Kent Farrington (USA) and Greya - winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ NAL 2025 - 26, Traverse City (USA) ©FEI/ Clark Stinson

A year ago, Kent Farrington (USA) won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Traverse City with Greya and described his horse as being at "the very start of her career."

Farrington and the fabulous 11-year-old mare defended their title Sunday in Traverse City to kick off the 2025-26 North American League Season. While the result was the same, the win was more professional.

"I think you're seeing a more mature horse than I had last year," Farrington said. "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."

Farrington and Greya bested a seven-horse jump-off in thrilling fashion, crossing the timers of Guilherme Jorge's (BRA) short course in 39.45 seconds. Spencer Smith (USA) finished second with Keeneland (41.00), followed by Jacob Pope (USA) and Highway FBH (41.11), making for an all-American podium.

"[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.”

Kent Farrington

(USA)  

Daniel Bluman (ISR) was the first to execute a clear round over a big and technical first round track with Corbie V.V., and through the first half of the competition, just two additional combinations replicated that feat: Smith and Daniel Coyle (IRL) with Farrel. Farrington then kicked off the second half of the class in style, and three additional pairs added their names to the jump-off list in Pope, Luis Sabino Goncalves (POR), and Karl Cook (USA), all of whom successfully navigated a challenging triple combination and a delicate plank vertical two fences from home that plagued many combinations.

The jump-off offered a mix of gallop lanes and tight turns, with some of the course's tallest fences left in the short track. Knowing the fast combinations behind them, Bluman and Coyle took risks that ultimately did not pay off, resulting in rails. Smith set the early standard, putting the pressure on with his efficient double-clear effort. 

But Farrington always had a plan with Greya, and he executed it to perfection. Pope and Highway FBH were the only other combination to jump double-clear on the day and earned themselves a place on the podium, but Farrington was comfortably on top.

"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. 

"I think I left the door open a little bit in the class if somebody really nailed it," he added. "It was open to win, but it would still be difficult to do."

Farrington and Greya have now won five Grand Prix events at the five-star level of the sport in 2025 alone. He has produced the mare since she was 5 years old.

"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."

The 2026 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final will take place in Fort Worth (USA) next April. Knowing the Finals will take place in his home nation, Farrington—along with Smith, Pope and many other athletes competing in Traverse City—referenced qualification as an important goal for their respective seasons. Farrington, however, takes a most meticulous approach as he plans to jump the next three World Cup events at Washington (USA), Toronto (CAN), and Los Angeles (USA).

"Like I always say, I want to go if I think I can be a contender for the title," he articulated. "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."

Farrington, who led the NAL standings last season, earned 20 points for his victory and has taken another early lead following the season's opening leg. Smith earned 17 points, and Pope received 15. The North American League continues 25 October 2025 at Washington (USA).

Full Results

Standings