Week in Review - U.S. Equestrian

With 274 riders vying for the title of 2008 Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, making the top 25 is tough enough. But Kels Annabelle Bonham bested the competition to take the championship title, making her last year in the Medal Finals even more special.

This was Bonham’s fourth time riding in the Medal Finals and she rode early in the order of go. Judges Alex Jayne and Tammy Provost put her at the top of their card and she stayed there until the conclusion of the competition.

Bonham, 18, rode Sundance, who was last year’s winning horse. Sundance is a 13-year-old chestnut Oldenburg gelding owned by Kim McCormack. Bonham’s Medal Final experience paid off as she went into the second round, which was relatively straightforward hunter-type course with several options for strides. Six riders were called back for the work off and Bonham was in the top spot. The work off put the horses and riders through their paces with some challenging turns, a counter canter and a trot fence at the end.

Taylor Land Wins Individual Championship; Zone 4 Takes the Team Title in the 2008 Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Championship – Prix des States

In Friday night’s Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Team Championship – Prix des States at the Pennsylvania Horse Show, the Gold medal and Frances Newbill Rowe Perpetual Trophy went to Zone 4 (AL, FL, GA, MS, SC, TN), which includes Taylor Land and Canielle, Anne Marie Walker and Radio Flyer, Reed Kessler and Flight and Juliana Fischer and Lola. Of 30 horses, only three went clear in the first round including all of Zone 4.

The competition used a modified Nation’s Cup format, which included two rounds in the team competition. Zone 4 led going into the second round and finished the competition with a total of four faults.

“My horse, Lola, was a little anxious at first,” Juliana Fisher, 16, of Lake Worth, Fl, said, from within an embrace of happy teammates. “I went into the second round just wanting to improve.” And, improve she did by going clear.

Upcoming USEF National Championships

Each October since 1973, Morgan horses, owners, trainers and exhibitors descend upon Oklahoma City for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. This year's competition brought nearly 1,200 horses from 46 U.S. states, Austria, Canada and Great Britain to vie for titles in a variety of disciplines, including English pleasure, hunter pleasure, carriage driving, dressage and reining.

The week-long show, held October 4-11 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, included virtually non-stop competition divided in three arenas. More than 100 world titles were at stake in nearly 20 divisions. Awards were presented in classes designated for youth, junior exhibitor, amateur, ladies and gentlemen riders and drivers, junior horses, and classes for the open ranks.

It takes a team of hundreds of dedicated people to present a top-notch show such as this, from the volunteer show committee, chaired this year by George Arnold of San Luis Obispo, CA, to the show management, led by Fred Nava of Kingston, MA. Also included are office personnel, sponsors, vendors, judges, announcers, ringmasters, barn managers and other staff around the grounds, who each ensure that each exhibitor and spectator had the best experience possible. A three-judge system is used for the majority of classes and 22 judges officiated this year's show.

Silver Medalist Chester Weber to Perform at the Washington International Horse Show

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary at the impressive Verizon Center in downtown Washington, DC, October 21-26. Since 1958 this international horse show has attracted top equestrians from abroad and the United States to compete in show jumping, puissance (high jumping), the Grand Prix Dressage Invitational, the WIHS Equitation Finals and the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix.

This year, U.S. Four-in-Hand Driving Champion, Chester Weber will perform Saturday night before the President’s Cup and return Sunday afternoon for a second exhibition that is tied in with the theme of this benefit event, Autism Speaks. WIHS is a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds for various charities.

Weber’s world-renowned team of KWPN Dutch Warmbloods will demonstrate the precise dressage moves that brought home the Individual Silver medal from the World Combined Driving Championship in Europe this summer. Weber rarely disappoints an audience when his fired up team of four sport horses make tight turns and exhibit their perfectly synchronized movements as one.

Excitement Builds As Dansko Fair Hill International Gets Underway; USEF CCI** and CCI*** Eventing Championships Highlight Schedule

Some of the world's best eventing horses and riders have gathered to compete at the Dansko Fair Hill International, October 16-19, at the Fair Hill Natural Resource Area in the heart of beautiful Cecil Country, MD. The Fair Hill International is celebrating its 20th year of presenting world-class equestrian competition, as well as a wide array of family activities and attractions during its Festival in the Country. This year's Dansko Fair Hill International features both the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI** Fall Championship, as well as the USEF CCI*** Fall Championship.

The eventing championships are popular with spectators for their ultimate combination of speed and precision, endurance and boldness in both horse and rider. The CCI*** Championship is one of only two eventing competitions of such high caliber in the country, and it regularly draws some of the world's best horses and riders.

The addition of the CCI** to the competition schedule for the first time this year paves the way for a new generation of horses and riders to compete at Fair Hill.

Turn a Lead into $5,000 for You or Your Organization With the Sale of an Equine Motorcoach

Through December 2008, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is offering $5,000 to any individual or organization that can supply a lead that translates to the sale of a new Equine Motorcoach™.

Equine Motorcoach™ is the unique all-in-one motorized luxury RV and horse transport. Billed as "The New Breed Of Luxury," Equine Motorcoach™ is designated as the “Official Horse Transport Vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation.” The horse transport area accommodates up to six horses comfortably, while providing an air ride to ensure that the horses are ready to compete as soon as they arrive at a horse show.

