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Jessica Springsteen and Vindicat W. Photo © Sportfot. On Saturday afternoon, the $33,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic was held with a win for Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Stone Hill Farm's Vindicat W. Forty entries showed in the class with 15 advancing to the jump-off and only three clear rounds over the short course. Springsteen and Vindicat W cleared the course in 44.33 seconds for the win.

Richie Moloney (IRL) and Equinimity LLC's Carrabis Z finished second in 44.86 seconds. McLain Ward (USA) finished third with The Wannahave Group's Wannahave with a clear round in 45.77 seconds. Ward was also fourth with the fastest round of the day but incurred four faults in 41.88 seconds aboard Grant Road Partners' Super Trooper de Ness.

Alvaro de Miranda and AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno. Photo © Sportfot.Brazil's Alvaro de Miranda and AD Rahmannshof's Bogeno jumped to an exciting victory on Saturday night in the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix CSI 5* at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). The International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center saw its biggest crowd ever with a packed house of 8,600 fans in attendance to watch the best of the best from the winter circuit compete in the final event under the lights. Great Britain's Ben Maher and Cella finished second and de Miranda's wife, Athina Onassis de Miranda of Greece, placed third with Camille Z.

Ronan McGuigan and Chapeau. Photo © Sportfot.The twelfth and final week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Friday, March 29, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, with the finals for the Adequan 6, 7 and 8-Year-Old Young Jumper divisions. In the $15,000 Adequan 6-Year-Old Jumper Classic Final, Ronan McGuigan and Chapeau were victorious. The $20,000 Adequan 7-Year-Old Jumper Classic Final saw a win for Laurenz Buhl and Calista, and the $20,000 Adequan 8-Year-Old Jumper Classic Final completed the day with a win for Daniel Bluman and Apardi.

The $15,000 Adequan 6-Year-Old Jumper Classic Final was the first class of the day with a win forIreland's Ronan McGuigan and Blythe Masters' Chapeau. Sixty entries navigated course designer Alan Wade's track with 19 clear rounds and 11 double clears in the jump-off. McGuigan and Chapeau completed the fastest round in 35.058 seconds for their victory.

McLain Ward and Super Trooper de Ness. Photo © Sportfot.McLain Ward (USA) and the powerful black stallion Super Trooper de Ness emerged victorious in the $50,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 12 on Thursday, March 28, as part of the twelfth and final week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Competing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, Ward topped U.S. riders Charlie Jacobs, Christine McCrea and Reed Kessler to round out the top four in the international field.

Lauren Hough and Ohlala. Photo © Sportfot.Thursday's busy competition schedule also featured a $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class with the roster of top finishers including Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala, Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Let's Fly, and Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Wang Chung M2S. Course designer Alan Wade saw 52 entries with 16 clear rounds for the one round speed class.

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083. Photo © Sportfot.Week twelve of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by FTI Consulting, featured the $33,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m speed classon Wednesday with a win for Ireland's Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083, owned by Spy Coast Farm. Earning points on the Longines FEI world ranking list, the pair beat Laura Kraut (USA) and Woodstock O in second and Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Everest de Muze in third.

Shane Sweetnam and Solerina with Equestrian Sport Productions' President Michael Stone and ringmaster Cliff Haines. Photo © Sportfot.Week eleven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Artisan Farms, concluded on Sunday, March 24, with a full day of jumper action on the derby field at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Ireland's Shane Sweetnam and Solerina won the highlight $101,000 Pennfield Feeds CSI 4* Grand Prix in a five-horse jump-off over Marie Hecart (FRA) and Myself de Breve and Kirsten Coe (USA) and Baronez.

McLain Ward and Zander. Photo © Sportfot.McLain Ward (USA) and his promising young mount Zander were the winners in Saturday night's $100,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Final during week eleven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) in Wellington. The pair led a high-speed jump-off over second place finishers Janne Friederike Meyer of Germany aboard Cellagon Lambrasco and third place duo Pablo Barrios of Venezuela riding Zara Leandra. Great Britain's Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4 topped the eleven-week series championship standings and were awarded the top bonus following the class.

Eric Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S. Photo © Sportfot.Canada's Eric Lamaze was in the winner's circle on Friday with a win in the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class during week eleven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S, owned by Morningside Stud and Torrey Pines Stable, beat a field of top horses and riders in the day's highlight Longines FEI world ranking event. Also showing on Friday, Lillie Keenan was the winner of the 6th Annual George Morris Excellence in Equitation Championship, presented by Alessandro Albanese, and Rachel Boggus won the Ariat National Adult Medal class.

Richard Jeffery of Bournemouth, England, set the course for Friday's 1.45m class held in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Thirty entries showed over the one round speed track with ten clear efforts and a winning time of 61.39 seconds for Eric Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S.

Alvaro de Miranda and Show Show. Photo © Sportfot.Week eleven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Artisan Farms, continued on Thursday with a one-two finish for Brazil in the $50,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 11. Alvaro de Miranda was the winner riding Show Show with Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Let's Fly in second. Germany's Daniel Deusser and Cornet d'Amour finished third.

Lauren Hough and Ohlala. Photo © Sportfot.Week eleven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Artisan Farms, featured the $33,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m speed class on Wednesday with a win for Lauren Hough and Ohlala. Earning points on the Longines FEI world ranking list, the pair beat Shane Sweetnam and Solerina, Eric Lamaze  and Wang Chung M2S, and McLain Ward and Zhum CW, all within nine one-hundredths of a second separating them.

Richie Moloney and Slieveanorra. Photo © Sportfot.Whether it was the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day or just natural skill and talent, the Irish riders were on a roll on the final day of competition for week ten of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Horseware Ireland. Richie Moloney and Equinimity LLC's Slieveanorra jumped to victory in the $33,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic to conclude the week's jumper competition.

