Don Auriello and Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (Susan J. Stickle) Wellington, Fla. - January 10, 2014 - The Adequan Global Dressage Festival kicked off the "Friday Night Stars" series with an exciting FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition and full spectator stands at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Leading the way was Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) on Don Auriello, who won with a score of 81.575%. Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett scored 76.925% for second place. Fellow Dane...

Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello (SusanJStickle.com) Wellington, Fla - Swedish rider Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven and Don Auriello topped the FEI Grand Prix, sponsored by MTICA Farm, with a winning score of 77.670% during the first day of competition for the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Danish riders filled out the top three for the class, with Lars Petersen and Mariett finishing second with a 72.880% and Mikala Munter Gundersen taking home third place with a score of 69....

Kama Godek and Air Force One (Phelps Media Group, Inc. International) Wellington, Fla. - Kama Godek and Air Force One soared through the jump off in the first event of the Wellington Turf Tour on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Their finesse through the short track allowed them to surpass 17 contenders in a solid 36 seconds. Their time proved untouchable as each consecutive rider attempted to catch their pace, but Godek's strong turns and quick pace made it an impossible feat. Godek is no...

Jacob Arnold will begin a mentorship under Chester Weber in January 2014 (PicsofYou.com) Ocala, Fla. - New year. New opportunities. Just ask Jacob Arnold, who begins a mentorship under Chester Weber in January 2014 as the inaugural apprentice driver in the Live Oak Combined Driving, Inc. Developing Driver Program. “Though Live Oak Combined Driving has always been involved in the ongoing development of many drivers, this new program will begin with Jacob Arnold as the first apprentice...

Paul O'Shea and Primo de Revel. Photo (Mancini Photos) Wellington, Fla. - Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its Holiday Festival III this weekend on December 20-22, 2013, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. The competition featured National 'A' rated hunter and 4* jumper competition, including a $10,000 Open Jumper Stake and a $25,000 Holiday III Grand Prix. The $25,000 Holiday III Grand Prix was the highlight event of the weekend, held...

Lexington, Ky. - The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has announced revised and new dressage tests that will come into effect January 1, 2014. The FEI has revised its Intermediate II, Grand Prix, and Grand Prix Special, which will be applied at the start of the 2014 competition season. Additionally, a Medium Tour has been announced to assist horse-and-rider combinations transition from the Small Tour to the Big Tour. The Medium Tour will utilize the newly introduced...

The International Arena hosts top competition for the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla - Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is pleased to announce the highlights of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). The 12-week circuit held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, will run January 8 through March 30, 2014, awarding over $8 million in prize money....

Jeremy Reynolds and RR Gold Dust Rising (Becky Pearman Photography) Bronson, Fla. – After dark in northern Florida Friday night Jeremy Reynolds and RR Gold Dust Rising were first across the finish line of the 160km USEF North American Endurance Team Challenge Race. They finished their ride through the Goethe State Forest in 8hrs 20minutes 22seconds, or 19.39kpm. The individual race was an FEI CEI3* competition. Nicki Meuten and Not Tonight were 2nd. Young Rider Kelsey Russell was 3nd on...

Henrik Gundersen and Adlanteur. Photo (Mancini Photos) Wellington, Fla. - Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) hosted its Year-End Awards Show on December 7-8, 2013, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. The week featured a $10,000 Open Stake on Saturday, December 7, as well as the $25,000 ESP Year End Grand Prix and $5,000 USHJA 3' Hunter Classic on Sunday, December 8. The ESP Year End Awards Banquet was also held on Saturday to celebrate some of the year's...

Catherine Haddad-Staller and Mane Stream Hotmail (SusanJStickle.com) Two of the six scheduled USEF Dressage Observation & Strategic Planning Sessions wrapped up last week in California. Lead by Robert Dover, USEF Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor, the sessions provided training and strategic guidance for athletes as they look toward international competition and the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The first session took place at Mary Beth Hamorski and Jeff Salatiello’s...