Lexington, KY— The 2008 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage Seat Medal Finals presented by Dressage Today® was held August 29-30 at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL. Riders came from across the country to compete for the championship in two age divisions— 13 & Under and 14-18 division. The purpose of the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Program is to promote and reward excellence in equitation, including correct seat, position, and use of aids in the sport of dressage....

The richest team show jumping event in the world, the $350,000 BMO Nations' Cup, takes place on Saturday, September 6, at Canada’s premiere show jumping event, the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament near Calgary, Alberta. “In the wake of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Canada’s Silver medal in the team jumping competition, this year’s event should be more exciting than ever,” said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group. “We are privileged to have such an...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Laura Noyes and her Trakehner gelding, Syncro, were awarded this year’s Fiona Baan Pursuit of Excellence Memorial Trophy. Noyes is originally from Falmouth, ME, but now lives in Delaware, OH, where she is a student at Ohio Wesleyan University and trains with George Williams. When asked how she felt about being awarded this prestigious trophy Noyes exclaimed, “Winning the Fiona Baan trophy is more than I ever expected of my...

Leslie Berndl and Koopman's Lightning Rod (Jacqueline Zimmermann, Hippoevent) Today was marathon day at the World Championship Single Driving in Jarantow, Poland and it was a true festival for the driving sport. Thousands of enthusiastic spectators visited the marathon site and enjoyed a high quality and accident-free marathon with lots of action. The very tough, but horse friendly and fairly built, marathon course was very demanding for both horses and their drivers at this high level. Donna...

The first phase of the World Single Driving Championship in Jarantow, Poland, was won by Dutch driver Jan van den Broek, who’s dressage test on Thursday could not be beaten by today’s reaming drivers. Bill Peacock put down the best dressage performance for the US team with a score of 44.30 on the 19th place. The top three of yesterday’s dressage remained unchanged. Van den Broek leads with an gap of 7.27 penalty points ahead of Germany’s Mareike Harm and the 1998 World...

Jarantow, Poland — The fifth edition of the FEI World Single Driving Championship, which takes place in Jarantow, Poland, has officially begun. After yesterday’s horse inspection, which was stress less for the United States competitors, and the Opening Ceremony, the sport began today with the dressage for the first 33 competitors. A nice stadium with good grass footing welcomed the competitors and their horses and the spectators and fans enjoyed many good dressage tests. The first U....

Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, topped the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, presented by Sir Ruly, Inc., at the six-week Vermont Summer Festival held July 9-August 17 in East Dorset, VT. Offered for the second year, the $10,000 Open Jumper High Score Awards, presented by Sir Ruly, Inc., awards $10,000 in bonus money to the most consistent open jumper competitors throughout the six-week circuit. For the second year in a row, it was Torano who came out on top. Torano is one of the...

Don’t miss the final tour stop of 2008 as master horseman Chris Cox brings his Ride the Journey tour to Albuquerque, NM. Gear up for a memorable two-day learning experience as Cox takes to the arena on October 18 and 19 at Expo New Mexico. Two-time Road to the Horse Champion and popular clinician, Cox knows how to share a lifetime of knowledge in ways that inspire and enlighten. His approach to horsemanship is all about building a willing, working partnership on a firm foundation. Cox’ RFD-TV...

The eyes of the horse world may be focused on the Olympics in Hong Kong, but the pony hunter world is excited about a large Welsh pony appropriately named Newsworthy who is making headlines of his own. For a string of lucky junior riders, Newsworthy has been their ticket to the top. And now, the stellar grey pony is being honored by Breyer Animal Creations® as its newest equine sculpture. Breyer’s Newsworthy model, sculpted by Susan Carlton Sifton, shows the champion equine in a perfect jumping...

Two lucky youths won big with a small equine prize. At the American Shetland Pony Congress this month, two American Shetland ponies were awarded to winners of two youth essay contests. Youths from around the country exercised their writing skills for the chance to win one of these amazing Shetland ponies. Entries were numbered and judged anonymously. Kimberly Cotter was the lucky winner of E’s Sir Nite and Kasey Waxler of Pennsylvania was awarded Cross Country’s Mr. Banker. Kimberly Cotter, the...