Eiken Sato and Espyrante. Photo © Sportfot. Japan's Eiken Sato and Espyrante jumped to victory in the $82,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday night during another exciting evening of international competition for week ten at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). In a jump-off of seven nations, Sato beat out riders from Great Britain, Ireland, Venezuela, Germany, Greece and the United States for his first big win at the Pam Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany set the course for Saturday night's Grand Prix with 40 entries competing at night under the lights. Ten riders representing seven different countries qualified for the jump-off and four went double clear over the short course.

Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4. Photo © Sportfot.Week ten of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Horseware Ireland, continued on Friday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with a win for Great Britain's Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4 in the highlight $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class. In an exciting finish, Maher just edged out Canada's Eric Lamaze and Wang Chung M2S for the win with Japan's Eiken Sato and Viva finishing in third.

Conor Swail and Martha Louise with ringmaster Cliff Haines and SSG representatives Ed James and Jennifer Ward. Photo © Sportfot.Ireland's Conor Swail and Chinook Valley, Inc.'s Martha Louise were victorious in Thursday's $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 10 during week ten of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival's (FTI WEF), sponsored by Horseware Ireland.

Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany set the course in the International Arena for Thursday's Challenge Cup class with 64 entries, 13 clear rounds to advance to the jump-off, and five double clear efforts over the short course. Conor Swail and Martha Louise, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Maloubet de Pleville 1039 x Wolfgang, had the leading time in 42.53 seconds.

Johannes Ehning and Cayenne 162. Photo © Sportfot.Week ten of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Horseware Ireland, featured the $33,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45 speed class on Wednesday with a win for Germany's Johannes Ehning and Cayenne 162. Earning points on the Longines FEI world ranking list, the pair won over Alise Oken (USA) riding Kaid Du Ry and Beezie Madden (USA) aboard Mademoiselle, with a lightning fast round.

Olaf Petersen, Jr. of Germany is the course designer in the International Arena at PBIEC for week ten. Petersen set the speed track for 39 entries in Wednesday's highlight FEI 1.45m class sponsored by Spy Coast Farm. The challenging course saw nine clear rounds.

Below you can watch Daniel Deusser being interviewed after his big win in the $300,000 FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix in Wellington. 

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Daniel Deusser and Cornet d'Amour - a promising combination. Photo © Sportfot.Saturday night's $300,000 FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix CSI 5*, presented by The Bainbridge Companies, was an incredible display of world-class talent as Germany's Daniel Deusser, Brazil's Alvaro de Miranda and Great Britain's Ben Maher and Nick Skelton topped an all-star cast during the highlight event for week nine of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF).

Forty-five entries showed in the prestigious World Cup qualifier jumping a course set by Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL. Representatives from 14 different countries competed, including an impressive 20 riders that have appeared in Olympic Games for their home nations. In a thrilling race against the clock, eight of the world's best made it to the jump-off and four jumped double clear.

Lauren Hough and Ohlala. Photo by SportfotWeek nine's CSI-W 5* competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Friday with a win for Lauren Hough (USA) and Ohlala in the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class, a Longines FEI world ranking event. Week nine, sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, runs March 6-10, 2013. The week will feature the $300,000 FEI World Cup CSI-W 5* presented by The Bainbridge Companies on Saturday evening, and the $82,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9-March 31, 2013, and will be awarding almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.

Christine McCrea and Zerly. Photo © Sportfot.Christine McCrea (USA) and Candy Tribble's Zerly beat an all-star international field in Thursday's $125,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 9 during the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival's (FTI WEF) CSI-W 5* week sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies. McCrea and Zerly won the largest portion of prize money in the richest purse ever offered in the 24-year history of the WEF Challenge Cup series over Olympic Gold Medalists Nick Skelton (GBR) and Big Star. Germany's Daniel Deusser and Cornet d'Amour finished third.

Daniel Deusser and Mouse. Photo © Sportfot.Week nine of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), featuring CSIW-5* competition sponsored by The Bainbridge Companies, began on Wednesday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with a win for Germany's Daniel Deusser and Mouse in the highlight $33,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.45m, a Longines FEI world ranking class.

Mario Deslauriers and Ardeche van de Zelm. Photo © Sportfot.On Sunday, Mario Deslauriers (USA) and Ardeche van de Zelm,owned by Mario's wife Lisa Deslauriers, topped the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. In a class of 41 entries, seven cleared the first round course to advance to the jump-off, and Deslauriers and 'Ardeche' completed the only double clear round in a time of 34.87 seconds to earn the victory.

Kent Farrington and Blue Angel. Photo © Sportfot.Week eight of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by G&C Farm, concluded on Sunday afternoon with an exciting victory for Kent Farrington (USA) and Robin Parsky's Blue Angel in the $150,000 CSIO 4* Grand Prix, presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). In an 11-horse jump-off, Farrington and Blue Angel were 1/100th of a second faster than Beezie Madden (USA) and Abigail Wexner's Cortes 'C' who finished second. Conor Swail (IRL) and Lansdowne, owned by Ariel and Susan Grange, placed third.

Darragh Kenny and Delilah. Photo © Sportfot.G&C Farm's $10,000 Speed Stake was held on Friday with a win for Ireland's Darragh Kenny and Delilah, owned by Derbypie, LLC. In a field of 35 international starters, Kenny and Delilah completed the fastest of 9 clear rounds in 59.07 seconds. Germany's Johannes Ehning and Cayenne 162, owned by Winley Farm LLC, finished second in 59.63 seconds. USA's Reed Kessler and Ligist were third with a time of 61.54 seconds.

McLain Ward and Super Trooper de Ness. Photo © Sportfot.Week eight of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by G&C Farm, continued on Thursday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, with the $43,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8. The win went to U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward aboard Grant Road Partners' Super Trooper de Ness.

