan today for the jump-off was just to go at cruise speed, but she is so naturally quick that even just her neat round is plenty fast. I am excited to see where she takes me, and no matter what she does I think she’s a great addition to the stable.”

Farrington and Creedance Kick Off CSI Geneva Winning the Trophée de Genève

December 9,2021

CHI Geneva celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and got off to a flying start on Thursday, when USA's Kent Farrington and the 14-year-old gelding Creedance topped the feature class: the CSI5* 1.60m Trophée de Genève, which also counted as a qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix.

 The starting field of 49 horse-and-rider combinations was filled with the world's best, and even though the course set by Gerard Lachat (SUl) and Louis Konickx (NED) was very challenging, a total of 14 pairs cleared the first round. With Belgium's Jérôme Guery and Quel Homme de Hus withdrawing from the jump-off, it was eventually a battle between thirteen

 Kent Farrington and Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris) got into top gear from the start, powering through the shortened track in their signature style. A time of 33.12 seconds secured the pair the win, getting Farrington off to a great start ahead of a big weekend at Palexpo with both the Rolex IRC Top 10 Final as well as the Rolex Grand Prix coming up.

 "The plan is to try to keep going like this," Farrington smiled after his win. "It's very difficult to do, at a show of this caliber: You have the best riders in the world, the best horses in the world. We are off to a great start, and feeling good today, but it is a long week to go."

"It was very technical building today, some half stride distances," Farrington commented on the course, which saw many riders struggle. "A vertical-vertical with a plank on it, coming in at the end to a wide oxer with three long strides... those were some very technical lines and you needed a rideable horse and precise riding today.”

Creedance is a very special partner for Farrington, and the pair also won the Trophée de Genève in 2019. "I call him the foal, the crazy foal,” Farrington smiled. Because he looks kind of like one, especially when we don’t clip him. He is a very special horse to me, he is very unique in the way he goes and what a heart he has. He is an unbelievable horse."

CHI Geneva is one of Farrington's favorite shows. "It is an unbelievable indoor event," Farrington said. "I think the Rolex Majors really are something different in the sport, you can see just from the caliber of the competition here."

Source: World of Showjumping

Gazelle Springs to Grand Prix Win at The National Horse Show

November 14, 2021

As a thrilling nine-horse jump-off unfolded in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Lexington (USA), Kent Farrington, the world no. 7 had put the pressure on his competitors before he had even entered the arena. Knowing he, along with championship athletes Daniel Bluman (ISR), McLain Ward (USA), Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Margie Engle (USA) made up the final half of the lineup for Bernardo Costa Cabral's (POR) shortened course, athletes early in the start order repeatedly took risks, hoping to gain a winning edge. Instead, they were met with rails.

The penultimate rider to compete, Farrington adjusted his strategy and instead sought a clear round that was efficient without quite laying everything on the line. The move paid off, and he and his longtime partner Gazelle (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Indoctro) swept to the top of the leaderboard and remained there. The only double-clear performers of the evening, their winning time was 35.96 seconds. Ward and Contagious (Contagio x For Keeps) finished second (4/32.60), with Bluman and Ladriano Z (Lawito x Baloubet du Rout) third (4/32.62).

"It changed my strategy a lot. I only had one rider after me, so I thought a neat clear was a smarter play." says Kent Farrington.

The pair's first clear effort was more eventful. Gazelle, the 2020 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) International Horse of the Year, was ready for the occasion and jumped the first round enthusiastically-so much so, Farrington lost his right stirrup with three jumping efforts remaining on course. He rode the final fences without that stirrup, his position remaining effortlessly unchanged.

"In the first round, she was hyper careful, so it took a bit of jockeying around," Farrington said. "I thought the jump-off was a good opportunity to let her settle down and go for a cruise. Luckily, that paid off for me with the win." Farrington and Gazelle have been partnered for eight years, and their list of accolades is lengthy, including an Olympic appearance this summer in Tokyo. But at 15, the mare still has more to give.

"This is an experienced horse. She's been an amazing horse for me and my career," Farrington said. "[Her co-owner] Robin Parsky has been supportive of my management of this horse, and that's part of what has made her last so long.”

Farrington Takes the Win in the $350,000 Lugano Diamonds CSI5* at the Arenamend Classic

October 17, 2021

The inaugural Arenamend Classic wrapped up its week of international-level competition with the largest event of the week—the $350,000 CSIS* Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix. The event featured 30 of the best horse-and-rider combinations throughout the world including competitors such as McLain Ward, Margie Engle, and the notoriously ­fast Kent Farrington.

The Arenamend Classic featured four days of showjumping at the famously-known Greenbrier Resort and implemented various initiatives to become the first carbon-neutral event of its kind. Riders from various nations flocked to the center of White Sulfur Springs, Virginia for a weekend of premier equestrian competition combined with the luxuries, inclusivity, and family-friendly atmosphere available at what is known as America's resort.

The final day of competition hosted a variety of two-star level classes but saved the best for last with anticipation building for the $350,000 CSIS* Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix. Course designer Alan Wade (IRL) sized up the skill and experience level of the class' entries and built accordingly. He created a particularly difficult vertical-oxer-vertical combination that caught out many of the field's best, and set a tight time which left three top riders on only one unfortunate time fault. Ashlee Bond (ISR) was the first to pass through the timers without either time or jump fault to skyrocket into the lead with a clear round. However, with a slew of top athletes still in the line-up, she was ultimately left with four other combinations to contest in the jump-off.

Bond led the returning pack and, as commentator Steven Wilde stated, laid down a "come and get me" lightning fast jump-off with Little Valley Farm's 10-year-old Westphalian gelding Donatello 141 (Diarado x Lamoureux I). The round seemed almost impossible to beat but the USA's Kent Farrington is no stranger to shaving time off of even the best laid trips. He did exactly that with Take the High Road's 13-year-old Holsteiner mare Austria 2 (Casall x Corrado I), saving every second possible and shaving a whole 1.33 seconds off of Bond's optimum time.

It’s Farrington and Gazelle for the Win at the RBC Grand Prix of Canada Presented by Rolex

September 4, 2021

The 2021 edition of the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, presented by Rolex, took place on this sunny Saturday afternoon of the Spruce Meadows 'National' CSIS*, presented by Rolex, and it saw some of the toughest competition of the tournament so far.

Out of the twenty-five horse/rider combinations that took to the ring for today's competition, only seven made it through to the jump-off. Each of the seven competitors were familiar faces in the International Ring, with Canadians Erynn Ballard, Tiffany Foster, and Ben Asselin making up part of the ranks. The course, set by Anthony D'Ambrosia (USA), featured 13 obstacles and 16 jumping efforts and a time allowed of 82 seconds. Notable obstacles included the open water, as well as a tricky triple combination heading into the final line that proved to be the most challenging aspect of the course for most of the athletes.

The jump-off was equally as challenging, with only four out of the seven horse/rider combinations finishing clear. It was Kent Farrington's (USA) time of 40.91 seconds aboard Gazelle (Kashmir van Schuttershof x lndoctro) that secured the first place score, with Brazilian rider Eduardo Menezes and HS Quinto! (Quintender 2 x Cento) in a close second with a time of 41.88 seconds. Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Gakhir (Spartacus x lndorado) finished third, in a time of 44.89 seconds.

This is not the first time that Farrington has won this competition, and with the performances that he and his horses consistently deliver in the International Ring, it certainly won't be his last. In fact, today marks the fifth time that Farrington has won the RBC Grand Prix of Canada, as well as the second time that he's won with the 15-year-old Gazelle.

"I bring a lot of young horses here so they get used to the grass, they get used to the long rails, and the impressive jumps. I think it helps them develop as horses," Farrington said during the press conference following his win. "Gazelle I started bringing here when she was eight (years old) ... and she's gone all the way through the ranks from the very beginning.”

Source: World of Showjumping

KENT FARRINGTON NAMED TO OLYMPIC SHOW JUMPING TEAM

July 5, 2021

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the combinations selected to represent the U.S. Jumping Team at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 as part of Team USA in Tokyo, Japan. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson. Competition will begin on August 3 and continue through August 7 at the Equestrian Park venue.

“This weekend’s two simultaneous CSI5* grand prix events in Rotterdam and Windsor completed a long and productive selection process for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Following a very competitive winter circuit in Florida, American riders competed successfully against the world’s best in five major CSI5* events in Europe over the past couple months. I feel very confident that the seasoned group of riders that we will be sending to Tokyo is in top current form and peaking at just the right time. Backing them up as reserves will be Brian Moggre and Lucy Deslauriers, two of the young stars on the international circuit who made a mark for themselves with their one-two finish in the CSI5* Grand Prix of Sopot. We’re looking forward to the next few weeks ahead and are aiming to deliver a strong performance for Team USA in Tokyo.”

The following athlete-and-horse combinations will represent the United States at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and are listed in alphabetical order:

Kent Farrington (Wellington, Fla.) and Gazelle, a 15-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Kent Farrington & Robin Cleary Parsky

Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Baloutinue, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm

Jessica Springsteen (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion owned by Stone Hill Farm

McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Contagious, a 12-year-old Deutsches Sportpferd gelding owned by Beechwood Stables LLC

Source: USEF Press Release

Farrington and Creedance Top The Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for The King's Cup

July 3, 2021

Kent Farrington and Creedance entered the Castle Arena at Royal Windsor as the lead pair in the jump-off of the CSI5* Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup—and before they were even over the first fence, you couldn’t help but wonder: Could anyone outpace this pair?

The answer, emphatically, was no.

Farrington’s longtime partner, Creedance—a 14-year-old chestnut gelding by Lord Z—recorded his 29th international victory in sensational style Saturday evening before a jubilant crowd at Windsor Castle. Not only did the pair top a star-studded field that included the likes of Laura Kraut and Confu, Robert Whitaker and Catwalk IV, and the red-hot Holly Smith and Denver, but they did so with visible ease, recording a winning margin of nearly three seconds.

“He’s incredible, and I love this horse,” Farrington said of Creedance, who he owns with Haity McNerney.

Farrington’s superior management of Creedance cannot be overstated. The quick-footed chestnut has won three CSI5* Grand Prix events, but in the last couple years, Farrington has kept him at the 1.50m-1.55m level, and Creedance has thrived. The gelding has won four CSI5* ranking classes this year alone. That includes two victories at CSIO5* Rome Piazza di Siena at the end of May.

“He’s 14 years old, and we try to manage him well,” Farrington said. “He’s naturally fast, and to do classes at speed is easy. It’s his natural pace.”

That pace would serve them well numerous times throughout the evening. First in the original order of go, the pair made easy work of Bernardo Costa Cabral’s 1.55m track and shed nearly five seconds off of the original 77-second time allowed. After a few rounds, the ground jury elected to shorten that time allowed to 74 seconds, and that tightening up undoubtedly caused a few extra rails to fall during the class.

Just six combinations advanced to the short course, and while Farrington had no other competitors to watch before him, he simply stuck to his plan, and that would have the rest of the jump-off cast chasing him—futilely. He established his pace by lining up two eight-strided sweeping turns up the first three fences, and while some riders were able to do as little as six strides between the first two fences, none could then get the correct line out to the third fence and were forced to add.

A brilliant execution of two rollback turns to a careful vertical and a square oxer, respectively, before an all-out gallop to the last, put Farrington securely on top, and his winning time was 34.72 seconds. Daniel Coyle (IRL)and new mount Oak Grove’s Carlyle came closest, taking runner up honors on 37.26 seconds. Laura Kraut and her beloved mount Confu finished third on 37.83 seconds.

While limited in size due to restrictive measures due to the ongoing global pandemic, the crowd made their appreciation known.

“This is one of my favorite shows. You can’t ask for a better setting,” Farrington said. “It’s fun to have the crowd—it’s been a while since we had that.”

As Farrington and Creedance readied to enter the arena one last time for their winner’s presentation, the World Number 5 couldn’t help but notice the Shetland Pony Grand National races that were wrapping up behind him.

“The Shetland Pony races—that’s how I got started [in the sport],” Farrington said. “I’m still doing it now. I’m just on a bigger pony, with bigger jumps. And it’s still just as fun.”

Source: Horse Network

Farrington and Gazelle Gallop for Gold in Hubside Grand Prix CSI5*

June 20, 2021

Kent Farrington, the current World Number Five, won the €200,000 Hubside Grand Prix CSI5* with the aptly named Gazelle, in a magnificent jump-off in Grimaud, Saint-Tropez on Sunday.

The many spectators present for this second 5* Grand Prix of the 2021 season of the Hubside Jumping had to contend with light rain and moderate winds. However, this didn’t dissuade the 38 riders who had entered this last class to take part in the final showdown. Germany’s Angelique Rüsen on Arac du Seigneur was the first to tackle the course of France’s Cédric Longis and had the first clear round. 

With time faults and jumping faults here and there, maybe it wasn’t quite as easy as it seemed…until the tenth competitor went into the Haras des Grillons’ huge ring and jumped clear, guaranteeing that there would be a jump-off. And what a fantastic week Marie Demonte (FRA) had in Grimaud! In the CSI5* Grand Prix, Marie chose to ride Vega de la Roche. The second French combination who managed to qualify for the jump-off, Mathieu Billot and Quel Filou 13, jumped thirteen fences (and sixteen efforts) with remarkable ease. Belgium’s François Mathy Jr., with the Selle Français Uno de la Roque, and Switzerland’s Bryan Balsiger, on Twentytwo des Biches, sailed around the course and qualified for the jump-off, which already featured five riders halfway through the class. 

After Ireland’s Michael Duffy, who also qualified for the jump-off with Zilton SL Z, the big names in show jumping demonstrated that they had not had their final say: Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) with Ilex VP, USA’s Beezie Madden on Garant, Julien Epaillard (FRA), Simon Delestre (FRA) with Berlux Z, USA’s Kent Farrington on Gazelle—all these big names were also qualified for the jump-off, which boasted twelve riders in total, of which five combinations were French and two were American. The American riders are in great form a few weeks before the Tokyo Olympics.

An Incredible Jump-off!

It’s a well-known fact that it’s better to be among the last riders to go in the jump-off than to be the opening one. This cost the first two riders, Germany’s Angelica Rûsen and France’s Marie Demonte dearly and each had one pole down. Mathieu Billot and Quel Filou 13 were the first double clear, but in a time that seemed beatable. Belgium’s François Mathy Jr didn’t improve on Billot’s performance and had one down on an oxer. But Switzerland’s Bryan Balsiger was successful and was faster by sixty hundredths of a second with Twentytwo des Biches. The second group of jump-off riders had the French Riviera spectators on the edge of their seats. While Balsinger was the rider to beat, Ireland’s Michael Duffy also jumped double clear, but was slightly slower.

Nicolas Delmotte (FRA) was slightly faster and entered into the lead temporarily. USA’s Beezie Madden and France’s Simon Delestre were also clear in terms of jumping, but didn’t improve on the leading time: the main threats for Delmotte were represented by the last two impressive riders to go.

Julien Epaillard (FRA) shaved one and a half seconds off the time of his fellow countryman. Had the die been cast? America’s Kent Farrington set off in the jump-off like a rocket: in the stands the public knew that if he jumped clear he would win the Grand Prix. His performance lived up to expectations: for his first ever participation in the Hubside Jumping, the current Olympic team silver medallist and winner of the prestigious Grand Prix of Aachen in 2019, won the 5* Grand Prix!

Winner’s Circle 

“It’s always great to win a 5* Grand Prix, like this one here near Saint-Tropez, for my first participation in the Hubside Jumping. Maybe Sadri Fegaier could organize shows in the United States as I regularly win at his European shows.” (Kent and Gazelle have already won the Hubside Jumping de Valence’s Grand Prix twice, which Sadri Fegaier also organizes.) 

“More seriously, I would especially like to thank Sadri Fegaier and his team: we went through a difficult period and we need people like him, enthusiasts who do so much for our sport. I take my hat off to him for building a complex like this for horses and the sport, and for organizing such great shows. I went last in the jump-off and Julien Epaillard was in the lead.  He is renowned for going really fast, even in the States.  So I had to give it my all! I really focused on Gazelle’s natural speed, and I was extremely careful: for example, a double in the jump-off can be dangerous at these speeds. Additionally, I was really careful on the last oxer, I helped Gazelle and in particular on these two parts of the course, that could have been difficult for her. Next week, I am going to stay here to rest and then I will be competing in Windsor and we’ll see after that depending on how my horses are.”

Source: Press Release by Daniel Koroloff / Blizko Communication for Hubside Jumping

Farrington and Orafina Finish with Double Victories at Tryon Spring 5

June 7, 2021

Kent Farrington and Orafina dominated the $25,000 Tryon Resort Sunday Classic at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC) to close out Tryon Spring 5 competition, stopping the jump-off timers in 34.862 for the win.

In reserve, Aaron Vale (Williston, FL) and Major sped through the short course to claim second place after their 36.131-second jump-off performance. Conor Swail (Wellington, FL) and Koss Van Heiste earned third place after stopping the timers in 36.323.

The Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) track saw 27 entries take on the first round of competition, with nine pairs returning for the jump-off test. Kent Farrington and his own 2012 Dutch Warmblood mare (For Fashion x Corofina) also topped the $37,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI3* on Thursday, making them two-for-two on the week.

“The week went pretty well,” Farrington recapped after producing a comfortably fast round to take the win and shut out any subsequent challengers. “I brought a bunch of young horses here, and this is one that’s still developing, even though she’s won some international classes already.”

Farrington chose to travel from Europe to TIEC for one week of competition with his younger mounts, and will jet back to Europe and reunite with his top mounts next week. For horses like Oranfina, Farrington chose to compete at Tryon Spring 5 to continue her education at a lower level. “She’s only nine, and she wasn’t saddle broken until she was six. She’s unbelievably careful, and she just needs rounds and experiences to grow her confidence. I’m really happy with her for the week.”

Source: TIEC Press Release

Farrington and Creedance Make It Two-for-Two at Piazza di Siena CSIO5*

 May 29. 2021

For the second time this week, Kent Farrington and his 14-year-old chestnut gelding Creedance, co-owned with Haity McNerney, stood tall and proud as the national anthem of the USA rang out across the arena at CSIO Rome Piazza di Siena after victory in Saturday’s ENI Small Grand Prix.

The competition title was deceptive, because the 1.55m track set by Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani was enormous, and it tested the very best with its technicality. However 13 horse-and-rider combinations found the key, and Farrington sealed it with a brilliant ride on his courageous steed. 

With a tight time allowed of 74 seconds and three doubles on the course–two of them placed in succession at fences eight and nine, requiring great athleticism and accuracy–Vezzani’s first-round track was no easy ride. And the final line of two fences also took a heavy toll, with the penultimate red planks and the last, an oxer made of silver birch, dashing the hopes of many who had been clear that far.

Italy’s Ludovica Minoli was 13th to go when producing the first fault-free-round from her 12-year-old gelding Jus de Krack, and next to match that was Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat with PB Maserati. These two led the way in the jump-off, 32-year-old Minoli keeping a cool head to set the target with a steady clear in 43.30 seconds while Guerdat was six seconds faster but left the second-to-last on the floor. Lorenzo de Luca and Halifax stopped the clock at 37.30 and no faults on the short track.

That really put it up to the final two, but the penultimate partnership left the result beyond doubt when Farrington scorched through the finish in 35.66. Creedance was sensational when winning Thursday’s Landrover Speed class, and again today was simply in a class of his own when he went into turbo drive and never came close to touching a pole. Last man in, Italy’s Alfonso opted for a careful clear to ensure he got into the ribbons with Donanso.   

Talking about how he maintains the confidence of his winning horse, Farrington described Creedance as “naturally very confident, and I just manage him the best that I can. He already wants to go fast so my job is to not let him go too fast!”

And asked how he planned his winning run against the clock, the 40-year-old American team silver medalist replied, “that’s also easy because I just do his plan, so it doesn’t really matter what everybody else does. He has his round and normally if I do a good job of doing his plan then it’s close to winning, or winning!”

Earlier in the week

Thursday, Farrington produced a spectacular win with Creedance in the Land Rover speed competition on the opening day of CSIO Rome Piazza di Siena 2021.

Farrington was 26th to go of 56 starters. Chasing a target time set at 61.90 by Jeroen Dubbeldam of the Netherlands and Forever SFN, the American rocketed into the lead when stopping the clock in 57.84 seconds and he simply couldn’t be caught.  

Dubbeldam had to settle for fifth place in the final analysis when runner-up spot in the speed class went to the only other rider to break the 60-second barrier, Frenchman Kevin Staut who steered Visconti Du Telman through the finish in 59.38 seconds. Third and fourth places went to 21-year-old Harry Charles (GBR) riding Valkiry de Zance and 27-year-old Filippo Bologni (ITA) with Diplomat.

Farrington has a special talent for jumping at speed while keeping his horses perfectly balanced. And he gave another of his master classes today with the Dutch Warmblood gelding Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris) who breezed home effortlessly.

 Farrington has a tremendous record with Creedance that goes all the way back to 2015, and the pure consistency of Creedance’s performances is something quite unique. In 2019 alone the horse produced six major wins including a double at the Global Champions Tour in New York, and last year he posted 4* wins in both Wellington and Lexington, Kentucky. The American duo got 2021 off to a flying start with a 5* win in Wellington before traveling to Europe and claiming runner-up spot in the Audi Prize at ’s-Hertogenbosch CSI5* in The Netherlands in March

Source: Piazza di Siena press releases

Kent Farrington and Creedance Are Uncatchable in $73,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic CSI5*

In the $73,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic CSI5*, the final class of the day in the International Arena for the ninth week of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival, Kent Farrington and Creedance, owned by Farrington and Haity McNerney, were uncatchable for victory on Sunday, March 14.

A total of 59 horse-and-rider combinations took their shot against Alan Wade’s (IRL) track. Featuring a line-up of 11 entries, the jump-off promised to be a hard-won effort, but the Farrington was a force to be reckoned with and ultimately secured the win.

Wade’s top courses have been well-planned and challenging all week, and his last course of the week held true. A lengthy number of competitors missed the chance to return for the jump-off by a single unfortunate rail while several others suffered time infractions.

Combinations that returned for the jump-off included top athletes such as Farrington, Daniel Deusser (GER), and McLain Ward (USA). Sweden’s Henrik Von Eckermann was the first to complete the second track fault-free after crossing the timers in 35.10 seconds with Glamour Girl. His effort with the 10-year-old KWPN mare was enough to secure the third place ribbon at the end of the class. Eduardo Menezes (BRA) flew into second place with his own H5 Quintol. He and the 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding managed an efficient time of 34.83 seconds but was still well-behind the class leader.

Farrington returned late into the jump-off order with his winning 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris). The pair made it obvious they were a duo that would not be bested as they effortlessly cleared every obstacle and blazed through the timers in 34.12 seconds.

“[Creedance] is a horse that is hyper competitive in these style classes,” explained Farrington. “I put him specifically in today’s class instead of the grand prix because it is still early in the year and, as he is getting a bit older, I am choosing classes that he is more comfortable in to save him up for the rest of the year.”

Farrington and Creedance have won at events around the world in the years they have been partnered.

“What is wonderful about him is that he can jump at any venue, whether it is Aachen or Wellington, and he always gives a great effort,” he detailed. “He is naturally just so fast across the ground that I typically have to make sure that I actually slow him down towards the end of the track or he can get too aggressive. He has been a great horse for my career.”

“Alan Wade is a very good course designer but his courses are usually strong, much like today’s was,” Farrington continued. “His track today was challenging, and there was a very strong field of riders and top horses, so I thought the competition was excellent.”

Source: Press release by Summer Grace & Sabrina Brashares / Jennifer Wood Media Inc. for ESP – Equestrian Sports Productions

Twice is Nice for Kent Farrington and Austria 2 Capturing the $137,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI3*

A total of 45 combinations challenged the track set by Peter Grant (CAN) and Joey Rycroft (CAN) with 12 qualifying to return for the jump-off. Farrington and the 13-year-old Holsteiner mare by Casall x Corrado took off at a full gallop and didn’t stop, crossing the timers in 39.13 seconds. The pair elected to do 12 strides to the second jump on course, while most of their competitors two or three less [strides], which gave Farrington and Austria 2 the opportunity to angle the Lugano Diamonds oxer for a more direct route to the third jump on course.

“I tend not to count in very long lines,” said the world number seven rider, Farrington. “I like to ride off what I feel the horse needs. She’s a small horse so if you are running and jumping too long or too flat, you risk a rail, so I think it’s better to run up to the jump and get their hocks underneath them. It allows them to get more height and make a short turn about a stride out when I land. It’s different styles for different horses, but that’s what suited my horse.” 

The first to post a double-clear effort was Spencer Smith (USA) aboard Ayade Hero Z, finishing less than one second off the mark in 39.95 seconds. Rounding out the top three was Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) aboard Katanga Van Het Dingeshof, with a double-clear effort in 42.48 seconds.

It was no surprise to the crowd to see Farrington put forth a speedy effort; after all, he’s one of the most familiar faces in the International Arena’s winner’s circle. After Friday’s WEF Challenge Cup win with Austria 2, owned by Take the High Road, LLC, he felt confident but did not take the task of a tough track lightly.

“Often in those classes where you’re riding a horse that you know is capable of winning, the danger is always that you beat yourself,” he said. “A lot of times you put in a great round, and my goal is to go quick enough to hopefully nick his time and not overcook it where I’m two seconds faster than I need to, and I end up having a rail down towards the end. I was really just trying to do the best for my horse.”

Source: Press Release from Equestrian Sport Productions

Kent Farrington and Austria 2 Can’t Be Caught to Win the $37,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 CSI3*

Kent Farrington and Austria 2, owned by Take The High Road, LLC, set the tone as the first pair to return for the jump-off and could not be caught, making light work of the shortened track to take home top honors in the $37,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 3 CSI3* on Friday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival.

A total of 84 combinations contested the opening round of the class, looking to punch their ticket into Sunday’s $137,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI3*. With 15 qualifying and nine pairs electing to return for the jump-off round, the rider currently ranked seventh in the world displayed flawless execution as he and Austria 2 stopped the timers in a blistering 38.29 seconds. 

“I ride some very fast horses and Austria is one of the fastest, so if you’re going to go with her in the jump-off, she really only has one speed,” said Farrington of the talented 13-year-old Holsteiner mare by Casall x Corrado I. “I thought she was great today, and she looks ready to go for the season, so it was a great way for her to start.”


The shortened track of eight obstacles set by Peter Grant (CAN) and Joey Rycroft (CAN), challenged riders with a combination of places to open up their stride and gallop along with opportunities to shave valuable time off the clock through efficient turns, ultimately leading to some incredibly quick efforts.“Those smaller horses, they gain confidence from working out of speed, especially when the jumps get bigger and wide,” Farrington said. “They have to be comfortable jumping off a big gallop so it’s a good way to start her. There are tough competitors here as always and it’s never easy to win, so I’m happy to get the win today.”

While it’s still early in the season, Farrington has confidence he’s set up nicely for the duration of WEF, with a variety of horses to choose from as he continues to look for top results in the feature classes. “I have a mixed group here at WEF,” he said. “I have some older, very experienced horses that I’m going to work in and out of the season trying to keep them going but not overuse them here, just like I normally do. I also have some younger ones, and I’ll move them up and down depending on what they’re ready for.” 

Source: Press Release from Equestrian Sport Productions 

Kent Farrington Wins USEF International Equestrian of the Year Award

US Equestrian is pleased to share that Kent Farrington has been voted the 2020 International Equestrian of the Year by the USEF membership.

Kent Farrington is one of top jumping athletes in the world, consistently producing dominant results in the United States and abroad year after year. Farrington’s roots in equestrian sport were seeded in Chicago, Illinois, where he began riding at the age of eight. He quickly made his mark, ascending through the junior ranks before turning professional in 2000. He has since gone on to represent the United States at numerous international championships, including the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games, the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games. In 2019, he became the first U.S. rider to win the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen CSI 5* and the International Jumping Riders Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva in the same year.

Farrington capitalized on limited opportunities during an unconventional 2020 season, bringing home numerous victories, including a top finish aboard Gazelle in the coveted $213,300 American Gold Cup Grand Prix CSI 4*, besting a competitive jump-off of 15 combinations. With a strong start to the season at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla., Farrington set the tone early with win in the $214,000 Marshall & Sterling/Great American Insurance Grand Prix CSI 4* aboard longtime mount Creedance, before guiding Gazelle to a second-place finish in the $401,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI 5*. Most recently, Farrington has recorded several international wins aboard Kaprice, Creedance, and new mount, Orafina.

Source: USEF Press Release

Farrington and Orafina Lead the Way with Two Wins at 70th Annual South Charity Horse Show in Wellington

The 70th Annual South Florida Hunter Jumper Association Charity Horse Show concluded Sunday following a week of exciting competition. Saturday afternoon featured the highlight jumper event of the competition as Kent Farrington and his own Orafina jumped to the top of the leaderboard in the $50,000 Spy Coast & Sweet Oak Farm Grand Prix.

The 16-effort course set by Eric Hasbrouck (USA) in the International Arena saw 53 horse-and-rider partnerships contest the track, with nine athletes successfully turning in fault-free rounds to advance to the jump-off. Mario Deslauriers (CAN) led the way, and he was soon joined by Ilan Bluman (COL), Santiago Lambre (MEX), Schuyler Riley (USA) and Erynn Ballard (CAN) by the halfway point. In the latter portion of the pack, Willie Tynan (IRL), Kent Farrington, Ashley Vogel (USA), and Ashley Fleischhacker (USA) also added their names to the list.

Following faults from the first five partnerships, Tynan and Michelle Guardino’s Fancy Girl finally turned in the initial clear round of the jump-off as the sixth duo to go in a time of 41.51 seconds to claim the early lead over the abridged pattern. Their top spot did not hold long though, as Farrington and Orafina were the next to follow and galloped to a foot-perfect time of 40.58 seconds. Tynan and Fancy Girl retained the second spot, followed by Fleischhacker on Quadros 3, in a clear time of 44.817 seconds, the final double-clear partnership.

“Orafina is a great young talent,” commented Farrington of the eight-year-old KWPN mare by For Fashion x Canturo. “She doesn’t have a lot of experience, certainly not like this. Really hats off to the team here that keeps these shows going for us and allows us to keep doing our job and our sport. Early in the season like this, it’s great for these young horses to get into the main ring. Tonight they even got a little taste of going under the lights. All in all, even besides the win, this was a great experience for my horse.”

Saturday’s victory was the second major win for Farrington and Orafina of the week, after also topping the $15,000 Paul Tracy Farrier Services Welcome Stake on Thursday as the quickest clear pair from the 14-horse jump-off. As the second duo to navigate the short course, designed by Hasbrouck, Farrington and Orafina served as the pathfinders with the first double-clear ride of the day, setting a lightning-fast precedent in 38.04 seconds. As the second round of riding progressed with 12 more combinations, it became clear that the frontrunners’ time would hold to claim the top spot by nearly two full seconds.

“Somebody that I work with in Europe, Leon Thijssen, said he had a horse that he thought I would like and would work for me because it’s extremely careful,” remarked Farrington of the new relationship with Orafina. “The plans are to build her up, just like always. Keep doing what we are doing by giving her positive experiences and time to mature. We will let her grow into herself. It was a great first step tonight.”

Source: PBIEC Press Release

Kent Farrington and Kaprice Gallop to Victory in $137,000 Noltrex®Vet Grand Prix CSI3*

The ESP Pre-Charity CSI3* reached its pinnacle Sunday morning as 45 international competitors hailing from 12 nations took to the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for the $137,000 Noltrex®Vet Grand Prix CSI3*. 

