McLain Ward and Dulien Van De Smeets fly to a win (©ESI Photography) Saugerties, N.Y. - When McLain Ward climbed down from the tack of Dulien Van De Smeets after winning the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix presented by Zoetis, he didn’t look for congratulations, but marched straight to the mare’s owner, his godmother. Susie Heller stood clutching a winner’s trophy and was scooped up by Ward’s embrace. Every win is special, but this was divinely special. This week marked the...

Kathleen Raine and Breanna (Shannon Brinkman) Aachen, Germany - The U.S. riders continued to show strong form in CDI4* competition on Friday at CHIO Aachen as both riders landed in the top seven. The United States was represented by Kathleen Raine and Lisa Wilcox in the Lindt-Prize where 10 entries from seven countries performed the FEI Grand Prix Special. Raine (Murrietta, Calif.) and Jennifer Mason, Kathleen Raine, and David Wightman's 14-year-old Hanoverian mare, Breanna, earned a score...

The Woodside Vaulters (Dirk Caremans/Hippo Foto/Shannon Brinkman Photo) Aachen, Germany - The U.S. vaulters had a wonderful showing in the CVIO3*, part of the CHIO Aachen that took place July 11-13. Performing well in the Albert-Vahle-Arena in Aachen, Germany, the U.S. contingent had excellent rounds in the Squad and Pas de Deux competitions as well as respectable showings in the Individual divisions. In the CVIO competition, the U.S. came home with third-place honors. The Woodside Vaulters...

McLain Ward and Zander (Spruce Meadows Media Service) Calgary, Alberta. - Spruce Meadows held its $83,000 Investors Group Cup 1.50m competition on Saturday afternoon with another win for USA’s McLain Ward at the ‘Pan American’ Tournament CSI 5*. Ward took the top two places, winning aboard Zander and finishing second with HH Carlos Z. The rider has had a fantastic tournament to conclude the summer at Spruce Meadows and looks forward to competing Rothchild in Sunday’s...

Caitlin Bevins, 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final winner, riding The Wizard (Howard Schatzberg) Lexington, Ky. – A field of 10 competitors vying for the 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final title kicked off the evening session at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show on July 9. At the end of the class, held at the famous Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, Ky., history was made as Caitlin Bevins was named the winner of the 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult...

Ben Maher & Aristo Z (Stefano Grasso/LGCT) Paris, France - Friday evening’s feature class of the Longines Global Champions Tour Paris Eiffel Jumping presented by Gucci, the Prix du Qatar, was won by Ben Maher (GBR) and Aristo Z from the most difficult position in the draw, first to go in the jump-off. Second went to a very happy Abdelkebir Ouaddar (MAR) and Quickly de Kreisker, and third to Harrie Smolders (NED) and Don VHP Z. Uliano Vezzani’s first round design was a technical...

Eric Lamaze and Fine Lady 5 (Spruce Meadows Media Service) Calgary, Alberta - The Spruce Meadows 'North American' Tournament continued with wins for two of this summer's top riders as well as an exciting first for a young up-and-comer in the International Ring on Friday. Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Fine Lady 5 topped the $50,000 LaFarge Cup 1.50m, Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Chin Quidam VDL won the $33,500 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m, and Wilton Porter (USA) and Diamonte Darco were victorious in...

Chris Pratt and Vanotrouska (Captured Moments Photography) San Juan Capistrano, Calif. - On a beautiful day for a grand prix in Southern California, it was Chris Pratt and Vanotrouska (Luce del Sole, owner) for the win in the $30,000 Markel Insurance 1.40m Grand Prix. Second to last to go in the jump-off, Pratt slipped in a slick and smooth ride, narrowly beating the leading time. With twenty-six entries, nine were clean and five double clean. Second in the jump-off, Nathalie Manning and Con...

Richard Spooner and Cristallo (Spruce Meadows Media Services) Calgary, Alberta - Show jumping competition at the Spruce Meadows 'Canada One' Tournament continued on Thursday with a win for Richard Spooner (USA) and Cristallo in the $33,500 Cargill Cup 1.50m. The day's feature event in the Meadows on the Green, Spooner and Cristallo topped an eight-horse jump-off to beat out Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Fineman for top honors. Egypt's Nayel Nassar and Lordan made a big bid at the end...

Luhmuhlen, Germany - The United States produced strong performances in the first phase of competition at the Luhmuhlen CCI4* landing two riders in the top 12. Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4 scored 47.8 from the Ground Jury of Gillian Rolton, Ernst Topp, and Alain James and will head out onto Captain Mark Phillips’ cross country course in 12th place. Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4 (Stockimageservices.com) Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) has spent much of the...