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...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are once again available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These grants are available to livestock facilities, including horse farms, ranches and other equine operations. CIG is a voluntary program intended to stimulate innovative conservation projects in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG enables NRCS to work with public and private entities to promote the use of...

Important Notice for Dressage Exhibitors & Officials The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has issued updated Freestyle Tests for the following levels: Grand Prix Freestyle Intermediare I Freestyle Young Rider Freestyle Junior Freestyle Please note these tests have been updated in format only (e.g. new logo, additional comments and clarifications). Actual required test movements have NOT changed. These new test versions must be used by all CDI’s as of May 2, 2005. USEF-recognized...

In the past five years, Over the Walls Horse Trials at Great Meadowbrook Farm has become one of the premier horse trials in the world. However, due to increasing costs and a lack of adequate sponsorship, Erik Fleming and Torrance Watkins have decided to cancel their event. “It’s a bittersweet decision as we have loved working with the finest people to create the finest event for the finest horses,” said Watkins. In its five years of running, Over the Walls has attracted national and...

While most of us only dream of running a four-star course, the next best thing is experiencing it through the eyes and insights of Olympian equestrians! Attendees of the 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI**** can do just that at the SmartPak Equine-sponsored course walk with Kim Severson and Amy Tryon. Severson and Tryon will offer their tips and tactics for riding the toughest cross country course in the U.S. Everyone is welcome to attend this incredible opportunity; just sign up at the SmartPak booth in...

Laura Kraut and Miss Independent (Randi Muster/PMG) Lexington, KY – The field narrows yet again, as Laura Kraut edges her way to the top of the standings in the East Coast League. Adding more fuel to an already fiery 2005 season, Kraut, a native of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, jumped her way to a first place finish at the $75,000 Cosequin Florida Open in Wellington, March 6. The double clear round atop Miss Independent put Kraut two points ahead of McLain Ward in the standings, previously the...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) welcomes bids to host FEI Children’s Jumping qualifiers for the 2005 FEI Children’s International Jumping Final, scheduled for November 21-27 in Simi Valley, California. All qualifying competitions must be hosted at outdoor venues and must be complete before September 30. Qualifiers must be managed in accordance with FEI rules and must use an FEI Judge and FEI Course Designer. Organizers interested in hosting a...

Despite a previous week of sunshine when the field of 30 competitors began the Gulf Coast Mid Winter $10,000 Open Welcome, Mother Nature decided to add another challenge to Anthony D’Ambrosio’s course. A deluge of rain began as the first horse passed judges Fred Brown and Mike Christian. David Q Wright’s Step Right Up did just that. After a clear first round the 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding from Murfreesboro, TN, gave a repeat performance in a jump-off field of eight with a speedy 34.494...

Red Hills Horse Trials is preparing to host a major international event with an FEI World Cup Qualifier as well as being part of the USEA Gold Cup Series at the Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park near Tallahassee, FL, March 11-13, 2005. A total of seven divisions will be held during the three days with prize money reaching $20,500. Now in its eighth year, Red Hills welcomed over 37,000 visitors to the event in 2004 to watch some 200 competitors and is anticipating another hugely successful event. Over...

The Chatsworth International Horse Trials cross-country course has been modified to challenge the riders, perhaps more than the horses, in the FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) to be held at Chatsworth, GA, April 8-10. The course for the FEI World Cup Qualifying event (CIC***W) will be run over 3600 meters with 30 numbered fences and 40 jumping efforts. “Most of the fences that seemed to cause too much trouble last year will be changed a bit to make it a bit more rider friendly.” said...