West Grove, PA— World Class drivers and horses battled it out for the USEF National Pairs Championship in Pennsylvania Sunday, but a local woman beat the out-of-towners, claiming the title in her own backyard. West Grove native Lisa Singer came through victorious, surpassing a record number of competitors to take home the national title. Set apart by less than five points, Singer drove to the finish amid screaming fans and family, with a combined score of 121.96 points. "It is so special to...

In Friday evening’s final round, August 27th, of the Individual Olympic Show Jumping competition in Athens, Chris Kappler said he felt Royal Kaliber take a bad step after jumping a fence in the jump-off for the silver and bronze medals. He immediately stopped Royal Kaliber and dismounted, and the horse was taken to the veterinary clinic on the grounds of the Markopoulo Equestrian Center. Royal Kaliber has been examined by a team of internationally recognized veterinarians and his injury has...

It was a difficult evening for the United States Team as an unusual equipment failure in the middle of his final round, a broken bit, caused McLain Ward of Brewster, NY to retire from the competition for the individual medals. Then, in a jump-off for the silver and bronze medals Chris Kappler of Pittstown, NJ was pitted against Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa and his Baloubet du Rouet when he felt his horse, Royal Kaliber, take a bad step. He immediately stopped and dismounted, ending his bid...

For Immediate Release August 25, 2004 Athens, Greece - On another windy day at the Markopoulo Equestrian Center, Debbie McDonald of Hailey, ID finished in fourth place and Robert Dover of Lebanon, NJ and Wellington, FL in sixth place in the Dressage Individual competition which concluded today. Today’s final phase of competition was the Grand Prix Freestyle. The individual scores are compiled from three days of competition which include the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix...

The Grand Prix Special was ahead for the dressage riders at Markopoulo Equestrian Center today, and an early morning start saw them performing in the Second Qualifier. Twenty-five riders and their mounts posted scores leading into Wednesday’s final day of dressage and the Final Grand Prix Freestyle. And at the end of Wednesday, we will know who will be awarded the 2004 Athens Olympics Individual medals. The U.S. team is coming off their successful bid for a Team medal. They took home the Bronze...

In what should be described as a Herculean effort, Team USA brought their best to Athens to bring home a medal – and they certainly did not disappoint anyone. The team composed of Debbie McDonald of Hailey, Idaho, riding the mare Brentina; Robert Dover of Lebanon, N.J., on FBW Kennedy; Guenter Seidel of Del Mar, Calif., on the young and promising Aragon; and Lisa Wilcox, a Los Angeles native residing in Germany on the stallion Relevant, stood on the medal podium and proudly received their...

The U.S.’s Coast Line Vaulters, on Swiss horse Victor Leo Burnett, took home the team bronze medal at the Vaulting World Championships in Stadl-Paura, Austria, and a total of four individual U.S. competitors placed in the top 15 in both the men's and women's divisions. "Once again, the U.S. has shown its strength by medaling in its ninth world championship event," said Suzanne Detol, U.S. Chef d'Equipe for the competition. "Through the support of the United States Equestrian Federation and the...

USEF Announces Eventing Team for 2004 Olympic Games The United States Equestrian Federation announced today the Eventing team for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The five horse and rider combinations are as follows: TEAM Rider Residence Horse Owner Darren Chiacchia Springville, NY Windfall 2 Tim Holekamp Trakehner Stallion Julie Richards Atlanta, GA Jacob Two Two Jim Richards Canadian Thoroughbred Gelding Kim Severson Keene, VA Winsome Adante Linda Wachtmeister English Thoroughbred Gelding...

Lexington, KY – At their semi-annual meeting yesterday, The Board of Directors of the United States Equestrian Federation unanimously re-elected David O’Connor as USEF President. His new term will run from January 2005 to January 2009. O’Connor has served as USEF President since July, 2003. The USEF was created by the joining of the former USA Equestrian and the United States Equestrian Team and O’Connor has been instrumental in the transition to the new organization. He has an extensive list...

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Steffen Peters and Marlando won the Prix St. George today at the USEF Intermediaire I Championship at Oaks Blenheim with a score of 73.750%. Leslie Morse on Tip Top 962 was second scoring 72.450%. Peters and Morse distanced themselves from the field as the third place score of 67.200% was shared by Heather Blitz on American-bred Arabella and Nicole Perry on Rubino Bellissimo. The test was the FEI Prix St. Georges 2000. California resident Peters described his ride as...