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...

From left to fight: Craig Collins, Equestrian Management Group; MPP Sylvia Jones (Dufferin-Caledon); Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games; Ian Troop, Chief Executive Officer for TO2015; Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport); MP David Tilson (Dufferin-Caledon); Regional Councillor Richard Whitehead of Town of Caledon; and Mike Gallagher, President of Equine Canada (ShootPhoto.ca) Palgrave, Ontario - Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, Ontario, was the...

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) are partnering to sponsor a program that will reward participants competing Thoroughbreds on the Eventing circuit in New York in 2012. Called Career2, the initiative will promote the retraining of retired Thoroughbred racehorses for second careers in Eventing, a sport best described as an equestrian triathlon featuring dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The New York circuit is...

Lauren Barwick (CAN) and Off To Paris Champion High Point Rider at HDS CPEDI3* (Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall) Katy, TX - April 29, 2012 - The final day of the Houston Dressage Society (HDS) Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* concluded with the Freestyle Test competition and presentation of the Para-Equestrian accolades. The HDS Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* was sponsored by The COR Group and ran concurrently with the CDI3* and CDI1* sponsored by the North Texas Equestrian Center. Over three...

Chef d'Equipe Missy Ransehousen and Lateran (Lindsay Y. McCall) Katy, TX - April 26, 2012-The inaugural day of the Houston Dressage Society Spring Classic I & II CPEDI3* kicked off with the FEI Para-Equestrian Jog. Fifteen horse and rider combinations stepped forward to be evaluated under FEI Veterinarian Dr. Mike Tomlinson and Technical Delegate Carlos Lopes, FEI "4*", FEI PE "5*" (POR). Every Para-Equestrian horse passed the veterinary check securing each of their times for Friday's...

Winners from NAJYRC 2011 (Brant Gamma) Lexington, KY - Less than four months before the Opening Ceremonies for the 2012 Championships planning is already well underway. Five disciplines (a total of 9 championships for juniors and young riders) will take part in the only FEI Championship to be held annually in North America. This year the event will run July 17-22, 2012. Schedule: The Tentative Competition Schedule for competitors is available here: https://www.youngriders.org/Schedule.aspx and...

Lexington, KY - The nation's top saddle seat riders will compete in the 2012 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team Selection Trials held at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri on March 31, 2012 in hopes of earning a spot on the 2012 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team. The Saddle Seat World Cup consists of a three-gaited and a five-gaited competition. At these Trials five team members and one alternate will be selected for each team. Athletes selected will represent the United States in...

Jennifer Alfano & Jersey Boy- USHJA International Hunter Derby (©Flashpoint Photography) Green Cove Springs, FL - The Jacksonville Winter Series wrapped up its three week run on January 29th with the naming of Circuit Champions and a lot of fond memories for those attending. Alexis Newman of the North Florida Hunter Jumper Association summed up the series, “We enjoyed a fantastic three weeks of shows that were marked with great exhibitor parties, superb competition, wonderful...

Nomination Program brings nearly $375,000 more to the Derby! Oklahoma City, Okla . - The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors recently discussed major changes to the 2012 NRHA Derby (June 25-30 in Oklahoma City, Okla.). These changes and enhancements for 2012 include massive increases in added money due to the NRHA Nomination Program, an increase in the number of Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro finalists and granting five- and six-year-olds the ability to compete for...

Debbie Stephens and Swagger (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - Week three of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival started with a day full of competition, and the main class in the International Arena was the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Debbie Stephens of Palmetto, FL, was victorious on Swagger, owned by Centennial Farm. Week three of the FTI WEF runs Wednesday, January 25, through Sunday, January 29, and is sponsored by Horseware Ireland. The highlight jumper classes in week three are...