Putting in the best performance of the contest, Kent Farrington and Haity McNerney’s Kaprice (Echo van't Spieveld x Carthago) rode away with the lion’s share of the prize money as the quickest double-clear pair ahead of a 16-horse jump-off. 



“I have an exceptionally fast horse,” reflected Farrington on his winning mount, Kaprice. “If you look at her on the ground, she almost looks like a racehorse. She is really light, really lean, and her footspeed across the ground is incredible. She is an unbelievably careful horse, maybe the most careful horse I have ever ridden. She does not want to touch jumps, so that’s a big advantage. She is stepping up to be a Grand Prix horse, and I tried to use her in some bigger Grand Prix classes this summer. My plan now is to keep growing her, and hopefully I can have a real Grand Prix horse there at the end.”

As the very first to go, Tanner Korotkin (USA) and Country Boy were the trailblazers with a foot-perfect ride to set the example, and soon Flo Norris (GBR) and Lorielle 2 earned a jump off as the second clear pair. As the class progressed over course designer Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) track, 14 more challengers turned in fault-free rides to bring the total number of pairs advancing to the jump off to 16. The duos eligible for the short course round represented the United States, Great Britain, Ireland, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Brazil, with the home nation leading the way with the most returners. Farrington was one of the last to qualify, which would allow him to watch how the short course rode prior to his turn over the jump-off track.



Korotkin and Country Boy once again set the standard with a clear ride in 44.22 seconds, but the lead continued to change hands a number of times throughout the tie-breaker round. With six left to ride, the pace had been pushed up to 39.98 seconds by Leslie Howard (USA) and Donna Speciale. Second-to-last to take to the ring, the always-speedy Farrington and Kaprice, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood mare, galloped around the pattern without letting off the gas, tripping the timers in 39.28 seconds with no faults to rise to the top of the standings. The final pair to ride, Brian Moggre (USA) and MTM Vivre Le Reve, turned in a valiant effort to try to eclipse the leaders, but fell slightly short with a clear time of 39.79 seconds to settle for second place and confirm Farrington and Kaprice as the champions. Howard and Donna Speciale finished the day in third position. In total, 11 partnerships out of the starting list turned in two clear rides.



“I feel very fortunate that our sport is able to continue during difficult times, and hats off to the whole team here that is keeping the show running,” noted Farrington of returning to international competition in Wellington. “I think we are all very grateful and fortunate that we are still holding high-level competitions here in Florida.”

Source: PBIEC Press Release

Kent Farrington Speeds Creedance to Victory in Phelps Media Group International Welcome Stake CSI4*

Show jumping took centerstage Thursday at the 137th National Horse Show as partnerships took to the Alltech Arena for the first day of jumper contests. The evening’s highlight class, the Phelps Media Group $72,900 International Welcome Stake CSI4*, showcased the efforts of top-ranked international challengers hailing from seven nations, namely the United States, Israel, Ireland, Great Britain, Brazil, New Zealand and Canada. Speeding to the head of the rankings as the most efficient duo of the skilled pack, Kent Farrington and Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris), the horse he co-owns with Haity McNerney, added another accolade to their lengthy list, topping a nine-horse jump-off field to claim the lead spot in the victory gallop.

The Phelps Media Group $72,900 International Welcome Stake CSI4* boasted a start list of elite talent. Well-respected veteran course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) crafted the first-round track of 16 efforts, which effectively separated the best performers from the group. The trailblazers, Mario Deslauriers (CAN) and Uris De La Roque were the first to go and immediately logged a clear trip, and they were soon joined by Farrington on Creedance, Alex Granato (USA) riding Carlchen W and Adam Prudent (USA) with Baloutinue. A number more successful efforts followed from Lillie Keenan (USA) aboard Fasther, Devin Ryan (USA) riding Eddie Blue, David Blake (IRL) aboard Keoki, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on Indra Van De Oude Heihoef and Spencer Smith (USA) with Quibelle to bring the total list of qualified jump-off contenders to nine.

Whittled down to representatives from Canada, the United States and Ireland, the exhibitors in the tie-breaker round ultimately produced four double-clear performances for the night’s highlight event. Proving why they are consistently ranked one of the top finishers in the world, Farrington and Creedance set the pace as the first partnership to leave all the rails in their cups for a second time, stopping the clock in 33.25 seconds. Though the seven subsequent teams tried to chase them down, none could catch the swift time set by Farrington and Creedance, solidifying them as the victors. Riding Page Tredennicks’s ever-speedy Carlchen W, Granato jumped to the runner-up spot in a fault-free 33.61 seconds, followed by Keenan and Chansonette Farm LLC’s Fasther in third position in 34.75 seconds to make for an all-American podium.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Kent Farrington – Phelps Media Group $72,900 International Welcome Stake CSI4* winner

On coming to the end of the competition year:

“2020 was a crazy year, so I am definitely happy that I have such great support with great owners and great horses. I feel very lucky that we are still able to compete in our sport. The National Horse Show has done a great job here making it safe. All that being said, Creedence was fantastic. He was really on form today. I thought his jump off was Creedance at his best. He was careful and quick and that is what it took to win tonight.”

On the courses in the Phelps Media Group $72,900 Welcome Stake CSI4*:

“In the US we don’t get to jump a lot indoors. Luckily, Creedance has a lot of experience competing inside and around the world and I knew that I could count on him to bring him here and have him be reliable. The top three horses here today are competitive at any place with very strong riders and I think that we are all looking forward to the grand prix.”

Kent Farrington and Jasper Take Two Wins During the Penultimate Week of the ESP Summer Series

Kent Farrington and Jasper, who he owns with Tanma Corp, earned two top honors on the derby field in Wellington during the second-to-last week of the ESP Summer Series.  

The highlight of Friday’s competition was the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.40m Open Stake, where Farrington and Jasper mastered the jump-off in 40.352 seconds–over two seconds faster than the runner up.  

The duo also claimed top honors in Sunday’s $20,000 Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center Grand Prix after they completed the jump-off in just 36.058 seconds. Following close behind with a jump-off time of 36.624 seconds was Hilary McNerney of Wellington, FL and her entry Chuck 27. Farrington returned to the winner’s circle for third-place honors with Haity McNerney’s Kaprice after a 36.645-second jump-off.

A total of 26 combinations entered the competition, with 11 pairs continuing on to the second round to test Guilherme Jorge’s course set on the derby field. After his win, Farrington revealed that he prefers having the Grand Prixs on the grass: “I think it’s more natural for the horses. The bigger setting on a huge field like this is great because they can work out of a real, natural gallop. I actually think they jump easier and the ground is more forgiving, so for me that’s the best for the horses and the sport.”  

This is Farrington’s latest in a list of wins at the ESP Summer Series, and when asked what his secret to success was, he answered, “There’s no real secret. I think as everyone knows you need great horses. I feel very fortunate to have great people around me on my team. Not only on the owner side, but also on my staff side. And the most important factor being that I have great horses and I feel very fortunate to have Susan Chu owning [Jasper] with me along with the McNerney family, whose daughter finished second today and their other horse [Kaprice] finished third, so I think that shows the full strength of our horse power.”

Farrington plans to continue showing at PBIEC throughout the Fall and looks forward to the addition of the FEI 3* competition.

Farrington and Gazelle Hoist the Trophy Again in $213,300 American Gold Cup Grand Prix CSI4*

The 50th American Gold Cup hit the peak of its 11 weeks of competition Sunday as the final and most thrilling day of the season spotlighting 50 decorated international contenders in the $213,300 American Gold Cup Grand Prix CSI4*, the last act of the 2020 series. Nine nations entered the day, and in the end it was the United States’ flag that was hoisted highest as American riders raced to all three podium spots, each within fractions of a second of each other. Notching his name on the illustrious trophy for the second time to add to his title in 2016, Kent Farrington galloped Gazelle, the horse he co-owns with Robin Parsky, to a nail-biting triumph thanks to two impressively tight turns as the final combination in the jump-off.

High-profile names such as McLain Ward (USA), Margie Engle (USA), Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Daniel Bluman (ISR) were in the field and fought for the title; eight previous winners of the prestigious American Gold Cup trophy were included in the starting list as well. That “who’s who” list featured reigning champion and three-time winner Beezie Madden, Kent Farrington, Schuyler Riley (USA), two-time victor Peter Leone (USA), Mario Deslauriers (CAN), Richie Moloney (IRL), Devin Ryan (USA) and Molly Ashe Cawley (USA). For Sunday’s highlight event, the 50 qualified elite horse-and-rider partnerships were up against the skillfully crafted track set by veteran course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA), who fabricated a lofty 16-effort pattern of fences that proved to be the perfect tool to separate the top-tier performers from the rest of the pack. 

By the halfway point of the first round, Lillie Keenan (USA) and Fasther had added their names to the short list, and foot-perfect international contenders included Deslauriers on Cloud 39, Moloney aboard Rocksy Music and Paul O’Shea (IRL) riding Machu Picchu. The second portion of the field had better luck, with nine duos advancing into the jump-off. 

Returning in the same order in which they qualified, Katherine Dinan (USA) set the standard on Brego R’n B with a quick and clear ride in 42.13 seconds, a lead that would stand for only two trips. Keenan and Fasther were faster after tripping the timers in 39.83 seconds, improving upon the earlier frontrunners’ time due to a hairpin turn following the second-to-last fence that led to a long gallop over the final oxer. Always formidable, Farrington and Gazelle were the final challengers with a shot at eclipsing Keenan and Fasther, and Farrington proved why he has consistently been one of the highest-ranked riders in the world as he maneuvered his lightning fast mare through two high-risk turns and a swift gallop that put them at the finish line in 39.06 seconds, good enough to capture victory as the 2020 champions of the $213,300 American Gold Cup Grand Prix CSI4*, presented by CaptiveOne Advisors.

The win is the second for Farrington and Gazelle, who were partnered together for the 2016 success at Old Salem Farm and have gone on to accumulate global accolades in upper-echelon competition. The next-fastest, Keenan earned the reserve honors aboard  Fasther, and Bliss Heers and Antidote De Mars jumped to third place to round out an all-American podium. Less than one second separated the top three contestants.

During the awards ceremony of the class, the M. Michael Meller Style Award was awarded to Farrington as a representative of the attributes of a true horseman and sportsman. The M. Michael Meller Style of of Riding Award was presented to the rider who best demonstrated the values of horsemanship, skill and presentation in the show ring. Meller presented the award in memory of his mother, Harriette Meller.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

On his win:

“It was a great win today. It’s a crazy time in the world, but we still have great sport, and they have done an amazing job putting on the show and keeping this a special class. I am very proud to win today. We’ve been building for a big class and this is the biggest so far this year. I’m glad that the plan came together and the whole team was here supporting me today. Gazelle’s owner [Robin Parsky] came to watch today and we had some extra luck from all the fans here. Like I said, I am very proud to have my name back on the trophy again. The trophy is filled with some of the best riders in our sport and some of my heroes growing up from American riding and I’m a two-time winner because I have such an exceptional horse in Gazelle and she really delivered and showed her stuff today.

On the class:

“I think it’s hard to know exactly what to expect in today’s class and how big it would be. The horses haven’t seen big courses like they normally would so I think the course was probably a touch softer than in years past which is why you had so many clear. But in our sport it’s very easy to knock a fence down and that can happen to the best of us so I thought there was still plenty clear even though some of the heavy favorites had an unfortunate fault.

On the jump-off:

“I was trying to just beat the riders ahead of me and not beat myself. Gazelle is a very fast horse, she is a very experienced horse so you can really call on her. I thought she made an exceptional turn to the double and an incredible rollback to the last and that’s probably where we picked it up today. The first line is an option, it’s a nine stride or maybe an eight stride on a big mover. Gazelle can do both, so I opted for the bending nine strides so that it was a little bit less risk so I didn’t have her too flat early on with the next fence being a closed-face liverpool. So I bent to nine, a very short turn to set up the six, I knew I could really cut on the double there. She is a great combination jumper, she is very careful, so it was a big risk there. Then same to the vertical – I could run her down dead close and turn very short, and actually I could play it a little safe to the last so I knew I had my time in hand.”

Source: Phelps Media Press Release

KENT FARRINGTON AND CREEDANCE POWER TO SUCCESS IN $75,000 SILVER OAK JUMPER TOURNAMENT GRAND PRIX CSI2*

The final day of the CSI2* week of the 50th American Gold Cup brought 66 decorated horse-and-rider pairs to centerstage Sunday to contest the $75,000 Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Grand Prix CSI 2*, presented by Agero. Normally held in Massachusetts, the class made its debut in Traverse City as the 2020 host of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, a welcome addition to the first-ever two-week American Gold Cup CSI2* & 4*. Representing 13 nations, the diverse pack of starters put on a good show, with the elite contenders whittled down to 11 for the jump-off. Always a threat in the show ring, Kent Farrington sliced Haity NcNerney’s Creedance to victory as the most efficient of seven double-clear duos.

Course designer Nick Granat (USA) crafted a track fit for the occasion, which saw a top-tier number of combinations successfully finish the pattern within the time-allowed and without lowering any rails. 

Reduced down to the top contestants, the abridged jump-off course featured a series of rollbacks and long galloping straightaways that offered returning partnerships a chance to turn in blazing times. First to go and the first double-clear of the class, Molly Ashe Cawley (USA) and Adamo laid down the gauntlet once more with a quick ride in 35.60 seconds, but their lead only lasted two rides as Farrington and Creedance entered the International Ring for their turn. Proving why they are one of the most successful partnerships in the sport, Farrington and the 13-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) careened around the course with precision and speed, ultimately tripping the timers in 34.88 seconds to claim the lead. Try as they might, none of the subsequent challengers could best the duo’s swift time, solidifying Farrington and Creedance as the day’s big victors.

Shane Sweetnam (IRL) jumped to the reserve honors in the irons aboard Indra Van De Oude Heihoef, while Beezie Madden (USA) and Chic Hin D’Hyrencourt rounded out the podium to make for an impressive group of top-three finishers.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

On Creedance:

“Creedance is an exceptional horse. He’s just a real winner. He wins year in and year out. You really saw his heart today in the jump-off. I turned very short to number two and he basically jumped it from a standstill. He is such an amazing horse, he can win anyway. I think he is an incredible athlete and I am very proud of him today.”

On his win:

“It was a great win today and I’m happy to be a part of that list. The trophy is about the same size as me so I’m using all of my strength here to hold it up! I’m glad to leave with a win today.”

On the jump-off:

“From one to two I planned to operate medium speed and to keep rolling through my turn, to never break my rhythm through the vertical so I could get the five strides in the line. [The footing slipped] at fence two so I had to jump it from a standstill. Like I said, Creedence is an incredible athlete to jump it like that at that kind of distance. I did the six strides because I thought the five strides was totally out of bounds, then after that I thought I would let him run, and that’s his natural speed. I just took all of the last fences out of stride. The last one was an option in six or seven strides, but for me it was seven. His ground speed is so fast that leaving one out is not a necessary risk, so we did seven strides there and got away with the win.”

On the class:

“In difficult times you are seeing great riders here, and I think it’s great for the area and great for the sport. I thought it was an exceptional course today because it had a real big-level feel but it wasn’t at full size, and I think that’s why there weren’t so many clear. Nick Granat did an amazing job with the courses today and it showed with the field of top riders in the results.”

Source: Phelps Media Press Release

FARRINGTON DOMINATES ON THE DERBY FIELD WITH CREEDANCE AND JASPER AT ESP SUMMER III

Another week of ESP Summer Series competition wrapped up on the Derby Field on Sunday as Kent Farrington and Creedance, owned by Farrington and Haity McNerney, dominated the $20,000 Resilient Fitness Grand Prix during the third week of the series.

The American and the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) crossed through the jump-off timers in 42.746 seconds, besting a total of 37 competitors on the course designed by Jasen Shelley (USA).

Joao Eduardo Ferreira de Carvalho (BRA) rode Volt Du Thot to a second-place victory after a 44.98-second jump-off. Sophia Studd (DEN) claimed third place aboard Holsteins Matina after they finished the jump-off track in 47.232 seconds.

Farrington had a total of three entries in this Grand Prix, and has been working to keep them in shape despite the slower competition season this summer.

“Creedance and Gazelle are very experienced horses, and it’s a great opportunity to jump them on the grass. I think it’s one of the best arenas that we have in America, so the fact that they’re able to hold some shows here during this difficult time is great,” commented Farrington. “I wanted to take advantage of [this field] with my horses and still keep them in a bit of a routine even though there’s not a ton of shows going on right now.”

The Resilient Fitness Grand Prix is the second time Farrington found himself in the winner’s circle this week. On Friday, he piloted Jasper, who he owns with Tanma Corp, to victory in the $10,000 Bainbridge Companies Open Stake on the Derby Field in 42.843 seconds.

The KPF team recently returned from competition in North Carolina and Michigan, and the top rider expressed that he’s very happy some venues have been able to hold competitions, considering “a lot of other sports aren’t able to continue now.”

Many of his social media followers have also seen the incredible workouts that Farrington completes, so in honor of this week’s Grand Prix sponsor, Resilient Fitness, Farrington described how he manages to stay motivated and healthy during this time: “I take my job seriously. I think if we’re going to call ourselves athletes, then we have to be athletes. So, I try to be authentic to that and live and train like a top athlete should.”

Source: ESP Press Release

KENT FARRINGTON AND AUSTRIA 2 ACCELERATE TO VICTORY IN $36,600 CWD WELCOME STAKE

Contenders went head-to-head Thursday in the $36,600 CWD Welcome Stake CSI3* for the final week of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival at Flintfields Horse Park. A field of 71 entries from ten countries galloped through the first round, with the field whittled to representatives from only four nations in the jump-off. Consistently one of the best in the world and living up to his reputation, Kent Farrington captured the top honors on Austria 2, owned by Take the High Road LLC.

For the first pattern, course designer Manuel Esparza (MEX) provided a technical track, but the time limit ultimately caused more problems than the fences. The 71-second time-allowed proved to be a tough factor for a number of partnerships, with eight duos leaving all the rails in their cups but incurring a single time fault to keep them off of the jump-off list. In total, regardless of faults, 35 first-round contenders finished the track with three or fewer time faults to their name, making footspeed an important component for those aiming for the tie-breaker round.

Aboard Colour Your Day, Jordan Kilkenny (IRL) rode the first double-clear of the class in a time of 50.86 seconds to set the early pace. By the time Farrington entered the ring with Austria 2, the fastest jump-off was 38 seconds flat. Farrington never took his foot off the gas pedal as he and Austria 2 sliced around the ring with lightning efficiency, leaving all the rails in their cups in 37.31 seconds.

The remaining three tried to knock the leaders’ off their throne, but none could manage it, solidifying Farrington and Austria 2 as the day’s big victors. Lillie Keenan (USA) and Fasther were the final to go and gave a good run, but were just a hair off the pace with a final clear time of 37.83 seconds. Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Colestina H ultimately earned the final podium spot. Of the 17 teams that returned for the jump-off, 10 finished on double-clear results.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

On showing Austria 2:

“I thought [Kaprice] needed a little rest because she has been showing consistently and she jumped great in the grand prix last week. I knew the jump-off would be very fast so I thought I would rest her legs. [Austria 2] is a very experienced speed horse, so thought I would give it a shot on her. It worked out today! She has amazing ground speed, almost like a little race horse. That is really why she is exceptional in the sport. She crosses the ground so fast and you can do what you want to do, especially in a big ring like this.”

On one of his inside turns in the jump-off:

“I have a lot of confidence in this horse. As I was saying, she has a lot of experience so when you know a horse like that, you know what they are capable of and that was a place I knew I could really take a shot. I have had a few fast ones and [Austria 2] lives up to their reputation, as well.”

On competing at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival:

“Beautiful venue and great ground, which is what we always want in this sport. They also have very good course designers here and I think we are making the most of a very difficult time in the world. I am very happy to be competing and I have had some good luck, as well!”

Source: Phelps Media

Kent Farrington and Kaprice Win the $137K EquiSafe Global Grand Prix CSI3* at Tryon

In a close finish, Kent Farrington and Kaprice secured victory in the $137,000 EquiSafe Global Grand Prix CSI3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), stopping the jump-off timers at 39.477 seconds. Nicole Shahinian-Simpson (USA) and Akuna Mattata claimed second place with a clear jump-off score of 40.345 seconds, while Karen Polle (JPN) and her own With Wings sailed to third-place just milliseconds behind with a time of 40.695 seconds.

Farrington and Kaprice, a 2010 Belgian Warmblood mare (Echo Van T Spieveld x Carthago) that Kent owns with Haity McNerney, bested a class of 37 entries and ten jump-off contenders, sailing over jumps in the Ken Krome (USA)-designed course.

Farrington praised the mare on her growth in the sport:

“Kaprice is an amazing horse. She’s an amazing athlete. You never worry whether she’s going to knock a rail down. As you can see in the ring, she’s very careful. She’s actually learned to jump a little bit lower because she used to jump so high over the fences. During these difficult times, I want to keep her getting as much experience as possible because she really needs it to become a Grand Prix horse. She’s not a horse who can go a year without jumping. We have to keep her going enough to get her to the big levels,” explained Farrington.

Kaprice is “naturally fast” according to Farrington who said he had to stick to his plan and keep her on track.

“There were a bunch of rollbacks in there, and she actually got lost coming to the vertical. She didn’t put her eye on it, so I had to sit back and hope that she cleared it from a very awkward distance. She’s such an athlete, though, so she got away with it. I’m very proud. The owners, the McNerney family, have been longtime supporters of mine. They’ve been very patient in letting these horses grow up and helping get some good ones on the team. I really think we have a nice horse here with Kaprice!”

Farrington is pleased to be back at TIEC and complimented the new, fully-engineered footing in the venue’s Tryon Stadium.

“The footing feels great—it’s much better. It’s a little more loose and forgiving for the horses. I think that’s best. The closer you are to a natural ground like grass, the better. It feels good to get off the property, [too]. We’re lucky that we do a sport that’s outdoors, and we can practice safe social distancing and still continue on somewhat of a path.”

Source: TIEC Press Release

FARRINGTON AND AUSTRIA BEAT THE FIELD TO WIN $137,000 WEF CHALLENGE CUP ROUND 5 CSI5*

Riding out of the 12th spot in a jump-off field of 19, Kent Farrington sped through the timers to win the $137,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 5 CSI5* riding Austria 2, owned by Take the High Road LLC, on Thursday of the fifth week of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

The first round of the WEF Challenge Cup had 52 entries, and with 19 clear over the course designed by Anthony D’Ambrosio and Andy Christiansen Jr., speed was all-important. First to return for the tiebreaker, Capt. Brian Cournane (IRL) in the saddle on Penelope Cruz set the pace with a clear round in 43.155 seconds, which would hold up for fifth place. Seven more duos laid down stellar efforts with quick, clear rounds, but ultimately it was Farrington aboard Austria 2 who would set a blazing time of 40.68 seconds that couldn’t be touched for the remaining seven trips. Coming closest to Farrington was Adrienne Sternlicht (USA) on Just A Gamble, who posted a time of 40.98 seconds for second place.

Farrington always looks for improvement no matter what ribbon he takes home, and Thursday’s class was no different.

“[Jumps] one to two she didn’t turn as well as I’d hoped,” he explained “I think I came to one with a little too much speed to turn short, so I got a little off my line. I did one extra [stride] to number two, so I kind of doubled down on my bet and went super short to the next oxer because otherwise I thought I’d be too slow. Ideally, I could have done one to two a little bit better and then I could have had an even smoother turn to number three. But she’s so fast and a fighter. You can do that with horses like her. I thought I was a little bit behind, but I could ratchet it up and still catch the class.”

Farrington has learned how to ratchet up not only Austria’s speed, but her scope, and used her innate talent. Having taken over the ride in the spring of 2019, their first event was the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, where Farrington and Austria 2 got to know each other in the 1.30m division and ended up in the 1.50m jumpers. Her talent led Farrington to compete her in five-star grand prix classes regularly that summer, and they capped off an impressive year with 13 top-five finishes and victory in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in Geneva, Switzerland.

“I don’t really feel a limit on her; she’s got an unbelievable mentality,” said Farrington of the 12-year-old Holsteiner mare (Casall x Corrado I). “That goes a long way, and a horse that really wants to fight for you is a huge part of the battle of doing high level sport.”

Farrington noticed Austria 2 earlier in her career, since the mare’s owners are his neighbors in Wellington.

“Karen [Long Dwight] and Glen are my neighbors in Palm Beach Pointe. We ride on the canals. It was around Christmastime and I said, ‘Merry Christmas! I keep asking Santa if I can ride Austria. It hasn’t happened yet but I’m hoping!’” he laughed. “After that season, they actually said, ‘Hey would you like to ride Austria?’ Santa came through.”

What caught Farrington’s eye was Austria’s type. “It’s a super light, Thoroughbred-type horse,” he said. “That’s my favorite type of horse, what I’m always drawn to. She’s super careful, naturally quick, a modern show jumper. I was being a little funny talking about riding the horse, but I had no idea what it could actually do. I thought it would be a great winner at whatever level it decided to jump, but I didn’t know that was going to be 1.50m or 1.55m or 1.60m. Whether she wants to do that all the time or she moves up and down, I think regardless it’s a great horse and I feel very fortunate that I have Karen and Glen behind me with the horse. They’ve been so supportive.”

Source: Jennifer Woods Media, Inc.

FARRINGTON AND CREEDANCE CROWNED CHAMPION OF MARSHALL & STERLING/GREAT AMERICAN $214,000 GRAND PRIX CSI4*

Twenty-three athletes representing 14 countries challenged the track, but it was Kent Farrington and Creedance, owned by Farrington and Haity McNerney, who mastered the course and topped the ranks of the Marshall & Sterling/Great American $214,000 Grand Prix CSI4*.

Course designer Anderson Lima (BRA) set the arduous course. Thirteen obstacles made up the 1.60m set track, including a triple combination and water feature that were set within the tight turns and rollbacks of the course. Alberto Michan (ISR) and Cosa Nostra were the pathfinders of the first round, putting in the first clear as only the eighth to enter the arena. Katherine Dinan (USA) and Dougie Douglas followed suit, making themselves the second clear combination in the first round. In total, 11 riders left the course intact to add their names to the jump off roster.

Lima’s shortened track consisted of eight jumps set in a series of twists and turns followed by one final gallop to the last fence. Michan was first to attempt the course, leaving all of the fences up with a time of 34.075 seconds. Dinan and Jessica Springsteen (USA) also produced double-clear rides, each crossing the timers a bit faster than the other. Unfortunate faults for six other duos left them out of the jump-off, while Santiago Lambre (MEX) raced to beat the previously set lead by Springsteen in just 34.522 seconds. However, it was Farrington, one of the final three to enter the arena, that would jump an outstanding round in 34.075 seconds to lead him straight to the winner’s circle in the Marshall & Sterling/Great American $214,000 Grand Prix CSI4*. 

Farrington, who is currently ranked ninth in the world, has plenty of experience with the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Creedance. Together, Farrington and Creedance are known for their quick, clear jump offs that often prove to be unbeatable when it gets down to the wire. Farrington’s horsemanship is apparent in his riding, describing his schedule as one he creates based on where his horses like to jump.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

On Creedance:


“Creedance is an exceptional horse. He’s naturally so fast and such a winner. He’s unbelievable; careful and at the same time very brave. He has tons of experience going fast . He’s good in big rings and small rings. He’s just an amazing horse and a great winner for me. When the class was moved into the sand, I thought it was a good opportunity for him so I changed my plan a little bit and put him in there. He delivered like he usually does so I was very proud of him today. I try to show him where he likes and not overuse him in places where I don’t think he needs to jump. Every winter when I’m here, I pick a few weeks where he comes out.”

On moving rings:


“It’s always difficult when there is a schedule change because all of us as riders that compete at a higher level have a plan. This is one of the best fields in Florida; it’s one of the oldest fields so it has really mature roots and amazing footing. It’s a little disappointing for all of us to not jump out there this week, but we make the best of the situation. There’s another nice venue in this ring which suited a more experienced horse. It’s small and the jumps come up fast so that was an additional challenge for all of the horses and riders. The caliber of riders and horses here is very high which is why you still saw strong results from many pairs today.”

On his goals for the season:


“My goals for WEF are to protect my older horses and use this show as spring training for them. I’ll be strategically pulling them out for a couple of bigger rounds. At the same time, I want to give my younger horses a chance to step up into bigger classes. That’s one of the great things about being here in Florida — there are so many classes at different heights.”

Source: Phelps Sports Media

Kent Farrington Tops Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 2

U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington and Kaprice, owned by Farrington and Haity McNerney, had the speed to win the $37,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 CSI2* on Thursday during the second week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.

The 22-horse jump-off was a who’s who of top sport from a competitive starting field of 103 horses. Farrington utilized Kaprice’s foot speed to stop Oscar Soberon’s (MEX) short track clock at 37.44 seconds over fellow U.S. rider Abigail McArdle riding Victorio 5, who collected a time of 38.36 seconds for owner Victorio Equine Group LLC.

“For this level of competition I’m producing younger horses, so for me it was more about what the horse is ready to do than how fast the class is going,” Farrington said of what shaped his plan for Thursday’s jump-off. “Kaprice is naturally very quick, and she grows in her confidence off riding with a bit of speed because she is extremely careful. It’s an incredible horse and it’s all about keeping her confidence high.”

Farrington got the ride on Kaprice, a 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Echo van’t Spieveld x Carthago) at the end of her six-year-old year but took his time producing the mount. “I spent a lot of time not showing. She had a lot of blood and energy, so I spent almost a year playing with her on the flat and jumping really small fences to get her more manageable,” he said. “In the last year, she is coming into her own.”

Farrington’s plan is to compete Kaprice in the $73,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI2* on Saturday evening in the mare’s second appearance under the lights.

“My plan is to grow her this season,” continued Farrington. “With things like Tokyo coming up it’s great that we have WEF and this new ground to jump on. I’m confident here to show all my horses and it’s a great place to produce horses.”

Under 25 rider Taylor St. Jacques (USA) held the lead for several trips, but settled for third riding her own Upsilon de la Liniere, in a time of 38.62 seconds, while Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa took fourth in 38.82 seconds aboard Venice Beach for owner Artemis Equestrian Farm LLC. Capping the top five, Lacey Gilberston (USA), stopped the clock and 39.01 seconds riding Baloppi for owner Seabrook LLC.

WEF continues through March 29, 2020 with 12 consecutive weeks of world-class competition and $13 million dollars on offer. This second week of competition at WEF is sponsored by NetJets and recognized as a CSI2* by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

Source: Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

KENT FARRINGTON TAKES ROLEX TOP 10 FINAL TITLE FOR SECOND TIME 

"Fortune favors the brave," goes the saying, and that was certainly the case in Friday night’s Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final at CHI Geneva where Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington showed some real fighting spirit to claim his second title in this prestigious competition. Farrington’s first victory was in 2015 with Voyeur (Tolano Van´t Riethof x Goodwill); this time it came aboard the 11-year-old mare Austria 2 (Casall x Corrado I), owned by Take the High Road LLC.

 “I think this is an amazing class – it’s great that Rolex puts this down – it really showcases the top level of our sport,” Farrington said after his victory. “You see all the best riders, you see great horses and tonight was no exception.”

A highlight in the show jumping calendar, the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final brings together the world's ten best riders to celebrate their achievements during the past year. It is a competition like no other and an eagerly awaited highlight of the equestrian calendar – an initiative Rolex has supported since its inauguration in 2001. Steeped in equestrian history, 2019 marks the 15th year this prestigious class has been hosted at the CHIG. In this spirit, this year’s Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final opened with a parade presenting the ten riders – taking the time to look back at and reflect on each of their incredible 2019 – before the action kicked off in Palexpo.

