Beginning in 1995 as part of the Volvo World Cup Finals, the Festival of the Horse (March 30–April 2) has become one of the largest dressage shows in Southern California. Cornerstone Event Management strives to combine top competition with special activities surrounding the show. “The sponsors play a large part on the success of the Festival,” said Glenda McElroy, Festival manager. “We try to find a niche for all our sponsors; Markel Insurance, a longtime partner, sponsors the high-point...

It was with speed and grace that Jeffery Welles was able to capture Saturday night's victory with his top mount, Armani, during a three-horse jump-off. The pair raced through the finish line in 44.36 seconds after completing a clear short course during the 2010 $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational presented by G & C Farm at Raymond James Stadium. Peter Leone tried to catch his time with Select, who also left all the rails intact, but the duo's time of 44.87 seconds would fall just short...

Joe Yoder Wins at the Southern Pines CDE (Cazzy Smith) Dressage Competition took place on the West coast at the Golden State Dressage Festival CDI3*/Y/J. Mette Rosencrantz and Finally took home wins in the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I. For more information please visit Golden State Dressage Festival . Driving Under blue skies at the Carolina Horse Park the fifth selection trials for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games took place as part of the Southern Pines CDE. In the Four-In-Hand...

The 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final, which kicks off with preliminary classes at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva tomorrow (Wednesday), has been blown wide open by the late withdrawal of Ireland's Jessica Kuerten. When three-times champion Germany's Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, who gave birth to her first baby just six weeks ago, confirmed last week that she will not defend the title, then Kuerten's position as long-time favorite was further strengthened. But the Irish rider who topped...

McLain Ward and Sapphire Look to go One Better in 2010 (Shannon Brinkman/ USEF Archives) Lexington, KY - With 10 riders representing the United States at the 2010 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final (April 15-18), the American assault on Geneva looks very strong. Led by 2009 runner-up McLain Ward and his legendary Sapphire, the 34-year-old will look to go one better in Switzerland than they did in Las Vegas one year ago. Fortunately, they won't have the fleet-footed Shutterfly to chase as the defending...

Photo by JumpShot Photography (Susan Hutchison and El Dorado 29’s Cantano) With wonderful weather and a superb turnout, the second week of the Blenheim Spring Classic series ended Sunday. The $35,000 Blenheim Spring Classic II Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon hosted not only a hill full of spectators but also 25 entrants representing five countries. Showing over a challenging course set by Brazil’s Guilherme Jorge, only one jumped clean. For the ninth time in their partnership, Susan Hutchison...

With regret, the American Hanoverian Society (AHS) announces the passing of Elite Stallion Amaretto D II. The chestnut 24-year-old Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar stallion died April 12 following an acute bout of colic. Amaretto D II (Alexis x Gandria, by Gotthard) completed his stallion performance test at Muenster-Handorf in 1991, placing 19th of 54 entries, for a final score of 107.21. He was licensed by the Hanoverian Verband in 1994 and, following his importation by Wendy Davis Gerrish's October Hill...

Join eventing legend and Practical Horseman magazine columnist Jim Wofford for a fun and educational cross-country course walk during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Friday, April 23, 2010. The course walk is free and included with event admission. As Wofford discusses the highlights of the course, you’ll gain insight into how the course designer is testing the horses and riders at each obstacle, and why. Find out the best way to approach...

The inaugural $5,000 American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF) World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) Handy Hunter Classic was well received and was a highlight event on April 3rd at the Tampa Bay Classic held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Samantha Schaefer and Bishonen, owned by Mariana Wade, led the field from start to finish winning out of a field of the top professional, emerging professional, amateur-owner, and junior hunter riders with her two-round total of 171. In her first round...

More than 50 of the world’s top performers and clinicians will showcase their talents and expertise during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Entertainment, demonstrations, clinicians and lecturers will delight and educate spectators in the Equine Village of the Games grounds each day during the 16 days of the Games, which take place at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10, 2010. The Equine Village daily acts and 40-plus exhibits will be available with a Grounds...