In June 2008, Susan Valley Chen and her gelding Royal Crest's Rock Island (a.k.a. Tucker) were filmed by RFD TV, “Rural America’s Most Important Network,” at the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, CA. Ryan Gingerich, whose program "The Behaviorist" is part of RFD TV’s regular programming, and Richard Shrake filmed this episode. The segment aired on Tuesday, October 14, and Wednesday, October 15; and will again air on Saturday, October 18; and, Sunday, October 19 as follows:

EASTERN TIME ZONE:
Sunday, October 19: 1:00 a.m.

CENTRAL TIME ZONE:
Sunday, October 19: 12:00 a.m.

MOUNTAIN TIME ZONE:
Saturday, October 18: 11:00 p.m.

PACIFIC TIME ZONE:
Saturday, October 18: 10:00 p.m.

For RFD TV’s complete schedule for the next seven days, go to www.rfdtv.com and click on “Program Schedule.”

This is the annual stallion and breeding issue. This issue will be seen by over 93,000 horse owners, breeders and trainers.

Advertising in the December/January stallion and breeding issue of equestrian allows you to reach the entire competitive equine market—over 93,000 horse owners, trainers and breeders. There is no need to advertise in multiple publications. Book your ad in equestrian and get the best value for your advertising dollars.

The deadline to book space in the issue is October 24. Ad design is available for no additional charge. For more information, call Kim Russell at (859) 225-6938 or e-mail krussell@usef.org.

Public Invited to "Olympic Journey," a Gala Event Celebrating the Road to Hong Kong Featuring Olympian Phillip Dutton

Four-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, Olympic Nutritionist Dr. Joe Pagan and United States Olympic Team Veterinarian Dr. Brendan Furlong will share their nutritional insights and equine competition experiences from Hong Kong at a feature presentation, “The Olympic Story,” at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation at 1040 Pottersville Road on Wednesday, October 22, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Laminitis West Seminar Features Presentations by Dr. James Orsini, Dr. Thomas Divers and Farrier Patrick Reilly

The first Laminitis West Seminar will be held on November 1, 2008, at the Monterey Convention Center in Monterey, CA. Presenters for the one-day seminar are James A. Orsini, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, of the University of Pennsylvania; Thomas J. Divers, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ACVECC of Cornell University; and Patrick Reilly, farrier, of the University of Pennsylvania.

During the weekend of February 19-20, 2009, members of the equestrian community and South Florida social scene will gather at the 111-acre Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, for the Second Annual Lusitano Collection Auction. The prestigious event will indulge guests with lavish cocktails and a gala dinner, courtesy of The Lusitano Collection. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the American Cancer Society and the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Guests may view and examine over two dozen horses during the week prior to the auction, as well as shop at various sponsors’ tents. The Lusitano Collection made its United States debut in Wellington during the world-renowned Winter Equestrian Festival in March 2008, when buyers came to the Sunshine State from as far as California, Texas, Connecticut, Mexico, Colombia, Belgium, Denmark and Guatemala.

Equestrian Legend George H. Morris Will Hold Riding Clinic At Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center

Not long after the completion of the successful Buffalo International Horse Show, another exciting event for equestrians will soon be held in upstate New York. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) will host a riding and auditing clinic with world-renowned trainer, rider and U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George H. Morris. The clinic is scheduled to be held November 7-9, 2008. The clinic is scheduled and organized by Susie Schoellkopf, Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and head trainer of SBS Farms, Inc., at the Buffalo Equestrian Center.

The Palm Beach Dressage Series introduces the new Derby Series Challenge. Bragging rights, prize money and a host of goodies will be on the line for the riders that rise to the top of their classes at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and Dressage at Equestrian Estates. The Challenge Series awards will be presented to competitors with the highest averages in training level through grand prix, with an additional Challenge Award, including a perpetual trophy, for the adult amateur high scorer in grand prix.

Good news awaits when you renew your membership online for 2009! If you were an amateur, professional or junior member in 2007 or 2008, you will be able to renew online using our new Quick Renewal. Just log in to your Authorized User Account and select the Quick Renew option. All of your membership information will be there. All you have to do is review it; edit it, if necessary; submit payment; and print out a copy of your 2009 card.

In addition, the membership process has been further streamlined by doing away with the breed/discipline dues. The new USEF Competing Equestrian Membership due for all Senior Active and Junior Active members is $55. With that, you will be able to participate at all USEF Licensed Competitions, as well as receive automatic insurance and MemberPerks.

There are also two new member categories for individuals not participating in USEF Licensed Competitions. The USEF Equestrian ($35) includes the automatic insurance and access to the MemberPerks program, while the Club Equestrian ($15) includes access to MemberPerks.

If you have any questions about the new memberships, please call one of our Customer Care Agents at (859) 258-2472.

Fifty-One Abused and Neglected Horses Required Extra Care and Donations to Cover the Costs

The Humane Society of Ventura County is reaching out to the community for extra help and assistance in the care of 38 severely neglected horses that arrived on October 8 at the Ojai Shelter. This is in addition to the 13 animals Humane Officers and Animal Control Officers took into protective custody for immediate medical treatment and care on September 25. All of the animals are from a ranch in Frazier Valley.