Kent Farrington – also a winner of the Rolex Grand Prix of Geneva in 2017 – produced the first clear round with Austria 2 after putting in some serious rider’s effort over the 1.60m track. Christian Ahlmann (GER) and Clintrexo Z got close to a clear round too, but exceeded the time allowed and recorded a single penalty. Darragh Kenny (IRL) matched Farrington however, making it around clear with Romeo 88 despite a heart-stopping stumble on the way. 

A few back rails came in the way for Pieter Devos (BEL) and Espoir, and it was not Peder Fredricson’s (SWE) day either as H&M All In had a stumble after fence number two which caused the Swedish rider to pull up – checking that his faithful partner was OK before he could continue. Ben Maher (GBR) and F One USA could not keep on a clean sheet either, and had two rails down half-way in the course while Daniel Deusser (GER) and Killer Queen VDM knocked the back rail on 11a down.

Now it was all down to the two home heroes, and a fully seated Palexpo held their breath collectively as Martin Fuchs (SUI) and Silver Shine got underway. However, the back pole on the oxer at 10 stood in the way of a clear round. Defending title-holder Steve Guerdat (SUI) was last in the ring and he delivered a clear round on Alamo.

Coming back in reverse order in round two, eight riders chose to return with Fredricson and Von Eckermann passing on going against the clock – saving their horses for another day. Pieter Devos and Ben Maher both delivered clear rounds the second time around, as did Daniel Deusser. Martin Fuchs had no luck however, and had a front rail down coming into the penultimate double.

Christian Ahlmann also managed to keep all the fences intact despite a few rubs on the way, and went into the lead with his single penalty from round one. As next to go, Steve Guerdat gave it a good shot but came a bit big into the double and had the front rail of the oxer coming in down – accompanied by Swiss disappointment – leaving the lead with Ahlmann. 

Darragh Kenny, competing in his first Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final, showed no nerves and steered Romeo 88 to a clear and fast round, going into the lead in 42.54 seconds – putting some serious pressure on Farrington as last to go. Coming fresh from his win in the previous night’s Grand Prix qualifier, Farrington was up for the challenge however and blazing around the shortened track he managed to shave off over two seconds on Kenny’s time – taking the second Top 10 title of his career.  

“It was a massive first round in my opinion, very big – that was why we did not see so many clears – only three of us jumped clear in the first round. Darragh put in a very fast [second] round and I had to try my best to beat him tonight!” Farrington smiled afterwards.

“The owners [of Austria] actually live next door to me in Florida, and I had seen them out riding on the trails along the canals and I always told them that I liked this horse," Farrington told. "I said that for Christmas one year I want them to give me the horse to ride. It did not happen at Christmas, but in April they asked me if I wanted to start riding the horse so I took over and started building from there,” Farrington explained about his successful partnership with Austria 2. 

Farrington remains the only American to ever win the IJRC Top Ten title.

Source: World of Show Jumping

KENT FARRINGTON WINS THE GENEVA ROLEX GP QUALIFIER FOR FOURTH TIME

Kent Farrington and his incredible little chestnut gelding Creedance  produced a lightning fast round to win Thursday night’s CSI5* 1.55m Trophée de Genève, the qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. 

“Creedance is a really spectacular horse; you know he has actually won this class before,” smiled Farrington after his victory - referring to the pair’s win back in 2016 and 2018. “He is so fast and so careful, which is a big advantage inside for me. We’re off to a good start here in Geneva,” concluded the happy winner after day one at the world’s most prestigious indoor event.

Thirteen horse-and-rider combinations made it to the jump-off in this 1.55m class. As expected, it was a tough first round that waited for the 48 pairs that had lined up - consisting of 13 fences, including a triple combination and a double. With the time allowed also playing its part tonight, three riders were kept out of the jump-off after recording a single penalty.

Looking dangerously to-the-point already in round one, Farrington once again demonstrated that he is one of the fastest riders in the world. Going all in from start to finish, and with Creedance answering all the questions asked, Farrington shaved off an incredible 1.28 seconds from the leader, Michael Pender’s (IRL), jump-off time. When Steve Guerdat (SUI) had an early rail down with Venard du Cerisy and Kevin Staut (FRA) went for a medium-quick clear, Farrington could yet again celebrate a victory with Creedance in Geneva - the ultimate start ahead of Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix. 

As mentioned, Farrington and Creedance have won the Trophée de Genève in 2016 and the Credit Suisse Challenge in 2018. In 2013 he dominated the Rolex GP qualifier with Willow. Farrington also won the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final in 2015 with Voyeur and the Rolex Grand Prix in 2017 with Gazelle.

Source: World of Show Jumping

Kent Farrington and Kaprice Finish Year End Awards Show with double Wins

Kent Farrington of Wellington, FL and Kaprice, owned by Farrington & Haity McNerney, dominated the $25,000 #1 Education Place National Grand Prix at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Sunday, scooping up their second win of the week with a jump-off time of 40.616 seconds. In second, Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, OH and Van Gogh finished the short course in a time of 42.925 seconds, while Luis Larrazabal and San Francisco Stables LLC’s Caristina took third after stopping the timers at 43.747 seconds. 

Anthony D’Ambrosio saw 28 entries test his course in the first round, with 12 returning for the jump-off. Farrington reflected that the course was well-suited for greener horses or horses that need to build confidence: “You didn’t see any triple combinations today but there were three doubles, which for greener horses or for horses that are building, is a more fair test. For her [Kaprice], it’s great because she’s getting to see multiple types of combinations.

“Kaprice is really a special horse; she’s unbelievably careful. I’ve moved her up and down because of that,” Farrington said of Kaprice. “She’s similar to a lot of the great horses I’ve had in the past where she borderlines on too careful, so it’s all about keeping her confidence level high,” Farrington concluded.

Farrington and Kaprice also won the $10,000 #1 Education Place Open Stake on Friday.

Source: PBIEC Press Release

Farrington and Austria 2 Speed to Victory at Toronto’s Royal Horse Show

Kent Farrington of the United States took first place in the $37,000 Jolera International Strength and Speed Challenge on Wednesday at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 97th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto, ON.

Horse and rider combinations were challenged to negotiate an opening strength phase set by Canadian course designer Michel Vaillancourt before immediately advancing to a speed phase. Farrington did so in the fastest time, stopping the speed phase clock in 25.82 seconds with Austria 2, owned by Take The High Road LLC.

“The horse is naturally very quick which is a big advantage, especially in a small indoor ring,” said Farrington of Austria 2, an 11-year-old Holsteiner mare (Casall x Corrado I). “She's a really feisty mare. It’s actually my favorite type of horse. She’s small. She’s light. She’s extremely athletic and very fast, so for me it’s a super horse.” 

Farrington is a frequent competitor at the Royal Horse Show and won the feature event, the $210,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Toronto, in 2017. “I think this is the best indoor show that we have in North America,” said Farrington, 38, who was a member of the U.S. silver medal team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “There is always great support from the Canadian crowd. It’s a small group of riders but a strong group of riders. It always feels good to win a class here.”

Ireland’s Conor Swail set the leading pace as the first rider into the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Swail took a daring approach with GK Coco Chanel to the final fence which paid off with a time of 26.03 seconds that would hold up for second place. Eric Lamaze took third place with a time of 26.56 seconds riding Chacco Kid.

Source: Toronto Royal Horse Show Press Release

KENT FARRINGTON AND CREEDANCE CAPTURE DOUBLE WINS IN NEW YORK

It's not one, but two wins for Creedance and Kent Farrington in the first edition of the Governor’s Island Global Champions Tour in New York City. The pair finished first in both Saturday's qualifier and Sunday’s €150,000 1.55-meter class.

Sunday’s win was especially hard fought, with 15 advancing to the short course over Uliano Vezzania’s track. Farrington and Creedance won the class over Pieter Devos on Espoir, with Harrie Smolders and Cas 2 taking third. The pair went early in the jump-off, but Farrington didn’t consider that a disadvantage at all as the remaining qualified competitors attempted to catch him. Rails and seconds added to the clock while Farrington maintained his position.

“My plan with Creedance is always the same, just to do his round,” he said of the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood by Lord Z. “That’s normally fast enough to win or to be very, very close. I try not to change my tactics or my strategy for anyone else, so I just do my own plan for him and what suits him.

“I think I just have a faster horse,” he continued. “He’s a rocket. He’s so quick across the ground. He’s very efficient at the fence. It’s a huge advantage because he can do the same number of strides as any other horse but he can do them going faster. So in a class like that, it’s a big advantage.”

Creedance, co-owned by Farrington and RCG Farm, has won in New York before, taking the top prize at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show in 2017. But Farrington’s been competing abroad since April, winning classes on Creedance at the Global Champions Tour of St. Tropez (France) and Spruce Meadows (Calgary), among others.

“I got him when he was seven,” Farrington said. “He always had great talent but he was really a high-strung horse with a lot of blood. It took a lot of time for him to mature into a more rideable horse, a more predictable horse. That’s what you see now. His rounds are more consistent. You can really count on him to deliver and he’s an exceptional horse in the sport.”

Next up for Creedance is a bit of a rest. He’ll have a month off then come back for end of the fall season.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

On showing at the Longines Global Champions Tour New York: “It was a good week. I brought two very competitive horses and I actually thought they had a chance to win every day. Creedance was in amazing form and won both of his classes this week.”

On Creedance as a championship horse: “I don’t know that a championship would suit him and I don’t know if I would ask him to jump it. He jumps a lot from his heart and I try to manage his classes so I am not always asking him to jump the biggest rounds because he is a small horse and I don’t want to over-tax him. So I do my best to balance his schedule.”

On bringing the best athletes in the world to America: “I think the sport is global and to compete against the best, all of the best have to be present. Because a lot of the leading riders are in Europe, we have to go there. I think this horse show is a great way to showcase the sport and to raise the level here in America while exposing the audience to these top riders. There is always something to learn from different riding styles and types of horses, so to have that exposure here in the States is a great thing for the sport.”

On competing at a destination horse show: “I like competing with the best and I think that these shows are great and have elevated the level of the sport. I also still appreciate the more traditional shows that have been historically important like Aachen, Calgary and Geneva but I think the Global Champions Tour has elevated the sport and gotten us a lot more exposure by raising the level of money behind the riders and ultimately all of that has benefitted the sport.”

Source: The Chronicle of the Horse, Sportfot Photography and Phelps Sports Media

Farrington & Creedance Cruise to Win €93,800 Second GCL Speed Class at St. Tropez

Kent Farrington and Creedance won the €93,800 Second GCL Speed Class last Sunday during the Global Champions Tour of St. Tropez CSI5* in Ramatuelle, France.

The American and the 12-year-old chestnut Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) blazed through the challenge, clearing all the 1.55m/1.60m obstacles and crossing the finish line with no penalties in 67.62 seconds for the victory.

Second place was claimed by Bertram Allen (IRL) and GK Casper backed by a penalty-free performance in 69.41 seconds.

Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Classic Dream earned bronze honors after a clean scorecard and a time of 70.44 seconds.

Source: Global Champions Tour Media

Farrington and Jasper Take Top Honors in ATCO Solutions at Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’

Kent Farrington and Jasper won the $75,000 ATCO Solutions Cup CSI5* Thursday during the ‘Masters‘ Tournament at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada.

The 1.50 meter ATCO Solutions Cup began the day’s competition in the International Ring Thursday morning. Fifty-nine horse/rider combinations took on the 425 meter track designed by FEI course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) hoping to produce a clear round and qualify for the jump off. Twenty-three fault-free rounds qualified for the jump off including Scott Brash (GBR), Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Kent Farrington.

Farrington and Jasper were in top form, with the American guiding the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion (Heartbreaker x Wega van’t Gestelhof) towards a clear jump-off round in a time of 35.48 seconds.

Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) and Limestoney Grey (Try Time x Unknown) were the runners-up, the only difference being their time of 35.56 seconds.

Bruno Chimirri (ITA) and Tower Mouche (Diamant de Semilly x Bleu Blank Rouge II) were also double clear, rounding out the top three with a jump-off time of 37.35 seconds.

Winner’s Circle:
“The level of competition here (Spruce Meadows) is second-to-none as always and I’m happy to start with a win,” said Farrington on his win in the ATCO Solutions competition.

Source: Spruce Meadows Media

KENT FARRINGTON AND GAZELLE LEAP INTO HISTORY IN THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT CHIO AACHEN

The course designer, Frank Rothenberger, said it before the jump-off of the Rolex Grand Prix at the CHIO Aachen: Kent Farrington is one of the fastest riders in the world. The words of the master of the obstacles proved to be prophetic.

The winner of the €1,000,000 Rolex Grand Prix 2019 comes from the USA for the first time since 2007. Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington claimed the top prize with Gazelle, the Belgian-bred Kashmir van Schuttershof daughter. A very special victory for Farrington at one of the most prestigious events in the sport, many view the win as iconic as an Olympic Gold. Second place went to Germany’s Daniel Deusser riding Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z and third place to Great Britain’s Ben Maher riding Explosion W. 

CHIO Aachen played host to over 40,000 equestrian spectators, as they gathered in the main show jumping arena to witness the second Major of 2019 in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Inaugurated in 1898, the show is steeped in equestrian history and has partnered with Rolex since 1999, a relationship that demonstrates Rolex’s enduring long-term commitment to equestrianism, supporting the most revered and highly anticipated shows hosted around the world.

Seven horse and rider combinations made it to the jump-off after two full rounds of 14 fences (round one) and 12 fences (round two), most set at 1.70m. A field of 40 starters had previously qualified for Sunday’s Grand Prix. 

“Every rider wants to win here,” said Farrington. “I have been riding out of that ring all week, looking at that winner’s wall and imagining my name on there, so I am so happy to come out with a win finally. I still can’t believe it’s real! CHIO Aachen is one of the most prestigious events in the world, I just feel so proud to win here.”

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

On the course: “I think it is typical of an Aachen course. You have best of the best here, so every test you have out there on the course is difficult. Gazelle has the ability, scope and carefulness, and that was tested over the two rounds. I think that’s why you see so many faults throughout the class as every part of it is a test and so there is no easy part.”

On the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping: “Absolutely, I will be [at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament]! The Rolex Grand Slam is great for the sport and I am excited to be a part of it again.”

On the jump-off: “I have been so close in this class before. The last time I was in the jump-off I was the fastest but I had one pole down, so today I really wanted to go one better! I thought if I go clear it will put enough pressure on, so I had a different strategy and it paid off today.”

 On Gazelle: “She has become a real professional in this sport. She knows the prize giving, she knows when she’s performing, she knows everything! She hasn’t always been that way, but now she is a real pro.”

The CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ in Canada in September is the next Major in the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, and the attention of the equestrian world will now turn to this show, in the hope that Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington will continue his Rolex Grand Slam journey.

Source: CHIO Aachen Press Release and Rolex Equestrian

Kent Farrington and Jasper Take First in the 1.50m Friends of the Meadows Cup

Kent Farrington and Jasper won the $36,100 Friends of the Meadows Cup CSI5* during the ‘Pan American‘ at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada. 

Warm weather greeted horses and riders for the first class of the second day of competition at the Meadows on the Green. Forty-six horse/rider combinations stepped through the portal to challenge the 1.50m track set by FEI Course Designer Alan Wade (IRL). Twelve partnerships delivered penalty-free rides in the first round and advanced to the decisive phase over the shortened track, riders were asked to take risks in an attempt to secure their place in the winner’s circle and for some the risk paid off.

Farrington and the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Jasper (Heartbreaker x Wega van’T Gestelhof) completed their jump-off performance flawlessly, going through the timers in 32.36 seconds for the victory.

The eventual winners were almost two seconds faster than Rodrigo Lambre (BRA)  and J’Adore van het Klinkhof, timed in 34.30 seconds. Diego Vivero (ECU) and Zambia Mystic Rose completed the podium with no penalties, crossing through the final timers in 35.59 seconds during the tiebreaker.

Farrington owns Jasper with the Tanma Corp. and the pair have shared several victories together at Spruce Meadows.

 Source: Press Release from Spruce Meadows Media

KENT FARRINGTON ANd CREEDANCE CLIMB TO THE TOP IN SCOTIABANK CUP CSI5* AT SPRUCE MEADOWS

Kent Farrington and Creedance climbed to the top of the podium in the $133,700 Scotiabank Cup CSI5* during the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ CSI5*, presented by Rolex–the only qualifying competition for Sunday’s $400,000 Friends of the Meadows Grand Prix CSI5*. 

Fifty-eight horse-and-rider combinations took part in the first round of the 1.55m competition with nineteen going clear and qualifying for the jump off. Ireland’s Darragh Kenny was in the lead for a brief moment, but Canada’s Eric Lamaze and his Olympic mount Fine Lady 5 took a commanding lead with a clear ride and time of 37.22 seconds.

With three rides left, Lamaze held the lead but Kent Farrington had been itching for a win this Summer Series and he wasn’t leaving anything on the table. Farrington, who owns Creedance with RGC Farm, made the task look easy. He and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding laid down an unbeatable time of 35.51 seconds. Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 finished second while Lucy Deslauriers (USA) and Hester completed the podium with no penalties and a jump-off time of 37.77 seconds.

“Creedance has been a four-year project here at Spruce Meadows and at times it didn’t go very well. It feels great to come out tonight and beat the best in the world,” Farrington said. 

Source: Press release from Spruce Meadows Media

FARRINGTON AND GAZELLE FLY TO VICTORY IN ROME’S €100,000 LORO PIANA GRAND PRIX

For the first time this week, the American national anthem rang out across the green oval at CSIO Rome Piazza di Siena on Saturday afternoon when Kent Farrington posted an emphatic victory in the Loro Piana Grand Prix.

Riding the formidable 13-year-old mare, Gazelle, the man who took team silver and individual fifth place at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games set the pace in the five-horse jump-off against the clock, and he couldn’t be caught. Farrington currently ranks number eight in the world.

Course designer, Uliano Vezzani, set them a tough first-round track, with questions that only five of the 59 starters managed to solve. When Farrington threw down a jump-off target time of 40.70, he could only sit back and wait to see if it was quick enough.

“With the calibre of riders that are here, you are never safe to know you have won the class until it’s finished because they’re all top riders, and they’re all capable of winning. But I was happy when the class was over and we were still on top!” he said afterwards.

Talking about his winning horse, Gazelle, Farrington said, “She’s very fast and very careful, so high-speed riding is sort of her forte. I was trying to leave a bit in the tank because we still have the Grand Prix tomorrow,” he added.

On Sunday Farrington was presented the ‘Master fratelli d’Inzeo’ award for leading in points after placing ninth in the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome. This is the sixth year the CSIO of Rome has awarded this honor and Farrington is the third American to be recognized after Mclain Ward (2016) and Laura Kraut (2015).

Farrington said he’s been enjoying his latest visit to the Eternal City. “Rome has always been one of the most beautiful shows that we have on our calendar, and Rolex has really taken it to the next level. They’ve made the arena grass again and it’s fantastic, I love riding on grass and I think the horses really appreciate it, and there’s no better setting than here with an amazing crowd and so much history,” he said.

Source: Press releases by CSIO di Roma – Piazza di Siena

KENT FARRINGTON AND CREEDANCE VICTORIOUS IN CREDIT SUISSE CHALLENGE

On Saturday of the CHI Geneva, Kent Farrington and Creedance stormed in with victory on their minds as they entered a weekend of enormous competition.

The Credit Suisse Challenge was a qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday and only 20 of the 50 participants would qualify here to move on. A 16-fence effort at 1.55m and a tight time would have been a crucible for any other group, but with the best in the world coming to play, nine made the jump off with double clears. Among those clears were fellow American McLain Ward aboard HH Azur, Scott Brash (GBR) and Hello M’Lady, Daniel Deusser (GER), Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) and Michael Whitaker (GBR).

The jump-off proved to be the true gauntlet, as rider after rider succumbed to the tight turns and tricky distances in the massive indoor. A massive vertical plank in the center of the ring tripped up many good pairs today, leaving the crowd wondering if anyone would dare to go fast and try to leave them up.

Fifth to go in the jump off, Farrington and Creedance, co-owned by RCG Farm, left every pole in place while tearing between fences with fire and poise. They tripped the timers at 37.03 with half the pack left to go, putting the pressure on anyone eager to win.

Farrington has dominated the Credit Suisse Grand Prix twice before: once with Willow in 2013 and again with Creedance in 2016. "Geneva is one of my favorite tournaments, and the crowd is just great," Farrington said after his victory. "I am very happy to have won here and of course I hope to be able to perform as well in the Grand Prix."

Source: Jumper Nation and CHI de Genève

Farrington and Creedance Win $135,000 International Jumper Classic CSI4* at National Horse Show

The 2018 National Horse Show returned to the Kentucky Horse Park on Thursday and was capped by the $135,000 International Jumper Classic CSI4*, attracting some of the best horses and athletes from the United States and beyond. Earning the largest share of the day’s purse as well as the Walter B. Devereux Memorial Challenge Trophy, Kent Farrington and Creedance captured the victory in the evening’s feature event.

“We call him ‘special,’ ” Farrington said with a laugh.

Whatever the horse is, it works for him; the flashy gelding has been partnered with Farrington for the past three years, and they’ve accumulated no less than 13 FEI wins in their time together—Thursday night makes 14.

“He’s special with everything, but he jumps special too,” Farrington said. “Everything else goes with the territory. I kind of like them that way.”

Farrington had to out jump a field of 39 and a rather large jump-off of 13 to take the win. The class is a qualifier for Saturday’s big $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier, and despite going early in the jump-off, Farrington was able to lay down an uncatchable trip.

“He’s a very fast horse, and that makes a big difference; you can make a plan for him that you can stick with,” Farrington said. “It doesn’t really matter if there’s five or 25 clear, you can have confidence in his round and know it’s going to be close to the top.”

It’s been an interesting year for Farrington—he came into 2018 ranked No. 1 in the world and had been holding on to that spot for the better part of the year before falling from a horse in a training class in Wellington, Florida, and fracturing his leg. He spent three months recuperating before getting back in the ring in May.

Farrington spent the rest of the summer putting his name back at the top of CSI leaderboards around the world, winning six different five-stars as well as a couple three-stars (impressively, on three different horses).

“I was really determined to come back [from the injury] in a hurry,” Farrington said. “I think it was 12 weeks from when I broke it to when I jumped a five-star. For me it felt long, but they told me that’s pretty fast for that kind of injury. I don’t really notice it now. I train pretty hard when I’m not riding, so if I train really hard at the gym it will nag me a bit the next day but that’s about it.”

Farrington hasn’t let the fall shake his mental strength in the sport, either.

“That’s part of the game, you do this or downhill skiing or anything else, you’re going to take some tumbles,” Farrington said. “You can ask any of these riders and probably they’ll tell you about a wreck they’ve had, but you pick yourself back up, and you keep going.”

The class is a run up to an opportunity to qualify for the 2019 Longines FEI World Cup Finals (Sweden), but Farrington doesn’t know if Creedance is the right horse for that championship.

“I’m going to play it by ear,” he said. “With my string, my older ones I think are too old to do that, and the younger ones I’ll have to see if they’re ready to do a whole final like that. I don’t know that I’d ask Creedance to jump the whole final; he could maybe do a leg of it, but I think I’d need another horse there to do some of it. So we’ll see.”

Source: Chronicle of the Horse

Kent Farrington Captures Double Wins During EQUUS EVENTS Tryon Fall 3 CSI3*

Kent Farrington scored two wins during the third week of the Fall Series at Tryon International Equestrian Center: first with Creedance in the $35,000 1.50m Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake and then with Gazelle in the $132,000 Adequan® Grand Prix.  

Farrington and Creedance Refresh the Ring with a Win in $35,000 1.50m Welcome Stake CSI3*

Kent Farrington and Creedance secured the win in the $35,000 1.50m Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake CSI3* at Tryon International Equestrian Center as part of Equus Events Tryon Fall 3 CSI3* competition. Farrington flew through the jump-off in tandem with Creedance, a 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) owned by himself and R.C.G. Farm, and stopped the timers in 35.942 seconds to top the class. Vanessa Mannix (CAN) rode into second place with her own Catinka 25, a 2009 Oldenburg mare and acquired a jump-off time of 37.761 seconds and Spencer Brittan (USA) took third with his own Uncle Blue, a 2008 Swedish Warmblood gelding, stopping the timers in 39.258 seconds.

Among 47 entries and only eight pairs returning to test the short course set by course designer Michel Vaillancourt (CAN), Farrington and Creedance put in an untouchable performance to land at the top of the order. “My horse is naturally very fast, so for us, a good strategy is just kind of keeping his natural speed, and that’s usually good enough to win. He’s a top horse; he’s won big Grand Prixs all over the world.” Concerning the morning’s cooler temperature, Farrington commented, “He [Creedance] likes the cool weather. I think all horses like it. They prefer it a little bit colder; they have more energy and are more excited to jump.”

Farrington suffered a leg injury last winter, but bounced back from the fracture in three months. “I’ve been back for a while. Exactly 12 weeks later, I was already showing 5* Grand Prix’s, so it really didn’t slow me down that much. It gave my horses a little more rest than usual, but since then it’s been business as usual.”

The Olympian recently competed in Europe for a successful summer circuit, but is now stateside to continue touring. “I just got back from Europe myself, so this is a good way to kick off our tour here,” he said of returning to compete at TIEC. Farrington plans to ride another of his well-known mounts, Gazelle, in Saturday night’s $132,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI3*.

Double Clear and a Second Win for Kent Farrington in Tryon

Kent Farrington and Gazelle came away with top honors in the $132,000 Adequan® Grand Prix CSI3* after a tense jump-off competition at Tryon International Equestrian Center, stopping the clock at 32.232 seconds. Paul O’Shea (IRL) and Imerald Van’t Voorhof, a 2008 Belgian Warmblood gelding, took reserve honors with a time of 33.026 seconds, while Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Main Road earned a spot on the podium finishing on four faults in 32.748 seconds.

For Farrington and the 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir Van Schuttershof x Indoctro) owned by himself and Robin Parsky, the challenge was to complete a technical course designed by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) against a competitive field of 31 entries. Only four pairs returned to prove themselves on the short course, and Farrington was last to go.

“When there are only four in the jump-off, and you go last, I kind of measure the class and see what kind of effort it will take to pull it off,” said Farrington. “It was a little closer than my liking tonight, but I’ll take it. A win is a win.”

Commenting on the course’s difficulty, Farrington admitted, “I think the course was more difficult than maybe a lot of us anticipated, with the lights, because some horses might not have been under the lights yet here. The liverpool fence had a glare, so you saw a lot of young horses struggle with that. There was plenty of course for the field today, and that’s why you only saw four in the jump-off.”

Competing under the lights was no problem for Farrington’s mount of more than five years, he explained. “Gazelle is a very experienced horse, so the lights played to her hand tonight.” His preparation strategy with the mare is to get on early and jump “quite small,” Farrington elaborated:

 “The horse is extremely careful, one of the most careful if not the most careful horse I’ve ever ridden. So you have to watch that line, and keep her from getting too impressed in the ring and keep her measuring her efforts.”

“So far so good here,” Farrington said of his experience with the venue, after taking the win in Friday’s $35,000 1.50m Welcome Stake CSI3* with Creedance. “I’m here next week with the same horses, and bringing some young ones over. I’m just back from Europe, so concentrated on gearing up the team before I do indoor shows.”

Source: TIEC Press Release 

Kent Farrington and Gazelle Keep Their Crown Winning the CSI5* Grand Prix of Valence

"I took a few months of rest, then I practiced, again and again. This is what allowed me to come back to be at my best this fast."

That was American rider Kent Farrington speaking this weekend after his Grand Prix victory in southeast France at the CSI5* Jumping International de Valence. Several months after fracturing his leg in Florida, the former World Number One and current World Number Ten show jumper was explaining his triumph on Gazelle over many of the best horse-and-rider combinations in the sport today. Farrington also won at Valence in 2017. 

In the Grand Prix, the Chicago native and the 12-year-old mare, owned by himself and Robin Parsky, came out on top of a 13-pair tie-breaking jump-off on Uliano Vezzani’s course at the Haras des Grillons stud farm. The winning duo had no faults and a time of 43.85 seconds, taking home the top prize of €75,000. In second were Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann and another 12-year-old mare, Toveks Mary Lou, who stopped the clock with no penalties in 44.69 seconds, pocketing €60,000. And in third were Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Clooney, a 12-year-old grey gelding, who also left all the obstacles untouched in 47.25 seconds (€45,000). 

“My advantage is that I know my mare perfectly,” Farrington said, “[and] it has been years since we have been developing together. Gazelle is really careful, she can gallop very fast and I can approach a vertical jump at full speed. She will always manage to avoid taking a pole down. [Valence] is an amazing show, and the organization is perfect. I’ve decided to come back next year, and why not attempt a third win!”

Source: Eurosport

Farrington and Jasper Jump to First in $131,600 Imperial Winning Round CSI5* at Spruce Meadows

USA’s Kent Farrington and Jasper won the $131,600 Imperial Winning Round CSI 5* during the ‘North American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Riders had competed earlier during the week to qualify for the Imperial Winning Round (1.50m), with only the top 30 riders based on their placings from the Kubota Cup and the AON Cup eligible to compete. Canada’s Tiffany Foster  and the quick gelding Brighton won the event in both 2016 and 2017 and were looking for a hat trick win in today’s event.

The top ten results from round one returned to compete in the Winning Round including fan favorites Kent Farrington, Eric Lamaze and last year’s winner Tiffany Foster. A rail in round one had Foster coming back first in the Winning Round. Then, with a time of 55.900 seconds, she laid down a clear ride aboard Brighton.

The remainder of the field was working hard to catch Foster’s fast time, and she held onto that lead until the final horse. Farrington was the only thing standing between Foster and her victory. However, the American and the 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion (Heartbreaker x Wega van’t Gestelhof) left nothing on the line. They posted a clear ride with a time of 53.900 seconds to take the win. 

This was the second win for Jasper, owned by Farrington and Tanma Corporation, at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series.

“He’s just stepping up to this level of competition,” Farrington, the sixth-ranked rider in the world, said of the stallion. “He’s answering all the questions. I have big hopes for him in the future. I’m thrilled, thrilled … I couldn’t ask for him to go better.” 

Source: Press Release by Spruce Meadows and Calgary Herald

Kent Farrington Speeds to Victory at Spruce Meadow’s 4th of July CSI5* ATCO Cup

The CSI5* ATCO Energy Cup (1.55m) on Wednesday was the first chance for riders to earn points to qualify for the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup Grand Prix on Saturday.

Forty-four horse and rider combinations started the competition in hopes of making it to the winners circle then fifteen combinations qualified for the jump off.

Kent Farrington was determined to make it a win for the USA on the Fourth of July. It was Farrington’s mount Creedance’s first time in the International Ring and he was ready to step up to the plate. The American and the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) were fast and posted a clear round with a quick time of 38.84 seconds.

Eric Lamaze posted a quick penalty-free jump-off time of 39.80 seconds aboard Chacco Kid, earning silver honors. Quentin Judge (USA) & HH Messenger (Montender x Baloubet du Rouet) rounded out the top three with 42.460 seconds during the tiebreaker.

In a press conference following the class, Farrington explained of Creedance, “I didn’t think that he would be confident enough to jump here the last few years.  He’s grown in maturity and experience so I thought this year I would try.” Farrington continued, " So far he’s been great. That’s his first time in the big ring and I thought he went like a champ, so I hope that that’s a sign of good things.”

