Wayne, Ill. – An elite group of young dressage athletes competed for championship honors in the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals on Sunday at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Judges examined the riders’ equitation skills by taking them through a series of flat and pattern work. Averi Allen claimed top honors in the 13 & Under division, while Allison Hopkins earned top honors in the 14-18 division. 13 & Under Division Averi Allen, the 13 & Under Champion, riding Celtic...

Manuel Torres and Christofolini H on their way to a $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition win. (ESI Photography) Culpeper, Va. - Riders and horses descended on the Grand Prix Ring at HITS Commonwealth Park for the main event of the Winston National, the $30,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix. Only one horse and rider could go home with the win, but in this case, one deserving equestrian took home both the first and second prize. There was no slowing down Manuel Torres during the fourth week of...

I have been very lax and much has happened. Another medal for the U.S. Equestrian Team, but set against the extreme disappointment of having to withdraw Cortes 'C'. There have been a high number of clears in all rounds of the jumping competitions; I am sure there will be those that argue that it is a bad thing and some that will say it is a good thing. Whatever the eventual diagnosis, it sure as hell put the pressure on for the second round of the team jumping competition! I am not sure...

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The show jumping competition, the third and final equestrian discipline at the 2016 Olympic Games, got underway at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center, on Sunday, showcasing 75 athlete-and-horse combinations from 27 nations. In addition to serving as the first individual qualifier, Sunday’s results determined the starting order for the Team Competition. Kent Farrington produced a clear round for the U.S., while teammates Lucy Davis, McLain Ward, and Beezie...

Abigail McArdle secured the top two spots in Saturday's $25,000 U25 Grand Prix, placing first on Comeback (pictured) and second on Contessina Della Caccia at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. (Taylor Renner/Phelps Media Group) Traverse City, Mich. - Grey was the theme for Saturday at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF). As overcast skies set the scene for the day's highlighted jumper event, the $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, presented by the Moyer family, Abigail McArdle finished...

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - The second day of dressage competition at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games had sunshine beaming down on the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Center as the remaining 30 athlete-and-horse combinations took to the main arena to perform the Grand Prix test, the first of two tests in team competition. The U.S. team, which held fourth place after the first day of competition on Wednesday, has moved into third in the team standings on an average of 76.971% after anchor riders Steffen...

Nicolas Astier (FRA), Michael Jung (GER), and Phillip Dutton (Shannon Brinkman Photo) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – U.S. Olympic Eventing Team member Phillip Dutton capped off three days of brilliant riding by winning the Individual Bronze medal at the Rio Olympic Games. Dutton finished on a score of 51.80. Michael Jung of Germany won the Individual Gold medal for the second consecutive time and Nicolas Astier of France took home the Silver medal. The energy and excitement for the final day of...

Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice (Shannon Brinkman Photo) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Cross-country, the heart of eventing competition, proved to be demanding for the 64 athlete-and-horse combinations who contested Pierre Michelet's technical course at the Olympic Equestrian Center at Deodoro on Monday. Only three entries finished double-clear, and only 26 crossed the finish without jumping penalties. U.S. veterans Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin rode brilliantly and stand fifth and sixth,...

Courtney Calcagnini and Bowie win the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival. (Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group) Traverse City, Mich. - It was only in June that Courtney Calcagnini and Bowie made headlines, winning the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Country Heir Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky. Consistent contenders in the hunter derby program, Calcagnini showcased Bowie's talent once again during the Great Lakes Equestrian...

Lucy Deslaurieres and Hester (Tom von kap-Herr) Bromont, Quebec - Young rider Lucy Deslauriers (USA) scored another victory at the International Bromont ahead of 25 participants on Friday, July 29, in the FEI Assante Classic. Course designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) once again created an excellent course for the participating riders, as 25 horse and rider combinations started in the event. Nine of those qualified for the second round. A Female and American Podium Experienced rider Leslie Howard...