SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – Heather Caristo-Williams has her sight firmly on redemption in this year’s $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final after an unlucky rail in the first round of the 2013 Final. A Saugerties local, Caristo-Williams and Cornetto Royal are back in top contention after winning the $5,000 Devoucoux Hunter Prix qualifier this weekend. “Cornetto Royal’s first experience in the hunter ring was during last year’s hunter prix qualifiers,” said...

SAUGERTIES, NY – Darragh Kenny first saw Alpha VDL at the VDL Sport Horse Auction in Florida two years ago, and instantly knew he wanted to ride the then 7-year- old Dutch Warmblood gelding. Kenny had to be patient however, until this past January, for his wish to come true. The pair was quick to find their way to the top, winning the $50,000 Grand Prix during Week V at HITS before topping the field in Darragh Kenny’s partnership with Alpha VDL may not have come as soon as he would have...

Gladstone, N.J. – The final day of the George H. Morris Gladstone Program came to a conclusion today at the USET Foundation Headquarters at Hamilton Farms. Legendary horseman, George Morris, pushed the 10 riders to their fullest potential in the flat and gymnastics phases, being as forward as the seat he advocates. The riders were tested through training in classical dressage, as well as over a full course featuring a water jump, liverpool, airy verticals, and a dodgy triple combination....

Saumur, France - As anticipated Pierre Michelet’s technical cross country track proved extremely influential on Saturday at the Saumur CCI3* as the leaderboard saw a great shake-up. Of the 69 competitors to start the second phase of competition, 45 completed. Including Land Rover Competition Grant recipients Doug Payne and Crown Talisman who maintained their top 10 position heading into the show jumping. Payne (Apex, N.C.) and his own and Larry and Amelia Ross’ 11-year-old...

SAUGERTIES, NY – Peter Leone put the antics of nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, My Pleasure, to good use on Friday when he jumped to win the first of 16 grand prix offered during the 2014 HITS Saugerties Spring Circuit – the $25,000 SmartPakGrand Prix, presented by Zoetis. ©ESI Photography Asia Manning of HITS presented winner’s honors, including a Horze Equestrian cooler, to Peter Leone and My Pleasure after their win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis....

Saumur, France - The rain that has plagued much of the week at the Saumur CCI3* continued on Friday but the two U.S. entries were undeterred as they slotted into the top 10 at the completion of the first phase. Land Rover Competition Grant recipient, Doug Payne, leads the American effort standing fourth heading into the cross country, with Elisabeth Halliday-sharp lying eighth after the dressage. Doug Payne and Crown Talisman (Eric Knoll) Payne (Apex, N.C.) and his own and Larry and Amelia...

Lexington, Ky. - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named three drivers to the Team and one Individual to represent the United States at the 2014 FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships for Singles in Sandringham, Great Britain, June 27-29. The following drivers have been named to the U.S. Team for the 2014 FEI World Para Equestrian Driving Championships for Singles (listed in Alphabetical Order): Virginia (Boo) Fitch (Penhook, Va.) will drive her own Kiko. Kiko is 2003...

Armed Forces Day attendees (Photo by Alexandra Kinney) Wylie, Texas - On May 17, 2014, the first Wounded Warrior Introductional Seminar at North Texas Equestrian Center in Wylie, TX, occurred. It was Armed Forces Day, a chance to honor all those who serve or have served. This seminar was an opportunity to reach out to veterans to educate them about a Paralympic sport whose roots are deeply connected to the military. In attendance at the event were veterans and their family members, USO...

Orchard Hills Dragonflyy in his winning "Best Young Pony" presentation (The Book LLC) Devon, P.A. - While junior competitors showed their equitation in Devon's famous Dixon Oval, the young hunter ponies competed in-hand in the Gold Ring on Thursday. The ponies showed in their respective age groups divided by gender, and the top ponies of all ages were then judged together for championship honors. The Best Young Pony was ultimately crowned overall. The Hunter Pony Championship for Fillies...

Lexington, Ky. - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named 16 endurance horse-and-athlete combinations to the Long List for 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. All combinations will be required to demonstrate continued preparation, soundness, and ability by attending one Fitness and Soundness Assessment. More information about these assessments will be available on USEF.org as it becomes available. The following 16 combinations have named to the Long List (in alphabetical...