More changes are being announced for the 2009 HITS Desert Circuit, including a new entry policy. The HITS Desert Circuit will run from January 20 to March 22 with eight weeks of competition at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA. After meeting with the Thermal Advisory Committee, which consists of riders, trainers and owners who compete at the HITS Desert Circuit, one consistent theme raised by the members was the challenge that trainers and exhibitors face when attempting to enter their...

The theme for the Dressage at Devon Preview Party was "Be Part of the Magic," and a magical evening it was. The affair took place in the lovely gardens of Jane MacElree’s historic Fairy Hill estate in Newtown Square, PA. The weather was perfect, the flowers were blooming in a riot of color, and guests were treated to a stellar musical freestyle by Chris Hickey on Bugatti Hilltop. Approximately 150 supporters of Dressage at Devon were on the guest list. To boogie woogie music that was...

Rebecca Hart (John Stevenson) By Joanie Morris Hong Kong, China – The venue was lively today as the freestyles got underway in the main arena at Sha Tin. All kinds of music were showcased in two sessions. Two US riders went to task in the morning sessions on the penultimate day of competition at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Equestrian. In the Grade II Individual Freestyle, Rebecca Hart (Erie, PA) finally had the performance she knew she was capable with Norteassa at these Games. The...

Hong Kong, China – The first medals were handed out at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Hong Kong tonight, and although the US anthem wasn’t played, the Team is looking firmly to the future. They will ride their freestyle tests over the next two days and then focus on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games where they will be riding on their home turf. Barb Grassmyer kicked it off with Mibis. She put in a steady performance in the Grade III Individual Test. From Placerville, CA the...

The 42nd Annual U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (U.S. Nationals) makes its debut in Tulsa, OK, at Expo Square on October 17-25, 2008. The move comes after years of the show alternating venues between Albuquerque, NM, and Louisville, KY. This year is the first of a three-year contract with the city of Tulsa that was four years in the making. Expo Square staff and leadership worked diligently with the U.S. Nationals Show Commission to provide an upgraded, functional...

A new round of major improvements focused on footing in the competition arenas has begun at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in preparation for 2008/2009 circuits including the showcase Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Footing created by Olympic provider Bart Poels that was installed in PBIEC's International and DeNemethy arenas last year will be extended to the DeNemethy warm-up ring and the Mogavero arena. Footing in Rings 7 and 8 and the arenas at the South Grounds...

Beesd, the Netherlands ­­­­­– The nineteenth edition of the World Four-in-Hand Driving Championship 2008 in Beesd, the Netherlands concluded today with a thrilling Final. The Chester Weber Celebrates Silver (Rinaldo de Craen) best four-in-hand drivers in the world showed the highest level of horsemanship and carriage driving sport in the crowded main arena in Beesd. The overall winner of the World Four-in-Hand Driving Championship 2008 is Ijsbrand Chardon. Chardon, who...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) will induct Robert Dover and Fiona Baan into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame (HOF) at the Salute Gala on December 4, 2008, during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in Denver, CO. Induction into the HOF is an honor bestowed on those who have made outstanding contributions to dressage in the United States through their achievements, creativity, originality, vision and sustained effort. Robert Dover, 52, has had an enormous impact on the sport...

The 51st Annual Canadian National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (Canadian Nationals), affectionately known as "The Royal Red," went off without a hitch, August 18-23, 2008, at IPSCO Place in Regina, Saskatchewan. Canadian Nationals comes on the heels of Youth Nationals, also produced by the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, CO, which was equally successful despite nationwide economic woes. Exhibitors from 50 states and provinces attended Canadian Nationals, bringing...

The richest team show jumping event in the world, the $350,000 BMO Nations' Cup, takes place on Saturday, September 6, at Canada’s premiere show jumping event, the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament near Calgary, Alberta. “In the wake of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Canada’s Silver medal in the team jumping competition, this year’s event should be more exciting than ever,” said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group. “We are privileged to have such an...