Lexington, KY - Shawn Flarida slid and spun to a strong lead in the Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championships after the first go at the AQHA Battle in the Saddle which is also serving as the USEF Selection Trial for the Adequan US Reining Team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Flarida (Springfield, OH) and RC Fancy Step scored 223.5 to take a clear lead over Craig Schmersal (Overbrook, TX) on Boom Shernic , and Andrea Fappani (San Marcos, CA) on Custom Legend who finished tied on 221.5....

Photo by Flashpoint Photography (Shakira do Jacare and owner Sarah Owen during the retirement ceremony.) Shakira do Jacare, the brilliant 14-year-old Brazilian-bred chestnut mare owned by Sarah Owen and Muny Sunk Stables officially retired from the sport of show jumping in an emotional ceremony during the 2010 Atlanta Summer Classics. Dubbed the “Queen of Speed” by her competitors, Shakira’s presence alone at many a grand prix was enough to rattle the nerves of most seasoned jumpers. However,...

A dramatic win by Darragh Kenny of Ireland in the $75,000 Hermès Grand Prix CSI 2* for the Whitney Perpetual Challenge Trophy highlighted the 41st Annual Lake Placid Horse Show. Only five entries from the starting field of 24 succeeded in completing the 16-jump, first-round course designed by Olaf Petersen, Jr., of Germany without penalty. They returned for the nine-jump jump-off at the North Elba Showgrounds. First to go was Callan Solem of Chester Springs, PA, who set the mark to beat by...

The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) has announced that its national headquarters has signed a 10-year lease with Redstone, a Burlington-based commercial real estate firm, for office facilities located at 4066 Shelburne Road in Shelburne, VT. Executive Director Julie Broadway stated, "AMHA looks forward to a long partnership with Redstone and their new neighbors at Shelburne Commons. The staff and board of directors were pleased to find office facilities nearby that are suitable for our...

Photo by Gary Mills (Culver Academies historic Black Horse Troop.) Culver Academies, known for their historic Black Horse Troop and Equestriennes horsemanship units will bring their traditions to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremonies on September 25. “I am very excited Culver has been chosen,” said Mark Waller, Director of Instruction at Culver. “I’m confident that we can really put on a good show and give a good impression of Culver’s riding program.” The Culver riding...

“It’s a very large and generous contribution,” said John Boomer, retiring President and CEO of The Dressage Foundation, as he announced a $1-million gift made by Gordon Cadwgan, father of Olympian Carol Lavell. Cadwgan, who has been a longtime generous supporter of The Dressage Foundation and its work, has instructed that his $1-million gift is "to be used where needed most, and as the Foundation best sees fit to carry out its mission." he Dressage Foundation's mission is "To cultivate and...

The American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) is pleased to announce its 2010 educational scholarship recipients. Each award is $3,000. AMHI is proud to collaborate with the scholarship donors to assist these outstanding young women in defraying the cost of their college tuitions. This year AMHI is sponsoring more than $15,000 in scholarships and grants, including the educational scholarships, to Morgan youth nationwide. All AMHI scholarships and grants are available through the generosity of...

The 2010 Showplace Spring Spectacular Horse Show Series concluded its third and final week of competition at the scenic Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL. The exciting $100,000 Showplace Challenge Cup completed its final three divisions with wins going to Dana Waters riding Biloxi in the $10,000 Low Junior/AO Finals, Alissa Kinsey riding Grisset in the $10,000 NAL Child/Adult Finals, and Ashley Reed riding Madonna in the $4,000 Modified Child/Adult Finals. The day wrapped up with a...

Photo by Flashpoint Photography (Daniel Geitner and Sympa) Classic Company’s Atlanta Summer Finale week was chocked full of big action, but the highlight was the debut of the Open Musical Freestyle Equitation Classic on Saturday evening under the bright lights of the former Olympic arena. Horses, riders, and the masses watching were all tapping toes to the various beats. Brought to life by Classic Company President Bob Bell, the Musical Freestyle, open to both adults and juniors, gave...

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a personalized play-by-play as you watch athletes compete at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games? Well, you’re in luck. World Equestrian Radio is providing a personal radio service at the 2010 Games that will allow listeners to have a live commentary streaming through their ears as they watch the events. “It is a live radio station of what is going on at the Games,” said Brian O’Connor, equine announcer and co-director of World Equestrian Radio. O’Connor, who...