Source: Spruce Meadows Press Release

Farrington Scores Two Wins at Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Presented by Rolex

Kent Farrington and Jasper captured the PwC Cup 1.50m event on day two of the Spruce Meadows ’National’ presented by Rolex. A perfect jump-off performance and a time that bested the only other clear rider, Mexico’s Enrique Gonzalez, qualified Farrington for Saturday’s CSI5* RBC $500,000 Grand Prix, where Farrington also scored first place with Gazelle. 

During Saturday’s 1.60m class in Calgary, Farrington held off Canada’s Lisa Carlsen and Japan’s Karen Polle for his fourth win at the marquee Grand Prix event. Carlsen, who was first to tackle the jump-off track, laid down a clean ride with a time of 54.72 seconds. Polle followed with a time of 48.52 but hit a rail in the combination, leaving the door open for Farrington who took home the win with a perfect run in 49.94. Carlsen and horse Parette placed second while Polle and With Wings finished third.

“I’m very happy to be here. Very happy to have a couple of wins under my belt and the horses to be in good form,” said Farrington, who only recently returned to high-level competition following a broken leg in February. Previously, Farrington won the RBC Grand Prix in 2012, 2013 and 2015 on two different horses, Voyeur and Uceko.

Source: Spruce Meadows Press Release

Kent Farrington Claims Longines FEI Award for Best Jumping Rider of 2017

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and Longines celebrated equestrian excellence by presenting the Longines FEI World’s Best Jumping Horse and Rider Awards to the 2017 world’s highest officially rated jumping horse and rider. The ceremony, the first of its kind, took place at the iconic Mairie de Paris on Wednesday,  April 11, 2018 along with the FEI World Cup’s draws for the disciplines of Jumping and Dressage.

USA’s talented rider Kent Farrington set himself apart in some of the greatest show jumping competitions of 2017 and finished the year with a total of 3313 points in the Longines rankings ahead of Harrie Smolders (NED) with 2953 points and McLain Ward (USA) with 2903 points. The FEI celebrated Kent Farrington’s impressive performances by presenting him the 2017 Longines FEI World’s Best Jumping Rider Award.

“We are delighted to the Longines FEI best rider and best horse here tonight in Paris in this beautiful setting of the Mairie de Paris, a fitting prelude to the FEI World Cup™ Finals,” FEI President Ingmar de Vos said. “We are all inspired by how these athletes – both human and equine – ignite the passion in our sport and show us what it takes to succeed on the world stage.” 

Source: FEI Press Release

WORLD NUMBER ONE KENT FARRINGTON CLOSES THE YEAR WINNING THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX AT CHI GENEVA

The Rolex Grand Prix at the CHI Geneva, regarded as the most esteemed indoor Grand Prix on the global equestrian circuit was won by Rolex Testimonee and World Number One Kent Farrington aboard Gazelle. Sweden’s Henrik Von Eckermann was second aboard Mary Lou 194 and Gregory Wathelet from Belgium riding Coree placed third.

Some 10,000 equestrian fans walked into the iconic Palexpo venue, brimming with excitement and tension as they waited for the famed curtains to open, marking the start of the most anticipated class of the four-day show, the Rolex Grand Prix.

Forty horse and rider combinations had qualified to enter the iconic indoor arena at the CHI Geneva and in doing so, tackle an imposing first round course (and subsequent jump-off) designed by renowned international show jumping course designers, Gérard Lachat and Louis Konickx.

Clear rounds were hard to come by and the current Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender, Philipp Weishaupt, was unable to continue his journey in attempting to lift the most coveted trophy in the sport, as he collected nine faults in round one.

From the first 25 riders who braved the course, including Rolex Testimonees Jeroen Dubbeldam, Eric Lamaze, Bertram Allen and Steve Guerdat, none could master a clear round. It became evident that it would take an exacting and precise round to finish with a score of zero. 

A clean score was finally achieved by The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders, shortly followed by Henrik Von Eckermann and Gregory Wathelet. The crowd hushed to near silence as USA’s Kent Farrington entered into the arena, shortly displaying why he is the very best rider in the sport right now, producing a foot perfect round over the 13 obstacles. Cian O’Connor from Ireland completed the list of five riders progressing through to the second-round jump-off of the final Major of the year.

A revised course was presented to these elite athletes, reducing the course to eight obstacles. Harrie Smolders was first to go, setting the bar high with a clear round in just 46.89 seconds. This was fractionally beaten by Von Eckermann, who sped through the finishing gate with a time of 45.59. Wathelet was unable to challenge this, leaving it to Farrington and O’Connor. In true Farrington style, he sped through the course on the tightest of turns as the Geneva crowd sat on the edges of their seats, erupting in a cacophony of noise as the clock was stopped on 44.96 seconds, taking the World Number One into the lead. Cian O’Connor was last to go but despite giving everything, his brave grey horse Fibonacci, just clipped one pole at the fourth fence handing the victory to Rolex Testimonee, Kent Farrington.

After eight months as World Number One, Farrington concluded an emphatic year as the World Number One and now embarks on his very own Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping journey.

Commenting after his victory Farrington said, “I’m still in shock and I can’t believe that its over and that we walk away with a win. I thought my horse was great today and with this win being part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, I will definitely be heading to The Dutch Masters in 2018.

“The riders are so strong here and you have the best horses in the world. With a large arena it can be difficult to set an indoor style course and in today’s sport, with as well as everyone rides, they have to make the time short. I knew it was going to be tough when I saw the course and I am so pleased with the result.”

Source: Press release via International Jumping Riders Club

World Number One Kent Farrington Shines Bright at CHI Geneva

Friday’s highlight at CHI Geneva was the Credit Suisse Grand Prix, where World Number One Kent Farrington went off with the top honors after a marathon jump off with Amalaya Investments’  Voyeur. 

The 1.55 meter course set by Gérard Lachat (SUI) and Louis Konickx (NED) saw 22 horse-and-rider combinations clear their way into the jump off out of the 50 pairs that lined up. 

Daniel Bluman (ISR) on the 14-year-old mare Sancha LS held on to the lead for a good while after clocking a time of 37.06 seconds in the jump off. Bluman had to settle for runner-up when Kent Farrington showed once more just why he is the top ranked rider in the world. Riding the 15-year-old Voyeur (Tolano van’t Riethof x Goodwill), Farrington stopped the clocks at 36.42 seconds in the jump off, taking home the win for the third time in a row in this class.

“I am very happy with my horse today, he is a very experienced horse and has been to this show many times,” Kent said about Voyeur after the class. “I think that really helped me win today – that I know him so well. I know his strengths and what extra things he can do, but also where not to push him.”

“I think that is great about our sport: forming a partnership with your horse and really knowing each other and that is what makes a top team. I think this class, if you look historically, there are always many in the jump off,” Farrington commented on the high number of clears in the first round. “It is hard for the course designer to build, because you are trying to separate the riders without building too much. I think it also shows how strong the competition here is with these horses and riders.”

Source: World of Show Jumping
 

Farrington & Voyeur Win World Cup Qualifier at Royal Horse Show

USA’s Kent Farrington won the $150,000 FEI World Cup Jumping Toronto on Wednesday night at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Six riders guided their mounts home clear over the track set by 2016 Rio Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil to advance to the jump-off, but none were faster than Farrington and his Olympic team silver medal partner, Voyeur. Number one in the Longines World Rider Rankings for a reason, Farrington stopped the jump-off timers in 35.51 seconds to claim the win over Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam, who had the final say as the last rider on course, but a slower time of 36.84 seconds left him in second with Main Road.

“Voyeur is spectacular and has been a career horse for me,” said Farrington of the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Tolano van’t Riethof x Goodwill) owned by Amalaya Investments. “I owe a special thank you to the Nusz family. They have been a long-time supporter of my career and bought Voyeur for me with the hopes that he would be a championship horse. He has been every bit of it and more. He took me to my first Olympic Games where we got a team silver medal, was in the jump-off for individual gold, and has won a million grand prix events in between. Tonight, he really showed why he’s special.”

“When I compete at The Royal, it feels like going back in time,” continued Farrington of competing in the 95th edition of the event. “You’re coming into a packed stadium and everyone is wearing tuxedos. It reminds me of something that you would see in a movie. It has always been one of my favorite shows.”

Source: Phelps Media

Kent Farrington AND Gazelle Win $380,000 Rolex Grand Prix at Tryon CSI5*

Thirty-three horse and rider combinations went head-to-head in the biggest “Saturday Night Lights” event of the 2017 season at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The $380,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* competition took place in front of the packed stands of the George H. Morris Arena. Ultimately, the Longines FEI World Number One ranked rider Kent Farrington captured top honors aboard Gazelle, owned by Farrington and Robin Parsky.

“Gazelle is a very experienced horse, so I think that I have the advantage that she’s been around the world and seen a lot of things,” Farrington said. “They’d have to build something crazy that she hasn’t seen before.”

The jump-off brought back only three riders to contest the short course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER). Farrington and the 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir Van Schuttershof x Diva ‘Ter Elsen’) stopped timers after an incredibly quick round ending in 34.676 seconds.

“The ring rides smaller than it looks. The jumps come up fast and with a lot of people I think it’s more difficult for the horses than you would expect when you first walk the course,” commented Farrington. “I think it was an excellent course, and Olaf is a very good builder. I expected five clear, and we ended up with three, so I thought it was a stronger course for a bigger money class, which was appropriate for today.”

Despite the tense competitive environment and exciting atmosphere, Farrington commented that Gazelle is a reliable athlete in these kinds of situation. “She’s a very sweet horse at home. She likes everybody and she likes attention, but in the ring she’s an unbelievable competitor,” he explained. “I don’t know how many grand prix classes she’s won this year, but I always can count on her and when she’s in the jump-off I can really call on her and take big risks. She’s incredibly careful, so I’m not worried about the jumps, but try to not make any mistakes and stay out of her way.”

Second place honors were captured by 21-year-old Eugenio Garza Perez and the 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding Bariano (Jetset-D x Ulderina Van Westleven), who were the first to produce a double clear effort in round one. The pair entered the jump-off round as the first combination, finishing behind Farrington in 35.918 seconds.

Third place honors were presented to Richie Moloney (IRL) and Carrabis Z, a 2003 Belgian Warmblood stallion (Canabis Z x Ma Pomme VD Zwarte Hoek). The pair were hot on Farrington’s heels until the final fence of the track, which was tipped from the cups and led to four faults. They finished on a time of 35.637 seconds.

Source: Noelle Floyd

Third Win for Farrington at the New Albany Classic Grand Prix

Coming off of his most recent win in the $216,000 U.S Open CSI3* Grand Prix at the Rolex Central Park Horse Show, USA’s Kent Farrington secured another first place finish in the $125,000 New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix CSI2* in Ohio.

On Sunday, 30 international horse and rider combinations took to the 14-obstacle-course designed by Great Britain’s Richard Jeffery. Six produced clear rounds to proceed to the jump-off track, with Farrington and the Amalaya Investments’ 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Voyeur (Tolano Van’t Riethof x Goodwill) finishing in a leading time of 38.84 seconds.

This was the 20th anniversary of The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day, which has raised a total of $32 million to support family violence initiatives in central Ohio through The Center for Family Safety and Healing.

“We are so grateful for the support of the show jumping community, our sponsors, volunteers, community partners and fans who come out to spend the day in New Albany to help advance the efforts of The Center,” said Abigail Wexner, founder and host.

This marks Farrington’s third win in New Albany, having won with Up Chiqui in 2010 and in 2013 aboard Blue Angel. In addition to the prize money this year, Farrington also won a two-year lease on a Mercedes GLE, which he will gift to his head groom, Denise Moriarty, as a thank you for her many years of dedication and support. 

“It was good to be back at New Albany, especially after today’s results,” Farrington said.  “The crowd is terrific and Voyeur jumped very well, even with the heat.  I’m proud to post my third New Albany win and appreciate all that Abigail Wexner does to further the sport.”

Israel’s Daniel Bluman was a close second on his own Sancha LS, finishing in 38.89 seconds. With a time of 43.86 seconds, USA’s Margie Engle finished in third with the eight-year-old gelding Dicas.

Source: Noelle Floyd

Kent Farrington and Creedance Win in Central Park, Donate Winnings to Hurricane Victims 

The spectacular win by World Number One Kent Farrington in Central Park aboard his firecracker Creedance would have been notable enough in its own right in the electric atmosphere and technical track, but the win will go down as a true milestone in the sport when Kent announced his winnings would all be donated hurricane victims.

Kent made the announcement just before the class began, stating whatever his winnings turned out to be, he’d made arrangements with Creedance’s owners at RCG Farms to see that it was donated to Direct Relief, a humanitarian non-profit that provides medical relief and aid to victims of disaster.  For winning the Grand Prix, the nonprofit is now a whopping $71,000 richer.

“I’m a resident of Florida,” said Kent after the win. “A lot of us actually have houses and stables there and my mom lives there. She had to relocate to New York to stay with my sister avoiding the hurricane and we were lucky. We dodged a bullet, and it went to the other side of the state, but it was a reality check. We were lucky to get away without much damage, but a lot of people weren’t as fortunate.”

“I just felt like it was the right thing to do. I feel very lucky to be living my dream, traveling the world and competing for big money, and this event is all about showcasing our sport, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to do something for people who could use it.” 

Mark Bellissimo, CEO of International Equestrian Group (IEG) commented, “What a great competition tonight. For Kent to give his money away to charity is just a great testament to his character, and the character of his contributions to the sport.”

Murray Kessler, President of the United States Equestrian Federation, continued, "I want to echo what Mark said. Kent, what compassion and generosity. We’ve done nothing at the US Equestrian Federation for the past weeks but deal with hardship on the islands and in Houston and then in Florida, and the entire USEF membership has poured their hearts out trying to help, but this was a great act of compassion and generosity,”

Rio designer Guilherme Jorge set two courses which challenged the best of them, ultimately only granting double clear rounds to four entries: Kent and Creedance, Lucy Deslaurier and Hester, Kristin Vanderveen and Bull Run’s Faustino, and Hardin Towell and Lucifer V.

Hardin would ultimately prove to be Kent’s biggest competition, coming within 2/10’s of the winning time, and Kristin wasn’t far off in third, within half a second of the winner.

Nine horses made the jump-off, but many struggled to balance the test of the jump-off course against the clock, resulting in five riders with rails in the sudden death round.

“I watch Hardin ride a lot because he’s in Europe competing with the best riders in the world. He’s very competitive and very fast,” said Kent of his closest competitor. “I actually didn’t see him go tonight but they told me he had a very quick round. With this particular horse I try to have my own plan because he’s very fast and I have to play to his strengths, so I tried to make it up early in the course and then slow him down a little bit to the last fence, because sometimes he can get running too fast, and knock it down. My strategy today was to win it early and be able to ease off at the end.”

Creedance can be a full load of horse to handle, but when he’s on point, they’re close to unbeatable, and Kent explained how they’ve made their relationships work. “I’ve had this horse since he was seven years old, so for a bit of time. He’s always been really high energy and very competitive, so it’s more a matter of managing his energy and keeping his focus. He’s only ten years old, and already he’s got a lot of victories under his belt, and I think he has a big future in the sport.”

Source: JumperNation

Kent Farrington Finds His Winning Way in the Friends of the Meadows Cup

On Friday, a field of 37 entries took to the International Arena at Spruce Meadows to compete in the Friends of the Meadows 1.60m competition. In a five-horse jump off, USA’s Kent Farrington piloted the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Gazelle to a first place finish in 40.59 seconds. His win automatically qualifies him for Sunday’s prestigious $3 Million CP International Grand Prix CSI5*. “It was nice to get the qualification out of the way to now focus on the next one,” said Farrington. “I’ll enjoy this victory tonight but It will be back to work tomorrow.”

USA’s Lillie Keenan set the tone in the jump off with a lightening fast pace aboard the 11-year-old gelding Super Sox. The duo put up a challenging time of 41.09 seconds to finish in an eventual second place. “Lillie really went for it. She has a long-strided horse and on the roll back to the third fence I think she went wider than planned,” said Farrington. “My strategy was to go a little bit slower to number two and turn back very short – I think that’s where I made up the time.”

Finishing in third place was Switzerland’s Puis Schwizer and the 11-year-old gelding Leonard De La Ferme CH. The duo finished in 43.03 seconds, locking in their qualification for Sunday’s grand prix.

Source: Noelle Floyd

Double Victories for Farrington at the Finale of Jumping International Valence

On the final afternoon of competition at the Jumping International of Valence horse show,  USA’s Kent Farrington achieved back-to-back Grand Prix wins. First with the eight-year-old gelding Baltic Star 2, owned by Farrington and Tanma Corp., in the 1.45 MMA/SFAM Grand Prix, then with the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare Gazelle (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Indoctro) in the Grand Prix of Valence CSI5*.

Italy’s Uliano Vezzani designed the 13-obstacle-course for the feature presentation of the four day competition. Forty-five horse and rider combinations took to the 1.60m track with the hopes of securing the lump sum of the €300,000 purse. Only 11 made it to the jump-off, with Farrington securing the victory with the fastest of the clear rounds in 35.32s.

It’s been a successful few months of competition for the FEI World No. 1 ranked rider and Gazelle, who he owns with Robin Parsky. The duo helped Team USA secure a tied, 2nd place finish in the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen. And, for the second time in two years, they were victorious in the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup Grand Prix at the Spruce Meadows show grounds in Alberta, Canada. 

Source: Noelle Floyd

Kent Farrington & Uceko Claim Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia at CHIO Aachen
 

It’s been 15 days since Kent Farrington and Uceko took a big win on a bigger grass field. Aachen, Germany is the only grass arena in the world that can rival that of Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada, and Farrington knows how to pick his venues when it comes to his longtime partner: the bigger the field, the better for Uceko.

Farrington won the feature show jumping competition on Friday, July 21 at CHIO Aachen aboard Uceko, the 15-year-old KWPN gelding (Celano x Koriander) owned by RCG Farm, that he’s been paired with for nearly nine years.

The Prize of North Rhine-Westphalia brought back the top 13 riders to jump a second round for prize-giving placings.

Farrington made a rollback turn to an offset green oxer in two strides where his competitors made three, and otherwise beat the clock to finish clear in 46.65 seconds. In doing so he topped a German legend, Christian Ahlmann with Taloubet Z, who finished in second with a time of 47.14 seconds. Why is he a legend? Ahlmann, clearly riding with the goal to give his 17-year-old partner a positive, forward ride after their bad-luck elimination during a heavy rainstorm on Wednesday, still managed to be nearly as fast as the winner. Germany’s Simone Blum filled out the top three aboard DSP Alice, and Lorenzo de Luca of Italy was 4th with Limestone Grey.

For Farrington, who is brilliantly choosy when it comes to selecting the classes that Uceko will enter, the Friday win marked a successful Aachen for his consistent grey partner.

“This horse is finished for the weekend,” Farrington said. “This was his grand prix. I’ve had him since he was six years old, and I’m very proud of him.”

Source: Noelle Floyd
 

Kent Farrington Wins Second Straight ATCO QE II Cup at Spruce Meadows

American Kent Farrington successfully defended his title in the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows on Saturday. The top-ranked show jumper in the world and his mare Gazelle were flawless through two rounds and in the three-rider jump-off to secure the victory. 

Farrington is a three-time winner, having also claimed the title in 2014.
“To have the win here on the final week of the Summer Series, on a two-round grand prix with top prize money, I am just thrilled with the horse today,” Farrington said.

This prestigious grand prix, inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth in 1990, has become a momentous event. Riding the amazingly fast and athletic mare Gazelle, owned by Farrington and Robin Parsky, the level of competition was brought to an outstanding high after a challenging first round brought back the top 12 placed riders each of notable talent, representing eight different nations.

Farrington’s main competitors in the jump-off? Canada's Eric Lamaze and Germany's Philipp Weishaupt. "My strategy is more to put enough pressure on this guy," Farrington said, pointing to Lamaze seated beside him. "He's an unbelievably competitive rider, and he's riding one of the fastest horses in the world. I have to go fast enough that he has to go for it, without taking all the risk out where I knock a fence down and I hand him the class for free. I have a naturally fast horse, and that makes a big difference. Eric also has a naturally fast horse. Someone like Philipp has a much bigger challenge on his hands that takes a very good plan and sophisticated riding. So our job is a little easier.

“Today was a very nice course set by Santiago—I believe these two round grands prix are usually built with the first round as a qualifier to the second – then the second he’ll turn the screws a little tighter, the jumps are bigger and the time is quite short so it definitely puts more pressure on the riders,” Farrington said. “I think you saw the quality of the field today with Lamaze, Weishaupt and myself on the horse that won last year in the final throws.”

Farrington now heads to Europe to compete there until he returns to Spruce Meadows for The Masters in September.

Source: Noelle Floyd and Calgary Sun

Kent Farrington Makes it a Double of Wins on Opening Day of Spruce ‘North American’

Longines FEI World No. 1 ranked rider, Kent Farrington, was a double winner on the opening day of the Spruce Meadows North American, the fourth and final tournament of the summer show jumping series. The inaugural day of the show, presented by Rolex began with the Kubota Cup 1.50m competition and a roster of 71 top international athletes.

Continuing his winning ways at Spruce Meadows Summer, Farrington aboard his own and Tanma Corporation’s ten-year-old gelding Dublin (Cobra x Calido), made it to the finish line with the blistering fast time of 36.65 seconds.

“What a great way to start,” said Farrington after the victory. “I really wanted to use the Summer Series to build Dublin into a top international horse, and there is no place better to do than at Spruce Meadows. This venue offers great courses, wonderful materials, superb footing and fierce competition. It is the best for finding out how good a horse can be.”

A few hours later, Farrington found himself once again in the winners' circle. Entering the competition on RCG Farm’s incredibly talented Uceko, a 16-year-old gelding by Celano, the duo took control in the PwC Cup 1.55m. A starting roster of 41 top international athletes, representing 13 nations, would challenge the course designed by Varela. The challenging first round was mastered by seven pairs who went on to an exciting jump off against the clock.

The Chicago-born Farrington has an enviable stable of excellent horses, and when he needs the job done, he can still turn to Uceko, who has carried him to a truckload of victories over the years. “He’s really been a great horse for my career,” Farrington said. “I got him at the end of his six year-old year and he’s been a mainstay at my stable. Uceko really brought my career to an international level and I owe him a lot for that. I’m very proud that he is still able to go out and win like he did today.” Farrington continued, “Uceko is a special horse, he really has his own way to win – which is different from most of the other horses. He’s able to leave out strides that I don’t think many other horses can do while still leaving the fences up so that gives me a big advantage.”

Source: Noelle Floyd and Calgary Sun

Opening Day Victory for Farrington and Uceko in the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament

On the opening day of the Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, World No. 1 Kent Farrington piloted the 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Uceko (Celano x Koriander) owned by RCG Farm to a first place finish in the 1.50 Husky Energy Cup on Thursday.

The 11-obstacle-course was designed by Leopoldo Palacios Jugo of Venezuela, and the time allowed was set at a competitive 67 seconds. Of the 46 riders, only three went without fault to make it into the final round. In the jump off, Farrington was joined by Juan Manuel Luzardo of Uruguay and the Husky Energy Cup defending champion Eric Lamaze. The World No. One rider put up a speedy time of 35.57 to secure the first place position.

Earlier in the year, Farrington and Uceko won the $200,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping at Wellington Masters in Wellington, Florida. Their most recent win on the grass field isn’t surprising for the duo who racked up five whopping CSI5* wins during the 2015 Spruce Meadows Summer Series, a testament to their longtime partnership.

“I plan his year around Spruce Meadows, and then I pick and choose the other shows around that,” said Farrington. “I tend to show him very little and I like to go to the places he likes – he loves the grass, and he has always done well here. Leopoldo is known for his tight time allowed and I think that played a big factor today. [There were] a couple very delicate fences, and when you jump to try and make the time, you tend to run into mistakes.”

Source: Noelle Floyd

Farrington Flies to the Finish with Gazelle in the ATB Financial Cup

A storm delayed the final jump-off of Thursday’s ATB Financial Cup at Spruce Meadows as severe winds knocked over jumps and dark clouds encircled the South Calgary facility.

Kent Farrington, the No. 1 FEI ranked rider, eventually was dubbed the winner with his 38.40-second trip around the jump-off course with his horse Gazelle. The elements, of course, can throw a wrench in a show jumper’s competition but Farrington was able to battle through.

“These are sensitive animals, and that’s what part of what makes them so great at their job. They’re very alert and that’s what makes them careful,” Farrington said. “When you add wind and things moving that don’t normally move, it’s very different for the horse and that can be very upsetting or distracting to the horse. It makes it more difficult, for sure.”

Three riders of a seven-rider jump-off were able to complete their round successfully before the storm worsened and the winds picked up. Eric Lamaze, the third rider to attempt the course, battled gale-force winds and had a slow time of 46.15-seconds aboard Chacco Kid. Ashlee Bond had begun her round, but Spruce Meadows suspended the competition in the middle of her ride. She was given another chance after the brief delay and wound up finishing second aboard Chela LS with a time just behind Farrington’s.

Following a brief delay and rebuilding of the jump-off course, the remaining riders completed the jump-off before the lightning and rain began.

Source: Calgary Herald

Kent Farrington AND Gazelle Win €300,000 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Madrid CSI5*

Longines FEI World No. 1 Kent Farrington thrilled thousands of spectators in Madrid, Spain when he won the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Madrid CSI5* aboard his own and Robin’s Parsky’s Gazelle.

Farrington admitted that he “won by a whisker” ahead of Germany’s Marcus Ehning and Pret a Tout, who just missed out on taking this grand prix title for the second year in a row. Dutch rider Maikel van der Vleuten came 3rd with VDL Groep Verdi TN NOP, with all three of the top riders finishing clear and under 45 seconds in the jump-off.

“It was a coin toss who won. Both of these guys have won this grand prix before so I am glad they let me in the club!” Farrington joked. “I’m thrilled. I think what I have today is years of work, great support and all my owners and really strong team of multiple horses. At the highest level it takes a big team of horses and I feel very fortunate.”

Course designer Santiago Varela Ullastres made full use of the galloping grass arena in his LGCT Grand Prix course. Following the first couple of riders, the time allowed was altered from 80 seconds to 78, as 25 pairs took to the track with high hopes of the win. But just Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca and Bassem Hasan Mohammed of Qatar went clean to join the jump-off, making it an order of five over the shortened course.

The show ground went silent as Farrington and Gazelle entered the ring. The 11-year-old Belgian bred mare (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Indoctro) jumped her heart out for the American rider, turning swiftly and leaping at the fences with a flat out gallop to the last. Shaving off fractions of a second, Farrington guided her to the final fence, and the crowd erupted in cheers as they pipped Marcus Ehning’s time by five tenths of a second in 45.18 seconds.

“Last year I won here and this year I am 2nd, so I can’t be more pleased,” Ehning said. “If you have these guys behind you it can never be enough. I lost it a bit in front before the double but that happens in the jump off. Kent was a bit more aggressive in everything and he deserved to win here.”

Source: Noelle Floyd

Farrington Repeats Victory at Royal Windsor with £254,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* Win

The pinnacle of Royal Windsor Horse Show, the much-anticipated Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*, did not fail to disappoint on Sunday, May 14, 2017 in the United Kingdom as American rider and World No. 1 Kent Farrington successfully defended his 2016 victory of this same grand prix by piloting a new mount to the win.

“I was really thrilled with my horse, he is just stepping up to this level and he was unbelievable, I couldn’t have asked for more,” Farrington said of Sherkan D’Amaury, an 11-year-old KWPN gelding (Kannan x Quick Star) who he shares ownership with Dan Crown and Haity McNerney. The win marked the gelding’s first CSI5* victory.

With 30 world-class riders lining up to win over £254,000, the competition was hot, and Bob Ellis’ 1.60m course reflected the high standard. Four-time European gold medalist, Michael Whitaker was the first to jump clear aboard JB’s Hot Stuff, with whom he won the Antwerp Grand Prix last month. He was in good company as the likes of World No. 1 Farrington, Saturday night’s winner Jessica Springsteen and Olympic gold medalists Scott Brash, Laura Kraut and Eric Lamaze followed suit.

The jump-off had the packed crowds on the edge of their seats as 12 riders came forward to compete for the £63,000 first prize. The defending champion made the tightest of turns to the tricky Tower Bridge water tray and pushed on throughout to knock over three seconds off the previous leader’s time, never to be caught.

“This is one of my favorite shows and I’m not just saying that because I won here today,” Farrington added. “There’s a combination of an amazing setting, an unbelievable crowd, top course designing and great footing. That is the best of the best, and now with Rolex stepping up and making this a 5* event, it’s on par with the best in the world.”

Source: Noelle Floyd

Farrington and Sherkan d’Amaury Fastest at Jumping Antwerp CSI5*
 

Kent Farrington made his first European show of the season well worth it when he picked up the feature class win on Day Two of Jumping Antwerp CSI5* in Antwerp, Belgium.

The American rider, who is fresh off winning the Global Champions League CSI5* Final in Miami Beach, met a separate team of horses in Belgium this week to begin his spring competition season.

He rode Sherkan d’Amaury, an 11-year-old Selle Francis gelding (Kannan x Quick Star) owned by Haity McNerney, Dan Crown, and Farrington, in the jumpoff competition. Farrington and Sherkan d’Amaury jumped a clear Round One along with 13 others of the 40-entry start list.

The day’s feature class was held under lights at Jumping Atwerpen, adding to the atmosphere of this spring show. While Farrington held a strong lead in 32.91 seconds, Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci was not far behind in 33.11 seconds for second place. Penelope Leprevost of France came third in 33.80 seconds aboard Vagabond La Pomme. 

Source: Noelle Floyd

London Knights’ Kent Farrington and Ben Maher Victorious in GCL CSI5* Final of Miami Beach

In an incredible turn of events, London Knights' Kent Farrington and Ben Maher overtook leading team Valkenswaard United in a dramatic upset in the €270,000 Global Champions League CSI5* Final of Miami Beach. After only two events, the fight for the coveted title is already extremely competitive and tactical with team riders and trainers strategizing to get an early advantage in the championship. 

“I think it's really exciting what Jan is doing for the sport; he started the Global Champions Tour 12 years ago, and it's been evolving ever since,” Farrington said, referring to GCL co-founder, Jan Tops. “I think the team competition is the latest evolution of his vision for big sport. We can already see big changes from last year. I'm really excited to be a part of it and it's a great way to showcase our sport here in Miami Beach,” Farrington said.

No longer a class that riders can qualify for throughout the weekend and no longer a full, two-round grand prix with a start list of 40, the new Global Champions Tour Grand Prix CSI5* competition allows just 25 riders to compete and they have to have qualified in the previous GCL class.

Team Valkenswaard United looked set to continue their championship reign as they headed to the final at Miami Beach in pole position following Thursday's Round One. Maintaining their flawless score of zero faults, teammate Alberto Zorzi put them in a strong position to take the gold as they did in Mexico City last week. However as the last rider to compete over a challenging course, Bertram Allen knocked down two fences along the track, scoring an unusual eight faults and dropping the team to a second place finish.

Ben Maher and Kent Farrington stood atop the podium, with Maher jumping a clear and four fault round over the two days of competition with Don Vito. Farrington did the same aboard two mounts; Dublin and Creedance, but it was his final round with Creedance that pushed the London Knights up to first place with the quickest time over the 1.55/1.60m speed course.

As the victorious teams took to the podium followed by their victory gallop, the crowds cheered and the champagne sprayed. Valkenswaard United enter the next leg in Shanghai, China, still holding on to the ranking lead with a total score of 55. The London Knights jump into second place with a total of 47 and the St. Tropez Pirates sit in a very close third with a total of 46.

