Lexington, KY – Tucker Johnson staked his claim to a top spot in next year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with an impressive third place finish out of 25 teams at the CAI-A4 Donaueschingen in Germany. Driving in an international competition for the first time since the World Championships in Beesd 2008, Johnson won the dressage, finished eighth in the marathon but retained third place overall with a strong performance in the cones. In a strong field, which included two former world...

Horse owners around the world are being asked to participate in an online questionnaire to help researchers better assess the issues of parasite control and anthelmintic (dewormer) resistance. The study is part of a collaborative effort between equine parasitologists in the United Sates, Denmark, and Germany. Horse owners can find the survey at survey.2ask.de/71d74fafbf0c4562/survey.html . Topics include parasite control strategies, drug resistance, factors behind parasite control decisions,...

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...

A strong international field descends on the stylish French seaside town of Deauville, France, this week to contest the HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing Final in what should be the most competitive finale yet. It all starts on September 18 with the first horse inspection. The 2008 FEI World Cup™ eventing standings leader Kevin McNab of Australia, will be making his first competitive visit to Europe, and has earned the right to pole position, while the Australian challenge is completed...

Kathy Hickerson at Majestic Gaits announced the arrival in New Hampshire of Hanoverian stallion Schroeder (Sandro Hit x Esmeralda, by Escudo I) from Germany. Schroeder was bought at the prestigious Hanoverian Elite Stallion Auction in 2006 and completed his 70-day stallion performance test at Gestut Redfin in Germany in October 2007. Hickerson is very excited to have Schroeder in the United States. He has a fabulous character, trainability and bloodlines. He is so nice to work with and has...

Last weekend, eight American vaulters competed at CVI Krumke** in Northern Germany. In the women's division, three American vaulters took the podium—a first for Americans at a foreign CVI. Alicen Divita of Woodside Vaulters (CA) placed first, followed by Mary McCormick of Mt. Eden Vaulters (CA) in second. Third went to Alicen's teammate, Elizabeth Osborn. The competition was very tight between the three top Americans. Each vaulter was in first place from one of the three judges, with...

Missy Ransehousen aboard Critical Decision leads after Day One of dressage at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Farnam. (Amy Katherine Dragoo ) The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Farnam, began in traditional Rolex style on the first of two-days of dressage—and that was with rain. Spectators came prepared for the typical Rolex wet weather, as they gathered to watch the top competitors in eventing vie for the prestigious four-star title. With 45 horses starting...

While the third stop on the Global Champions Tour took center stage in Monaco, a number of the American riders on hand dominated in their competitions. Anna McWane and Alexa Weeks led the way for the United States with two wins apiece during the four days of competition at Jumping International de Monaco 2006, staged outdoors on the quay of the famous harbor. Riding her eight-year-old Dutch mare Rusi, McWane posted wins on Thursday and again on Saturday. Thursday’s win against the clock was a...

The Paso Fino Horse Association’s 32nd Annual Grand National Horse Show was held, September 19-25 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, GA. Employees of the fairgrounds put forth the extra effort to get stalls prepared for those needing to arrive early to escape the wrath of Hurricane Ivan and to remain during Hurricane Jeanne. Though the weather kept a few people away, 822 horses and more than 1,700 entries, ridden by youth and adults, were slated to compete for a...

Riesenbeck, Germany – One of the United States’ most accomplished drivers, Chester Weber of Ocala, Florida, has become the first American to win the CAI Riesenbeck, one of the most prestigious titles in four-in-hand driving known as the “Fahrderby.” He won by a considerable margin despite deep footing in the dressage and muddy footing in the marathon. His final score was 525.10. Peter Tischer of Germany was second with a score of 568.34 and Ludwig Weinmayr of Germany was third with 596.20. The...