Equestrian Sport Productions announces that the two horses tested for EHV-1 that were in "FEI Stabling" at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center were found negative. The quarantine on FEI Stabling, which was set by the State of Florida Department of Agriculture in collaboration with Equestrian Sport Productions, has been lifted. Competition will continue as scheduled for the CSIO classes. All other competition for the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has been running as scheduled. The $43,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 is scheduled to start at 4 pm today.

Daniel Deusser and Domingo. Photo © Sportfot.Week eight of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by G&C Farm, kicked off on Wednesday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with a win for German rider Daniel Deusser and Stephex Stables' Domingo in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class.

Andrew Bourns and Gatsby. Photo © Sportfot.The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival concluded its seventh week of competition, sponsored by Hermès, with action at two parts of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Sunday. At The Stadium, Irish riders Andrew Bourns, Darragh Kenny, and Shane Sweetnam swept the top three in the $50,000 Hermès Jumper Derby with a win for Bourns and his mount Gatsby. In the International Arena, Praise and Sheila Motley won the Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Hunter Classic. Tina Allen and French Kiss were victorious in the $5,000 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3'3" Hunter Classic.

Cian O'Connor and Walk Tall II. Photo © Sportfot.Week seven of the 2013 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continued on Saturday afternoon with the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic featured on the grass derby field at The Stadium at PBIEC. Richard Jeffery, of Bournemouth, England, is the course designer on the derby field for the week. On Saturday afternoon, Jeffery set the track for 31 entries in the $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Only three entries cleared the first round course to advance to the jump-off, and two cleared the short course. Ireland's Cian O'Connor and Darragh Kenny finished first and second.

Walk Tall II and Cian O'Connor. Photo © Sportfot.Ireland's Cian O'Connor is back in Wellington for the remaining weeks of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival after an exciting 2012 season. Following a fantastic Florida circuit last winter, O'Connor and his top mount, Blue Loyd 12, traveled to London to earn an individual bronze medal in this summer's Olympic Games. Blue Loyd was recently sold to young Canadian rider Nicole Walker, and O'Connor is in Wellington helping the pair get acquainted as well as showing some of his new horses. O'Connor got his first win of the circuit in this morning's $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge aboard one of those horses, Walk Tall II, owned by Ronnoco Jump, Ltd.

Kirsten Coe and Baronez. Photo © Sportfot.Week seven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Hermès, continued on Thursday in Wellington, FL, with the $30,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 featured on the grass derby field at The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). American duo Kirsten Coe and Ilan Ferder's Baronez were the winners of the class with the only double clear round in a jump-off of five starters. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Hays Investment Corporation's Any Given Sunday finished second; Meagan Nusz (USA) and Amalaya Investments' Dynamo were third.

Darragh Kenny and Twister. Photo © Sportfot.Week seven of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Hermès, began on Wednesday morning at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, with a win for Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Cavallo Farms, LLC's Twister in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper speed class.

McLain Ward and Rothchild. Photo © Sportfot.Week six of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm, concluded on Sunday with a win for McLain Ward (USA) and Sagamore Farm's Rothchild in the $33,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, a Longines FEI world ranking class. Fifty-eight entries showed over the 1.50m track, set by Brazilian course designer Guilherme Jorge. Seventeen went clear in round one to qualify for a tie-breaking jump-off, and McLain Ward and Rothchild had the fastest of eight double clear rounds in 35.33 seconds for the win.

Katie Dinan and Glory Days. Photo © Sportfot.Nineteen-year-old Katie Dinan and her brand new horse Glory Days were victorious in Friday night's $15,000 Artisan Farms Young Rider Grand Prix, presented by Dutta Corporation in association with Guido Klatte, during week six of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). In a nine-horse jump-off, Dinan and Glory Days won over Wilton Porter aboard Radio City and Adam Prudent riding Jack Daniels.    

Week six, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm, will run February 13-17. The week will feature two more world ranking classes, including the highlight $125,000 FEI World Cup™ Qualifier CSI 3*-W Grand Prix, presented by Spy Coast Farm, on Saturday, February 16, and the $33,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday, February 17.

Todd Minikus and Quality Girl. Photo © Sportfot.The sixth week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) began on Wednesday, February 13, with a full schedule of world-class jumper competition in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). In the highlight class of the day, an impressive roster of top riders vied for Longines FEI world ranking points in the $33,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumper Classic with a win for Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, and Quality Girl.

Ben Maher and Quiet Easy 4. Photo © SportfotWeek five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Adequan®, concluded on Sunday afternoon with a win for Olympic gold medalist Ben Maher of Great Britain aboard his young mount Quiet Easy 4 in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Maher has been a dominant force in Wellington over the last two weeks with back to back grand prix wins, including last night's $82,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix. He can now add a 1.50m victory to his tally for the winter.   

Ben Maher and Urico. Photo © Sportfot.Week five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) featured another exciting "Saturday Night Lights" event with over 4,000 spectators looking on as Great Britain's Ben Maher won his second grand prix in a row for the winter circuit. Maher jumped to victory in the $82,000 Adequan® CSI2* Grand Prix aboard Jane Clark's Urico after also taking top honors in last week's $100,000 Fidelity Investments® CSI 2* Grand Prix riding Cella. Saturday night's grand prix was generously sponsored by Adequan, which is distributed by Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Allyn Mann, Director of the Animal Health Division at Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, was on hand to watch the class on Saturday evening and was thrilled with the success of the event and the great competition displayed. Mann presented Maher with an Adequan Tack Locker for his win.

Shane Sweetnam and Cyklon 1083. Photo © Sportfot.Irish show jumper Shane Sweetnam is on a roll during week five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) with a set of back to back wins in Friday's $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed and jump-off classes to follow up a victory in Thursday's $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic. All three wins were on Spy Coast Farm owned horses - the 1.45m aboard Everly Chin de la Pomme and Friday's 1.40m speed aboard Cyklon 1083 and jump-off class riding Beluga.