Source: GCL Press Release

Kent Farrington and Dublin Win Suncast® Championship Jumper Classic FINAL CSI5*

2016 U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington and his mount Dublin were the winners of the $130,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic Final on Saturday night at the Winter Equestrian Festival. 

The 1.50m final held its first round on Saturday afternoon, with 49 entries starting over Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) first-round course, and 13 advancing to the evening jump-off. Only four riders cleared both rounds without fault.

Portugal’s Luciana Diniz was first to clear the short course in 44.26 seconds aboard her own and Arnaldo Diniz’s Lennox to end in third place. Ali Wolff cleared the track next in 48.93 seconds riding Quirie 2 to a fourth place finish. Canada’s Tiffany Foster upped the pace in 43.05 seconds with Artisan Farms’ Brighton to place second. Last to go, Farrington took the win in 41.90 seconds with his own and Tanma Corp.’s Dublin.

“I am really excited. I thought the horse went great today; I thought both of my horses did,” Farrington stated following his win, as well as an eighth place finish aboard Sherkan d’Amaury. “I have been bringing them along this winter really slowly. I started them both in the 1.35m and built them up this whole winter. To finish off with them both going clear in the 1.50m final was a great accomplishment for them regardless of their results. The win was a bonus.”

Farrington purchased Dublin, a 10-year-old German Sport Horse (Cobra x Calido), at the start of the winter. The gelding previously showed with Carly Anthony (USA) under the ownership of Artisan Farms.

“He is extremely careful,” Farrington detailed. “He is actually quite difficult to ride. He is so careful that he borderlines on too careful almost, where he goes too high. I think this horse really needs to bond with a rider and have a lot of confidence. I actually carry a lot of speed with him, even in the first round, to give him confidence so that he does not go too high.

“Whether or not he will allow you to really have total control over him, I do not know,” Farrington continued, “but if we can find a good compromise in the middle like today, then I think he has a big future. Time still has to show us, but we are off to a great start, and we will see where it takes us from here.”

Remarking on his jump-off, Farrington added, “I trust that horse’s quality, so I know that I can really go at high speed to the jumps and trust that he is going to miss the rails. I thought he did an incredible roll back to the vertical by the in-gate. I do not think I even touched the reins there; he just flew back on that jump. That is probably where he won it.”

Source: Press Release and Noelle Floyd

KENT Farrington and Creedance Race to Victory in $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup

Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington (USA) and RCG Farm’s Creedance were victorious in the $130,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round Seven during the second CSI5* rated week of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
 
Course designer Anthony D’Ambrosio (USA) saw 56 starters on his first round course, with 14 advancing to the jump-off and six clear over the short track. Farrington and Creedance took the win with a time of 33.92 seconds.

For his win on Thursday, Farrington stuck to his own strategy with the speedy mount and made time with quick, tight turns.

“I watched a couple go early in the jump-off just to be sure about my plan, but he is very fast by himself, so I have to stick to his routine,” Farrington noted. “I can’t try to do stride numbers that other horses do. I have to win on short turns and using his foot speed.”

Farrington continued, “I think the horse is naturally quick, and I naturally ride pretty quick. I did one extra stride to the oxer before the rollback turn. That probably made it easier to rollback shorter, and he is fast enough to do that. A slower horse, if they add a stride there, they are going to be two seconds behind, so I think a smaller, quicker horse has the advantage on a rollback like that.”

“It is a big week here; a five-star week in Florida,” Farrington said after his win. “I have been bringing Creedance up slow, and this is his first five-star show here. We are off to a great start. He jumped last week under the lights in the small ring, and I thought he was a bit rusty. He came out in much better form today, so I am happy with his progress, if nothing else.”

The 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) won two five-star grand prixs in St. Moritz and Geneva, Switzerland, in 2016, among other top finishes at a young age. 

Along with the winning prize, Creedance was presented the Champion Equine Insurance Jumper Style Award for week seven, presented by Laura Fetterman.

Source: Jennifer Wood Media Inc.

Farrington & Gazelle Top WEF $380,000 Grand Prix CSI5*

U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington jumped to victory riding Gazelle in Saturday night’s $380,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI5* at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. In an 11-horse jump-off, Brazil’s Luiz Francisco de Azevedo finished second riding Comic, commenting, “I am very happy because for me, it is like a win to be second behind Kent Farrington.”

Course designer Robert Ellis (GBR) saw 40 competitors jump his first-round track for the five-star event under the lights. Eleven advanced to the jump-off, where three jumped double clear in the race against the clock. Farrington and Gazelle emerged victorious with a time of 44.48 seconds. De Azevedo finished second with Comic in 45.69 seconds, and Tyree guided Bokai through the timers in 48.29 seconds. Canada’s Eric Lamaze rode Artisan Farms and Torrey Pines Stable’s Fine Lady 5 to the fastest four-fault round in 45.65 seconds to place fourth.

Farrington, who is currently the number two-ranked rider in the world, put in a thrilling jump-off round with his own and Robin Parsky’s Gazelle to ensure victory. He jumped the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Indoctro) to a team bronze medal in the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, among other top international finishes.

Speaking of his winning round, Farrington stated, “My plan in a jump-off is usually to play to the horse’s strengths unless there are only three in it, then maybe you have a different strategy. Coming after me are Fine Lady and Eric Lamaze, and they are an incredibly competitive combination. They are super fast against the clock, so my plan was to do what I thought the limit was for my horse and put the pressure on him to have to really chase me to win. I knew if we were both running, his horse is probably faster in this type of arena, so I tried to put the pressure on him and hope he would have one down. Luckily for me it worked out tonight.”

Commenting on the first round course, Farrington added, “After walking, I thought a lot was going to depend on the time-allowed. I thought maybe he wanted the time-allowed a touch shorter in an ideal world so that there were not quite so many clear, but the jump-off was still difficult enough, so you probably ended up with the same spot anyway.”

Source: Phelps Media

Farrington And sherkan d'Amaury Finish First in Suncast® 1.50m at WEF 2017

2016 U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington was the winner of Week Four’s $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Saturday at the Winter Equestrian Festival riding Sherkan d’Amaury. Jumping a track set by course designer Steve Stephens (USA), Farrington topped a class of 29 entries and an eight-horse jump-off.

Sherkan d’Amaury, an 11-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Kannan x Quick Star) owned by Farrington, Haity McNerney, and Daniel Crown, carried his rider to victory in a time of 39.54 seconds over the short course. Shane Sweetnam (IRL) took second and third place honors, riding the Blue Buckle Group’s Cobolt through the timers in 39.92 seconds, and stopping the clock in 40.56 seconds aboard Sweet Oak Farm and Seabrook LLC’s Main Road. 

Remarking on his winning round with Sherkan d’Amaury, Farrington stated, “For him, I just did what I thought his strengths were. I think what won the class today was the leave-out to the last fence. He has a very big stride and big scope, and he is so careful that he is actually better if I am catching every jump accelerating, or out of rhythm. I think that is where we got it today.

“I think a lot of this horse,” Farrington continued. “I had him last year, and then he had a terrible colic surgery, and he just started showing this winter two weeks ago. The first class in the week he was third, and then yesterday he was second, and today he won, so he is really on the mend and I’m happy to have him back.”

Sherkan d’Amaury has a fast pace and a unique way of going that suits Farrington’s strengths as a rider.

“He is my style. He is super careful, which I try to find in all of the horses I buy,” Farrington stated. “I try to get extreme quality, and sometimes that works against me, but in the end I think that is the way you get the best horses. They tend to be a little bit the weirdos. They are spooky and not always the easiest to ride, but that often goes hand-in-hand with an extreme horse that has that kind of blood and that kind of carefulness. It is a double-edged sword, but that is what I like to ride.”

Sherkan d’Amaury is just getting back in top form and Farrington will continue developing him throughout the winter circuit.

“I think he can jump anything,” the rider noted. “It is just a matter of building him the right way, and seeing where his confidence is, and what his body is ready for. He came off of a long gap there not doing anything all last year, so we’ll see where he goes. It is a long winter and we have lots of time to build him up, so I am looking forward to it.”

Source: Jennifer Wood Media

KENT FARRINGTON AND CREEDANCE VICTORIOUS IN CREDIT SUISSE GRAND PRIX

On the eve of the Rolex Top Ten Final, the USA’s Kent Farrington kicked off his return to Switzerland with a vengeance, winning the Credit Suisse Grand Prix Qualifier aboard Creedance. As one of only two double clear rides on the first day of the CHI Geneva CSI5*, Farrington recorded a strong start to the event.

The grand prix qualifier for Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix saw 50 international horse-and-rider combinations enter the Palexpo Areno to take on the 13-fence track. However, only nine pairs were able to claim clear score sheets in the first round.

Starting the class off in enthusiastic fashion was local rider, Christina Liebherr, and the 12-year-old BWP stallion L.B. Eagle Eye. They were the first pair in the ring and the first to ride clear.

Nearly 20 riders thereafter were unable to advance from either recording time faults for exceeding the 64 seconds allowed or from lowering poles on course. The list grew to include top names and contenders such as Harrie Smolders, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Christian Ahlmann, Rolf Göran-Bengtsson, and Robert Whitaker.

At the conclusion of Round One, Italy’s Lorenzo de Luca, USA’s McLain Ward, Germany’s Daniel Deusser, Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, and Belgium’s Jérome Guery would jump clear, making Thursday’s class a nine-man jump off with seven different countries represented.

As Cian O’Connor elected to withdraw from jump off competition, the remaining eight took to the shortened course. Six knocked down a single pole, and in the end, it was Farrington who finished with all the poles in place and with a 5.07-second advantage to take the win.

Jérome Guery and the 10-year-old BWP chestnut gelding Grand Cru van de Rozenberg (Malito de Reve x Heartbreaker) produced the second double-clear performance of the evening, riding into second place with a time of 42.10 seconds

Third went to Grand Slam of Show Jumping contender Scott Brash with 4 faults and a time of 36.73 seconds, while 4th would go to Germany’s Daniel Deusser and Sweet de Beaufour (Diamant de Semilly x Kannan) also on 4 faults in 37.99 seconds.

In 2015 Farrington was the first American rider to win the Rolex Top Ten Final.

Source: Noelle Floyd

FARRINGTON AND CREEDANCE CONQUER ‘BIG BEN’ CHALLENGE AT 2016 ROYAL HORSE SHOW

U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington won the $75,000 GroupBy ‘Big Ben’ Challenge on Friday, November 11, to close out the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the 94th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 6,000 people, 21 riders challenged the final international show jumping event of the 2016 Royal Horse Show.  A total of seven jumped clear over the huge track set by course designer Bernardo Cabral of Portugal, but none could match the daring performance of Farrington and Creedance, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) owned in partnership with RGC Farm.

“There were some really nice horses jumping here tonight,” said Farrington who was competing at the Royal Horse Show following a five-year absence.  “More than anything, more than winning, I’m thrilled with the progress of the horse.  I feel like he’s on track to become a very good grand prix horse.”

Farrington and Creedance posted a blistering jump-off time of 31.86 seconds that could not be matched.  Reigning Olympic Champions Nick Skelton of Great Britain and Big Star, owned by Oliver Robertson and Gary and Beverley Widdowson, came the closest, stopping the clock in 33.55 seconds.

“There was no way I could beat Kent so I went for second,” said Skelton who has been attending The Royal since the late 1970s.  “They have a great crowd here that really takes part in and enjoys the show.  I like coming here; it’s one of my favorite indoor shows.”

Of the final test set by course designer Cabral, Farrington said, “I thought it was a creative course using three doubles instead of a triple, which we see all the time in indoor jumping.

“This is a really classy horse, and he’s learning at each show,” continued Farrington who is aiming Creedance at the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final to be held from March 29 to April 2 in Omaha, Nebraska.  “He’s a little bit special and very, very sensitive, so loud noises and things like that really set him off.  I thought maybe these indoor shows would be a little bit of an adventure, but he’s really settled down now and he’s handling it nicely.”

FARRINGTON AND VOYEUR WIN $250,000 LONGINES FEI WORLD CUP JUMPING LEXINGTON

Kent Farrington and his 2016 Rio Olympics mount Voyeur ran away with the victory in the fourth leg of the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping 2016/2017 North American League (Eastern Sub-League). The current World No. 4 rider—and recent Olympic team silver medalist—flawlessly executed a jump-off track with the 14-year-old, Dutch Warmblood gelding to defeat a jump-off field of 14, claiming the win in the $250,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Lexington.

Inside the Alltech Arena at the CP National Horse Show, a starting list of 40 horse-and-rider pairs competed over the course designed by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN). A fair and flowing track—featuring a triple combination, a double combination, and two liverpools—set competitors up for success. Fourteen answered all the questions correctly to go clear; a majority of the class’s rounds recorded, at most, 4 faults.

Success came early in the evening, with the first to ride in the order, Danielle Torano (USA), completing a fault-free round to set the tone. And heading into the jump off, a talented pool of riders emerged as top contenders, including three Olympians: Farrington, McLain Ward (USA), and Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA).

“I had my plan for that horse for what I think his weaknesses are and for where I needed to help him,” said Farrington about his approach to the course in the first round. “Voyeur’s very strong so I just have to watch that he isn’t too aggressive.”

The track in the final round enticed riders to take sharp turns, but as the rails began to drop, the risk of the sharp angles to the fences became clear with only three going clear. Callan Solem (USA) delivered the evening’s first double clear aboard VDL Wizard, recording an efficient time of 40.69 seconds.

But a couple riders later, Farrington shaved almost four seconds off Solem’s time, clocking in at 36.93 seconds. Solem went on to finish in second while Molly Ashe (USA) and Carissimo landed at third with a time of 45.86 seconds and the final double clear.

“I was really hungry to win something, and I wanted to slam the door closed and make everyone chase me,” Farrington said about his deciding round. “It was a big field with a lot of good riders behind me—especially with McLain and his horse from the Olympics [HH Azur]. When you have those kinds of competitors, you have to take a shot or you’re not going to win.”

Following tonight’s event, Kent Farrington currently holds the top position in the Eastern Sub-League standings heading into the next event at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario on November 9.

Source: FEI and Noelle Floyd

The 2016 American Gold Cup came to a conclusion on Sunday, September 18th, culminating a full week of world-class show jumping competition with the highly anticipated $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping New York CSI4*-W. Equestrian fans and spectators gathered at Old Salem Farm and watched as Kent Farrington (USA) captured the American Gold Cup aboard his own and Robin Parsky's Gazelle.

Forty horses and athletes, who qualified for the week's main event in Friday's $86,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier, not only competed for the coveted prize money on Sunday, but also for valuable ranking points within the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League.

Course designer Alan Wade set a technical and challenging first round track which only saw two athletes produce clear rounds to advance to the short course. The 13-fence obstacle course tested athletes and horses over triple and double combinations, a liverpool, tight rollbacks, fragile, narrow verticals and tricky bending lines.

Charlie Jacobs (USA) and Cassinja S, owned by CMJ Sporthorse, LLC, were the first clear pathfinders, making the course look effortless and easy. The crowd watched with bated breath as athlete after athlete followed Jacobs' performance and attempted to finish fault-free over the first round track, but none were able to do so until 2016 U.S. Show Jumping Team silver medalist Farrington entered the Grand Prix Field as 36th in the order. He piloted the ten-year-old Belgium Warmblood mare to the last faultless finish of the first round, which would secure a jump-off between Farrington and Jacobs.

Going head-to-head in the tiebreaker, Jacobs returned to the field first to tackle the nine-fence jump-off course. The pair started strong over Wade's shortened track, but the ten-year-old mare just brushed the back rail over the third to last oxer to collect four faults in 48.690 seconds. Thus, all Farrington had to do to win the class was jump clear.

The experienced show jumping veteran showed no mercy and did just that to claim his first grand prix victory at the American Gold Cup. With no faults, they crossed the finish line in 53.180 seconds for the win.

"I thought Alan Wade built a difficult course today, which I think is well suited for a class of this prestige and prize money," said Farrington. "With it also being a World Cup qualifier, I think it brings the best riders we have using top horses. It worked out for me to win today, but regardless of that I thought it was a great competition and I am thrilled to finally win the American Gold Cup. I've never done that before and it was on my list of things to do."

However, Farrington was not done with his performance just yet as immediately after galloping through the timers, Gazelle spooked and knocked Farrington out of the saddle. Farrington got right up and was all smiles as he caught Gazelle and took a bow for the crowd after sticking his involuntary landing.

"She spooked at something at the end of the jump-off," said Farrington. "She did that in the first round. She's a really special horse. A lot of my horses are like that. I try to find horses that are careful, and that makes them a bit skittish and sometimes a little bit funny about anything moving fast or anything that looks a bit different to them. That's their quality and that's what makes them great and able to win a lot of classes. It's also makes them a little strange sometimes and you don't know exactly what they are going to do. I finished the round and I thought, 'Oh that's over,' and I leaned forward to give her a pat on the neck and canter around the pond and she had a different idea to turn around and go back to the gate. So we compromised with a front flip and bow!"

With no other major championships occurring in 2017, athletes, such as Farrington, are focused on qualifying for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Finals in Omaha, Nebraska, in March 2017, and the American Gold Cup is proud to host the second leg of the East Coast qualifying events.

"This year, especially with it being in the United States, I'd like to go if I feel like I have a horse that is on form at that time," said Farrington. "I've been to the World Cup Finals a few times. I really only want to go if I think I'm going to be a contender, but I'd like to plan on going right now.

"The World Cup Final is a very particular type of competition," continued Farrington. "It's in a small indoor arena so you really need an indoor specialist. They have to be able to hold up over five rounds, which is a lot of jumping. I wouldn't necessarily take Voyeur, who is an older horse. He's done multiple championships already for me. I think that would be a big ask of him at this point in his career. I'd rather spot him towards individual competitions. If one of my younger ones is ready, in my eyes, to go then I'll take a swing at it."

Source: Phelps Media Group

It was the perfect ending to a day full of great sport at the Brussels Stephex Masters, with world no. three Kent Farrington (USA) finishing first in the competitive CSI5* Audi Prize worth 35 000 Euro.

Nine riders went clear under the flood lights over the twelve fence track that was set at 1.50m. It was by far the triple combination at 11abc – placed by the in-gate – that caused the most problems, and again and again one or more of the elements here fell to the ground.

First to go, Kent Farrington (USA) showed how to do it on the lovely Creedance (Lord Z x Notaris). Seven more riders followed up with clear rounds, and the audience was in for a treat with some of the world’s best ready to race against the clock.

As it turned out, it would be all about Farrington. First into the ring for the jump-off, the American rider knew he had to put the pressure on and so he did with a fast round in 43.88 seconds.

However, Farrington had far from the ideal start to the Brussels Stephex Masters. “The first day for me was terrible,” explained Kent. “I fell off at number three, so obviously he improved and then he came back tonight and was more like his usual self. I actually was not trying to go full speed. I was trying to go smooth in the jump-off, but he is a naturally fast horse and just letting him go in his own pace is usually very competitive.”

“The horse is a real fighter,” Farrington said of his winning mount Creedance that also won the CSI5* Grand Prix in St. Moritz last weekend. “I don’t know what he can or can’t do, and I think time will tell. I am trying to produce him in a good way. I think no matter what, he is going to be very competitive – so I will let him tell me what his level is.”

Source: Brussels Stephex Masters

KENT FARRINGTON TRIUMPHANT AT CSIO5* ST. MORITZ 

Just one week after winning Team Silver at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Kent Farrington kept his good form by winning the two feature classes at last week's Longines St. Moritz CSI5* in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Kent took top honors in Sunday’s Longines Grand Prix CSI5* of St. Moritz aboard his talented mount Creedance. Forty-nine riders took part in the 1.60m jump off class, and ten of them advanced to the shortened course to try to take the win home.

“My plan was to try to win and I made sure that my plan was aggressive enough to win,” said Farrington. “I think in the jump off, the second to last fence I went around when most of the other riders went inside because my horse is really fast across the ground. I thought it would be less risk and probably the same speed as going inside so that was my option there.”

That option worked out as Farrington was able to set a time no other rider could beat, in 39.56 seconds.

“He (Creedance) is only nine years old so he’s very inexperienced for this level of competition but he’s really fast and I have big hopes for him in the future,” Farrington added.

The previous day Farrington rode Gazelle, a ten-year-old BWP mare (Kashmir Van Schuttershof x Indoctro) in the 1.50m jumpoff class against 48 other starters. Eleven pairs qualified for the jump-off and of those, seven made it a double clear day.

He entered the arena for the jump off at a calm walk and beat the leading time of Pieter Devos for Belgium by almost two seconds. Farrington and Gazelle produced the fastest time of 36.18 seconds for victory in the CHF 35,000 Prize Notenstein La Roche Private Bank AG.

Source: Noelle Floyd

The U.S. show jumping team didn’t just win team silver behind Team France at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, they did it one rider down.

This morning Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’ withdrew from competition as the horse sustained a tendon injury in yesterday’s initial team competition. That left Kent Farrington and Voyeur, Lucy Davis and Barron, and McLain Ward and Azur to ride on Day 2 of team competition with no drop score.

Four teams—the United States, Germany, Brazil and the Netherlands—came in on a matching score of 0, and everyone expected a tougher track today to separate out the medals. And course designer Guilherme Jorge delivered, with bigger fences and an extremely snug time allowed. The Germans were the only team in that tie for the top who had the luxury of four riding team members and a drop score.

Farrington and Voyeur led off the U.S. effort with a great round, leaving all the jumps in the cups and picking up only a single time fault.“I saw a lot of horses struggling to jump the triple combination clear, so I really set him up for that,” said Farrington, 35. “Every rail [was] going to matter today, so I wanted to secure that before I took a bigger risk on the time. I thought he jumped amazing, so I was really pleased with the horse.”

Davis and Barron picked up 4 faults in the triple combination, but snuck between the timers within the time allowed. 

“I was pleased with the round, but not thrilled, because I would have liked to have gone clear,” said Davis, Los Angeles. “He jumped amazing all days, including today. I really wasn't expecting that rail because he was jumping so confident and smooth. I came around the turn and saw my distance, and I don't know if he saw something or what. I watched the video, but it's a little hard to tell.”

Meanwhile, German team had faltered, with their first three riders bringing down rails, and the French had rebounded. Philippe Rozier (Rahotep de Toscane) and Kevin Staut (Reveur de Hurtebise) picked up just time faults, and Roger Yves Bost (Sydney Une Prince) rode a brilliant double clear. Their unbeatable two-round total of 3 faults meant that Pénélope Leprevost didn’t have to jump Flora de Mariposa as they’d already secured gold.

Last to go for the United States, Ward knew that Team USA, sitting on 5 faults, had no chance at gold. But he didn’t want the team to drop any lower and any mistake would be costly. He and Azur jumped brilliantly, laying down one of the just four fault-free rounds of the day.

“When I realized we couldn’t win I was feeling like I was going to throw up actually,” he admitted. “But you have to gather yourself a little bit, though it takes the wind slightly out of your sails when you’re so focused on winning. We’ve had a little bit of a rough 24 hours, losing Cortes [from the team]. I thought Kent’s round was obviously brilliant, and Lucy was the utmost professional, just like at the [Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France) in 2014]. She was top class and really delivered a great round and allowed me to be in a position where I could do the job that I came here to do.

“[Azur] has a big stride, so I did the options that were the leave-out which helped with the time allowed a little bit,” he said. “I really thought she jumped as good as ever, if not better, than the rest of the week. It was a round I’m proud of, and I’m proud of this team. For sure we would have liked to have won, but you have to take your hat off also to France. They’ve had a borderline disastrous week. To pull this off—that’s what movies are made of.”

The real excitement came after the top two medals had already been decided, as Germany and Canada both finished with 8 faults. According to the Olympic rules all teams tied for medals jump off, and the best three scores from each count. Canada’s Yann Candele (First Choice 15) and Amy Millar (Hero) each put 4 on the board, while Tiffany Foster managed a clear with Tripple X III. Germany’s Christian Ahlmann (Taloubet Z) and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Fibonacci) jumped clear. Germany secured team bronze when their third rider, Daniel Deusser (First Class) put in yet another clear.

“It’s been a roller coaster, but the same as it is for the United States, France, Brazil, Canada—we’re not a different position,” said Ludger Beerbaum, who rode Casello. “Everybody was of course hoping to go clear and do the best and be on the podium. Like for all our colleagues it’s the same emotions.”

The horses enjoy an off day tomorrow, then the top teams 35 riders, with a maximum of three riders per team, will come back to jump on Friday’s two-round individual clean-slate final. Farrington, Davis and Ward will all compete for the United States.

U.S. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland is optimistic for what Friday will bring. “I think all three are in very good shape. They're confident, and they all came off a great week. I think all three are ready for Friday,” he said.

Source: Mollie Bailey/Chronicle of the Horse

Kent Farrington & Gazelle Win $500,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows

After three rounds of competition in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows, USA’s Kent Farrington emerged victorious in the $500,000 ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

The class was the highlight event of the ‘North American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows and the final week of competition of the Summer Series. Thirty-nine riders hailing from twelve nations took on the first round track, designed by Spain’s Santiago Varela. And once again, time proved to be one of the track’s greatest challenges.

“He had a measured first round,” Farrington reflected on Varela’s first round course. “It was difficult with the short time allowed that put a lot of pressure on people that caused them to have rails that they wouldn’t have normally have had.”

Twelve riders progressed into the second round, eight of which qualified on clear rounds. With the conclusion of round two, six riders were sitting on double-clear rounds to head into the jump off.

First to contest the jump off was American rider Jonathan McCrea aboard Aristoteles V (Padinus x Lux). The pathfinders jumped the shortened track fault free to ultimately finish fourth with a time of 45.52 seconds. Next to jump clear was Farrington, and with a blazing fast time of 40.50 seconds, he easily climbed to the top of the leader board with the agile 10-year old Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir van Shuttershof x Indoctro). Canada’s Eric Lamaze and Check Picobello Z (Cardento x Orlando) also gave the short track a good run, but finished in a time of 43.98 seconds that would eventually land them in 3rd.

With one rider remaining, Farrington’s time was still holding up, but he didn’t yet think he had the class won: “I never think [my time] will hold up until the class is finished. I’m never that confident, because that’s when you get caught,” he said.

However, Farrington knew the time he produced with talented mare he co-owns with Robin Parsky would be a tough one to beat: “I thought I put a lot of pressure on everybody else. I’m not one who really plays it safe. I like to try and win classes, I don’t think you win as much if you’re playing by trying not to lose. I usually have my own plan of what I think is within the horse’s ability, and I try and work within those limits and make the most of the track.”

Farrington thought the three rounds of competition suited Gazelle’s stamina well: “That horse has really come on strong. One of her strengths is that she has a lot of blood, and a lot of energy. So she kind of gets better as she goes.”

“I don’t want to say I’m totally surprised, because I always thought there was a very good horse,” Farrington said of the mare’s recent successes. “I got her when she was seven and have been bringing her along these last few years. She’s had her ups and downs, like all of them, but I always thought she would be where she is today, so I’m very pleased.”

Course designer Santiago Varela was pleased with the competition he saw today. “I thought it was a very nice show and a very good class,” Varela said. “I wanted to have a jump off today, and we put a lot of pressure in the first round as opposed to the second one to keep the horses fresh for the jump-off.”

Next up for Varela will be the Olympic Games, where he will act as technical delegate for the course designer, Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge.

Farrington, too, will travel to the Olympic Games. But first, he will compete in Europe with both Gazelle and Uceko. He will ride Voyeur, a mount that won him the 2014 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup, at the Olympics in Rio and is hopeful that his winning ways will continue at next month’s Games.

“I’m really excited about that,” he said. “Hopefully we can continue this form and have a little extra luck when we get there.”

Source: Noelle Floyd

Kent Farrington & Gazelle Victorious in the $375,000 ‘Pan American’ Cup at Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington rode Gazelle (Kashmir van Shuttershof x Indoctro) to a thrilling win on Saturday, July 2nd in the $375,000 ‘Pan American’ Cup CSI5* presented by Rolex. Farrington is a perennial presence in prize giving ceremonies at Spruce Meadows, and the win today will result in the third consecutive year that his name is etched onto the ‘Pan American’ trophy. Ireland’s Conor Swail and Grafton (Calvaro x Vondeen) finished second, and USA’s Andrew Ramsay and California 62 (Cassini I x Galant Vert) placed third.

During the CSI5* ‘Pan American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows, Farrington saved his best for the highlight event. A total of 37 riders competed in round one of the Alan Wade-designed track, with just seven progressing into the jump off.

Andrew Ramsay was the first rider to jump double clear, setting the early time to beat of  37.59 seconds. Hot on his tail, Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt aboard the stallion LB Convall (Colman x Cascavelle) finished the short course in 37.71 seconds to land in 4th place. Mexico’s Patricio Pasquel produced a double-clear round, but a slower time had him finish in the 5th place position. 

The penultimate rider to challenge Ramsay’s time was Farrington, who set a new standard in the short track right off the bat, galloping the first three jumps perfectly in stride. The pair finished with a time 35.78 seconds—a time that not even the final rider, Conor Swail, could beat. While Swail and the ten-year-old stallion gave a valiant effort, they were just off the mark with a time of 36.17 seconds that earned 2nd place.

Today’s win for Farrington comes during a successful Spruce Meadow’s Summer Series with Gazelle. In June, Farrington piloted the mare to two wins during the CSI5* ‘National’ and another victory during the CSI5* ‘Continental’ Tournament. 

The now ten-year old Belgian Warmblood mare came under Farrington’s care at the age of seven, bought in partnership with Robin Parksy.

“I am very grateful that I have a super group of people behind my career—Robin Parsky being one of them,” Farrington said. “They are really passionate about show jumping and that is what all of us need today in order to compete at this level. I have taken my time bringing this horse up, and she has found her way at the higher level. I had her in Florida this winter, and she was struggling a little bit in the big grand prixs, so I dropped her down for a while and then brought her back up, and she seems to be finding her form.”

When asked about his tactics for the jump-off, Swail admitted that beating Kent’s time was the only thing on his mind. 

“I had to go as hard as I could following Kent,” he said. “Kent got one-to-two easier than I would have liked, and then he got seven strides around the corner and I got eight, so I was already behind and had to keep chasing. I did one stride less to the last, which I knew I could get [and] that no one else could. Unfortunately, that was not enough, but I am delighted. Kent is a great rider with a great horse. Being second to him, I will take that any day.”

              Source: Noelle Floyd

KENT FARRINGTON NAMED TO THE U.S. OLYMPIC SHOW JUMPING TEAM FOR RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named four athlete-and-horse combinations to the U.S. Olympic Show Jumping Team and one traveling reserve combination for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Kent Farrington and Amalaya Investments’ Voyeur, a 2002 KWPN gelding, join teammates Lucy Davis and Old Oak Farm’s Barron, a 2004 Belgian Warmblood gelding, Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’, a 2002 Belgian Warmblood gelding, and McLain Ward with Double H Farm and Francois Mathy’s Azur, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare. The traveling alternate is Laura Kraut and Old Willow Farms, LLC’s Zeremonie, a 2007 Holsteiner mare.

Show Jumping competition at the Games will take place August 12-19, 2016 at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

             Source: USEF

IT’S A THREE-PEAT AS KENT FARRINGTON CLINCHES DOUBLE VICTORY AT SPRUCE

The ‘Continental’ CSI 5* Tournament at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series featured exciting show jumping competition at the Meadows on the Green with Kent Farrington and Gazelle capturing the top prize in the Scotiabank Cup 1.55m as the only clear round. Farrington also captured the victory in the Altagas Cup 1.45m when he piloted Aron S to the win.

There were 35 entries that went to post in the Scotiabank Cup 1.55m. The challenging course was designed by Luc Musette of Belgium and tested the riders with a tight time allowed, large heights, and technical distances.

