World Championship Jumping Comes to Cowtown

In Cowtown, we are very familiar with calf roping and bucking broncs. And, there is a long history of cutting horse breeders and competitors in North Texas. But the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup is something entirely different. This weekend, 35 of the world’s best horses and riders are jumping their way into the history books in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup, at Dickies Arena.

Events began on Thursday, and tickets are still available if you’d like to check out this phenomenal equestrian sport. It’s just one of the world-class sporting events coming to town this year.

“Riders balanced risk, speed, and efficiency in a round that would shape the championship standings from the outset,” according to a release. “Kent Farrington (USA) emerged on top with a swift, polished performance, while Daniel Deusser (GER) and Steve Guerdat (SUI) slotted in just behind him, setting the stage for a tightly contested final.”

The Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) is the event organizer, along with the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Sports Commission, is hosting the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup final and Zen

Elite FEI Dressage World Cup final at Dickies Arena, from April 8 through 12.

American Jumping Champions Vie For Top Honors

Let’s meet the top riders with a (USA) behind their name.

Originally from nearby Irving, Texas, Aaron Vale (USA) drew the No. 1 slot in the starting order. Riding Carissimo 25, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Vale laid down a clear round in a time of 64.32 seconds to put the pressure on for the remaining 34 combinations.

“It took nine riders before his lead was overtaken by fellow American, Lillie Keenan (USA), riding Kick On, Chansonette Farm LLC’s 12-year-old British Sport Horse stallion,” they say. “Though the pair pulled a rail, their speed was enough to overcome Vale’s score to finish on 63.78.”

The next American rider to take a stab at the course was Kent Farrington (USA) ― World Ranked No. 2. He set a quick pace on the 12-year-old Zangersheide mare Toulayna. The pair jumped into the lead with a clear round on a time of 62.03 seconds.

“We’ve had Toulayna since she was seven, and it’s been a great partnership we’ve built over time,” Farrington explained after his round. “She’s incredibly versatile, and she showed again why she’s such a good winner. She’s been such a reliable teammate. Lucky for Toulayna, now she gets to rest on her laurels, winning her one class that she jumped here, and now Greya will take over the work for the next rounds.

“My strategy today was simply to stick to my own plan and routine,” Farrington continued. “The course suited my horse well, and she’s naturally fast. Each day is a new day with a new set of plans. It’s a fresh competition tomorrow. To have a chance at this final, you need to be near the front from the beginning, and that was my focus today.”

Other Championship Jumpers to Watch

Three-time Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final Champion, Steve Guerdat (SUI), jumped clean and quick in 62.49 seconds aboard Albfuehren’s Iashin Sitte, a 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding owned by Guerdat and Hofgut Albführen GmbH, they say.

“I’m happy with my horse and with the result, but I wasn’t super happy with my riding today, so there’s definitely room to improve,” Guerdat said. “You don’t win a championship on the first day, but you can lose it. Still, it was important to be up front early, and I’m pleased to be in the top three heading into tomorrow. I have two very strong guys in front of me, but also a lot of strong riders just behind. I think it will mix a lot again, and we’re going to have a clearer picture tomorrow night on how it looks for Sunday.”

Getting close to the end of the class, Daniel Deusser (GER) had a smooth, quick round to finish ahead of Guerdat by only 0.28 seconds, on Otello de Guldenboom.

“Second place today is a great start, but there are still two days to go and a lot of jumping ahead,” Deusser said. “It’s important now to stay clear and make sure my horse doesn’t get too flat tomorrow. For today, though, I’m very happy with how he performed.”

“At the end of the class, four out of the top six in the results represent the stars and stripes of the U.S. In addition to Farrington’s first place, American riders are right in the thick of the top with Keenan finishing in fourth, Jacob Pope finishing in fifth place after a clear round in 63.89, and Vale finishing in sixth.”

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup continues today at 7 pm, and Fort Worth has a front row seat.

Tickets are still available and single-session tickets start at $35.