Fear of the unknown often darkens our dream of buying the young horse that will become the next show star. Perhaps we are drawn to this idea by the harmony that arises between human and equine when raising a horse from his first years; possibly it's the chance to be able to buy him before he costs six figures. But will this charming youngster transform into that fancy show horse we had envisioned? Here is a way to peek into a crystal ball. Start from the bottom up — your bottom line Clearly...

Saddlebred.com has a new and valuable feature titled, “Saddle Up a Saddlebred,” which allows anyone interested in seeing, riding or learning more about Saddlebreds to enter their zip code and find a number of stables within a 300-mile radius. It can be accessed by going to www.saddlebred.com and clicking on “About the Breed,” and then going to “Stable Search,” or type in www.saddlebred.com/breed/stables.php . Right now, there are approximately 400 Saddlebred farms and stables in the database...

Laura Linback and Whittaker MVNZ on course in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer (ESI Photography). Culpeper, VA --- Laura Linback of Mundelin, IL, and Woodrun's Whittaker MVNZ, whom they call "Fred" in the barn, had an amazing week at HITS Culpeper. Last Friday, they captured the win in the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix and successfully followed up with a big win in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida was...

Lucy Davis and Nemo 119. (Flying Horse Photography©.) Theramal, CA - Week V of the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA, was a blockbuster. The show grounds were a buzz for a sold-out week where record number of entries filled popular classes starting as early in the week as Tuesday with the Level 2, 3, and 6 jumpers and the Low Hunters, each drawing huge numbers as everyone seems to be loving life in desert. It was also the final week of World Cup Qualifiers which means riders enjoyed their last...

The US Team Celebrates (Sport Fot) Wellington, FL – Four of the United States’ classiest veterans represented the United States in the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup presented by G&C Farm and did not disappoint a packed house of fans. They dominated the field of eight teams to win on a score of eight faults over Canada on 16. Three teams tied for third: Great Britain, Australia and Ireland, all on 37 faults. Under the lights in the International Ring at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Club,...

Hong Kong, China – A collective sigh could be felt in the Sha Tin venue as the final day of competition at the 2008 Paralympic Games got underway this morning. For everyone who has put so much time, money and work into the last six weeks – all that remained was 15 hours. The British made the best of those hours, winning 10 medals. The competition kicked off with the Grade III riders performing their Individual Freestyle tests. Barbara Grassmyer was the first US rider in the ring...

Pablo Barrios dominated the 2010 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. (Photo by Rebecca Walton/PMG) Lexington, KY - Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, one of the leading horse show management companies in the nation, is pleased to announce the dates for the 2011 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. With two weeks of exciting hunter/jumper shows at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are always a highlight event. The first week of competition, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show,...

San Juan Capistrano, Calif. - The Las Vegas National Horse Show, produced by Blenheim EquiSports, made a significant jump in the North American Riders Group's (NARG) annual Top 25 Horse Show report this year. Named among traditional indoor events such as the National Horse Show and the Washington International Horse Show, The Las Vegas National moved from twenty-third in 2014 to the twelfth spot in 2015. That advance in rank makes The Las Vegas National the most improved show on the list....

Blaine Mangione takes a break from the jumper ring to win the $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Bella Nova Pictures) Versatility was the name of the game as riders transitioned between the equitation, hunter, and jumper rings at Gold Coast 5 (July 19-21). Young professional Blaine Mangione, usually seen in the jumper arena, proved she could win the blue ribbon in $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby as well. “I was really shocked! I’m usually in the middle of the pack so I honestly...

At the halfway point of the show, everyone has started to settle into a rhythm. Exhibitors have become accustomed to the routine of schooling horses, cheering for friends, competing in classes, and riding the emotional highs and lows of horse showing. Trainers are fine-tuning their coaching, subtly adjusting cues or comments to result in peak performance from horse and rider alike. The full panoply of emotions can be observed by watching the show from a unique perspective - the vantage point of...