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

Steffen Peters and Ravel will try to continue their winning ways this weekend at the Exquis World Dressage Masters.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman/USEF Archive

All 16 Horses Pass Vet Check for Thursday's Exquis World Dressage Masters Palm Beach

All 16 horses that were presented for veterinary inspection were passed Wednesday to start in the €100,000 (US$138,000) Exquis World Dressage Masters at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Three German combinations, three Dutch, six from the U.S., three from Canada and one pair from Denmark will perform in the €10,000 (US$14,000) Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe Grand Prix at 1 p.m. It is the only CDI***** competition—the highest level of dressage competition—in the Western Hemisphere.

Eight pairs will go on to the €30,000 (US$42,000) Moorland Grand Prix Special on Saturday afternoon and the other eight will compete in the €60,000 (US$84,000) Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle to Music under the lights on Saturday night.

More Dressage News

USEF Dressage Pony Handbook Updated for 2010

The USEF Dressage Pony Handbook has now been updated for 2010 and is available for free download from the USEF website.

Update on 2011 USEF Dressage Tests

The USEF Test Writing Sub-Committee is in the process of revising all USEF Dressage Tests (Training–Fourth Levels) for 2011, which will take effect December 1, 2010 (the beginning of the USEF competition year). As work continues, several important changes are being made, including the number of tests per level, test requirements, directives, and test length. More information is available online at www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/natDressage.aspx.

USEF's Latest Rule Changes Now Online; Search Function Available

As of Wednesday, January 20, all rule changes for review at the USEF Annual Meeting have been updated with their final votes, and will now be available under the "Search for Completed Rule Changes" of the site. Everyone is encouraged to use this search function—it’s the fastest and most up-to-date way to find rule changes.

High Line Outfitters Supports Global Relief Efforts for Haiti

High Line Outfitters announces its support for the global relief efforts in Haiti. Through February 28, 25% of all website sales will be donated to the Red Cross' humanitarian efforts in Haiti. Please go to www.HighLineOutfitters.com to lend your support during this critical time.

USEF, FEI and Las Vegas Events Partner in Development Program in Central and South America

Kim Severson takes her expertise south of the border.
Photo by Mike McNally

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will continue to lead a joint development program with the FEI in Central and South America. The USEF made a commitment to supply coaches from the USA and Canada to FEI regional Groups IV and V for 2010 and 2011 after a very successful pilot year in 2009.

The objective of this program is to increase the participation in regional games in the area going forward. Immediate goals include the 2010 Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico and the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Eight countries have taken part in this program from Group IV and V. Riders from the Barbados, Bermuda, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Trinidad have all benefited from training with some of the top riders from the U.S. and Canada. Kyle Carter, Jonathan Holling, Clark Montgomery, Allison Springer, Lendon Gray, Marcia Kulak, Kim Severson and Robert Costello are those clinicians that have travelled to these countries to teach throughout the year.

More countries including FEI regional Group VI have expressed interest in the development program, and the scope of the program looks to grow through 2011.

This tribute of Ravel, 2009 Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year, was one of the featured presentations at the 2010 USEF Annual Meeting. Ravel is owned by Akiko Yamazaki and ridden by 2008-2009 two-time Equestrian of the Year, Steffen Peters. Click on the image above to play the video.

Louis Jacobs on Kachina in the $8,000 Sentient Jet 1.45m Time First Jump-Off.
Photo by Sport Fot/Thierry Billet

2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Week Three Wrap-Up

The 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) had a successful third week of competition on January 27-31. The week featured the $75,000 Nespresso Grand Prix, CSI** and the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes, along with a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. The week three title sponsor was Nespresso.

Nespresso was the title sponsor of Saturday night's $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes and the $75,000 Nespresso Grand Prix, CSI**, both of which were very successful events. The $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes drew a crowd of 5,200 spectators. The women won the $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes for the second year in a row.

Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, and Pavarotti proved to be the best in the $75,000 Nespresso Grand Prix held on Sunday. Minikus and the handy chestnut Pavarotti sped through a jump-off course to beat Nick Skelton of Great Britain, and Carlo 273, owned by Beverly Widdowson, and Lauren Hough on Highlife Farm's Prezioso S.

With only two competitors left in the jump-off and Skelton in the lead, Todd Minikus and Pavarotti set out to master the course and posted a blazing time of 34.68 seconds to lead the pack. Sarah Segal was the last of the competitors to challenge the leading time, but with four faults and a time of 38.17 seconds, Minikus was able to prevail and capture first place.

More Hunter/Jumper News

Photo Courtesy American Driving Society

American Driving Society Webinar: Harness, Bits and More with Jeff Morse

On February 11 at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. CST, the American Driving Society will offer a free webinar with Jeff Morse, who will share his extensive knowledge of harness and bits with the driving community. Whether you are a beginning driver or an experienced whip, this seminar will provide useful, practical knowledge on the most common equipment used for driving horses.

Morse has been a professional horseman for more than 40 years. He currently serves on the USEF Morgan and Carriage Pleasure Committees and is the ADS Pleasure Driving Committee Chairman. He has been training horses since 1970, specializing in carriage driving for horses, ponies and people since 1980. He currently trains people and horses for carriage driving at Green Meads Farm, which is celebrating its 85th year, in Richmond, MA.

Para-Equestrian Benefit Next Week in Florida

The U.S. Para Equestrian Association (USPEA) is hosting a benefit for U.S. para-equestrians called "Journey to the Games." Cocktails, light fare and musical entertainment with Mack Bailey and Rachel Levy will be provided. The event will take place on Friday, February 12 at 7 p.m. at the Horse Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee, FL. Hosted by Walter and Mary Ann McPhail, tickets are $35. Donations are also accepted and can be made to the USPEA, c/o Tomlinson Equine, 3940 Verde Vista Dr., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.

Your Next Auto Rental Could Help the Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund

When PC#140825 is included in weekly rentals, now through February 28, you’ll save $25 and Hertz will donate $5 to the Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Economy or higher, $25 Off, Weekly Rental

More Information

John Deere Drive Green

The Drive Green tour events give USEF members and other interested consumers a chance to ask questions and get a "hands-on" with John Deere's utility tractors and many other products and attachments. In addition, the events feature a uniquely detailed semi-tractor and trailer that transport several of the company's utility tractors, as well as a refurbished "Chip Foose" 4020.

Upcoming Drive Green Dates and Locations

March 2 Tractor City – 3030 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155
March 4 Brookside Equipment Sales – 28715 Katy-Brookshire Rd., Katy, TX 77494
March 6 Coufal-Prater Equipment Ltd. – 3110 Highway 21 West, Bryan, TX 77803
March 9 Eastex Farm & Home – 9135 College, Beaumont, TX 77707

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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