Aaron Vale piloted Palm Sunday to the top of the leader board, scoring the quickest of only three double-clear efforts during the $25,000 Tampa Bay Welcome Stake (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Tampa, FL - In a speedy fashion, Aaron Vale piloted Palm Sunday to victory under the spotlights during the $25,000 Tampa Bay Welcome Stake at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. The anticipation was tangible as eight riders moved into the heated jump-off this evening. Riders fought a battle to the top as they tried...

Lake Placid, NY – The 44th annual Lake Placid Horse Shows will be returning to the quaint village of Lake Placid, NY, June 25-July 7, 2013 with non-stop equestrian action! Located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountain region, the nationally regarded two-week horse show series presented by Sea Shore Stables, LLC will host all levels of competition ranging from young children on ponies to grand prix competitors and Olympic medalists, all competing for over $535,000 in prizes. “We work...

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl won the $50,000 CSI2* Live Oak International on Saturday, March 23, at the CSI2* Live Oak International in Ocala, FL. (Mark Astrom) Ocala, FL – Todd Minikus of Wellington, FL, made it three for three, winning the $50,000 CSI2* Live Oak International Grand Prix on Saturday, March 23, in Ocala, FL. The only equestrian event in North America to feature both world-class driving and show jumping, the Live Oak International takes place at Live Oak Plantation from...

Sizzle and Lissa Brazeal (Anne Gittins Photography) Wellington, FL - Lissa Brazeal and her eight-year-old Hanoverian gelding Sizzle took home championship honors in the Adult Amateur 36-50 Section A Hunter division during week nine of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Brazeal, of Delray Beach, FL, and Sizzle were leading the division after day one of competition when the pair placed third under saddle and second and first over fences. Day two, the pair secured victory with a second place...

I am thrilled to say the Cowboy Dressage Judges Orientation was a huge success on Friday, February 15th in Medford, OR. A stellar cast of presenters spoke on various topics to fifty plus attendees, most of whom were women. I was surprised there were not more men since it is Cowboy Dressage, but was very happy to see that at least seven states were represented including two individuals from as far away as Wisconsin. Beginning with the video called “From Then to Now” and proceeding to...

Four NCEA matchups over President’s Day weekend yielded two razor thin victories and two blow outs. Thursday’s matchup between No.2 Auburn and No.4 South Carolina was arguably the most exciting of the spring season thus far. My recap of that and the other NCEA matches from the weekend is below. No.2 Auburn University def. No.4 South Carolina University 10-9 Indy Roper, shown here riding Glenda, set an SEC season high score in reining to help lead the Tigers over the Gamecocks 10-9...

Avery Hinson and Rio's Reflection (Anne Gittins Photography) Wellington, FL - Avery Hinson of New Albany, OH, bested a class of 29 junior riders during Saturday's Taylor Harris Insurance Service's (THIS) National Children's Medal class during week five of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Hinson led the class with her twelve-year-old Warmblood gelding, Rio's Reflection, with a score of 87 points. Maria Moore finished second aboard Angela Moore's...

Liza Boyd and Fieona (Anne Gittins Photography) Wellington, FL - Liza Boyd of Camden, SC, started her season at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) with big wins in the Gold Coast High Performance Working Hunter Division. Boyd was champion with Jack Towell and Kelly Maloney's Fieona and also took home reserve honors on Janet Peterson and Finally Farm's Quatrain. Boyd and Fieona, a nine-year-old Oldenberg mare, placed third under saddle and first in both over fences...

Todd Flettrich and Danseur Wellington, FL - The field for World Dressage Masters (WDM) CDI5* Palm Beach is almost set, and it is full of top dressage riders from around the globe. Thursday's Wellington Classic Dressage Sunshine Challenge Grand Prix CDI3* represents the last opportunity to join the field: 13 horses will vie for the remaining two spots. But after Wednesday's jog for the CDI3*, one of those 13 may have already lost his chance. Hopeful competitors presented the horses...

Lexington, KY- The dressage world turns its focus to Wellington, Florida this week as many top competitors from throughout the world wi Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 (SusanJStickle.com) ll go head-to-head at the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach presented by Wellington Classic Dressage. This prestigious event will take place once again at the Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, January 24-26. The United States has a strong presence in this year’s competition as five Americans...