Swiss course designer Gérard Lachat’s first-round track whittled the starting field of 40 down to just seven riders, with rails scattered all over the course. The only jump not to come down in the opening round was Fence 1, a 1.57-meter vertical, while the combination and a delicate 1.62-meter plank at Fence 13 claimed the most victims. Athletes were unanimous in their appraisal of his course as being “big and technical with fences coming up very quickly,” demanding razor-sharp focus from athletes from start to finish.

Kim Emmen and N.O.P. Imagine, the Dutch pair who on Friday won the $235,500 Longines Grand Prix of Basel, set the early standard in the jump-off with a fast, clear round and a time of 41.55 and looked to be setting themselves up for a double victory in the St Jakobshalle arena. 

Two of the class favorites, Martin Fuchs (Switzerland) and Julien Epaillard (France), came next but each had a rail, keeping Emmen’s prospects alive with just two riders—including Vogel—left to go. 

United Touch S entered the arena looking a picture of serenity and calm in the moments before he set the stadium alight. Vogel, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, showed off all of the stallion’s assets, “his, stride, his scope, his ability and character” in a round that had onlookers gasping in disbelief. 

The pair effortlessly went a stride less than their rivals in the first two distances, a curving seven stride line from the oxer at Fence 10, to the oxer at Fence 11, which they negotiated in six strides and again the formidable partnership omitted a stride from here to parts ‘b’ and ‘c’ of what was the combination at Fence 12. Anyone who didn’t count the strides would likely not have noticed that they had eaten up the ground to such an extent, as the 14-year-old Westphalian (Untouched—Touch of Class, Lux Z Z) owned by Julius-Peter Sinnack did it with such ease while remaining relaxed and composed throughout. 

In their turn back from the vertical at Fence 13 to the intricate Emmental cheese wall at Fence 16, the pair sliced well inside the hoof prints left by their rivals and jumped at an eye-watering angle to hit the split time over a second up on Emmen. With three fences left to go—and knowing that they had already done enough—Vogel hit cruise control and let “United” clear the last three fences without pressure. 

They broke the beam in 40.12 seconds to applause from the appreciative spectators, and Vogel, beaming from ear to ear, pointed down at his mount repeatedly, directing the praise to his horse of a lifetime.

Watch their winning round, courtesy of FEI.tv:

“We are always very excited to get to Basel. It’s a wonderful show with the best conditions not just for the horses obviously, but also for our grooms and us riders as well,” Vogel said. “It’s an amazing feeling! We’re delighted with how United is jumping and fighting for us inside this beautiful arena. I’m delighted that it was enough for the win.”

Emmen held on for second place, while Norway’s Johan-Sebastian Gulliksen and Equine America Harwich VDL, who produced the only other clear round in the jump-off with a careful time of 46.85 seconds, took third.

See complete results here.

The post Video: Vogel And United Touch S Deliver World Cup Masterclass appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

This opening week of the 2026 Adequan Global Dressage Festival marks the one-year anniversary of Simonson’s partnership with Indian Rock, a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Apache—Crisjena, Vivaldi) owned by Zen Elite Equestrian. To celebrate, they have scored a pair of personal bests between Thursday’s Grand Prix test (76.04%) and Friday’s freestyle, which scored 81.44%, just edging past their previous top freestyle mark of 81.40%.

For Simonson, the chance to ride under the lights at AGDF, to a Joost Peters-designed medley from the “Rocky” films for the stallion he calls “Rocky,” was a dream fulfilled. 

“At the end of the test, I was shaking my head in absolute disbelief,” said Simonson, 23, who trains with U.S. Olympian Adrienne Lyle. “Since I started riding, I’ve been coming to this show and always hoped that one day I could do Friday Night Stars, because it’s the epitome of amazing dressage freestyles in Florida. So, on that last centerline, I was just thinking, ‘Whoa, this is me doing this with the Indian Rock. I can’t believe it.’ It’s weird having a childhood dream come true in real time; this whole show has been surreal.” 

Watch their winning freestyle, courtesy of Wellington International:

Simonson credited the “hours and hours a day” he spends with Rocky for the strong bond they have forged in their year together. Their performances in AGDF’s season-opening Lloyd Landkamer Memorial week, in front of a sold-out grandstand, qualified them for the FEI World Cup Finals, to be held April 8-12 in Fort Worth, Texas. They also give the pair an early lead in the US Equestrian Open of Dressage series ahead of Thursday and Friday’s second-placed pair, Geñay Vaughn and Gino—as well as generating buzz around a possible team selection for the upcoming FEI Dressage World Championships to be held in August in Aachen, Germany. 

“I am so lucky to ride this special horse,” Simonson said. “Hopefully I made Adrienne proud. Rocky will have a rest now, because he really deserves it. Then, we’ll build up again.” 

California-based Vaughn, who was also riding in her first Friday Night Stars, scored 75.79% Friday with Gino to repeat her Thursday placing and earn the second podium spot. 

“We drove for four days and arrived on Christmas,” she said. “The atmosphere here is amazing, and I was really thankful that I got to take Gino down centerline at Friday Night Stars and experience this. I always have fun with my freestyle music. I used Donna Summers, the Ohio Players, and my dad’s favorite song, ‘Never Too Much’ by Luther Vandross. It really embodies who I am and the music I grew up on.” 

Third-place Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana (75.01%) rode to patriotic music. 

“I’m an immigrant,” said Holzer, who rode for Canada at four Olympics before switching citizenship to the United States. “I’m appreciative to be an American, and I think the Neil Diamond music suits her. It felt pretty amazing to feel everything come together in the test and have her trust me a bit more. She’s a hot mare with a lot of energy, and I was happy to feel her joyful in the ring.” 

Two new awards have been introduced for ADGF 2026. Simonson is the early leader in the new Leading International Freestyle Rider standings, and Vaughn earned the Leading Lady Freestyle Rider Award. Simonson’s groom, Marina Lemay, was awarded the groom’s award.

See complete results here.

