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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.

Reed Kessler & Cylana win in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival featured events at two facilities Friday. At the Stadium, the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 had grand prix competition with Reed Kessler, taking three of the top four spots. She scored the win with Cylana, was third on Ligist, and fourth with Pacha de Nantuel. Tina Fletcher and Unique IX were second.  

Laura Chapot and Umberto. Photo by Sportfot.Week six of the FTI WEF is on, and the first 1.45 class was  speed class with 21 entries and 11 clears. Chapot and Umberto (Celano x Roderik) were the final entry in the ring. They were chasing a time of 62.215 seconds set by Ben Maher and Quite Easy 4. They darted through the course and easily lowered the winning time to 60.795 seconds. Third place went to David McPherson riding Leonitas, who finished in 62.386 seconds.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and Checkmate are always a fast combination. Photo by Sportfot. A large field came to compete on Sunday in the $32,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic, and it was Olympian Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (GER) and Checkmate 4 who came away with the win. Cian O'Connor riding Everything were second, while Kirsten Coe (USA) rode Baronez to third.

Today's 1.50m class was held under FEI rules and was a FEI ROLEX world ranking competition. Guilherme Jorge of Brazil set the courses in the International Arena. There were 68 entries, and nine returned for the jump-off.

"The ring was amazing. It looked like it didn't even rain. Years ago, we all would have left and gone to the movies," Chapot stated after her win. Photo by Sportfot.The Friday of week five in Wellington only had a couple of smaller International classes on the program with one 1.40 Speed Challenge and one 1. 40 jump-off class. The $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge bacame a rainy class, but according to the winner, Laura Chapot, the conditions were great even so

The 34 entries competed over a course designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. There were 13 clear rounds, and the fastest combination was Laura Chapot and her fourteen year old chestnut gelding Bradberry. They sped through the timers to register a winning time of 56.045 seconds. Finishing in 56.323 seconds for second place was Carolla Z, ridden by Yann Candele, while  British rider Scott and Vadeline were third in 56.594 seconds.

Kent Farrington and Uceko in a split win in Wellington. All photos by Sportfot. It was a great afternoon for grand prix riders Kent Farrington (USA) and Richie Moloney (IRL) at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) as each took home the top share of prize money in a split class for round five of the WEF Challenge Cup Series. Held in a 'California Split', the class awarded two sets of placings, each with $32,000 distributed due to the large number of entries.

Quentin Judge and HH Sandor. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival began its fifth week of competition today. Quentin Judge of Ridgefield, CT, rode HH Sandor, owned by Double H Farm, to victory in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Week five of the FTI WEF, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm, will run February 8-12. The highlight class of the week is Saturday night's $125,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix.

Pablo Barrios & GC Quick Star 11. Photo by Sportfot.G&C Farm started out the 2012 season with a variety of success in the first four weeks of competition at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. After rest and relaxation over the winter, the horses are getting back in shape and working their way into the winner’s circle as the competition progresses. G&C Farm is based in Wellington, FL, and owned by Gustavo and Carolina Mirabal of Venezuela. Pablo Barrios, who rides for G&C Farm and competes for Venezuela, is also based in Wellington.

Scott Brash & Whisky Mac are victorious in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Week four of the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by Adequan, concluded on Sunday with a win for Great Britain's Scott Brash and Whisky Mac in the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Week four of the FTI WEF was sponsored by Adequan. Week five, sponsored by Spy Coast Farm, will run February 8-12. The 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of competition that conclude on April 1, 2012, and they will be awarding more than $6 million in prize money through the circuit.

Nick Skelton & Big Star on their way to victory. Photo by Sportfot.Great Britain's Nick Skelton and Big Star triumphed in Saturday night's $80,000 Adequan CSI 2* Grand Prix during the fourth week of competition at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Nineteen countries were represented in the world-class event with a record 81 starters, the largest recorded weekend grand prix field. Riders from Canada, Venezuela, Great Britain, the United States, Ireland, Germany, and Sweden made it to the jump-off with Skelton leading the way.

