The twenty second in a series of blog post from Michelle Binder With the Holiday, I have just a short newsy blog for readers this week. I for one am looking forward to what the New Year brings in all areas, especially video submissions for the virtual shows. It is an exciting and challenging time for everyone involved on all fronts, a time that requires courage, flexibility, willingness to share and learn from one another, as well as patience as WD emerges over time. Like Edison with the light...

The twenty first in a series of blog post from Michelle Binder As this blog has progressed, I have tried to bring awareness about Western Dressage to the equestrian community at large. Now I am going to encourage you to do some research on your own. By now you know that there are several organizations promoting the development of the sport. At this point the question we hear most often from people all over is: “What is the difference?” To some it seems that the differences that...

Kansas City, MO - The USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final will be held Saturday, November 17, at the United Professional Horsemen's Association's American Royal National Championship in Kansas City, MO. This medal final brings together the best saddle seat equitation riders from across the country who will perform for a judging panel comprised of Michael Craghead (Fresno, CA), Marilyn MacFarlane (Simpsonville, KY), and Nancy Troutman (Salem, VA). Four of the riders competing in the medal final...

The twentieth in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder This week is all about news, news and more news. Never a dull moment in Western Dressage! This just out via a press release from WDAA: “The WDAA has been guided throughout by the leadership, strategy, and policies of its Board of Directors and Advisory Board, both of which are volunteer positions and provide their services without funding. Each are comprised of distinguished professionals from all facets of the equine...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation mourns the loss of a great competitor and ambassador for equestrian sport. Kathy Brunjes passed November 1, 2012 following a courageous battle with cancer. Brunjes was an avid endurance rider logging 6,745 lifetime competition miles. Her passion for the sport of endurance saw her compete all over the world including representing the United States in Jerez, Spain at the 2004 FEI World Endurance Championships. Brunjes then travelled to Abu...

Boekelo, The Netherlands - They had some adverse conditions to deal with Saturday, but the members of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team were able to maintain their place in the standings after navigating a soggy cross country course at the Military Boekelo CCIO3*. Leading the Nations Cup team were Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner's Cambalda. The pair jumped clean over the course while adding 10 time faults and rising in the standings to 52nd overall. "It was quite muddy and heavy by the...

Lexington, KY - Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2013 USEF Horsemastership Training Session presented by USHJA and Adequan. In its seventh year, this prestigious clinic will again be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, January 2-6, 2013. The following 12 riders will be invited to participate: • The USHJA North American Junior andYoung Rider Individual Jumping Champions at the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider...

Lexington, KY —The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show, benefitting Therapeutic Horsemanship and Stray Rescue of St. Louis, has been honored with the United States Equestrian Federation’s designation as a USEF Heritage Competition, the highest honor currently held by any Federation horse show. The designation of a USEF Heritage Competition is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for a quarter-century or more, promoted and grown equestrian sport, and made...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is now accepting letters of interest to host the 2013 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training Sessions. Up to six Training Sessions with USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler will be scheduled throughout 2013. These Training Sessions will once again be held over two days and provide a unique opportunity for riders, trainers, owners and breeders to openly share and discuss the education and training of young dressage horses. Each...

Andrea Bennett and Caliente earned double victories at the 66th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show, capturing the blue ribbons in the Children's/Adult Jumpers and Children's/Adult Jumper Speed Class. (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Buffalo, NY - It was a brisk morning as the third day of the 66th Buffalo International Horse Show greeted competitors. Today commenced with a full morning of hunter action with horse and rider combinations competing to win top honors and prize money in their respective...