McLain Ward and Zander en route to victory. Photo by Sportfot. Week five of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday with a victory for McLain Ward (USA) and Zander in the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 5. The duo won over Great Britain's Ben Maher riding Quiet Easy 4 and Peter Wylde (USA) aboard Lewin 5. Week five of the FTI WEF circuit, sponsored by Adequan®, runs February 6-10. The week will feature the the $82,000 Adequan® CSI 2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening and the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival features 12 weeks of competition running from January 9-March 31, 2013, and awards almost $7 million in prize money throughout the circuit.  

Peter Wylde and Zidane. Photo © Sportfot.The fifth week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) began on Wednesday, February 6, with a win for Peter Wylde and Zidane in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class. The pair also topped the class during week three and Wylde hopes to continue their success in the Rolex FEI World ranking classes coming up in the remaining weeks.

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Alise Oken and Teirra. Photo © Sportfot.Week four of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, concluded on Sunday afternoon with a win for 21-year-old Alise Oken and Hi Hopes Farm, LLC's Teirra in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic.

Ben Maher and Cella. Photo © Sportfot.It was a star-studded equestrian event during week four of the2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival's (FTI WEF) "Saturday Night Lights" competition as Great Britain's Ben Maher piloted Jane F. Clark's Cella to victory in the $100,000 Fidelity Investments® CSI 2* Grand Prix. Competing in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Maher and Cella finished on top of 49 entries over second place finishers Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Rebozo and third place competitors Gemma Paternoster (GBR) and Osiris.

Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star. Photo © Sportfot.Week four of the2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday with a win for Charlie Jacobs and CMJ Sporthorse, LLC's Flaming Star in the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 4. In a 23-horse jump-off, Jacobs and Flaming Star topped an all-star field with second place honors going to Conor Swail (IRL) riding Lansdowne and third place awarded to Brianne Goutal (USA) aboard Nice de Prissey.

Nick Skelton and Heracross in their winning presentation with ringmaster Cliff Haines and G&C Farm representative Manuel Machillanda. Photo © Sportfot.The fourth week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) began on Wednesday, January 30, with a win for Olympic gold medalist Nick Skelton (GBR) and his mount Heracross in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class.

Nick Skelton earned his first victory of the 2013 winter circuit in Wednesday's $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m class jumping a speed track set by Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Twenty-four entries started the class and 15 completed the course without fault. The fastest time of 58.655 seconds laid down by Skelton and Heracross earned top honors.

Brianne Goutal and Onira take a win in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Week three of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) concluded with an exciting $50,000 CSI 2* Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon held on the grass derby field at The Stadium at The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The class saw a win for U.S. rider Brianne Goutal and Remarkable Farms LP's Onira in a four-horse jump-off. Todd Minikus (USA) and Macoemba finished second, Laura Kraut (USA) and A. Lebon's Jubilee d'Ouilly were third, and Luis Larrazabal (VEN) aboard Anabel Simon's G&C Sacramento placed fourth.

Peter Wylde and Zidane. Photo © Sportfot.Week three of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) began with the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m speed class on Wednesday morning at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). The win went to Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde (USA) aboard Windward Farm and Jessica Suida's Zidane, a nine-year-old KWPN gelding by Sam R x Cantos.

McLain Ward and Super Trooper de Ness took another win at the WEF. Photo by Sportfot.The second week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, concluded on Sunday with a win for McLain Ward (USA) and Super Trooper de Ness in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Competing on a beautiful afternoon at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), the pair earned their second victory of the week, winning over Ben Maher (GBR) aboard Jane Clark's Cella and Pablo Barrios (VEN) and ZL Group, Inc.'s Zara Leandra. Week three of the FTI WEF runs Wednesday, January 23, through Sunday, January 27. The week will feature the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge (FTI GCC), presented by Fidelity Investments®, at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening. The event raises and distributes over one million dollars annually to 32 lucky Palm Beach County charities in a pro-am team competition.

Reed Kessler and Ligist on their way to victory in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.The youngest rider in Saturday night's $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix was the winner as eighteen-year-old Reed Kessler and Ligist jumped to victory during the highlight event of week two at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). With riders representing fourteen different countries competing in the class, the USA took the top seven placings and the young women were one, two and three. Kessler and Ligist topped Katie Dinan (19) and Nougat du Vallet and Brianne Goutal (24) aboard Nice de Prissey. The second week of FTI WEF competition, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will conclude with the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI WEF circuit runs through March 31 featuring 12 weeks of world-class competition. 

McLain Ward and Super Trooper de Ness. Photo © Sportfot.Week two of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Friday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with a win for McLain Ward and Grant Road Partners' Super Trooper de Ness in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class. Laura Chapot and Bradberry won the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class and Laurie Stevens and Iceman took home their second championship of the circuit in the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Over division. The second week of FTI WEF competition, sponsored by Wellington Equestrian Realty, will run January 16-20. Highlight events include the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty CSI2* Grand Prix on Saturday evening and the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic on Sunday afternoon. The 2013 FTI WEF circuit runs through March 31 featuring 12 weeks of world-class competition. 

Laura Kraut and Jubilee d'Ouilly. Photo © Sportfot.Laura Kraut and Jubilee d'Ouilly jumped to victory in the $33,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 2 on Thursday afternoon at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) in an exciting jump-off of top competitors. Last to go in a 24-horse tie breaker with McLain Ward holding the first and second positions, Kraut and Jubilee shaved fractions off of the leading time to win in a dramatic finish.

