Reid Patton and Sincere (E.Riden/Phelps Media Group) Lexington, Ky. - - After an extremely successful junior career, Reid Patton has found continued success - and a more relaxed atmosphere - in a new division: the Amateur-Owner 18-35 3'3" Hunters. She dominated the division Friday at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, sweeping the over fences classes and finishing second under saddle with her own Sincere. "The transition to the amateurs has actually been great," Patton said. "The juniors were...

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...

Traverse, Mich. - Redemption was the name of the game during the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Walgreens, the featured hunter class on July 25 during Horse Shows by the Bay Series IV. Molly Ashe and Kennzo had returned to the Traverse City show this year as the defending champions in the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by The Gochman Family, held during Series III. An unfortunate rail in the Classic Hunter Round, however, cut short their time in the show...

Ashton Alexander & Cafe de Colombia (Captured Moments Photography) Lexington, Ky. – The best junior riders attended the 2014 US Junior Hunter National Championship West Coast July 21-22 in hopes of being crowned the Overall Grand Champion. Over two days of tough competition at the Del Mar Horsepark in Del Mar, Calif., riders competed in three phases: Classic Round, Under Saddle, and Handy Hunter. The Under Saddle phase counts for 20% of the rider's overall score, while both the...

Lisa Goldman & Morocco (Tricia Booker Photography) Traverse City, Mich. - Lisa Goldman is now two-for-two in the featured jumper classes so far during Horse Shows by the Bay Series IV, July 23-27. After taking the blue ribbon yesterday with Centurion B in the $2,500 1.40m Open Jumper Speed class, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone, she returned today with Morocco for the top check in the $10,000 Positive Step Farm Welcome Prix. With 11 of the 23 competitors jumping first-round...

Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra (Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group) Lexington, Ky. - Pablo Barrios will soon be crowned king of the Kentucky Horse Park, and Zara Leandra will be his queen. Tonight, the dynamic duo notched yet another $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic victory. The Venezuelan native won both of the events during the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, and that was following his domination of the series in 2013. It appears to be a repeat year, as Barrios grabs a firmer hold on the 2014...

The Plains, Va. - Great Meadow is set to host elite eventing combinations July 26th and 27th as the Squad for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and alternates take part in their official Preparation Event. The U.S. combinations will be joined Canadian horses and riders as they too will use the weekend to fine tune performances in the lead up to Normandy. Dressage will take place Saturday morning, with all combinations coming back in the evening to...

Café de Colombia and Ashton Alexander (Captured Moments Photography) Del Mar, Calif. - Directly after wrapping up the final jumper classes on Sunday of the Showpark Summer Festival, the striped poles were set aside to welcome a prestigious annual event. Decorated flower boxes, walls, rolltops and such were carefully set on the gorgeous grand prix field in preparation for the 2014 US Junior Hunter National Championship, West Coast, on Monday morning. With three phases over two days, Monday...

Devon, Pa. - Since 1978 more and more spectators, riders and trainers have enjoyed Dressage with the Experts. This year an over-ear style personal receiver allows you to follow all the commentary of some of the foremost experts in the world of dressage. Listen as they comment and give personal opinion and insight into the horse and rider during their performances. For only $35 (pre-ordered) or $40 on the day of the show, you get a behind the scenes perspective exclusive only to those with a...

Todd Minikus and Arino Du Rouet jump to their second HITS Saugerties win this year in the $50,000 Horze Equestrian Grand Prix presented by Zoeti (ESI Photography) Saugerties, N.Y . - Todd Minikus knows when the likes of McLain Ward, Ronan McGuigan and Laura Chapot follow him in a jump-off, winning will be no easy feat. He proved twice-over, however, that while a fight against some of the greats is a challenge, he is up to the task. Minikus bested a star-studded order on Sunday to collect first...