Washington, D.C.—Oct. 26

What do you do after you win a major class at the one of the fall indoor horse shows? If you’re Dean Dignelli you do it again the next comptition. 

Dignelli piloted Redefin to his second big win in as many weeks when he topped the WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Championship at the Washington International, having earned blue the week before at the Pennsylvania National. He outran Tequila Girl and Elizabeth Porath in the jump-off for the top check.

The win tasted especially sweet as he narrowly missed out on the title last year when he lost his stirrups in the short course.

“For how athletic and driven and competitive I am, I really just wanted to prove that I could do this,” he said. “My whole purpose from that first lesson until now was just to show that I am a Dignelli, it is in my blood, and I can do it.”

Dean is the son of Michael Dignelli and the nephew of Andre Dignelli, the brothers and business partners who run Heritage Farm. Despite growing up surrounded by horses, Dean preferred baseball and competed in that sport at a high level. He didn’t start riding seriously until 3 ½ years ago when his friend, then Heritage Farm trainer Matt Metell, suggested he throw a leg over and put him on a longe line.

In the first year he paired up with Redefin, who inspired him to work extra hard.

“He is an unbelievable horse—he was Ian Millar’s grand prix horse,” said Dean, 27. “The bond that I have created with that horse and the rounds we put in—he really takes care of me and he wants to win just as bad as I do. As long as I stay out of his way, he shows me the way.”

Redefin and Dean Dignelli jumped to the top of the WIHS Adult Amateur Jumper Championship. Photo by Mollie Bailey.

Dean puts in plenty of work too, transferring the discipline from his baseball career to the barn. He laughs as he recalls chilly winter lessons with five pony kids and himself towering over them on Redefin.

“Playing baseball at a high level taught me to be coachable,” said Dean, Bedford, N.Y. “They obviously know much more than me, so who am I to question them? At first it was a little difficult when Andre was training me, not because he’s family, but because he was speaking to me as if I knew what he was talking about! He needed to slow it down for me.”

Dean follows the circuit, thanks to starting his own horse shipping and golf cart rental companies, which keep him plenty busy. As soon as he finished collecting congratulations after his win he had to get ready to ship the Heritage Farm horses back to Katonah, N.Y. 

Boston Returns To Washington On Top

Sarah Boston is no stranger to the Washington International Horse Show, having competed here on ponies half a dozen times. It’s been a few years since she’s been to the Verizon Center, but she made a memorable return, riding Herminas to the WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship.

Boston had to turn on the afterburners in the 16-horse jump-off, but she stayed smooth to slip through the timers ahead of Emma Seving and Easy Money.

Sarah Boston guided Herminas to the WIHS Children’s Jumper Championship. Photo by Mollie Bailey.

“It’s really awesome to know all the hard work paid off, finally,” said Boston, Owings Mills, Md. “My horse was really good—he’s perfect.

“He’s pretty go-with-the-flow,” she continued. “He’s sassy sometimes, but he will literally do whatever I ask him . He has the heart of a mare, which is nice. He really wants to win. He really likes his job. He cares about me and tries his best.”

Sarah Boston and Herminas claimed the WIHS Children’s Jumper Title. Photo by Mollie Bailey.

Boston started leasing “Henry” from Don Stewart last year, shortly before she broke her foot and had to take an vacation from the tack. This season they’ve been solid contenders in the children’s jumper rings, training with Streett and Amy Moore at home at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Md., and Stewart when they hit the road.

Boston hopes to move up to the low junior jumpers next season aboard Herminas and a new partner, Diva, whom she’s inheriting from Don’s daughter Erin.

Get full results at ryegate.com.

Want more Washington International Horse Show? No problem—we have you covered.  And don’t miss the Nov. 14 issue of the Chronicle of the Horse magazine for full analysis of the competition.