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...

Stephanie Novas and Amyra R (Ashley N. Williams) Wayne, IL - It was a soggy day at the Grand Prix Arena where Equifest I at Lamplight Equestrian Center was sure to continue rain or shine. Wet footing had competitors using caution as they assessed the jumper course for Friday's competition in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper divisions. It was Stephanie Novas and Amyra R who gauged the conditions well for zero errors and the fastest time to earn the blue ribbon in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner...

Katie Prudent and V (Spruce Meadows Media Services) Calgary, Alberta - Two exciting feature competitions were held on Friday under beautiful blue skies for day two of the ‘Pan American’ Tournament at Spruce Meadows. In the $33,000 Friends of the Meadows Cup 1.60m, Katie Prudent (USA) and V led the victory gallop, while Meagan Nusz (USA) and Vesuvius took top honors in the $15,000 CIBC Junior/Amateur Jumper 1.40m. The ‘Pan American’ Tournament continues through Sunday,...

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...

Aachen, Germany - The 2013 CHIO Aachen came to a close on Sunday with its ninth and final day of competition. The U.S. competitors continued to produce strong finishes to complete one of their most successful trips to the prestigious German venue in recent years. Jumping Beezie Madden and Cortes 'C' (Shannon Brinkman) CSIO5* competition wrapped up Sunday in the Main Arena with the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen. Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, NY) was looking to claim Beezie Madden and Cortes 'C'...

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister on their way to a tenth place finish (Shannon Brinkman) Aachen, Germany – Cross country day proved to be influential at the Aachen CICO3* at the 2013 CHIO Aachen. Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister tackled the final phase with determination and finished in tenth place in a field of world-class horses and riders. The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team finished in seventh place after unfortunate results plagued them throughout the day. Though a disappointing...

Lillie Keenan and Pumped Up Kicks jump their way to a win in the $125,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties over the weekend (©ESI Photography) Saugerties, NY – Lillie Keenan and Pumped Up Kicks were pumped up just enough Sunday afternoon to win the $125,000 Purina Animal Nutrition Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis. The 15-year-old rider and Chansonette Farm, LLC’s Pumped Up Kicks closed out three weeks of spring shows at HITS-on-the-Hudson...

Margie Engle and Royce (Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International) Lexington, KY - Scope and stride proved to be the key to the win for Margie Engle and Royce during the $75,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, presented by Audi of Lexington, during the Kentucky Spring Classic. The pair out jumped 12 other horse and rider combinations during the tiebreaker to claim the winning prize with a double clear effort. Charlie Jayne captured the second place award with Chill R Z, while...

Kent Farrington and Zidane (Phelps Media Group, Inc.) Lexington, KY - Capturing a ribbon was no easy task during today's $20,000 Bluegrass Classic at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Forty-two entries gathered at the Rolex Stadium to compete in the 1.45m Open Jumper event, but when 23 qualified for the tiebreaker the results came down to a foot race. Besting the clock and the course was Kent Farrington aboard Zidane, breaking the beam at 38.879 to take home the winning prize. Ramiro...

Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken (Shannon Brinkman/USEF photo) Lexington, KY - The excitement of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover is about to begin at the Kentucky Horse Park. Forty-six horses were presented at the first horse inspection and all were accepted. Riders from seven nations will vie for top honors at America's only CCI4* event which also serves as the Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Championship. The competition begins tomorrow with the first of two...