With a cup of coffee in hand and a never fading smile, Nicole “Smiley” Mandracchia helps drive success as Top Brass Farm’s barn manager and go-to groom.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation has named the U.S. Driving Team for the 2016 FEI World Driving Championships for Four-In-Hand. The championship will take place Aug. 31-Sept. 4 in Breda, the Netherlands. Ed Young will serve as chef d'equipe.

The following combinations will compose the U.S. Driving Team for the FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand (in alphabetical order):

The U.S. Equestrian Federation has named the driving team for the FEI World Driving Championships for Singles. The championship will take place Aug. 3-7 in Piber Köflach, Austria. Michael Freund will serve as chef d'equipe, and Thorsten Zarembowicz will be the team coach.

The following combinations will compose the team:

- Leslie Berndl (Newcastle, Calif.) and her own Uminco, a 2001 Dutch Warmblood gelding

- Sterling Graburn (Paris, Ky.) and his and Laura Corsentino's Mannkato, a 2011 Dutch Harness gelding

By far these are the biggest horses the Chronicle has gone to meet behind stall doors, both in size and fame. Your non-horsey relatives have probably never heard of Beezie Madden or her string of show jumpers, but the Budweiser Clydesdales are a household name.

The author shares what the USEF Horse Recording & ID Task Force Committee has learned in relation to common misconceptions about microchipping.

One of the most controversial topics in the horse industry recently has been microchipping and positive horse identification. With new U.S. Equestrian Federation rule change proposals requiring microchipping and identification documents for horses competing in age, experience or breed restricted classes up for discussion and vote at the annual meetings this year, many myths are circulating on the subject.