The FEI is delighted to announce that five countries are confirmed as bidders to stage the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018. The five bid cities that have now taken on Official Candidate status are Rabat (MAR); Bromont (CAN); Budapest (HUN); Vienna (AUT) and Wellington (USA). Under the new bidding process put in place last year by the FEI for the FEI World Equestrian Games™, eight signed Expression of Interest documents were received from the National Federations of Australia,...

Sponsorship Benefits USEF Members with Discount on Horseware Products through SmartPak Lexington, KY - An agreement signed on April 12th between the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Horseware Products, Ltd., has made Horseware the "Official Blanket of U.S. High Performance Teams." As part of the relationship, Horseware will provide custom "U.S.A" branded blankets for teams representing the United States and commemorative coolers for U.S. equestrian athletes competing at the 2012...

Margie Engle and Royce won the $100,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix. (ESI Photography) Saugerties, NY - Olympian Margie Engle and Elm Rock Partners LLC's Royce continued their domination of HITS-On-The-Hudson this weekend when they claimed their biggest victory to do date during the $100,000 Purina Mills Grand Prix on Sunday. The pair posted a double clear effort to top the 27-horse field, racing to the top of the leader board by almost three seconds during the jump-off. "Royce is still young,...

The first in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder My first pony ride was in 1967. I was 18 months old. It must have stuck with me because I rode horses forever after that. I have been a professional in the equestrian industry since 1989 and my parents have supported my horseback riding activities all my life. Recently, seeking that formerly ever present support, I shared with my mom my desire to get involved in Western Dressage. Imagine my surprise when she exclaimed “Western...

Robin Brueckman and Radetzky at the Veterinary Inspections (Lindsay McCall) Gladstone, NJ - Competition in the National Para-Equestrian Championships featuring the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Selection Trials is set to begin Monday in five grades. All 24 horses presented at the Veterinary Inspection Sunday afternoon were accepted. Riders will perform three tests over three days of competition held at Pine Meadow which is part of the USET Foundation Headquarters. On Monday, riders...

Calgary, AB - The 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘National’ tournament concludes on a blustery, but very exciting day. 26,492 spectators braved the wind to cheer on their favourite competitors in the $40,000 ATCO Structures and Logistics Double Slalom. In a sudden-death style competition, 32 horse/rider combinations raced against each other until a final two remained. Robert Whitaker (GBR) emerged victorious, winning each of his five rounds aboard his 9 year old Warmblood gelding, Waterstone....

Jonathan Holling of the United States won the Volvo Bromont CCI3* Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, with Downtown Harrison. Representatives of title sponsor Volvo Canada presented Holling with the Todd Sandler Trophy. (Cealy Tetley) Bromont, Quebec – Jonathan Holling of the United States won the 2012 Volvo Bromont CCI3* Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, on Sunday, June 10, in Bromont, Quebec. The CIC3* division was won by Karen O’Connor of the United States. It...

Steffen Peters and Legolas 92, Olympic Grand Prix Special Winners (Susan J. Stickle) Gladstone, NJ - Day two of the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions produced the first three National Champions of 2012 in the Young Rider, Junior, and Pony Rider Divisions. It also featured the Grand Prix National Dressage Championship which also serves as the USEF Selection Trial for the 2012 Olympic Games - which finishes next Saturday. Steffen Peters refused to loosen his grip on the Grand Prix title...

Calgary, AB - There was a championship feel in the air for the Saturday of the 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘National’. The $60,000, 1.45 meter TransCanada Parcours de Chasse got underway with an international entry of 22 horse/rider combinations. With only one round to come out on top, Mario Deslauriers (USA) was the fastest to conquer the 600 meter Guilherme Jorge (BRA) course, which included 17 jumping efforts, including the south bank. The American veteran was close to being usurped by...

Gladstone, NJ - The first portion of four USEF National Dressage Championships got underway at the USET Foundation Headquarters Saturday. The Grand Prix National Dressage Championship got the day started in the Dick and Jane Brown Arena. All eyes were watching because this Championship also serves as the USEF Selection Trial for the US Dressage Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. The Ground Jury of Axel Steiner, Linda Zang, Hilda Gurney, Uwe Mechlem, Janet Foy and Natalie Lamping rotated...