Riders in the 1.45 meter, $32,000 AltaGas Cup had their work cut out for them. The course, designed by Bob Ellis (GBR), that stretched over 535 meters with 14 jumping efforts, saw 64 horse/rider combinations over the one round. In the end, Reed Kessler (USA) came out on top, with a time of 57.20. This win adds to the list for Kessler, who is looking for a spot on the 2012 US Olympic team. After placing 3rd in the Olympic trial competition yesterday, 17 year old Kessler is optimistic this win...

Caroline Roffman and Pie (Susan J. Stickle) Gladstone, NJ - The second week of the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions began Thursday with competitors in the National Intermediaire I Dressage Championship performing the FEI Prix St. Georges Test. Caroline Roffman cantered down centerline as the second competitor of the morning, then was forced to wait as the remainder of the 14 horse division tried to top her score of 73.974%. A total of five combinations were able to break the 70% barrier...

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....

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...

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard (Susan J. Stickle) Lexington, KY - With six USEF National Dressage Championships and selection for U.S. Dressage Team for the 2012 Olympic Games on the line, the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions promises to deliver excellent competition this year. Running over two weeks June 8-10 and June 14-17, the best dressage combinations from ponies to Grand Prix will be vying for National titles. The USET Foundation Headquarters plays host to the prestigious event in...

Reed Kessler and Ligist won the 1.45m Open Jumper class at the Kentucky Spring Classic (Rebecca Walton/PMG). Lexington, KY - Sunny skies greeted the exhibitors as they kicked-off the Kentucky Spring Classic in the Rolex Stadium of the Kentucky Horse Park. Once again it was Reed Kessler at the top of the leader board as she piloted Ligist to the only double clear effort in today's 1.45m Open Jumper class to earn the blue ribbon prize. Earlier in the day, Andre Rodriguez and Remonta Eden sped...

Hector Florentino and Ultimo won the $35,000 Welcome Cup at the 2012 Kentucky Spring Horse Show. (Rebecca Walton/PMG) Lexington, KY - Speed was the name of the game during the first day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show, and the Dominican Republic's Hector Florentino had it with Ultimo. The pair dominated the $35,000 Welcome Cup, clocking in at a speedy 67.530 seconds, which earned the blue ribbon prize during the speed event. Ashlee Bond stepped up to place second with her veteran mount...

Darragh Kerins and Hot Wheels (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival welcomed exhibitors for the fourth week of competition, which starts today and goes through Sunday, February 5. In the opening class in the International Arena, Darragh Kerins (IRL) guided Hot Wheels to victory in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Week four of the FTI WEF runs February 1-5, and is sponsored by Adequan . The Budweiser Clydesdales will be making two appearances at the FTI...

Team USA's first training ride in Abu Dhabi. Photo courtesy Kelly Kimbler. Lexington, KY - The U.S. finished fourth among 19 teams Saturday in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship despite an uphill battle that included an injured horse at the first inspection. "What an exhilarating team effort and realistically an unexpected result - but privately hoped for," said Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross. Unexpected, in part, because Natalie Muzzio's horse...

Lexington, KY - For the first time the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will send a full team and support staff to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship. The 120km race will run on December 10, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. There will be over 35 countries represented by 150 riders between the ages of 14-21. The event is sponsored by HH Sheik Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nayan and organized by Adnan Al Nuaimi and his staff. The team and the traveling reserve horse named to the...