Perfect sunny South Florida weather and spectacular competition kicked off the 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Tosca won the top prize of $9,000 in the opener to the $30,000 Braman Motor Cars WEF Challenge Cup in Round 1 on Thursday, January 8. Only 0.109 secs separated Engle's win from Georgina Bloomberg and her ride on Curius, placing second to win $6,600. McLain Ward jumped Rothchild to the first $25,000...

The gavel fell with a resounding boom at the 2008 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)/Markel Insurance Futurity Prospect Sale in Oklahoma City, OK, on December 6. The $240,000 winning bid was the largest purchase price ever witnessed at an NRHA sale. Hip 3023, Peppy Superboom, was purchased by The Bucket List Syndicate. Peppy Superboom was consigned by Schmersal Reining Horses, who also consigned the top-selling horse in the NRHA/Markel Insurance Marketplace Sale. The 2006 sorrel colt is...

Every competitive horse owner knows that showtime is stressful. However, stress from training to trailering can affect horses, too. Horses can continue feeling the stress even after stepping off the trailer. Situations such as increased stall time—especially at an unfamiliar facility—and limited turnout, along with training and competing, can often lead to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). In fact, 63% of nonracing competitive horses can suffer from EGUS. EGUS can diminish the...

A group of fuzzy and adorable Miniature horses became instant fan favorites when they marched in the 75th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day parade in downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving Day. Lennie Bertrand, of Bertrand’s Miniature Horse Ranch, brought 21 Miniature horses to march in the parade much to the delight of the 400,000 plus spectators who came out to enjoy Chicago’s favorite tradition. Bertrand said it was his 11th year to bring his Miniature horses to the parade, and he had friends...

The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center recently held a very successful clinic featuring the renowned rider and trainer, George H. Morris, who is currently the U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe. The clinic was held over three days and hosted three different groups of riders: intermediate, advanced, and jumpers. The clinic was scheduled and organized by Susie Schoellkopf, Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and head trainer of SBS Farms, Inc., at the Buffalo Equestrian Center. Riding...

On behalf of all those who contribute to the equestrian family, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), governing body of international equestrian sport, announced on November 20 the creation of a commission on medication and doping chaired by Dr. Arne Ljungqvist, Chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical Commission and Vice President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The Commission will offer a robust examination of the way the equine anti-doping policies can...

The audience cheered even more enthusiastically when Will Simpson entered the arena aboard Archie Bunker to contest the $50,000 Los Angeles National Grand Prix. The 2008 Olympic Gold medalist did not disappoint as he piloted Archie Bunker to one of just four clear rounds during the featured class at the LA National, November 12-16. Olaf Petersen, Jr., designed a challenging course for the 34 horse field that served as a West Coast League World Cup Qualifier. "This was a difficult course. This...

Lexington, KY – The US show jumping team of Ashlee Bond and Cadett 7, Rebecca Johanson-Hofmann and Corona, Michelle Spadone and Melisimo, and Kirsten Coe and Starlight put on an impressive display at the CSIO Buenos Aires to win the Nations Cup over the Argentineans on their home turf. The US team finished on eight faults, ahead of Argentina (10) and Chile (24). All of the US riders contributed to the effort, with Johanson-Hofmann jumping two immaculate clears. Bond, Spadone and Coe all had one...

Hanover Shoe Farms, the most prolific Standardbred breeding farm in the world, will be honored with the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) 2008 award for outstanding service in equine welfare, the Lavin Cup. The Lavin Cup, named for former AAEP President A. Gary Lavin, VMD, will be presented to a representative of Hanover Shoe Farms on December 9 at the AAEP’s 54th Annual Convention in San Diego. Each year the Lavin Cup is awarded to a non-veterinary individual or organization...

Lexington, KY - The final United States Equestrian Federation National Eventing Championship of the year wrapped up the season at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event. Held in Temecula, CA (concurrently with the CCI**) on November 1-2. Juniors and Young Riders shone in the 2008 USEF National Junior/Young Rider CCI* Team Championship-West. The team made up of three riders from Area I and VI, triumphed in the long format CCI* over the team from Area VII to claim the Championship. Suzy...