Christian Heineking masters Leopoldo Palacio's course to win the $41,000 LEG Anniversary Grand Prix (Flying Horse Photography) Christian Heineking (GER) proved he was the only one who could answer Leopoldo Palacios’ questions in the $41,000 LEG Anniversary Grand Prix at the National Preview (Oct 30-Nov 3)—and he did it twice. Christian started the class with a bang aboard NKH Selena (NKH LLC, owner) and made the course look easy with a clear round within the time allowed. “I...

Giavanna Rinaldi and G.P.S. BRILLIANT DISGUISE (AlCookPhoto.com) Harrisburg, Pa. - Giavanna Rinaldi, of Wayne, Illinois, beat a field of 25 starters in the $5,000 North American League (NAL) Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Final on her own G.P.S. BRILLIANT DISGUISE at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show today. Rinaldi, just fourteen years old, was one of only eight riders to make it to the jump-off round, setting an unbeatable time of 34.993 seconds as second rider into the ring. Madeline...

Beezie Madden and Mademoiselle negotiate the table bank (The Book LLC) North Salem, NY - The $20,000 Speed Derby of North Salem featured a field of 35 competitors as they galloped through a course of 15 numbered obstacles and 18 efforts on a course that included the Devil's Dyke and table bank designed by Anthony D'Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. Any rails down added four seconds to a rider's final time, so speed was imperative in today's class. Going 29th in the order, Beezie Madden...

Reed Kessler and Mika (Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International) Lexington, KY - The top horses and riders from across the country have returned to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for the start of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The first day of competition kicked off with the Open Jumper divisions in the Rolex Stadium. Olympian Reed Kessler led the way in the 1.45m Open Jumper class aboard Mika with a double clear effort, while the victory in the 1.40m Open Jumper speed...

The Oklahoma State Cowgirls, 2013 Big 12 Equestrian Champions (ostatephoto.com) Stillwater, OK - It was a close match to the end, but the Oklahoma State Cowgirls earned an 8-6 win over the Kansas State Wildcats at the Animal Science Arena in Stillwater, OK Saturday and were crowned Big 12 Conference champions for the second year in a row, and third time ever. The Cowgirls jumped to a slim 2-1 lead early on after their Hunter Seat team earned a win in Equitation over Fences. The Wildcats...

Steffen Peters with Legolas 92 (Lindsay McCall for HorseGirlTV.com) Del Mar, CA - Once again the 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI-YJ3* held at the Del Mar Horse Park was packed with competitors. Unfortunately, the inclement weather made for creative changes to the dressage show schedule. Without the use of the outdoor rings, the show was moved indoors and proceeded as promised. The CDI classes featured many of the top riders in the U.S. showcasing their finest of mounts. For the...

This weeks blog comes to you from beautiful British Columbia Canada. I try to bring you news and fun stuff no matter where I am in the world. I have a perfect opportunity to share a Western Dressage story from a reader that has a Canadian link and I think you will enjoy it. Remember, if you would like to share your story, send it to me via email at [email protected]. When the perfect moment comes, I will share your story too! Dear Ms. Binder, In the USEF Weekly Newsletter for...

James Alliston and Tivoli (Amy McCool) Temecula, CA - Start calling James Alliston “Mr. Galway Downs.” The Galway Downs International Three-Day Event has offered a CCI3* for the last three years. Alliston finished third in 2010, finished first and seventh in 2011, and this year he finished first, second and sixth. Alliston, of Castro Valley, Calif., rode Tivoli to first place (53.4) Jumbo’s Jake, the horse he won with in 2011 and finished third with in 2010, to second place...

See what Donna Ponessa had to say about her Grade 1a Team Test with Wesley Dunham's Western Rose. The pair scored 70.235%. On her first competition experience at the 2012 Paralympic Games: It was an amazing experience. At first I was a little overwhelmed the mare was a little tense. But all my teammates agree it’s another show with an Opening Ceremony and you can’t be thinking about anything but the foot fall and your job ahead so once I got that centered, it seemed to flow...

(Sportfot/GCT) Chantilly, France - The youngest rider to be selected for the 2012 Olympic Games clocked up a victory at the 5* GCT in Chantilly Sunday. Reed Kessler, only 18 years old, rode a stylish, fast clear on 57.71 in the early morning Prix Vicomte Arthur over 1m45 fences beating experienced show jumping stars, including fellow American Mclain Ward. After the win on her horse Ligist - she will be riding Cylana at the London Olympics - Reed said: “It is my last show before I go to...