The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced that Henk van Bergen has signed on to be the featured presenter at the 2009 Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference to be held January 18-19, 2009, in Loxahatchee, FL. Each year, USDF offers a trainers’ conference to those individuals who meet the attendee criteria to learn training techniques and study with a world-class dressage trainer. Born as the son of a baker in Nijmegen, Holland, van Bergen started his career as a groom at the...

Lexington, KY -The countdown is almost over. There is only one more qualifier for the 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach left for riders to win their ticket to the USEF National Championship. The final qualifying competition is at Syracuse, NY at the CNYRHA Ride and Slide June 7th. The National Reining Breeders Classic hosted a 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach qualifier on April 18th in Katy, TX....

Chicago 2016, the organization bidding for the privilege to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, announced that Tempel Farms, an internationally renowned equestrian facility in Lake County, IL, will be the proposed site for the Olympic Equestrian Complex. Tempel Farms is well known to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and its participation is expected to strengthen Chicago’s concept for the Games significantly. Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Pat Ryan said, “This is a great day for...

Young Horse Finals were featured on the closing day of the 12-week CN Winter Equestrian Festival, presented by Zimmerman Advertising, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. As she had done throughout the circuit, Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ, continued to dominate the young jumper division. The $20,000 Seven- and Eight-Year-Old Young Jumper Final was the featured class in the International Arena on Sunday, April 6, attracting a total of 48 entries. From the original starting...

This morning we are pleased to see more incremental progress with Laine’s lung injury. While she remains on the ventilator, she is beginning to take some breaths on her own. Her vital signs are also improving. Her fever, while still high, is down to a less critical level. Her blood pressure, which has been running low, is beginning to rise up to a more acceptable level and her blood oxygenation saturation is very good (meaning that her lungs are performing their primary function of distribution...

Lexington, KY – After five second place finishes with five different horses at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Phillip Dutton and Connaught (Mike McNally) Event Presented by Farnam, Phillip Dutton brought last year’s runner-up, Connaught, back to the Kentucky Horse Park and won convincingly with a masterful clear round in the show jumping. The 15-year-old Irish Thoroughbred gelding, who is owned by Dutton’s longtime supporter Bruce Duchossios, put together three impressive phases...

Lexington, KY ­– Becky Holder made it very clear that she was not relinquishing her grasp on the top spot at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event as she flew around the cross-country course with Courageous Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (Mike McNally) Comet. “He was foot perfect.” said Holder after her round. “He was just absolutely on his game for every minute of it.” The 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding flashed the turn of foot that made him a success...

Lexington, KY - Thursday’s dressage winner Becky Holder got a run for her money early on and an assault continued on her score of 39.3 all day but no one was able to top her effort with Courageous Comet. They Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (Mike McNally) remain the only pair under 40 at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Farnam. Two points separate the top three horses as they head to the cross country phase on Saturday. The third pair to go, Heidi White and Northern...

Lexington, KY - Becky Holder and Courageous Comet made it very clear from the first moment ‘Comet’ set foot in the Shelia C. Johnson Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park that they meant business in the dressage. Becky Holder and Courageous Comet Flash Their Winning Trot (Mike McNally) And business on the day of Holder’s 39th birthday meant a winning dressage mark at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Farnam. “I’m absolutely over the top,” said...

This year is well under way and plans for the 2008 Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Grand National show are already in the works. "Celebracion del Paso Fino" is the theme for Nationals this year. We all gather at the shows, participate in parades and trail rides, not only to see old friends and meet new people but to celebrate this wonderful breed. It is my hope that this year and every year will be about the grace, beauty and fire of the Paso Fino. Judges for the 2008 National Show are:...