Conor Swail and Carlotta Singular. Photo © Sportfot. The second week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) kicked off on Wednesday, January 16, with a win for Conor Swail (IRL) and Carlotta Singular in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star. Photo © Sportfot.The second week of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), sponsored by The Mar-a-Lago Club, concluded on Sunday afternoon with a win for Charlie Jacobs (USA) and CMJ Sporthorse LLC's Flaming Star in the $30,000 Mar-a-Lago Club Grand Prix.

McLain Ward and Zhum CW. Photo © Sportfot.The $25,000 Suncast® Championship Jumper Classic was held in the International Arena in the afternoon with a win for McLain Ward riding Ilan Ferder and Missy Clark's Zhum CW. In a class of 18 entries, nine jumped the first round course without fault to jump off, and Ward and Zhum CW completed the fastest double clear round in 38.663 seconds.

Georgina Bloomberg and Nick Skelton. Photo © Sportfot.Over 3,500 fans packed the stands at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on the opening Saturday night to watch the women beat the men for the fifth year in a row in the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) in Wellington. It was the closest race yet in the three-phase competition between the male and female teams, but the ladies pulled out another victory in the end.

Georgina Bloomberg and South Street. Photo © Sportfot.The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued with its first week of competition on Friday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) with a win for New York's Georgina Bloomberg and South Street in the $1,500 Adequan 7-Year-Old Young Jumper Championship Qualifier.

Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Let's Fly. Photo © Sportfot.Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Let's Fly galloped to victory in the $30,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 on the second day of competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) on Thursday. After kicking the year off with a second place finish in last weekend's inaugural $100,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix, the duo is off to the races with a win to start their winter circuit.

Shane Sweetnam won two classes - here with Solerina. Photo © Sportfot.The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) hosted its opening day of competition on Wednesday, January 9, at the beautiful Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, with big wins for Ireland's Shane Sweetnam. Sweetnam kicked things off with a bang in back to back victories in the first two classes of the circuit in the International Arena.

Kent Farrington and Dynamo jump over the Veuve Clicquot fence. Photo © Sportfot.The first ever $100,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix CSI 2* debuted to rave reviews on Sunday, January 6, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. With some of the world's top show jumpers competing on the lawn of Donald Trump's scenic estate overlooking South Florida's Intracoastal Waterway, U.S. rider Kent Farrington jumped to victory in the inaugural class aboard Amalaya Investments' Dynamo.

The action is soon to kick off at the International Arena. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival 2013 is right around the corner, and kicks off next week. The first week of the FTI WEF starts up on Wednesday the 9th of January – but it's kick-off event takes place with a bang at the amazing Mar-A-Lago Club in in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 6 with the $100,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix. This year’s festival welcomes an additional CSI 5* during WEF 9, and holds on to its Nations Cup tradition – the WEF hosts the only Nations Cup to take place in the US and is presented by G&C Farm. This year’s FTI WEF has over $4 million in open jumper prize money, and in more than 30 classes FEI Rolex ranking points can be earned. The event that runs until the end of March also hosts two World Cup qualifiers in 2013.

Kent Farrington will compete in the Trump Invitational. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson.Equestrian Sport Productions has announced the riders for the $100,000 Trump Invitational, held at The Mar-a-Lago Club on Palm Beach Island on Sunday, January 6. The riders that have been invited to compete in the inaugural $100,000 Trump Invitational are:

From the United States:
•    Kent Farrington
•    Laura Kraut
•    Reed Kessler
•    Mclain Ward
•    Lauren Hough
•    Katie Dinan
•    Brianne Goutal [list continues below]

Mark Bellissimo and Donald Trump are pleased to announce that they will host the first annual $100,000 Trump Invitationalto benefit the 2013 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (FTI GCC). A FEI-rated show jumping event, it will be held on the grounds of the stunning Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL, on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at 12 p.m.

Some of the world's best riders will head to Wellington and the Winter Equestrian Festival 2013 in the beginning of next year. Riders stay for everything between one weekend and three months to compete at this amazing festival. If you are curious what the WEF is all about - here's a taste.

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Beezie Madden with Martha Jolicoeur, Angela Pappas, and ringmaster Cliff Haines. Photo by Sportfot.Equestrian Sport Productions congratulates the many special awards winners during the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The circuit spanned twelve weeks, running January 11 through April 1, 2012, and awarded more than $6 million in prize money. Many wonderful awards were given out throughout the circuit, and these special awards were given at the culmination of the competition during week twelve.  

Among the showjumpers Martha Jolicoeur presented the award for Leading Lady Grand Prix Rider during each week of the circuit in memory of Dale Lawler. At the culmination of the competition, Jolicoeur presented the final overall award to Beezie Madden, after her great success during all 12 weeks.  

Eric and his great mare Coriana van Klapscheut are ready for Europe after making good preparations during the winter in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Today's $32,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series Classic was the final of 12 weeks of competition at the FTI WEF. The popular series hosted 12 events, seven of which were FEI ROLEX world ranking points classes. The class had 40 entries, five of which were able to proceed to the jump-off after a clear round. First to go in the opening round and the jump-off was series leader Nick Skelton (GBR) and Unique. They put down a fast, clear round in 37.64 seconds to make the rest of the field chase them. Their round would hold up for second place.

Daniel Bluman and Sancha LS on their way to victory. Photo by Sportfot. Twenty-two-year-old Daniel Bluman from Colombia, jumped to an exciting victory on Saturday night in the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix, CSI 5* at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Over 7,000 fans filled the stands to see the best of the best from the winter circuit compete under the lights in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Bluman and his mount Sancha LS earned the top prize in a three-horse jump-off over Canada's Ian Millar and Star Power and USA's Lauren Hough and Quick Study. 

Johannes Ehning and Cayenne 162. Photo by Sportfot. Germany's Johannes Ehning had a great day in Wellington earning both the first and fifth place prizes in the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic on Thursday. Fifty-one entries showed over the speed course with fourteen clear rounds. Ehning took the winner's share with Winley Farm's Cayenne 162 with the fastest clear round in 58.67 seconds.