About American Regent Animal Health 

American Regent Animal Health, a division of American Regent, Inc., is committed to advancing animal health with proven FDA-approved products like Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan). The company’s portfolio is anchored by the only FDA-approved polysulfated glycosaminoglycan products for horses and dogs, which have been relied on for over three decades by veterinarians. American Regent, Inc., a Daiichi Sankyo Group Company, manufactures and distributes human and veterinary pharmaceutical products and is committed to providing the ever-changing U.S. healthcare marketplace with a growing and diversified American Regent portfolio. For more information on American Regent Animal Health, visit ARAnimalHealth.com or call 800-458-0163. PP-AI-US-0523

The post Simonson: ‘It’s Weird Having A Childhood Dream Come True In Real Time’ appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

The pair scored 76.04% to extend their unbeaten streak in international competition to seven wins, topping the IDA Development FEI World Cup Grand Prix over Geñay Vaughn and Gino, who placed second (70.87%), and Sweden’s Caroline Darcourt and Lord Django (69.19%) in third. The victory sets the pair up for tonight’s freestyle, which will determine points toward qualification for the  FEI Dressage World Cup Final. Should the pair win again, it would set Simonson atop the North American League with 60 points, the maximum available, and likely hand him a starting berth at the final, set for April 8-12 in Fort Worth, Texas. 

“The test today felt amazing,” said Simonson, 23, who was awarded a handful of 9s for the piaffe/passage work and one for the right pirouette.

The win marks one year since “Rocky,” a 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Apache—Crisjena, Vivaldi) arrived stateside after being purchased for Christianson to ride by Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite Equestrian. With former rider Emmelie Scholtens, he competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, finishing 11^th in the freestyle.

In the year since, as Simonson has built his own partnership with the stallion, the pair have gone from strength to strength, winning the Grand Prix and the special in their international debut together at a CDI3* in May, then capturing the Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in August, before setting their sights on qualifying for the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals. In Florida CDI-Ws held at TerraNova and the World Equestrian Center—Ocala, the pair earned freestyle scores up to 81.40%, although the 76.04% they scored Thursday is their best mark so far in the Grand Prix test.

“This was the first time he and I were both in this ring at Global, and each time we’re showing him, I’m learning little bits and pieces,” Simonson said. “He and I have such a great relationship together and the bond feels really special.”

The score also represented a career best for Rocky. Simonson attributed his much-improved score—their previous best was 74.80%—to listening to his coach Adrienne Lyle. 

“I just do what she tells me to,” he said with a laugh. “We’ve also worked on finding the right rhythm and balance in the piaffe/passage. We work on accuracy, frame, balance and things like the zig-zags and changes, which add so many extra points [because of their doubling coefficient]. All those pieces chunked together are probably what made the big jump today. I still can’t believe the score, though—holy cow.” 

Watch their winning test here, courtesy of Wellington International:

Simonson may have been presenting Rocky at AGDF for the first time, but his personal history with the venue goes back a long way. In 2018, he made his international Young Rider debut on FRH Rassolini. Today, “Rocky” was unfaze by the buzzy new atmosphere and Simonson praised his attitude and willing adjustability. 

“His scope is unbelievable of course, but in the ring, I can ask him to turn it up a bit or flatten out and he says, ‘OK, I got it.’ I can depend on him,” he said. “Everything’s so clear and it feels like he and I are in one communication together.” 

Nine riders from five different countries lined up for what is the first of the three FEI World Cup qualifiers set to be held at AGDF this year. The circuit opens with Lloyd Landkamer Memorial Week and will continue through March 29, including seven weeks of CDI competition.

Tonight’s freestyle will be Simonson’s first time competing in one of AGDF’s marquee “Friday Night Lights” classes.

“I’ve always watched it and thought, ‘Man, one day I really want to do Friday Night Lights,’ ” he said. “It will be really special just to enter the ring and when it’s dark, that’s really cool in and of itself.”  

See complete scores here.

About American Regent Animal Health 

American Regent Animal Health, a division of American Regent, Inc., is committed to advancing animal health with proven FDA-approved products like Adequan® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan). The company’s portfolio is anchored by the only FDA-approved polysulfated glycosaminoglycan products for horses and dogs, which have been relied on for over three decades by veterinarians. American Regent, Inc., a Daiichi Sankyo Group Company, manufactures and distributes human and veterinary pharmaceutical products and is committed to providing the ever-changing U.S. healthcare marketplace with a growing and diversified American Regent portfolio. For more information on American Regent Animal Health, visit ARAnimalHealth.com or call 800-458-0163. PP-AI-US-0523

The post Video: Simonson And Indian Rock Kick Off AGDF With A Personal Best appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

Behind Kent Farrington’s extraordinary 2025 season—marked by nine five-star grand prix victories, seven of them aboard his mare Greya, and nearly $3 million in prize money, all of which has earned him a nomination for USEF International Equestrian of the Year—stands a tightly knit team led by groom Denise Moriarty. Over the years, the Irishwoman has cared for some of the most successful horses of Farrington’s career, including Uceko, Gazelle, Voyeur, Creedance, Austria 2, and now Greya, Toulayna, and their stablemates.

Having previously held the world No. 1 ranking from May 2017 to May 2018, Farrington returned to the top of the Longines Rankings in May 2025. We sat down with Moriarty during last month’s CHI Geneva (Switzerland)—where her boss won the $1.4 million Rolex Grand Prix and finished second in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final by the blink of an eye—to talk about her path into the profession, the realities of grooming at the sport’s highest level, and her perspective on an evolving industry.

For the past 16 years, Denise Moriarty—who celebrated her 38th birthday last November—has devoted her life to horses. Born in Ireland, where equestrian culture is deeply rooted, her journey into the profession began without family ties to horses.

“I didn’t grow up around horses. It’s not something my family is involved in at all,” she explained between rounds in Geneva. “I started riding when I was maybe 9 or 10, then I got a job at the local riding school.”

Before leaving Ireland, Moriarty pursued higher education, studying to become a veterinary nurse and earning her master’s degree. “When I finished college, I wanted to travel, but I couldn’t afford it. So I decided I’d go and work in America and travel that way,” she said. “I just enjoy the horses and being outdoors. I prefer a physical job; I find that a lot easier than sitting in an office.

Her first experience in the United States came at Raylyn Stables, where five-star show jumper Marilyn Little was just embarking on a foray into the eventing world that eventually took her to the top levels of that sport as well. It was there that she met Farrington, who rode horses for the operation at the time. In 2012, he offered her a place within his team—a partnership that has endured for more than a decade.

“When I joined Kent, I didn’t think our collaboration would last this long, but it’s been good,” the self-taught groom said. “I learned on the job, from the people I worked with, from my mistakes, and by observing my peers at the shows.”

