WEG Trials/$175,000 Cargill Grand Prix make for exciting doubleheader
The Oaks/Blenheim Farm compound in San Juan, Capistrano was the sight for world-class show jumping July 25-28. The venue hosted the final three trials that determined the U.S. representatives for the World Equestrian Games later this fall in Spain. To add to the excitement, the two rounds of the $175,000 Cargill Grand Prix functioned as trials five and six, which ultimately decided who would make the team.
Consistent Riding Wins $25,000 High Prairie Farms Hunter Classic
You never know what is going to happen at a horse show. After the first round of the $25,000 Hunter Classic at High Prairie Farms, it appeared the professionals were going to sweep the top ribbons. Of course, things changed in the second round.
Texel leads the way on the road to the WEG in Spain
Mild weather greeted spectators and participants alike to Del Mar Horse Park for the initial rounds of show jumping that will decide who will represent the United States Equestrian Team at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain in September. The venue, just outside San Diego, California, hosted one round on Saturday, July 20, and then a Nations' Cup-type performance of two back-to-back rounds on Sunday. While ribbons were presented to the winners of the daily competitions, the scores are cumulative: faults will be carried over from every round, with the final tally coming from three additional rounds next weekend.
Americans strong, Spooner unstoppable at Spruce Meadows North American
It was a near perfect day for Richard Spooner of Burbank, CA when he captured the coveted ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup and was second in the Canada Post Xpress speed event. Before a crowd of close to 33,000 ...
Engle repeats in $50,000 I Love New York Grand Prix
Margie Goldstein Engle of Wellington, FL won the $50,000 I Love New York Grand Prix for the second straight year and third time in four years at the 25th annual I Love New York Horse Show. Only three of the 37 entries were able to ride fault-free over ...
Leone and Ward top the standings at Lake Placid
Mark Leone of Oakland, NJ and Pinkata de Longpre capped a successful week at the 33rd annual Lake Placid Horse Show by winning the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix of Lake Placid Presented by Jaguar/Land Rover for the Whitney Perpetual ...
Ward is the 'Viktor' at the Festival of Champions
McLain Ward, Brewster, NY, could do no wrong at the Festival of Champions, which took place June 19-23 at the USET Olympic Training Center in Gladstone, NJ. In the Futures Classes, Ward won Thursday's class on Romeo and was sixth on Éclair. He won Saturday aboard Éclair and was fourth on Romeo. In Friday's Grand Prix, Ward was first on Viktor and third on Rio. Ward culminated his week of victories by winning Sunday's $50,000 Rolex/USET Show Jumping Championship, a member event of the AGA Grand Prix Series of Show Jumping.
Coluccia takes top two spots in $10,000 USET Show Jumping Talent Derby
Evan Coluccio topped a field of 21 starters to win the $10,000 USET Junior/Amateur-Owner Show Jumping Talent Derby Presented by BET On Jazz at the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions Presented by State Line Tack held at the United States Equestrian Team...
Ready, Set... Release!
As you head toward the jump, you focus on the rhythm of your horse's strides. You see your prime take-off spot. The moment the two of you arrive at the optimum moment, you squeeze your calf ever so slightly into your horse's sides and close your hip angle, breaking over with your upper body. Your eyes are up, looking for a path to the next jump. But what did you do with your hands? Hopefully you used some sort of release in mid-air. By releasing the reins you encourage your horse to jump better and you give him the freedom to do so.
