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 - The following horse-and-rider combinations have been named by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to represent the U.S. at CSIO5* Barcelona in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final in Barcelona, Spain, September 26-29, 2013. The following combinations will represent the U.S. in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona at the CSIO5* Barcelona: Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, NY) will ride Abigail Wexner's Cortes 'C' and Simon Cortes 'C' is a...

Penny Brennan and Great Good win the $7,500 EquiFit Open Speed Stake at the Fieldstone Summer Showcase II. (Kendall Bierer/PMG) Halifax, MA - Despite cloudy conditions, Penny Brennan once again shone through during the Fieldstone Summer Showcase II to win the $7,500 EquiFit Speed Derby aboard Great Good. Torrential downpours threatened the Fieldstone Show Park Thursday, but that did not deter riders from competing for the prize. Brennan captured first place, outriding her competitors by nearly...

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...

Michael Renker and Wicked ( Phelps Media Group, Inc. International) Halifax, MA - The beautiful New England weather continued as competition in the Junior and Amateur-Owner Hunters concluded during the Fieldstone Summer Showcase II. Lisa Foster and Castlewood proved that they had all the answers in the Amateur-Owner Hunters, winning both over fences classes for the championship award. McKayla Langmeier and Czar-Z were also victorious in both of their over fences classes to take home the Junior...

Devon, PA - Following a hugely successful and popular inauguration last year, the Devon Fall Classic, featuring an all-jumper show with boutique shopping, music, delicious food and rides and games, will be held Sept. 12-15 at the Devon show grounds on Route 30. Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, N.J., who won the $25,000 Devon Fall Classic Grand Prix last year on Umberto and also placed third on Zealous, is bringing both back this year in defense of her title. In addition, Chapot also has...

Lexington, KY - Scott Hassler, USEF National Young Dressage Horse Coach, and Ingo Pape, one of Germany's most respected breeders and horsemen, will conduct the USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Program, presented by Dressage at Devon, a USDF Education Partner, and supported by Hassler Dressage. This forum will be held September 14-15 at Apple Knoll Farm, in Millis, MA. The forum will focus on a correct, fundamental system for starting sport horse prospects. This new educational event is...

Paul O'Shea and Skara Glen's Sienna (Anne Gittins) Halifax, MA - Sixteen horse and rider combinations gathered on the Grand Prix Field at the Fieldstone Show Park this afternoon to compete for the winning honors in the $7,500 South Shore Equine Clinic Welcome Stake. Penny Brennan and Japan once again stole the show, capturing the first place and defending their title for the second day of the Fieldstone Summer Showcase II. Brennan also piloted Dare Devil to the second place price, outriding...

Major equestrian competitions attended by U.S. athletes, both domestic and overseas, are listed in this weekly preview. Please look below to find competition listings by discipline* and breed. We hope you will follow the competitions that most interest you, but check Equestrian Weekly on Monday for a report of any top finishes by U.S. Equestrians. *lists of competitions in all international disciplines will include only FEI competitions or USEF Championships within the USA and international FEI...

Lexington, KY - The United States will be represented by one Four-in-Hand team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Test Event, August 22-25, 2013. The CAI-A4 will be held at Caen racecourse in Calvados, France. Chester Weber (Ocala, FL) will drive a team made up of his own seven-year-old KWPN gelding Boris W, 13-year-old KWPN gelding Boy W, and 16-year-old KWPN gelding Para, along with Jane Clark's 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Splash, and Koos de Ronde's 12-year-old Dutch...