A Longevity That Commands Respect

In a physically and mentally demanding profession marked by constant travel and long competition days—particularly during the European winter—Moriarty’s longevity stands out.

“This job can be tiring, but we take our downtime and take some time for ourselves, which helps us find balance,” she said, while acknowledging the sacrifices involved. “Horses require our full attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At competitions, like here in Geneva, it’s just me with them, so it’s up to me to manage everything.”

Her passion for the job, a cornerstone of this fast-paced life, has remained constant.

“Loving what you do and loving working with horses,” keeps a groom going, she said, before emphasizing the importance of balance. “I think the important thing is to realize when you’re starting to get tired or a little bit annoyed with it and then take a break before you get really annoyed with it. But you have to have a release, like something outside of work that’s for you, or something else that you also enjoy doing, so that your satisfaction doesn’t come just from the job.

“For myself, I like to run; it’s a good release,” she added. “But I always try and make time to go on vacation or just take time for myself. But for the most part, I just enjoy hanging out with my friends and just have a bit of ‘me’ time.”

Traveling Alongside Horses As A Way Of Life

“I miss Ireland,” Moriarty admitted. “It is a beautiful country, and I have friends and family there. But definitely, America’s also become home as well for me.”

Although based primarily in the U.S., Moriarty regularly travels to Europe—often alongside the horses themselves.

“I always like being with horses, no matter what the situation,” she said of flying with them. “It’s a long day, but it’s good to travel with them. Our horses obviously are used to flying, so they’re very good at it. But it’s always nice to be with them, especially when you’re coming to a competition like [Geneva], making sure that everything is done correctly.”

Farrington’s horses also frequently travel by air within North America, although the rules are different.

“If we do Vancouver in British Columbia, we’ll fly from Florida to Vancouver, and then every time we go to California for Santa Anita, Thermal, the horses will fly FedEx,” she said. “We [grooms] can’t go on a FedEx flight. They’re very particular about people. So it’s a little bit of a different way of doing it, but it’s a long trip by land, so the flight is definitely an easier option for the horses.

“In Europe, I don’t drive myself,” she added. “Kent prefers to hire a driver so that we’re not tired when we get to the show. I’m lucky I don’t have to drive.”

It is a privilege that all too few grooms enjoy. In Europe, most grooms spend their weekends traveling to competitions across the continent, without counting their hours, measuring their fatigue, or considering the mental strain involved in transporting animals of such sentimental and financial value.

Having lived and worked extensively on both continents, Moriarty sees strengths and weaknesses in each system.

“I obviously grew up with the European system, that’s what I learned originally. And I feel like there’s maybe a bit more camaraderie in the European system, because it very much is a family a bit more, because the system’s a little bit different,” she said, while noting practical advantages in the United States. “A lot of the times when we travel to shows in America, we stay at that location for maybe three weeks, and so it’s a little bit of a different scenario. But the convenience of America is that [business] hours are long, so at least when you finish work, you can still do something after work; the shops are still open, etc. Whereas in a lot of countries in Europe, by the time you finish work, everything’s closed.

“I think, regardless,” she added, “it is like a family: Everybody travels together, everybody watches out for each other. And I think that goes across the board, America and Europe.”

Having A Say On Grooms’ Working Conditions

Although she experienced Geneva on American time, meaning that the competition schedule didn’t cause her much trouble, Moriarty readily admits that the creation, or rather the enforcement, of stricter rules regarding competition schedules would be welcome.

“It’s too much,” she said. “It’s too many late nights in a row. Maybe once a week at an indoor show is fine, but every night can be a bit too much. They seem to forget that the riders and the public leave, but the grooms have to stay. We have to finish off the horses, which takes a while. And in the morning, we have to get up to feed them. That said, I always tell myself that if you’re going to do this job, do it, but do it right and see it through to the end.”

She also highlighted practical changes that could significantly improve working conditions, while noting that most events have started evolving in the right direction over the years.

“I would like to see an improvement in working hours, as well as in the facilities, which aren’t always ideal,” she said. “It’s always nice to have secure and clean stables, with adequate space to shower the horses. It’s important to have enough wash bays available, so that there aren’t 20 horses waiting their turn after a night class.

“These are small things that organizers can put in easily, and they make a big difference for us,” she continued. “Food is also an important issue. When it is accessible, and we don’t have to cross the entire venue to find it, it makes our lives so much easier.”

It is crucial for grooms to have a voice in the industry, she added.

“Most of the stewards I’ve met and am in contact with, especially in America, are all very open,” she said. “It’s important that the FEI representatives are accessible and willing to help and answer our questions. Otherwise, it becomes too much of a fight.”

Back To The Top

Within Farrington’s operation, Moriarty’s responsibilities extend well beyond daily horse care and ensuring the happiness of her four-legged companions in competition.

“I manage a lot of things around Kent’s sport horses,” she said. “I organize transportation, visits from the vet or farrier, and I’m also involved on a daily basis at home, whether it’s taking them out to turnout, the horse walker, or for riding sessions, etc.”

Watching Farrington reclaim the world No. 1 ranking in May was particularly meaningful for her and the whole Team KPF.

“It’s nice to be back in this position and to hold on to it for a little while,” she said with a smile. “It just shows that the work pays off. So yes, it’s a proud moment to be back on the top again. I think we can even keep this position. We have a good string of young horses coming up. We just took a small group of horses to Europe this year, and when we came back, these horses had a break while the young ones, the 9-year-olds, all got their chance to step up. And they were all amazing this summer.”

‘They Are Superstars‘

With seven and two victories in five-star grand prix events, respectively, and numerous additional placings, it must be said that Greya (Colestus—Contessa 128, Contender) and Toulayna (Toulon—Vuelta, Parco) have set an example for their younger companions.

Unsurprisingly, Farrington’s two top mares hold no secrets for Moriarty.

“They’re ladies. They’re very opinionated and ever so slightly spoiled,” she said with a laugh. “They have a lot of attitude, but it’s good. We like horses with big personalities. We really encourage that. They have a lot of fight in them, and it shows in the ring.

“Toulayna can act very grumpy, but she’s not nasty at all,” she added. “Yet if you go into the stall with her, you would think that she is mean. Greya just puts her ears back, but I think it’s just her thing. They’re very sweet horses, they’re just very much mares. When they’re tired, or they’re cranky, you just kind of got to leave them alone for a second. They’re both superstars.”

