Week in Review - U.S. Equestrian

As the year comes to a close, the USEF is pleased to announce the 2005 Equestrians of Honor. Of these eight honorees, one will be selected as the 2005 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Online voting is underway, and all members in good standing are invited to cast their votes.

In a typical year, seven nominees are selected, one for each Equestrian of Honor trophy. This year however, due to a tie for the William C. Steinkraus Trophy, there are eight finalists, as follows:

Beezie Madden, Show Jumping
William C. Steinkraus Trophy - TIE
Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY, is one of two recipients of the William C. Steinkraus Trophy, awarded to an equestrian competing in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing or show jumping. Madden was the anchor rider in six of eight Super League Nations Cup competitions this summer, leading the U.S. Show Jumping Team to overall victory in the 2005 Samsung Super League, arguably one of the most prestigious series of show jumping competitions in the world. In addition, Madden was victorious at the 2005 $1,000,000 CN International Grand Prix and the prestigious 2005 $210,000 Queen Elizabeth Cup, both at Spruce Meadows in Canada, and won the 2005 $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational Grand Prix in Tampa, FL.

George Williams, Dressage
William C. Steinkraus Trophy - TIE
The second recipient of the William C. Steinkraus trophy is George Williams of Delaware, OH. Known for his precision-packed dressage performances, Williams was the winner of the 2005 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship. He also won the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Kur at Dressage at Devon, CDI 3*, as well as a number of other grand prix competitions throughout the year. In addition, Williams represented the United States as a member of the Bronze medal-winning U.S. Dressage Team at CHIO Aachen, Germany, during the 2005 World Equestrian Festival.

Devon Maitozo, Vaulting
Becky Grand Hart Trophy
The Becky Grand Hart Trophy, given to an equestrian competing in international driving, endurance, paralympics, reining or vaulting competitions, will go to vaulting stand-out Devon Maitozo of Simi Valley, CA. The talented Maitozo once again claimed the championship title at the 2005 USEF/AVA Men’s National Vaulting Championship. He also won the Men’s Gold at Garrod’s Spring Classic and took second place in the Men’s Gold at CVI* Saratoga.

Raymond Shively, Saddlebred/Roadster
Bill Robinson Trophy
Raymond Shively of Rockport, IN, will be awarded the Bill Robinson Trophy, given to an equestrian competing in harness or for driving performance in non-international competitions. An active Saddlebred and roadster competitor, Shively took home a number of championship titles at the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show this year, including World Grand Champion Roadster to Bike, Grand Champion Roadster to Wagon and Champion Roadster to Bike Stallion/Gelding Stake.

Louise Serio, Hunter
Emerson Burr Trophy
The Emerson Burr Trophy, awarded to an equestrian competing in hunter classes over fences, will go to Louise Serio of Kennett Square, PA. Serio won a number of champion and reserve champion titles in 2005, turning the heads of judges and spectators alike. She was named Champion of the Regular Working Hunter at the Wellington Classic, Champion of the Green Working Hunter First Year at the Kilkenny Internationale, Champion of the Regular Working Hunter at Devon, Champion of the Regular Working Hunter at the Middleburg Classic and Champion of the Regular Working Hunter at the Capital Challenge. In addition, Serio claimed multiple reserve champion titles throughout the country.

Mike Goebig, Morgan
C.J. "June" Cronan, Jr. Trophy
Mike Goebig of Kutztown, PA, topped the list in saddle seat performance sections and will receive the C.J. “June” Cronan, Jr., Trophy. A widely known Morgan competitor, Goebig claimed a number of titles this competition season, including Champion Morgan Park Saddle Junior Horse at the New England Morgan, East Coast Champion Morgan Park Saddle at the New England Morgan, Champion Park Saddle Mare & Gelding at the Morgan Grand National and World Championship, World Champion Park Saddle at the Morgan Grand National and World Championship, Reserve Champion English Pleasure Junior Horse at the New England Morgan and Reserve Champion Park Saddle Stallion at the Morgan Grand National and World Championship.

