McLain Ward and Sapphire Look to go One Better in 2010 (Shannon Brinkman/ USEF Archives) Lexington, KY - With 10 riders representing the United States at the 2010 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final (April 15-18), the American assault on Geneva looks very strong. Led by 2009 runner-up McLain Ward and his legendary Sapphire, the 34-year-old will look to go one better in Switzerland than they did in Las Vegas one year ago. Fortunately, they won't have the fleet-footed Shutterfly to chase as the defending...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Land Rover North America jointly announced today that Land Rover will be the official vehicle sponsor of the USEF for 2010. In addition to its status as Official Vehicle of the USEF in 2010, Land Rover will also be the title sponsor of the U.S. Eventing Team, set to compete at this year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25 - October 10, in Lexington, KY. "Land Rover represents premium performance and success," says...

The FEI is to freeze the Rolex Rankings points for jumping riders on maternity leave, starting with the April Rankings issued on March 31 . Under the new system, female riders will now lose only 50% of their Rolex Rankings points during their absence from competition while on maternity leave. The new ruling means that former world number one Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum moves up from 31st on the March Rolex Rankings to 20th following the reinstatement of 50% of her points. The German rider, who...

There were no rabbits this Easter at the Tampa Equestrian Festival during the $50,000 Grand Prix of Tampa CSI**-W. When four riders were unable to complete Sunday's jump-off round without bringing down a rail, Margie Engle and Indigo were determined to have a steady, clear ride. The pair left all the jumps standing, and despite accruing two time faults, Engle and Indigo claimed the day's top prize. Canadian Hugh Graham was the first to attempt the shortened course with Executive Privilege 3E,...

Photo by Robbi Meisel (Daniel Geitner and Sympa) The Atlanta Spring Classics series closed this Easter weekend under perfect blue skies and more heated competition among hunters and jumpers. Held at the Georgia International Horse Park, home of the 1996 Olympics, in Conyers, GA, the two-week event presented by the Classic Company came to a close with the announcement of division champions. “We’ve had two weeks of glorious showing here in Conyers with great weather, good rings, and some of the...

Competition in the 2010 Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series grew with intensity during the month of March. With classes still in full swing at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL, riders continued to earn points on the series' overall standings. One such rider is Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY, who competes in the Series' East Conference Junior division with her mount Ligist. With back-to-back first-place finishes with Ligist, Kessler earned 330 points,...

Photo by ESI Photography (Jennifer Alfano and Fantabulous on course in the $10,000 Devoucoux Hunter Derby at HITS Ocala. ) The 2010 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit was certainly a successful tour for HITS Ocala Veteran Callan Solem. The accomplished equestrian found victory in the Grand Prix ring several times during the eight-week horse show circuit at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, FL, including a win in the $50,000 Ring Power Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, on Allison, owned by Quiet...

Robin Groves collects her prizes (Joanie Morris/USEF) Ocala, FL - With impending storms looming, the fourth and final day of the Live Oak International presented by US Trust featured a difficult cones phase and clear rounds were hard to find. But the best drivers in the US prevailed and two USEF National Champions were crowned based on their incredible three phase performances. A massive storm held off until the final few drivers, and then the weather deteriorated quickly. Chester Weber and...

The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows return to Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, May 11-23. The two-week long horse show features top-notch hunter-jumper competition at one of the country's most beautiful equestrian training centers. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows are excited to announce a continued partnership with the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen Greater NYC). Komen for the Cure is the world's leading non-profit organization dedicated to...

Photo by Randi Muster (Daisy Farish aboard Ballou in the Small Pony Hunters.) The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Week Nine, held March 10-14, 2010, featured many winners in the equitation, hunters, and jumpers, including the leader in the $200,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, CSI***, presented by CN. The week nine title sponsor was CN. Double H Farm's Night Train sped to the win with Olympic Gold medalist Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil in the $200,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, CSI***,...