One Star Replaces Another, But The Spirit Lives On

In addition to Greya and Toulayna, Orafina (For Fashion—Corofina, Canturo) also played her part last season on the sporting scene, winning four international 1.50-meter events—and the heart of her groom.

“We have a lot of mares, a lot of girls!” Moriarty said with a laugh. “They’re all great. Orafina is 13 years old and has been super for us. We pick and choose the events she shows at, but she’s been a superstar mare for us as well. We have a lot of young horses coming up. We’ve got some very nice 8-year-old horses; they’re starting to grow their personalities a little bit more. It’ll be exciting to see them grow.”

Last year, Moriarty also looked after Myla, who was recently sold to Stella Wasserman. Landon de Nyze, with whom Farrington won team gold and individual silver at the 2023 Pan American Games (Chile) had left before her, moving on to Daniel Bluman and Over The Top Stables LLC.

In nearly 15 years, as horses move on through retirement or sale, Moriarty has learned to embrace change. Reflecting on former partners such as Uceko, Gazelle and Voyeur, she emphasized Farrington’s commitment to his horses’ long-term well-being.

“We’re lucky with Kent. He’s always very fair to the horses,” she said. “When he starts to feel that they’re struggling to jump, or they just don’t have the same horse that they used to, he’s very good at calling it and retiring them so that they are healthy and happy when they go to the field. And those horses that have done a lot for us and been great for us, we always make sure that they’re very well taken care of in their retirement.

“Some are sold; it’s part of the business as well,” she added. “It is sad to see them go, but it’s always nice to see them do good. For example, Landon, whom we sold at the beginning of the year, has just won a big class in California. You want them to do well in their new home.”

Looking ahead, Moriarty sees herself remaining in the sport. In 10 years’ time, “I won’t be traveling to every show, but for sure I’ll still be connected with the horses.”

The post The Woman Behind The World No. 1: Inside Denise Moriarty’s Life appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

For the young partnership—Qalista is just 9—each venue presents a new test, one the mare continues to meet with five-star composure.

“Everywhere you go, it’s the first time for her,” he said following her first win on the World Cup circuit this week. “But she takes it easy!” 

Bart Vonck’s festively decorated course at Jumping Mechelen posed a serious technical test. The first round prompted five combinations to retire and foreshadowed a challenging, five-horse jump-off.

Thomas and Qalista, a Belgian Warmblood mare (Emerald van’t Ruytershof—Ulricke Van’t Paradys, Landetto) owned by Wim De Nul and Stal Nieuwenhof, were second to go in the jump-off and lowered the first element of a double combination.

Thomas, who is currently No. 5 in the Longines FEI World Ranking, stopped the clock at 41.30 seconds to take a tenuous lead. But that same double combination would prove influential, as all four other competitors also faulted there and none managed to better Qalista’s time.

Watch Thomas’ winning jump-off round, courtesy of FEI.tv:

Sweden’s Marcus Westergren, the pathfinder for the jump-off, finished in second place aboard 11-year-old Zangersheide stallion Airco de L Esprit Z, stopping the timer at 42.34 seconds. German rider Patrick Stühlmeyer claimed third with Baloutaire PS.

Reflecting before the awards ceremony, Thomas expressed his shock that the pair had managed the win despite their faults.

“First, after my round, I was disappointed,” he said. “I didn’t think it would happen. After me, they kept taking risks. It looked like the combination was difficult to jump.” 

In the end, his own bold choices with Qalista paid off, he said.

“Maybe I took a bit too much risk,” he said. “But in the end, it was lucky I took the risk.” 

See complete results here.

The post Video: Gilles Thomas And Qalista DN Earn Mechelen Victory appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

But then … [record scratch].

Wait—did I pack extra gloves? Are my biceps any match for the hireling who pulls like a freight train? Does my coat fit the dress code, or am I about to commit a sartorial sin that’ll have the master side-eyeing me all day? Are we really jumping that ditch?

Suddenly, you’re spiraling into a mental checklist the length of a hunt whip, wondering how anyone manages to pull off this kind of adventure without losing their minds (or their stirrups).

Hunting abroad is the trip of a lifetime. But the fantasy comes with its complexities. Every hunt, every country, every culture has its own rules and rituals, and planning such a trip is a labyrinth of logistics. So where do you begin?

With the right knowledge, resources and a bit of planning, that dream of hunting abroad can become your reality.

The DIY Hunting Abroad Experience

Before you picture yourself thundering across a field of frostbitten four-leaf clovers, let’s rewind to the elemental first step: finding a hunt.

If you’ve got international hunting connections, great—maybe they can point you in the right direction. If not, don’t despair. The internet is a treasure trove for aspiring globe-trotting foxhunters. Start with “Baily’s Hunting Directory” (the “red-backed bible of hunting” since 1897), browse social media for hunts of interest, and reach out to hunt secretaries.

Some hunts are famously welcoming, rolling out the red carpet for guests with special events and hearty hospitality. Others are more exclusive, or even exclusionary—you might fork over your capping fee only to be left for dead in a mud puddle when your hireling decides to bugger off. Still other hunts are so discreet you might never even know they exist.

Virginia-based foxhunting couple Rosemarie (“Rosie”) and Grosvenor Merle-Smith began riding to hounds in 1983 and never looked back, spending decades pursuing the sport throughout the U.S. and beyond. Together, they’ve traveled the globe from England, Ireland and France to Mongolia and Australia, fueled by a wanderlust and a passion for the chase. For all its romance, Rosie is quick to point out that huntingabroad, particularly if you’re planning the trip yourself, requires preparation—and a bit of grit.

Depending on where you go, hunting is not for the faint of heart—or the less-than-sticky seat. “You better be a darn good rider in England and Ireland,” she said. “The horses are strong. It’s run-and-jump. If you love being in a mini steeplechase, great, but that also raises your risk of getting hurt. Be honest with your riding skills because it’s going to be longer and harder than you think.”

Every hunt has its own personality, quirks and speed.

“It’s like here: You have packs that are basically a social trail ride, and everyone loves it. Then there are packs where you’re flying through the woods, and it’s dangerous. You have to know what kind of rider you are and decide what you want,” Rosie said.