Farrington and Gazelle, a ten-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir van Shuttershof x Indoctro) owned by Farrington and Robin Parsky, were the only ones able to stay clear with no jumping or time faults.

Farrington thought that the course could have been seen in a big grand prix class. “You had a technical related distance to both combinations, which always poses a problem, and then you couple that with a short time allowed and some careful fences at the end, (and it) made it pretty difficult to jump clear under the time,” he said.

For Gazelle, Farrington was focused on the triple combination as a potential trouble spot. However, he was not very worried about the time allowed as he naturally rides fast and chooses places to make up time early so he can take his time at spots on course where he knows his horses may struggle.

“I thought the triple (combination) was a big ask,” he said. “A vertical, vertical, oxer always calls on their scope. I thought she handled that really well. That’s something earlier in the season that she struggled with in Florida, learning to jump the oxers in the combinations without jumping too high and then having the back rail. I’m very proud of her progress. She seems to be learning how to do that much better and more consistently. It’s really a good sign for me.”

Farrington did breathe a sigh of relief when he realized he did not have to jump off. “Yes, that’s always nice,” he said with a smile. “That hardly ever happens. You have to sit and watch the last half of the class, which is not always so fun, but it worked out for us today and we got to save her legs for the grand prix.”

For the past two years, Farrington has brought Gazelle to the Spruce Meadows Summer Series to gain valuable education for the talented mare, and he believes that Spruce Meadows is second to none in preparing horses for top competition.

He explained, “In general, the horses learn to really grow a bigger heart and big scope jumping on this field because they can carry a lot of gallop. The fences are so big and wide. You have some horses that just won’t accept it; they’re too careful. The ones that do accept those poles being extra wide, it makes them better (and) they learn from it. If they can jump this and can jump a big grand prix here, you can walk into almost any big grand prix in the world and feel comfortable and able to jump it.”

Farrington and Aron S Record a Win    
Kent Farrington continued his winning ways at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series in the Altagas Cup 1.45m with Aron S, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Tadmus x Karandasj) owned by Alex Crown. They sped through the jump-off to finish in 36.39 seconds, more than two seconds faster than second place finishers, Conor Swail (IRL) and Dillinger.

Farrington said he saw Swail’s ride and “thought it was a very competitive round.”

He added, “My horse is naturally quicker. I thought I took a little more of a chance. I wanted to be sure that I was ahead of him.”

There were 13 in the jump-off out of 52 entries, and seven of those were double clear.

This was the pair’s first FEI Ranking win since their partnership began in February. Aron S has been a consistent competitor, having placed in the top three in 1.50m competitions in Wellington, FL, and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in England.

“He’s a very competitive horse,” Farrington acknowledged. “We did the 1.45m yesterday to get one round under his belt. I thought he really jumped great today; he was flying. If he’s going to be in that form, we’ll do a lot here.”

When Farrington first started riding Aron S, it took some time to adjust to his way of going, and Farrington quickly realized that it would take compromise.

He explained, “He likes to go his own way. If you try to have too much control, he gets upset. I started in the beginning of really trying to train him and make him more rideable. Once I felt like I got him to listen, to a certain extent, now I let him go a little more free, the way he likes to go.”

“It was a good step up for Aron S into the winner’s circle,” Farrington said. “It’s good for him. It’s nice because he’s been very close, and he got a good win here today. I look for more good things from him before I leave,” he concluded.

             Source: Spruce Meadows via NoelleFloyd.com

DÈJÁ VU! KENT FARRINGTON GOES TWO FOR TWO AT SPRUCE MEADOWS

For the second night in a row, USA’s Kent Farrington, ranked No. 6 in the world, won the day’s highlight competition with Gazelle at CSI5* Spruce Meadows ‘National’ Tournament on Thursday, June 10th.

Adding to an opening day win on Wednesday, Farrington took home victory in the ATB Financial Cup 1.55m, when he topped Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt on Chico 784 and Canada’s Eric Lamaze on Check Picobello Z.

From the 43 entries in the ATB Financial Cup, 15 pairs made it through to the jump off. There were nine, double-clear rounds. As the final pair in the order, Farrington and Gazelle chased a leading time of 42.56 seconds, set by Weishaupt. Farrington sliced turns and opened up Gazelle’s stride to stop the timers at 41.46 seconds.

Farrington has partnered with Gazelle, a ten-year-old, Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir Van Shuttershof x Indoctro), for three years, and co-owns her with Robin Parsky. Farrington rode Gazelle for Team USA at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, where they won team bronze. Farrington noted that she is learning to be a good grand prix horse, and the plan for her time at Spruce Meadows is to gain mileage in bigger competitions.

This is the fourth time that Farrington will have his name etched on the trophy for the ATB Financial Cup and has become one of the top names in show jumping.

“I’ve been in the sport for a long time,” he confirmed. “I started at the bottom of the sport, similar to Eric [Lamaze], with no family background. I think it’s a dream to ride [at Spruce Meadows] in the first place, and then to win here is even better.

“I have a lot of appreciation for all of the people that do this at a high level. I’ve learned from them. I used to watch Eric and Cagney jumping the derby year after year. I’m a student of the sport. To go in there and compete with them, and to win, is a dream since I was a kid.”

Farrington was inspired by Lamaze and the way that the Canadian veteran rider rose through the sport to continually win in North America and Europe.

“Eric is a tremendous competitor,” Farrington added. “He took what he was doing in North America and challenged himself again and went to Europe and went full swing at it. He didn’t go halfway.

“I watched him take Hickstead and go against the best horses in the world and beat them. He really went with no fear, and that was inspiring for me to see—somebody that I knew came from no background in the sport, climbed his way up, and then go over holding nothing back. It was something for me to watch and think if he can do it, then I can try to do it too.”

Lamaze was appreciative of the description and replied that Farrington is also one to watch for the way he runs his business.

“These are very kind words,” Lamaze said. “He has one of the most successful operations in the United States and is one of the best riders in the world. Not only do you see him winning this class tonight and it’s incredible, but you see what he does with his students, and what he does with his whole operation, what he gives back to the sport. That’s what is very impressive to me.

“We see more than just the winning round. We see what goes on in the morning, what goes on every day, the operation that they’re running. Kent is one of the best today in our business. Ian Millar always says every day in this sport that you’re learning. No one can wake up in the morning and think that they know everything. You learn everything from horses; every day is a learning experience.”

The Spruce Meadows Summer Series kicked off competition on Wednesday, June 8, with Farrington winning the opening, highlight competition, the Bantrel Cup 1.55m CSI5*, also with Gazelle.

Five of 29 starters in the Bantrel Cup 1.55m found the clear track to the jump-off, with pathfinder Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 taking the shortened course first. Their blazing time of 39.95 seconds would have been good for the win, but a rail down left them in fourth place.

Next in were Farrington who rode Gazelle to the top of the leaderboard with a clear round in 42.18 seconds.

“I know Eric well, and I know that horse very well,” Farrington said. “I knew that was going to be the speed of the class, so I wanted to be sure to watch him go so I knew what I had to do. When he had a rail down, I thought I would go more measured than I had planned but put enough pressure where the others had to go. He was really going all out there, and it would have been hard to beat if he hadn’t had that rail.”

Source: Spruce Meadows via NoelleFloyd.com

Kent Farrington Goes Two For Two In Windsor

Kent Farrington got to meet the Queen of England. What was the occasion? He was picking up yet another trophy from the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, England.

Farrington claimed the trophy in both the feature grand prix classes of the week aboard a younger mount, Creedance, topping the Kingdom of Bahrain Stakes for the King’s Cup on May 14 and the Grand Prix for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy on May 15.

“I’m trying to peak my horses at the right time for the right events. I brought a young horse here and he far exceeded my expectations,” he said. “I thought he could be a contender, but I never would have bet money on him coming in and winning both [classes]. He has a new level in my book now.”

Creedance, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Lord Z x Camantha, Notaris) jumped his first 1.60-meter class with Farrington in March at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida and has only been in Farrington’s barn since he and RCG Farm bought him in February 2015.

A full house of enthusiastic visitors witnessed Farrington claim the biggest spoils of the week. Despite a valiant challenge by Britain’s John Whitaker on Argento (Arko III x Gasper), who thrilled the home crowds, the American visitor took the win in the grand prix with the super speedy Creedance.

After an exciting first round, 14 riders came through to the jump-off. Canada’s Tiffany Foster, riding Tripple X III (Namelus R x Cantango), was second to go and held the lead for almost half the jump-off with her clean performance. She was toppled from pole position when Kent smashed her target by three seconds, causing those watching to whoop in delight at the display of calculated horsemanship.   

John Whitaker then tried to steal the win for the home crowd, but finished one second adrift despite a strong start out on the shortened course.   

“Up to the planks [halfway around the track] I knew I was quicker,” said John, who praised Royal Windsor Horse Show’s move to four-star jumping. “Then he spooked at something. I don’t know what it was, so I ended up doing two or three strides more than Kent.”   

“I’ve taken two big wins this week so I think I should get out of town quick!” Farrington said. But in the end, he and Creedance were more than a second faster than Whitaker. “You know it’s not going to be over until [Whitaker] goes. Then you have Laura Renwick who is maybe one of the fastest in the world. So we let it fly together,” Farrington said. “I ride a naturally exceptionally fast horse, so that was a big advantage for me today. His foot-speed is just so quick across the ground and that gave me the extra edge I needed today.”

Farrington brought Creedance to the Royal Windsor Horse Show to give the nine-year-old some experience and walked away with both of the weekend’s big classes.

“Maybe I could have dreamed about it, or hoped for it, but I certainly didn’t expect it,” he said. “I thought I’d bring him here and it would be good experience for him, to step up and jump some bigger classes, and he far exceeded my expectations.”

Sources: World of Showjumping, The Chronicle of the Horse, and Horse & Hound

Kent Farrington Takes Second Win of the week in Tryon With $130,000 Asheville Regional Airport Grand Prix CSI 3* Win

Kent Farrington (USA) piloted the talented Gazelle to another FEI victory at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), as the pair finished atop the leaderboard in the $130,000 Asheville Regional Airport Grand Prix CSI 3* in front of a large crowd of spectators. Farrington and Gazelle demonstrated their efficiency, finishing the short course in 37.367 seconds. Fernando Cardenas (COL) and Quincy Car rode to second place with a time of 39.801 seconds, while Frances Land (USA) and For Edition earned third, crossing through the timers in 39.801 seconds.

The class saw 27 entries test the first round of the class, which was set by Manuel Esparza of Mexico. Seven combinations moved forward to the jump-off round, with only four earning double clear efforts on evening under the lights.

Farrington and Gazelle, who also took top honors in the $35,000 FEI 1.50m Suncast® Welcome on Thursday, found their rhythm early in the first round and tackled the track easily. Farrington stated earlier in the week that the 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir van Schuttershof x Diva ‘Ter Elsen’), who he owns with Robin Parsky, is quickly learning the ropes of the larger classes.

“She’s jumped under the lights a few times and I try to take a lot of my horses and get them experience early on so that they’re used to crowds and larger atmospheres,” said Farrington. “I’m fortunate to have a great team of supporters behind me so that I can go to some of the best shows in the world.”

Tonight’s course found both seasoned competitors and talented amateurs tackling the track, and was designed particularly with that in mind, according to Farrington. He explained, “When you have a field like this, it’s kind of a mixed bag of horses and riders. [Esparza] had to be clever with how he designed the course so that he has a good competition without giving it away. You also can’t make it too challenging that it over faces the younger horses and riders.”

“I thought that he had a good balance tonight. There’s always the element of a night class and a crowd for both young horses and riders that is a factor, other than just the course alone. I think that was a fair course for the field,” he continued.

While components of the track proved difficult for several pairs, including the Rolex triple combination and a spooky liverpool vertical, Gazelle handled each question on the course with ease. Slicing several fences on the jump-off track, the notoriously speedy Farrington sealed the win with nearly two seconds to spare.

“For me, it’s about measuring the class and feeling confident with what my horse can do and what that is going to mean on course. Samuel Parot is a very competitive rider and that horse is exceptionally fast,” he noted. “They went at the end of the class, so I had to do a faster plan that I would have liked. He’s won a bunch of World Cup Grand Prix classes on that horse and he’s [always one] to count as a major competitor.”

“I tried to put enough pressure on him that he may have one down, which he did, so it worked out for us today,” he added.

Big plans lie ahead for Farrington, who was named to the Short List to represent Team USA on their quest for a medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this summer. Farrington has grown into the one of the strongest riders for the United States and is looking forward to a competitive summer season.

“I’m going to Europe after this and we’ll be jumping in Rome, which will be our next big show. We have a few more that we will use as preparation as well. Hopefully the horses and riders stay healthy and I think we have a great chance in Rio.”

Source: NoelleFloyd.com

Kent Farrington and Gazelle Gallop to Victory in $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

Week 11 of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival concluded on Sunday, March 27, featuring the $86,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, held on the derby field at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. For the second week in a row, the 1.50m win went to USA’s Kent Farrington, this time aboard his own and Robin Parsky’s Gazelle. He topped Week Ten’s $35,000 1.50m aboard RCG Farm’s and his own Creedance.

Forty-one entries jumped in Sunday’s 1.50m competition on the derby field with six clear rounds over the Olaf Petersen, Jr. (GER)-designed track. Farrington and Gazelle jumped with the winning round in 38.33 seconds. Lorenzo de Luca (ITA) and Homer de Reve, owned by Stephex Stables and VDB Equestrian Stables, followed with the second place time of 38.61 seconds. Last to go, Paul O’Shea (IRL) and Nordic Lights Farm’s NLF Favorite jumped into third place with a time of 38.99 seconds.

Gazelle, a Belgian Warmblood mare by Kashmir Van Shuttershof x Indoctro, is just ten years old, and Farrington has been trying her out in different classes over the winter.

“She is still a green horse for the big sport,” the rider noted. “I had her jump a couple of grand prixs at the beginning of the circuit. She jumped the first 4* and I think she was a low ribbon. Then I threw her in a 5* and it went okay, but she was a bit green and I had two down. I thought the horse was quite careful, so then I thought she needed a few smaller rounds so she stayed confident. I did a few 1.40m classes just to get her confidence back and then I brought her out here. She loves the grass. She jumps fantastic on the grass, and I was really pleased with her performance and her progress through the winter. She really rallied back.”

Speaking of the course and the opportunity to jump on the grass field, Farrington stated, “I thought Olaf did a great job of designing all week. For me, it is a real pleasure to come over here and jump at a different venue other than the same rings for the 12-week circuit. It is a luxury to give our horses a different place to compete, and in my opinion, that is the best thing that we can do for the winter circuit.”

Detailing his jump-off, Farrington explained, “My plan for the jump-off was to go fast. I know that those other horses are pretty competitive. I tried to go what I would call a competitive, fast round, without going all out. The margin was pretty small at the end and today it played into our hands.”
 

Source: Chronicle of the Horse

Farrington and Creedance Claim the Suncast 1.50m Championship

Week Ten of the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Horseware Ireland, concluded on Sunday, March 20, featuring the $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic in the International Ring at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The class saw a win for Kent Farrington (USA) and RCG Farm’s and Farrington's Creedance, with Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Picolo in second, and Abdel Said (EGY) aboard Luron S Z third.

Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) set the final track for this week's 1.50m for 55 starters, with ten clear rounds, and six double clear entries in the jump-off.

“I think Vaillancourt is one of the top designers, and I am always happy when he builds because I think it is a technical course without crazy size,” Farrington remarked. “He usually ends up with the right amount clear. I thought he did a great job with the grand prix on Saturday. It was a mixed field of horses, and he did not end up with a million clear, and we had a good class without it being impossible to jump. I think he is one of the best builders we have around here.”

Speaking of his winning jump-off, Farrington stated, "[Creedance] is already fast all by himself, so that is a big advantage. Before, his steering was not so good, but we have really been working on that for a while without the speed. Today, I let him go a little bit quicker, but he has the advantage that he can both turn really short to the fences and he is very fast across the ground naturally."

Farrington got Creedance, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Lord Z x Notaris) one year ago and has been taking his time to bring the horse along and work on his rideabilty. "He is still very green; he has not done a whole lot, but I think he could be a really special horse," Farrington detailed. "He is extremely hot, so it has taken a little while to make him manageable, but he is a real jumper, and he is like a Jack Russell Terrier in the ring. He reminds me of an old horse I had called Up Chiqui, who was an exceptional horse. I think this horse has a lot of similar characteristics, and if I can teach him to harness his energy, I think he could be something special."

Creedance jumped Week Ten's WEF Challenge Cup along with Sunday's 1.50m. Farrington plans to show him in Week Eleven's WEF Challenge Cup as well, and will then decide if the gelding is ready to try the grand prix. "I am not sure yet. He is just nine years old, so I will see how that goes and decide what the next move is," Farrington noted.

Source: Jennifer Wood Media

Farrington and Uceko Speed to Victory in the $200,000 FEI World Cup Jumping at the Inaugural CP Wellington Masters

What started as a dreary and cold morning in Wellington turned into a sunny afternoon—perfect conditions for the final day of the inaugural CP Wellington Masters. Kent Farrington and RCG Farm's Uceko topped a 14-horse jump-off to take the $200,000 FEI World Cup Jumping at Deeridge Farms, owned by the Jacobs family.  This win solidified Farrington’s lead in the FEI World Cup Jumping East Coast League.

“I thought it was a beautiful, beautiful event here at Deeridge Farms,” said Farrignton after his win. “I think this facility is amazing and really exciting for our sport and for show jumping here in Florida. For us to have this kind of competition and this caliber of competition is really exciting for all of us as riders.”

Forty horse and rider combinations tackled the first round’s course designed by Alan Wade with only 14 returning for the jump-off. Farrington had Uceko flying around the short course to post a time that was more than two and a half seconds faster than anyone else’s—Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum came closest with Fibonacci, finishing second.

“[Uceko’s] learned to be a fast horse, he actually was not a fast horse when I started,” Farrington said of his mount. “He has a long stride and sort of a slow canter. As I’ve gotten to know him really well, he’s learned to turn very short to the fences, and leave out strides where other horses can’t. Now for a jump-off I really have his plan, and I’m very confident of what he can do. I try to execute it to the best of my abilities, and usually if I don’t make a big error he pulls it off.”

As much as Farrington could use his jump-off strategy for his horse, the overall plan to use Uceko for the FEI World Cup™ qualifier stemmed from the show’s early proposal to hold the class on the turf field. But inclement weather interfered and forced organizers to move the penultimate East Coast event to the sand arena.

“Originally, it was going to go on the grass, and he’s really well suited to grass arenas, so that was my plan,” Farrington said. “Obviously that changed. I was a little concerned that that wouldn’t play to his strengths, but he proved me wrong.

“He usually goes best with a really impressive ring, or in an intimidating setting for most horses, and this is usually where he shines so that’s why I try to pick spookier venues or grass arenas that have bigger, impressive jumps. It wasn’t really playing to his strengths today, but he pulled it off anyway, so I’m really happy with him.”

Sources: Chronicle of the Horse, NoelleFloyd.com, and Phelps Sports

Farrington Becomes the First American to Claim the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final

Rolex testimonee Kent Farrington was without question untouchable on Friday, December 11th, 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland when he blew past the top riders in the world to bring home the United States’ first-ever Rolex International Jumping Riders Club Rolex Top Ten Final.

Or rather, it was the amazing Voyeur that was unbeatable with Farrington at the reins. The sizzling 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Tolano van’t Riethof x Goodwill) owned by Amalaya Investments was so on form in the two-round competition that he finished nearly a second and a half faster than France’s Simone Delestre in the second round.

Speed and accuracy are essential to winning the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final. Founded in 2001 by the International Jumping Riders Club and staged over two rounds with no jump-off, expectations were high.  Similar to the ATP Finals in tennis, it is the only competition that rewards consistency throughout the season, by inviting the top ten ranked riders in the world to go head-to-head over two rounds of jumping.

To qualify for this special class, the FEI Jumping World Ranked top ten riders are invited, with any declined invitations being filled by the 11th, 12th in the world, and so on. By the numbers, it makes for the toughest show jumping class in the world. A big 1.60m Round 1 track determined the order that riders returned in Round 2, and eight of the ten were clear in Round 1, guaranteeing a race over the shortened Round 2 track.

Farrington was apprehensive after his first round. “Scott is fast, Bertram is fast. Well, they are all actually fast. I am really nervous right now, I hope they will go slow,” Farrington smiled afterwards.

Second-round clears in the course designed by Switzerland’s Gérard Lachat were proving hard to find until Farrington and Voyeur came into the arena. Living up to their deserved reputation as one of the fastest partnerships on the circuit, they sped around the course as the crowd held their collective breath, laying down a lightening fast 37.54-second round—it looked difficult to beat.

“In a competition like that you have the best riders in the world, and they are all incredibly fast. So going early in the jump-off, I decided I was really going to go for the win and try to put the pressure on everybody else. My horse is very fast, and I ride pretty fast, so luckily today it paid off,” Farrington said about his tactics.

Of course, in Farrington’s world, the meaning of “try” is to throw 110% effort behind every single stride, and Voyeur was right there with him moment to moment. When Farrington took the lead halfway through the order, there was still every chance in the world that he would be caught.

“I don’t think you’re ever comfortable with the kind of competition coming after you go,” Farrington said. “If there’s 20 left to go or two left to go, it doesn’t really matter when you have this level of sport and this level of rider.”

Although he won the Top Ten Final, Farrington tries to not get too focused on the ranking and where he finds himself on it. “I try and make my year based on the horses that I have, and the competitions where I want them to go well. I think a ranking is a consequence of good results but it is not something that I chase or worry about. I try to focus on winning big classes and I try to focus on having my horses on form for those days. I would like to be number one in the world one day, but I think that will happen all by itself without me doing anything different than I am already doing.”

On his winning horse Voyeur, Kent said: “He is a special horse, as I think many top horses are. He is a little bit difficult; he is quite a strong horse with a lot of blood so I think he has gotten better with age and experience. He has gotten more manageable than he was when I started. I try to keep his mind as calm as possible, and the jump-offs are actually easier than the first round because you can kind of let him go at his own speed and he really likes that. So, the first round is always a struggle to keep him calm and I do my best to let him not get too aggressive.”

As to next year and the Olympic Games in Rio, Farrington said modestly: “I think Voyeur has a very good chance, and I also have a couple of younger horses that I think could possibly do it, but that is still a bit away so we go one step at the time.”

For Farrington, who has earned a jaw-dropping haul of prizes from all around the world in 2015, bringing the Rolex IJRC Top Ten Final trophy home with him is a satisfying mark on his last show of the year.

“All of us here would have loved to win this class,” Farrington said. “It’s turned into a really special class, they pay big prize money for it and it’s become a big part of the Geneva show. Competing against the best is always special; to have a Top Ten Final you really showcase the best in the sport. This is a great win for me today.”

Sources: World of Showjumping, Chronicle of the Horse, NoelleFloyd.com

Farrington Takes Second WIN At The CP National Horse Show with the $250,000 FEI World Cup Jumping

Earlier this week, Kent Farrington sat in the press conference for the $130,000 CP Grand Prix, which he won aboard Amalaya Investments’ Willow, and discussed how he’d planned out the CP National Horse Show to best play to his mounts’ strengths. All that planning paid off as Farrington not only won Thursday’s competitions but also today’s $250,000 Longines Grand Prix CSI4*-W with Amalaya Investments’ Voyeur.

“I brought two horses that I thought would be competitive,” he said. “I rode my best horse in the grand prix [today], and they both performed up [to my expectations]. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Guilherme Jorge set the tracks for this afternoon’s class, as well as for the class Farrington won on Thursday. 

“We want to start a little easier and make it tougher throughout the week,” said Jorge. “The riders had the same plan I did because they kept jumping better and better.”

Out of the 36 original starters, 13 returned for the jump-off. Out of those, 11 went clear, so it quickly turned into a race for the finish almost as furious as yesterday’s Breeder’s Cup Classic. Farrington’s time of 33.19 was the fastest over Laura Kraut and Deauville S (34.05) and Olivier Phillipaerts and H&M Challenge V/D Begijnakker Z (34.07).

“Laura and I watched the first couple together. It really comes down to which plan suits your horse,” said Farrington. “The first line [in the jump-off] was seven strides to the wall, and Laura and I both did that the same, and then it was just really what suited your horse and how tight you could roll back to the vertical and how fast you could go to the double and the last fence. Today I was just on a much more experienced horse than Laura.”

Voyeur, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood (Tolano van’t Riethof x Loma) owned by Amalaya Investments, had a successful tour with Farrington at Spruce Meadows in Alberta this summer and was Farrington’s mount for last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France). But even with their victories, Farrington remarked that the horse isn’t the easiest. 

“He’s pretty wild, actually,” he said. “Laura [Kraut] and I were joking about what we consider a normal horse and what others consider a normal horse. We’re known for riding erratic horses. He’s very fresh, and he has a lot of blood. He’s an aggressive horse. You have to be a little bit awake when you’re riding him because he can spin very quickly. He spooks at a lot of things, and he’s a handful, but I think most of the good ones are.”

Source: The Chronicle of the Horse

Kent Farrington and Amalaya Investments’ Willow Prove Victorious in $130,000 CP Grand Prix at CP National Horse Show

When 15 horses qualified for the jump-off during the $130,000 CP Grand Prix, presented by Copernicus Stables, at the CP National Horse Show, it was clear that it would require more than just scope to win the day. For Kent Farrington, the need for speed paid off because his mount Willow is always ready to race. The duo’s faultless and fast jump-off round topped the leaderboard, Japan’s Karen Polle took home second on With Wings, and Laura Kraut and Deauville S rounded out the top three.

“The National Horse Show has always been a big deal in the U.S.,” smiled Farrington. “It’s always great to win here. It was a fast jump-off tonight. Laura Kraut put down an early winning time that I thought was going to be difficult to beat. Karen and her horse have really been on form lately. It’s a fast horse; I thought she put in a great round. I had to work today to win some money. Willow was fantastic in the ring and I couldn’t have asked him to go better.”

Although the first round course for Thursday night’s event featured a few technical aspects with an oxer-vertical double combination and a vertical-vertical-oxer triple combination, the star-studded field made light work of it, with 15 entries clearing Guilherme Jorge’s track. Two riders opted not to return for the final tiebreaker, but speed was not in short supply for the 13 remaining athletes.

“I have to say, when I looked at the course list there were really, really good horses jumping tonight, and I did think that it looked soft when I walked it,” commented Kraut. “There wasn’t anything that was terribly scopey. The verticals weren’t so big. I was a little bit surprised actually because it was a lot of money tonight. With the great group of horses and riders that are here, I thought [Jorge] could have been a little bit harder, but I’m certain Sunday will be difficult.”

Farrington added, “I thought the time allowed was a bit generous. That was also something that could have been adjusted. You end up with 15 clear in a class like that—that’s a big jump-off for a class of that money. I don’t think that was probably [Jorge’s] ideal plan in mind when he built it.”

As the second rider to return, Kraut set the pace to beat at 41.22 seconds on Deauville S. Karen Polle and With Wings managed to best Kraut’s time by just 1/10th of second, breaking the beam at 41.12 seconds to take over the lead. “Kent is so fast,” admitted Polle. “To be second to him is almost like winning."

The best was yet to come though, and Farrington proved why Willow consistently tops speed and grand prix events alike. The duo’s quick gallop across the course never let up, turning back easily over each obstacle and dashing across the finish line in 40.24 seconds to lead the victory gallop at the end of the night.

“Willow’s got a great gallop and he has a massive stride,” noted Farrington. “You can kind of see once he gets going, he really opens up. He’s attacking the ground all the way around the course. He can turn very short back on fences.” 

Source: Phelps Media

Kent Farrington and Uceko Win $210,000 Tourmaline Oil Cup 1.60m at Spruce Meadows Masters

Kent Farrington claimed his fifth, five star victory this year at Spruce Meadows on Friday, September 11th in the $210,000 Tourmaline Oil Cup 1.60m aboard RCG Farm's Uceko.

It was the exclamation point on an incredible summer season for the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Celano x Koriander) and a win that for much of the class, Farrington didn’t even think he’d get.

Leopaldo Palacios built a track that Farrington deemed comparable to any five star grand prix, making it a bit unusual for a Friday class. With the afternoon sun shining brightly and a near-to-full International Arena hyping the atmosphere, 26 pairs attempted to clear the 14-obstacle course. Farrington went early in the order and steered Uceko successfully over every obstacle, but picked up a single time fault through the finish line.

Farrington didn’t think that his score would hold throughout the order, but as rider after rider had rails down, it became apparent that he might just be the one to walk away with the $70,000 in prize money.

“It was a serious course, with a very tight time allowed,” Farrington said. “I didn’t know if I was going to win but when you look back at that course, we were lucky to get one clear maybe.”

 “I thought I’d be crying all night over a time fault!” he added.

In second place on a score of four faults was Canada’s Tiffany Foster and Victor, and Elizabeth Gingras of Canada also rode a strong four fault round aboard Zilversprings for third.

In many ways, the course was the winner of the day, causing problem after problem for the world-class pairs who rode through the in-gate. Of note was a triple combination riding directly away from the in-gate, set as an oxer-oxer-vertical riding directly to fence 14, a 1.60m vertical in six short strides.

“With the triple combination underneath the trees, set by the bank, at the end of the course, if you didn’t ride the oxer enough you had the top rails, and if you rode the oxer too strong you had the verticals. It was very difficult,” Farrington added. “My strategy was to slow down. I added a stride to the triple combination, to add to his focus and keep him up in the air. I wasn’t thinking about the time allowed at the end of the course.”

For Farrington, it was a happy ending that marked the end of Uceko’s 2015 Spruce Meadows campaign. Uceko will now enjoy a break as Farrington looks forward to Sunday’s $1.5 Million Rolex Grand Prix, which he is qualified for with Voyeur.

During the Spruce Meadows Summer Series, Uceko and Farrington lodged three separate victories, and on the opening day of the Spruce Meadows Masters on September 9th, Farrington and Uceko won the $85,000 Akita Drilling Cup.

Kent Farrington and Uceko Win $85,000 Akita Drilling Cup CSI5* at Spruce Meadows Masters

Kent Farrington returned to Calgary, Canada on Wednesday, September 9th in the way he knows best – by winning with his veteran partner Uceko, owned by RCG Farm.

After his last outing at The Royal Dublin Horse Show in Dublin, Ireland, Uceko enjoyed four weeks of restful time off at Farrington’s summer base near Eindhoven in the Netherlands. Farrington, who has been partnered with the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Celano x Koriander) since 2009, plans Uceko’s schedule carefully based on venues around the world that the scopey, long-strided gelding likes.

The plan is working; on August 9th Farrington and Uceko won the Longines International Grand Prix CSIO5* at Dublin, and exactly four weeks later they displayed that same great form to win the $85,000 Akita Drilling Cup on the opening day of the Spruce Meadows Masters in Calgary.

Course designer Leopoldo Palacios designed a track that saw 17 of the 37-entry start list move on to the second round jump-off.

In the jump-off, Richard Spooner (USA) and Cristallo set the early pace in 39.81 seconds to eventually finish fourth. Kevin Staut (FRA) upped the pace with his round in 39.75 seconds to take home third place honors aboard Elky van het Indihof HDC. Farrington and Uceko soon stole the lead in an impressive 38.62 seconds to hold on for the win. Last to go, Roger Yves Bost (FRA) jumped into second place with a time of 38.99 seconds aboard Quod’Coeur de la Loge.

Following his win, Farrington spoke of the exciting atmosphere and fantastic conditions starting off this year’s edition of the Masters.

