Week in Review - U.S. Equestrian Federation's Weekly E-Newsletter

USEF's 2009 Equestrian of the Year Steffen Peters, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Jessica Ransehousen, and Junior Equestrian of the Year Maxance McManamy
Photo by Geoff Bugbee/USEF Archives

USEF Pegasus Award Winners: Dressage Star Steffen Peters Named USEF Equestrian of the Year; Jessica Ransehousen Honored for a Lifetime of Excellence and Maxance McManamy to Carry Sport into Future

In January of 2009, Steffen Peters was honored with the USEF’s Equestrian of the Year Award for his uncanny sportsmanship and his achievements on the field of play throughout 2008. In 2010, at the USEF Pegasus Awards dinner he was bestowed the title again – this time for simply blowing the doors off the dressage world in 2009.

Made even sweeter by the fact that the beloved horse who made it all possible picked up the top honors the night before at the 2009 Farnam®/Platform™ Horse of the Year Awards dinner, 2009 is a year that will go down in history as the year of Peters and Ravel.

In April, Peters (San Diego, CA) became only the second American to win the FEI World Cup Dressage Final™, and the first to do so in the U.S. when he stormed to victory in Las Vegas. With Ravel, the performance brought the crowd to their feet and then to tears as the 11-year-old Dutch gelding owned by Akiko Yamazaki proved how much he had improved since his fourth-place finish at the 2008 Olympic Games. He looked the very best in the eye and never wavered – putting the historically Euro-centric dressage world on notice that the game had indeed changed.

The pair then cruised into Peters’ native country of Germany and through the CDIO Aachen, achieving another first for the U.S.; they swept Europe’s most prestigious event.

But it is the character of the 45-year-old German expatriate that makes it so appropriate for him to take these honors back-to-back.

USEF Equestrian of the Year Steffen Peters with Ravel, the Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman

Dressage Superstar Ravel Named 2009 USEF Farnam®/Platform™ Horse of the Year

Annually, five of the USEF’s 130,000 registered horses achieve so much in a year that they are named USEF Horses of Honor and enter the running for the title of Farnam®/Platform™ Horse of the Year.

In 2009 all five of these horses were nothing short of remarkable.

But one forever changed the face of his sport, and with that, Ravel was voted the 2009 USEF Farnam®/Platform™ Horse of the Year.

It began in April at the FEI World Cup Dressage Final™ when, with the weight of a nation on his 11-year-old shoulders, Ravel trotted back into Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Arena after winning the Grand Prix to perform his Freestyle.

He delivered.

The performance to music by Coldplay and the Rolling Stones brought down the house, and completed his sweep of the Final with Steffen Peters for his owner Akiko Yamazaki.

“I think it was a great year for U.S. dressage if I may humbly say so,” said Yamazaki. “It put us on the world map, at the top.”

Horse TV’s "CAI Live Oak CDE 2009" Honored with Daniel P. Lenehan Trophy for Overall Media Excellence

Bernard Uechtritz, President of Horse TV, accepted the award.
Photo by Geoff Bugbee/USEF Archives

The high-impact, high-energy discipline of driving doesn’t easily lend itself to videography. It all comes down to logistics—especially when it involves covering miles of varied terrain during the Marathon phase, filled with obstacles that not only prove challenging for horse and driver, but for camera crews seeking the best vantage point from which to capture the excitement.

It can, however, be done. Executive producer Bernard Uechtritz, producer Jon May and the crew at Horse TV proved that in 2009. Determined to bring the exciting sport to the masses, they invested a fully-vetted crew, nine video cameras and hours upon hours of pre- and post-production work, into what would become the “CAI Live Oak CDE 2009.”

Their efforts won them the 2009 USEF media award, the Daniel P. Lenehan Trophy for Overall Media Excellence, presented during the President’s luncheon of the 2010 USEF Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, January 16.

“This year’s recipient used a particularly successful and well-rounded approach to presenting the sport of driving to both a familiar audience and prospective fans,” said USEF President David O’Connor. “The producer incorporated comprehensive and professional commentary, making the production instructional as well as entertaining. The overall presentation was nothing short of spectacular.”

Don't miss ClubEquestrian.com's highlights from the 2010 USEF Annual Meeting,
held in Louisville, KY, January 13-17.

2009 USEF Equestrian of the Year Video: Steffen Peters accepts the 2009 USEF Equestrian of the Year award. Click on the image above to play the video from the event.

