Ocala, Fla. - Five days of FEI jumping classes boasting over $400,000 in prize money came to a close today at HITS Ocala CSIO4*, but not without a nail-biting finish in the $150,000 FEI Ocala Grand Prix. Laura Kraut of Wellington, Florida, aboard Cedric, owned by Cherry Knoll Farm, cruised through the jump-off besting six to take home the blue ribbon and this week’s largest individual purse. Featuring 15 efforts set at an impressive 1.60m, a field of 40 took on the course designed by...

The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team (USEF Archive) Ocala, Fla. – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team put forth a determined effort in Friday’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona at CSIO4* Ocala as they jumped to a second-place finish over Martin Otto’s 12-obstacle course. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the squad of international veterans finished on a score of eight faults over the two rounds, just four faults behind the winning Irish...

The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona (USEF Archive) Ocala, Fla. – Having drawn third in the order of six teams the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team is set for a strong performance in Friday’s Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona at CSIO4* Ocala. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the team of U.S. veterans looks earn valuable points in qualifying for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup...

Michael Murphy and Prem' Dollar Boy win the first 1.30-1.35m Jumpers (Shannon Bower/Phelps Media Group) Wellington, Fla. - The Ridge at Wellington's Turf Tour returned to the pristine polo fields of the International Polo Club (IPC) Palm Beach for another day of ideal weather, unparalleled footing and challenging competition. Michael Murphy, the leader of the first 1.30m-1.35m Jumper Class was spotted anxiously perched on the edge of his seat as the last horse of the day attempted Nick...

Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla. - The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) resumed with competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday after inclement weather forced the cancellation of Thursday's classes. The $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5, originally scheduled for Thursday, was held in the afternoon with a win for USA's Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof. Alexander Zetterman and Flecu...

Lars Petersen and Mariett (SusanJStickle.com) Wellington, Fla. - - Lars Petersen and Mariett won yet another "Friday Night Stars" FEI Grand Prix Freestyle at the 2015 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), this time in the CDI 5* competition presented by Diamante Farms. Petersen and Mariett scored a 79.175% for victory. Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 placed second with a 76.200% and Mikala Gundersen and My Lady came in third scoring a 75.725%, all riding in front of a completely packed...

Mark Bluman and VDL Vinzell (Shannon Bower/Phelps Media Group) Wellington, Fla. - The Ridge at Wellington's Turf Tour saw some of its biggest classes today travelling to the inaugural event at The Wanderers Club. Mark Bluman was the second ride in the first 1.30m-1.35m class on VDL Vinzell and posted the first double clean of the day, with at time of 29.412. His time held up for the entirety of the day, despite many close attempts to catch him. Alex Granato continued his winning streak...

Mia Farley and Fleeceworks Cinco (Kimberly Steinbuch) Lexington, Ky. – Participants selected for the 2015 Eventing 25 and Eventing 18 Programs prepared for the competition season by beginning the year with training sessions with USEF Eventing Developing Rider Coach Leslie Law. Making his debut in his new position, Law taught his first sessions at Tucalota Creek Ranch in Temecula, Calif., on January 11-15 for riders from the West Coast in both programs. Next heading to Meredyth South in...

Will Simpson jumped clear and fast to take first place on S.F. Arlantha (ESI Photography) Thermal, Calif. - Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson has virtually shut out the field of Grand Prix riders so far at HITS Desert Horse Park. Simpson, riding S.F. Ariantha, claimed his fifth consecutive victory with a first place finish in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Friday. S.F. Ariantha, a new mount for Simpson, is owned Olivia Cox-Fill. Thirty-five riders competed in the class and 11 returned for...

Emma Kurtz and Graffito (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla. - Saturday morning in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter ring, Emma Kurtz and Graffito kicked off hunter action on a positive note. The pair earned scores of 84 and 80 to finish first and second in the final two over fences classes of the Charleigh's Cookies Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under divsion. After two stellar jumping rounds, Graffito went on to win the under saddle and finish the day as champion. Giavanna Rinaldi and Bella Luna, owned by...