Yann Candele and Carlotta Singular la Magnifica. Photo by Sportfot.The $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 had an imposing field of 84 entries today, but it was Yann Candele (CAN) and Carlotta Singular La Magnifica, owned by Susan Grange, who were able to beat the strong contenders for victory. Today's grand prix was the highlight class in the International Arena at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Beezie Madden (USA) and Cortes C, owned by Abigail Wexner finished second, while Laura Kraut (USA) and Happy Hill Farm's Cedric were third.

This year's Olympic Games course designer, Bob Ellis of Great Britain, set a course that would whittle down the 84 entries to 15 for the jump-off. There were seven double clear efforts.

The winning combination; Kerins and Hot Wheels.Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival welcomed exhibitors for the fourth week of competition.  In the opening class in the International Arena, Darragh Kerins (IRL) guided Hot Wheels to victory in the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers.

 There were 38 entries in the class and they competed over a track designed by Bob Ellis of Great Britain, who will design the courses at this summer's Olympic Games in London. Eleven were able to go clear over the course, and the fastest was Hot Wheels, ridden by Darragh Kerins, who completed his round in 73.883 seconds. Ben Maher (GBR) and Quite Easy 4, owned by Mrs. Phillips, were second in 76.743 seconds, while Debbie Stephens and Centennial Farm's Swagger were third in 80.985 seconds.
 

Katie Dinan & Nougat du Vallet. Photo by Sportfot.Eighteen-year-old Katie Dinan and Grant Road Partner's Nougat Du Vallet led the victory gallop in the $50,000 Horseware Ireland CSI 2* Grand Prix at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Running through April 1, 2012, the FTI WEF will award more than $6 million in prize money throughout its 12-week circuit. Today's class concluded the third week of competition, sponsored by Horseware Ireland.

The winning womens team in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.It was a packed house at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this evening as the women earned their fourth consecutive victory in the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The ladies swept the three phase competition with 29 points over the men's score of 17 to win.

Alejandro Karolyi and Vichy. Photo by Sportfot.The Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge had a class full of competitors going against the clock, but the fastest by almost six seconds was Alejandro Karolyi (VEN) on Vichy, owned by Torrey Pines Stable. Forty-five entries showed in Friday's $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Speed Challenge over a course set by Olaf Petersen Sr. of Germany. Karolyi and Vichy went midway through the class and set a time of 63.926 seconds, which no one would come close to with a clear round. The next fastest pair was Caribe and Steve Schaefer, who posted a time of 69.044 seconds. Third place went to Lauren Hough on Clip Z, who was clear in 69.623 seconds.

Nick Skelton & Carlo 273 on their way to another victory at the WEF. Photo by Sportfot.For the second week in a row, Nick Skelton and Beverley Widdowson's Carlo 273 led the victory gallop in the Thursday afternoon $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Grand Prix in Wellington. Today's class was the third in the series at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, which runs through April 1, 2012. The WEF Challenge Cup saw 50 entries in the first round of competition showing over a course set by Olaf Petersen Sr. of Germany. Seventeen jumped clear to return for the short course, and Great Britain's Nick Skelton and Carlo 273 had the fastest double clear time of 38.76 seconds to beat out the competition.

Debbie Stephens and Swagger in Wellington. Photo by Sportfot.Week three of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival started with a day full of competition, and the main class in the International Arena was the $8,000 G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Debbie Stephens of Palmetto, FL, was victorious on Swagger, owned by Centennial Farm. The G&C Farm 1.45m class was a time first round format and had 26 entries. There were nine clear rounds, and the fastest of those was Stephens and Swagger, who posted a winning time of 70.049 seconds. Angel Karolyi and Artifice L.S., owned by Hollow Creek Farm, were second in 72.670 seconds. Third place went to Bon Ami, ridden by Scott Brash for Liz MacTaggert. 

Marie Hecart & Oceane de Nantuel. Photo by Sportfot.The second week of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival came to a close Sunday, and competition in the International Arena was fierce with the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic. Marie Hecart (FRA) was the fastest clear round in the jump-off on Ecurie Michel Hecart's Oceane de Nantuel. Second place went to last week's 1.50m winners, Nick Skelton (GBR) and Beverley Widdowson's Unique. Yann Candele (CAN) and Lansdowne, owned by Susan Grange, were third. Today's class was the second in the in the Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Series. The Series returns this year with the $50,000 Leading Horse/Rider Combination Award, which gives bonus money to the top three horse/rider combinations in the series.

