Week in Review - U.S. Equestrian

U.S. Show Jumping Team Shares Overall Lead with Britain after Securing Second Place in Second Leg of Samsung Super League

It was another close-call head-on attack by U.S. lady riders in a near-repeat performance that ended with a strong second place finish in Rome, Friday, May 27. Together, Beezie Madden, Anne Kursinski, Schuyler Riley and Laura Kraut gave us something to cheer about again—a performance that now puts them in a face-off challenge with Great Britain, as they both share the leading spot in the overall standings on the 2005 Samsung Super League leader board.

The real battle of the day was waged among three star-studded teams: the United States, Great Britain and Germany.

St. Gallen in Switzerland plays host to the third leg of the 2005 Samsung Super League series Friday, June 3, and the Swiss team will be keen to keep the home supporters happy with a good result there.

For more information on the Samsung Super League, including the latest news, rider biographies, the competition schedule and results, click here.

Most of you are familiar with the power-packed double whammy of successful promotion: Marketing and Media. We need them both to effectively promote the excitement of equestrian to the public, and together, we can create a network of support to make sure it happens.

If you have news, competition press releases, organizational notes or human-interest story ideas, please take a few moments to share them with the United States Equestrian Federation. From grassroots levels to the Olympic Games, equestrian sport is far-reaching. So far-reaching that we’ll need to work together to make sure major news doesn’t slip through the media’s radar.

He was the ugliest male I had ever seen in my life. He had a bloody wound on his nose, hair six inches long on his chest, and he weighed about 700-800 pounds—400 shy of his best weight. His name was Hawkeye, and he was my partner for more than 14 years. Hawkeye was a mustang horse, and it was he who taught me what it is to trust.

Horses, in my opinion, given good care and a little attention, are high up in Maslow’s hierarchy. Since everything they need is provided for them, it is easy to achieve the self-actualization level—if you’re a horse. Not so for me. It took me more than 12 years to “get it.”

For the full story, click here.

Karina Benish , the recipient of the April “Hoofprints from the Heart” award, will receive a prize from the USEF’s online store. Media may request additional photos or interviews for coverage. Contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager, at (859) 225-6974, or e-mail sarah.lane@usef.org for more information. To review guidelines for Hoofprints from the Heart, click here.

Jessica Blackmon and Marlee O’Neil Win Championship Titles at 2005 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals

Jessica Blackmon of Valley View, TX, and Marlee O’Neil of Chester, VT, were named champions in their respective age divisions at the 2005 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals in Allentown, NJ, May 27-29. The third annual Finals took place at the Horse Park of New Jersey, and played host to 23 of the country’s best junior dressage riders, who competed in two age divisions: 13 & under and 14 to 18 years of age. The 17-year-old Blackmon and 13-year-old O’Neil will have their names engraved on the perpetual Hart trophy kept on display in the USEF offices in Lexington, KY.

U.S. Drivers Named for 2005 World Combined Pony Driving Championships and 2005 World Pair Championships for Horses

The USEF Executive Committee has approved the Team and Alternate/Individual drivers to represent the United States at the 2005 World Combined Pony Driving Championships and 2005 World Pair Championships for Horses.

The header may seem humorous, but anyone who knows horses knows the subject is anything but. From stable flies and blow flies to mosquitoes that can carry the West Nile virus, these merciless two-winged insects are a well-established nuisance in every equestrian circle.

Enter the trusted name of Farnam (our white knight of fly control) to the rescue. The newest top-tier sponsor of the USEF, Farnam Companies, Inc., has entered an exclusive partnership with the leader of equestrian sport, and will have the distinction of being the “Official Fly Control Products of the USEF.”

The June feature item of the month is the Ladies’ white spandex T-shirt. Very comfortable with a great stretchy fit. Click here to order this item.

From now until June 30, purchase $50 or more of USEF merchandise and you’ll receive a FREE USEF magnet. Click here to enter the official USEF online store.

USEF Memberperk: Special Clinic and Discounted Tickets Offered for Anniversary Tour of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and its Legendary Lipizzaner Stallions

Please Note: To receive the special USEF discount for the December 10 and 11 performances of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna in Houston, members should call (713) 758-7577. Member numbers are still required to be eligible for the discount.

Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Saturday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m.
Contact: (713) 758-7577

Ticket sales began May 1, 2005. For more information, visit www.spanishridingschool.com or call (877) 547-4926.

United Professional Horseman’s Association Challenge Cup Championship Notice

Please be advised that a presidential modification in the application of EQ118.16(e)2 has been granted for the 2005 competition year. The presidential modification removes the current mandatory workout from the 11 & Under Challenge Cup Championship and instead inserts the following mandatory workout.

