One of the most dynamic and oldest equestrian sports, show jumping demonstrates the athleticism and agility on the part of the athletes, and a special partnership with the horse. Team USA Show Jumping Team is coming off a second place finish in which they tied France in the Nations Cup at the famed CHIO Aachen. Now, all hearts and minds (both human and equine) are set on Rio and a strong Olympic showing. These same four won gold in the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France and are sure to set the bar high this summer.
Let’s meet the team and get a sense of their style – personal and professional -- for all of the upcoming media attention leading up to the games.
Lucy Davis and Old Oak Farm’s Barron, a 2004 Belgian Warmblood Gelding

The youngest member of the team, Lucy began riding at the age of five. Having a successful career in the Junior and Young American Rider Championships, her grandfather was a huge influence on her career and Barron is named after him. Lucy and Barron have racked up an impressive resume of wins since 2013 both domestically and internationally. While always polished for the sport, this California native is a natural beauty in and out of competition.

Kent Farrington and Amalaya Investments’ Voyeur, a 2002 KWPN Gelding

This 2014 WEG pairing makes their Olympic debut as top competitors. Featured last year in Horse & Style Magazine, Kent discussed his methodical training approach to keep him on top of the game. Having trained with Olympian Leslie Howard, Kent rose from juniors where he spent most of that time catch-riding for industry professionals. Recently, he has represented the U.S. on multiple teams internationally. Although Voyeur is known to be a somewhat challenging horse, Kent can attest that he is one of the most rewarding to ride. With Kent’s photo-ready smile, this pair is ready for the spotlight.

Beezie Madden and Abigail Wexner’s Cortes ‘C’, a 2002 Belgian Warmblood Gelding

Heading to her fourth Olympics, Beezie has won medals at all three of her previous appearances, setting the standard for Americans in the show jumping world. The first American and first woman to make the top three in the Show Jumping world ranking list in 2004, Beezie and her husband operate John Madden Stables in New York. Surrounded by horses her whole life and continuing her dedication to them, if she’s not jumping, she’s somewhere near the stables. With Cortes ‘C’, Team USA is sure to have a strong showing in Rio! Her home in New York reflects her style – easy elegance.

McLain Ward with Double H Farm and Francois Mathy’s HH Azur, a 2006 Belgian Warmblood mare

Another four-time Olympian, McLain Ward comes to Rio with the only member not part of the 2014 WEG team, HH Azur. With McLain’s experience and impressive career – he was the youngest rider to achieve $1M in earnings when he was just 24 years old -- there are high expectations for him and HH Azur. He resides at Ward’s Castle Hill Farms in New York with his wife, an amateur competitor, and keeps things real with a polished, causal style in and out of the arena.

To see some of our top picks representing Team USA’s riders and horses, take a look at Country & Stable’s latest Pinterest board or website www.countryandstable.com for the latest in gear, clothing and accessories.