The Grand Prix of Los Angeles on September 19 was nothing short of spectacular as it opened with a live performance by Mishavonna, an American Idol Semi-Finalist, the National Anthem performed by a duet of violinists, and then there was the grand prix itself. After the exciting opening ceremonies, the crowd was primed for an exhilarating night of world-class show jumping, and the riders did not disappoint them. However, course designer Leopoldo Palacios made sure the riders worked for the...

The richest weeks of the year began on Sunday, August 23, for American Saddlebreds, with the opening of the World’s Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, followed by the All American Classic at Indianapolis, IN, beginning Tuesday, September 8. Total premiums and awards at the Kentucky State Fair are estimated to reach approximately $1.2 million over the week of the World’s Championship, culminating Saturday, August 29, with the World’s Grand Championships and the...

The North American Young Riders Endurance ride took place on Friday, July 24. It was run concurrently with the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) and for the first time all three North American countries were represented. Held in the rolling hills of Henryville, IN, riders competed against the clock for team and individual medals. Heavy rains left the ride’s 75-mile course a bit more treacherous, requiring riders to be extra cautious. The Individual Gold and Silver...

Join eventing legend and Practical Horseman magazine columnist Jim Wofford for a free (with event admission) fun and educational cross-country course walk during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Friday, April 24, 2009. As Wofford discusses the highlights of the course, you'll gain insight into how the course designer is testing the horses and riders at each obstacle, and why. Find out the best way to approach and leave each obstacle and what...

The Children of the Americas Dressage Invitational (CADI) is the only competition of its’ kind in the United States. This United States Dressage Federation- and United States Equestrian Federation-recognized event is exclusively for children between the ages of 12 and 14. It features riders from South and Central America, the Islands, Mexico, Canada and The United States, all brought together for a week of training and international competition. New for 2009 is the working affiliation with...

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is proud to announce FF Irish Vodka+++//, owned by Collier McLeod of Augusta, GA, as its 2008 High-Point Horse. FF Irish Vodka, a 10-year-old, Anglo-Arabian ended the year with 487.5 points earned in working hunter, hunter hack, sport horse under saddle, dressage and in-hand classes. McLeod, who also picked up the Youth Amateur Achievement Award for the year, rode “Guinness” to three national championships at Canadian Nationals and several Top 10s at both...

Nearly 500 American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) members, youth, and guests poured into the ballroom at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, KY, on Saturday night (February 14) to enjoy the Fifth Annual Saddlebred Ball, topped by a series of emotional acceptances delivered by individual award winners. Standing ovations greeted several, including Earl Teater, Jr., and Ed Teater (representing Earl Teater and Sons, who were inducted into the Breeders Hall of Fame in a surprise...

It is with profound sadness that the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) announces the death of the legendary Paso Fino stallion, Capuchino, who passed away on January 23, 2009, in Ocala, FL, at the age of 28 years old. Although Capuchino's unfortunate passing has saddened Paso Fino lovers everywhere, his lifetime achievements and indelible contributions to the breed will live on forever. Inducted in 1999 into the PFHA Hall of Fame and later crowned PFHA Horse of the Millennium, Capuchino was...

Wilbur "Sug" Utz, American Saddlebred trainer and owner of Blue Ridge Stables in Raytown, MO, died Wednesday, November 5, 2008. He was 90 years old. Sug, son of Emil and Sudie Utz, was born and raised on a farm outside Maysville in northwest Missouri. Coming from a horse training family, Sug learned his craft at his father’s side, along with his three brothers. Two of his brothers, Don and Jay, similar to Sug, went on to become world’s champion caliber Saddlebred men. They were all exciting...

A crowd favorite at the 2008 Road to the Horse, Tommy Garland will return in 2009 applying his CPR method in his quest to win this prestigious competition. Garland's method is all about confidence, patience and respect when working with and training horses. Garland is considered one of the best trainers and showmen in the world of Arabians and Half-Arabians and was named the Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year in 2002 by the Arabian Professionals and Amateur Horseman's Association. When he...