Reed Kessler (USA) finished second with Onisha in 59 seconds flat, and Mario Deslauriers (USA) and Jane F. Clark's Vicomte D placed third in 61.40 seconds. Fourth place went to Australia's Matt Williams and Bolero Van't Heike with a time of 61.99 seconds. Ehning also earned the fifth place prize aboard Oscar Du Rozel, owned by Equestrian Sport GMBH, stopping the clock in 62.56 seconds.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Cantano. Photo by Sportfot. Germany's Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum rode to an exciting one-two finish on Thursday afternoon in the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 12 at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Michaels-Beerbaum topped the class aboard Cantano and finished second riding Checkmate 4, both owned by Octavia Farms LLC.

The final round of the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series featured 45 horse and rider combinations on Thursday afternoon. Ireland's Alan Wade designed the course, and 11 went clear to advance to the tie breaking jump-off. The challenging track for the short course saw only four entries jump without fault.

Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Palouchin take another 145 speed class win in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival began the 12th and final week of competition today with the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Palouchin, owned by Double H Farm, are familiar faces in the winner's circle and were able to speed to victory in today's class. There were 51 entries in the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic, and no one could come close to the time of 62.94 seconds set by Pessoa and HH Palouchin. The closest was Richard Spooner on Molly Ohrstrom's Billy Bianca, who were second in 64.58 seconds. Darragh Kerins and Hot Wheels were third in 65.22 seconds.

Scott Brash & Intertoy Z enroute to victory in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Week eleven of the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival concluded on Sunday with a victory for Great Britain's Scott Brash and Intertoy Z in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. The pair won over Ben Maher (GBR) and Quiet Easy 4 and Cian O'Connor (IRL) and KEC Alligator Alley in second and third. The 1.50m class brought 40 entries to the ring in the first round, but none were able to clear the course without fault. Thirteen entries finished the round with four fault scores, and a jump-off was held to break the tie.  

Michelle Navarro Photo by Sportfot.Fifty-eight entries showed in Friday's $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge with twelve clear rounds over the Richard Jeffery designed course. Peru's Michelle Navarro-Grau had the fastest clear round in 62.493 seconds aboard her eleven-year-old gelding Tibetano to earn the top prize.  

Darragh Kenny and Sandor De La Pomme, owned by The Wannahave Group, finished second in 63.815 seconds. Lillie Keenan and Chansonette Farm LLC's Vanhattan were third with their time of 65.806 seconds. Saer Coulter and April, owned by Copernicus Stables, finished fourth in 67.827 seconds.

Nick Skelton and the amazing Big Star win again in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.First thing Thursday morning, there were 26 entries in the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 11. The class saw 11 clear rounds advance to the jump-off, and once again it was Nick Skelton and Beverley Widdowson's Big Star that sped to the win. They knocked almost two seconds off the winning time and finished in 33.77 seconds. Ben Maher, who went first in the jump-off with Tripple X 111, led for almost the whole jump-off with a time of 35.39 seconds, which would stay in second place. Laura Kraut and Joan Kalman's Woodstock O put in a time of 35.61 seconds for third place.

Margie Engle and Indigo have so far proven themselves worthy a position in the U.S Olympic Team. Photo by Sportfot.Margie Engle and Indigo, Rich Fellers and Flexible, and Reed Kessler and Cylana are all tied at the top of the standings after round #3 of the USEF Selection Trials, which are being held to determine the riders that will represent the United States Show Jumping Team in the 2012 Olympic Games. 

Riders showed in round #1 on Wednesday afternoon and round #2 earlier in the day on Thursday. The scores from all three rounds will carry over to Saturday evening when competitors will compete in a final round.

The young talent Reed Kessler guided Cylana to a clear round. Photo by Sportfot.Week eleven of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival kicked off on Wednesday with the exciting first round of the USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2012 Olympic Games. Eight of the USA's top show jumping duos stood out from the pack with clear rounds in Selection Trial #1, including Reed Kessler and Cylana, Charlie Jayne and Athena, Margie Engle and Indigo, Laura Kraut and Teirra, Kirsten Coe and Baronez, Kent Farrington and Uceko, Christine McCrea and Romantovich Take One, and Mario Deslauriers and Urico.



Today's class was the first of four challenging rounds in the USEF Selection Trials. The next two rounds, similar to Nations Cup format, will be held on Thursday, March 22. The first round is at 1 p.m. and the second round starts with festivities at 7 p.m. and the first horse at 8 p.m. The final round in jump-off format is on Saturday, March 24, with festivities starting at 7 p.m. and first horse at 8 p.m.



Nick Skelton and Big Star did it again! Photo by Sportfot.The tenth week of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) concluded with a day full of jumper competition at The Stadium on the beautiful grass field. Nick Skelton (GBR) and Beverly Widdowson's Big Star earned yet another victory at the FTI WEF in the $80,000 Pennfield Feeds CSI 3* Grand Prix. Skelton and Big Star beat out Cian O'Connor (IRL) and KEC Alligator Alley and David McPherson (GBR) and Chamberlain Z in a three horse jump-off.

Hillary Dobbs & Marengo won in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Hillary Dobbs rode her speedy mount Marengo to victory in Friday morning's $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival . Other top finishers for the day included Conor Swail and Donatello, in the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic. Laura Chapot and Umberto won the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m jump-off class.

Shane Sweetnam and Amaretto D'Arco. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) continued on Thursday with round ten of the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series and a victory for Irish rider Shane Sweetnam and Spy Coast Farm's Amaretto D'Arco. Today's WEF Challenge Cup saw 46 entries showing over a course set by Michel Vaillancourt of Aiken, SC. Twelve posted clear rounds to return for the jump-off, but just two were able to clear the second round.

