The first in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder My first pony ride was in 1967. I was 18 months old. It must have stuck with me because I rode horses forever after that. I have been a professional in the equestrian industry since 1989 and my parents have supported my horseback riding activities all my life. Recently, seeking that formerly ever present support, I shared with my mom my desire to get involved in Western Dressage. Imagine my surprise when she exclaimed “Western...

Calgary, AB - The 2012 Spruce Meadows ‘National’ tournament concludes on a blustery, but very exciting day. 26,492 spectators braved the wind to cheer on their favourite competitors in the $40,000 ATCO Structures and Logistics Double Slalom. In a sudden-death style competition, 32 horse/rider combinations raced against each other until a final two remained. Robert Whitaker (GBR) emerged victorious, winning each of his five rounds aboard his 9 year old Warmblood gelding, Waterstone....

Calgary, AB - The sun was shining on the Spruce Meadows International ring for day two of the 2012 National Tournament. With $32,000 on the line in the 1.45 meter ATCO Pipelines Cup, 67 horse/rider combinations took to the field. 11 riders made it through to the jump off on the 500 meter Guilherme Jorge (BRA) designed course with 15 jumping efforts. After a fast paced jump off, Richard Spooner (USA) rode into the winners circle aboard the 11 year old Dutch Warmblood mare Billy Bianca. Although...

Jonathan Holling of the United States riding Downtown Harrison won the dressage phase of the CCI3* division of the VOLVO CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event on June 7 in Bromont, Quebec. (Cealy Tetley, www.tetleyphoto.com) Bromont, Quebec – The Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, began with dressage competition on Thursday, July 7 in Bromont, Quebec. The 26th edition of the Volvo CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event is the final North American outing for athletes seeking a...

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard (Susan J. Stickle) Lexington, KY - With six USEF National Dressage Championships and selection for U.S. Dressage Team for the 2012 Olympic Games on the line, the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions promises to deliver excellent competition this year. Running over two weeks June 8-10 and June 14-17, the best dressage combinations from ponies to Grand Prix will be vying for National titles. The USET Foundation Headquarters plays host to the prestigious event in...

Louise Serio and Corvine continue to lead the $15,000 Hallway Feeds Leading Rider Bonus standings as of Saturday, May 19, 2012, during the second derby in the series, held during the Kentucky Spring Classic. (Shawn McMillen Photography/PMG) Lexington KY - Professional rider Louise Serio continues to hold the lead after the second part of the 2012 $45,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby came to a conclusion on Saturday, May 19, 2012 during the Kentucky Spring Classic. The Hallway Feeds...

North Salem, NY - McLain Ward, Brewster, NY, and Grant Road Partners’ Zander captured the top prize in the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix Sponsored by the Kincade Group to cap off two weeks of competition at the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows in North Salem, NY. A total of 10 horse-and-rider combinations from the starting field of 33 qualified for the jump-off. Cara Raether, North Palm Beach, FL, and Trelawny Farm’s Lyonell were the first to go and took the lead with a clear round in...

Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra won the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Classic. (Rebecca Walton/PMG) Lexington, KY - It was a very exciting night for Ireland's Richie Moloney as he captured his first international grand prix victory, riding Slieveanorra during the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix at the Kentucky Spring Classic. The talented duo have been runner up on numerous occasions, even placing third during Thursday's $32,000 Hagyard Lexington...

Lourdes de Guardiola and Autumn Rhythm won the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Spring Classic. (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Lexington, KY - The $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby saw nothing short of fierce competition this evening in the Stonelea Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. It was Lourdes de Guardiola and Autumn Rhythm who rode to the top of the leader board with two fantastic rounds, catching the judges' eyes and being dually rewarded for their...

Paige Johnson and Monopoly won the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers at the Kentucky Spring Classic. (Rebecca Walton/PMG) Lexington, KY - Today, the amateur and junior jumper riders had the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Kentucky Horse Park's Rolex Stadium during the Kentucky Spring Classic. Topping the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, Paige Johnson piloted Monopoly to a double-clear victory, and also claimed third with her second mount Amagedon 3. Meagan Nusz slid into third aboard Banana...