Lexington, Ky. - To reach the highest level of excellence in equestrian sport requires talent, perseverance, a tremendous spirit and often, unwavering courage. In 2013, six horses have shown the world these qualities and more. On January 11, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will bestow two of them with the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, the highest honor the USEF awards a horse. Again this year, both a national and international horse will be crowned. The six champions...

Hillary Simpson guided Arkansas to victory in the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grad Prix, on Saturday, July 27, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. (David Mullinix Photography) East Dorset, VT - Arkansas’ racing days may be far behind him, but he is still quite the speed demon. Hillary Simpson piloted the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding to victory in the $30,000 Mount Equinox Grand Prix Saturday afternoon at the Vermont Summer Festival. Simpson was only one of two double clear...

Kennzo and Molly Ashe in the Classic Round (Tricia Booker Photography) Traverse City, MI - Molly Ashe returned to Horse Show by the Bay this year on a mission. After a disappointing performance in last year's $20,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, she sought redemption. And she got it. Ashe guided Kennzo to victory on July 19, in Traverse City, taking the top call in this year's edition, hosted by The Gochman Family. The two-round hunter competition was Friday evening's featured...

Reed Kessler and Wolf S (Spruce Meadows Media Services) Calgary, Alberta - The 'North American' Tournament continued today, and it was Reed Kessler (USA) and Wolf S who took the highlight victory of the day in the $50,000 Lafarge Cup 1.50m over Lauren Tisbo (USA) with Catharina 9. Frances Land (USA) and Vieanne were very fast to win the $33,000 Pepsi Challenge 1.45m as the first ones in the jump-off. The 'North American' Tournament continues through Sunday, July 7, and features...

Ian Millar and Dixson (Spruce Meadows Media Services) Calgary, Alberta - The 'Canada One' Tournament had three feature competitions in the Meadows on the Green today with winners from three different countries. Canada's 10-time Olympian, Ian Millar, took the win in the $33,000 Duncan Ross Cup 1.50m with Dixson. In her first international win at Spruce Meadows, Lauren Crooks (USA) and Navare D'Oriolles were fastest in the $33,000 Westjet Cup 1.45m. Conor Swail of Ireland rode...

Western horses jog. English horses trot. Dressage horses trot. Everyone knows that. What does that mean for the western dressage horse? The western jog was a gait that could be ridden for long distances over the range or on the trail that horses could sustain without exhaustion and which could be sat comfortably. The trot is a gait that covers more ground at a reasonable tempo. To deal with the dynamics of the gait and to unload the horses back, some riders learned to post. Western riders bred...

McLain Ward stands center as the victor of the 2013 Gene Mische American Invitational, while second place Reed Kessler (right) and third place Sharn Wordley (left) celebrate their top three finishes in the class (V.Valenti/The Book LLC) Tampa, FL - For over four decades Raymond James Stadium has been home to the $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G&C Farm. The class has made history as a tradition and landmark of the showjumping world, and Saturday was no exception. It...

Evi Strasser and Rigaudon Tyme Loxahatchee, FL - The International Horse Sport Champions Cup CDI-W's Sunday class offerings attracted a number of promising young horses whose riders hoped to give them experience in preparation for a move up the ranks. Local and international competitors alike persevered through windy weather to put in strong performances at Equestrian Estates' IHS Champions Park in Loxahatchee. Evi Strasser and daughter Tanya Strasser-Shostak both rode 9-year-old horses...

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl won the $50,000 CSI2* Live Oak International on Saturday, March 23, at the CSI2* Live Oak International in Ocala, FL. (Mark Astrom) Ocala, FL – Todd Minikus of Wellington, FL, made it three for three, winning the $50,000 CSI2* Live Oak International Grand Prix on Saturday, March 23, in Ocala, FL. The only equestrian event in North America to feature both world-class driving and show jumping, the Live Oak International takes place at Live Oak Plantation from...

Conor Swail and Martha Louise (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - Ireland's Conor Swail and Chinook Valley, Inc.'s Martha Louise were victorious in Thursday's $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10 during week ten of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival's (FTI WEF), sponsored by Horseware Ireland. Week ten's competition runs March 13-17 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) featuring CSI 3* competition. Highlights include the $33,000...