Garn Walker, Morgan
Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy
The Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy, awarded to an equestrian showing in a non-reining western discipline, will go to Garn Walker of Auburn, CA. Another tough competitor to beat in the Morgan world, this year Walker claimed titles of Champion Western Pleasure Junior Horse at the Far West Region 8 Morgan Championship, Champion Western Pleasure Junior Horse at the Morgan Medallion Classic, Champion Western Pleasure Gelding 15.1 & Over at the Morgan Grand National and World Championship, Champion Western Pleasure Mare at the Morgan Grand National and World Championship and Reserve Champion Western Pleasure at the Far West Region 8 Morgan Championship.

Gregory Gallun, Arabian
Norman K. Dunn Trophy
And last but not least, Gregory Gallun of Santa Ynez, CA, will be the recipient of the Norman K. Dunn Trophy, awarded to those competing in-hand or at halter. A top competitor in Arabians, Gallun won the following titles in 2005: Champion Arabian Breeding Junior Colt at the AHA Region II Championship, Champion Arabian Breeding Junior Filly at the AHA Region II Championship, Champion Half/Anglo-Arabian In-Hand Stock Hunter Type Gelding at the AHA Region II Championship, Champion Arabian In-Hand Gelding at the Region V Championship, Champion Arabian Breeding Stallion at the Region V Championship, Champion Purebred Stallion Breeding Six & Over at the U.S. Arabian and Half-Arabian Nationals, Champion Half/Anglo-Arabian Gelding In-Hand Stock Hunter at the U.S. Arabian and Half-Arabian Nationals. In addition, he won the Reserve Champion Arabian Breeding Junior Colt at Scottsdale Arabian, Reserve Champion Arabian Breeding Show Stallion at the AHA Region II Championship and Reserve Champion Arabian Breeding Show Mare at the AHA Region II Championship.

Team USA won the FEI CRIO that took place on December 1, 2005, in Oklahoma City, OK, during the National Reining Horse Association Futurity. Tim McQuay of Tioga, TX; Scott McCutcheon of Whitesboro, TX; Tom McCutcheon of Aubrey, TX; and Dell Hendricks of Tioga, TX rode for the United States and came away victorious with a combined score of 654.5.

The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the 2006 triple point competitions for the Saddlebred, Roadster and Hackney/Harness divisions. Each year, the corresponding discipline committees vote to assign “triple point” status to a competition in each of the 12 regions. Points won at each of these designated competitions will count as triple points for the Farnam®/Platform™ • USEF Horse of the Year program.

Wellington CDI-W to Host 2006 USEF National Grand Prix Freestyle Championship/U.S. League Final, March 16-19

The USEF has announced that Wellington, FL, will play host to its prestigious two-in-one championships, the 2006 USEF National Grand Prix Freestyle championship/U.S. League Final. The Championships will run concurrently March 16-19, 2006, during the Wellington CDI-W.

Many say that knowledge is power, and if this is true then the opportunity being afforded to several USEF youth will certainly provide a “one-up” on the competition–outside of the competition ring.

A new internship award entitled the “USEF Youth Sportsman’s Charter Award” has been announced and already there is a stir of excitement surrounding the inaugural honor.

Beautiful sunny skies and warm temperatures greeted a huge Sunday afternoon crowd for the final day of the 122nd National Horse Show and Family Festival at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL. That crowd got to watch Jaime Guerra of Mexico win Sunday’s main event, the $75,000 Budweiser AGA Championship. It was Guerra’s third victory in the five days of competition at the National Horse Show.

Official Insurance Provider to USEF Members: $1 million in excess liability insurance free with your USEF junior, senior, platinum or life membership

When you think of horses and insurance, you probably think of hurdles...At Equisure, we pride ourselves on giving you a smooth ride.

Because we employ insurance people who are horse owners, competitors and equestrian participants, we really know the industry inside and out. Our personal involvement means our insurance solutions are up-to-date and will work for you. The unexpected in the horse world can be costly, but we have put together affordable coverage for your peace of mind. Equisure has more than 11 years of experience in the insurance field, and we are proud to be the "Official Insurance Provider to United States Equestrian Federation Members" and its affiliates.

