No Products in the Cart
From the sun-drenched arenas of Valkenswaard to the vibrant summer circuits in Saugerties and Ocala, this week delivered a thrilling mix of European finesse and North American firepower.
🏆 Winners Circle:
-
Zoe Conter (BEL) & La Una – Longines Tops International Arena (Valkenswaard, NED) – CSI4* Grand Prix presented by Longines
-
Kent Farrington (USA) & Grass de Mars – HITS-on-the-Hudson (Saugerties, NY, USA) – $116,050 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix CSI3*
-
Gilles Thomas (BEL) & Chuck Marienshof Z – Longines Tops International Arena (Valkenswaard, NED) – CSI4* 1.50m Speed Challenge
-
Lauren Balcomb (AUS) & Verdini d’Houtveld Z – World Equestrian Center (Ocala, FL, USA) – $65,000 CSI2* GGT Footing Grand Prix
-
Sam Walker (CAN) & Hermelien vd Hooghoeve – Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (Traverse City, MI, USA) – CSI3* Dexter Grand Prix
Belgium’s Zoe Conter and her electric mare La Una delivered a flawless, fast performance to claim the CSI4* Grand Prix presented by Longines at Valkenswaard’s Longines Tops International Arena. Against a field stacked with European talent and Olympic veterans, Conter surged ahead of Dutch favorite Kim Emmen, igniting a roar of applause from the home crowd. With the pressure on, her ride combined sharp turns and effortless rhythm, proving both horse and rider are more than ready for the biggest stages. A key summer stop on the European tour, Valkenswaard is known for its pristine footing and elite competition, and Conter’s win added a personal milestone to the venue’s legacy.
Official Results
Back in the U.S., Kent Farrington brought his trademark precision to HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York. Aboard Grass de Mars, he stormed to victory in the $116,050 Purina Animal Nutrition CSI3* Grand Prix, producing the only round that truly looked effortless. Nicolas Gamboa and NKH Mr. Darcy kept the leaderboard honest, but it was Farrington’s sharp riding and calm under pressure that ultimately earned the top spot. While Saugerties isn’t the flashiest stop on the calendar, it has become a proving ground for North America’s elite, and Farrington’s presence only elevated the weekend’s prestige.
Official Results
Meanwhile, Gilles Thomas turned up the heat with a lightning-fast round aboard Chuck Marienshof Z in Valkenswaard’s CSI4* 1.50m Speed Challenge. Going head-to-head with Olympic talent, including Jessica Springsteen on Naomi van het Keizershof, Thomas edged the American rider with an aggressive but polished run that had the crowd holding their breath. This win reinforced Belgium’s grip on the weekend and solidified Thomas as a rider to watch on the speed circuit.
Official Results
Further south, Ocala’s World Equestrian Center saw Lauren Balcomb and Verdini d’Houtveld Z dazzle under pressure in the $65,000 CSI2* GGT Footing Grand Prix. The Australian rider delivered two picture-perfect rounds, fending off a fast challenge from Kaitlyn Lovingfoss and Alabama Z. It was a performance that combined confidence and class, affirming Balcomb’s growing presence in the North American circuit. The WEC continues to build prestige as a destination for international talent—and Balcomb’s name now features prominently among its winners.
Official Results
Finally, in Michigan’s scenic Traverse City, Canada’s Sam Walker showcased why he's considered one of the sport’s rising stars. Riding Hermelien vd Hooghoeve, Walker delivered a cool, commanding performance in the CSI3* Dexter Grand Prix at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. Lacey Gilbertson and Holliewood kept the competition close, but Walker’s calculated jump-off sealed the win. With a passionate crowd and a high-stakes summer finale, the victory marked a defining moment for the young Canadian on American soil.
Official Results
