There wasn’t a whole lot of NCEA team competition last week (many teams took the week off while they were represented at the WEF Collegiate Equitation Challenge ), but some top teams are back in action this weekend. Check below for my take on each of the NCEA Matchups that'll be happening in the coming days. No.2 Auburn University vs. No.4 South Carolina University South Carolina heads to Auburn to try and rein in a reeling season. Working with three straight losses, and coming off...

Kalvin Dobbs and Winde (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - Sunday's competition began in the morning with a win for 17-year-old Kalvin Dobbs, of Carmel, IN, aboard Treesdale Farms' Winde in the $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix. The class, presented by the Dutta Corporation in association with Guido Klatte, saw 39 entries jumping the course set by Bob Ellis. Nine went clear to advance to the jump-off, and Dobbs and Winde breezed through the short course in 41.928 seconds for the...

This week I want to update you about some exciting new programs coming in 2013 for Western Dressage enthusiasts. As this discipline continues to develop, more tests are available, more shows are available, and more award programs vie for participation. The show and clinic calendars are filling up for the year and so much is happening. In January our local WSH Zone added year end awards for Western Dressage following the inclusion of Western Dressage as a subdivision of Dressage on the...

Facebook is an unending super highway of material for use in a myriad of applications. I am always amazed by several things. First, how we can consider people we have never seen or maybe even spoken to directly as “friends.” Second, how we are able to use social networking to very positive effects from fund raising for good causes to arranging emergency transportation for rescue horses. Third, how easy it is to learn from so many people who are willing to share really great...

Dougie Hannum doesn’t stress. But when the red foam finger feeding frenzy kicked off today - he may have gotten slightly agitated. It didn’t last long. The SmartPak/USEF Foam Finger “Dressage is #1” Initiative has really taken off. These things are everywhere and everyone wants one. The British are so polite. They say please, they insist on paying, they ask if they can have their photo taken with Sarah Paull who is actually running around wearing a giant foam finger...

The third in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder I promised you last week I would share more about the informal surveys that have helped give Western Dressage a voice through NAWD, and given me good stuff to share with you. While we believe there is much common ground to be found between western and dressage, there are differences between Western Dressage and BOTH parent disciplines. As Western Dressage continues to develop into a unique discipline in this country it is imperative...

Some tips from Equestrian Interior Designer Mary Cox Whether you live in a small apartment or a large spacious home you can bring your love of horses home, without bringing your horse home too. For most of us our home is our sanctuary – a place to retreat from life’s stress and re-charge our batteries. A thoughtfully planned interior creates feelings that re-energize us while a poorly planned interior can have us feeling frustrated and stressed. In riding, when there is harmony...

It’s a blissfully warm day in January, and my horse Nicolai is galloping alongside crashing surf as cars roll by. The passengers stare –wistful or shocked, I’m not sure – as we hop over piles of seaweed. This, I think, is the greatest thing I’ve ever done. The week before, Nicolai and I rode out among cattle. We chased calves along the creek and followed the ridge to a quiet spot above the barn. Usually, we are show jumpers, but sometimes we ride for miles along...

Halifax, MA - The schedule for this week's Fieldstone Summer Showcase has been revised due to the hurricane conditions expected on Sunday. All MHJ Finals classes for Sunday have been moved to Saturday. Revised schedules are posted at www.showfieldstone.com . The Fieldstone Summer Showcase, an "AA" rated and Jumper 4 rated horse show, is held at the Fieldstone Equestrian & Show Facility in Halifax, MA. The MHJ Finals will run at the same times in the same rings, but on Saturday, August...

Lexington, KY - The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show will be held beginning Wednesday, September 28 through Saturday, October 1 at the National Equestrian Center, in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. The new Show Manager for 2011 will be Peter Fenton. Peter is introducing some changes to the show, while continuing to build upon the show’s longstanding tradition and prestige. The judging panel for this year includes Jim Lowry, Bill Waller, and Lisa Waller. The show is seeking recognition from...