The twenty first in a series of blog post from Michelle Binder As this blog has progressed, I have tried to bring awareness about Western Dressage to the equestrian community at large. Now I am going to encourage you to do some research on your own. By now you know that there are several organizations promoting the development of the sport. At this point the question we hear most often from people all over is: “What is the difference?” To some it seems that the differences that...

Las Vegas, NV - The $50,000 Fisker Automotive World Cup Grand Prix was the pinnacle of the Las Vegas National beginning with a fiery opening ceremony act. Welcoming the local crowds, fans and competitors was a one-of-a-kind fire infused performance that set the stage for some hot competition. Thirty-five rounds of international talent prepared to take on German course designer, Olaf Petersen Jr.'s World Cup Qualifying test. From an early stage it looked as if the young stars were taking...

Saer Coulter posted the first clear round aboard her mare Julie Des Brumes (Blenheim Equisports) Las Vegas, NV - November 16, 2012 - Three nights of intense competition kicked off this evening at the South Point Equestrian Arena in Las Vegas. Local equestrian fans and spectators filled the stands for Barn Night during the opening ceremonies of the $32,000 Markel Insurance Jumper Classic, and the end result left no disappointment. A deep international field of fifty-six horse and rider...

Kent Farrington and Uceko speed to victory in Saturday's $75,000 Ricoh Big Ben Challenge to close out the 90th Royal Horse Show. Farrington earned the prestigious Leading International Rider title for 2012. (©BenRadvanyi.com) Toronto, ON – America’s Kent Farrington (Wellington, FL) took top honours for the second night in a row at the 90th Royal Horse Show, closing out the International jumper division with a win in the $75,000 Ricoh Big Ben Challenge. Farrington was awarded the...

A little bit fast and a whole lot lucky give Farrington the win in a tough class where clean rounds proved very hard to come by Kent Farrington of the United States blazed a path to victory in the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open tonight, posting a clean round with Voyeur in an efficient time of 58.62 seconds. (BenRadvanyi.com) Toronto, ON – America’s Kent Farrington (Wellington, FL) topped the field of 18 in the $50,000 Weston Canadian Open Friday at the Royal Horse Show, producing one...

Courtney King-Dye at the FEI Awards 2012 (Photo courtesy FEI Fédération Equestre Internationale) Istanbul, TUR - The equestrian world celebrated its heroes last night at a glittering gala evening in Istanbul, Turkey. HRH Princess Haya, President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of horse sport, congratulated the winners of the FEI Awards 2012. Addressing an audience of more than 300 guests, including representatives of the FEI's 132...

Ashley Holzer and Pop Art danced their way out of competition tonight by once again winning at the Royal. The $20,000 Dominion Regalia Royal Invitational Dressage Cup Freestyle to Music was their last competition together. (BenRadvanyi.com) Toronto, ON – It was Ashley Holzer’s night to shine, and shine she did, with her long-time partner Pop Art piaffing and passaging to one last victory together at the 90th Royal Horse Show. While the scores for tonight’s $20,000 Dominion...

Craig Schmersal on his way to winning Individual Silver at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. (Shannon Brinkman) Lexington, KY - The final American CRI of the year takes place this weekend at the AQHA World Championship Show as reiners from across the country look to close out their 2012 season on a high note. A total of 13 horse-and-rider combinations are set to contest the CRI3* in Oklahoma City, OK on Friday, November 9. This weekend's competition has added significance as it...

Laura Kraut (Middleburg, VA) won the $32,000 Jolera International Jumper Welcome at the Royal Horse Show with her athletic mount Teirra (pictured), following a third place finish in the $20,000 International Jumper Power & Speed with Belmont. (© BenRadvanyi.com) Toronto, ON – When speed is the name of the game in a show jumping class, there are a few riders who jump to the top of your mind. Laura Kraut of Middleburg, VA, showed Tuesday night what makes her a top rider against the...

Lexington, KY - “Brio in the Bluegrass,” the Paso Fino Horse Association’s 40th Anniversary Grand National Championship Show & Expo, was acclaimed a great success in its first year in Lexington, KY. For almost two weeks, the Kentucky Horse Park paths and arenas were awash with the taca-taca-taca-taca of the Paso Fino horse’s smooth four-beat gait as exhibitors prepared to compete for the ultimate title—Grand National Champion—in the Classic Fino,...