Reed Kessler and Soraya l'Obstination (Global Champions Tour) 2012 US Olympian and history-maker Reed Kessler was determined to shake off Friday's second place finish, and knowing the young 19 year old's competitive drive, Saturday was an opportunity to beat Friday's winner Patrice Delaveau and land a Longines Global Champions Tour winning title. Reed was aboard her new mare Soraya l'Obstination and won with an impressive time of 55.99 seconds; almost a whole second faster then...

As you know I occasionally receive a story from a Western Dressage rider and this week I would like to share with you the story behind a beautiful magazine cover photo that appeared recently in Paint Horse Journal and which featured coverage of Western Dressage. The photo was of Katrina Sanders and her Paint horse Pirate. Here is what Katrina shares with western dressage enthusiasts this week: “Thank you so much for offering to feature my photo in your blog! I am honored and so grateful...

Aachen, Germany – Strong performances continue from the U.S. competitors at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. In the CAIO-4 competition, Chester Weber maintained his Individual lead following the cones phase. Caroline Roffman rode Sagacious HF to a second place finish in the CDI-U25 Grand Prix Test, while Laura Kraut had a second place finish of her own with longtime partner Cedric. Driving CAIO-4 competition continued Friday in Aachen with the Prize of Soers cones phase, which counted towards...

Kristen Bumpus and Cupid (Phelps Media Group) Halifax, MA - The first day of the Fieldstone Spring Festival welcomed the top riders in the nation to the new and improved Fieldstone Show Park. After an overhaul, the Fieldstone Show Park kicked off the first day of the weeklong show with thrilling hunter and jumper competition. David Oliynyk rode to the top of the 1.15m Jumpers, while Kristen Bumpus piloted Cupid to the top of the ranks during the 1.25m Schooling Jumpers as she tackled the course...

Ocala, FL - The 2013 USEF National Pairs Championship concluded Sunday afternoon at the Live Oak International with the influential cones phase. Under blustery conditions and the threat of severe storms, the field of four went to task in the John Deere Arena. Misdee Wrigley-Miller (Lakewood Ranch, FL) travelled to Live Oak with her sights set on securing her first USEF National Pairs Championship. The 2013 USEF National Pairs Champion Misdee Wrigley-Miller (Picsofyou.com) 2011 FEI World Pair...

Emily Chapman is an 18-year-old from Tucson, Arizona who will be attending the University of Kentucky in the Spring of 2013. She is a member of the three-gaited section of the 2012 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team. There is a misconception that equitation is easy, and that the riders who show in this division simply “sit pretty” on a horse. So people often ask why I chose to compete in the equitation division over other divisions. Well, because one of the primary goals of equitation...

Molly Wolfe and ZZ Top won the $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series. (AnLi Kelly-Durham/PMG) Devon, PA - It was a beautiful evening as the jumper riders took center stage this evening at the prestigious Devon Show Grounds during the Brandywine Valley Summer Series, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS). The $5,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was tonight's highlight event, and following the two-horse jump-off it was Molly...

Chester Weber and his team tackle the cones phase during the 2012 CAI Lähden. (Marie de Ronde-Oudemans) Lähden, Germany – American Combined Driver Chester Weber kicked off his summer European tour in style, proving that he truly is “Mr. Dressage” and that Team Weber-Clark has the ability to take Europe by storm. Weber, the nine-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Champion, competed at CAI Lähden in Germany where he set the dressage ring on fire with a score of 36.35 to...

Scott Monroe and Bethesda After Dark ("Shadow"). PicsofYou.com. Lexington, KY - Scott Monroe (Sharon, CT) and his black Morgan gelding Bethesda After Dark ("Shadow") held onto their marathon lead and after Sunday's cone phase won the USEF National Single Horse Championship at Katydid, with a score of 132.39. Kim Stover and Laughlin - fifth after the marathon - surged ahead and took second on a score of 141.25. In third was Sara Schmitt (Bedminster, NJ) who finished on a score of 142.58....

Merrill Murray and Courageous Lord. (Photo: Jen Corcoran/E Motion). Louisville, KY – It’s an annual tradition in Louisville. Champions are crowned, history is made, dreams come true, and sterling silver trophies glisten under the lights of Freedom Hall. American Saddlebred Horses, Roadster Horses and Hackney and Harness Ponies compete to be called a World’s Champion, a World’s Champion of Champion, or the most desired title: a World’s Grand Champion. On Saturday,...