In the lead-up to the 2016 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships, the United States Equestrian Federation will feature a four-part series that highlights the athletes, horses, and their owners that make up the U.S. Team. Before Troy Heikes and Denise Bixler met, both were at entirely different places in their reining lives. Heikes wanted to cut back, being selective of his clientele. Bixler was losing enthusiasm and love for the sport. Troy Heikes and RSD One Hot Deal competing in the $25,000...

Freddie Vazquez and Esprit De Vie (Andrew Ryback Photography) Wayne, Ill. –Patrick Boyle and the organizers of Showplace Productions Spring Spectacular produced a great day of competition at Lamplight Equestrian Center. Freddie Vazquez and his Pan Am Games mount, Esprit De Vie won the $20,000 C & E Transportation Welcome Stake over international course designer, Anderson Lima’s challenging track. In the hunter ring the professional hunter division champions were named. “He...

Calgary, AB, Canada – It was a beautiful day of top show jumping competition at the Spruce Meadows ‘National’, presented by Rolex. Spectators numbered 28,477 to see Ireland’s Conor Swail win the $500,000 RBC Grand Prix, presented Conor Swail and Martha Louise won the $500,000 RBC Grand Prix, presented by Rolex Photo by Spruce Meadows Media Services by Rolex. It was the highlight event of the CSI 5* tournament, which concludes on Sunday, June 12. Second place went to Eric...

Hagen, Germany – The 2016 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage Young Rider European Tour came to an end at the Future Champions event, CDIO-Y Hagen on Saturday. Led by Chef d’Equipe George Williams, the U.S. contingent of Lauren Asher, Barbara “Bebe” Davis, and Kerrigan Gluch gained valuable individual and team experience over the three days of competition. Gluch and Vaquero HGF were the highest-ranked U.S. combination, placing in the top 10 each day....

McLain Ward and Tina La Boheme Win $40,000 Devon International Speed Stake (The Book, LLC) Devon, Pa. - Some might call it luck, some might call it hard work, most would call it both. Whatever it is, McLain Ward has it. Notching his eighth international victory in a row, Ward rose to the top of the field once again, claiming the $40,000 Devon International Speed Stake CSI4* sponsored by Green Drop. Piloting Tina La Boheme to the fastest clear round, Ward once again led the lap of honor in the...

Lisa Goldman and Centurion B (TPence Photos) Lexington, Ky. - For Lisa Goldman of Chicago, IL, victory was hers for the taking aboard Centurion B in the $40,000 Amalaya Investments CSI 3* Grand Prix. It was a large field of 59 riders, representing over 14 different countries, that competed over the track set by course designer Alan Wade; but for Goldman, it was only a competition between herself and the course. "I try not to think about who I'm up against," said Goldman. And her strategy...

Kent Farrington and Voyeur (Stefano Secchi) Rome, Italy – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team tied for the Silver medal with France in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Longines at CSIO5* Rome in Italy on Friday. Led by Chef d'Equipe Robert Ridland, the team of Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, Callan Solem, and McLain Ward battled through a tough competition to finish on 12 faults. This marks the second Silver-medal performance for the U.S. in two weeks, having placed...

Rome, Italy – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team tied for the Silver medal with France in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Longines at CSIO5* Rome in Italy on Friday. Led by Chef d'Equipe Robert Ridland, the team of Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, Callan Solem, and McLain Ward battled through a tough competition to finish on 12 faults. This marks the second Silver-medal performance for the U.S. in two weeks, having placed second at CSIO5* La Baule where the U.S. was...

Cassie Kahle and Wallstreet swept the field in the $25,000 Blue Rock Classic Grand Prix at Swan Lake Horse Show. (Lauren Baker/PhelpsMediaGroup) Littlestown, Pa. - After accumulating blue ribbons in both the hunter and jumper rings during the first three days of the Blue Rock Classic, Cassie Kahle wasn't going to let Saturday's bad weather stop her winning streak. Despite the constant downpour, the rising talent piloted Wallstreet to victory in the $25,000 Blue Rock Classic Grand Prix....

Cassie Kahle and Tequila Girl (Lauren Baker/Phelps Media Group) Littlestown, Pa. - After cruising to a grand championship in the hunter ring, Cassie Kahle hopped in the irons aboard Tequila Girl to tackle the $5,000 Open Welcome Stake at the Swan Lake Horse Shows' Blue Rock Classic. The last horse-and-rider combination to attempt the Oscar Soberon-designed course, Kahle and Tequila Girl laid down a clear first round, advancing immediately to the short course. Mary Lisa Leffler and Carlot...