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2009 NAJYRC Reining Team Gold Medalists for Team North Central, from left: Ian Barnard, Alex Bauwens
Photo by Waltenberry

Important Information for Reining Young Riders

Attention Reining Young Riders! The Adequan© USEF Youth Reining National Championship will once again take place at the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City, OK, on June 26, 2010. Reining young athletes who wish to compete for the prestigious national title must have earned points in any of the qualifying shows held since May 18, 2009, and rank in the top 20 in their respective age division (13 & Under, 14-18 or 19-21). Qualified, top-twenty riders then go on to compete in the one-go Championship.

For a current standings list by age division, click here.

Photo by Cheri Prill

Paso Fino Horse Association to Move to Lexington, KY

At its Annual Membership and Board Meeting, the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Board of Directors approved the relocation of its headquarters and outsourcing of selected administrative functions to the United States Equestrian Federation headquarters in Lexington, KY.

The Paso Fino Horse Association was founded in 1972 and has been located in Plant City, FL, since 1995. The Board represents a membership of 5,800 individuals located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, England, Ireland, United Kingdom, Austria, France, Sweden, Germany, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Aruba, Dominican Republic and New Zealand. PFHA has been a breed affiliate of USEF since 1978.

The Paso Fino Horse Association will retain its individual name, identity, and ownership and will continue to promote its Spanish heritage. The relocation will permit PFHA to better direct its efforts at promoting the Paso Fino breed and its sport. The transition of the office to Lexington is pending approval by the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, and the move is expected to take approximately four months and will involve the efforts of current staff members, volunteers of the association and members of the USEF transition team.


Farewell and Rachel Koggan capture the Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 Championship at the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Randi Muster

2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Week One Wrap-Up

The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival had a very successful opening week of competition. New faces from across the country and around the world came to show at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, and close to 1,600 horses showed in the first week of the circuit. That is a 21% increase in horses that showed during the same week at last year's circuit.

The new drainage systems in the rings were also tested on Sunday, January 17. Despite a torrential downpour, classes continued, walk paths were clear, and there was no flooding in the riding rings.

Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) President Michael Stone stated, "It is a testament to our focus on footing that the show was able to continue on Sunday. We were really pleased with the rings and the way everything held up perfectly. We listened to the feedback from last year and installed the new footing in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Field and the Rost Arena, and we believe that this footing rivals the best anywhere in the world."

More Hunter/Jumper News

United States Equestrian Federation Announces Jumper Schooling Supervisor Course

There will be a Jumper Schooling Supervisor course on Monday evening, January 25, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Hilton West Palm Beach Airport hotel. There is no charge for this course and it will provide the required education to satisfy changes to rule JP103 in the current USEF Rule Book.

USEF Judges’ Clinics at the American Saddlebred Horse Association Convention

The United States Equestrian Federation will conduct Judges’ Clinics for Saddlebred, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney and Roadster officials in conjunction with the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Convention. These clinics will be held on February 17 beginning at 8:00 a.m. and concluding at 9:00 p.m. There is room for auditors in addition to licensed officials and applicants. Registration applications are available at www.usef.org/newsletterLicensedOfficials/2010schedule.html.

For further information contact Chuck Walker at cwalker@usef.org or 859-225-6970.

Debbie McDonald to Lead USEF Developing Dressage Program

Olympic superstar Debbie McDonald has taken on the role of USEF Developing Dressage Coach for the United States Equestrian Federation. McDonald’s name is synonymous with the U.S. dressage program for the last decade, having represented the U.S. across the globe, winning the 2005 FEI World Cup Final and leading the U.S. to Team Bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the 2006 World Equestrian Games with her legendary mare Brentina.

More Dressage News

Tickets Available for Exquis World Dressage Masters Event at 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

American Morgan Horse Association Board Approves Certificate of Service Grandfather Clause

On January 18, 2010, upon recommendation from the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Registry Committee, the following motion was passed by the AMHA Board and goes into effect immediately. This is an addendum to the February 2009 motion removing the Certificate of Service requirement from the registration application, effective January 1, 2010.

Additional Endorsements of National Welfare Code of Practice

The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce the American Endurance Ride Conference, the American Paint Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association have recently endorsed the Welfare Code of Practice, further broadening the industry support of a national code. The AHC drafted the Welfare Code of Practice, which outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport and retirement of horses.

2010 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Returns April 22-25

The excitement of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 22-25, 2010. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI Classics™ Series, attracts many of the world's best horses and riders as they vie for their share of $250,000 in prize money.

Enhancing this year's schedule will be the official Kentucky Cup Dressage and Jumping Test Events for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). The Games will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 25-October 10, marking the first time that equestrian sport's biggest event is being held outside Europe.

USRider Reminds Drivers to Pay Attention at Fuel Pump to Avoid Using the Wrong Fuel

Jane was on her way to Wisconsin when she pulled into a popular gasoline station and filled both tanks of her diesel-powered truck. Down the road, the engine started cutting out on her. After having her truck towed, Jane learned from the mechanic that the fuel tanks had been filled with gasoline instead of diesel.

Perplexed as to how she could’ve made such a mistake, Jane returned to the gas station to check out the pump she had used. She saw that—at this station—green handles are for gas, not diesel as she was accustomed.

New Horse Owner Education a Priority for Kentucky Horse Council

Expanding the horse-owning population in Kentucky is important to the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC). Through education, the member-based non-profit encourages responsible horse ownership and management practices to build a strong and vibrant equine community.

Special Offer for USEF Members from Just Horse Videos Worldwide

For a limited time, USEF members will receive a 30% discount on DVDs of 2007 and earlier competitions and a 20% discount on all other DVDs, including 2009 competitions, at www.justhorsevideos.com.

This offer is good until January 31, 2009. Use coupon code USEF20 at checkout to receive the discount.

All customers who register with Just Horse Videos when placing their order will receive FREE media mail shipping.

Visit www.justhorsevideos.com.

Book Your Next Getaway Aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines

Enjoy Exclusive Offers and Amenities Available Only to USEF members

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers a truly distinct experience where you can experience the world as a traveler, not a tourist. The onboard service is truly unsurpassed with casually elegant staterooms and suites, the finest cuisine, world-class enrichment programs and unforgettable evening entertainment.

USEF EXCLUSIVE: A $200 Shipboard Credit, PLUS:

2-for-1 Cruise Fares
Free Air
Free Unlimited Shore Excursions
Up to $1,000 per person in Additional Savings

Select Sailings Also Include:

Private, Onboard Cocktail Party
Onboard Host
$175 per person Credit Towards Custom Shore Excursion, OR
$175 per person Credit Towards Pre- or Post-Cruise Hotel Package

For more information, visit www.brownelltravel.com/usef.html.

Check Your Points in the Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year Program to see how your horse is doing this year. Please check your points and standings in your respective division(s) by:
Calling the Horse Report Hotline at (859) 258-2472, 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.
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. In addition, you can record your horse online through your My USEF Account.

Renew for 2010

The 2010 USEF Competition year has begun (as of December 1, 2009). Renew your membership now. It is so easy when you log into your MY USEF Account and click on "2010 USEF Membership Application" under 2010 Competition Year. For your convenience and the best membership deal, you can opt for a three-year membership for $150.

The annual USEF Competing Equestrian membership costs only $55. As a competing member, you are eligible to participate at all USEF Licensed Competitions, receive "equestrian" magazine at no additional charge, a million-dollar personal excess liability policy for horse-related accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties, and the added benefits of USEF MemberPerks—a members-only discount program with unbeatable deals from companies like John Deere, Hertz, Sherwin Williams, USRider, FarmVet, LifeLock, Moxie and others.

Not participating in USEF Licensed Competitions but still want to be a member? There are member categories for you. With the USEF Equestrian membership, at $35, you receive automatic insurance along with the MemberPerks. If you are a college student who is busy studying and not competing, you can join as a USEF Collegiate member for $25. This is another non-competing membership that will give you the benefits of MemberPerks plus four issues of "equestrian" magazine to keep you well informed of equestrian sports. And Club Equestrian, which is only $15, gives you access to the MemberPerks program.

USEF is pleased to announce that we can offer you the ability to pay for your membership renewal with a credit or debit card or by utilizing our newest electronic check payment method. We accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard and electronic check.

If you have questions, call the USEF Customer Care Center and a personal agent will assist you. You may call (859) 258-2472. Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm [ET]

The United States Equestrian Federation®, Inc. (USEF), as the National Equestrian Federation of the U.S., is the regulatory body for the Olympic and World Championship sports of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, reining, show jumping, and vaulting, as well as 20 other breeds and disciplines of equestrian competition. As the country's largest multi-breed organization, the Federation recognizes more than 2,800 competitions nationwide each year. It governs all aspects of competition, including educating and licensing all judges, stewards and technical delegates who officiate at these shows.

VISION STATEMENT

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.

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