Six entries faulted over the short course before Tiffany Foster and Victor returned with the first double clear in 46.58 seconds. Last to go, Shane Sweetnam and Amaretto D'Arco were the second pair to go clear and their time of 45.73 seconds took over the lead.

Rodrigo Pessoa and his wonderful Palouchin win another 1.4 class in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot. There were three competitive classes in the International Arena on the opening day of week 10 of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Starting out the day was another win for Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Palouchin, owned by Double H Farm, in the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic. Following that, another familiar face in the winners circle, Laura Chapot entered again and won the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m speed class with Bradberry. In the last class, the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jump-off class, Chapot rode Quointreau Un Prince, owned by Laura Chapot and McLain Ward, to the win.

Nick Skelton takes yet another victory in Wellington, this time on Unique. Photo by Sportfot.The ninth week of competition at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival concluded on Sunday with a one-two finish for Great Britain in the $32,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Nick Skelton (GBR) and Beverley Widdowson's Unique took home the top prize with Tina Fletcher and Unique IX in second. USA's Katie Dinan and Nougat Du Vallet finished third. Competing over a course set by Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela, 57 entries started the class, and just six were able to clear the obstacles without fault. The jump-off saw only two clear rounds.

Scott Brash and Sanctos van het Gravenhof secured another British win in Wellingtonn Saturday. Photo by Sportfot.Great Britain's Scott Brash guided Sanctos Van Het Gravenhof to victory in Saturday night's $200,000 FEI World Cup™ Grand Prix CSI 4* presented by The Bainbridge Companies at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). In a suspenseful jump-off, Brash beat out Richard Spooner (USA) and Cristallo, and Kent Farrington (USA) and Voyeur, who finished second and third.

Forty-five entries showed in tonight's World Cup qualifier. Eleven cleared the first round course without fault and returned for an exciting jump-off. The nations of France, Ireland, Great Britain, Russia, Canada and the United States were all represented. Nine entries cleared the jump-off course.

Richard Spooner and Billy Bianca on form in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.California's Richard Spooner and Billy Bianca led the victory gallop in Friday afternoon's $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). California native Ashlee Bond followed in a close second with her mount Apache, while Great Britain's Scott Brash and Bon Ami finished third.

This week's course designer in the International Arena is Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. In the 1.45m, Palacios set a great course for the roster of top riders competing towards ROLEX FEI world ranking points. Forty-seven entries started the class in a timed first round format. Nineteen were able to jump without fault, and Richard Spooner and Billy Bianca completed the fastest clear round in 63.38 seconds for the win.

Since we are not able to be in Wellington ourselves - it is a good thing that Paddy Hughes from Horse First can be our little paparazi! Here you see a "Good Morning-Image" from the palms in Florida.

Silver Spring and David McPherson. Photo by Sportfot.Top British riders David McPherson and Scott Brash each took home their winner's share on Thursday in a split class for round nine of the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The class featured 99 horse and rider combinations jumping a course set by Venezuela's Leopoldo Palacios. Just ten were able to clear the first round course without fault, and an exciting jump-off ensued. 

Nick Skelton & Carlo 273 win the four star Grand Prix at the WEF. Photo by Sportfot.Nick Skelton of Great Britain continued his winning ways at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with a victory in Sunday afternoon's $150,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSIO 4* riding Beverley Widdowson's Carlo 273. The pair beat out Laura Kraut (USA) and Cherry Knoll Farm Inc.'s Cedric and Richie Moloney (IRL) and Equinimity LLC's Ahorn Van De Zuuthoeve, who finished second and third respectively.

Paige Johnson & Chiron S on their way to victory. Photo by Sportfot.Sunday’s $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic had 44 entries, with 10 clear to the jump-off. Setting the early pace was Nick Skelton (GBR) on Beverley Widdowson's Unique, who won this class in the first week of the FTI WEF. They were clear in 40.350 seconds, which would hold up for second place. Immediately after Skelton, Laura Kraut and another Widdowson-owned entry, Belmont, stopped the timers clear in 41.515 seconds for third place. Paige Johnson and Chiron S, a 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Contender x Liostro, went second to last in the jump-off. They sped around the course and brought the winning time down to 38.048 seconds for victory.

Reed Kessler in her presentation with ringmaster Cliff Haines, Doris Fihnan, and Carolina Mirabal of G&C Farm. Photo by Sportfot.In the $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic, 17-year-old Reed Kessler notched yet another win at the FTI WEF, this time with Onisha. They sped around the course in 62.24 seconds, more than three seconds faster than second place finishers, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Little Emir, owned by Spy Coast Farm. Cian O'Connor (IRL) and KEC Alligator Alley were third in 66.57 seconds. There were 45 entries in the class and 13 clear rounds.

Paul O'Shea & Primo Level win the Hermès Puissance. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival had a very exciting day of competition on Saturday with a full schedule of hunters and jumpers. In the International Arena, the night session hosted two classes that highlighted power and speed. In the $35,000 Hermès Puissance, Paul O'Shea (IRL) rode Primo Level, owned by Michael Hayden, to win in four rounds of the high jump competition. Lauren Tisbo and Welinde were the fastest through four rounds for victory in the $35,000 VitaFlex Match Races.

Double clear for Germany; David Will & Don Cesar. Photo by Sportfot.Germany earned victory in Friday night's 10th annual $75,000 FEI Nations Cup, presented by G&C Farm, at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Teams representing ten different countries participated in the evening's competition and this was Germany's first time winning the class. Ireland finished second and Canada was third. Tonight's competition consisted of two rounds shown over a challenging course set by Anthony D'Ambrosio of Red Hook, NY. Teams of four represented the countries of Colombia, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Mexico, Germany, USA, Venezuela, and France.

