September 21, 2002 – For the first time ever, the United States driving team won the Silver Medal at the Four-In-Hand Driving World Championship. Previously the best finish for the United States team in the event had been fourth. In 2002, though, the United States placed second, with the Netherlands coming in first and Germany coming in third. The Driving Championship was part of the 2002 World Equestrian Games, which were held in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

For more information, please see: http://www.equiworld.net/uk/ezine/0902/index4.htm

Photo is of Chester Weber, a member of the silver-winning 2002 US driving team. Photo courtesy of http://www.chesterweber.com/aboutme.html

September 22, 2002 – Dermott Lennon became the first Irish rider to ever be the show jumping World Champion. Lennon rode the Irish-bred mare Liscalgot to victory at the World Equestrian Games held in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The individual Gold title was previously held by Rodrigo Pessoa. By winning the event, Lennon became the first to do so in Irish riding history.

For more information, please see: http://www.equiworld.net/uk/ezine/0902/index4.htm

Photo courtesy of http://www.dermottlennon.com/opencontent/default.asp?itemid=14&...

Sept 24, 1776 – The St. Leger horse race, the world’s oldest classic race, was run for the first time on this day. The two mile race was arranged by Charles Watson-Wentworth and was won by a horse named Allabaculia. The race was later named after Anthony St. Leger, who had come up with the idea for the race. It is now the race that makes up the third leg of the colts’ and fillies’ English Triple Crown and it is held at the Doncaster Racecourse in South York, England.

For more detailed information on the race, please see: http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/about-us/history.html

Photo courtesy of http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/about-us/history.html