Kentucky Horse Council 2008 Annual Conference to Offer Education, Live Music and Ugly Riding Shirt Contest

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) will be holding its annual conference, open to both members and the general public, on November 22, 2008. This conference offers educational sessions relevant to the horse community, and provides an enjoyable day for networking with other members, guests and the public. This year's conference will be held November 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lexington.

Check Your Points Now in the
Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year Program

Do not wait until the end of the year! Your points are already online.

Please check your points and standings in your respective division(s) by:

Calling the Horse Report Hotline at (859) 225-2040, or
Ordering a copy of your horse’s point report via e-mail or mail (faxed copies will incur an additional charge), or
Checking your standings online.

Current Standings of a Few National Champion Divisions (as of October 9, 2008)

Division	Horse	Owner
Andalusian/Lusitano Halter Horse	Fandango del Sol	Cara Rothrock
Arabian English Pleasure/Pleasure Driving Amateur	O Houdini	Monica Meacham
Pleasure Driving-Single Pony	Smoke	Sherri Dolan
Friesian Western Pleasure	Ozzy	Stacy Kitchin
Hackney Pony Amateur	Heartland Classic	Maureen Quackenbush
Half-/Anglo-Arabian English Pleasure/ Pleasure Driving-Adult Amateur	Era Ghazmopolitan	Tracy Dowson
Green Working Hunter First Year	Pringle	Ashley Pryde
Junior Jumper	Notories Utopia	Signe Ostby
Morgan Western Pleasure Open	Three K's Titleman	Jamie Bish
National Show Horse Five-Gaited	Major Good	Rosemarie Pelfrey
Roadster Horse to Bike	Braveheart	Marilyn Macfarlane
American Saddlebred Three-Gaited Amateur	Like Sunshine	Susan Valley
Welsh Pleasure Up to 12.2 Hands	Rollingwoods Who Doone It	Dr. Ruth Wilburn
Western Trail Adult Amateur	Roxy Music	Peggy Weems

Joining the program is as easy as filling out an application, which may be found on the USEF website here, or may be obtained at any recognized horse show, or by contacting the USEF office at (859) 258-2472.

Take a holiday from interest payments!

Leave the interest payments behind this holiday season, with the United States Equestrian Federation Visa ® Platinum Card, now offering 0% APR for 12 billing cycles*! Wrap up great holiday memories with this unique card, knowing you’ll pay no interest until next winter. The United States Equestrian Federation Visa is perfect for holiday shopping, but you need to switch now to save. Plus, you’ll benefit our organization and earn great rewards with every purchase!

0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles*

The United States Equestrian Federation Visa ® Platinum Card alsoprovides great benefits, including:

No annual fee
Your choice of benefits and rewards
A percentage of every purchase goes directly to the United States Equestrian Federation

This Visa Platinum card issued by U.S. Bank is now the only card that supports the United States Equestrian Federation. Upon receiving your new card, we receives a payment from U.S. Bank and then we will continue to receive a percentage of each net purchase you make on your card. This helps us continue to fund important programs and activities.

Click here to apply today or call 1-800-853-5576, x9244.

Hurry, offer ends December 31, 2008.

*Click product name for terms and conditions: Signature, Platinum, Cash Rewards, Select Rewards. The 0% introductory APR does not apply to Cash Advances or the College Rewards Visa Card and is valid for the first twelve billing cycles on Purchases and Balance Transfers. Thereafter, the APR may vary, and as of 9/30/08, the undiscounted variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers is 9.24%-20.24% (depending on your credit history).The variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers or any Delinquency Rate then in effect will apply to any outstanding balances after the promotional period ends. For updated rate information, call 1-866-322-7989.The variable APR for Cash Advances is 21.24%-26.24%. We apply your payments to balances with lower APRs first. There is a variable Delinquency Rate APR of 29.24% if your payment is late or you are over the limit. Cash Advance Fee: 4%, $10 minimum. Convenience Check Advance Fee: 3%, $5 minimum. Overdraft Protection: Advances posting as Overdraft Protection are subject to a fee of $10 per occurrence. Cash Equivalent Fee: 4%, $20 minimum. No Balance Transfer Fees for balances transferred with this application. Thereafter 3%, $5 minimum. There is a $2 minimum finance charge where interest is due and a $2.50 Closed Account Management Fee if you voluntarily close your account with a balance. Foreign Transaction Fee: less than or equal to 3% of the amount of your transaction in U.S. dollars. The Late Payment Fee is $19 for balances less than $100, $29 for balances of $100–$250, and $39 for balances of $250 and higher.

The creditor and issuer of the Visa Platinum card is the U.S. Bank National Association ND.

The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation® is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its human and equine athletes.

Kels Annabelle Bonham Wins 2008 Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final

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Taylor Land Wins Individual Championship; Zone 4 Takes the Team Title in the 2008 Adequan/USEF National Junior Jumper Championship – Prix des States

Upcoming USEF National Championships