Some of the world’s most stunning horses arrive next month in Fort Worth, TX, for the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association’s (IALHA) 2009 National Championship Horse Show. Hundreds of Andalusian and Lusitano horses from the United States, Canada and Mexico, along with their owners, riders, exhibitors and trainers, will gather October 12-17 for show competition, exhibitions and clinics at the popular Will Rogers Equestrian Center show venue. Affectionately known as the "Horse...

"We were thrilled with the outpouring of community support and involvement," said Denis Glaccum, co-director of Plantation Field International Horse Trials. "In only our second year of international competition, we've seen a significant increase in attendance as more of our friends and neighbors turn out." Held over three days in Unionville, PA, the Plantation Field International Horse Trials are one of only a handful of prestigious three-day events in the region. More than 240 horse-and-rider...

The Grand Prix of Los Angeles on September 19 was nothing short of spectacular as it opened with a live performance by Mishavonna, an American Idol Semi-Finalist, the National Anthem performed by a duet of violinists, and then there was the grand prix itself. After the exciting opening ceremonies, the crowd was primed for an exhilarating night of world-class show jumping, and the riders did not disappoint them. However, course designer Leopoldo Palacios made sure the riders worked for the...

The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced that "A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse," an upcoming blockbuster exhibition in the Kentucky Horse Park's International Museum of the Horse, and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games have been designated as two of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2010 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of...

Dr. Cesar Parra and Lori Washton’s 13-year-old KWPN gelding, Olympia proved that good things come in threes at the 2009 New England Dressage Association Fall Festival CDI-W/Y/J. The pair went three for three winning the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I, and the Intermediaire Freestyle. Parra and Olympia finished the weekend with an exciting victory in the Intermediaire Freestyle with a score of 74.5%. The freestyle performance was fun, and the spectators showed their appreciation by clapping...

International grand prix dressage rider and trainer Heather Blitz will be moving her training base to a new location in Loxahatchee, FL, on December 1, 2009. The popular rider has been based in Europe for the past three years and is now ready to return stateside to a new facility that will provide the opportunity to operate a training business alongside her riding career. "I have had a wonderful time in Europe and have made many friends as well as some great clients, but the time has come for...

The success continued more than 1000 miles away in Belgium where, as the lone American, she swept the CSI-YJPCH-A Nieuwpoort, August 21-23. Kessler won two classes each day. On Friday she was the fastest of three clear rounds in the Speed Class. With Ice d’Ancoeur she zoomed to victory, almost six seconds faster than Julian Kok from Holland. She then had another convincing win in the 1.30m class with Ligist, where she was again lightning fast and was only one of two clears in the four horse...

Dressage at Devon, one of the most prestigious dressage and sport horse breeding shows in North America, now offers online ticket sales for general admission, reserved seating and special events like the Forum with George Williams. With more than $50,000 in prize money and awards over six days of competition, the event features world-class horses and riders, shopping and fun for the entire family. This year's show will be held September 22-27, 2009, at the historic Devon Horse Show Grounds. "We...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) held its annual World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS) Junior Judging Contest on Tuesday, August 25, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY. Horse show judging is an important part of ASHA Youth Programs, as these contests are an educational way for young people to learn about judging in a fun environment, while being educated about class specifications and show procedures for judging American Saddlebreds. Any individual, age 17 and under, was...

Last year’s winner, William Fox-Pitt will be defending his title at the 2009 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, September 3-6.The leading British rider, one of 100 international entries for this year’s event, will have to overcome some serious classy opposition from many of the world’s top riders and horses before he can take home the Land Rover Perpetual Challenge Trophy and £50,000 first prize for a second year. If successful, a consecutive win would put his name in the record books—he...