Meghan Blackburn

Saugerties, N.Y.—Sept. 11

Just like last year, the second annual Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix ended with a two-man jump-off. But unlike last year, McLain Ward and Charlie Jayne were not the riders battling for the top check of $350,000—Duncan McFarlane and Andre Thieme were. And at the end of the shortened course, Thieme and Aragon Rouet won it all.

Saugerties, N.Y.—Sept. 10

62 riders entered the first ever Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final at HITS-On-The Hudson. The first two rounds were held Saturday Sept. 10, with 50 returning to the second phase.

Bridgehampton, N.Y.—Sept 4

For the third year in a row, McLain Ward found himself celebrating in the Hamptons. In the wake of Hurricane Irene, on a gorgeous and sunny day over Labor Day weekend and in front of an enthusiastic crowd, Ward accepted the winning honors in the grand prix event held during the Hampton Classic.

Bridgehampton, N.Y.—Sept. 3

After the excitement of the $100,000 International Hunter Derby Finals on Aug. 19-20 in Lexington, Ky., many riders who competed there gathered again in Bridgehampton, N.Y., for the Hampton Classic’s first ever hunter derby. In a beautiful setting, the class was an aesthetically pleasing, but less physically rousing experience.

Sept. 1—Bridgehampton, N.Y.

As Samantha Schaefer contemplated coming back to compete in the $10,000 Sam Edelman Equitation Championship at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, which she won last year, her theory was that if she was going to enter the class, she might as well win it again—because anything less would be a step down.

Guenter Seidel and sponsors Richard and Jane Brown ended their business relationship of more than 20 years. The Browns, Cardiff, Calif., were Seidel’s sole clients, and he saw many great successes with their horses.

“It was just time that we parted,” said Seidel, 50. And while he didn’t reveal exact details of the breakup, he added that “Dick” was struggling with bad health.

Rider Kelly Prather and owners James and Andrea Pfeiffer announced they have retired four-star event mare Ballinakill Glory from upper-level competition. The 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare will continue in competition with the Pfieffers’ daughter, Tayler, at the lower levels.

At the U.S. Eventing Association Board of Governors annual meeting on Aug. 11-12, board members revisited the 2008 rule regarding the elimination of a rider after a fall on course. After having analyzed data gathered by British Eventing coupled with comments from competitors at all levels, the board voted to endorse a rule change that will allow riders at the training level and below to remount and continue on course upon meeting safety regulations.

Organizers of the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Southampton, N.Y., have delayed the start of the competition due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Irene.

The National Weather Service anticipates the Category 2 hurricane will hit the Mid-Atlantic Coast over the weekend. The Hampton Classic was originally slated to begin Sunday, Aug. 28, but the first three days of competition have now been canceled.

Aug. 13—Lexington, Ky.

The USEF Pony Finals are nothing new to Julia Curtis—but the pony jumpers at Pony Finals are. The past two years, Curtis competed ponies in the hunter rings. But after acknowledging her need for speed, she partnered with The Waterboy a year ago for some jumper fun. Her third time at the national championship at the Kentucky Horse Park proved to be a gold charm as she jumped Saturday evening’s sole clean round to win the individual gold at the pony jumper championship.