Major equestrian competitions attended by U.S. athletes, both domestic and overseas, are listed in this weekly preview. Please look below to find competition listings by discipline* and breed. We hope you will follow the competitions that most interest you, but check Equestrian Weekly on Monday for a report of any top finishes by U.S. Equestrians. *lists of competitions in all international disciplines will include only FEI competitions or USEF Championships within the USA and international FEI...

Molly Cole and Newport were the WIHS Regional Horse Show Hunter Grand Champions. (Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.) Washington, D.C. - The 2012 WIHS Regional Horse Show & USHJA Zone 3 Finals will take place on October 19-21 at Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The show is now “C” rated by the USEF and offers fantastic competition for local riders. A very popular stop on the local horse show circuit, the WIHS Regional also offers an alternative way for area...

North Salem, NY - This year's American Gold Cup, underway now and running through Sunday at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, features as one of its beneficiaries, JustWorld International. A number of very special JustWorld activities will be highlighted throughout the weekend. JustWorld International works through the international equestrian community and its extensive networks to fund and sustain programs that provide basic needs to children with little opportunity to receive support...

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy win the $50,000 Chicago International Hunter Derby.(Aullmyn Photography) Antioch, IL - Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano have been red hot since their recent victory as the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals held in Kentucky last month. Their fire did not stop burning as they blazed the way to the top of the $50,000 Chicago International Hunter Derby, presented by Canadian National Railroad. Alfano and Jersey Boy not only took the first place prize, but...

Lexington, KY - All eyes will be on Lezirias, Portugal this weekend as the U.S. sends three drivers to the FEI World Driving Championships for Singles in hopes of adding to their 2012 medal tally. Just a month ago, the U.S. Four-in-Hand Driving team clinched Team Bronze with Chester Weber grabbing Individual Silver at the World Championships in Reisenbeck, Germany. The Singles World Championships looks to be the largest to date with 79 competitors from 22 nations set to compete September 13-16....

Calgary, Canada - The 2012 Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament had great significance for U.S. riders, as it was their final competition under the guidance of legendary Chef d’ Equipe George Morris. The prestigious competition is always a destination event for not only the best in North America but also draws top competitors from Europe. The signature classes of Spruce Meadows would once again draw a packed house of spectators, as horses and riders competed for top individual honors in...

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (Hannah Bennett/USEA Photo) Fairburn, GA - The Merial Advanced division at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Bit of Britain wrapped up today with the show jumping phase at Chattahoochee Hills. Mark Donovan's tough course had riders incurring numerous jump and time penalties with just five double clear rounds in the division. Becky Holder (Palmetto, GA) and Courageous Comet had one rail down but held onto their lead to win the...

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (Leslie Threlkeld/USEA Photo) Fairburn, GA - The cross country portion of the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Bit of Britain (AEC) took place today for the Merial Advanced division at the lovely facility of Chattahoochee Hills. Making the time on cross country proved to be a challenge on this hot and humid day as almost the entire field incurred time penalties except for two riders. Becky Holder (Palmetto, GA) was one of those riders,...

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...

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...