Rich Fellers and Flexible were on top of their game Friday in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Thermal. They topped an impressive field of 58 for the win (Flying Horse Photography) Thermal, Calif. - Rich Fellers of Wilsonville, Oregon and the famed Flexible climbed the ranks at HITS Thermal on Friday to win the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, over a field of 58 starters. Earlier this year, the fate of 2012 USEF International Horse of the Year...

University of South Carolina junior Katherine Schmidt finished the regular season with a 21-2-1 hunt seat record, including a perfect 12-0 record in equitation over fences. Martin, Tenn. - No. 1 ranked South Carolina won 3-of-4 MVPs and overpowered Tennessee-Martin in its regular season finale on Saturday, as the Gamecocks defeated the Skyhawks, 13-7, at the Ned McWherter Agricultural Pavilion. South Carolina (11-2 overall, 4-2 SEC) wraps up the regular season with a program best 11-wins. "Very...

This weekend, the Red Hills International Horse Trials is featuring the first Adequan USEA Gold Cup qualifier for the 2014 calendar year. In anticipation of an exciting year for the Gold Cup series, the USEA has adjusted the qualification requirements for the series Championships at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas. In response to requests from Advanced-level competitors, the USEA will allow qualified riders to compete any Advanced-level horse in the Championships. Any rider that has...

Joao Castro and Quarelly (Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group) Wellington, Fla. - Sometimes it can be hard for young riders to find backers, but famed equestrian Nelson Pessoa was happy to step up to the plate with 23-year-old Stephen Barcha. The talented Brazilian rode Ad Jacpote to the first place finish in the Wellington Turf Tour 1.40m Grand Prix at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. They swept away the competition with a brilliant jump off in 34.115 seconds. Out of a field of 50 riders,...

Darragh Kenny and Quiz (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla. - The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) kicked off its ninth week of competition on Wednesday, March 5, with a $34,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m speed class and a top finish for Ireland's Darragh Kenny aboard Quiz. FTI WEF week nine, sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, continues through Sunday, March 9. Thursday's competition will begin with the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m in the International Arena at 8 a.m. followed...

Minneapolis, Minn. - The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America (WPCSA) held its 2014 Annual General Meeting over the weekend of February 22-23, 2014 in Minneapolis, MN. The cold weather around the country may have created travel difficulties but attendees received a warm welcome from the Welsh of Minnesota! Society members from across the United States joined in in Society business and committee meetings, award banquets and presentations. The WPCSA Election Results The membership elected to...

Shelburne, Vt - Lots of Morgan fun and excitement took place at the 2014 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Annual Convention. This annual gathering of Morgan members and enthusiasts took place February 20-22 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Some of the highlights of the three-day convention included a tour of the North Carolina State vet school followed by a visit to Tara Farm, and popular seminars included a three-part marketing seminar with Doug Emerson, "The Profitable Horseman," and "What...

Jordan Coyne and Lazaro jump to a win in the $50,000 Ring Power Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Ocala (ESI Photography) Ocala, Fla. - With the qualifying stakes high for the Great American $1 Million Prix, one might think it a little daunting for a young rider to face a strong field of competitors, including multiple grand prix winners and professionals. Not when you’re Jordan Coyne of New Port Richey, Florida. Under the tutelage of trainer Derek Petersen, Coyne qualified both of...

Bristol made a splash when he got back to the show ring after several months off with Rusty Stewart in the irons. The pair won the $50,000 Horze Equestrian Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Thermal this weekend (Flying Horse Photography) Thermal, Calif. - Rusty Stewart, who hails from Camarillo, California, has rested his longtime grand prix mount Bristol since the end of last season, but returned to competition on the highest of notes this weekend at HITS Thermal. Stewart and the...

Evi Strasser and Rigaudon Tyme (SusanJ.Stickle.com) Wellington, Fla. - The FEI Intermediaire Freestyle was seen later in the afternoon, with Canadian Evi Strasser besting the class with Rigaudon Tyme and a score of 72.208%. Second place went to Gabriela Stumpf (AUT) and Finally Love, who finished with a 68.125%. Amy Walker-Basak (USA) and Wagner were third with a 64.917%. Strasser's scores have steadily increased throughout the weekend before her win on Sunday. Strasser explained the trip...