Shawn Flarida and KR Lil Conquistador. Photo by Anthony Trollope. Lexington, KY - Cool and breezy weather provided a welcome change at the Kentucky Horse Park Thursday - perhaps the calm before the proverbial storm we'll see Friday and Saturday nights as the 2011 Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup gets ready to unleash a roster of star-studded talent in the Alltech Arena. Twenty horses were presented during Thursday's reining horse inspection at the Alltech Arena; all horses were accepted and...

During the Sponsor’s Welcome Party, Allison seemed to be on a roll. Not only did she pick up the prize for the Style Award for the best dressed woman at the first horse inspection for which she won a pair of new Dubarry boots. Later in the evening, she proved just how aligned the stars were for her when during the lucky draw for a new Rolex watch, she happened to win that, too! “So far, so good!” Allison laughed. “But, I do want to win one of these the hard way,...

Callan Solem was victorious in the $40,000 Grand Prix with Magic Cruise at HITS Culpeper. (Photo by Rebecca Walton/PMG). Culpeper, VA - Callan Solem took both first and second place in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday, April 24. Solem was the only rider to complete double-clear efforts in the Commonwealth National Park finale. The Chester Springs, PA-based rider advanced to the jump-off in the show's highlight event after riding fault-free first-rounds over Danny Foster's course...

Leipzig, Germany – Beezie Madden kicked off the 2011 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final with a win for the U.S. Wednesday morning in the Opening Competition. Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo bested the field of 24 as the only combination to jump faultlessly in the first round. Beezie Madden and Coral Reef Via Volo. (Photo by Rebecca Walton/PMG) Madden (Cazenovia, NY) was the first U.S. rider in the ring and set the tone immediately. The Belgian Warmblood mare owned by Coral Reef Ranch jumped...

One of the things I always find interesting during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (hencefo rth referred to as – RK3DE) is the first horse inspection, or the jog. Not just the presentation of the horses for the inspection, but on a more free-spirited level, I find it fun to see what the eventers wear. I think it says a bit about their personalities and what they seem to feel fits their own personal style. Take a look at Buck Davidson's bright red and yellow polka dot socks that he...

Eventing Tamra Smith stormed to victory with Mar de Amor by nearly 14 points in the CIC3* at the Twin Rivers Ranch in California. The pair won the dressage and never looked back, adding just a few time faults on both the cross country and the show jumping. Their final score was 53.6. Barbara Crabo and Eveready II were second on a score of 67.3 after picking up 13.6 time faults on the cross country, and Pam Fisher and Sea Lion rounded out the top three on the strength of a clear show jumping...

Wellington, FL - The Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) Spring Circuit held its sixth show on April 19-23 with a full schedule of hunter/jumper competition. The popular circuit featured three classes in the Spring 6 show: the $10,000 Pennfield Feeds Open Jumper Welcome Stake, the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Classic, and the $25,000 ESP Spring 6 Grand Prix. Victoria Colvin and Monsieur Reverdy. ManciniPhotos. Victoria Colvin and Monsieur Reverdy Up and coming jumper stars ruled the...

University of Kentucky Saddle Seat Team, 2011 ISSRA Champions. Photo by Tim Holahan. Morehead, KY - The Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA) hosted its 3rd National Championship Horse Show on April 3, 2011 at Morehead State University. Josie Forbes from Nicholasville, Kentucky served as the judge for the show. Riders from teams including Eastern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Morehead State University competed...

Lexington, KY - The United States will have strong representation in Germany for the 2011 FEI World Cup Finals (April 27-May 1), with 20 of the country's best riders ready to leave their mark on Leipzig. For the first time the World Cup Finals in dressage, driving, jumping and vaulting will all be held under one roof, with the US sending competitors to vie for top honors in the dressage and jumping. The US will also use the Leipzig Exhibition Hall to showcase up-and-coming jumping riders in...

Once an actual “village,” a series of buildings and stalls requiring 22 people to set up, the Paso Fino Village is now a miniature version of this extraordinary display. The Village is designed to give visitors an overview of the Paso Fino horse. Each year, the Village travels to horse expos, trade shows, fairs, rodeos and many other venues to promote the breed. Paso Fino owners, trainers, and breeders are always on hand to provide clarity and additional information about the Paso...