Since my last correspondence, we have experienced many fabulous events here in Conty! The opening ceremonies certainly did not disappoint anyone as several breeds were displayed. There were two Spanish riding horses moving in unison with music and a lovely, young French woman working at liberty with a single horse. A lively ensemble of horns and drums kept the crowd in beat and alert during much of the presentation. We were even treated to a woman and her border collie herding a flock of geese,...

Richland, Michigan - When Hannah Sue Burnett rode Harbour Pilot into the dressage ring as the first of the 14 riders contesting the USEF Pan American Games Mandatory Outing for the 2011 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team she set a mark that couldn't be beat. The Mandatory Outing is being held as part of the Richland Park Horse Trials and CIC3*. Riding Jacqueline Mars' 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Burnett put in what is now becoming trademark for the 25 year old ride: a very polished...

Bridgehampton, NY — After communicating with the National Weather Service and the Town of Southampton's head of emergency management monitoring Hurricane Irene, the Hampton Classic has announced that activities scheduled for its Opening Day on Sunday, August 28 will not be taking place. The Classic plans to re-schedule most competitions scheduled for Opening Day for other times later in the week. A revised time schedule will be posted on the Hampton Classic website (www.hamptonclassic....

Lexington, KY - The U.S. Jumping riders have a big task before them in tomorrow's FEI Nations Cup at CSIO5* Rotterdam. They take to the final leg of the 2011 FEI Nations Cup Series in the Netherlands and jump to maintain their position in the Series for 2012. Currently ranked seventh out of the eight teams in the Series, the U.S. needs finish at least three places ahead of Belgium tomorrow in the Nations Cup to earn a spot to return in 2012. Belgium is currently two points ahead of the...

Halifax, MA - The schedule for this week's Fieldstone Summer Showcase has been revised due to the hurricane conditions expected on Sunday. All MHJ Finals classes for Sunday have been moved to Saturday. Revised schedules are posted at www.showfieldstone.com . The Fieldstone Summer Showcase, an "AA" rated and Jumper 4 rated horse show, is held at the Fieldstone Equestrian & Show Facility in Halifax, MA. The MHJ Finals will run at the same times in the same rings, but on Saturday, August...

Devon, PA - The closing dates for both performance and breed classes at the 2011 Dressage at Devon have been extended until September 15 and late fees have been waived. So enter now and enjoy the new, state of the art footing (Poels Sand Footing), in both the Dixon Oval and the Gold Ring. Come check out this significant improvement to Dressage at Devon and show off your wonderful horse under the lights. Schooling has also been extended in both rings in the early morning. Warm-up for all Grand...

Outstanding leaders are more than the backbone of the youth horse industry—they are the heroes. Every year the American Youth Horse Council recognizes dedicated leaders from the previous year by spotlighting their accomplishments during the annual AYHC Symposium. The Adult and Student Leaders of the Year represent the best in adult and peer-to-peer leadership: They introduce newcomers to the horse industry, mentor young horsemen, promote the horse industry within their local communities...

Burbank, CA – As summer heat sweeps the rest of the nation, West Coast dressage riders will keep their cool this weekend with a party atmosphere during this year's Cool August Nights show, to be held August 25-28, 2011, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA. Featuring the popular Cornerstone Open and Amateur Championships Sponsored by Markel Insurance, the actual competition will nevertheless be hot as horses and riders who have pursued qualifying scores at all levels...

Lexington, KY - The journey to the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico makes its next eventing stop in Richland, Michigan. Fourteen of the 15 horses currently short-listed by the USEF head to the Midwest to contest their Mandatory Outing at the Richland Park CIC and Horse Trials August 25-28. The Pan American Games will be contested at the CCI2* level in 2011, which gives many riders who have never before represented the United States the chance to ride on the Land Rover U.S....

Fine Art Photography by Brady Willette. Washington, D.C. - The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Washington International Horse Show announce a new partnership to celebrate horses in Native American culture and equestrian sport throughout history. The museum opens “A Song for the Horse Nation” Saturday, Oct. 29, at its flagship museum on the National Mall, a major exhibition that explores the role horses have played in Native culture from the 1500s...