Welcome to the third installment of 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...

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...

Woodside, CA - James Alliston survived a bittersweet day at the Woodside International Horse Trials, presented by Equine Insurance of California and Professional’s Choice. It was a day of both exciting victory and disconcerting defeat for him. Alliston, of Castro Valley, Calif., did win the CIC3*, but with Tivoli (52.6), not with Jumbo’s Jake, the horse who’d been leading after the first day’s dressage and show jumping. And he also won the CIC2* on Mojo. Jolie Wentworth...

Sydney Hutchins and Gaudi. (Shawn McMillen Photography) Upper Marlboro, MD – Forty-one qualifiers contested this year's THIS National Children's Medal Finals. After the initial round, the top 10 returned for a second round. Thirteen-year-old Sydney Hutchins of Westlake Village, CA, led from start to finish on Gaudi, owned by Taylor Harris (who, coincidentally, is not related to the sponsor). She scored a 90.5 in the first round and an 86.7 in the second round for a winning total...

Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One win The American Gold Cup Qualifier North Salem, NY - Christine McCrea jumped ahead of the competition Friday to place first in the $50,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier at the picturesque Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY. The day was clear and warm to welcome the 50 entrants to the final class of the day on the spectacular grass Grand Prix field. Six entries went clear and headed to the jump-off. McCrea had the winning time with 40.830 seconds aboard...

London, England, United Kingdom - In London, there is always one conversational topic that a stranger can depend on to relieve an awkward situation, the weather. On Thursday August 30th, at the 2012 Paralympic Equestrian venue in Greenwich Park, the weather transitioned from rain, to wind, on to more rain, and brisk temperatures. As the opening day of the Para-Dressage Team Test competition transpired the weather became accommodating to some riders and unpleasant to others. Jonathan Wentz (USA)...

Southern Saddlebred Sales – New Auction Scheduled for April 27-28 After 120 years in business, Tattersalls in Lexington, KY is closing its doors. Since 1986, Teater Saddlebred Enterprises, Inc has handled the Saddlebred auction, but Ed and Suzie Teater have announced their retirement. This creates a void in the ASB industry for a public auction. James and Jackie Hale, who own and operate a successful Saddlebred training stable in Alabama and specialize in consignment sales, have plans for...

Grade Ib Jonathan Wentz (USA) and NTEC Jabriel (Lindsay McCall) Wellington, FL - Week two at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center began for Para-Equestrian Dressage riders Thursday, January 26, at the 2012 Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CPEDI3. Canada and the United States of America went head to head in the team competition resulting in an early lead for the United States. With top scores reaching the 70% mark, the United States showcased their determination and progression over the past...

Lexington, KY - The U.S. Show Jumping squad of Anne Kursinski (Roxanna 112), Charlie Jayne (Urbanus), Nicole Simpson (SRF Dragonfly) and Will Simpson (Carlsson vom Charlie Jayne and Urbanus (Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com) Dach) put on an impressive display in Rome, Italy to finish second in the Nations Cup and take over the top spot of the Samsung Super League. Coming off of a three-way tie for second in the first leg of the Super League two weeks ago, the U.S. riders put together another...

Lexington, KY— In an effort to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recently developed a Youth Council to lead these efforts. Comprised of 18 talented youth representatives from the USEF’s affiliates, this council has committed to providing their equestrian leadership to support and develop programs within their breed affiliates and disciplines. As part of this overall effort, the...