PhelpsPhotos.com (Kim Severson won the 2004 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Four-Star on Winsome Adante.) Lexington, KY – In a month where the average American wanders out to the garden wishing for Summer, equestrian sport has taken the lead—and the reins—to bring the country into full bloom. Leading us first to the entertainment capital of the world on April 20, the 2005 FEI World Cup Finals promises to feature some of the best show jumping and dressage the world has to offer. The United States...

Australian Phillip Dutton cruised to victory in the FEI World Cup Qualifier at Chatsworth International Horse Trials (CIC***-W) with The Foreman on 46.2 penalities and also took second place with Hannigan (46.9) after the final cross-country phase at Bouckaert Farm, in northern Georgia. Olympic Silver medalist, Kimberly Severson, who won here in 2000 aboard Over The Limit moved into third place following a clear round on her 2002 winner, Winsome Adante, to finish on her dressage score of 50.50...

Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital will hold an educational seminar for horse owners on April 28 during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Farnam at the Kentucky Horse Park. The seminar offers information on the latest veterinary technology specifically pertaining to competing the sport horse. Proceeds will benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. Topics to be covered during the seminar will include: Upper Airway Disease and the Equine Athlete, by Dr. Brett Woodie: Dr. Woodie was...

Lexington, KY – Universities and colleges that compete in Division I and Division II NCAA equestrian sports throughout the United States now have the added resources of a newly launched website. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) join in support of the efforts of www.varsityequestrian.com, the official site of Varsity Equestrian sports. Designed to enhance the knowledge and awareness of equestrian competition at the university...

Jessica Heidemann, 24, of Bellingham, WA, captured the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) at Galway Downs, CA, on April 3 on her 14-year-old Thoroughbred-cross gelding, French Twist, with a score of 58.4. Heidemann took over the lead after the overnight leader, Lauren Whitlock, 20, of Rohnert Park, CA, and her 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Kipling, lowered the oxer at fence seven to drop to second place on 60.1 penalties. Sara Mittleider, 19, Kuna, ID, with the 10-year-old Thoroughbred...

Some of the countries leading international riders head a strong cast of competitors for the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, April 8-10, in Chatsworth, GA. The event, now in its 18th year, will be hosting its first FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) alongside Intermediate and Open Preliminary divisions to offer a total purse of $30,000. Athens Olympic Silver medallist, Kimberly Severson, of Scottsville, VA, and Linda Wachtmeister’s 12-year-old English Thoroughbred gelding, Winsome...

Riders from Germany, Canada and Mexico will be competing against some 300 U.S. entries at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials, Temecula, CA, April 1-3, 2005. The FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) has a strong field of 16 riders, including Natalie Rooney Pitts, of Napa, CA, who finished eighth at last year’s qualifier with Aladdin to make the finals. Lauren Whitlock, of Rohnert Park, CA, who came fifth aboard Kipling last year will also be back, as will James Moore who, in 2004,...

The all-time leading sire in national reining horse history, Hollywood Dun It, was humanely put down on March 30. The 22-year-old buckskin stallion had been suffering from severe health problems escalated by his continuing battle with testicular cancer. According to Tim and Colleen McQuay, who owned Hollywood Dun It along with partner Jennifer Easton, the decision to put him down was a difficult one. Tim noted, “He’s been a part of our family, and a part of our lives, for a lot of years. None...

The 54th annual Garden State Horse Show returns to the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ, May 4-8, 2005, with a line-up of special featured classes and some exciting new additions for exhibitors and spectators alike. The Garden State Horse Show, presented by the Junior Essex Troop, Inc., features several classes and two jumper sections that are new for this year. In the jumper division, a new pony jumper section has been added, highlighted by the $500 North American League (NAL) Pony...

Beate Kuska-Shart and Luciano of Malibu Equestrian Estates in Acton, CA, rode the only double clear rounds to claim the jackpot of the Lucky Sevens $77,700 Grand Prix. Sponsored by Nutrena and Michelob, the grand prix was the highlight of the Winter Series finale, with a starting field of 40 tough competitors vying for top honor in this tournament of champions. Renowned course designer Michel Vaillancourt produced what at first glance appeared a rather uncomplicated layout, however it required...