Laura Kraut and Panic during the $150,000 Grand Prix of Charlotte. Photo by Chris Keane

Laura Kraut Wins $150,000 Grand Prix of Charlotte

Laura Kraut and Panic won the $150,000 Grand Prix of Charlotte on April 9, rounding out Kraut’s second place win in the 2004 Charlotte Jumper Classic and her third place win last year. Kraut, the winner of five Nation Cups and seven World Cups, delivered two clear rounds on her mount, Panic, to take the trophy.

“I think the crowd really helped today,” said Kraut. This is a great venue for spectators, which makes it more fun for us. My mom’s family is from Charlotte, and I lived in Camden, SC, for a long time, so this win is especially sweet.”

Kraut’s horse, Panic, is a relatively inexperienced horse, but Kraut thought the time was right. “My horse was fantastic today,” she said. “Right before the round I told him he would get a long rest after this one last run.”

For the full story, click here.

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U.S. Show Jumping Riders for FEI World Cup Final Announced

The show jumping riders representing the United States at the 2006 FEI World Cup Final are now official. The United States is permitted to send 10 riders, seven from the East Coast League and three from the West Coast League, to compete in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 26-30.

For the list, click here.

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Youth Rider Wins 2005 Arabian Horse Association High-Point Amateur Award

Michael Desiderio from Chester, NJ, won the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) 2005 MD Barns High-Point Amateur Award by earning 594.5 points in the Amateur Achievement Awards program. The 15-year-old competed in both amateur and open classes, including working hunter, working hunter under saddle, hunter hack and hunter seat equitation not to jump and over obstacles. His younger brother, Anthony, was also among the Top Ten with 301 points.

For the full story, click here.

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2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event to Air on NBC on Sunday, May 7, 5-6 p.m.

Television advertising spots are still available. For information, contact Scott Carling at scarling@usef.org or (859) 225-6928.

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Drivers Test New Track at Florida Horse Park

A new marathon course with untested hazards, a new ring, incorporation of a theme-park, and jumpers, polo players and trail riders zigzagging around ould be a recipe for a disaster. But it wasn't a disaster. It was brilliant.

For the full story, click here.

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Steward and Technical Delegate’s Check List for Vaulting Competitions

In an effort to raise awareness among Stewards and Technical Delegates, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce a pamphlet has been published, which outlines responsibilities for vaulting competitions. If you would like a hard copy, please contact Sara Ike, Director of Vaulting Activities, (908) 326-1164, sara.ike@usef.org. The pamphlet can be downloaded from the website at www.usef.org/documents/competitions/2005/VaultingBrochure.pdf.

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Angela Moore and Land Baron 4 Win Palm Beach Toyota’s $25,000 Grand Prix at Littlewood

Angela Moore and Land Baron 4 won Palm Beach Toyota’s $25,000 Grand Prix at Littlewood on April 9, 2006. Moore was the last to go in the jump-off, and she and Land Baron 4 were the fastest at 37.675 seconds with a double clear. Frankie Chesler-Ortiz and Ranville came in second with a time of 43.288 seconds and no faults. Bert Mutch and All Star were fast in the jump-off with 38.326 seconds, but downed a rail and ended up third. Pablo Gamboa with Findus had one rail and finished fourth.

For the full story, click here.

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Anyone hoping for the best seats to next year’s FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas can have a chance to purchase all-session tickets before they go on sale to the general public by joining the event’s World Cup Club. Membership in the World Cup Club is free, and it only takes a moment to join.

For the full story, click here.

Schedule Your Advertisement in the June issue of EQUESTRIAN.

Don't miss out on this exciting issue showcasing the international disciplines.  Ad space closes on April 28.  Contact Crissi White at (859) 225-6936 or cwhite@usef.org.

The Race for the Cup Continues at The Fork

The final leg of the spring events in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series took place April 6-9 at The Fork Stables in Norwood, NC, during The Fork Horse Trials and CIC***-W, the site's first CIC***-W. Darren Chiacchia and Windfall 2, Timothy Holekamp’s 14-year-old Trakehner stallion, put in a wire-to-wire victory in the CIC***-W, finishing on their winning dressage score of 33.8.

For the full story, click here.

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Lake Placid Horse Shows a Not-to-be-Missed Event

The Lake Placid and I Love New York Horse Shows return to the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, June 27-July 9. There is good reason that so many people continue to return to Lake Placid year after year, and the horse show is only part of it. Not many horse shows can combine a world-class event with small town charms and continually bring together families, celebrities, Olympians and an array of champions like the Lake Placid Horse Shows.