The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) has concluded, following its 12th week of competition on March 31-April 4. The week featured the $50,000 Chronicle of the Horse /United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby, along with a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. The week twelve title sponsor was Lifestyle Lift®. Louise Serio rode to the biggest victory of her career when she piloted Castlerock, owned by Bryan Baldwin, to the win in the...

In these tough economic times, nearly every horse owner is trying to pinch pennies. When watching your wallet, it’s also important to remember that trimming many veterinary expenses may cost you more in the end. “Horses can be very expensive animals to own and maintain,” said April Knudson, DVM, Manager, Merial Veterinary Services. “So it’s no surprise that, even in a relatively strong economy, horse owners look for the most inexpensive ways to care for their animals. However, the urge to trim...

Kristi Nunnink and Corner Street ended the CCI** at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event the same way they started it—in first place. With her three closest competitors less than two points behind her as show jumping, the event's final phase, got under way, it looked as if Nunnink and the 10-year-old gelding would have to be absolutely perfect. But third-placed Tamra Smith dislodged two rails on Bubbles At Bricky before second-placed David Koss lowered three rails with Look...

Karen O'Connor and Mandiba Deliver (Shannon Brinkman) Elkton, MD – Karen O’Connor and Mandiba did not take the easy road to the 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International CCI***, but they delivered on the second day of dressage and put in a dynamite test for a score of 39.6, making them the only pair to go under 40 going into Saturday’s cross country. Also serving as the USEF National CCI*** and CCI** Eventing Championships, Fair Hill International showcased some very professional...

Lexington, KY – There were a handful of changes on the leaderboards today as the marathon proved a fair but demanding challenge at the 2009 USEF National Driving Championships at the Kentucky Cup and Lexington Driving Classic which is also serving as a test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The USEF National Four-in-Hand Championship remains in Chester Weber’s grasp, after a second place marathon performance – less than a point behind Australia’s Boyd Excell – was good...

Kassandra Barteau and GP Raymeister (Flashpoint Photography) Lexington, KY —The Young Riders in the dressage competition returned to the arena for the final time to perform their musical freestyles. The stadium was rocking as the 15 qualifying riders performed their choreographed routines for an exuberant audience during the USDF/Platinum Performance North American Junior & Young Rider Dressage Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. The highest score thus far in the competition...

My Boy Bobby (Mike McNally) Lexington, KY – The top two places shuffled but the names on top of the leaderboard remained the same after the cross country at the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Australia’s Lucinda Fredericks had a lightning fast round on her chestnut mare Headley Britannia. Trying to duplicate her husband Clayton’s winning feat in 2007, Fredericks blazed around and made the optimum time of 11 minutes despite having to go the long way at the Head of the...

I am currently sitting in the O'Hare airport on the floor next to what appears to be the only functioning outlet in the place. All I can smell is latte. We had a botched breakfast plan yesterday so decided to go for coffee instead. I managed to spill not one but two cups of coffee on Martin Atock and on my backpack. Now if any of you know Martin, he doesn't like to be messy, he was then in the Venetian covered in Latte. He doesn't feel sorry for me that my bag smells funny but I do...

Wellington, FL – The Exquis World Dressage Masters finale showcased the world’s best dressage riders under the lights in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Club on Saturday night. The temperature was unseasonably low but the quality of dressage was seriously high. The reigning Olympic Champion, Anky van Grunsven, lived dangerously in the Grand Prix on Friday, she only qualified for the Freestyle when Michael Barisone opted for the Grand Prix Special...

Norwood, NC - There were no ribbons and no winners, but today was as important as any competition day in the lives of the 10 horses preparing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in Eventing. The horses, along BallyNoe Castle RM (Mike McNally) with five who have been preparing in England, are on the USEF Short List for Eventing, from which the Team for the 2008 Olympic Games will be selected on Monday. The Fork Stables graciously opened its gates to the USEF to allow the horses and riders a...