If Sunday was about anticipation and preparation, Monday was a day characterized by enjoyment of the show atmosphere and execution of competition strategy in pursuit of the roses. Trainers on the rail offered last minute advice to their amateurs, while others reviewed their game plan for classes. Opportunities for optimal caffeination for peak performance were readily available. Shortly before the first class at 7.30, members of the Brandon city council, including the mayor, were on hand to...

A competitor on course in the Purina Mills Horseless Horseshow. (Photo by Sarah Owen.) Ocala, FL - The annual Purina Mills Weekend, which featured exciting classes, a $50,000 Purina Mills-sponsored Grand Prix, and a series of special events, wrapped up the fifth week of AA-rated competition at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Another round of beautiful weather provided picture-perfect conditions, and exhibitors were out in force to take advantage of an action-packed schedule, with several key...

Laura Kraut and Winde had the fastest times (Photo by Sportfot©. ) Wellington, FL - February 5, 2011, - The women have dominated the Nespresso Battle of the Sexes for three years now with another exciting win in Saturday evening's dynamic competition. The women's team, captained by Katie Prudent, and including riders Georgina Bloomberg, Ashlee Bond, Brianne Goutal, Lauren Hough, Maggie Jayne, Reed Kessler, Candice King, Laura Kraut, Christine McCrea, Catherine Pasmore and Nicole Simpson, swept...

Nick Haness and Catwalk (Flying Horse Photography© ) Thermal, CA - Canadian Olympian John Pearce seems determined to return to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix after a tremendous first week in the Grand Prix ring at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA. Pearce swept both Grand Prix classes at HITS Thermal last week, winning the blue in Friday's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard Forest View Farm's Chianto, the horse he placed third on in the 2010 Pfizer...

Devon, PA - January 17, 2011 - The first annual Brandywine Valley Summer Series horse shows presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) will be the highlight of the summer with exciting classes in the hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions. The Brandywine Valley Summer Series presented by THIS will be held at the prestigious Devon Show Grounds for two continuous weeks, June 29-July 3, 2011, and July 6-10, 2011, complete with a local day of competition on July 11, 2011. Each week, the...

Ravel-Horse of the Year in 2009. (Photo by Shannon Brinkman/USEF) Lexington, KY - December 21 - To reach the highest level of excellence in equestrian sport takes talent, perseverance, a tremendous spirit and often, unwavering courage. In 2010, five horses have shown the world those qualities and more. And on January 21, the United States Equestrian Federation will bestow just one of them with the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, the highest honor the USEF awards a horse. The five...

U.S. Vaulting Team Wins Gold (Photo by Shannon Brinkman for USEF) Lexington, KY - After years of preparation, what began as a dream finally turned into reality. The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games took place here in Lexington, KY - the first time they had ever been held outside of Europe. But now, what was a reality has turned into a memory as the Games concluded today as the final medals were presented. The U.S. Team started on a high note, taking home the first Team Gold medal of the...

Aurora, CO - The Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF) has announced it awarded $15,000 in grants and youth scholarships this year. Since the Foundation was re-launched three years ago, the nonprofit entity, which is the philanthropic arm of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), has given over $75,000 in grants and scholarships. The AHF recently awarded $5,000 in Scholarships, $5,000 to Rescue and Rehoming of horses, and $5,000 to Equine Research. "The Foundation is pleased to once again step forward...

Randi Muster (Meredith "Maddy" Darst and Highlands Make Believe were named Medium Pony Grand Champions.) Lexington, KY - August 13, 2010 - It was another hot day at the Kentucky Horse Park, but that did not slow down the exciting competition at the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championships. The top ponies and riders gathered at the Walnut Ring to showcase their talent. The pony action began with the Large Pony Hunter model and under saddle phases, and was...

Randi Muster (Victoria Colvin and Seven Steps) Lexington, KY - August 11, 2010 - Competition continued Wednesday at the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals National Championships held at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The Green Pony Hunter divisions came to a close as they wrapped-up their two days of competition with the over fences phase under the hot August sun. Later in the day, the Small Pony Hunter division got underway with their model and under...