On Wednesday, February 3, the south Florida horse community lost a beautiful, vibrant and talented horsewoman in a tragic accident after being kicked by a horse. Tari started riding career in eventing and evented horses through preliminary level. She then started training and working for Danish Olympic Dressage rider, Bent Jensen for six years. Tari has also trained with Olympic Dressage rider, Carol Lavell for the past five years.

The funeral for Tari Larkin on Monday February 8 at Palms West Funeral Home on 441 in Royal Palm Beach, FL. After the funeral there will be a gathering to celebrate Tari's life from 6:00 to 8:00PM. The Repast will be held at the home and barn of Bob and Chris Kohn, who are good friends and neighbors of David and Tari's at 13295 60th St. South, Wellington, FL 33449. 518 596-4088. Some people have asked about donations they might want to gift in Tari's name. David says to please pick the charity of your choice as Tari gave to many. She particularly loved Vinceramous and St. Judes Children's Hospital.
larkininternational.com

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Wellington, Florida – Anky van Grunsven made a repeat performance at the 2010 EXQUIS World Dressage Masters winning Saturday evening’s Grand Prix Freestyle as she did back in 2009. Riders were competing for a piece of the $84,000 prize money and van Grunsven’s win earned her nearly $30,000. She took the win with her long-time partner, the 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding Salinero, and a score of 84.450 percent. Finishing second was the American pair of Steffen Peters and Ravel with a score of 81.70 percent. Peters and the 11-year-old KWPN gelding, owned by Akiko Yamazaki, showed once again why they are at the top of American dressage.

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Things are heating up in 2010 as the season is well underway, and Florida is the hotbed of the horse sport world. But all work and no play makes Mary a dull girl and no one can accuse me of being dull! After spending a wonderful weekend in Dade City Florida covering the inaugural Little Everglades International Driving event, I experienced what many of you go through when you are at a show and not competing. It was killing me not to be driving, and I couldn’t wait for my next lesson with “the master” Larry Poulin, eight times National Pairs Driving Champion for the USA. I wanted to see how Buddy handled the increased pace of preliminary where we can cut loose and go for time in the hazards! Do not be fooled by this little guy’s size, he loves his job. After 35 years of following everyone else around with a camera on my shoulder, I finally get a chance to have some horse (well Pony) flesh time of my own.

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Wellington, Florida – Rain storms hit the 2010 EXQUIS World Dressage Masters right before the Friday evening festivities at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, causing a delay in events. But the worst of the storm passed over before most of the riders made their way to the ring for the evening dressage warm-up. Everyone got a bit wet, but not all got drenched. And, as German rider Isabell Werth put it, “It’s not perfect weather, but there is no perfect weather. At home it is snowing and cold.” Werth is just coming back into competition from a break to have a baby. Her son was born three months ago and she said she got back in the saddle as soon as possible because riding “is my life. I’m hungry to start again and compete again.” Spectators were cozy in the tent overlooking the arena, as John McGinty with Cesar Parra (and company) relaxed during the break.

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