“The level of competition here is always very high, particularly at the Masters,” Farrington stated. “These are the best riders in the world using their best horses, so there is no easy victory here. The conditions are fantastic. The field looks great and it is jumping great--that is nothing new here at Spruce Meadows. I think this is one of the best jumping fields in the world and today was as good as ever. My horse loves it here too, so that works out well for me. I always try to make a good schedule for him where he gets to compete a lot at Spruce Meadows.”

Uceko’s huge stride ate up the ground between fences in the jump-off, and Farrington’s decision to take several turns on a very tight angle made up the difference between his time and Yves Bost’s.

Uceko displayed that same speed on Thursday in the $126,000 CANA Cup, jumping clear once again in Round 2 to move on to the jump-off. An unlucky tap on fence seven, a solid wall, caused four faults for the pair, who finished in the top ten. Farrington plans to compete Uceko once more this week, in the $210, 000 Tourmaline Oil Cup 1.60m.

The highlight of the Spruce Meadows Masters is Sunday afternoon’s $1.2 Million Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*, the third leg of the Rolex Grand Slam. Farrington, who is pre-qualified for the Grand Prix based on his victory at CSIO Dublin in August, will ride Voyeur in the top international class that is known as a “Major” of show jumping.

“Every rider in the world would love to win that competition,” Farrington said of the Rolex Grand Prix. “The Masters in Calgary is very special. It is the biggest prize money that we jump for all year and the courses are always massive, so I think that is something that we would all like to have on our resume.”

KENT FARRINGTON AND UCEKO WIN €200,000 LONGINES INTERNATIONAL GRAND PRIX OF IRELAND AT DUBLIN HORSE SHOW

Kent Farrington and RCG Farm’s Uceko followed up on their second placed 2014 finish in the Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland to secure victory in the 2015 edition of the Discover Ireland Royal Dublin Horse Show’s final international competition.

It was with a touch of redemption that Farrington secured the win for the United States on the closing day of the 88th annual Royal Dublin Horse Show CSIO5* in Ireland. After a rocky couple of days for the American riders at Dublin, bringing this particular trophy back to the Team USA stable row raised the spirits of everyone representing and cheering for the stars and stripes this week in Dublin.

Farrington and his veteran partner, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Celano x Koriander), completed a very tough Round One track constructed by Alan Wade that saw only 8 out of 40 starters jump clear, and proceeded to fly to an unbeatable 43.14 seconds in the jump-off for a sweeping victory in the €200,000 Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland.

Early on in Round One, a tough triple bar presented at fence two and rode in five or six strides to a 1.60m plank vertical on flat cups. Faults at those two fences contributed to eight riders retiring on course, including Irish hero Cian O’Connor, and Saturday evening’s Puissance winner, Sameh el Dahan.

“Alan is one of the best course designers in modern show jumping. Today was no exception, and I thought that the Nations Cup on Friday was also excellent,” Farrington added. It was true that the courses Wade built all week had all the well-balanced elements of technicality, height, and time to create a top level of sport.

Back to the Grand Prix, the jump-off round didn’t let off on the pressure. Farrington was the first to note that show jumping is a game of staying focused and moving on to the next day. He didn’t make Friday’s Nations Cup team after Blue Angel was eliminated on course during a warm-up class early in the week (Team USA went on to finish last in the Nations Cup and didn’t lead a victory gallop all week.)

While Uceko warmed up well for Sunday’s Grand Prix with a double clear and top five finish in Saturday’s ranking class, Farrington acknowledged the unpredictable, inherently challenging nature of the sport.

“[Blue Angel] didn’t go very well here, and it’s gone great [with her] in the past but that’s part of being a pro, being able to stay focused and move on to the next day,” Farrington detailed. “That’s also part of show jumping. You go from hero to zero in a second, and maintaining your composure and staying focused, that’s what the job is all about.”

Of course, coming out the hero is always the goal, and Farrington, who carefully plots Uceko’s schedule, set his horse up for success in a venue that he knew the grey gelding would take to.

“I try to really manage his schedule so that he shows at only the places he likes,” Farrington said (their last win was at Spruce Meadows, Calgary, Canada on July 3rd.) “He loves grass rings and big jumps, so I just try to pick those Grand Prixs. He’s really a special horse and I feel lucky to have him in my stable. A special thank you to the owners, RCG Farm, and all of my supporters really. I have a great team of people behind me in my career, and that’s why we’re here today.”

“We’re in North America a lot, and we come up against Kent a lot,” added 3rd placed rider Swail. “So it’s no surprise at all that he’s coming here and winning. He’s a winning machine; he doesn’t know how to lose, to be honest. It’s very difficult when he’s in a class and he gets it all right.”

Prestige held a special meaning at the Dublin Horse Show. From the full brass band that paraded into the arena for the final international class, to the trophy presentation and the formally dressed officials, this competition holds its own particular level of honor among the busy international show jumping calendar.

“This is one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world,” Farrington concluded. “It’s been a longstanding staple of world class show jumping and it continues to be so today. I always love coming here, there’s a really enthusiastic crowd, and I can’t think of too many other venues that are this exciting to compete in.”

Farrington became the eighth American in history to win the Grand Prix of Ireland – the first being George H. Morris in 1958. There’s not much more of a prestigious path to follow than that.

Kent Farrington and Willow Win €24,500 Prix Hotel Royal Emeraude CSI5* at Jumping Dinard

The USA’s Kent Farrington got the result he wanted on the third day of competition at Jumping Dinard International CSI5* in Dinard, France with Amalaya Investments’ Willow.

Over a two round competition in the €24,500 Prix Hotel Royal Emeraude CSI5* 1.50m, Farrington took first place over Gregory Wathelet and Riesling du Monselet of Belgium in a seven-horse jump-off. Bertram Allen and Belmonde placed 3rd for Ireland.

It was an especially satisfying win for Farrington, who started the week with an uncharacteristic elimination aboard Willow, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Guidam x Starina) owned by Amalaya Invesments.

Thursday’s CSI5* warm-up class didn’t go as planned when Willow lost momentum on the approach to a double, and balked again at a liverpool set under an airy white vertical. But FEI ranked world No. 3 Farrington took it all in stride with a positive plan for the following day.

“Willow hadn’t been on the grass in a while, so at first he was a little bit spooky here,” Farrington explained. He’s a quirky horse, so sometimes he can be like that.”

Friday’s class went better for Farrington and Willow, with just a single rail down in the Prix Suez Environment 1.55m. “I thought that on Friday in the 1.50m he had a great round,” Farrington added. “We had 3A down, but half the class had that one down.” Fast forward to Saturday morning’s CSI5*, a well-constructed track that took riders around the sweeping, grass international arena at Stade Val Porée. Farrington laid down a confident first round with Willow, tackling each obstacle with a confident ride and sailed over the aforementioned liverpool vertical with ease

The shortened jump-off course gave riders an option to save time taking a turn from the second to third obstacle on course, a double combination. First-in, Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium, executed the turn well but paid for it with faults at the next two fences; third place finisher Allen faulted there as well. Wathelet, who won Friday’s Prix cu C. Départemental d’Ille et Vilaine 1.45m with Riesling du Monselet, took an arm-flapping, all out galloping pace to the final fence to finish clear on a time of 38.41 seconds, but Farrington’s subsequent clear in 38.39 seconds would stand as the best of the class.

Jumping Dinard fit  well into Farrington’s overall plan for Willow, serving as apt preparation for the flashy grey gelding’s next stop−the upcoming Longines Global Champions Tour of Valkenswaard CSI5* on August 13th. That leg of the LGCT will also be held on a wide open grass field, and with a brand new stadium, the atmosphere will match that of Dinard’s.

“It’s the first time they’ve held a five star here in Dinard, and the first time for me showing here,” Farrington said. “I’m enjoying it, it’s a great venue, a great atmosphere and great conditions. And all in all my horse has had a very good show.”

Kent Farrington and Gazelle Earn Team Bronze at 2015 Pan American Games

Over two days of international competition in Toronto, Canada, Kent Farrington’s and Robin Parksy’s Gazelle helped the United States secure Team Bronze during the 2015 Pan American Games.

Farrington piloted the nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Kasmir van Shuttershof x Indoctro) in what was her first international team appearance, and was pleased with Gazelle’s performance over the two days of competition on July 22nd and 24th. Team USA included Farrington; McLain Ward and Rothchild; Lauren Hough and Ohlala, and Georgina Bloomberg and Lilli.

After a single-round format in the First Qualifier on Tuesday, July 21st produced a high number of clear rounds, including clears from all members of Team USA, Farrington and his teammates entered the Team Final in equal first place with five other nations.

The Team Final was held in a two-round Nations Cup format, and it proved extremely competitive over both rounds of competition, with clear rounds coming at a premium. The US Team got off to an unlucky start in round one, with each combination having one rail down on-course to go into round two sitting in sixth on 12 faults. The team entered the arena for round two determined and performed an impressive four clears, a feat not matched by any other nation in either round.

Team Canada ended the day at the top of the podium, securing Team Gold and an all-important 2016 Olympic show jumping qualification for their nation. Argentina earned Team silver on the strength of impressive performances from their riders.

Team USA Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland was pleased with the final result: “coming back and having four clears in the second round was a great testament to all four of them, we are all proud of the effort, and it has been a great event,” he commented. “Each [US rider in] round one had one extremely minor error, not one single major error. It was pretty simple what the team needed to do [in round two]: duplicate everything from the first round and fix that one problem, and that’s exactly what happened. They were brilliant in the second round.”

Farrington and Gazelle had the same rail down as Hough at 9A and also added one time penalty to their total in round one. But the mare built on her experience and produced a confident, faultless effort in round two, and Farrington was happy with the experience his mare gained in the atmosphere of such a championship.

“How could you not be [happy]?” he said. “She’s a young horse that jumped two out of three rounds clear, and her last round was her best round.”

Farrington and Gazelle spent much of the spring season preparing for these Games by jumping on the Global Champions Tour in Europe, and he pointed out that bringing her to the Pan Ams at Caledon Park was an ideal chance for her to be presented with unique, championship-format fences and unique jumps that she’d never seen before.

Speaking to the success for the US Team at the Games, Farrington noted, “[Gazelle] is nine-years-old and this is the biggest course she’s ever seen in this kind of setting. Additionally, Georgina is here doing her first championship, so I think it was great experience for an inexperienced horse and for a rider moving up to compete in her first championship. Obviously we came here to be competitive and have a very strong team. We all had an unlucky rail in the first round, but all came back and jumped clear in the second round. A little bit of bad luck today, but overall a good experience.”

Kent Farrington Leads An All-American Sweep in $400,000 Pan American Cup CSI5* presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington and Amalaya Investments’ Voyeur concluded the Spruce Meadows ‘Pan American’ Tournament CSI 5* presented by Rolex, with a masterful win on Sunday. The competition in the $400,000 Pan American Cup presented by Rolex ended impressively as the three highest ranked American riders claimed top honors. With Farrington leading the way, Beezie Madden finished second aboard Simon, and McLain Ward placed third riding Rothchild.

Thirty-three entries contested course designer Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) first round track, with nine combinations earning the chance to jump-off, and five clear rounds over the short course.

Farrington won the same competition in 2014 aboard RCG Farm’s Uceko and was back this time aboard the talented Voyeur, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Tolano van’t Riethof x Goodwill).

Farrington and Voyeur most recently won the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix presented by Rolex, during June’s ‘National’ Tournament and have been on a hot streak all season. On Sunday, the pair sprinted easily through the jump-off course to secure a substantial margin of victory.

“I had the advantage in the jump-off today of going after McLain,” Farrington noted. “He is one of the most competitive riders in the world, and we always have a good rivalry between us, so I got to watch him go. Unfortunately, coming after me was one of my other rivals, also one of the best in the world [Beezie Madden]. It was a tough day of sport today and I thought my horse was fantastic.”

“[Voyeur] has a huge gallop,” Farrington commented on his jump-off. “Between the second and third fence I think I did one less stride than everybody else in the competition. The rest of it, I just kind of stayed on the same pace. He has a monster gallop, and he is naturally fast across the ground anyway and that is a big advantage in a field like that.”

In the first course, Voyeur was exceptionally strong and caused Farrington to adjust his ride to accomplish the clear round.

“When he is very fresh and he is really jumping, the downside is that he gets really strong,” Farrington explained. “He jumped out of the double really high, and coming towards the gate he got very strong with me. I had to do an extra stride that I did not plan on. It was a bit more work than I was expecting, but he pulled it off.”

For Farrington, course designer Guilherme Jorge did a good job with the conditions he was dealt.

“We didn’t know how much rain there was going to be or how wet the ground was going to be,” Farrington stated. “It was probably a more technical course today than size. It was a little generous with the time allowed, but I think that [Jorge] took into account the rain and the wet ground, so I think that was a smart play for today. It was better to have a couple extra clear rather than having us go ripping around the ring when it was really wet in the first round. I think that was a good strategy, and if you look at the top three finishers, those are the top three horses a lot of places in the world.”

Jorge, agreed, noting, “The idea with the time allowed was exactly that. We didn’t know how much rain we would still have during the competition, so we didn’t want to press too much on that. I still think that nine is an okay number for a jump-off. It is a little bit more than we are used to here at Spruce Meadows, but the quality was still very good and like Kent said, the top three are top three anywhere in the world.”

Source: Jennifer Wood Media for Spruce Meadows

Kent Farrington and Uceko win the $50,000 Lafarge Cup at the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament

Friday night of the Spruce Meadows ‘North American’ Tournament saw the seasoned partnership of Kent Farrington and RCG Farm’s Uceko take a big win in the $50,000 Lafarge Cup. In second place by a slim one hundredth of a second was Eric Lamaze aboard Fine Lady 5 and 19-year-old Venezuelan phenom Emanuel Andrade and his horse Bon Jovi finished third with the only other double clear performance of the night.

The course had a track of 13 obstacles that wove through the International Ring under blue skies and uncharacteristically warm weather. The course, designed by Spain’s Santiago Vareia, saw many riders struggle to navigate the tight time allowed of 78 seconds, as well as a skinny and airy combination at 6A and 6B.

Farrington is no stranger to navigating the difficult courses at Spruce Meadows. While he took the win aboard his longtime partner, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Celano x Koriander), that still doesn’t mean winning is easy for Farrington, or that he ever takes it for granted.

“These classes, especially the ones that do not have the most entries, the [riders] that are good are not just good, they are usually great,” Farrington said. “You have some of the best riders in the world, so it is very difficult to win a class here.”

Before Farrington even left the ring after his round, Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 galloped in to try to take the win from him, but came up just short – stopping the clock 0.12 seconds too late.

Farrington was not able to watch the other horses in the jump off, but he had a lot of confidence in Uceko. “The horse is very brave and he has quite a big step, so I think right from the beginning [of the jump-off], fence one to two on his rollback was already pretty aggressive,” he explained. “I did not watch the others, but I would probably guess that he did at least one, if not two less strides on that turn. Then across the middle of the field he also makes up a lot of ground because his stride is so long. I would say those are two places in particular I think he always gets a little bit ahead of the other horses.”

The veteran Uceko proves that at 14 he is still in his prime, in large part because Farrington is careful to manage his competition schedule closely and choose the appropriate venues and classes to compete in.

“I think that part of being a top rider is also being a top manager of the horses that you have,” Farrington noted. “As he gets older, I try to pick the venues where I think he can shine and give him rest where I do not think he is as competitive. I gave him a big break. I hardly ever show him in Florida, and I usually gear him up here and then take him to Europe the rest of the summer.”

Farrington brings Uceko to Spruce Meadows because of the horse’s proven track record competing at the venue, but also because the environment at Spruce Meadows simply makes Uceko better.

“The jumps are very big here and really impressive, and that suits the horse because he can get a little casual. He is not a naturally fast horse actually, he is a bit slow, so a big field makes him competitive because I can use the length of his stride and turn really short to make him fast out here.”

“He has learned to be very fast,” Farrington continued. “Over the years he has learned to turn shorter to the fences and watch for them. With his experience, he knows when I open him up on the field that the jumps are going to come up fast, so he starts anticipating the fences and he starts looking for them himself, which over time has made him super competitive.”

Kent Farrington Picks Up Second Win in Five Days at Spruce Meadows

The highlight of Friday's competition at the Spruce Meadows Continental CSI5*, the $126,000 Scotiabank Cup 1.55m, culminated with a win for the USA’s Kent Farrington aboard the nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, Gazelle (Kashmir van Shuttershof x Indoctro).  

Anthony D’Ambrosio, the course designer for international competition in the Meadows on the Green ring this week, saw 70 entries contest his first round 1.55m track with 18 going clear. In the jump-off, only seven were able to clear the course without fault.

McLain Ward and HH Azur were the first duo to clear the short course in 37.05 seconds and eventually placed second. Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra were also clear in 37.73 seconds to earn third place honors. Up next, Eric Lamaze jumped into fourth with his time of 38.61 seconds aboard Coco Bongo. Farrington immediately followed with the winning round in 36.56 seconds riding his own and Robin Parsky’s Gazelle.

One of Farrington’s up-and-coming horses, Gazelle was recently named as his mount for July’s Pan American Games in Toronto. He got the mare at the end of her seven-year-old year and has slowly been bringing her along with high hopes for the future.

“This year she has really stepped up to a new level and I am really excited about the horse,” Farrington noted. “She is extremely careful. She is a little bit sensitive, but I think she is a great competitor. What more can you ask for?”

Gazelle proved exactly why she is ready for the big leagues by jumping a great first round clear, followed by a fantastic jump off on Friday night.

Commenting on his winning round, Farrington remarked, “These classes here are very competitive. You have extremely fast riders on a big, open field. There were a large number of horses in the jump off today, so you knew that it was going to be very competitive.”

“I got to watch McLain go, so I knew the track that he did and what it was going to take to win,” he continued. “I took a risky move today to the last jump. I was not sure if it was possible to do eight strides, but after McLain went, I thought that was maybe the only chance to catch him. My horse has a pretty big step, so we went for it.” The risk paid off and earned Farrington the winning prize of $41,580.

Kent Farrington Named to U.S. Team for 2015 Pan American Games

The United States Equestrian Federation announced that Kent Farrington will ride Gazelle for the United States at the upcoming Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada from July 21st to 25th. Gazelle is a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Kashmir Van Shuttershof x Indoctro) that is owned in partnership by Farrington and Robin Parsky. Previously, Kent competed in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico where he earned the individual Gold Medal aboard RCG Farm's Uceko.

Farrington will be joined on the U.S. team by Georgina Bloomberg and Lilli, Lauren Hough and Ohlala, McLain Ward and Rothchild, and team alternate Todd Minikus and Babalou 41. The news comes on the heels of an eventful week for Farrington, as well as a string of recent successes. With the release of the updated FEI World Rankings for May, Farrington improved his ranking from No. 4 to No. 3 in the world.

On Saturday, June 6th, Farrington claimed his most recent win with a major victory in the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Canada. Farrington rode Amalaya Investments-owned Voyeur to that win, which marked his 24th FEI victory at the famed Spruce Meadows venue. Farrington and his team will now focus on continuing their success at the Spruce Meadows Summer Series and preparing for next month’s Pan American Games.

Kent Farrington and Voyeur take the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix presented by Rolex

Continuing a fantastic winning streak, world no. 3 Kent Farrington raced to victory on the one-and-only Voyeur to win the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. On Saturday, Italian course designer Uliano Vezzani set the track for the afternoon’s feature competition in the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex. Twelve out of fifty entries qualified for the jump-off, taking fans to the edge of their seats as many of the world’s very best battled it out for a top prize of $132,000. Only five riders were able to clear the short course without fault as times got faster and faster throughout the afternoon.

This win marks Farrington’s 24th FEI victory at Spruce Meadows since 2011 and brings his all-time money earnings at the competition to an impressive $1,306,560. Farrington has been on a roll with Voyeur, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Tolano van’t Riethof x Goodwill), including their most recent victory in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Hamburg in Germany.

When asked the secret to his success, Farrington simply stated, “the secret is to get really good horses.”

“Luckily, I have some great people behind my career,” he detailed. “The Nusz family that owns Voyeur has been really supportive of me and that is why I am able to [compete] at this level today–because of them and a bunch of other people that have really stepped up to help me get here.”

Commenting on his jump-off round, Farrington explained, “I did not see the horse that finished second go. People just told me that it was full speed all the way around. My plan with Voyeur is usually just to match one rhythm and keep him even the whole way. He is a very hot horse, so if you go too hard on him, you will sort of blow his mind a little bit. I would I say I was a more consistent speed throughout the whole course. He has been on form. This is his third big class in a short time, so he is up and running so to speak.”

When Farrington first got Voyeur almost three years ago, he saw great potential and hoped that the horse would be successful. Voyeur has now turned into his top ride. “I always have high expectations for the horses that I get. Even when they are young, I try to see their qualities and their best abilities and hope that I can pull it out of them,” Farrington said. “It is really more a realization of what I hoped that he could be, but I always thought that he could get there.”

Farrington credits jumping at Spruce Meadows as one of the factors that helped Voyeur advance to the top level. “The jumps here are very big and I think all of the horses, if they can jump a Grand Prix here, they can jump anything in the world,” Farrington acknowledged. “I really think that it helps build a lot of the horses. Especially for a lot of the North American riders that produce horses here, you usually see them go on to do really big things at championships. Horses like Hickstead, and Authentic, and Sapphire, they grew up jumping here and I think this field and this jumping really helps bring them to that level.”

Kent Farrington’s Winning Streak Continues on First Day of Roma Piazza di Siena CSIO5*

The USA’s Kent Farrington extended his winning streak to three shows in three weeks by picking up two victories on the opening day of Roma Piazza di Siena CSIO5*, located in the center of Rome, Italy.

Large entry lists didn’t stand in Farrington’s way as he tacked up Cha Cha Cha 7, a 10-year-old Oldenburg mare by Chacco-Blue, to take on the day’s first class, a two-phase 1.45m speed competition.

Cha Cha Cha 7 is owned by Haity McNerney and Amalaya Investments, and Farrrington continued his domination of five star speed classes by galloping home clean with a time of 26.59 seconds. Ireland’s Alex Duffy placed second in 26.76 seconds, a close finish aboard Ballywater Farms’ Wrangler II.

For the second class of the day, a 1.50m competition with a jump-off, Farrington easily cleared every fence aboard Waomi, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Lupicor that is owned by Amalaya Investments. Luca Maria Moneta of Italy came second with Quova de Vains, marking the best finish for an Italian rider. With Farrington at the reins, Waomi has been in top form as of late, picking up a win and a third place ribbon with Farrington last week during the Longines Global Champions Tour of Hamburg, Germany.

Fifth Win in Nine days: Kent Farrington and Voyeur Win Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Hamburg, presented by H&M

It’s impossible not to smile in the midst of a friendly champagne fight. That was when Kent Farrington allowed himself the biggest grin of the day and a moment to celebrate in Hamburg, Germany. Standing there at the top of the podium at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Hamburg, he’d earned a smile and then some.

Aboard his veteran mount Voyeur, Farrington had just won the Longines Global Champions Tour of Hamburg CSI5*, presented by H&M. In this, the heart of an area that is rich in show jumping breeding and sporthorse tradition, the 34-year-old American rider from Chicago, Illinois had his work cut out for him against 46 riders representing 21 countries. Held on the sprawling Derby Park Grand Prix field that is studded with solid obstacles, the two round LGCT Hamburg Grand Prix necessitated a jump-off after six riders managed double clears.

Two full 1.60m rounds plus a jump-off meant that successful navigation of 34 obstacles, with 39 jumping efforts, was required to finish well. In addition to that, you had to be fast as well.

What would be a tall order for most riders was right up Farrington’s ally.  Amalaya Investments’ Voyeur, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Tolano van’T Riethof, was made for this kind of jumping. In the three years that Farrington has had the bay gelding in his stable, the two have formed a strong, effective partnership.

“He is hot-blooded, high strung, and naturally very fast,” Farrington said of his horse. “These big fields really suit him – he has a lot of speed and a big gallop.”

Farrington made his first appearance at LGCT Hamburg one to remember. He’s been on a hot streak as of late, and after three wins just one week ago aboard a separate string of horses at the Longines Global Champions Tour Shanghai, China, Farrington has made a significant leap up the 2015 LGCT series standings, from 13th to 4th.

“Number four certainly sounds better than number 13!” Farrington joked. “Hopefully I have some more luck at other Global shows [this season]. These shows always have the best riders using top horses, and it’s always a difficult competition whenever you go to a GCT event.”

Despite a bone-chilling, grey day that threatened rain all afternoon, many thousands of show jumping fans packed into the Derby Park stadium to watch the Grand Prix and cheer on their favorite German riders. Germany’s Philipp Weishaupt was just a fraction off Farrington’s jump-off time to finish in second place aboard Madeline Winter-Schulze’s Chico, a 10-year-old Hannoverian gelding by Cordalme.

“To be beaten by Kent Farrington is not a total shame,” Weishaupt commented. “Sometimes you have a second where you think you could have done something better here or there, but today I’m happy. I can’t ask more of my horse.”

For Farrington, who’s far from home in Germany but makes it a point each season to travel to Europe in order to compete against the best in the world, the 2015 Global Champions Tour is just heating up. Eleven more stops on the tour are coming up in a variety of locations; in fact, if there’s anything that makes the LGCT stand out, it’s just how different each show of the series is.

Farrington ended the day with a sense of gratitude, not just for winning, but also for being able to live out his dream every day. “I think all of us [riders], really have a fantastic life, doing what we love, working with horses,” he said. “We’re really lucky to be doing something we enjoy every single day. And winning is always great!”

Complete results of video clips of the 2015 Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Hamburg CSI5* are available to view here.

Farrington continues winning streak at Global champions tour of Hamburg

Kent Farrington proved that he is still on a winning streak at Global Champions Tour Hamburg on Thursday morning when he won the very first CSI5* class of the day aboard Belle Fleur 38.

With a chill in the air that made for fresh horses and many wool coolers thrown over the warmup rail, Farrington rode to a calculated win in front of an enthusiastic early morning crowd. Kent drew the final position in the 45 horse order with Belle Fleur 38, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Berlin, owned by Haity McNerney. As he proved last week in Shanghai, Farrington thrives on pressure in speed classes, and he entered the arena confident and knowing that a clear round in under 52.32 seconds would win the class.

With only 10 obstacles to clear, Farrington stuck to a tight track and crossed the finish timers 0.32 seconds faster than second place finisher Emanuele Gaudiano of Italy. It was a fantastic start to the week for Farrington, who will continue to compete at GCT Hamburg with Belle Fleur 38, as well as his superstar mount Voyeur.

Kent Farrington Earns Impressive Hat Trick at Global Champions Tour Shanghai

World no. 4 Kent Farrington blew away the opposition today, taking home his third victory in three days at the Global Champions Tour event in Shanghai, China. Kent was on fire once again, riding against a diamond-studded field of top riders in the $85,000 Massimo Dutti Trophy. US riders were able to bring their horses to the event on mainland China, after a special dispensation this year allowed them to compete. Farrington was able to take full advantage of his Chinese debut, being the sole representative for the United States in Shanghai this week, and took home a victory each day of the GCT competition.

Kent was third in the ring on Blue Angel, his talented bay mare owned by Robin Parsky. He executed a superb round, ruthlessly setting a tough time of 67.41 and leaving the rest of the field with a real headache on the time to beat. Time and again Kent’s lead looked under pressure as show jumping stars including Ludger Beerbaum, Gregory Wathelet, Edwina Tops-Alexander, and Marco Kutscher all pulled out the stops to try and get within the leader.

Ludger, on his grey stallion Colestus, let rip in hot pursuit of Kent. He tore around the arena but had a rail down, as did Gregory Wathelet. Kutscher on Van Gogh came closest, finishing in 70.31, but it was Kent’s glory day again.

Speaking of his success in Shanghai Kent said: “It has been a great show, really exciting to come here to China. I have never been before. GCT has put on an amazing event here. With the riders at these competitions, the best riders in the world, you can never be sure you are going to win. Everybody is good and there is big prize money on the line.”

Of his first victory in Shanghai on Blue Angel he said: “I know this horse. She is naturally a very fast horse. My plan is to be competitive on all of the horses in all of the classes and try to win every time.”

Blue Angel’s owner Robin Parsky said: “Blue Angel is an amazing horse. She loves to be in the winner’s circle. I could not be more proud of Kent, he has done a wonderful job with his horses. The horses are always happy and healthy.”

In an exclusive interview in the GCT TV live studio Kent also said he was originally planning to be a jockey, which explains his natural ability as a speed rider: “I started out racing ponies, I wanted to be a jockey actually. I rode a lot of thoroughbred horses that were very fast.”

Kent switched to show jumping and admits he “got hooked” and is very competitive at all times. As well as today’s extremely fast win on Blue Angel, Kent also won on Waomi and said of the horse: “This is a totally different style, a bigger horse and very careful, but I decided to go for speed - building her confidence.”

“It is not just determination, I have a great team of owners and horses and a great team around me” said Farrington in regards to the world rankings. "It has taken a long time to get here. I started at the bottom of the sport, clawing my way up.”

Source: GCT News

Kent Farrington Wins 1.50m CSI5* at Global Champions Tour Shanghai

World no. 4 Kent Farrington continued his stellar weekend in China on Saturday with another five star win during the Global Champions Tour Shanghai. The American rider tacked up Amalaya Investments' Waomi, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Lupicor, picking up €11,220 in prize money for taking first place.

On Friday afternoon in Shanghai, Farrington led the victory gallop with Blue Angel in the opening CSI5* class of the weekend’s competition.

Farrington’s time in the single-round class was well over a second faster than that of second place finisher Abdullah Al Sharbatl - Kent finished in 56.33 seconds compared to Al Sharbatly’s 57.93 seconds.

Farrington has been riding Waomi since the fall of 2014, and began the season by picking up wins aboard the sharp bay mare during the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Global Champions Tour Shanghai continued the day’s competition with the Grand Prix of Shanghai CSI5* and will conclude on Sunday afternoon with a pair of high dollar show jumping competitions. Farrington is set to compete with Waomi and Blue Angel in Sunday’s lineup.

Farrington takes first CSI5* win at GCT Shanghai aboard Blue Angel

Competing this week as the sole Team USA representative at the prestigious Global Champions Tour Shanghai, world no. 4 rider Kent Farrington took first prize in Friday’s opening class aboard the slight but speedy Blue Angel, owned by Robin Parsky.

CSI5* competition in Shanghai has brought some of the top riders in the world to the China Art Palace, where a spectacular temporary show jumping competition venue has been constructed on the banks of the Huangpu River in central Shanghai. The week’s classes began with a CSI5* 1.45m speed format competition, used by many of the riders to allow their horses to stretch their legs ahead of Saturday’s Global Champions Tour CSI5* Grand Prix of Shanghai.

Farrington and Robin Parsky’s Blue Angel, a 13-year-old Anglo European mare by Luidam, jumped clear in 32.80 seconds ahead of second-placed finisher, Germany’s Marco Kutscher and Van Gogh, who stopped the clock in 33.33 seconds.

Kent Farrington and Belle Fleur 38 Win $30,000 Equestrian Sport Productions Spring 2 Grand Prix at PBIEC

Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) finished its second week of its Spring Series this past weekend at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, with a victory for the no. 5 ranked rider in the world, Kent Farrington of Wellington, FL.  He rode Belle Fleur 38, owned by Haity McNerney, to victory in the $30,000 Equestrian Sport Productions Spring 2 Grand Prix.

Sunday's Grand Prix showed a large turnout, with a total of 50 entries, 14 of which qualified for the jump-off.  The course was designed by Kenny Krome of Maryland, and featured a speedy jump-off with a majority of single fences.  Farrington was one of nine competitors to go clear in the jump-off, which ultimately came down to time.

