a guest blog post fom Mary Cox The following three ideas may take being somewhat adventuresome but trust me, the result will make it all worth it ! First, research a local stone fabricator in your area. A fabricator makes the template and cuts the stone for granite, marble or stone countertops. Once you’ve located one, pay them a visit and remember to put on your best “I’m a Tack Hoarder – help me” face. Then ask them very sweetly if you can do some “Dumpster...

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) are partnering to sponsor a program that will reward participants competing Thoroughbreds on the Eventing circuit in New York in 2012. Called Career2, the initiative will promote the retraining of retired Thoroughbred racehorses for second careers in Eventing, a sport best described as an equestrian triathlon featuring dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The New York circuit is...

Lexington, KY – Tom McCutcheon, Craig Schmersal, Tim McQuay and Shawn Flarida, the four riders who won the team Gold Medal for the United States at the 2010 Reining World Championships, head an impressive list of entries in the second annual Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup, April 27-28 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup (AKRC) is held during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, which runs April 26-29. The AKRC features the...

Mario Deslauriers stood proud and center on the winner's podium as Molly Ashe-Cawley was presented with the silver medal, and Beezie Madden took home the bronze. The three provided the only double-clear efforts of the night, taking the top spots on the leaderboard. (V.Valenti/The Book LLC) Tampa, FL - It was a night of nail-biting excitement as 32 of the nation's top riders went head-to-head in the 2012 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G & C Farm at Raymond James...

Scott Stewart and Declaration (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival drew to a close today. The feature attraction of the day was the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at The Stadium, and Kelley Farmer rode Nancy Amling's Taken to victory. Competition concluded in the International Arena on Sunday with the junior and amateur-owner jumpers competing in their final classics. Beginning the morning, Abigail McArdle jumped to victory in the $10,000...

Wellington, FL - Eight was the magic number for clear rounds at the 2012 USEF National Show Jumping Championships at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Of the 37 starters, eight managed clear rounds over Alan Wade's course during Week 11 of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. This event also serves as the USEF Selection Trials for the US Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. There is plenty on the line over the four rounds of jumping at the end of which a...

Ooltewah, TN - The Board of Stewards of the Arabian Racing Cup is proud to announce the 2011 Darley Champions, crowned at the 25th Silver Anniversary of the Darley Awards. The Darley Awards, held annually, were founded in 1987 to honor the best in Arabian horse racing. This distinguished ceremony recognizes the most outstanding racehorses, jockeys, owners, trainers and breeders of the Arabian horse racing community in the USA. This year's 2012 ceremony, named in honor of our sponsor as the...

Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Palouchin (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - There were three competitive classes in the International Arena on the opening day of week 10 of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Starting out the day was another win for Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Palouchin, owned by Double H Farm, in the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic. Following that, another familiar face in the winners circle, Laura Chapot entered again and won the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class with...

Lynne Poole (CAN Grade IV) and Frisbee (Lindsay McCall) Del Mar, CA -Para-Equestrian Dressage riders concluded the 2012 Rancho Valencia CPEDI3* on Sunday performing their Freestyle routines. With the pressure of earning a qualifying score for the 2012 London Paralympics Selection Trials behind them, riders were able to relax and enjoy their final competition day at the Del Mar Horse Park. Topping the Grade IV Freestyle competition was Lynne Poole (CAN) and her Welsh Cob Frisbee with a 66.167%....

Erynn Ballard and Timber Ridge Heat Up the Hunter Ring Eric Lamaze and Coriana van Klapscheut (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - Canada's Eric Lamaze and Coriana Van Klapscheut, owned by Artisan Farms LLC, emerged victorious in Thursday afternoon's $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). With 82 starters and a ten horse jump-off, the pair beat out Nick Skelton (GBR) and Beverley Widdowson's Carlo 273, who finished second and David Will...