Scott Brash & Intertoy Z in action at WEF. Photo by Sportfot. A great crowd came out to watch the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Topping a full field of competitors and winning in front of more than 4,000 spectators was Great Britain's Scott Brash on Stan Brash's Intertoy Z. Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze was second on Torrey Pines & Ashland Stables' Derly Chin de Muze. Eighteen-year-old Katherine Dinan was third on Grant Road Partners' Vancouver.

Nick Skelton & Carlo 273 on their way to victory. Photo by Sportfot.Nick Skelton accumulated another win at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) Thursday in the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup 2, this time taking the top prize with Beverley Widdowson's Carlo 273. The Irish took the next two places, with Richie Moloney on Slieveanorra, owned by Equinimity LLC/Richie Moloney in second and Cian O'Connor on Ashkirk Ltd. & Cian O'Connor's Blue Loyd 12 in third.

Mattt Williams and Bolero Van't Heike. Photo by Sportfot.Week two of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has begun, and the main class in the International Arena yesterday was the $8,000G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. Matt Williams (AUS) and Bolero van't Heike, owned by Matt Williams, took the win in the class.
 

A winning combination. Nick Skelton and Unique. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival concluded competition for week one today. In the International Arena, the $25,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic was the main event. Nick Skelton (GBR) continued his solid week of success and capped it with a win on Unique, owned by Beverley Widdowson. Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Wannahave, owned by The Wannahave Group, finished second, while Alexa Pessoa (USA) on Madison was third.

Beezie Madden and Simon seems to make a great combination already. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival hosted its first "Saturday Night Lights" event last night with the $30,000 Surpass Grand Prix. Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden (USA) and new mount Simon, owned by Abigail Wexner, took home the blue ribbon. Nick Skelton (GBR) and Beverley Widdowson's Unique finished second, while Cian O'Connor (IRL) rode Blue Loyd, owned by Ashkirk Ltd and Cian O'Connor, to third place.

McLain Ward is on a winning streak in Florida. Here with Esplanade. Photo by Sportfot.McLain Ward (USA) made it two wins in a row today, this time with Louisburg Farm's Esplanade 7 in the $6,000 Spy Coast Farm 1.40m Jumpers. He guided Esplanade 7 to victory in a jump-off time of 38.883 seconds over 60 other entries in the class. Second place went to Darragh Kenny (IRL) on Obelix, owned by Missy Clark and North Run, who finished in 40.464 seconds. Hillary Dobbs (USA) and The Dobbs Group's Udento VDL were third in 40.516 seconds.

McLain Ward and Oh' D Eole take a nice win in Florida. Photo by Sportfot.Day two in Florida, Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) was able to beat a field of 39 competitors to take the first round victory in the $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup Series. Ward and Oh' D Eole triumphed in the jump-off over Charlie Jayne (USA) on Chill R Z and Darragh Kerins (IRL) riding Hot Wheels. Today's grand prix marked the start of an exciting show jumping season, where riders will compete over 12 weeks to win bonus money in the $100,000 FTI Consulting Rider Challenge.

Cian O'Connor & Everything opened FTI WEF with a win. Photo by Sportfot.The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) kicked off competition yesterday. In the International Arena, Cian O'Connor (IRL) scored the first win of the season with Everything, owned by Abdulla Humaid Al Muhairi, in the G&C Farm 1.45m Jumpers. This week's course designer in the International Arena is Steve Stephens of Palmetto, FL. The G&C Farm 1.45m class was a time first round format and welcomed 19 entries. O'Connor and his first mount, Blue Loyd owned by Ashkirk Ltd and O'Connor, were neat around the course to finish in sixth place.

Today Wednesday January 11th, the 2012 FTI  Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival kicks off in Wellington Florida. The show has become the world’s largest and longest running horse show as it runs from January 11th until April 1st.  Yesterday a press conference was hosted by Equestrian Sport Productions' (ESP) CEO Mark Bellissimo and President Michael Stone. This year the show has many new sponsors, the prize money has increased and so has the calibre of classes that will be held during the three months the Festival runs.