Purina's Live From Lexington Contest - VOTING!

The voting portion for the Live From Lexington contest has begun as well as the 30 day blogging draw for the semi-finalists. So who are the semi-finalists?

Well, lets begin by introducing Country Sporthorse's top pick and the one person who by far won our vote; Kristine Oakhurst! Last week, we featured Kristine's entry video for the contest, here on the blog.

To review, lets just say it was a creative video and what an equally great approach!

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I watched various video entries. But they truth is the variety was lacking. Of course when you think of how to win this contest, you might automatically think that you need to out-do your fellow contestants. And to do that, then you might think how different you are and what you have to offer. - So many people spent; a bit talking about how great they think Purina is and how wonderful their horses do on their feed and then the remaining time basically talking about themselves and their education or talents that could or are great attributes for the Blog-O-Spondent position. - I'd be with them on Purina of course because I too, feed Purina and I too, love their stuff. But, to me it seemed like each video was delivered with the same concept, just with different wording, different faces and in different places.

Kristine's video was not only different but also it came out of no-where compared to the rest. It was like seeing a Fresian amongst a herd of seemingly similar Thoroughbreds. Like, wait, whoa, what IS that!? It was different! It was catchy! It was independent amongst the rest.

But why would this make her a great Blog-O-Spondent?

For starters, she's got a great approach to writing. Because after all that's one of the most important qualities these contestants need to posses. But, she's also extremely likable, fun, smart, knowledgeable equestrian and all that not only comes across in her writing but also in her video entry. Is it true most of the "blogging" at the WEG will be through video?

Looking at the other contestants, I find none coming across on camera like Kristine. Some appeared uncomfortable and personally, although their wording was good and would be excellent in writing, their delivery through the video was poor and un-interesting, almost at times uncomfortable to watch.

I also find Kristine's blogs (Citizen Horse & Road to Rolex) visually appealing. Awesome photographs taken by her husband as well as videos that are hard not to love and become enamored by. The first video that appeared on YouTube made by Kristine's husband, Josh Oakhurst became an instant favorite with YouTube's equestrian viewers (With 237,000 something views to date). I'd personally love to see this same creativity coming from the WEG through Team Oakhurst.



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In addition to Kristine is the following contestants:

Sheri Israel, another blogger (Dressage Mom) who juggles riding full-time, being a mom, wife and all while holding a full time job! Go Sheri!



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Also, Nina Akerley & Erin Gallagher head up the contest!

We'd like to wish all four of you luck!!


Voting Ends July 12th, so get out there and vote for who you think would be a great Blog-O-Spondent at the 2010 World Equestrian Games!

For every 5 votes, Purina will be giving NARHA $1. So go ahead, pick your fav entry and VOTE!

Top Picks; The Dressage Lesson.

Finding an instructor, who's style of teaching and how it is delivered to not only make sense to you, but make you feel equally challenged and confident, is not always easy to find.

I'd like to introduce this long-term series on Country Sporthorse; The Dressage Lesson. Which will take emphasis on the various styles of teaching in the world of Dressage sport. Follow along as these instructors work with student and horse during their lesson. Note the various differences in teaching style and the connection between visual imagery and physical changes in both horse and rider.

I quite like this specific intstructor as he gives direction in a clear, correct, honest yet encouraging way.



**Uploaded by: Equiart on Youtube.com

Western States Horse Expo - June 11th - 13th

Every year the Western States Horse Expo returns to Sacramento, CA. The Expo offers, a look into various breeds through their breed demonstrations, clinic demonstrations by some of the world's well-known clinicians (Gina Miles, Stephen Bradley, Sabine Rijssenbeek, Jec Ballou and Hilda Gurney. In addition to some great clinicians from the western world of horses and riding.) All of which is pulled together by some of the best collective horse-related shopping (Check out this year's vendor & exhibitor's list here; click)! From supplements to tack, the latest trends in rider fashion and newest inventions in safety, can be seen in the various areas and buildings at the Western States Horse Expo. Oh did I mention they have a special area dedicated to horse trailers, Rigs & Digs?


If you're in the market for a new equine they do offer the, WSHE Sale.

