Disappointment is hard to swallow. I think we are still choking on it after our dreams for a medal in eventing went on the skids when Mandiba slammed on the brakes in the show jumping at a black gate. Becky Holder made the difficult decision to withdraw Courageous Comet while sitting in a very good spot for a medal but Comet will be back to fight another day and Becky and Aubrey really do look after him so well. We were all devastated, especially after Karen had the round of the day on the...

Photo by Shannon Brinkman for USEF. Athletes, volunteers and spectators decked out in Ariat’s performance footwear and apparel Union City, CA, October 1, 2010 - Ariat International, Inc., the leading manufacturer of performance equestrian footwear and apparel, is proud to outfit U.S. athletes, volunteers and spectators as the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games unfold. “We are thrilled to be a part of this event, and it is exciting to see everyone decked out in Ariat footwear and apparel –...

Karen O'Connor and Mandiba. (Photo by Shannon Brinkman for USEF.) Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named Karen O'Connor and Mandiba to the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, following the withdrawal of Tipperary Liadhnan by Kim Severson (that story is available here: https://usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=6225). The following horse/rider combinations will represent the U.S. on the Team: Buck...

Lyle Lovett (Courtesy WEG Foundation) LEXINGTON, KY - One of America’s finest songwriters, Lyle Lovett, will bring the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to a vibrant finale at the October 10th closing ceremonies in Lexington, KY. Known for his versatility and musicality across many genres, from country and Bluegrass to swing, folk ballads, gospel and blues, the four-time Grammy Award winner and his Large Band will provide a musical bookend to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games’ closing...

Plymouth, MA - For 16 days, the world’s best riders and equine athletes will gather in Lexington, KY, to compete in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and SmartPak will be there to welcome them. The World Equestrian Games are comprised of the world championships for eight equestrian sports. This celebration of athletic excellence and the diversity of the equine industry is a natural setting for SmartPak, a company dedicated to supporting riders of all disciplines and improving the...

The American Trakehner Association (ATA) is finalizing plans for its 36th annual convention to be held November 11-13, 2010, in Jacksonville, FL. The ATA annual convention activities include a membership meeting, mare and stallion inspections, Horse of the Year Awards, a breed show, jumper Calcutta and much more—all centered on the versatile Trakehner horse. Registration information can be found on the ATA website at www.americantrakehner.com . All the horse-related activities and...

On August 21-22, 2010, competitors from across the Northwest United States and Western Canada will gather at the Trac Center in Pasco, WA, to participate in the Festival of the Andalusian, an annual horse show that rotates through different locations in the Pacific Northwest to encourage broad participation. The show features over 100 classes for Andalusian and Half-Andalusians, highlighting the versatility of the breed, with offerings ranging from halter and showmanship to driving to...

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 Kristin Bednarski The build-out for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games has officially begun, and trucks carrying temporary seating and other structures dot the Kentucky Horse Park grounds as workers unload materials and prepare to begin construction. “These guys will probably be here until September,” said Sean Doane, venue manager for the World Games 2010 Foundation. Workers began erecting temporary seating on Monday, June 21, beginning with Stands A and C, which line the...

Tickets to the eight world championships of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are selling quickly, with many sessions, particularly finals sessions, approaching sell-outs. The 2010 Games will be held at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park, September 25-October 10. Tickets for compulsory and finals rounds of competition in all eight sports are still available throughout the 16 days of the Games, and can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets , at www.ticketmaster.com , through the...