The winning women's team with Michelle McFaul, Vice President, Community Affairs & Special Events for Nespresso, ringmaster Gustavo Murcia, and Paige, Mark and Katherine Bellissimo (Sportfot) Wellington, Fla, - January 10, 2014 - The crowds were out in full force at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Saturday night to watch the women's team earn their sixth consecutive victory in the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival's (FTI WEF) $75,000 Nespresso...

Lexington, Ky. - To reach the highest level of excellence in equestrian sport requires talent, perseverance, a tremendous spirit and often, unwavering courage. In 2013, six horses have shown the world these qualities and more. On January 11, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will bestow two of them with the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, the highest honor the USEF awards a horse. Again this year, both a national and international horse will be crowned. The six champions...

Welcome to the fourth installment of a different kind of blog from WDAA! The purpose of this post is to allow the reader "into the heads" of both a trainer/judge/competitor, Karen Abbattista and her student, Deborah Herbert, a Florida WDAA member. We would like to share with you some moments in Deb's journey as she pursues her riding goals with her AQHA mare "GenuineArcticSpring", barn name "Belle". Please enjoy as you follow along with these posts that we consider interesting or...

Tara Metzner and Fabricio (Captured Moment Photography) Del Mar, Calif. - Some of the region's top hunters competed under the lights tonight in the last qualifying Grand Prix Hunter Derby before the Final next week. Twenty-three entries took on the Autumn-themed course in the Haley Farms LLC Grand Prix Hunter Derby, Presented by Fleeceworks. Tara Metzner and Davlyn Farms' Fabricio wowed the judges and the crowd with a nearly flawless round, earning an average score of 99 to come out on...

Devon, PA - Another gorgeous day at Dressage at Devon as the 2013 breed show continued. Friesians Take Their Place Over the past few years, Friesians have become more popular in the dressage world and, with feathers flying, made their way into the winner’s circle more than once in the 2013 Dressage at Devon Breed Show. Jupiter ISF (Maeije 440 x Cleo van het Binnenveld), bred by Iron Spring Farm was Reserve Champion in the Devon Colt/Gelding Championship. He also placed third in the Great...

Brianne Goutal rode Uata to victory in the $10,000 Wolffer Estate Open Jumper at the Hampton Classic. (Shawn McMillen photo) Bridgehampton, NY - Brianne Goutal, of New York, N.Y., urged Uata to the fastest time in the $10,000 Wolffer Estate Open Jumper at the Hampton Classic. Her time of 58.60 seconds just edged Darragh Kenny on Matana (58.99). Chelsea Sundius, on Quiet Lady, claimed third (60.02). A total of 77 horses started in this class, the morning's feature in the Grand Prix Ring. "I...

Wayne, IL - The 2013 Markel/USEF Young & Developing Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com kicked off Thursday at the Lamplight Equestrian Center under intermittently stormy skies. The first three of five divisions completed their Qualifying Classes in front of the judging panel comprised of Janet Foy, Bill Warren, and Linda Zang. In the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Four-Year-Old National Championships presented by HorseShow.com Rebellienne, HVH holds the lead...

Penny Brennan guided Japan to the winning time of 38.170 seconds during the $7,500 South Shore Equine Welcome Stake at the Fieldstone Summer Showcase I (Kendall Bierer/Phelps Media Group) Halifax, MA - It was only three short weeks ago that Penny Brennan was released from the hospital for a severe case of pneumonia, but no one would have known as she raced Japan to the top of the leader board during the $7,500 South Shore Equine Welcome Stake. Brennan and Japan posted the blazing time of 38.170...

Happy Z and Wilhelm Genn (Tricia Booker Photogra[hy) Traverse City, MI - Happy Z has an affinity for Horse Shows by the Bay. The flashy chestnut won the first grand prix of her venerable career eight years ago in Traverse City, and she returned today to log her 55th victory in the $30,000 Grand Prix of the Great Lakes. "At this point, I appreciate every good class, where before you take things for granted," said owner and rider Wilhelm Genn. "Now, she doesn't have to win, just jump well,...

Kristen VanderVeen and Bull Run's Eternal (Mary Adelaide Brakenridge) Parker, CO - The crown jewel of the Summer in the Rockies six-week series, the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix, was held on Saturday afternoon. It was Military Day at the Colorado Horse Park, honoring and welcoming military and first responders to enjoy family activities and great show jumping. Title sponsor Parker Adventist Hospital was on hand for helmet fittings and distribution of free riding helmets to...