Hunting abroad is as much about adapting to the differences as it is about enjoying the similarities. Learn and be

respectful of traditions. Know insurance requirements. Do some extra push-ups before you go. Make a contingency plan for if things go sideways. The very best thing you can do, Rosie said, is observe—perhaps even following the hunt in a vehicle in advance to scope out the terrain, pace and culture.

Rosie is candid about the things they don’t tell you in lawyer’s office paintings. Like how hunt saboteurs in England might show up by the jeepful to, as she puts it, “make your day unpleasant.” The glare you’re liable to receive if you accidentally flub some etiquette. Or the misery of sopping wet leather boots when you should have worn rubber. And it’s true that hunting abroad comes with costs; capping fees, hirelings and other expenses add up quickly, in addition to the usual travel costs.

But for those willing to do the work, the payoff is an adventure you’ll never forget. You can’t expect to grasp the nuances of another country’s hunting traditions in a single weekend, but if you do your homework, find the right fit, and set realistic expectations, you’ll have an experience that’s absolutely worth it.

The Concierge Hunting Abroad Experience

If the thought of coordinating it all yourself has you clutching your stock tie in panic, a concierge hunting experience might be your saving grace. Enter Adrienne Rubin, founder of Equescapes Equestrian Adventures, who makes foxhunting holidays in Ireland, England, France and South Africa feel effortless. Her company takes care of the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

“We start with figuring out where people want to go,” Rubin said. “Even if they’re just saying, ‘I want to foxhunt in Ireland,’ or, ‘I’ve always wanted to hunt in France,’ we help them identify the best options for their riding level and timeline.”

To Rosie’s earlier point—that discovering you’re in over your head can be a day- or even trip-ruiner—Rubin’s expertise is invaluable. Her team knows the personality of every hunt they recommend, having experienced them firsthand.

“We try to steer people toward hunts that will suit their riding level,” Rubin explained. “For example, the hunt we work with in South Africa has options specifically tailored to newer riders. It’s a much slower hunt compared to some that are known for being really hard, fast rides. Making sure people are riding at an appropriate level for the activity they want to do, and setting them up with the right horses and a guide who can cater to that level, is key.”

A critical aspect of Rubin’s service is preparing clients for the cultural and ethical nuances of their chosen destination. Foxes aren’t the only quarry; depending on where you are, you might find yourself hunting stag, wild boar, hare, or even nothing at all.

“It’s important to know whether the hunt is a live hunt or a drag hunt,” Rubin said. In France, nearly every hunt is live, and they’ll go until

they get something. England’s trail hunting, on the other hand, is more manufactured. Ireland is a mix of both. “So if you’re very anti-killing animals in any way, shape or form, then going somewhere that’s doing a live hunt is not going to be for you,” she said. “And if you are a big hunter, you probably aren’t going to fully enjoy a drag hunt.”

Traditions and etiquette also play a starring role, and they vary widely by region. “There are some things they all have in common, like basic riding etiquette,” Rubin said, “but different hunts have funny little traditions.” In France, for instance, you can’t mount or dismount until the master does, and in South Africa, no one dares remove their coat until the master sheds theirs first.

Speaking of attire, know before you go. “You don’t want to show up with a borrowed coat that has colors or buttons you haven’t earned,” Rubin warned. “Some hunts won’t even let you wear your own colors.” Honoring these customs, Rubin emphasizes, is part of the experience.

Rubin’s itineraries include more than just booking a day of hunting. “We often recommend spending a few days getting to know the horse you’ll be riding. That gives clients time to get comfortable with their mount and the hosts, which really sets them up for a better experience on the hunt day,” she said.

The experience of riding an unfamiliar horse can surprise even seasoned riders.

“A lot of people are very advanced riders on their horse at home under the supervision of their trainer, but riding somewhere else on an unfamiliar horse can be really tricky,” Rubin said.

Getting to know your horse isn’t just a nicety; it’s a safeguard.

“We encourage people to keep an open mind,” she said. “If your host says you shouldn’t be riding in the first field or jumping, you need to trust their judgment.”

Hunts often take place in rural pockets of the world, adding to the charm but requiring careful planning. Rubin suggests building in extra time to acclimate and explore. “Spend enough time there that you feel prepared for the hunt—being able to ride those horses ahead of time, getting to know your hosts, understanding the local hunt traditions and etiquette and history—but at the same time giving yourself enough time to do some other things,” she said.

And, since most hunting trips leave riders with plenty of free time, there’s room to embrace the local flavor—whether that means indulging your inner history buff, exploring the countryside, or asking for directions to the nearest pub.

Tradition And Thinking ‘Outside The Fox’ 

Hunting on horseback has always been about more than just the ride. It’s a shared history that stretches across continents and centuries.

The truth is, people have been chasing prey on horseback for just about as long as they’ve been riding horses.

Take the ancient Middle East, for example: over 2,600 years ago, stone carvings show kings galloping after lions (talk about pressure to keep up). Iranian royalty took it a step further in the fourth century AD, setting up game parks where hunters on horseback stalked leopards, wild boars and other deadly animals. Across the Atlantic, Native American tribes embraced horses after European settlers introduced them, using them to hunt buffalo with extraordinary precision.

What we tend to think of as foxhunting, with its origin story of English noblemen chasing foxes off farmland, is just one of many hunting-on-horseback themes. But that variation became widespread and lives on today.

Foxhunting doesn’t get much more quintessentially “classic” than in Ireland, where established outfitters share the experience with guests from around the world.

If Flowerhill Equestrian Centre in County Galway looks like a scene from a period drama, with its ivy-draped stone buildings and pastoral charm, that’s because it has been. Tailored for everyone from novices to seasoned hunters, Flowerhill has 60 horses and ponies, a cross-country course and its very own private registered pack, the Flowerhill Hounds, kenneled on-site.

With your logistics sorted by recommended agents and close connections with local hunts like Grallagh Harriers Hunt Club, East Galway Hunt Club and The Galway Blazers, owner Oliver Walsh makes everyone feel at home. And his passion for the sport is infectious: “I believe it’s somehow built into our Irish genes—the sporadic gallop, and the thrill of the unorganized and the unexpected.”

The Dunraven in County Limerick is another popular destination for overhunting guests. Known as a go-to hub for foxhunters in the region, the hotel caters specifically to riders, with services like boot polishing and coat pressing. Owner Louis Murphy can arrange hirelings and connect guests to neighboring packs like the Limerick and Stonehall Harriers, ensuring every detail is covered.

