Katy, Texas. - Peter Pletcher knew what he had to do in the Handy Hunter Round of the $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by Valobra Master Jewelers. He stood third and fourth aboard CR Beethoven and Luxe, respectively, after the Classic Round and had some ground to make up. With Jennifer Alfano and the superstar derby horse Jersey Boy comfortably leading the way and the talented Martien van der Hoeven in second with Cellino, Pletcher decided it would have to be something pretty...

Nick Dello Joio and Boomerang (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla. - The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) hosted classics for the young jumpers on Friday during its twelfth and final week of competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. In the $20,000 Adequan® 8-Year-Old Young Jumper Classic, Nick Dello Joio (USA) and Boomerang were the winners. Sloane Coles (USA) and WEC l'Ami Noir topped the the $20,000 Adequan® 7-Year-Old Young...

Capitano and Trapp O'Neal on their way to victory (Shawn McMillen Photography) Katy, Texas. - Saturday night's festivities at the 69th PIn Oak Charity Horse Show featured the $30,000 Hildebrand Fund Grand Prix and Gala. With hospitality the hallmark of the show, it was a enjoyable night for riders and spectators alike. And especially so for Texas professional Trapp O'Neal. The grand prix attracted a field of 18 competitors, who performed before a packed and appreciative audience at the...

Ashlee Bond Clarke and Chela LS jumping to the top spot (©Flying Horse Photography) Thermal, Calif. - Ashlee Bond Clarke admits that she had to keep her nerves and her emotions in check when entering the ring for the jump-off of Sunday’s AIG $1 Million Grand Prix, presented by Lamborghini Newport Beach, at HITS Thermal. She was, however, a picture of poise and control to the crowd of 4,000 spectators that looked on as she topped a star-studded field to win the historic event with Little...

The 2014 Saddle Seat World Cup Team at Cascade Stables for their first training session (Betty Tucker) New Orleans, La. - In preparation for the 2014 Saddle Seat World Cup on July 22-26, 2014 in the United States, the U.S. Saddle Seat Team attended its first training session February 7-9 at Cascade Stables in New Orleans, La. This training session was the first time the riders and coaches could all come together to work and train as a team. It also afforded riders the opportunity to prepare for...

Adrienne Lyle and Wizard (SusanJ.Stickle.com) Wellington, Fla. - The 2014 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) continued with its fifth week of competition on Saturday at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) featuring CDI 4* and 3* competition presented by The Dutta Corp. and Havensafe Farm. Saturday's FEI Grand Prix Special 4*, presented by The Dutta Corp., saw a top finish for Adrienne Lyle (USA) aboard Wizard, a 15-year-old Oldenburg gelding by...

Ben Maher and Urico (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla. - Week five of the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday afternoon with a shared victory for Ben Maher (GBR) aboard Urico and Tiffany Foster (CAN) riding Victor in the $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5. Held in a "California Split" due to the large number of entries, the competition awarded two sets of placings, each with $125,000 distributed. FTI WEF week five, sponsored by Rolex, runs...

Lexington, Ky. - The first USEF/USET Foundation Dressage Pipeline Clinic wrapped up January 29th following two successful days of lessons with USEF Dressage Coaches and informative educational sessions. Thirteen of the United States’ most promising up-and-coming combinations took part in the inaugural clinic which was held at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival Show Grounds in Wellington, Fla., and generously Participants and Coaches from the USEF/USET Foundation Dressage Pipeline Clinic...

Juan Matute, Jr. and Don Diego Ymas (SusanJStickle.com) Wellington, Fla. - January 26, 2014 - Spain's Juan Matute, Jr. collected another blue ribbon prize after winning the FEI Intermediare Freestyle presented by Chespeake Dressage Institute on Sunday at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). Sixteen-year-old Matute, Jr. and the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Don Frederico finished on a score of 74.400% for victory. Second place went to American Heather Mason and Zar for their...

Bacardi in his winning presentation with owner Caroline Moran and ringmaster Gustavo Murcia (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla. - Havens Schatt and Bacardi are already off to a good start in 2014. In the seven-year-old KWPN gelding's first show of his second green year, Bacardi and Schatt were champions of the Equine Tack & Nutritionals Second Year Green Working Hunter at FTI WEF on Thursday afternoon. Schatt piloted Bacardi to four blue ribbon rounds over fences and placed third in the under...