Equestrian News

Tickets on Sale NOW for “Taste of Traverse City” Party/Silent Auction to Benefit Equestrian Aid Foundation
Premier Silent Auction Items from FarmVet, Equi-Fit, Five Star, Essex, Hadfield, Badgley Mischka, ThinLine, Antares and more! Silent auction items valued at up to $4,000 each, including a $1,000 FarmVet shopping spree, bridles, horse products and fashionable accessories. Traverse City, Mich. – July 3, 2009 – Tickets for "Taste of Traverse City," Sunday, July 12, 2009, are available online for $... Read the full article

Pony Lane Farm Partners with Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Wellington, FL - July 2, 2009 - Phelps Media Group, Inc. International (PMG), a leading public relations firm specializing in the equestrian industry, is pleased to announce that Pony Lane Farm has joined its expanding list of clients. Pony Lane Farm is based out of South Jordan, UT, and Wellington, FL, and is home to two of the country's top young riders, Kelsey and Madeline Thatcher. Sixtee... Read the full article

Free Seminar to Kick Off Fasig-Tipton Festival of Racing
On Saturday morning, Aug. 8, Fasig-Tipton and co-sponsors The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), ThoroFan, and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host a free education program “From the Horse Farm to the Finish Line: A Seminar on the Thoroughbred Industry” in the sales pavilion on East Avenue. Beginning at 10 a.m., industry experts will participate in a panel discussion about the... Read the full article

Chrisman Mill Launches new Old Friends “Artist Signature” Wine by Singer Eddie Money
JULY 2, 2009—The Chrisman Mill Winery, located in Lexington’s Hamburg Village, will introduce its latest bottle of Old Friends “Artist Signature” Wine at a special tasting festival and release party on Friday July 10. The tasting will begin at 4:30 on Friday July 10, with the release party running from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Chrisman Mill’s Lexington retail outlet located at 2300 Sir Barton Way at ... Read the full article

Calvin Borel Autograph signing Saturday at Belmont Park
ELMONT, N.Y. – Jockey Calvin Borel, regular rider of Preakness and Mother Goose winner Rachel Alexandra, will autograph photos at Belmont Park on Saturday, July 4 from 2-2:45 p.m. Borel will sign 8x10 glossy, color copies of Rachel Alexandra from the June 27 Grade 1 Mother Goose Stakes, a race in which the Steve Asmussen-trained filly shattered two stakes records – margin of victory and final ... Read the full article

Pletcher hoping recent history repeats itself in the Tom Fool
ELMONT, N.Y. – In 34 previous editions of the Tom Fool Handicap, three-year-olds have been victorious only three times, most recently in 2000 when Todd Pletcher saddled Trippi to a 4½-length victory in the seven-furlong race. Sunday, Pletcher is hoping history repeats itself when he sends out Michael B. Tabor’s sophomore star Munnings against four older horses in the Grade 2, $200,000 sprint at... Read the full article

First American victory in the TESCHINKASSO Prize by Steffen Peters
The 11-year-old KWPN gelding, Ravel, who clearly demonstrated his top form under his rider Steffen Peters was awarded several 9s by the judges. The World Cup winner in Las Vegas 2009 won the TESCHINKASSO Prize, the Grand Prix CDIO at the World Equestrian Festival, CHIO Aachen with a score of 77.83 percent. “I am elated about this victory,” beamed Steffen Peters, who lives in California. “I still h... Read the full article

France triumphs in the Mercedes-Benz Prize, part of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™
France won the spectacular floodlit competition at the CHIO Aachen: In the Mercedes-Benz Prize, part of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™, the French celebrated a sovereign victory without picking up any faults, ahead of Germany and the Netherlands who came joint second (each with four faults). 40,000 fans in the sold-out main stadium contributed towards the electric atmosphere. The newly nominated G... Read the full article

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Concludes Successful Summer Camp Sessions
Loxahatchee, FL- July 2, 2009 - The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) has recently complete three successful summer camp sessions at their beautiful Palm Beach County facility. The camp ran from June 9 - 26 and each session lasted one week. The sessions included six to seven riders, including those diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, ADD, Aspergers, Autism and Depression. During the camp s... Read the full article

