Bridgehampton, NY - Lillie Keenan rode her Londinium to a narrow victory in the $20,000 Hampton Classic Time Challenge at the 38th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show. Her time of 57.08 seconds barely eclipsed the time of Todd Minikus on Tuxedo, who stopped the clock in 57.51 seconds. Shane Sweetnam rode Cyklon 1083 to third place in 58.47 seconds. Keenan, 16, New York, N.Y., said she'd watched Minikus go on Tuxedo, and she knew that replicating his performance would be the key. Minikus went...

Last week I posted a virtual show entry video from an amazingly brave woman who continues to allow me to use her material for examples in this blog. Her courage and generosity inspire me and I hope that her open heart and willingness to be visible inspire you too. I hope that some of you readers are able to identify with her as a peer, a rider struggling to understand riding and training her stock horse and that you professionals at least respect her courage. Reaction to the video has been...

Jared Petersen and Titus 2:11 on their way to a win in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Culpeper (ESI Photography) Culpeper, VA - Twenty-one-year-old Jared Petersen of Archer, Florida and fellow Legacy Farm rider Jordan Coyne of New Port Richey, Florida went one-two in Sunday’s $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Culpeper, posting the only double clear rounds of the day. In a field that included grand prix veterans such as Laura Linback, Tracy...

Jill Knowles and C'est Si Bon (Emily Riden) Lexington, KY - In English the phrase "c'est si bon" translates to "it's so good." It's a fitting name for a horse who's Performance 3'6" Hunter rounds Thursday at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show were 'so good.' Jill Knowles and C'est Si Bon claimed the blue ribbon in the Performance 3'6" Handy Hunter class and the division championship Thursday, the second day of the 'AA' rated show running now through July...

McLain Ward and Love jumping their way to a win in the $50,000 Horze-Equestrian Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties (©ESI Photography) Saugerties, NY - Love conquered all this weekend at HITS Saugerties. McLain Ward and his new mount Love beat a star-studded crowd to pick up the top prize in the $50,000 Horze-Equestrian Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. After only two days in the country, Love – a nine-year-old Selle Francais import from France – arrived at...

Thanks to everyone who took the time to send emails to USEF and for sharing your thoughts and feelings about the direction Western Dressage should take. It is so important to hear and listen to different ideas from all directions as the discipline develops. At this point all there is to do is continue to ride and train and show, and most important, to have fun with our horses. With another show coming up this weekend for us, I have put a lot of thought into the questions the last show brought...

Tony Hitchcock of HITS presents Christine McCrea and Avenir with top honors after the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties (ESI Photography) Saugerties, NY - Excitement surrounding Week I of the HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Circuit reached a climax Friday afternoon when 26 riders took to the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium to get grand prix competition underway at HITS-on-the-Hudson with the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. Christine...

Lexington, KY - Competition began today at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. Twenty-two combinations rode their dressage tests in front of the Ground Jury of Nick Burton (GBR), Christina Klingspor (SWE), and Brian Ross (USA). Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Calico Joe took the early lead after scoring a 40.8. Nicholson rode a beautiful test, taking the lead during the morning session and never relinquishing it throughout the...

Lexington, KY- The first 2013 USEF Developing Dressage Training Session wrapped-up April 3rd, as riders gained valuable insight from USEF Developing Dressage Coach Debbie McDonald. On the first day of the two-day session, riders brought recent tests for review. The following day, combinations worked with McDonald to identify movements in the test that needed improvement or areas where greater points could be earned. The six combinations who took part in the USEF Developing Dressage Training...

Auburn, AL – No. 6 South Carolina captured the first-ever Southeastern Conference Equestrian Championship, defeating No. 2 Auburn, 10-8, on Saturday at the Auburn University Horse Center. The Gamecocks (8-6), the event’s No. 2 seed, defeated the top-seeded Tigers (11-3) 6-4 in hunter seat and tied 4-4 in western. South Carolina advanced to the championship round following a 10-7 win against third-seeded Georgia on Friday. Saturday’s SEC Equestrian Championship marked the first...