Colombia’s Mark Bluman and G&C Blue won the $10,000 Theory Welcome Stake, Presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, on August 8 at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT (David Mullinix Photography) East Dorset, VT - Colombian rider Mark Bluman was in the winner’s circle yet again on Thursday, August 8, after topping the $10,000 Theory Welcome Stake, presented by Manchester Designer Outlets, at the Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT. The win marked Bluman’s third...

Shane Sweetnam and Solerina (Phelps Media Group, Inc. International) Lexington, KY - For the second week in a row, the Irish had all the luck, specifically Shane Sweetnam during the $50,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington, at the Kentucky Summer Classic. This time he was aboard Solerina for the win, shaving valuable seconds off his jump-off time to beat fellow countryman Richie Moloney and Carrabis Z, who placed second. Sweetnam's winning mount from last...

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl on their way to a win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties (ESI Photography) Saugerties, NY - Quality Girl’s feet were lightning fast and her turns were tight as she carried Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, Florida to a win in the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, Friday at HITS Saugerties. Besting a field of 47, Minikus added another grand prix to a long list of top finishes with his own Quality Girl during...

McKayla Langmeier guided Czar-Z to victory in the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby on August 1 at the Vermont Summer Festival, held in East Dorset, VT. (David Mullinix Photography) East Dorset, VT - Thirteen-year-old McKayla Langmeier, of East Granby, CT, and Czar-Z added another hunter derby win to their record after topping the $5,000 NEHJA Hunter Derby at the Vermont Summer Festival on Thursday evening, August 1. The pair collected the first hunter derby victory of their career during the 2011...

Jumping at CSIO5* Hickstead started up Thursday with U.S. horses and riders faring well. In the opening speed class, the Royal International Vase, "Master of Faster" Richard Spooner and Oscany Inc's Let's Dance 46 sped to a 2nd place finish with a clear round in 65.58s. Hot on their heels were Reed Kessler and her own Ligist. They also keep the rails in the cups and finished their round in 66.18s. Neither was fast enough to beat the scorching 63.97s effort from Great Britain's own...

Laura Linback rode to the top of the Open Jumper leader board for the opening day of Equifest II, taking the 1.40m Open Jumper victory with Whittaker MVNZ (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Wayne, IL - The top horses and riders from across the country returned to the Lamplight Equestrian Center for Equifest II. The first day of competition commenced with the Open Jumper divisions in the Grand Prix Ring. Local resident Laura Linback led the way to the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper class, as well as the $500 1.25m...

As you know I occasionally receive a story from a Western Dressage rider and this week I would like to share with you the story behind a beautiful magazine cover photo that appeared recently in Paint Horse Journal and which featured coverage of Western Dressage. The photo was of Katrina Sanders and her Paint horse Pirate. Here is what Katrina shares with western dressage enthusiasts this week: “Thank you so much for offering to feature my photo in your blog! I am honored and so grateful...

Stephanie Novas and Amyra R (Ashley N. Williams) Wayne, IL - It was a soggy day at the Grand Prix Arena where Equifest I at Lamplight Equestrian Center was sure to continue rain or shine. Wet footing had competitors using caution as they assessed the jumper course for Friday's competition in the Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper divisions. It was Stephanie Novas and Amyra R who gauged the conditions well for zero errors and the fastest time to earn the blue ribbon in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner...

Molly Mcadow and Barina captured the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby victory at Equifest I (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Wayne, IL - It was a day to remember for Molly Mcadow as she laid down the winning rounds during the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. The Lamplight Equestrian Center was packed with exhibitors and spectators for the third day of Equifest I, and although the skies were gray and torrents of rain poured down from above, the derby contenders were not deterred. Mcadow led the victory...

Katherine Strauss and Chellando Z (Phelps Media Group, Inc. International) Lexington, KY - It was another picturesque day at the Kentucky Horse Park as the Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumpers took center stage in the Rolex Stadium. Only two riders produced perfect rounds in the High Junior Jumpers, and it was Katherine Strauss and Chellando Z who had the time in the jump-off to capture the win. In the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers Haley Schaufeld aboard Harley 86 won a foot race between five riders....