Lexington, KY - The 2013 US Pony Finals officially kicked-off on Tuesday with Green Hunter Ponies and Medium Regular Hunter Ponies taking their first steps towards National Titles in the US Hunter Pony Championship presented by Sallee Horse Vans. Small, Medium and Large Greens all completed their Model and Under Saddle phases in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Walnut Arena, while Medium Regular Hunter Ponies performed their Model phase in front of the judging panel of Chance Arakelian, William...

Laura Linback rode to the top of the Open Jumper leader board for the opening day of Equifest II, taking the 1.40m Open Jumper victory with Whittaker MVNZ (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Wayne, IL - The top horses and riders from across the country returned to the Lamplight Equestrian Center for Equifest II. The first day of competition commenced with the Open Jumper divisions in the Grand Prix Ring. Local resident Laura Linback led the way to the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper class, as well as the $500 1.25m...

Welcome to a different kind of blog from WDAA! The purpose of this post is to allow the reader "into the heads" of both a trainer/judge/competitor, Karen Abbattista and her student, Deborah Herbert, a Florida WDAA member. We would like to share with you some moments in Deb's journey as she pursues her riding goals with her AQHA mare "GenuineArcticSpring", barn name "Belle". Please enjoy as you follow along with these posts that we consider interesting or challenging moments on their journey...

Catherine Tyree guided Sandor de la Pomme to victory in the $10,000 Overland Sheepskin Company Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, July 25, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT (David Mullinix Photography) East Dorset, VT - Catherine Tyree and her newly acquired mount, Sandor de la Pomme, secured their first victory together in the $10,000 Overland Sheepskin Company Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, July 25, at...

Happy Z and Wilhelm Genn (Tricia Booker Photogra[hy) Traverse City, MI - Happy Z has an affinity for Horse Shows by the Bay. The flashy chestnut won the first grand prix of her venerable career eight years ago in Traverse City, and she returned today to log her 55th victory in the $30,000 Grand Prix of the Great Lakes. "At this point, I appreciate every good class, where before you take things for granted," said owner and rider Wilhelm Genn. "Now, she doesn't have to win, just jump well,...

Devin Ryan guided Zosja to victory in the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, presented by the Inns at Equinox, on July 20 at the Vermont Summer Festival in (East Dorset, VT) East Dorset, VT - Devin Ryan and Zosja were declared the winners of the $30,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix, presented by the Inns at Equinox, on Saturday afternoon at the Vermont Summer Festival. Ryan and Zosja were the only double-clear round of the day, laying down a steady and careful second trip to secure them the victory....

Cassandra Roberts of the USA Southeast and Viktory Banner finishing the 75-mile endurance race (Brant Gamma Photography) Lexington, KY - Four teams were fielded for this year's endurance race and it was a great opportunity for young riders to experience the FEI competition and what they can do for their country in the future. Leading the Gold medal-winning team for the USA Southeast was Cassandra Roberts (16, Bronson, FL) on Viktory Banner, who also won the Individual Gold medal with a...

Dressage Young Rider Individual medalists: Devon Wycoff (Reg 5), Bronze; Ayden Uhlir (Reg 6), Gold; Jamie Pestana (Reg 7) Silver (SusanJStickle.com) Lexington, KY – Dressage riders completed their tests for Individual medals today at the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC). Taking home the Gold medal in the Young Rider division was Ayden Uhlir (Region 6) on Sjapoer. The Gold medalist in the Junior division was Lindsey...

McLain Ward and Cadence (Spruce Meadows Media Services) Calgary, Alberta - Despite having first ridden Cadence last week, McLain Ward had confidence in his new mount. They have had a string of top finishes at the 'Canada One' and 'North American' Tournaments, and today was their first victory. Ward was one of three that made it into the jump-off in the $50,000 Akita Drilling Cup 1.50m out of 36 entries. He was the first to go and put in an efficient round in 36.52 seconds with...

Frances Land raises her first trophy in the International Ring with Ken Morgan, Vice President, Sales Support of Pepsico Beverages Canada (Spruce Meadows Media Services) Calgary, Alberta - Out of a starting field of 77 entries, 11 went to the jump-off, but no one was able to catch Frances Land (USA) and Vieanne. They blazed around the shortened course in 37.99 seconds for victory. Land was only thinking speed when she entered the ring for the jump-off. “A class like this you have Eric...