May 31-June 1, 2008 Beat the Heat Aiken, SC Quite a few riders headed to Aiken though due to some unseasonably warm weather didn't "beat the heat." Jenny Buchanan riding her new horse, Ukeegan, had a successful weekend winning two of her Third level classes and was the high score Jr/YR with a 67.949%!! Trainer Diane Ritz won the Grand Prix class on Saturday with a 63.542% and earned her final score needed for her USDF Gold Medal riding Ryan Eskridge's Rubin. Diane riding her new horse, Al Forno, earned scores of 63.3%, 63.0%, and 61.6% winning her two Third level classes and placing second in her Fourth level class. At their first show together, Sheriden Oliver and her mare, Dancing on Air, came home with a first place and two second place finishes competing at Training and First levels with scores of 60.5%, 64.2% and 64.4%. Victoria Breece and her gelding, Fudge, earned scores of 63.7% and 62.9% at second level winning one class and coming in second in another. Victoria and Fudge will be making their Third level debut in June at Down East Dressage in Raeford. Ryan Eskridge won two of her First and Second level classes riding Freuhling, owned by Barbara Ritz. Congratulations to everyone!!

May 2008 Congratulations to the Buchanan's on their purchase of Ukeegan, a seven year old chestnut gelding by Flemmingh. Jenny Buchanan and Ukeegan are schooling Fourth level and will be heading to their first show together at the end of the month in Aiken. Best of luck to this new partnership!

April 26-27, 2008 Dressage at Fence Tryon, NC Trainer Diane Ritz, riding Ryan Eskridge's Rubin, won the Grand Prix classes both days with a 67% and a 64%! In the Prix St. Georges class, Pam Silverman and Diamero earned scores of 64% and 62.5%! Carrie Teixeira and Wolkentaenzer earned a 63.7% showing second level and won their Third level class on Saturday with a 63.7%.

April 19-20, 2008 Longleaf Horse Trials Raeford, NC Congratulations to trainer Lindsay Staiano and Triumph for their 1st place finish at their first Open Training level at Longleaf finishing on a dressage score of 23!!!

April 12-13, 2008 Greater Atlanta Dressage Southern Conyers, GA Bonnie Efird and her mare, Magie Noir, came home with two blue ribbons winning the Young Rider Team Test on Saturday with a 64.333% and the the Young Rider Prix St. Georges on Sunday with a 66.125%! Ryan Eskridge and Rubin took 1st place in the FEI Grand Prix class Saturday with a 60.208% and came in 2nd place with a 61.6% first time showing the Grand Prix Special. Congratulations Bonnie and Ryan!

April 1, 2008 Congratulations to Valerie Heckrodt on her purchase of Remmington Steel. "Remy" is a seven year old grey gelding by Riverman that Valerie along with trainer, Diane Ritz, found in Florida. They are schooling third level and Valerie is planning on showing him in June at Down East Dressage in Raeford.

March 28-30, 2008 Dressage at Equestrian Estates Loxahatchee, FL Congratulations to Ryan Eskridge on earning her USDF Gold Rider Medal! Ryan and Rubin made their successful debut at Grand Prix in Florida earning scores of 60.521% and 60.208% from the judges. Ryan, along with trainer Diane Ritz have brought Rubin along from Fourth level to Grand Prix! At age 17, Ryan is the 3rd youngest rider to have earned her USDF Gold Medal - congratulations to Ryan and Rubin!!! Bonnie Efird and Magie Noir also had a great show earning a 64.444% in the FEI YR Team test and and 68.500% in the FEI YR Prix St. Georges - congratulations Bonnie and Maggie!

March 2008 Congratulations to trainer Lindsay Staiano and her horse, Triumph, for a first place finish in Open Novice at the Ark Horse Trials and another first place finish at Open Novice at Southern Pines Horse Trials. They are currently leading the Nunn Finer series at Novice Level! Photo Credit: Hoofclix