Caitlyn Shiels and S&L Downtown finished first in the Six, Seven and Eight-Year-Old Young Jumper class during the opening week of the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. (David Mullinix Photography) East Dorset, VT – The next generation of grand prix horses took center stage during the first three weeks of the 2012 Vermont Summer Festival horse show, running July 4 through August 12 at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT. Five-Year-Old, Six-Year-Old and Seven and...

Little Emir and Shane Sweetnam. Traverse City, MI - As Shane Sweetnam walked into the ring aboard Spy Coast Farm LLC's Little Emir for the jump-off of the $30,000 Grand Traverse Bay Grand Prix, he was weighing his options. With just two riders to follow him in the 17-horse jump-off, Sweetnam was figuring out his odds. At the moment, he held the lead aboard his other mount, Rolette, and he was currently sitting on one of his most experienced grand prix partners, the 14-year-old German-bred...

Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W claimed victory in the $10,000 Overland Sheepskin Co. Open Welcome Stake on Thursday, July 5, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. (David Mullinix Photography) East Dorset, VT – Kaitlin Campbell of Brookeville, Maryland, captured victory in the $10,000 Overland Sheepskin Co. Open Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on Thursday, July 5, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. The six-week equestrian competition is...

Paul Mathews and Carino won the Grand Champion Hunter title at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series (Rebecca Walton/PMG) Devon, PA - The summer sun at the Brandywine Valley Summer Series horse shows presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) shone brightly over the Dixon Oval as Paul Mathews rode Carino to a dominating performance in the Second Year/High Performance Hunters. After claiming all five of the division's blue ribbon awards, the talented duo returned to ring to claim the...

Caroline Roffman and Pie (Susan J. Stickle) Gladstone, NJ - The second week of the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions began Thursday with competitors in the National Intermediaire I Dressage Championship performing the FEI Prix St. Georges Test. Caroline Roffman cantered down centerline as the second competitor of the morning, then was forced to wait as the remainder of the 14 horse division tried to top her score of 73.974%. A total of five combinations were able to break the 70% barrier...

Lexington, KY - Following the 2012 Bromont International CCI, which served as the final Selection Trial for the Land Rover US Eventing Team, The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) named the Nominated Entry and the Short List for the 2012 Olympic Games. The Nominated Entry, which is due to the FEI on June 17, is comprised of 15 horse/rider combinations. Eleven horses have been named to the Short List. These horses will compete at the Barbury Castle International Horse Trials June 27 -...

Jonathan Holling of the United States won the Volvo Bromont CCI3* Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, with Downtown Harrison. Representatives of title sponsor Volvo Canada presented Holling with the Todd Sandler Trophy. (Cealy Tetley) Bromont, Quebec – Jonathan Holling of the United States won the 2012 Volvo Bromont CCI3* Three Day Event, The Todd Sandler Challenge, on Sunday, June 10, in Bromont, Quebec. The CIC3* division was won by Karen O’Connor of the United States. It...

North Salem, NY - The inaugural Equitation Challenge took place amid much anticipation and fanfare at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Fifteen year old Lillie Keenan, New York, NY, and Chansonette Farm’s Monterrey were the shining stars and galloped away with the top prize. Style maven Martha Stewart looked on as the youngsters showed off their grace and ability. The Grand Prix field would take its toll on some exhibitors, with quite a few refusals on course, but those who navigated...

North Salem, NY - Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward was back in the saddle and back in the winner’s circle as he rode Emma to win the 7 & 8 Year Old 1.40m Young Jumper class at the Old Salem Spring Horse Shows in North Salem, NY. Ward, Brewster, NY, returning to the horse show circuit for the first time since fracturing his kneecap in January, showed no ill effects from the long layoff that put him out of action for more than 3 months and caused him to miss the Olympic trials....

a guest blog post fom Mary Cox The following three ideas may take being somewhat adventuresome but trust me, the result will make it all worth it ! First, research a local stone fabricator in your area. A fabricator makes the template and cuts the stone for granite, marble or stone countertops. Once you’ve located one, pay them a visit and remember to put on your best “I’m a Tack Hoarder – help me” face. Then ask them very sweetly if you can do some “Dumpster...