The Dunraven works closely with Clonshire Equestrian Center, located nearby on 120 acres of rolling parkland. A sample itinerary includes hacks, jumping lessons, a kennel visit and a hunt with the County Limerick Foxhounds. Each day’s thrills end back at the hotel, where a roaring fire and a pint of Guinness await. “Clonshire and Dunraven offer a really nice holiday,” said Clonshire manager Sue Foley, “including a session at Clonshire to try out different horses and jump scary things and an Old World-style hotel.”

But not all horseback hunting involves the manicured field and tweed coats. Travel a little further afield—say, to Mongolia—and you’ll find a whole new way of thinking about the sport.

With Erik Cooper Adventures, you can gallop across the Altai Mountains with golden eagles instead of hounds. Yes, you read that right: eagles. It’s foxhunting, Mongolian-style, where you’ll work alongside Kazakh eagle hunters to chase prey through some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

“You’re not here to watch,” said Erik Cooper. “You’re here to be an active participant.” Guests are paired with their own eagle hunter and bird, learning the art of falconry and joining a team effort to flush out foxes, hares or even wolves (if they’re lucky enough to spot one). The hunt isn’t just about the thrill of the chase; it’s also steeped in ritual.

“When a fox is caught, there’s a whole ceremony,” Cooper explained. “The hunter whose eagle made the final kill gets the fur, and pieces of the fox are offered to the other eagles that contributed.”

The experience trades polished tradition for something raw and immersive, though there’s still room for a bit of flair.

Cooper is known for kitting guests out in custom Game of Thrones-style capes, complete with Mongolian cashmere and wolf pelts. He points out that Western foxhunting is very much about the outfit, too. “But dressing properly for an adventure of this magnitude looks a bit different,” Cooper says. “You’re wearing a different kind of wool and checking into more of a fantasy mindset, a fantasy world. You’re galloping across ancient lands channeling your inner warrior.”

The experience is rugged but comfortable—you might be sleeping in a ger, but there are real beds, coal-burning stoves, and a chef who serves a mix of local and international cuisine.

“You’re out riding seven to eight hours a day, but everything else is bougie,” Cooper said with a laugh.

The Global Connection

For Equiventures’ Rubin, the magic of foxhunting abroad is as much about camaraderie as it is about the thrill of the chase.

“Foxhunting is kind of one big community around the world,” she said. “If you foxhunt in one place and then go somewhere else, you’re automatically already a part of that community. Even if you’re new to foxhunting, it’s such a warm and welcoming environment.”

It’s a scene that plays out time and again: A rider arrives feeling out of their depth—nervous about their skills and unsure about the etiquette—but they leave with so much more than just miles in the saddle, Rubin said.

“Even if you show up, and you don’t know anybody, and you’re unsure of your riding, and maybe you haven’t hunted before, you end up making these wonderful friends and just leaving with these amazing memories—not just of the ride, but of the people that you spend it with, because it is such a community event.”

For other equestrian experiences, even on trail rides and treks, you’re riding single-file or spending such a long amount of time in the saddle that you stop talking to each other.

“Hunting is different,” Rubin explained. “The riding can be very serious, but it’s also a very social activity, and it really gives you a lot of opportunity to connect with riders, locals and whoever it is that you’re visiting.”

While many adventurers use foxhunting as a springboard to explore other activities—maybe guests foxhunt in South Africa, then head out on a horseback safari for a week—it’s often the hunt itself that steals the show.

“The feedback we get is often that the hunting is the best part of their trip. You don’t just check a box and move on,” Rubin said. “You leave with people inviting you to come back and visit or saying they want to come hunt with you at home. You leave feeling like you’ve truly been a part of the community.”

The post A Foxhunter’s Guide To The World appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

Sometimes when you look at a weanling, you can imagine him accomplishing great feats in his future—competing at the FEI World Equestrian Games, maybe.

Sometimes you can’t.

“We were not even remotely pleased with him,” said Laura Graves of her first sighting of Verdades, whom she purchased from a video with the help of her mother, Patricia “Freddie” Graves, and then imported as a 6-month-old. “I think we were kind of shocked because it was our first time picking up a horse from quarantine. They’re leading out gorgeous warmblood after gorgeous warmblood, and my mom and I were thinking, ‘This one must be him. No, this one must be him!’ Then they brought out this one; he was covered in vinegar from being sanitized, and it took three people to manhandle this wild little foal. They called his name, and we were like, ‘I guess that one’s ours.’ ”

That wild little Dutch Warmblood foal (Florett AS—Liwilarda, Goya) would grow up—eventually—and become the top-placed U.S. horse at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (France) this year.

But Verdades’ first few months in the United States didn’t make anyone think he’d later set the world on fire. He was sick after his journey, and because he hadn’t been handled much prior to import, the Graves family couldn’t treat him at their Vermont farm. He stayed at a veterinary hospital until he recovered. Once “Diddy” returned, he lived out with a group of horses, and Laura, just a teenager, worked with him after school.

“He was afraid of the saddle pad and the bridle, afraid of being taken from the barn,” she said. “He took off and broke probably five snaffle bridles, for no apparent reason. He’d be standing quietly, and then he’d panic and take off. But once I was riding him, he was still very sensitive, but he was always really kind.”

When the gelding was 4 or 5, Laura competed him at training level for the first time.

“He almost took the judge’s head off,” said Laura, 26. “He kicked so high at C that he left dirt on the judge’s table. I didn’t show him again until he was going about third level. There was no point.”

What made training level difficult for Diddy, namely his hot temperament and sensitivity, helped him excel as he moved up, to third level in 2010—around the time Laura moved from Vermont to Florida to work with Anne Gribbons—and to the small tour at CDIs in 2012.

Diddy won the open Intermediaire II at the U.S. Dressage Finals (Kentucky) in 2013, but the next step was a big one.

“My feeling was that I needed help. I’d done a lot of the Intermediaire II work myself. I had the one-tempis, and the pretend piaffe and passage,” Laura said. “You know, what you play with at home, and you think it’s piaffe and passage, and then you go to a show, and the judges are like, ‘Oh, that’s not a real piaffe and passage.’ Luckily I found that help.”

By the time Diddy was doing Grand Prix in early 2014, people were taking note of him—not everyone yet, but the right people, notably U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover and USEF Developing Coach Debbie McDonald, with whom Laura started training full time this year.

