McLain Ward and Zander jumped their way to a win in the $75,000 AIG Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties this weekend (©ESI Photography) Saugerties, NY - McLain Ward’s mount Zander proved that he is coming into his own in the grand prix ring on Sunday. The nine-year-old gelding was purchased by Ward of Brewster, New York and Grant Road Partners a year and a half ago and picked up several respectable wins over the last year, the most recent being this weekend’s $75,000...

As you know I occasionally receive a story from a Western Dressage rider and this week I would like to share with you the story behind a beautiful magazine cover photo that appeared recently in Paint Horse Journal and which featured coverage of Western Dressage. The photo was of Katrina Sanders and her Paint horse Pirate. Here is what Katrina shares with western dressage enthusiasts this week: “Thank you so much for offering to feature my photo in your blog! I am honored and so grateful...

Brittini Raflowitz cleaned up Chicago on the final day of Equifest I with the $7,500 Cavalor High Junior/Amateur-Owner victory aboard Zacca Zoeloe, riding to the second place with KT Undercover (Ashley N. Williams) Wayne, IL - The final day of Equifest I opened to cloudless skies and strong jumper competition as the Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumpers took the spotlight in the Grand Prix Arena at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Brittini Raflowitz rode to her fourth major win of the week, this...

Ammeretto and David Beisel (Tricia Booker Photography) Traverse City, MI - David Beisel and Ammeretto saved their best for last. After winning the first class they contested during the 2013 Horse Shows by the Bay Series on July 4, they finally picked up their second blue ribbon today during the $30,000 D-Braider Cherry Capital Classic Grand Prix. "It was worth the wait, for sure," said Beisel, who also notched his first grand prix win aboard the 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion (Numero...

Shane Sweetnam and Fineman (Shawn McMillen) Lexington, KY - The Rolex Stadium was full of excited spectators as they gathered on Hats Off Day to watch the country's top horse and riders compete during the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix. The international riders gave them exactly what they were looking for: an exciting tiebreaker between five-horse and rider combination dashing to the finish. In the end it was Ireland's Shane Sweetnam and his new mount Fineman that led the victory...

Hillary Simpson guided Arkansas to victory in the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grad Prix, on Saturday, July 27, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. (David Mullinix Photography) East Dorset, VT - Arkansas’ racing days may be far behind him, but he is still quite the speed demon. Hillary Simpson piloted the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding to victory in the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix Saturday afternoon at the Vermont Summer Festival. Simpson was only one of two double clear...

Pablo Barrios and Zara Leandra won Thursday's $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic (Rebecca Walton) Lexington, KY - Following his win in Thursday night's $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, Pablo Barrios has leapt to the top of the leader board for the 2013 Hagyard Challenge Series. Barrios and his talented mare Zara Leandra were the winners of the first class in May, and with a speedy clear round during Thursday's event they bested a 15-horse jump-off for another victory. Richie Moloney...

Katie Ruppel and Houdini (USEA) The Adequan USEA Gold Cup CIC3* kicked off Friday at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana with some beautiful tests ridden in perfect weather conditions. Warm sunshine, little to no humidity, and gentle breezes allowed the riders to coax the very best out of their horses. The Event at Rebecca Farm is also one of the PRO Tour Series events with riders and horses competing for points on the PRO leaderboards. Katherine Groesbeck and Oz Proof of Purchase...

Brett Burlington and Quigley (Emily Riden) Lexington, KY - Brett Burlington and Quigley picked up the right lead canter out of a line-up and cantered straight to the top of the leader board in the THIS National Children's Medal Friday at the Kentucky Horse Park. Out of a field of 35 talented young riders, Burlington was one of four to return to test for the top honors in the equitation class held as part of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, running now through Sunday, July 28. Following the...

Molly Mcadow and Barina captured the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby victory at Equifest I (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Wayne, IL - It was a day to remember for Molly Mcadow as she laid down the winning rounds during the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Lamplight Equestrian Center was packed with exhibitors and spectators for the third day of Equifest I, and although the skies were gray and torrents of rain poured down from above, the derby contenders were not deterred. Mcadow led the victory...