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...

Wellington, FL - Upon review of the process and after consultation with the FEI, it has been confirmed that the current rules regarding the elimination process were followed to the letter. Before she left the official equipment check area ringside, the rider was informed by the FEI Chief Steward that the Judge at C had made the decision based on Article 428.8 and Article 430.7.6 that the horse must be eliminated due to the evidence of fresh blood. On behalf of Wellington Classic Dressage and...

Laurie Stevens and Iceman (Anne Gittins Photography) Wellington, FL - Iceman and Laurie Stevens were triumphant for the second week in a row at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). The duo received championship honors in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Older (Section A) division during week one before taking home the championship again in week two. Stevens, of Boca Raton, FL, and her eleven-year-old Westphalian gelding placed first and eighth over fences on...

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...

Rebecca Hart receiving 2012 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship Award from Ann Romney. Photograph (c)Sue Stickle Photography at SusanJStickle.com New York, NY - On Wednesday October 10th, U.S. Paralympian Rebecca Hart of Unionville, Penn. will be showcased on ABC's Good Morning America. Hart will accompany Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney in New York's Times Square. Mrs. Romney and Rebecca Hart will be speaking about how horses have...

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy win the $50,000 Chicago International Hunter Derby.(Aullmyn Photography) Antioch, IL - Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano have been red hot since their recent victory as the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals held in Kentucky last month. Their fire did not stop burning as they blazed the way to the top of the $50,000 Chicago International Hunter Derby, presented by Canadian National Railroad. Alfano and Jersey Boy not only took the first place prize, but...

Greenwich, UK - Sunday saw the conclusion of the Team Championship as well medals awarded for individual performances in Grade IV, III and 1a competition at the 2012 Paralympic Games. The host nation took medals by the handful claiming two Individual Silvers, an Individual Gold and Team Gold. This is the fifth time Great Britain has earned the top spot on the team podium since 1996 when Para-Equestrian Dressage was first included in the Paralympic Games. Claiming Silver behind Great Britain was...

See what Donna Ponessa had to say about her Grade 1a Team Test with Wesley Dunham's Western Rose. The pair scored 70.235%. On her first competition experience at the 2012 Paralympic Games: It was an amazing experience. At first I was a little overwhelmed the mare was a little tense. But all my teammates agree it’s another show with an Opening Ceremony and you can’t be thinking about anything but the foot fall and your job ahead so once I got that centered, it seemed to flow...

Laura Kraut and Cedric scored top ribbons at the international horse show Jumping Chantilly 2012. Kraut also earned the Leading Lady Rider award. (Sydney Masters) Chantilly, France - Laura Kraut and Cedric continue to jump their way to the top of the European standings. The competition was fierce at the international horse show Jumping Chantilly France 2012 this past weekend. From July 19-22 the sport's most renowned riders picked up the reins to compete for the top prizes. Kraut guided...