HOOFNOTES

"What’s Happening?” was a wildly popular television sitcom in the late 1970s (yes, we had television back then), featuring  the unforgettable Jimmy “J.J.” Walker and his signature catchphrase, “Dy-no-mite!” As the 2025 equestrian season drew to a close, that expression felt particularly fitting. 2025 ended with the official retirement of the magnificent Explosion W — Individual Jumping Gold Medalist at the Tokyo  Olympic Games with Ben Maher aboard — announced at the London International Horse Show in December 2025. What an athlete. What a career.

The season also concluded with exciting upgrades across Florida’s equestrian landscape. At WEF in Wellington, competitors will enjoy improved stabling, better footing, and enhanced pedestrian pathways for both horse and rider. At WEC–Ocala, the addition of four new restaurants and meeting venues continues to elevate the overall experience. These are welcome investments that further solidify Florida’s hoofprint on the global equestrian map into 2026.

WELLINGTON’S MOMENTUM — AND ITS QUESTIONS 

The Village of Wellington is buzzing. Recent enhancements to the existing WEF campus, continued expansion to the south, and a major announcement by Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP) have all captured attention. WLP has unveiled plans for a new 400-acre club community in Palm Beach County, to be called The Wellington.

WLP’s capital investments have attracted significant global interest, including a partnership with Abu Dhabi–based real estate investor Modon Holding PSC. Other groups are rumored to be evaluating participation as well. The scale and ambition of these projects signal that Wellington’s evolution is far from over.

That said, Village residents find themselves of two minds — appreciative of the economic vitality these investments bring, yet understandably concerned about the impact of growth on infrastructure, healthcare, and schools. Traffic remains a daily reality, with frequent bottlenecks at Forest Hill, South Shore, and Pierson Roads. Growth inevitably brings both opportunity and strain. Let’s hope all stakeholders continue working collaboratively to manage that growth in a way that benefits both the equine and human residents of the Village.

A SPORT ON THE MOVE
Speaking of capital infusion, the equestrian world is buzzing with talk of a potential new international jumping league — one that could rival Jan Tops’ Global Champions Tour and League, sponsored by Longines. Should such a league come to fruition, it would be a welcome development for the sport: broader global exposure (whether televised or streamed), expanded competition opportunities, increased sponsorship, and higher prize money.

If realized, it would undoubtedly bring challenges as well — from scheduling complexities to competitive balance — but those are conversations for another day. For now, optimism feels warranted. 

GOOD TIMES, INDEED
Back to Jimmy J.J. Walker for a moment — Good Times truly lives up to its name. That phrase neatly sums up my own fall schedule, which included turnout, rest, and light flatwork, before reality pressed us back into competition. A few weeks ago, my stablemate Candeaux and I — Meadowvale Cruise — loaded up and headed north to WEC–Ocala. We both came home winners, each taking a class in the 1.35–1.40 meter divisions. Always a good feeling.

There’s been change on the rider front as well. My former jockey, Luke Jensen, has decided to remain in Germany, continuing his education under Paul Schockemöhle. What an extraordinary opportunity — few can match the breadth of Paul’s experience and global network.

And then there’s the flip side of that good fortune. We were lucky enough to welcome our new rider: U.S. Olympian and multiple five-star winner Lauren Hough. Needless to say, excitement is high — and excuses are officially off the table. No blaming missed distances now. The job is simple: jump clean and leave the rails — especially those pesky planks balanced on flat cups — right where they belong.

LOOKING AHEAD
As we turn our attention to the 2026 Florida circuit, whether at WEF or WEC, the outlook is bright. Both venues offer terrific stages for my stablemates and me to kick off the season and, given the time of year, get our “Wings”.

SAVE THE DATE
FEI Nations Cup Final – Jumping Fort Worth, Texas
April 8–12

Good times, indeed.