Horse Shows by the Bay Welcomes Official Horse Show Veterinarians from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Traverse City, MI - July 1, 2009 - Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. is pleased to welcome the official horse show veterinarians for the 2009 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute's Sport Horse Program. Horse Shows by the Bay is held in beautiful Traverse City, MI, at the Flintfields Horse Park, and runs July 8 - August 2, 2009. Hagyard Equine Medical Ins... Read the full article

SBS Farms' Jennifer Alfano and Rock Star Win Championship at Lake Placid Horse Show
Lake Placid, NY - July 1, 2009 - Jennifer Alfano, the rider and trainer for SBS Farms in Buffalo, NY, had a good week at the Lake Placid Horse Show. She and Rock Star, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC, were champions in the Regular Working Hunters. Alfano also rode five other horses to top ribbons in the professional hunter divisions. Alfano and Rock Star won two over fences classes and won anothe... Read the full article

Reining By The Bay to Benefit the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA
Woodside, CA - July 1, 2009 - Reining By The Bay is pleased to announce their support of the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA (PHS/SPCA) at this year's competition, being held July 21-26 at the Woodside Horsepark. The PHS/SPCA will be on-site July 23-25, from 11 am - 4 pm with pets available for adoption, and for every pet adopted an additional donation will be made to the PHS/SPCA. Reining By T... Read the full article

126th National Horse Show at Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament to Feature 'AA'-Rated Hunter Divisions
New York, NY- July 1, 2009 - The National Horse Show Association of America, Limited (NHSAA) is pleased to announce that this year's hunter divisions at the 126th National Horse Show will be 'AA'-rated. The 126th National Horse Show will be held in conjunction with the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament on October 28-November 1, 2009, in Syracuse, NY. "We are thrilled to receive an 'A... Read the full article

Equestrians Still Flock to Menlo Charity Horse Show
Atherton, CA - July 1, 2009 - Despite the downturn in the economy, over 500 equestrians, including Will Simpson, a team gold medalist in Show Jumping at the 2008 Olympics, have made plans to compete in the 39th Menlo Charity Horse Show. According to the show's founder, Betsy Glikbarg of Atherton, "We consider ourselves very fortunate to be able to hold our own this year, especially when other sim... Read the full article

Showplace Productions Thanks Sponsors for Successful 2009 Showplace Spring Spectacular
Wayne, IL - July 1, 2009 - Showplace Productions would like to give a big thank you to the very generous sponsors at this year's Showplace Spring Spectacular. The horse show, held at Lamplight Equestrian Center on June 2-14, was a great success. It could not have been done without the contributions and support of so many people. The Showplace Spring Spectacular has a long list of sponsors who ... Read the full article

Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic Selects Gretchen Almy as the 2009 Official Artist
Commissioned to design the 20th anniversary cover of the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic program book, equine artist Gretchen Almy is putting the final touches on an oil painting of the nation's top Grand Prix rider, McLain Ward and Goldika 559 - the winners of the 2008 $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix. A unique gesture of the Jumper Classic, the original painting will be presented to M... Read the full article

Dwyer, Suburban promise fierce competition
ELMONT, N.Y. – Like the Grade 1 Prioress, both the Grade 2 Dwyer Stakes and the Grade 2 Suburban Handicap on Saturday’s Fourth of July card at Belmont Park have much to offer in terms of storied history and fierce competition in their respective renewals. Saturday’s 93rd running of the Dwyer Stakes for three-year-olds comes with its own unique story. Named for Mike and Phil Dwyer – whose Dwyer... Read the full article

Fleet Field of Nine Assembled for Grade 1 Prioress
ELMONT, N.Y. – The only Grade 1 six-furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies in the United States, the $300,000 Prioress at Belmont Park has long been a showcase for some of the fastest fillies on the planet, from Ta Wee in 1969 to Safely Kept in 1989, Xtra Heat in 2001 to Indian Blessing in 2008. The 62nd edition, part of a trio of graded stakes to be run on Saturday, July 4, including the Grade ... Read the full article

Racing and Wagering Board now allowing more Superfectas
The New York State Racing and Wagering Board today enacted new directives that lay the groundwork for more Superfecta wagering opportunities for both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing fans. “Superfectas are popular with some racing fans because if you’re lucky enough to hold a winning ticket, the payoff can be a princely sum,” Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini said. “We are ... Read the full article

