Saturday evening’s $125,000 National Horse Show Grand Prix was a thrilling showcase of international talent. Twenty-five riders representing five countries navigated a challenging 15-obstacle course in hopes of advancing to the jump-off. Of those, seven produced clear rounds to return for the final test.
In a tightly contested jump-off, Kent Farrington (USA) claimed the win aboard Rabbit Root Stables LLC’s 2014 Zangersheide mare, Toulayna (Toulon x Vuelta). The pair posted the fastest time, edging out fellow American Brian Moggre and MTM Vivre Le Rêve, a 2009 Westphalian gelding (Ustinov x Chellana) owned by Major Wager LLC, by just four-hundredths of a second. The win marked Farrington’s third victory of the week.
“I’ve been riding Toulayna since she was seven, and it’s been a fun journey with a lot of success along the way,” said Farrington. “I really like this show—it’s a great venue—and I brought some younger horses this year to give them experience indoors. The plan tonight was simple: go as fast as I thought I could. Brian’s horse is very quick and competitive, but luckily I brought a fast one too. Toulayna has always been careful, full of blood and energy—everything I look for in a modern show jumper.”
Alise Oken and High Hopes Farm LLC’s 2014 Oldenburg gelding, Forrestal (Don Diarado x Kannelle De La Baie) rounded out the top three.
Special Awards
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Leading International Jumper Rider Award
Presented by Sterling Equestrian / Forest Hill Stables
Recipient: Kent Farrington -
Leading Lady International Jumper Rider Award
Presented by Sterling Equestrian / Forest Hill Stables
Recipient: Caitlin Boyle -
Cherry Knoll Farm Groom’s Award
Presented by Bob and Margaret Duprey-
1st Place: Arthur Anty, groom of Toulayna
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2nd Place: Lesley Leeman, groom of MTM Vivre Le Rêve
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3rd Place: Stephanie Kerman, groom of Forrestal
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