Rodrigo Pessoa & HH Palouchin can't be beat in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and HH Palouchin continued their reign at the top in Friday afternoon's $10,000 G&C Farm Speed Stakeduring CSIO week at the FTI WEF. This was the pair's second trip to the winner's circle this week after also winning the day session of the $5,000 Welcome Stake on Wednesday.  

Eric Lamaze and Coriana Van Klapscheut won the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 8. Photo by Sportfot.Canada's Eric Lamaze and Coriana Van Klapscheut, owned by Artisan Farms LLC, emerged victorious in Thursday afternoon's $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). With 82 starters and a ten horse jump-off, the pair beat out Nick Skelton (GBR) and Beverley Widdowson's Carlo 273, who finished second and David Will (GER) and Klaus Isaak's Colorit, who placed third.

Rodrigo Pessoa & HH Palouchin strike again in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa and HH Palouchin and Germany's Jörg Oppermann and Lux As If each jumped to victory in Wednesday's double $5,000 Welcome Stake classes during week eight's CSIO 4* competition, sponsored by G&C Farm, at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Due to a large number of entries, the Welcome Stake was held as two classes, with half of the entries showing in the afternoon, and the remaining entries showing later in the evening. $5,000 in prize money was awarded to each section. Anthony D'Ambrosio, of Red Hook, NY, is the course designer in the International Arena this week. Each Welcome Stake class was held in a one round format against the clock with a time allowed of 77 seconds.

Will we see Beezie Madden and Simon in their first Nations Cup together Friday? Here from Gucci Masters in December. Photo by Jenny Abrahamsson. The teams for the $75,000 FEI Nations’ Cup, presented by G & C Farm, at the Winter Equestrian Festival are starting to be annouced. Many top horses and riders will compete at the popular event that takes place take place Friday 2nd of March.

Canada’s team will consist of Yann Candele/Carlotta Singular la Magnifica, Tiffany Foster/Victor, Eric Lamaze/Derly Chin de Muze and Ian Millar/Star Power.

The Charles Owen International Rider Lounge.With the start of the seventh week of world class competition at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, Charles Owen Inc. marks the halfway point in its circuit long partnership as sponsor of the International Riders Lounge. The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) circuit is a twelve-week long series of horse shows from January 11 through April 1, 2012. The show attracts top riders and Olympians to compete in show hunters, jumpers and equitation. For the second year, Charles Owen has partnered with the FTI WEF as sponsor of the International Rider Lounge. Centrally located just outside the in-gate to the International Arena and adjacent to the main schooling area, the lounge is perfectly situated for riders moving between the schooling and competition arenas.

Nick Skelton & Big Star win at the WEF. Photo by Sportfot.The seventh week of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival concluded today with an exciting 11 horse jump-off in the $32,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Nick Skelton (GBR) scored yet another big win with Big Star, owned by Beverley Widdowson. Second place went to fellow British rider Ben Maher on Quiet Easy 4, owned by Mrs. Phillips, while Darragh Kerins (IRL) and S&L Slingback, owned by S&L Farm, finished third.

Richard Spooner & Cristallo fly to victory in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.California's Richard Spooner and Show Jumping Syndications International's 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding Cristallo (Caretino x Cicero) galloped to victory in Saturday night's $100,000 Fidelity Investments® CSI 3* Grand Prix at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The pair was the fastest by over two seconds over Katie Dinan (USA) and Grant Road Partner's Nougat Du Vallet, who finished second, and Great Britain's Ben Maher on Tripple-X III, who finished third.

HH Palouchin & Rodrigo Pessoa on their way to victory in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Brazil's Rodrigo Pessoa and Double H Farm's HH Palouchin led the way from start to finish in Friday afternoon's $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic in Wellington. A Rolex FEI world ranking class, Pessoa and Palouchin beat out a field of 65 starters over Olaf Petersen Jr.'s timed first round course. The pair set the standard, first to go with their lightning fast time of 64.46 seconds, and would prove unbeatable. Seventeen of the 65 starters in today's 1.45m class completed Petersen's speed course without fault, but Pessoa's time set the mark high. No one was able to surpass him, and only a few came close.

Kent Farrington and Voyeur. Photo by Sportfot.Kent Farrington earned a victory for the United States on Thursday with his brand new mount Voyeur, owned by Amalaya Investments, in the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 7 in Wellington. Showing in the International Arena of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the pair out jumped fellow Americans Katie Dinan and Grant Road Partner's Nougat Du Vallet, who finished second and Cara Raether and Trelawny Farm LLC's Saskia 269, who placed third. Catherine Pasmore and Pasmore Stable's Vandavid also earned USA the fourth place prize.

Tackeray and Ben Maher looking comfortable under the palm trees. Photo by Sportfot.Great Britain's Ben Maher finished first and second in today's $32,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Classic aboard his horses Tackeray and Quiet Easy 4. Held as a Rolex FEI world ranking competition, the class was the feature event on Wednesday as the seventh week of the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) got underway. 

Beezie Madden and Prima racing for victory. Photo by Sportfot. The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival closed out week 6 competition today with Beezie Madden and Prima winning the $50,000 G&C Farm Jumper Derby for the second year in a row. Richard Jeffery had a challenging track set on the derby field that featured 20 numbered obstacles, including the new derby bank, table bank, open water, devil's dyke, hedges, and more. There were no clear rounds in the class, but with the faults converted format, it was all about speed.

Seems like the British riders like it in Wellington. This time it was David McPherson who secured top two in Saturday's GP. Photo by Sportfot.As the sixth week of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival begins to wrap up, the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m took place today in the Mogavero ring. David McPherson of Great Britain rode Silver Exchange II for the win and Leonitas for second place. Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) and Saskia finished in third place. The course designer this week is Anthony D'Ambrosio. There were 7 clear rounds over his course that began with 27 entries.