Ashlee Bond and Chela L-S (McCool) Huntington Beach, CA - The fourth event in the $260,000 GGT Grand Prix Series drew a great crowd, and the riders did not disappoint with 4 clear rounds moving into the jump off. Ashlee Bond and Chela L-S took the win with a fast double clear, capturing the blue ribbon and moving into third in the current GGT Series standings. "Chela L-S is a hot, but careful horse and it's so fun to gallup around with her and let her take the fences as they come. It was a...

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...

Emily Wilson and Miss Cielo Chex dominated the Junior welcome class (Waltenberry) Lexington, KY - After the official horse inspection cleared all but one horse for competition, the ‘Welcome Competition’ offered a glimpse into the Junior and Young Rider future of the sport of Reining in North America. Taking the lead in the Welcome Competition was Team Canada with victories in both the Young Rider and Junior competitions. Flexing north-of-the-border muscle in the truly North American...

Wayne, IL - Wilhelm Genn & Happy Z were the fastest in a 12 horse jump-off that included another mount of his, and those of his sons Ryan and Theo. "“It is great to have my boys in there," said Genn, "it is the best. Riding and coaching in the same class is difficult- it really distracts you as a rider. It takes a lot of discipline and focus to not lose focus." He was able to focus enough though, and finish in the first spot with Happy Z and the seventh with Quite Ruffy 840. Coming in...

This article has been reposted from The Chronicle of the Horse ( https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/not-going-reservation ) Wellington, Fla.—March 27 At today’s U.S. Equestrian Federation Town Hall Meeting, U.S. Hunter Jumper Association President Bill Moroney didn’t mince words when discussing the importance of changing the hunter/jumper culture when it comes to overuse and misuse of drugs and medications. “We have to admit we have an issue,” said Moroney,...

No.8 Kansas State University def. Oklahoma State University The Wildcats were looking to prove that they were back on top of their game. It appears as though they are. A huge question mark just a few weeks ago, Kansas State now looks like a team to watch heading into the big 12 championship and NCEA National Championship. Their 11-8 decision Saturday was vengeance for an early season loss to the Cowgirls, and a confidence booster. It was an even match, but K-State Hunter and Western teams got...

The NCEA regular season is almost over. There’s not a lot going on this weekend, but the one major conference matchup is a good one. No.3 Oklahoma State University vs. No.8 Kansas State University This marquee matchup of Big 12 rivals is a fitting way to close out the conference’s season, and get a glimpse of what’s to come in the Big 12 championship and the NCEA Championship. Oklahoma State is the higher ranked team, and the favorite here, and a win for the Cowgirls would...

This weeks blog comes to you from beautiful British Columbia Canada. I try to bring you news and fun stuff no matter where I am in the world. I have a perfect opportunity to share a Western Dressage story from a reader that has a Canadian link and I think you will enjoy it. Remember, if you would like to share your story, send it to me via email at [email protected]. When the perfect moment comes, I will share your story too! Dear Ms. Binder, In the USEF Weekly Newsletter for...

Alexandra Lawson is a 19-year-old freshman at Purdue University from North Salem, Indiana. She is a member of the three-gaited section of the 2012 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team. I've spent most of my life in the small farm communities of Danville and North Salem, Indiana. My parents and maternal grandparents are grain farmers - farming about 5,000 acres in the surrounding area. When you grow up in farm country, you just naturally get involved with FFA and 4-H, and it was through 4-H that...

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...