My to-do list includes watching the clinic demonstrations given by the ones listed above as well as looking and shopping around for all the latest exciting products.

If you plan on attending, what are your plans?

WEG Blog-o-spondent Contest - Witty and Creative.

Oh dear readers, I have been away from the blog for some time! I did plan on returning, but I have many other blogs I keep up and this one was left on the back-burner as I highlighted my others for a while.

But I have a keen liking towards this blog and it's proven to be fun and interesting for me. It's creative.

On the creative note, I was contacted by Purina through my other blog, to enter the blog-o-spondent contest. I decided not to enter at the time, which I very much regret. But, even though I didn't enter and therefore be able to enjoy finding creative ways to do a 60 second video entry, I did find someone who did. I looked at LOTS of the entries for this contest but I found nothing like this specific entry. The use of editing, creativity in general and overall use of wits and humor, really makes her stand out from the rest. I've read two of her blogs; Road to Rolex & Citizen Horse which are written from an honest, witty perspective. Plus I can't help but get this, real deal vibe off of her writing which is really drawing to a reader.

So you want to see this entry? Check it out!

Back! - Top Picks; Jumper & Dressage Horses

Hello all, I went on a short hiatus...Actually lasting longer then I had anticipated. But, I am now back!

And with that, I have my two weekly picks for show jumping and Dressage horses.

Meet "Graf Granini" a 9 year old gelding by Graf Grannus.
A beautiful black Hanoverian gelding, "Granini has a fantastic technique, and is currently competing 1.30m with scope and potential to do more." - Foxhill Sporthorses.

Although I primarily focus on showing Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds on CO, I'm a huge fan of any horse that excels and is a true representation of it's sport! So with that said, I'd also like to introduce...

Madison County a Prix St. George Schoolmaster. And yes, this horse is for sale!

Legends; Show Jumping's, Milton, "Simply The Best."

Watch A Video of Milton : click

Milton, dubbed Britain's number one Show Jumper and argued as the worlds greatest Show Jumper, bred by John Harding-Rolls. The great grey was born on February 16th, 1977. Milton was the son of the dutch-bred Show Jumping stallion, Marius.

As a weanling, Milton was purchased by Caroline Bradley who also rode his sire, Marius to winning title of, "Leading Show Jumper of the Year," in 1978. Mrs. Bradley had hopes, that Milton would be her ride to the Olympics. Caroline, trained and rode Milton until her un-timely death at the age of 37, in 1983. Knowing how devoted Caroline was to Milton and adamant that he was a horse with talent to reach the Olympic level, Mrs. Bradley's parents approached John Whitaker about riding the grey gelding.

John rode Milton to many successes which include over 1 million in prize money and an Individual Silver and Team Gold at the 1987 European Championships and winner of two FEI World Cup Finals.

Milton was retired from Show Jumping at the 1994 Olympia Horse Show.

Milton was known not only for his talent and successes, but also his personality in the ring. He would leap into the air on que, showing off to his many devoted fans.

John once described Milton as, "Simply The Best."

Sadly, in 1999 at the age of 22, Milton was euthanized due to intestinal complications.


Top Right Photo: (C) Kit Houghton

All images are copyright to their rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended. All photos will receive credit if it accompanies the photograph. If you own a photo featured and would like it removed please email the author of this blog.

Top Picks; Colored Stallions

Back on the topic of colored sport horses! Say hello to Umenno, a colored Dutch Warmblood stallion.

"Umenno possesses an incredible trainable temperament, flamboyant & powerful movement, a beautifully marked chestnut and white robe, and a pedigree of legendary ancestry...."

"Umenno has been bred with athleticism in mind. He is an expressive powerful mover with off the floor paces and an additional flick to the toe. Umenno is now showing tremendous ability in the showjumping arena now out of British novice and Discovery classes and finished jumping Newcomers (1.10m) as a four year old. In 2006 he qualified for the National Five year old classes winning both classes entered and left for Switzerland to commence his career on the International European circuit In 2007 he qualified for the National six year old championships winning the qualifying class. Umenno will be returning to compete with Joanna Storrie in 2009 where he will continue his showjumping career." - Solaris Sporthorses

Above image originally uploaded by; Solaris Sporthorses