Traverse City, MI – June 21, 2025—Stephen Foran of Morton Grove, IL, is leaving Flintfields Horse Park a double gold medalist in Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships. Carrying momentum from a team win for Zone 5 on Thursday, the professional clinched his second gold medal on Saturday in the $20,000 Individual Final riding his own Idool.
The Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships for Zones 1, 2, 5, and 6 highlighted the third week of the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. The third and final day of competition at the 1.30m-1.35m and 1.40m-1.45m heights, welcomed athletes to a jump-off round built by course designer Anderson Lima (BRA).
The jump-off played out to be a two-horse duel between teammates as Izzy Beisel of Goshen, OH, was the only other athlete to advance to the tie-breaking second round. Luck was on Foran’s side, however, after Beisel pulled a rail aboard Diaz Barbotiere. Completing the Zone 5 domination throughout the week, Estella Bonanni of Kingsley, MI,—20 miles south of Flintfields Horse Park—capped the top three with the fastest four-fault effort from the opening round.
“It’s been a huge journey,” said Foran of finding success. “I have been keeping my head down and working hard—first on and the last one off every day. To see it all come together today was so satisfying.”
Foran was supported during the week by a team of his own students at Speak Kindly, LLC, based in Chicago.
Of the 12-year-old Dutch-bred gelding sired by Zirocco Blue VDL that carried him to the win, Foran noted, “He’s always been a fighter, and I believed in him for the first time when I sat on him. He has developed so much through dressage and flat work. It took me a long time to figure him out. He’s still a warrior, and I’ve got to deal with it.
“I got all the way down to the last jump and I was thinking, ‘just ride your round,’ said Foran of his thoughts as the win crept closer. “I had given up on the idea that I was going to be gold, because I respect Izzy so much; she rides so well, she’s on it, she has a good horse. I figured she’d be quick and fast, and I was happy with silver. She happened to have that rail, and I couldn’t believe it.”
Foran came full circle this week after winning the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Finals in 2012. “These programs have more or less built my career,” he said. “Winning that was my breakthrough moment and I was able to do a lot more than what I thought I could. I owe so much to the USHJA for that opportunity.”
Earlier in the day on Saturday in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring, individual medals were also awarded in the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Championships at 1.10m and 1.15m heights for juniors and amateurs. In the amateur ranks, Kara Krushel of New York, NY, continued the theme of the day and earned her second gold medal of the week after leading a combined Zone 1 and 2 team to victory a day earlier.
Krushel used her mare IDream’s footspeed—even at 18 years old—to secure the individual title by a margin of nearly five seconds. “She is the most incredible horse I’ve ever had and probably ever will have,” said Krushel, who trains with Jonathan Corrigan at Twin Oaks Ventures. I’m getting her at the end of her career, so I’m lucky to get a part of her.”
Speaking about her expectations and reaction to being a double-gold medalist, Krushel said, “I just wanted to have fun. I was just happy to be in this ring and wanted to get around. I knew that if I didn’t mess things up for her, she would get it done.”
Second place in the amateur section was awarded to McKenna Nilsson of Portland, OR, riding Coille Moire, and third went to Ann Stalzer of St. Charles, IL, aboard Rearcross Quality Cruize.
In the junior ranks, 16-year-old Orly Antevy of Southwest Ranches, FL, made it a hat trick of gold medals by winning the individual title, following her combined Zone 4 and 6 team’s victory on Friday. As the only double-clear performance of the day, she and Higgins delivered under pressure to secure the top spot on the podium.
Second place was presented to Ivy Lampert of Lake Elmo, MN, on Ilian Solier, while Avery Roper of Hobart, IN, took third riding MTM Unexpected.
“I decided to not do some of the inside turns just to play it safe and try and have a clear round,” said Antevy of her plan. “I originally qualified on my other horse, Pablo, and I ended up switching to Higgins because Pablo is injured. It’s been such a great experience and everyone from my barn made it really fun.”
Antevy, who rides under the direction of Tiffany Morrissey at East Wind Farms, made her championship debut this week and was quick to offer advice to those hoping to realize the same dream. “Try to get to know your horse and feel confident,” she said. “Knowing your horse and confident rounds will help you to keep calm during a championship.”
Individual medals for the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Championships wrapped up on Sunday morning with Jean Mclaren taking top call in at the 1.20m-1.25m height. From a three-horse jump-off, Mclaren of Evanston, IL, rode Pearl of Grey VHL to the winning time of 34.835 seconds.
Allie Rae Hayes of Fort Gratiot, MI, took second aboard Poker Face van’t Hagenhof in 36.504 seconds, and Anleigh Ahlert of Tyrone, PA, finished third riding Mademoiselle-A in a time of 48.625 seconds.
“She’s fast and super careful and has so much heart that when I ask her for the moon, she gives it to me,” said Mclaren. We had a rough start this year because she had a minor injury that required rehab. She bucked me off five times in January and February, but we have finally got her—and my riding—back on track.
“We’ve been second in the last six classes I’ve been in,” continued Mclaren. “I’m really happy to get the win today.”
When asked about her secret to winning, Mclaren noted, “She’s deceptively fast; she doesn’t look like she’s going that fast, but she always has a good time [on the clock].”
Part of the USHJA Emerging Jumper Program, the Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships are open to professionals, juniors and amateurs alike. The format includes both team and individual competition and an opportunity to qualify for continued education with top national and international industry experts. Held regionally throughout the country, the championships once again call Flintfields Horse Park home this year.
For complete results, click here. To learn more about the Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships, click here.
Hailey Fox Claims Champion in Albion College Equestrian 3’3” 15-17 Equitation
The Albion College Equestrian 3’3” 15-17 Equitation division ended on Saturday of week three during the Traverse City Spring Series, presented by Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel, with a championship tricolor for Hailey Fox of Ocala, FL.
Aboard her own mount, In Due Time, Fox topped the charts after securing scores of 85 and 82 in Saturday’s over fences. Fox and the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding have settled into Flintfields Horse Park for the summer after a successful start to the 2025 season.
“This is our first show together back from Devon,” said Fox. “We competed in the Dover Medal and Maclay, where we placed top ten. He’s had a few weeks off, so this was a great way to get back in the ring.”
Fox imported In Due Time nearly a year ago as a prospect to help her grow in the equitation ring. “When we imported him, he was very green,” said Fox, who rides with Erica Quinn at Makoto Farms. “In these past few months, not only has he grown as an equitation horse, but he’s also grown personally. When he came to us, he didn’t have much of a personality. Now he’s the friendliest horse in the barn.”
Taking home the reserve was Ivy Lampert, of Lake Elmo, MN, and Jouret W, owned by Laura Ganny. The pair secured their standings after winning the first over fences class on Saturday.
As the summer continues, Fox will continue to aim for equitation finals later this fall, including the $50,000 Cherry Capital 3’3” Equitation Championship, all-new final held during week two of the Tournament of Champions this fall.
For complete results of the Albion 3’3” 15-17 Equitation, click here.
About Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS)
Traverse City Horse Shows (TCHS) is a premier destination for summer equestrian events in North America, hosting 13 weeks of world-class competitions, including 12 weeks of FEI-ranked events. Nestled in the scenic landscape of Williamsburg, Michigan—just 15 minutes from downtown Traverse City—TCHS attracts elite equestrian talent from around the globe to Flintfields Horse Park—a venue that seamlessly blends top-tier sport with the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Northern Michigan.
For more information on the season, visit TraverseCityHorseShows.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
