The sixteenth in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder In an attempt to acknowledge the current diversity within the discipline, show organizers have started offering exhibitors the opportunity to ride ANY test they want to ride, from any organization that has published tests. A buffet of western dressage is now available with something for everyone. The show organizers want to meet the needs of the competitors and in so doing really have taken the first step toward acceptance and...

Lillie Keenan and Clearway (Shawn McMillen Photography) Upper Marlboro, MD – The Capital Challenge Equitation Championship Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com, hosted three equitation finals today, starting with the North American Junior Equitation Championship, in which Lillie Keenan took home the big win on Clearway, owned by Heritage Farm. Sydney Hutchins was victorious in the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children's Medal Finals, while Annie Finch won the blue...

Geoffrey Hesslink and Afrojack Jacksonville, FL - The long-awaited first-ever Southeast Medal Finals got underway today with much fanfare. Organizers Bob Bell, from Classic Company and James Lala from James Lala's Wellington Quarantine have attended to every aspect of the show to make it special and memorable. A field of 27 talented young riders competed to kick off the show bright and early at 8:00 a.m. in the USEF Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal. The first course of the show was a challenging mix...

Peter Leone and Lincourt Gino fly into The American Gold Cup Winner's Circle North Salem, NY - Peter Leone, aboard Lincourt Gino, sailed to the win as the only double clear horse and rider combination in the starting field of 29 at the $200,000 American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, on Sunday. The day dawned cool with fluffy clouds dotting the sky, while the wind billowed the tents dotting the show grounds. The weather throughout the week in North Salem has been ideal for...

Photo Credit: Jennifer Alfano and Miss Lucy swept the first day of the High Performance Hunters at the Buffalo International Horse Show. "Kendall Bierer/PMG" Buffalo, NY - September 12, 2012 - The Indoor Arena was filled with hunter excitement as the first day of the Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) commenced at the Buffalo Equestrian Center. The premier fundraiser for the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, the BIHS offered an array of hunter classes for all experience levels, seeing...

Calgary, Canada - The 2012 Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament had great significance for U.S. riders, as it was their final competition under the guidance of legendary Chef d’ Equipe George Morris. The prestigious competition is always a destination event for not only the best in North America but also draws top competitors from Europe. The signature classes of Spruce Meadows would once again draw a packed house of spectators, as horses and riders competed for top individual honors in...

Bristol, Wisconsin Charity Event Raises $1.175 for Charity Laura Linback and Whittaker MVNZ (Allison H. Ross) Bristol, WI - The 2012 Evergreen Invitational was a huge success on Saturday with a $25,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Classic and $75, 000 Grand Prix. The classic, which kicked off the event, was won by Meagan Nusz and Vesuvius. In the Grand Prix the blue ribbon went to Laura Linback and Whittaker MVNZ, who had the only clear ride of the class. Hosted by MK Pritzker and The Woman's Board...

Last year's Ariat National Adult Medal Finals winners, Kristi Siam and Krosus Upper Marlboro, MD – The 2012 Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by The Gochman Family, looks forward to once again welcoming Ariat International, Inc. and the Ariat National Adult Medal Finals during this year’s competition. Held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, the show will begin with its Equitation Weekend presented by BigEq.com on September 29-30 and will continue...

Kent Farrington and Voyeur, winners of the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. (Shawn McMillen) Bridgehampton, NY - Kent Farrington set the pace as the first rider to go in the decisive jump-off for the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the 37th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show, and it was a pace his two competitors couldn’t match. Riding Voyeur, Farrington, of Chicago, Ill., was the first starter in the jump-off, and they kept all eight jumps standing as they sped to a...

Bridgehampton, NY - McLain Ward is hard to beat at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. On Friday afternoon Ward rode Pjotter Van De Zonnehoeve to victory in the $50,000 Spy Coast Farm/Young Horse Show Series Grand Prix Qualifier, and he grabbed third place on Antares F. As the third rider to start in the 13-horse jump-off, Ward, on Antares F, stopped the timers just 0.02 seconds short of the mark Kent Farrington had set right before him on Venus (42.26 seconds). Four more riders tried and failed to...