"[The] jump-off was a steeplechase-type course.  [Belle Fleur 38] is a naturally fast horse," said Farrington in regards to his win with a time of 43.254 seconds in the jump-off.

"[Belle Fleur 38] is a fairly new horse for me.  She is nine years old and got a late start in the sport." said Farrington.  "I see her being very competitive in the future.  I would like to thank all the owners and my whole team behind me.  It wouldn't be possible [to compete at this level] without surrounding myself with great owners and a great team."

Kent Farrington and Waomi win $100,000 Suncast Championship Finale at 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival presented by Rolex

The $100,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Final concluded on Saturday with a win for Kent Farrington (USA) and Amalaya Investments' Waomi. The competition saw 63 entries in the first round during the day, and the top 25% returned to compete in round two on Saturday evening. Fourteen clear entries and the two fastest four fault scores from round one returned to jump-off. Their cumulative scores from both rounds were combined to determine the winner.

In the second round, two out of the 16 competitors were able to clear the course without fault. McLain Ward (USA) and HH Azur, owned by Double H Farm and Francois Mathy, were first to complete the jump-off clear in 44.05 seconds. They finished second overall. Farrington and Waomi took the win with two clear rounds and the leading jump-off time of 42.07 seconds.

"I thought it was a difficult track right from the first round," Farrington said following his win. "I was actually surprised there were that many clear. I think the lighting made it a bit more difficult for the jump-off, which was also technical. When you have 16 horses coming back and a lot of fast riders, you know that it is going to be competitive, so I think everybody was putting it out on the line to try to win tonight. No one was conservative, and I think that is why you saw so many faults tonight in the jump-off."

On where he was faster than Ward, Farrington noted, "First, I think my horse is naturally faster across the ground, and I think my turns were probably a bit shorter. McLain was on a green horse, and I don't think he was really able to turn quite as short as I was to the fences."

The victory marked Farrington's fourth in the 1.50m Series for 2015. Three wins came with Waomi, a 12-year-oldmare by Lupicor x Boreas. He also topped one class with Amalaya Investments' Willow.

"I started riding Waomi in the fall during the indoor season, and she pretty much started winning right from the beginning," Farrington said of their partnership. "At The National, she won back-to-back 1.50m competitions. Then she came to Florida here and kept right on track. I started her early in the WEF (Challenge Cup) classes, and she jumped one Grand Prix and also placed. As my other horses were stepping up, I put her more in the position to jump the 1.50m classes, and she has been super consistent and a real winner for me."

Source: Equestrian Sport Productions

second suncast victory for Farrington as the World No.4 takes the $85,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic aboard Waomi

Competing on the grass field at The Stadium at PBIEC on Sunday, USA's Kent Farrington won the $85,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic aboard Amalaya Investments' Waomi. To conclude the eleventh week of WEF competition, 36 entries showed over Olaf Petersen Jr.'s course, with five clear rounds to jump-off. Farrington qualified two horses, first and last to go on the short course.

Farrington began the jump-off with what would prove to be the winning round aboard Waomi, clear in 38.18 seconds. Ben Asselin (CAN) and Attache Stables' Doremi returned with four faults in 42.20 seconds to place fifth. Darragh Kenny (IRL) jumped next with Caroline Lloyd's Sans Soucis Z, clear in 40.15 seconds, to finish third. Harrie Smolders (NED) followed in 38.99 seconds aboard Axel Verlooy's Enjoy Louis to move into second place. Last to go, Farrington returned aboard Amalaya Investments' Willow with a clear round in 40.42 seconds to also earn fourth place honors.

"Today was a nice change of pace coming out to the field," Farrington stated after his win. "I personally love riding on the grass. It is a more natural footing, and I think the horses like it. It was a great change of scenery and I thought the footing here was excellent today. You could not have asked for a better setting than this."

Farrington has had success with both Waomi and Willow in the 1.50m series this winter, among other top finishes throughout the circuit. Waomi won the $85,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic during Week Seven, and two weeks later, Willow won the class in Week Nine. Farrington described the two horses, as well as his plan for each of their jump-off rounds. Waomi is a 12 year old Dutch Warmblood mare (Lupicor x Boreas), and Willow is a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Guidam x Little Rock).

"Willow is really a hot horse. He is on the attack all the time, and I kind of have to throttle him down and try to keep his brain calm so that he does not get ahead of himself," Farrington noted. "That is sort of where his rail will come, when he does not slow down to jump the fence. He just gets too much in a hurry."

"Waomi is a very careful mare that sort of has her own style," he continued. "She is an opinionated lady, and she wants to go the way she wants to go."

"To start with Waomi, I thought there were fast riders coming after me, and I would have to lay down a pretty good trip to be in contention to win today," Farrington said of the jump-off. "I thought she went great. She did everything I asked her to do and luckily that was enough for today."

"Having the fortune of going last on my second horse, I actually thought it was nice training for him to do a jump-off not at full speed," Farrington explained. "I have run him in a lot of classes here and gone very fast, so today I could kind of glide around the course and set him up for the next class I am going to do with him."

Farrington plans to rest Willow next week to show in Miami at the conclusion of the WEF circuit. Waomi will return to compete in Week 12.

KENT FARRINGTON takes $8,000 CSI4* 1.45m AT WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

World Equestrian Games Team Bronze medalist Kent Farrington won the $8,000 CSI4* 1.45m competition with Haity McNerney's Belle Fleur 38 at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Olaf Petersen Jr. of Germany built the course for Thursday's starting competition. Nineteen competitors jumped clear in the first round out of a total of fifty-two international combinations. Setting the lead time half way through the jump-off, Farrington took the lead with Haity McNerney's Belle Fleur 38 with a time of 37.43 seconds. Dutchman Harrie Smolders and fellow American rider Laura Kraut attempted to unseat Farrington, but proved unsuccessful. Farrington took home his fourth international victory of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival presented by Rolex.

Kent Farrington and Willow Victorious in $85,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic

Week Nine of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) concluded on Sunday with a win for Kent Farrington (USA) and Willow in the $85,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic competing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL.

Course designer Alan Wade (IRL) finished the week with another strong track for the horses and riders in the 1.50m competition, with 64 entries and nine clear rounds. A tight 73 second time allowed kept nine others out of the jump-off, clear over the jumps but late across the finish line.

Farrington qualified two mounts for the jump-off. He jumped first with Amalaya Investments' Waomi, who he rode to victory in Week Seven's 1.50m Classic. The pair was fast, but had two rails down in the process and finished eighth. This time it was Willow's turn in the winner's circle, and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Guidam x Little Rock) blazed through the track.

"I just used the length of his stride to my advantage," Farrington said of his winning round. "I probably do less strides than the other horses do. Certainly to the combination I left out one stride. That is a pretty risky thing to do, but he has such a big stride that I figured my chances of clearing it were probably the same whether I did seven or eight. Then I probably did one less stride to the next one and one less stride to the last as well. Naturally, he has a very big step, so it is easy to use that in a jump-off."

"Waomi has been a consistent player for me at that level," Farrington noted. "Willow, I have been using in some bigger classes that are probably a touch over his head this winter, trying to rest Voyeur and my other bigger horses. I put him back at his comfort level and he showed why he is good for that, so I am very happy with him today."

"He has a fantastic gallop," the rider detailed. "He is really game; he is brave. He is a lot of fun to ride and he is naturally very fast, so you just have to try to contain him throughout the course and usually he produces good results."

Speaking of his plans for Willow this year, Farrington, explained, "I would like to use him as a top second horse. I think that is really his role. He can compete anywhere in the world, and he has such a great heart. If you ask him to jump a big one, he will do it. He almost won the five star here, the first one around. He had the last fence down in the jump-off, but I thought he tried his guts out. He will kind of do whatever you want, but I think his most competitive level is as a second horse. I think he can win a ton."

Concluding another great week of competition, Farrington praised course designer Alan Wade on his tracks for the week.

"I think Alan Wade is one of the best course designers in modern show jumping," Farrington acknowledged. "I think we all appreciate that he is here to build. It is real level, but it is intelligent building and I think the courses all week have been great."

Kent Farrington wins $85,000 Suncast 1.50 Classic aboard Waomi

Week Seven of the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Suncast®, concluded on Sunday with the $85,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic featured in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). USA's Kent Farrington was the winner with Amalaya Investments' Waomi in a 17 horse jump-off over Tiffany Foster (CAN) and Artisan Farms LLC's Tripple X III. Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner's Vanilla placed third.

Course designer Steve Stephens (USA) finished out the week with 75 entries in the 1.50m competition. Out of 17 to advance to the jump-off, the short course only saw six double clear rounds. Farrington, Marie Hecart (FRA), and Charlie Jacobs (USA), all made it through to the tiebreaker with two horses.

Waomi, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Lupicor x Boreas), showed last year with owner Meagan Nusz and Farrington started competing the mare in the fall in Harrisburg and Lexington with top finishes. She had some time off and then picked up again with Farrington at the beginning of the WEF circuit.

"I showed her at the beginning and she was third in the WEF (Challenge Cup) during week two and she also placed in the Grand Prix that week," Farrington detailed. "Then I gave her a little rest again and now I am kind of picking it up. My plan was to do this 1.50m, do the WEF (Challenge Cup) next week and then one of the Grand Prixs at the end."

"She is a really interesting horse," Farrington stated. "She is a little particular. She has her way that she wants to go. I have no martingale on the horse because she prefers to be really free and go in her own style, but she is very careful and quite fast, so she is a lot of fun to ride."

Farrington went first with Robin Parksy's Gazelle in the jump-off, but had one rail down. He then returned with Waomi immediately after Tiffany Foster had jumped into first with a very fast time aboard Tripple X III. Their lead was short-lived, however, as Farrington and Waomi galloped through the timers over a second faster.

"I rode my other horse first, who is very green for a jump-off like that, and I thought she went very well," Farrington noted. "Then Tiffany went and was very fast. I didn't see her round, but I saw her time and that sounded very fast to me. I have seen her on that horse before, and I know that he covers a lot of ground. He is a quick horse, so the jump-off with Waomi was really just to take a shot. She also has a big stride, and I just kind of let her have a run at it."

Kent Farrington wins $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI3*

For the second year in a row, Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky's Blue Angel emerged victorious in the $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix CSI 3* during Week Six at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Farrington and Blue Angel topped a nine horse jump-off to defend their title, with Harrie Smolders (NED) and Don VHP Z second, and Ben Maher (GBR) aboard Valinski S third.

Under the lights of the International Ring at The Stadium at PBIEC Friday night, Richard Jeffery (GBR) set the track for 39 starters in the Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix, with nine moving on to the jump-off and six double clear rounds.

"I think this style of venue really suits the horse and that's why I chose to ride her here again this year," Farrington said of his win with Blue Angel, a 13-year-old Anglo European mare (Luidam x Ascendant). "It's a small ring, more like an indoor arena. She is naturally fast and can add a stride very quickly."

"The ride in the jump-off with her really is not to let her get out of her comfort zone," Farrington noted. "Like going to the last fence, not to go too direct and try to go too fast, more just tone it down and hope that's enough for the class today. I think I was just on a faster horse. I thought Harrie's round was incredible. He turned so tight back to the vertical. He went to the whip going to the last fence and did seven strides. I don't think there was anything else Harrie could do. Luckily, my horse was a little faster today. My horse is also good at a rollback to a vertical like that. Harrie went inside from fence one to two, which was extreme. I didn't think I could do that and still jump the vertical well and do a short rollback, so I had to hedge my bet a little there at the start."

"All of us here are super competitive personalities," Farrington said of the competition. "These are some of the best riders in the world, and we are all out here trying to win all the time. I think that shows the strength of the competition here at WEF, when you see riders of this caliber all competing each weekend."

While some of Farrington's top mounts, such as Voyeur and Uceko, will rest this winter in preparation for the season ahead, the rider is bringing out some new horses for the circuit and using his other horses sparingly.

"I'm trying to use the circuit to develop some new horses and get them in the ring and using Blue Angel and horses like that if there's a certain venue or class that really suits them," Farrington explained. "The circuit is long, so it's a great way to build up a new horse. They can get comfortable in the ring and jump a little bigger than they normally could if you were going to a different place every single week, so I am trying to use that to my advantage."

For the horses that are showing, he acknowledged the nice change to compete in different rings across the show grounds at PBIEC, such as Friday's class at The Stadium.

"I think it's a great change of pace. I think using this ring and the field and maximizing the different venue opportunities that we have here in Wellington is great for the horses and a nice change of scenery for the riders," Farrington said.

Kent Farrington wins Bronze with Team USA at Alltech World Equestrian Games in Normandy

The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team won the Bronze medal at the FEI World Team Jumping Championship held as part of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the d'Ornano Stadium. The Team was composed of McLain Ward riding Rothchild, Kent Farrington riding Voyeur, Lucy Davis riding Barron, and Beezie Madden riding Cortes 'C'. The Netherlands won Team Gold while France won a Silver medal.

Team USA clinched the bronze medal, finishing on 16.72, anchorwoman Beezie Madden and Cortes C once again producing the goods when it mattered and notching up a deciding clear round. Overall, Lucy Davis and Barron's score of four faults in each round became the drop score for Team USA. McLain Ward and Rothchild got the bronze-winning Americans off to an expensive start when they were victims of Land Rover oxer ‘bogey’ at 2. Kent Farrington and Voyeur accrued another four with a mistake at the rail over the water tray (10).

Overall, Farrington and Voyeur acquired four faults in each round of the Team Competition. McLain Ward and Rothchild started with a clear round, earning four faults in the second round. Beezie Madden and Cortes C earned a double clear score for team over day two and day three of competition in Caen, Normandy. US chef d'equipe Robert Ridland said: "It's unbelievable how hard the competition is now. It's even harder than it was in Kentucky four years ago."

Kent Farrington takes first victory in Lexington

Kent Farrington, one of the most successful riders on tour throughout the 2014 show season, continued his winning ways on Thursday afternoon as the Open and International Jumpers got underway at the 131st National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky.

Riding the Amalaya Investments' Waomi, Farrington topped a large starting field of 51 in a one round speed class, racing home in 53 seconds flat to nail down the victory over a pair of Belgian riders, Nicola Philppaerts and Francois Mathy. Philippaerts, riding J'Espere Dream, clocked in just a whisper behind Farrington at 53.06 seconds. Meanwhile, Mathy piloted Ornellaia to a time of 54.56 seconds for today's third place finish.

Veteran Course Designer Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, making his National Horse Show debut, created a 14 jump track with 12 numbered fences that saw 22 of the 51 starters go clean. Jorge was thrilled to be in Lexington and working at such an important and historic event. "One of the things I love most about our sport is the tradition, and I don't think you get more traditional than at the National Horse Show," he said. "I feel very honored to be part of it."

Kent Farrington, who arrived in Lexington fresh off a major international win in the Grand Prix of Barcelona at the FEI Nations Cup Finals and the $40,000 Big Jump at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, talked about today's victory. "Waomi is naturally a fast horse, she anticipates the turns and it's easy to leave strides out going around the turns," he said. "I started off really aggressive, leaving out a stride in the first line and that is probably where we scored the win."

He then spoke of his excellent summer of success. "It's really been a team effort. I have some great owners behind me, some really nice horses and a really great staff around me. It really comes down to putting yourself with the right people and getting the right horses underneath you," he smiled.

"The National Horse Show has always been a staple of the famous shows in the United States, so it's really exciting that they are making a big effort to make it special again," he continued. "I think having it at the Horse Park makes it one of the best indoors we have. The organizers have gone to great lengths to make it feel special."

Farrington continued the string of wins on horses borrowed from his student Meagan Nusz. In addition to the win on Waomi today, Farrington rode Nusz' Dynamo to victory in the Trump Grand Prix in Florida two years ago. "That's easy," he laughed. "You get your students nice horses and then it's easy to borrow them every now and again for a win."

Kent Farrington wins the $40,000 Pennsylvania National "Big Jump"

A competitive field of 38 top international riders, including many Olympic and World Champions, headlined the $40,000 Pennsylvania National "Big Jump", sponsored by Wilmington Trust, an M & T Company, at the Pennsylvania Horse Show.

Designed by Michel Vaillancourt, the course was set at 1.50m and included 12 fences and 15 jumping efforts in the first round, which weeded out quite a few competitors as only six riders made it through to the exciting jump-off.

Kent Farrington, top ranked US rider and number four in the world, was first into the ring and set the pace with Willow, jumping clear and in the unbeatable time of 35.05 seconds. Farrington took home the $13,200 first place prize money as well as the Second Cannabis Challenge Trophy. "I was really pleased with him tonight," said Farrington.

Kent Farrington And Uceko Win the Cup of the City of Barcelona

The United States top world-ranked rider Kent Farrington has been proclaimed this night the winner of the Longines Cup of the City of Barcelona after setting himself apart from 37 other international combinations. Farrington was the fastest in the second round with long-time partner Uceko, ahead of Britain's William Whitaker riding Upperclass, and France's Marie Hécart with the very-fast Myself de Breve.

Only two other combinations managed to finish the second round without penalties; Piergiorgio Bucci riding Catwalk Z and Gerco Schröder riding Cognac Champblanc. Brazil saw two top-ranked riders in the top-twelve. Brazil's Doda de Miranda finished 6th with AD Nouvelle Europe Z while Marlon Modolo Zanotelli finished 7th with Rock'n'Roll Semilly.

Kent Farrington and Willow win City of Los Angeles Trophy at LA Masters

World no. 3 Kent Farrington won the City of Los Angeles Trophy on day two of the inaugural Los Angeles Masters event. Farrington's win was of course very popular among the home crowd, who watched the leading US rider guide Amalaya Investments' Willow to one of seven double clear scores in the first international CSI5* competition of the day, with forty two entries. As per usual, Farrington was extremely fast in the jump-off that counted no less than sixteen riders earning a time of 33.42 seconds.

With over a second faster than runner-up Jur Vrieling and his Olympic veteran mount VDL Bubalu, Farrington took a comfortable win in this 1.50m class and the top prize of $27,555 in prize money.

Kent Farrington kicks off Spruce Meadows Masters with Telus Cup victory

Kent Farrington beat a starting field of 34 entries in the $50,000 TELUS Cup 1.50m as the first event of the 'Masters'. He and Blue Angel, a 12-year-old Anglo European mare by Luidam x Ascendant owned by Robin Parsky, were quick in 52.886 seconds for the win. Second place went to McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z in 54.482 seconds, while Pieter Devos of Belgium was just behind in third place in 54.532 seconds on Echo D.

Farrington was pleased with the way Blue Angel started out and noted that her consistency is one of her strengths. “I think I brought a nice team of horses here. This is one of the most important shows of the year; it's big money, it's great atmosphere, and it's one of the best venues in the world. I hope we have some luck for the rest of the week as well,” he said.

He was another to praise the job done in order to make competition possible today. “The footing was better than expected. Spruce Meadows is known for their staff and being able to put on great events regardless of the weather,” he noted. “I think that really showed here, how strong their team is to be able to get all the snow off the field and still have it looking amazing today. I thought the ground was quite good, and I think that's part of the level of excellence that you have here at Spruce Meadows.”

When asked if he thought he would be showing a day after the almost 10 inches snowfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, Farrington laughed, “I didn't think we'd be showing on Wednesday! Yesterday looked pretty cold, so I was happy to stay inside. I thought, 'Today is a day for a hot chocolate and a movie!' I think the weather is going to keep getting better. That's lucky for us.”

Kent Farrington wins inaugural Stephex Masters Grand Prix aboard Willow

As the last to go in a four-horse jump-off, Kent Farrington won the Stephex Masters Grand Prix aboard Willow (Guidam x Little Rock). It was a determined Farrington that went to work, after being second on the same horse in Friday's big class – losing out on a brand new Land Rover. This time around it was clear that the American rider wanted to make it to the top – and so he did. A great performance from Lauren Hough secured double American on top at Stephex Stables in Wolvertem, Belgium.

For a long time it looked like Uliano Vezzani's thirteen fence track would get the better of the riders, not to forget the very tight time allowed that played a crucial part. The latter made many of the riders chase the clock, picking up faults on the way, as the fences fell at the expense of making it to the finish line within the time. Faults spread out, but many got in trouble out of the triple – on the b-element (vertical) or the c-element (oxer). The final line with a huge oxer followed by five strides to a skinny bicycle gate also caused heartache for many.

Riding Amalaya Investments Willow, Farrington showed he was serious about winning. Leaving out a stride on both the first line, and on the penultimate line as well as getting a perfect turn to the third oxer – the time was incredible at 32.76 seconds. With his performance, Kent pushed Lauren down to second. The three top riders all received a STX two-horse truck.

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel win Serpentine Stakes at CSIO5* Dublin

Riding the wave of red, white, and blue following a double Nations Cup victory last week from Team USA, Kent Farrington kept the US patriotism alight by winning the Serpentine Speed Stakes with Robyn Parsky's Blue Angel.

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel were in a class of their own in the Serpentine Speed Stakes sponsored by TRI Equestrian, and left forty other riders in the dust.  In classic Farrington-style, he set the target time at 64.93 seconds half way through the class.

Ireland's Bertram Allen was pushed down to second on Romanov; the incredibly talented young Irish rider had taken the lead earlier, stopping the clock at 67.10 seconds. Ireland's Conor Swail made an effort to catch Farrington aboard Susan Grange's Lansdowne, but had to settle for second after producing a time of 66.35 seconds. The Serpentine Speed Stakes saw two Irish riders in the top three and three in the top eight.

Farrington and Voyeur take Prix of Europe at CHIO Aachen presented by Rolex

Becoming a regular Rolex winner, Kent Farrington earned another fantastic win in what can only be described as a month of pure domination. Winning the ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Rolex-affiliated show grounds Spruce Meadows in Calgary seemed to set the pair up for another victory.  This week in Aachen, taking home the Preis von Europa, presented by Turkish airlines.

The 33-year-old Pan American medalist from Chicago flew to victory with his 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood Voyeur – very much in keeping with the new Top Level Sponsor. The scoreboard showed the unbelievable time of 47.82 seconds as Farrington crossed the finish line of the 410-meter long jump-off course with its eight obstacles. With his victory in the main jumping competition of the first day of the show, which was also a qualifier for the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday, Farrington took over from the British team Olympic gold medalist Ben Maher, who won the Prize of Europe last year with his mare Cella.

"My horse is quite naturally very fast and I have a lot of trust in him, so I just let him run," was how Farrington commented about his ride. The American has succeeded in winning three international jumping competitions within just three weeks. He now plans to ride his gelding in the Rolex Grand Prix on Sunday too. "I hope that I qualify," commented the ambitious rider, who is also on the US Team long-list as a potential participant for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

Farrington and Uceko win the Progress Energy Cup at Spruce Meadows

Farrington and Uceko add another victory to the list, this time taking home the Progress Energy Cup at Spruce Meadows. “Sometimes that’s sport and how it goes,’’ mused Farrington, currently the no. 8 ranked rider in the world. “It’s a game of inches and half-seconds and things like that. I had a couple of things not break my way so far, so it’s good to get a win under our belt, so to speak.’’

Farrington, 33, rode a rocket named Uceko during the jump-off of the $85,000 Progress Energy Cup on the second day of the North American show jumping tournament, posting a ridiculously fast time of 36.93 to beat out eight others vying for the $28,050 top purse. It was his first win of the summer series.

“I didn’t bring as many experienced horses as in the past. I really just brought Voyeur for the bigger classes and younger ones that are getting a lot of good miles and are competitive but they aren’t really ready to win,’’ said Chicago-born Farrington. “When you have an experienced horse like [Uceko], it’s really nice to go into a class and know that you can put the pressure on and put the hammer down to compete and not have to hold back.’’

The 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood was the horse that Farrington rode to two Grand Prix titles at Spruce Meadows last season, most notably among a truckload of top finishes with various mounts. But this week is the first we’ve seen of the terrific grey horse and there’s a reason for it.

“He hasn’t done anything since December,’’ Farrington related. “That horse has worked really hard for me for four years and now that I have some other horses that have stepped up to be competitive I thought he deserved a break so I gave him six months to not even look at a jump and forget about showing for a while. This is his first week out and he feels better than ever. He feels really fresh and excited to be back at the show, and I couldn’t be happier with him.’’

Farrington had hoped to gear Uceko up for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup Grand Prix on Saturday, but now doesn’t believe he’ll be ready and will opt for Voyeur instead.

“He’s a great horse as well,’’ he said of the 12 year old. “He doesn’t have as much experience as the other horse and I think this is one of the best venues not just for top level competition, but to also produce a horse. If they jump here in this ring over these jumps, you can feel pretty comfortable they can jump anywhere in the world.’’

Countryman McLain Ward and HH Carlos Z, habitual speedsters, had posted the previous fastest ride, negotiating the course with a time of 38.49. But Farrington and Uceko juked and jived throughout, taking the tight turns and making the quick gallops that shaved off more than a second and a half.

“My horse has a very big stride so the field really suits him,’’ the victor noted. “He’s also quite brave so you can go a little bit on the attack at the jumps with him. It’s playing to his strengths as a horse.’’

Farrington and Voyeur take the ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Spruce Meadows

On Saturday, July 5th, Kent Farrington rode to victory in the ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup, capturing his third Grand Prix in the past two Summer Series' at Spruce Meadows.

Making the accomplishment even more remarkable was Farrington’s decision to ride Voyeur in Saturday’s Grand Prix instead of Uceko, the horse he had so much success with last season.

With Uceko, who Farrington won with in Friday’s Progress Energy Cup, making a comeback after an extended break over the winter and Voyeur having a breakthrough this year, Farrington could soon have a stable that’s the envy of show jumpers the world over.

“I think [Voyeur] can just win anywhere,” Farrington said. “He’s just a very versatile horse. I think that the second round [on Saturday] was as big as almost any course in the world, and I think he’s shown that he’s on par with those [top] horses.

“I think I have a very special horse in Voyeur, and I expect big things from him in the future.”

Saturday’s event was a showcase for Voyeur to exhibit the carefulness Farrington’s been trumpeting this week at the North American. While 14 riders were able to jump the first round of Leopoldo Palacios Jugo’s course, Farrington and Voyeur were the only combination who were able to sustain their flawless afternoon of jumping in the second round.

They did end up with one time-fault after finishing the round in a time of 77.40 seconds — well behind the fastest times in the round — but it was enough to earn Farrington the win and the $70,000 check that came along with it.

It also helped Farrington add a first-place ribbon from one of the few events at Spruce Meadows he hasn’t already won.

“It felt great to win this class because I’ve never won the Queen’s Cup before, and I’ve had a lot of good seasons [at Spruce Meadows],” Farrington said. “I’ve come in third and fourth, I probably have every other ribbon except for no. 1.”

Kent Farrington and Willow take the Prix SBM Le Casino at Global Champions Tour in Monte Carlo

As the sun sank towards the horizon at beautiful Port Hercule, Monaco, the afternoon’s hotly contested CSI5* Prix SBM Le Casino was won by the USA’s Kent Farrington with Willow, who clinched the win from last to go in the jump-off, ahead of Pius Schwizer (SUI) with Anisette de Lassus in second, and a thrilled Ali Yousef al Rumaihi (QAT) with Gunder in third, in front of a vocal crowd and packed VIP suite. 

The first round course from Luc Musette was a challenging mix of tight lines and wide oxers. Nine riders of the 43 starters made it through to the jump-off round. The course required care and precision rather than an attacking ride and many riders came away with four faults picked up at various points around the serpentine route.

With pole position and having the benefit of seeing where others had made errors, Kent Farrington rode a polished round to make him only the third double clear of the competition and the winner with a time of 37.92 seconds. Riding Amalaya Investments' Willow, Farrington took home another high profile win with a horse that is rising through the ranks in the United States. Willow is proving to be another strong and capable mount for Farrington.

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel win the Prix MAG-JLT in Rome

With a very competitive line up, the CSIO5* Premio MAG-JLT 1.50m, known as the small Grand Prix of the CSIO5* event in Rome, was the highlight of Saturday's competition here at the Piazza di Siena Horse Show. The 82nd Annual event held in the heart of Rome is considered a highlight on the annual sports calendar. Italy's Uliano Vezzani set a difficult course as preparation for tomorrow's major Longines Grand Prix challenge.

Well known for his speed and competitive fervor, Farrington is always a competitor that others watch out for - especially when equipped with the careful and very fast Blue Angel. Today's competition saw plenty of fast combinations on the start list, however, sheer talent and speed would not cut it; today's win would require that little extra to seal the deal.

Only eight combinations jumped clear to qualify for the jump-off. "I thought Uliano set a difficult track today, very technical with a short time allowed" says Kent. "I think that is why he only ended up with eight clears for the jump-off. Obviously there was a very strong group of riders, so a jump-off like that is always going to be difficult but I had the advantage of going at the end so I knew exactly what I needed to do to win."

"I came last year to this show. I think this show is one of the most beautiful settings of any show in the world. It is one of the staple events of classic show jumping, I always like to attend this show when I can."

"I'm a really competitive person and I ride naturally fast so it is more about measuring myself and my strategy so that I don't overdo it. That the round doesn't have to be unbelievable, but instead it has to be good enough for the win" says Kent. "Not trying to ask the horse to go over the limit. That is more about what I am thinking of during the jump-off. Where I can make up time and mitigate the risk a little bit."

Farrington Wins Second Leg of 2014 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final as U.S. Sends Eight to Final Competition

World No. 7 Kent Farrington and Voyeur galloped to victory in the thrilling second leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final 2013/2014 at Lyon, France tonight. From a starting field of 38, there were an impressive 21 horse-and-rider combinations into the jump-off and the US rider produced a devastating turn of speed against the clock that rocketed him up from overnight 18th place to lie equal-10th going into Monday’s third and deciding competition following tonight’s success.

Olympic champion, Steve Guerdat, lined up second ahead of defending FEI World Cup Jumping champion Beezie Madden from the USA, while Germany’s Daniel Deusser finished fourth ahead of French rider Patrice Delaveau in fifth.

Tonight's course was set heavy with plenty of height but it seems the time allowed proved to be too generous. With an impressive 21 combinations in the jump-off, Frank Rothenberger will certainly be making some hard decisions for Monday's major showdown.  “I was expecting between 10 and 12 clears but we got a few too many" said course designer Frank Rothenberger. "Unfortunately the time wasn’t a factor, a few seconds less and we would have had 10 to 12 clears. The course was big enough, the oxers were at 1.50m and the verticals were 1.60m - to me it was big enough. We have another two rounds on Monday and I didn’t want to take too much from the horses tonight, but 21 (into the jump-off) was definitely too many”.

The jump-off offered some of the best in the sport, all vying for the most competitive spot possible ahead of Monday's Final. The most sensational result of the night came from Farrington and Voyeur. Taking out strides on both the opening line and on the finishing line and executing an excellent turn to the third to last vertical allowed Farrington to stop the clock at 39.61 seconds. It looked nearly impossible for the remaining riders to better his time and as it turns out, it was.

"My horse was really special tonight. I treated it like an individual Grand Prix," said Farrington of his jump-off strategy. "I just try to stay smooth because he's naturally a fast horse. His speed is his speed; the more I leave him alone, the better he goes."

Farrington talked about his super-speedy 12-year-old horse afterwards. “He’s naturally fast by himself so I try to let him run at his own speed - his speed is his speed - and the more I can leave him alone the better he jumps!” he explained. “I got Voyeur as a nine-year-old and he has come back from an injury. I have high hopes for him - he is strong and aggressive but I think he is a spectacular horse” the Florida-based rider added.