EQ118.16(e)2…In the UPHA 11 & Under Championship, Phase I will consist of rail work in groups of twelve (12) or less and the completion of an individual workout. The mandatory workout is: “A serpentine consisting of four (4) half circles; trot the first half circle, canter the second and third half circles, trot the
fourth half circle. “Trot a serpentine to the opposite end of the ring. Return down either rail at a show trot.” In the preliminary Phase I, ten (10) riders shall be chosen to come back for Phase II, the Championship class. All other specifications for the 11 & Under Championship are the same as in the National and Junior Championships.

If you have any questions regarding this presidential modification, please contact the Breeds & Western Department at the United States Equestrian Federation office at (859) 225-6986.

Available as a benefit to all members of USEF, take advantage of the preferred pricing--1% below factory invoice--on the purchase or lease of a new Dodge truck, car, SUV or minivan of your choice by enrolling in USEF Memberperks. Did you know that last year, USEF members saved nearly $1 million on purchases for their farms, businesses and personal use? Call (877) 576-6872 to activate your FREE Memberperks privileges and to learn about other discount programs also available to you.

View some of the tough Dodge vehicles that work well for your farm or other line of work at www.dodge.com.

The USEF Competitions Department staff is currently in the process of reviewing the 2006-2008 license applications received in the Federation office for completeness and for outstanding issues. Those applications not considered complete will be sent a follow-up letter, addressed to the Licensee. The Licensee will have 30 days from the receipt of the letter to re-submit the requested information.

Grand Makana and Luminence Shine at the USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trials Championship

The USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Program continued this past weekend with the second of three official Selection Trials at Dressage at Flintridge, held May 27–29, at the beautiful Flintridge Riding Club in La Canada Flintridge, CA. This USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trial for the FEI World Breeding Championships showcased the Western region’s most promising dressage prospects in their quest to qualify for Verden.

Gregory Stritzel Takes Top Prize in Intermediate-Level Event at Woodside Horse Park

Gregory Stritzel and his horse Balabooga Brawley took the top prize in the Open Intermediate division at the three-day event held at the Horse Park at Woodside Horse at Woodside over Memorial Day weekend. Open Intermediate was the highest-level section held at the May 27-29 event, the Horse Park's first United States Eventing Association (USEA)-recognized event in nearly three years.

This Is Your Last Chance!

Don't miss out on advertising in the dressage issue of EQUESTRIAN. There is no better place to advertise your dressage stallion, horses for sale or facility. Reach over 80,000 USEF members. As a USEF member, you also receive discounted advertising rates. Call now! Ad space closes June 10. For more information, contact Crissi White at (859) 225-6936 or cwhite@usef.org.

Todd Minikus and Flier: Winners of the $75,000 EMO Grand Prix.
Photo by Lili Weik

Todd Minikus and Flier Soar to Victory in the $75,000 EMO Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson; Michael Walton and Elu De La Hardiere Win $25,000 Emerson Place Grand Prix

Show jumping talent abounds at HITS-on-the-Hudson, and Todd Minikus soared to the top with Flier in the $75,000 EMO Grand Prix during the opening week of the seven-week circuit. On May 29, a field of 23 horse and rider combinations competed over Kenneth Krome's 13-obstacle first-round course. Spectators enjoyed Olympic-level competition, with such names as Margie Engle, Eric Flameng, Nona Garson, Leslie Howard, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward.

For the full story, click here.

Hap Hansen’s Young Jumpers Dominate at Memorial Day Classic in Los Angeles

On Saturday and Sunday of the Memorial Day Classic at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Hap Hansen teamed up with Lauren Hester and Tammy Chipko to win the 2005 Memorial Day Equitation Challenge. This popular and highly competitive event is held over two evening sessions. The team returned to the final round in second place, but a score of 89 from Hansen matched with his teammates scores of 84 and 82 added up to enough to take home the tri-color. Hansen received an eight-day, seven-night trip to Hawaii. Hester and Chipko each received beach cruiser bicycles. The team of Katie Gardner, Morgan Taylor and Dan Silverstone finished second.

Items Sought for Annual ASHA Auction at the World’s Championship Horse Show

Many items are needed for the 2005 Annual American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Auction, which will take place Wednesday, August 24, and Thursday, August 25, at the Executive West Hotel during the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show.

152nd Upperville Colt and Horse Show Kick-Off Party a Success for USET Foundation

The 152nd Upperville Colt and Horse Show Kick-Off Party on Friday, May 20, was a big success in raising money to benefit the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. The party was from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. on the show grounds, and included a fun evening of dancing, fabulous food, a live auction and a silent auction.

From the May 2005 issue of EQUESTRIAN magazine: Making the Most of a Career with Horses

Many people dream of a career with horses, often starting with the childhood plea of “I want a pony…” Some people give up their equine dreams and move on to other things, while others work for a lifetime training horses, teaching riding lessons and mucking stalls. Some people realize their competitive goals, while others wish that they had gone on to fulfill dreams of international competition, training top-level horses and students, and making a name for themselves amongst the elite of their sport.

The vision of USEF is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grass roots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its horses, and embracing this vision, to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.