2009 PVDA Ride for Life and Dancing Horse Challenge Brings In Record Donations, Support
he Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) announced that their sixth annual Ride for Life dressage show and Jill Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge charity performance brought in record donations and attendance this past weekend, June 27-28, 2009. The benefit for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, took place at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, ... Read the full article

Fans Gather for “Calvin Borel Day” at Old Friends
GEORGETOWN, KY—July 1, 2009—Calvin Borel, the affable Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks-winning jockey, paid a visit yesterday to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility, and was met by nearly 200 admiring fans. Borel made the trip from Louisville to the Georgetown, KY farm with fiancée Lisa Funk and agent Jerry Hissam. Arriving just after 4 pm, he was greeted by three TV news crews, v... Read the full article

Halloween with Horses Cancelled for 2009
he Colorado Horse Park announces that the popular family fall festival, Halloween with Horses, has been canceled for 2009. The current economic climate coupled with internal changes led the Colorado Horse Park Board of Directors to the decision to offer the Town of Parker the opportunity to take over the event. Each year, The Colorado Horse Park has funded, hosted and staffed the event, along with... Read the full article

Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival to Add Classes to Weekly Show Schedule
Traverse City, MI - June 30, 2009 - Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. is pleased to announce that several classes have been added to the weekly schedule of events for the 2009 Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival. Held at the Flintfields Horse Park in beautiful Traverse City, MI, the Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival runs July 8 through August 2, 2009, and features some of the top hors... Read the full article

Arenus Signed as a Supporting Sponsor of the Great American/USDF Breeders’ Championship Series
Lexington, KY (June 30, 2009) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Arenus has signed on as supporting sponsor of the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Breeders’ Championship Series. This series is designed to promote breeders and showcase quality sport horses. Each series consists of three qualifying events, which lead to a final event in each series. A ch... Read the full article

The Brazilian rider Bernardo Alves wins the STAWAG Prize
“Chupa Chup is an exceptional horse. He has a big canter and is usually very fast,“ is how a beaming Bernardo Alves substantiated his speedy round. At the CHIO Aachen on Tuesday, the Brazilian rider didn’t just jump clear in the STAWAG Prize, a penalties/time jumping competition, on his eleven-year-old gelding, but also managed to cross the finish line in the unbeatable time of 67.43 seconds. “At... Read the full article

First Annual Fasig-Tipton 5k to benefit New York Racing Association Backstretch Charities
Fasig-Tipton will host a 5k race (3.1 miles) and a one-mile ‘fun run,’ starting in front of the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, NY on Saturday, August 15. All proceeds will be divided equally among the New York Racing Association’s four charities: The Anna House, Backstretch Employee Service Team, New York Racetrack Chaplaincy and The Backstretch Education Fund. Registration for b... Read the full article

Jumper Classic Welcomes New Sponsors to 20th Anniversary Show
The Jumper Classic is pleased to welcome several new sponsors for the 20th annual show jumping event to be held September 2-6, 2009 at the Silver Oak Equestrian Center in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. "We're delighted to welcome, for the first time, some of the most well-known names in the sport of show jumping to the Jumper Classic. It goes without saying that the support of these sponsors hel... Read the full article

Sponsorships Provide Vital Support for Kentucky Summer Horse Shows
Lexington, KY - June 29, 2009 - Through the support of sponsorships, the upcoming Kentucky Summer Horse Shows are able to offer incredible prize money and show jumping excitement for exhibitors. The Kentucky Summer Horse Show will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park from July 22-26, and the Kentucky Summer Classic follows the week of July 29-August 2, 2009. The Kentucky Summer Horse Shows are grate... Read the full article

2009 Kentucky Summer Horse Shows Fast Facts
Events: Kentucky Summer Horse Show - July 22-26, 2009 Kentucky Summer Classic - July 29-August 2, 2009 What: Two of the nation's premier hunter/jumper competitions. Both weeks have a USEF 5* Jumper Rating and feature two grand prix competitions. The Kentucky Summer Horse Shows offer two $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classics, which are part of the Hagyard Challenge Series. Competitions at t... Read the full article

Study Shows Furosemide Decreases Bleeding into Airways in Racehorses
FORT COLLINS – Furosemide, used in the United States and Canada to treat bleeding into the airways in thoroughbred racehorses, decreases the incidence of hemorrhage according to results of a recent study. The study, conducted by Colorado State University, the University of Melbourne and the University of Pretoria in the Republic of South Africa, provides a foundation for racing authorities to make... Read the full article

