Kent Farrington (USA) and his remarkable 11-year-old mare Greya have successfully defended their Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City title, kicking off the 2025-26 North American League Season in spectacular fashion.
The defending champions delivered a masterclass performance on Sunday, winning a thrilling seven-horse jump-off in 39.45 seconds to claim their fifth Grand Prix victory at five-star level this year alone.
A More Mature Partnership
Reflecting on their victory, Farrington highlighted the significant development in his partnership with Greya since their inaugural win twelve months ago.
“I think you’re seeing a more mature horse than I had last year,” Farrington explained. “Even though she was already winning big things, she continues to improve and evolve as a show jumper, so I’m really proud of her today.”
The evolution is clear to see. Where last year Farrington described Greya as being at “the very start of her career,” this victory showcased a horse who truly understands her job.
“[Greya] really knows the job now…She’s in there really competing. She’s fighting for me to do the sport, where maybe a year ago she would still be showing the same athleticism but was a little bit unsure always of what she was supposed to do,” Farrington noted.
All-American Podium Finish
The competition produced an all-American podium, with Spencer Smith (USA) and Keeneland finishing second in 41.00 seconds, followed by Jacob Pope (USA) and Highway FBH in third place with a time of 41.11 seconds.
Course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) set a challenging track that tested the field throughout. Daniel Bluman (ISR) with Corbie V.V. was first to achieve a clear round, with only Smith and Daniel Coyle (IRL) with Farrel initially matching that feat in the first half of competition.
The second half saw Farrington lead the charge, followed by three additional combinations earning their place in the jump-off: Pope, Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR), and Karl Cook (USA). A challenging triple combination and delicate plank vertical proved particularly testing for many riders.
Strategic Brilliance in the Jump-Off
The jump-off featured a demanding mix of gallop lanes and tight turns, retaining some of the course’s tallest fences. Farrington’s tactical approach proved decisive.
“The plan today was to do a very efficient round but not go all out,” Farrington shared. “I wanted an efficient round where I put enough pressure on the people behind me that they would have to chase it in order to catch it, but I didn’t want to take [every risk], because I didn’t think it would be fully necessary today. Luckily that played out.”
His strategy worked perfectly. Whilst early competitors Bluman and Coyle took risks that resulted in rails, and Smith set a strong early standard, Farrington executed his plan flawlessly. Pope and Highway FBH were the only other combination to achieve a double-clear round.
Years in the Making
This victory represents the culmination of years of careful development work. Farrington has produced Greya since she was five years old, making their success particularly rewarding.
“This is the most rewarding part for all of the work we put in,” Farrington said. “I really enjoy developing the horses. I get them when they are young. This has been years in the making. I’m very happy for my whole team.”
World Cup Final Ambitions
With the 2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final set for Fort Worth (USA) next April, qualification has become a key goal for many American riders. Farrington, who led the NAL standings last season, plans to compete in the next three World Cup events at Washington (USA), Toronto (CAN), and Los Angeles (USA).
However, his approach remains characteristically measured: “Like I always say, I want to go if I think I can be a contender for the title. I have to see where the horses are in that moment. I’d like to go if my horses are in form, but I’ll have to see as I get closer if I really feel like I’m ready to go.”
Championship Standings
Farrington’s victory earned him 20 points and an early lead in the North American League standings. Smith collected 17 points for second place, whilst Pope earned 15 points for his podium finish.
The North American League continues on 25 October 2025 at Washington (USA), where Farrington and Greya will look to extend their winning streak and build on their championship lead.
This victory not only demonstrates the continued excellence of American showjumping but also showcases the rewards of patient, methodical horse development – a testament to Farrington’s skill as both rider and horseman
