Laura Graves and Verdades (SusanJStickle.com) Caen, France - The U.S. Dressage Team closed out an extremely successful 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with two top 10 finishes in Friday’s Freestyle. Fifteen of the world’s best combinations headed into the d'Ornano Stadium to stake their claim on the final medals of the FEI World Dressage Championships. Laura Graves continued her meteoric rise to the top level of the sport by earning a fifth place finish on Friday...

Adequan U.S. Reining Squad member Troy Heikes (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Lil Gun Dunit, owned by Denise Bixler and Steve Tarani, competed in today’s Second Individual Qualifier and secured a spot in Saturday evening’s Individual Reining Final at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Earning a score of 220, the pair improved on its performance in Monday’s first round. Pleased with his ride, Heikes said, “It was much better than the other day. I kept showing him and he...

Caen, France – Adequan U.S. Reining Squad member Troy Heikes (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Lil Gun Dunit, owned by Denise Bixler and Steve Tarani, competed in today’s Second Individual Qualifier and secured a spot in Saturday evening’s Individual Reining Final at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Troy Heikes riding Lil Gun Dunit (Andrea Bonaga Photo) Earning a score of 220, the pair improved on its performance in Monday’s first round. Pleased with his ride, Heikes...

The second team rider for the U.S. Reining Team, Jordan Larson, followed Andrea Fappani's excellent leading ride with an impressive showing on HF Mobster. The pair scored a 221.0, and have put the U.S. team in the lead halfway through team competition. USEF has posted a video of Jordan & Mobster on Instagram .

This article was originally published at www.useventing.com . Michael Pollard and Mensa G. (Shannon Brinkman) After a very competitive weekend, Michael Pollard takes the spotlight and wins the Adequan USEA Gold Cup division at the Richland Park CIC***. Mensa G, a 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Andrea Leatherman, Nelson Leatherman, and Jeannine Gingras, had a foot-perfect cross-country round with only 2 time faults to end the weekend on a 51.6. “Mensa was perfect today,”...

Caroline Ingalls aboard Y2K (Captured Moments Photography) Del Mar, Calif. - The Showpark Summer Classic hosted the second rounds of the California Professional Horseman's Association (CPHA) Foundation Finals on Sunday, wrapping up the three sections of competition. Divided into 22 & over, 21 & under, and 14 & under age divisions, riders of all ages brought their medal finals game to Del Mar this weekend. Esteemed judges Robin Fairclough and Scott Williamson scored, tested and...

Christina Serio and Outsider on their way to a win in the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix win at HITS Culpeper (ESI Photography) Culpeper, Va. - Growing up under the tutelage of her mother Louise Warner Serio at Derbydown Farm, Chrissy Serio knows that while ribbons and prize money may be the end goal, consistency is the silver lining. “My mother always taught me to try and maintain solid rounds. That is exactly what Outsider had today,” said Serio after her $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter...

This article originally published at www.useventing.com . Emily Beshear and Shame on the Moon (Shannon Brinkman photo) Emily Beshear rose to the occasion today and produced one of only five double clear show jumping rounds in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Division at the Richland Park CIC***. Beshear and Deep Purple Eventing’s Shame on the Moon now stand at the top of the leaderboard with a 44.7 heading into tomorrow’s cross-country phase. “I was thrilled with her. [Show Jumping]...

John Perez and Utopia (Captured Moments Photography) San juan Capistrano, Calif. - On an idyllic Southern California afternoon, the $30,000 1.40m Markel Insurance Grand Prix, presented by Davidson Communities, welcomed twenty entries. With a mixed field of veterans, young horses and rookie grand prix riders, Jackie Leemon's expansive course challenged but didn't over face the competitors. In a jump-off of eleven horse and rider combinations, seasoned partners John Perez and Utopia rose...

David Beisel celebrates after a speedy round on Ammeretto (A. Glavan/Phelps Media Group) Lexington, Ky. - He may be the smallest horse in the class, but do not let his size fool you. The just barely 16 hand stallion Ammeretto is a fierce competitor with rider David Beisel, and he makes up for what he lacks in height and galloping speed with nimble turns. It was just such a turn that clinched the top spot in Sunday's $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi. Beisel was able...