Alise Oken and Take Away Receive Large Junior 16-17 Hunter Championship Prize
Lake Placid, NY - June 29, 2009 - Alise Oken, of Hi Hopes Farm, had an outstanding week at the Lake Placid Horse Show with her top Junior Hunter mount, Take Away. After two days of competition the pair earned the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter championship tricolor. Hi Hopes Farm is based in Charlotte, NC, and is owned by Marc and Celene Oken. Alise and her sister Lucie compete under the tutelage of to... Read the full article

Women and Horses Expo Rides Into Oklahoma
After a successful premiere in October of 2008 the Women and Horses Expo is headed for Oklahoma and the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie. The event has, not only, a new location this year, but new dates ( November 6-8), new ideas and a new attitude. Rest assured, though, that the event will still be celebrating horsewomen and all the things the public loved about the expo last year will be returning in 20... Read the full article

French Classical Dressage and an Introduction to Working Equitation clincs in Brazil
Healdsburg, California – Starting in São Paulo on August 27, this custom-designed trip features a three-day clinic in French Classical Dressage with one of the world's maestros, Dominique Barbier, plus an Introduction to Working Equitation that will provide an opportunity to participate in one of the equestrian world's most exciting and fastest growing disciplines. It is no coincidence that this t... Read the full article

Exhibitors Looking Forward to HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Circuit Awards
Saugerties, NY - May 28, 2009 - The HITS Saugerties Spring and Summer Show Series offers eight weeks of fantastic competition, and six of those weeks will count towards this year's Spring Circuit Champion (May 20-June 7) and Summer Circuit Champion (July 15-August 2) Awards. In addition to weekly championships, the best overall horses and riders of the two circuits will be honored. At the conc... Read the full article

Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. Selected to Host 2010 Dressage Championships
Traverse City, MI - May 28, 2009 - Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. is pleased to announce that they have been awarded the opportunity to host the 2010 Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation Region 2 Dressage Championships. The championships will be held September 9-12, 2010, at Flintfields Horse Park in beautiful Traverse City, MI. Flintfields Horse Park is home to the... Read the full article

Reining By The Bay Fast Facts
Event: Reining By The Bay, Benefiting the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA - July 21-26, 2009 What: Reining By the Bay is a world class reining competition FEI qualifier. This year's event will feature a $70,000 Added Derby and a $10,000 Added 3 Year Old Futurity. The competition is managed by RBB, Inc., and produced by Brumley Management Group LLC. a promoter of reining competition in the west... Read the full article

"Rachel" takes up Summer Residence in Saratoga Springs
ELMONT, N.Y. – Scarcely 12 hours after her record-setting victory in Saturday’s Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose at Belmont Park, Rachel Alexandra stepped onto a van that carried her up the Northway to Saratoga Race Course, which will be the base for her summer campaign. “She ran a big race,” said trainer Steve Asmussen of the three-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro, who set a stakes record of ... Read the full article

Porte Bonheur takes Flight in First Flight Handicap
Her name translates into “Lucky Charm,” and Sunday afternoon at Belmont Park, Porte Bonheur made her own luck as she ran down Spritely in the final strides to take the 32nd running of the Grade 2, $150,000 First Flight Handicap for fillies and mares. Ridden by Belmont Park’s top jockey, Ramon Dominguez, the four-year-old daughter of Hennessy enjoyed a ground-saving trip through opening fractio... Read the full article

Amityville Resident wins Belmont Handicapping Challenge
ELMONT, N.Y. – William Garb, a 52-year-old former computer operator from Amityville, N.Y., claimed the $40,000 grand prize in Belmont Park’s 2009 Summer Handicapping Challenge, defeating 229 other contestants en route to victory. Along with the second and third place finishers, Garb will be on the three-member Belmont Park team for the 2010 NTRA/Daily Racing Form National Handicapping Champions... Read the full article

Karen Healey Stables Team Wins Memorial Day Classic Team Equitation Challenge
Burbank, CA - May 27, 2009 - Karen Healey Stables spent the holiday weekend at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, competing at the Memorial Day Classic Horse Show, held May 21-25, 2009. Healey's students showed in the hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions throughout the weekend and earned top placings in all three disciplines. The Memorial Day Classic had an exciting equitation team challen... Read the full article