“I always knew the horse had an amazing ability,” said McDonald. “I said to her several times, ‘I think he’s honestly one of the most talented horses in the world as far as what he can do with his body.’ He’s almost a freak at certain things, and yet, with her on him, he’s a pretty cool competitor. They have a longstanding relationship, and he has one hundred percent trust in her.”

Diddy’s Grand Prix work was developing throughout the season, and when they left for the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey, as one of the last pairs qualified, Laura and her horse had only once scored above 70% in a CDI Grand Prix test, and that was a freestyle. But they earned a spot on the U.S. Team after taking the national reserve title.

“I didn’t think it was possible at all,” Laura said. “I knew we had to bust our butts to be in the top eight. But when I looked around, I said, ‘I have a great horse.’ ”

In France, Laura relied on her hard-earned knowledge of her mount—allowing him to walk all the way around the outside of the arena, only picking up a canter right before entering at A—and the dressage world noticed him in a big way. A few people weren’t shocked by Diddy’s fifth-placed finish in the Grand Prix freestyle at the World Games—and one of those was sitting on him. Laura had felt him improving through all the years of training and months of fine-tuning.

“My horse stepped up to the plate,” Laura said. “These things pay off. I know if I’d pushed him two years ago, it would have blown his mind. Someone greater than all of us had this planned. There was no way these things could have just come together like that.”

Laura isn’t sure what 2015 holds for Diddy—maybe the Pan American Games in Toronto, most likely some CDIs, and she’s aiming for that elusive 80% in the Grand Prix. She’s also facing a new challenge, one she never expected based on her first meeting with Diddy more than a decade ago.

“Before we went to Gladstone, I was sitting with Debbie, and she said, ‘I want you to be prepared. There will be people offering you large amounts of money for this horse,’ ” said Laura. “I said, ‘I don’t even want to know what kind of numbers.’

“I’ve still never heard a number,” she added. “There is not an amount of money that would fill the hole in my heart if this horse were gone.”

The post Remembering Verdades, The Chronicle’s 2014 Dressage Horse Of The Year appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

Her breakthrough moment came at the London International Horse Show CSI5*-W in December 2024, where she topped out at 2.12 meters (6’11.5″) to win on home soil. That result was followed by a victory at the Bolesworth International Horse Show CSI3* in late June, where the pair cleared 2.20 meters (7’2.6″), then another headline-making performance at the Dublin Horse Show CSIO5* in August. There, Proudley not only won the puissance but also became the first woman to do so in 61 years—an achievement that firmly placed her name on the radar of an international audience.

She added another win at the Birmingham International Horse Show CSI3* in October before returning to London last week to defend her title. Thursday night’s $35,360 LeMieux Puissance once again unfolded against the iconic red wall, with 13 combinations starting under festive, high-energy conditions. Proudley briefly lost her right stirrup in the first round but remained unfazed. The only rider to advance to the fifth round, she and the 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Elvis Ter Putte—Katinka de Laubry, Ogano Sitte) owned by Graham Ward produced a calm, confident effort over 2.21 meters (7’3″), a personal best, to secure back-to-back victories in London’s puissance class.

Her puissance feats stand on their own, but they inevitably prompt the question of who Proudley is beyond the red wall. Last summer in Riesenbeck, Germany, she contested her first European Championship at Young Riders level and left with two medals: team bronze with Great Britain and individual gold, riding the experienced mare Quality Street. Just days after her 20th birthday, the results offered a broader snapshot of a rider whose career is developing across multiple dimensions—even as her recent dominance in puissance has made her one of the discipline’s most talked-about names.

Puissance competitions have become a defining part of your recent results. What do they represent for you, and how do you approach them mentally and technically?

I love them! They are so much fun and always create an incredible atmosphere at competitions, often with a big crowd in attendance. You just have to not overthink it, be brave, and tackle the obstacles as they come! The fact that I’m not really nervous helps. As for Easy Boy de Laubry Z—known as “Boy,” my Puissance partner—he is such a calm horse that he makes it all look effortless, almost like a casual stroll!

Last summer, you won team bronze and individual gold at the European Young Riders Championships in Riesenbeck (Germany). What did that first championship experience mean to you?

It was an incredible experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was my very first championship, so winning two medals was more than I could have ever dreamed of. The venue was superb and I was able to count on the unfailing support of the horses and people behind HK Horses. The whole British team supported me throughout the week, and I have fond memories of celebrating these successes together.

You achieved those results with Quality Street. How would you describe her as a partner in championship competition?

Quality Street, known as “Sweetie” at home, belongs to HK Horses. She is such a powerful and incredibly agile mare. She always gives 110%. She gave me an incredible feeling of competitiveness throughout the rounds.

After winning individual gold, what goals motivate you most going forward? Is there a particular title or achievement you now have your sights set on?

After winning the individual gold medal, I would love to win the team gold. It’s an incredible feeling to compete alongside your friends and teammates to represent your country, and I would really love to share that victory with them. As for the rest, I’m just going to continue to seize the opportunities that come my way and work hard to put the odds in my favor.

You currently ride a varied string of horses at HK Horses. Can you tell us more about your program and the horses you are developing at the moment?

I am very lucky to ride for Richard Howley and Morgan Kent at HK Horses. They have an impressive breeding program and a wide range of horses of all levels ready to compete. We currently have some very promising young horses, such as HK Stakkata, a seven-year-old with whom I won the EY U25 Cup Grand Prix in Samorin, Slovakia, in July, but also experienced horses like Quality Street. I am grateful to be able to ride such high-quality horses and to have the opportunity to ride a different horse every day!

Can you tell us about your educational background and the moment you decided to pursue riding as a full-time career?

I continued my studies until I was sixteen. I always rode horses alongside my studies and knew that it was my true passion. My family worked in agriculture and we always had ponies that my little sister and I rode in competitions. I left school as soon as I could to devote myself to riding full-time.

You did not come from a large professional equestrian operation. How did you build your path toward the top level of the sport?

