Michael Leon continues his winning ways in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Flying Horse Photography) Burbank, Calif. - Michael Leon, who earned a big check in the 2013 LEGIS Hunter Rider Bonus, is no stranger to winning. He started off the 2014 show year by dominating the $2,500 LAEC Opener USHJA National Hunter Derby at The LAEC Opener Horse Show (Jan 17-19), and if he and Freedom (Anna Sophia Lotman, owner) win a second derby together at LAEC this season, he’ll earn another...

Sister Act - American sisters Cassidy and Kimberly Palmer secured a pas-de-deux victory at the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting 2013/2014 leg at the Stuttgart German Masters. (Karl-Heinz Frieler/FEI) Stuttgart, Germany - The 2013 USEF Open Pas de Deux National Champions made a statement on the world stage this weekend by winning the FEI World Cup™ Vaulting qualifier at the Stuttgart German Masters on Sunday. The Pas de Deux qualifier series is new this year, and the Stuttgart leg was only the...

Small Affair and John French (Shawn McMillen Photography) Upper Marlboro, MD – The Capital Challenge Horse Show, presented by The Gochman Family, featured the best hunters in the country as well as up-and-coming talent in both horses and riders. The day was full of competition, but the highlight class was the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge. John French took home the win for the third time in class history on Small Affair. The $5,000 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge victory went to Greg...

Devon, PA – Dressage at Devon wrapped up on Sunday with winning performances of young and seasoned riders, interspersed with entertainment from crowd-pleaser Tommie Turvey and his team of horses. FEI Grand Prix Special Open Ashley Holzer & Jewel’s Adelante (Hoof Print Images) Ashley Holzer claimed yet another first place this week riding Jewel’s Adelante, a Swedish Warmblood, in the FEI Grand Prix Special. Thrilled with the ride she said “it’s amazing how well he did....

Sonoma, PA - Peter Breakwell of New Zealand took top honors on Sunday, September 22nd in Sonoma Horse Park’s marquee class, winning the $25,000 Balancing Tonic Grand Prix to close out the 2013 SHP Finale, the final show of the popular facility’s seven-week season. Just a week after winning the $20,000 Stable Mix Grand Prix aboard his veteran show jumper Lucas, Breakwell took a new mount to the winners circle in Finnley 5, a 9-year-old Westfalian gelding that was jumping in just his...

Last week I posted a virtual show entry video from an amazingly brave woman who continues to allow me to use her material for examples in this blog. Her courage and generosity inspire me and I hope that her open heart and willingness to be visible inspire you too. I hope that some of you readers are able to identify with her as a peer, a rider struggling to understand riding and training her stock horse and that you professionals at least respect her courage. Reaction to the video has been...

Lexington, KY- Over the weekend, the Stanley Park Fairgrounds in Estes Park, Colorado, played host to 25 of the top junior dressage riders for the 2013 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals. Held in conjunction with the Paragon Dressage CDI, the annual championship hosted elite equitation Alexander Dawson (www.yourhorses.ifp3.com) competition in 13 & Under and 14-18 age divisions. In the 13 & Under division, Alexander Dawson topped the field of 13 to claim championship honors, while in 14-18...

Margie Engle and Indigo jump their way to a win in the $100,000 Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties (ESI Photography) Saugerties, NY - Margie Engle of Wellington, Florida and Indigo, owned by Garber, Griese, Hidden Creek & Gladewinds share a storied career together, most recently highlighted by a win in Sunday’s $100,000 Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Zoetis, at HITS Saugerties. The duo topped 35 on their way to the blue, piecing together...

Aachen, Germany - The U.S. Dressage Team emphatically marked their resurgence with a podium finish in Wednesday’s Lambertz FEI Nations Cup at the Aachen CDIO5*. The U.S. Team of Steffen Peters, Tina Konyot, Jan Ebeling and Shelly Francis earned a third place finish on a team total of 217.298. The U.S. Team (Shannon Brinkman) “Our Nations Cup riders came here for a medal and they did not disappoint. Each of them showed why they are among the best in the world,” said Chef...

Lexington, KY - Eleven of the United States’ best jumping riders head to Gothenburg, Sweden aiming to be named the 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final champion. The United States is attempting to retain the title after a 25-year winless draught ended in spectacular fashion last year. The 2013 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final will run from April 24-28th in conjunction with the annual Gothenburg Horse Show in the Scandinavum Arena. Rich Fellers the 2012 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final Champion (SusanJStickle....