The 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which kicks off with preliminary classes at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva tomorrow (Wednesday), has been blown wide open by the late withdrawal of Ireland's Jessica Kuerten. When three-times champion Germany's Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, who gave birth to her first baby just six weeks ago, confirmed last week that she will not defend the title, then Kuerten's position as long-time favorite was further strengthened. But the Irish rider who topped...

This past weekend, Canterbury Farm in Hampshire, IL, hosted a clinic for the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Emerging Athletes Program. Held on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, the clinic was conducted by renowned equestrians Melanie Smith Taylor and Ray Texel. Diane Carney of Hampshire, IL, was the on-site coordinator for the event, which was a Level II Training Session. The clinic was part of the Emerging Athletes Program, an educational program that focuses on...

The American Horse Council (AHC) has announced that the focus of this year’s National Issues Forum will be the “Welfare of the Horse.” The Forum will be held June 16, 2009, in Washington, DC, as part of the AHC’s annual meeting. Over the last year, concerns about the welfare of horses used in racing, showing, recreation, or work have been raised by our fans, the general public, the media, and Congress. Such concerns have been expressed before, but perhaps not as broadly as now. “Those involved...

Wellington, FL – In a night that would prove golden for our Irish friends, a young team led by famed Chef d’Equipe Eddie Macken set the standard for the Samsung Nation’s Cup at CSIO Wellington March 11, shutting out even the closest contenders by a roomy eight points. Riders Darragh Karrins, Jennifer Crooks, Conor Swail and Kevin Babington earned the Gold medal with a team total of 12 faults, split between two rounds. Babington and It’s Morado were in fact the only horse and rider pair able to...

Shawn Casady Bolero won the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Kentucky Summer Classic. (Ashley N. Williams/PMG) Lexington, KY - The Stonelea Arena was bustling today as it saw six divisions stretching the length of the day. Lined with sponsor bulletins, the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby turned out a crowd as well as promised top riders and steep competition. Out of 29 riders, Shawn Casady once again emerged as victor, this time upon Bolero, scoring 178....

Elkton, Md. – Competition officially kicked off on Thursday at the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship and Maryland 5 Star CCI5*-L with the first half of the entries completing their dressage tests. Both events are taking place at the new facilities at Fair Hill International, a longtime home of world-class eventing. Kurt Martin and D.A. Lifetime. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) and Sherrie...

Chris Ewanouski and Cortina (Rebecca Walton/Phelps Media Group) Lexington, Ky. - All eyes were on the up-and-coming horses of the future in the Rolex Stadium today as they vied for winning honors in the 7 & 8-Year-Old Jumpers and the 6-Year-Old Jumpers. Chris Ewanouski captured the first blue ribbon with his 8-year-old mount Cortina, while amateur rider Joyce Green piloted Cassidy to the top prize in the 6-Year-Old Jumpers. Great Britain's Richard Jeffries designed the track for the 7...

Christopher Payne and Truman (Shawn McMillen Photography) Lexington, Ky. - Maypine Farm's Truman has bundles of talent and, as of Thursday, a Kentucky Spring Horse Show championship tricolor to his name. This morning, Christopher Payne rode the 7-year-old gelding to the First Year Green Hunter championship title at the Kentucky Horse Park. Truman and Payne came in to the day with a first and third place finish over fences under their belts, sitting neck-and-neck in the points race with...

Julie Coles and Cobalt in their championship presentation (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla. - Julie Coles of The Plains, VA, and Remarkable Farm LP's Cobalt were champions of Section B of the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Over division on Sunday morning at the FTI WEF. Coles and the nine-year-old Wurtemberger gelding, out of Little Lou by Cornet Obolensky, won the final two over fences rounds for the division, as well as jumping to third and second place ribbons. The pair also...

Evi Strasser and Rigaudon Tyme (SusanJ.Stickle.com) Wellington, Fla. - The FEI Intermediaire Freestyle was seen later in the afternoon, with Canadian Evi Strasser besting the class with Rigaudon Tyme and a score of 72.208%. Second place went to Gabriela Stumpf (AUT) and Finally Love, who finished with a 68.125%. Amy Walker-Basak (USA) and Wagner were third with a 64.917%. Strasser's scores have steadily increased throughout the weekend before her win on Sunday. Strasser explained the trip...