I’ve been riding horses for as long as I can remember… I always knew that horses were my passion and that I wanted to become a professional rider! After finishing school, I worked at a famous competition stable for two years. It was incredibly hard work, as I had to start from scratch and work my way up the ladder. It took a lot of time, courage, and dedication. Once I returned home, I put what I had learned to good use and started competing with our own horses again in our region, Yorkshire, where I met the team at HK Horses. It’s an incredibly competitive sport that demands a lot, both in terms of training and logistics. When Richard and Morgan gave me the opportunity to work with them at HK Horses, an already well-established organization, it was an incredible opportunity. Their support in training, behind the scenes, and on the track has undoubtedly been a factor in this year’s success.

You train with Richard Howley and Morgan Kent at HK Horses. What are the most important lessons they have taught you, both in and out of the saddle?

I have learned a lot from Richard and Morgan, not only about riding and understanding horses, but also about the importance of organization, horse management, team work, and how to behave in this professional environment. These are all essential factors for a rider who wants to develop and progress in this sport.

How important is mental preparation in your day-to-day work as a rider, particularly at the highest levels of the sport?

It’s really the key to success in riding: There will always be ups and downs with horses, but you have to accept them as they come, keep a cool head, and keep working. There will always be more good days if you work hard and don’t let the bad ones get you down.

Once you’ve taken off your riding boots, how do you like to spend your time?

I’m not sure I’ve ever really taken off my boots. … Horses are a way of life for me, not just a job. When we’re not riding, we take care of the horses to keep them in top shape, or we watch and analyze the rounds to see how we can improve and how they are progressing. It’s a full-time job, but I love it and wouldn’t change this schedule for anything in the world.

Looking back so far, what stands out as the proudest moment of your professional career?

Winning the European Championships was definitely the highlight of my career so far; it was our first ever victory in this category. It’s a real challenge to jump at this level consistently for several days in a row, with the pressure mounting every day and a potential victory on the horizon. Deep down, I started to believe it would happen, but when it actually did and the whole team was there to celebrate with me, it was just incredible. The HK team also kindly organized a big party to celebrate our return home with family and friends, which made the experience even more special for me.

Finally, what motivates you each day as you continue to develop as a rider?

I just want to do my best for the horses: to become a better rider so that I can understand them better and give us the best chance of success together on the track.

Watch Rachel Proudley’s reaction following her win in the $35,360 LeMieux Puissance:

The post Mastering The Red Wall: Rachel Proudley’s Rise Through Puissance appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

Riding the Irish Sport Horse gelding EIC Cooley Jump The Q, Kühner delivered a jump-off round at the London International Horse Show that was more than the fastest of the night, it was also exceptionally smooth. Kühner credited that to the feeling and the communication he felt from the ultra-sensitive 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Pacino—Jump The Q, OBOS Quality) he co-owns with Remo Baleri.

Going second in a five-horse jump-off that advanced from the 37-horse field over a track designed by Ireland’s Alan Wade, Kühner managed to shave more than 1.5 seconds off the time set by pathfinders Donald Whitaker and Millfield Colette of Great Britain, stopping the clocks in an unbeatable time of 33.94 seconds.

“In a jump-off like that, we listen to the horse and they tell us what’s possible and what’s going or not,” Kühner said. “And today, we had a very clear communication, was my feeling. I could really feel him telling me what to do, and asking which kind of support. It was just a very smooth and good feeling today.”

Kühner’s win was perhaps all the more impressive given his spot in the jump-off, going second after Donald Whitaker, who made the most of his pole position with a “go fast!” game plan aboard his Longines FEI Jumping European Championships team silver medal partner, who he said is “always trying her heart out.”

The British pair kept tight lines and a flawless rhythm throughout to set the time to beat at 35.52 seconds. And while the full house at London’s Excel arena may have been rooting for a British victory, Kühner had other ideas. Buoyed by the feeling his horse had given him in the first round, he was determined to capitalize on the gelding’s peak form and cooperation.

“He has a lot of temper and is easily affected by this great atmosphere in London, but today he was really with me, he was speaking to me if you like,” he said. “I know what he wanted and he was also listening to me. I had a really good feeling in the round.” 

With tight turns and seamless communication, the pair stopped the clocks 1.58 seconds ahead of Whitaker with a deceptively fast round.

Watch their winning jump-off, courtesy of FEI.tv:

Only one other rider in the jump-off would leave all the rails up, and that person was Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, who was delighted with the performance of his ride of just three months, Chatolinue PS. The 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by Karlswood Partners finished clear in 37.24 seconds to take the final podium position. The result completed a magical day for the O’Connor family, as Cian’s son Ben O’Connor had taken second place in the 128cm Pony Championship earlier in the afternoon aboard The Million Dollar Baby in his London International Horse Show debut.

“It’s a great testament to ‘Chatolinue’ and all my background team,” Cian said. “He jumped so well. There were only five of us in the jump-off, but I really wanted to be clear and make sure of it. We’ve got a big target ahead next year with the world championships, and we haven’t done many indoor shows, so I’m really, really happy with him.” 

With three clears in the books, the final two athletes in the jump-off had to no choice but to go for broke. Great Britain’s Robert Whitaker and Vermento set off at a pace that had them fractionally up on the clock at the midway stage—much to the British audience’s delight—before a rub at the penultimate fence saw them drop out of podium contention. Last to go, France’s Penelope Leprovost and Baloubet de Talma also had a rail and had to settle for fifth place.

The final podium celebrated not just Kühner’s first World Cup qualifier win, but his country’s as well, while second place Donald Whitaker was emotional over realizing a childhood dream. 

“It’s incredible,” he said. “I’ve been coming here all my life, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do—and OK, I didn’t win—but it’s probably as good as winning! I’m absolutely delighted. She jumped her heart out again and she just fights for every single second she’s in there.” 

After six legs of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Western European League 2025/2026 series, Kühner has propelled himself to the top of the league standings with 45 points ahead of Willem Greve (the Netherlands) in second on 40. Richard Vogel (Germany) is third on 36 points just ahead of Yuri Mansur (Brazil), Ben Maher (Great Britain) and Kevin Staut (France) who occupy fourth, fifth and sixth positions, respectively, on 29 points apiece. 

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Western European League resumes with its next stop in Mechelen, Belgium, on Dec. 30. With six of the 13 legs now completed and the season approaching its halfway point, the battle for athletes to accumulate enough points to secure one of the 16 Western European League places for the 2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Fort Worth, Texas, is well and truly on!

See complete results from the Longines FEI World Cup London here.

Watch Max Kühner and Donald Whitaker go head-to-head in the jump-off: