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David O'Connor at the 2005 Annual Meeting, USEF Archive/Geoff Bugbee

USEF Board of Directors Approves All Rule Changes Recommended by the Competition Date Task Force

At the 2005 Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY, the Board of Directors of the USEF overwhelmingly approved all of the rule changes relating to the recommendations of the Competition Date Task Force. The Task Force has been working for 10 months on a major overhaul of the current “mileage rule” which dictates how competition dates are awarded to horse show organizers.

As the Task Force examined the process it became apparent that several other important issues were involved in the awarding of dates, and were critical to the improvement of equestrian competition in the United States. These involved the licensing of competitions; establishment and evaluation of competition standards; the timely collection and use of competition data; and the rating of competitions and expansion of USEF support to non-recognized competitions.

For the full story, click here.

Safety Rules at USEF Semi-Annual Board Meeting

Consistent with one of the primary missions of the United States Equestrian Federation, which is to ensure the safety and welfare of both horses and riders, two important rule changes were approved at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors held in Louisville, KY, on January 16 . These changes should significantly contribute to safety at recognized USEF competitions. They involve the operation of motorized vehicles on horse show grounds by minors and the standards for safety helmets to be used in jumping competitions.

For the full story, click here.

Ralston Wins USEF Qualifier at the National Western Stock Show

Aaron Ralston captured the win in the USEF Open Reining Championship Qualifier at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO, on Monday, January 10. The International Reining Competition (CRI) was the second in the USEF series, but the first for the Carbondale, CO, resident, who defeated a group of veterans on Smart Paul Olena.

For the full story, click here.

The Equestrian World Tsunami Fund will primarily focus on building schools, orphanages and medical facilities in Aceh, Indonesia. Aceh was selected because it is the worst hit area leaving tens of thousands of children as orphans.

For the full story, click here.

FEI Changes Requirements for Equine Influenza Vaccination

Equine influenza is a viral respiratory disease that is highly contagious to susceptible horses. Outbreaks of the disease are occurring with increased frequency worldwide despite the widespread use of vaccines. The highly contagious nature of equine influenza means that it has the potential to seriously compromise international movement of horses. For a number of years the FEI rules have required an annual booster vaccination, but recent research indicates that, for many vaccines, protection declines after a few months. This means that towards the end of the vaccination year, horses may become susceptible to infection again, but may not show clinical signs of disease. These cases are particularly dangerous as they can spread virus and could initiate a serious outbreak of disease.

As a consequence of the risks involved, the FEI Bureau and General Assembly have approved a rule change requiring all horses competing in FEI competition to be vaccinated every six months.

For the full story, click here.

Sale! Save on Official USEF Merchandise

From now until February 1, purchase $50.00 or more of USEF merchandise and you will receive a USEF Sport Bottle for 50% off the regular retail price – a savings of $5.50! Please enter the word sportbottle in the coupon code section when checking out to receive this special limited offer.

While you’re shopping, please visit our discount/closeout section for 25% off on select USEF merchandise. Click here to enter the official USEF online store.

Keep Fido Warm This Winter
The January feature item of the month is the Blue Ribbon dog jacket by Royal Riders. Available in numerous color palettes and sizes, there’s one that will surely fit your canine friend. Click here to order this item.

USDF Competitive Rider's Committee Educational Session Offered

The United States Dressage Federation Competitive Rider's with Disabilities Committee is hosting a educational session for judges, trainers and instructors interested in working with riders with disabilities who have the potential and want to advance to the competitive level.

For the full story, click here.

Kentucky Ends Last of Vesicular Stomatitis Bans

State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Stout on Tuesday lifted an embargo on the importation of livestock, wild and exotic animals into Kentucky from Colorado that was enacted because of vesicular stomatitis (VS), ending the last of the VS-related restrictions that started with an outbreak in Texas last May.

For the full story, click here.

American Saddlebred Horse Association Annual Meeting and Youth Conference

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Annual Meeting and Youth Conference is set for Thursday through Saturday, February 17-19, at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, KY. The Annual Meeting is the one time each year when the membership meets formally and directly with the association’s leadership. This year’s open forum is titled “Brainstorming the Future of The Saddlebred.” Leaders of the association and other leading breeders, owners, professionals, experts, amateurs and those with outside perspectives will assess where the Saddlebred stands today and where it is headed.

For the full story, click here.

Paso Fino Horse Association Convention Wrap-Up

The membership of the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) elected officers during the 2005 PFHA Board of Directors and Membership Convention held January 14–16 at the Sofitel Hotel in Miami, FL.

For the full story, click here.

Correction

In the "American Grand Prix Association Announces 2005 Series Schedule" story, the HBO Grand Prix of Del Mar was listed as a $75,000 event. It is actually a $100,000 event for the first time this year.

Coveted R.W. Mutch Trophy to be Awarded to the Winter Equestrian Festival Equitation Championship Winner

Entering its sixth year of competition, the Winter Equestrian Festival Equitation Championship for the R.W. Mutch Trophy is a showcase for the season’s top young riders. This year’s championship will be held during the CSIO**** United States – CN Finale on Saturday, March 12, 2005.

For the full story, click here.

Over The Walls Horse Trials

On August 5-7, 2005, the Over the Walls Horse Trials will take place in Hardwick, MA. Riders and spectators alike will enjoy the marvelous facilities and beautiful grounds at Great Meadowbrook Farm, the site of the event. With top-notch competition taking place, a trade fair with numerous booths offering an abundance of equine products and gifts for sale, everyone will find something to enjoy.

For the full story, click here.

1% Below Factory Invoice on Select New Dodge Vehicles for USEF Members

Real savings for USEF members through USEF Purchasing. For more information, call USEF Purchasing toll-free (877) 576-6872.

Celebrate Their Achievements!

Congratulate your favorite rider, horse or trainer with a congratulatory ad in EQUESTRIAN magazine.The March 2005 issue is the annual Horse of the Year Awards issue. Ad space closes January 31. Show them how special they are by celebrating their victory with a congratulatory ad. Special rates are available for USEF members. For more information or to schedule your ad contact:

West of the Mississippi
Kim Russell
(859) 225-6938
krussell@usef.org

East of the Mississippi
Crissi Eggers
(859) 225-6936
ceggers@usef.org

Attention Zone IV

Members who are interested in the North American Young Riders Championships (NAYRC) please notify in writing of their intent to be considered for the team in Zone IV to Pat Fischer. You can reach Pat at the following address:

Pat Fischer
13401 55th Street South
Lakeworth, FL 33467-6049
Phone (561) 523-9688
Fax (561) 793-9548

Information regarding the NAYRC can be found on the following web sites: Horsesport.org, NAYRC.com, USEF.org and Youngriders.org.

Tent Pegging Competition Cancelled

The U.S. Tent Pegging Association has announced that the Tent Pegging competition in Delhi, India, scheduled for February 25-30, 2005, to which the U.S. was invited, has been cancelled. The Indian Equestrian Federation cites the relief effort in Asia following the tsunami to which Indian military personnel are committed as the reason for the decision. The participants in the sport of Tent Pegging in most of the world are primarily military personnel.

VISION STATEMENT

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.

©2005, United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.

January 20, 2004