The 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which kicks off with preliminary classes at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva tomorrow (Wednesday), has been blown wide open by the late withdrawal of Ireland's Jessica Kuerten. When three-times champion Germany's Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, who gave birth to her first baby just six weeks ago, confirmed last week that she will not defend the title, then Kuerten's position as long-time favorite was further strengthened. But the Irish rider who topped...

McLain Ward and Sapphire Look to go One Better in 2010 (Shannon Brinkman/ USEF Archives) Lexington, KY - With 10 riders representing the United States at the 2010 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final (April 15-18), the American assault on Geneva looks very strong. Led by 2009 runner-up McLain Ward and his legendary Sapphire, the 34-year-old will look to go one better in Switzerland than they did in Las Vegas one year ago. Fortunately, they won't have the fleet-footed Shutterfly to chase as the defending...

The inaugural $5,000 American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF) World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Handy Hunter Classic was well received and was a highlight event on April 3rd at the Tampa Bay Classic held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Samantha Schaefer and Bishonen, owned by Mariana Wade, led the field from start to finish winning out of a field of the top professional, emerging professional, amateur-owner, and junior hunter riders with her two-round total of 171. In her first round...

More than 50 of the world’s top performers and clinicians will showcase their talents and expertise during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Entertainment, demonstrations, clinicians and lecturers will delight and educate spectators in the Equine Village of the Games grounds each day during the 16 days of the Games, which take place at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10, 2010. The Equine Village daily acts and 40-plus exhibits will be available with a Grounds...

Horse TV's H-Span launches its "State of the Games" programming series, in association with the World Games 2010 Foundation, providing periodic updates, interviews and discussions along with question-and-answer sessions for the organizers, officials and others. Each show is an hour long and is filmed in different locations in both a "Town Hall" and "Round Table" style setting with a variety of guests, including officials and celebrities. The series is designed to enable the top officials...

The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) came to an end on Sunday, April 4, and Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is proud to congratulate all of the Circuit Champions for the 2010 season. ESP is also thrilled with the many accomplishments that were made throughout the 2010 season and look forward to continued improvements during the summer months to make the 2011 Winter Equestrian Festival an unparalleled equestrian destination. Throughout the 12 weeks of competition, almost $6 million...

Photo by Anne Gittins (Jeffery Welles and Armani) It was with speed and grace that Jeffery Welles was able to capture Saturday night's victory with his top mount, Armani, during a three-horse jump-off. The pair raced through the finish line in 44.36 seconds after completing a clear short course during the 2010 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G & C Farm, at Raymond James Stadium. Peter Leone tried to catch his time with Select, who also left all the rails intact, but the...

On Saturday, May 8, during the 43rd annual Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) National Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, a question-and-answer session, sponsored by Campus Equestrian and featuring a panel of collegiate coaches ready to answer your questions about riding, horses, and college competition, will be offered immediately following the championship’s most anticipated hunter seat class of the year, the IHSA Cacchione Cup. “This is a real opportunity, not...

Many of the country's top horses and riders will once again return to Chicago to compete at Showplace Production's horse shows this year as pursuit of the coveted $60,000 Showplace Leading Rider Series begins for the 2010 season. Returning for its fourth consecutive year, the Leading Rider Series has made an exciting addition to its lineup this year, adding six divisions of leading hunter awards along with the previous jumper honors.The 2010 Leading Rider Series will offer $32,500 in jumper...

The Kentucky Cup Dressage Test Event in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is gearing up to be a spectacular showcase of top level dressage. The test event, to be held April 19-22 in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, is in preparation for the Games which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 25-October 10. Riders and horses from eight countries will be competing at the Kentucky Cup including Michelle Gibson, who with her mount Peron...