Farrington and eight-year-old Dolores PS close the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament with a win in her first CSI3* Grand Prix, less than 24 hours after his CSI5* podium finish in Canada
Traverse City, MI — Kent Farrington (USA) didn’t realize there was still a “first” he could accomplish, which was to podium in two different countries within a span of 24 hours. Late Saturday night, he landed himself in second place on the CSI5* Grand Prix podium in Canada, then made it back to Traverse City Sunday in time for the $116,050 Agero & Silver Oak CSI3* Grand Prix, which he won aboard Dolores PS.
“I’m thrilled with this horse,” Farrington said of his winning partner Dolores PS, an 8-year-old Oldenburg mare (Dominator 2000 Z x Baloubet du Rouet). “She’s very new stepping up to this level; it’s her first three-star Grand Prix. She had her first international show a week ago and she won a class there too, so off to a great start.”
Taking two CSI2* wins at her first international show, then proceeding to win her first CSI3* Grand Prix is an impressive start record so far for the young mare.
“With young horses I always say there’s hope and hype and I don’t like to hype anything so I have hope for the moment,” Farrington explained of his outlook for Dolores PS. “The horse came from a friend of mine, Emanuele Camilli, he told me the horse was great and one I should have on my team. So far so good, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Farrington was one of seven to jump clear over Colm Quinn’s track on Sunday, and he just narrowly missed having two spots in the jump-off, with Orafina finishing eighth on a fast 4-fault score. He went early in the order, making the rest of the field chase him, and none could catch his blazing-fast time of 35.95.
Jacob Pope (USA) came closest with Jecibelle, just about a second off the pace, taking second place ultimately. Kelli Cruciotti VanderVeen (USA) and Mochito V/D/ Mishagen finished third with another double-clear performance.
Farrington has an uncanny ability to identify young talent and produce results, so when he believes in a young horse, it means everyone should probably pay attention.
When asked what really sets the mare apart at this stage, he replied, “I would say her way to fight to win. She’s very green but learning how to go fast. She doesn’t even really know how to look for the next fence, but she’s always game and puts in a big effort and that’s what winners do.”
The travel between two different countries made for a busier weekend than usual, but it’s all part of Farrington’s plan as he develops up-and-coming talent while also campaigning horses at the highest level. Dividing his time between two shows in one weekend felt crucial for the development of his team in Traverse City and his team in Canada, so he put in the miles.
Canada was also a stop on the Major League Show Jumping tour, which returns to Traverse City for week two of the Tournament of Champions. Farrington has been a key player on the tour for several years now and is sure to be a top contender as they make their second stop of the 2026 season.
“I was bringing young horses here and I was in Europe this summer so a few of my young ones got put on the back burner,” he explained. “So I’m trying to play catch up at the end of summer and get them enough rounds so I have a strong team for next season.”
For a rider with a strong team no matter the season, Farrington is setting himself up to keep racking up victories as his current horses keep gaining momentum.
Around the Rings Sunday
Earlier Sunday, Canadian Wesley Newlands took the top call in the $10,000 Stud Tree & Silver Oak 1.40-1.45 Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic aboard Django du Lys, pulling off the only double-clear effort. Earning second was Lexi Ferder aboard Karienh2, and Hailey Guidry was third with Esganoso Manciais.
Campbell Kahn was the big winner in the Gajoch Family 1.30-1.35 Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic, piloting Gin Tonic 158 to victory. Avery Griffin took second aboard Bodega Semilly, and Audrey Muscari was third with Casimero.
Coming up during week two of the Tournament of Champions, Major League Show Jumping returns with CSI5* and CSI2* action, along with the prestigious equitation championships with over $150,000 in prize money. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.