As a member of USEF, you are entitled to $1 million in personal excess liability insurance for horse-related accidents that cause riding injury or property damage to third parties. In addition, you are entitled to personal accident insurance that insures you for death or permanent disability resulting from horse-related accidents. The benefit amount is determined by where the accident occurred and the result, with a maximum benefit of $35,000. For more information, contact Equisure at (800) 752-2472, or visit their website at www.equisure-inc.com.

Fourth Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC, Dressage at the National Wraps Up with Impressive High Scores

Three days of top-notch dressage competition were featured at the 4th Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC, Dressage at the National, held December 2-4 at the 122nd National Horse Show and Family Festival in Wellington, FL. More than 100 horses vied for $7,000 in prize money and awards, with two rings in action all three days featuring competition from Training Level through Grand Prix.

$75,000 Budweiser AGA Championship on Outdoor Life Network (OLN) on Christmas Day

The $75,000 Budweiser American Grand Prix Association (AGA) Championship, contested at the 122nd National Horse Show and Family Festival on Sunday, December 4, 2005, will be shown on the Outdoor Life Network on Christmas Day.

The board of directors of the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., an all-volunteer fundraising and fund granting 501(c)(3) charity, will award grants to 28 charitable organizations that promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public, horse welfare and the equestrian sport as a whole in 2006, up from 19 in 2005.

Are you looking for an opportunity to maximize your visibility and awareness to a community of equestrian leaders from across the country? Consider a sponsorship at the USEF Annual Meeting, January 11-15. As a sponsor, you can interact with hundreds of active equestrians and industry movers/shakers, all in a festive and comfortable setting as the leaders and athletes of our sport convene this year in Cincinnati, OH.

We have a multitude of opportunities available to get your message in front of the customers you want. For sponsorship opportunities at the 2006 USEF Annual Meeting, click here or e-mail sponsorships@usef.org.

From now until December 31, purchase $50 or more on USEF merchandise and you’ll receive a FREE USEF magnet. Click here to enter the official USEF online store.

The December feature item of the month is a set of four glasses, each displaying a different quote. Great gift idea for that hard-to-shop-for family member or friend this holiday season. Click here to view this item.

Don't miss the February 2006 issue of EQUESTRIAN

This issue will have coverage from the USEF annual convention. As a USEF member, you receive special advertising rates. This is a great time to advertise your stallion, publicize your facility or advertise your horse for sale. Space closes on December 19. Contact Kim Russell for more information at (859) 225-6938 or krussell@usef.org.

Paso Fino Horse Association Offers Reduced Registration Fees for Horses Over 720 Days of Age for 45 Days

The Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) is offering to its members, for a period of 45 days, a reduced registration fee for horses over 720 days of age. The normal membership rate for this registration is $495. The reduced registration fee will be $175. The normal fee for genetic testing will be in addition to the registration fee.

From the November 2005 issue of EQUESTRIAN magazine: Perspectives: The Senior Equestrian

Equestrians know the importance of staying young with the help of horses. The horse and rider relationship can do so much to improve the body, mind, heart and soul of a person. It can truly be a magical thing.

America is, in effect, getting older. And we are now living considerably longer, more active, lives even when compared to just 20 years ago. The average American will live well into his or her seventies; many into the eighties; and an impressive number living even longer than that.

There are approximately 86,000 USEF members, and approximately 25% are over the age of 50. That’s 20,000 equestrians!

It is hard to fall in love with golf clubs or a set of pinochle cards. Equestrian sports foster deep feelings with our furry partners. And that bond seems to take on a very special meaning to those equestrians who we might classify as “seniors.” It’s also true that this bond, and participation in the various disciplines, is a great anti-aging formula.

If you have news you would like to contribute for the American Breeder News e-newsletter, a monthly news source about sport horse breeding in North America, brought to you by the Performance Horse Registry and the USEF, please review the “Guidelines for Releases” or e-mail press-ready releases to news@usef.org.

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.