Disappointment is hard to swallow. I think we are still choking on it after our dreams for a medal in eventing went on the skids when Mandiba slammed on the brakes in the show jumping at a black gate. Becky Holder made the difficult decision to withdraw Courageous Comet while sitting in a very good spot for a medal but Comet will be back to fight another day and Becky and Aubrey really do look after him so well. We were all devastated, especially after Karen had the round of the day on the...

There are few things in life I get more excited about than cheering on Team USA, and not just in equestrian events. I can get behind any sport if there’s a USA title or medal on the line; I even watched soccer this year. The Olympics consume my life every two years, I rarely come out from behind a television or computer screen and end up feeling void and lost when they’re over. Needless to say, WEG has been quite the adrenaline rush for me. If you have never seen a US Team win a medal you need...

Here is a list of 10 things I would like to do at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and my progress on them so far. 1. Get my picture taken with GBR event horses Miner’s Frolic and Opposition Buzz. I have seen them hacking down the horse path, so I’m considering this a baby step in the right direction. 2. See Totilas in real life . I saw him working in the practice ring Sunday as I was driving past in the golf cart. There’s only one way to describe what I saw. UNREAL. It completely...

Jeremy Steinberg (Mary Cornelius) Lexington, KY - Accomplished High Performance Dressage competitor Jeremy Steinberg of Kirkland, WA has been appointed as the inaugural USEF National Dressage Youth Coach. The 1996 NAJYRC Gold Medalist, Steinberg's career developed from the Young Rider ranks into successfully training and competing horses at all levels from Young Horse to Grand Prix, including international competitions and the U.S. League Finals for the FEI World Cup. The USEF Youth Dressage...

Photo by Jennifer Singleton (One of the driving marathon elements for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.) Richard Nicoll, driving course designer for the upcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), was recently on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park for several days to work with the course builder, meet with various decorators, and generally check on the progress of the marathon obstacles. According to Nicoll, construction is now about 95% percent complete on the marathon...

Photo by Flashpoint Photography (Shakira do Jacare and owner Sarah Owen during the retirement ceremony.) Shakira do Jacare, the brilliant 14-year-old Brazilian-bred chestnut mare owned by Sarah Owen and Muny Sunk Stables officially retired from the sport of show jumping in an emotional ceremony during the 2010 Atlanta Summer Classics. Dubbed the “Queen of Speed” by her competitors, Shakira’s presence alone at many a grand prix was enough to rattle the nerves of most seasoned jumpers. However,...

Hans Baerstch and Rubinstar at the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships (Flashpoint) Lexington, KY – Platinum Performance and the United States Dressage Federation have formed a thriving partnership the last three years to sponsor the Dressage Championships at the Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC). The 2010 NAJYRC will bring out the continents best dressage riders, ages 14-21, vying for FEI medals in both...

Holly Hudspeth is no stranger to the Kentucky Horse Park or the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. However, more than one person might be questioning who Mrs. Hudspeth was, as this is a relatively new surname to eventing. Many spectators this weekend know this tall blonde as Holly Hepp. Holly completed the 4* in 2002, 2003 and 2004 with Lester Piggot and did double duty in 04 completing with Damian as well. Also on her resume is representing the US at the 2003 Pan American Games with Lester Piggot....

Photo by mdunnphoto.com ((l-r) Chris von Martels, Tina Konyot and Jacqueline Brooks) Lexington, KY - Sashaying in to KT Tunstall's "Black Horse and The Cherry Tree," Tina Konyot's big black horse Calecto V showed their partnership has reached new heights with a decisive win in the 2010 Kentucky Cup CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle, scoring 76.25%. Chris von Martels on Naomi (70.20%) rode into second place, with Jacqueline Brooks on Balmoral close behind in third (67.35%). "It was great fun [out...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Land Rover North America jointly announced today that Land Rover will be the official vehicle sponsor of the USEF for 2010. In addition to its status as Official Vehicle of the USEF in 2010, Land Rover will also be the title sponsor of the U.S. Eventing Team, set to compete at this year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25 - October 10, in Lexington, KY. "Land Rover represents premium performance and success," says...