Rachel to face two in Mother Goose following Scratches
ELMONT, N.Y. – The field for today’s 53rd edition of the Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes was reduced to three Saturday morning with the scratches of Don’t Forget Gil and Hopeful Image, leaving Preakness heroine Rachel Alexandra to face only Flashing and Malibu Prayer. Alan Brodsky’s Don’t Forget Gil was scratched due to an elevated temperature, according to trainer Mark Hennig, while Hope... Read the full article

No Fairy Tale- Rachel Alexandra best in Mother Goose
ELMONT, N.Y. – For a brief second, it looked like Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra might be in for a tough race, but on the far turn jockey Calvin Borel asked his filly for run and with an explosive move she quickly opened up for an authoritative 19 1/4-length win in the Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose. The Steve Asmussen-trained daughter of Medaglia d’Oro shattered two Mother Goose records – t... Read the full article

Woodside Circuit Opener
Helen McNaught and Ocean Cat (Doug & Julie White, owners) sailed to the front of the $10,000 Woodside Jumper Classic held during the Woodside Circuit Opener (June 17-21). Seven horses posted clear rounds over Danny Foster’s course, and McNaught blazed around the jump off in a time of 42.556, more than two seconds ahead of second place finisher Macella O’Neill and Incandescent (Melanie Rapp, owner... Read the full article

The Unwanted Horse Coalition Elects Vice-Chair
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 26, 2009 – The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) is pleased to announce that Douglas G. Corey, DVM will serve as Vice-Chairman. The members of the Coalition chose Dr. Corey during their meeting on June 15th 2009. Dr. Corey has been an active member of the Coalition since its inception, serving on the Steering Committee. He is also a member of the American Horse Council’s Eq... Read the full article

HITS Culpeper set to return July 1 with a full slate of classes at HITS Commonwealth Park
how jumping action is set to resume at HITS Culpeper next week with the Showday National (July 1-July 5) and the Cavalier Classic (July 8-12) at HITS Commonwealth Park, in Culpeper, Virginia. Each week will feature a full schedule of competition from beginner level to high performance classes. Entries look strong for these shows and HITS is expecting some new faces at HITS Culpeper in July, inc... Read the full article

There’s a New Bug in Town, and He’s Cleaning House
Arroyo Grande CA, June 26, 2009 — Known for their highly effective Fly Predators for fly control, “The little bug that does a big job,” Spalding Labs announced today the launch of Bye Bye Odor, a new kind of bug (actually a tiny microbe) that also does a big job, this time for odors. Bye Bye Odor is a safe natural microbial spray that will virtually eliminate urine and manure smells in barns, trai... Read the full article

Elite Rider Tim McQuay to Judge at 2009 Reining By The Bay Competition
Woodside, CA - June 25, 2009 - Reining By The Bay is pleased announce that $2 million Elite Rider Tim McQuay will be a judge at this year's competition, being held July 21-26, at the Woodside Horsepark. McQuay is one of the nation's top riders and one of only two riders to reach the $2 million Elite Rider status. Reining By The Bay features over $150,000 in total added money and prizes and is an F... Read the full article

Giving Back at Menlo Charity Horse Show
Atherton, CA - June 25, 2009 - This is a story of how one woman successfully fought for, and saved the equestrian tradition of her town. Thirty-nine years ago, on the San Francisco Peninsula, large estates were being subdivided, and swimming pools, tennis courts and McMansions were encroaching on former barns and pasture land. At that time, members of the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, Ca. decided... Read the full article

Denise Wilson Tops Showplace Productions' THIS Leading Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Rider Standings
Wayne, IL - June 25, 2009 - Twenty-year-old Denise Wilson of Dousman, WI, is currently at the top of the standings for the $10,000 Taylor Harris Insurance Services, Inc. (THIS) Leading Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Rider bonus. Wilson has won a total of $8,500 in the division so far this season, and she has her sights set on staying on top through the end of the competitive Showplace Leading Rider ... Read the full article

Carolyn's Cat in fine form for First Flight
With a wire-to-wire victory in last month's Grade 2 Vagrancy Handicap, Carolyn's Cat found her winning touch again and is coming into Sunday's Grade 2, $150,000 First Flight Handicap at Belmont Park in top form. “She ran great her last time out and she's in great shape coming in,” said Kiaran McLaughlin, who trains the filly for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, Jr. Her 3¼-length victory over ... Read the full article