The twelveth in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder Every day I field calls from people wanting to know more about Western Dressage. What is it? How do I find out more about it? Can anyone do it? Is it hard? Who teaches Western Dressage? Are there shows? Last weekend a few of our riders were invited to do a Western Dressage demonstration at the local dressage show. What struck me was the feeling of being out of place amongst my dressage friends because we were wearing our western...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is now accepting bids to host the 2013 US National Junior Hunter Championships. To request a bid packet please contact Lori Nelson at (859) 225-6957, or via email at [email protected] . Bids will be due in the office by the close of business Monday, October 15, 2012. Any request received after this time will not be considered.

McLain Ward and Antares F won the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon Middleburg, VA - Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) announced today that the $200,000 Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge will return again next season. Debuting this season, the Triple Crown Challenge offered a unique test with a spectacular $200,000 top prize for any show jumping rider that could put together back to back to back wins at three of the nation's most prestigious grand prix events on the same...

USA Team 2012 (Left to Right, top to bottom) Chef d'Equipe Missy Ransehousen, Jon Wentz, Rebecca Hart, Dale Dedrick and Donna Ponessa (Lindsay Yosay McCall) London, England - "It has been exciting to compete at the home of Para-Dressage," was the phrase echoed among athletes at the 2012 Paralympic Equestrian Games. It was Great Britain that developed Para-Dressage from the grass roots first and created an entire Para-Equestrian culture. It was Great Britain who aligned with their able-bodied...

Excited WIHS fans on Barn Night show their spirit! Washington, D.C . - The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce “What’s Your Dream?” as the theme for this year’s Barn Night. Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, will be featured on Thursday, October 25, during the 54th annual WIHS. The competition will be held on October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Returning sponsor Dover Saddlery is excited to be a part of...

John Simpson, President and CEO, Cana Group of Companies presenting the winners’ trophy to Michael Whitaker. (Spruce Meadows Media Services). Calgary, AB - The sun was shining on the International ring for the Thursday of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament. Forty one horse/rider combinations walked through the clock tower to compete for the 1.50 meter ATCO Structures & Logistics Cup. With 5 combinations moving into the jump off, Christian Ahlmann (GER) took home first...

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (Leslie Threlkeld/USEA Photo) Fairburn, GA - Competition at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Bit of Britain (AEC) got underway today. With the Advanced division at the AEC also playing host to the USEF National Advanced Horse Trials Championship, stakes were running high. Becky Holder (Palmetto, GA) and her longtime partner Courageous Comet lead the field after scoring an impressive 23.7 on their dressage test, 5.6 points ahead of...

Lexington, KY - The following drivers have been named by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to represent the U.S. in the 2012 FEI Singles Driving World Championships, in Lezirias, Portugal, September 12-16, 2012. Sara Schmitt (Flemington, NJ) was also supposed to represent the U.S. but she has withdrawn. The United States will be represented by the following drivers (in Alphabetical Order): Leslie Berndl (Newcastle, CA) will drive Fritz Grupe's Uminco. Uminco is an 11-year-old...

Shelburen, VT - The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is pleased to announce the dates for its annual convention. The 2013 annual gathering of Morgan members and enthusiasts will take place February 20-23 at the famed Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon. While planning is still in its infancy, three noted speakers already are confirmed to give presentations. • Mark Bollender : Mark is a nationally recognized horseman and instructor and is also the country's leading expert in...

Andy Fraser President, Finning Canada, presenting the winners trophy to Jerome Hurel. (Spruce Meadows Media Services) Calgary, Alberta - Opening day of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament lived up to all expectations. Fifty-three horse/rider combinations from 9 nations took to the International Ring for top spot in the 1.50 meter Akita Drilling Cup. Over the 500 meter course designed by Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), with 14 jumping obstacles, it was Richard Spooner (USA) that...