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

Beezie Madden and Crème Brule
Photo by Ken Braddick

Madden and Crème Brule Win Inaugural Palm Beach Jumping Derby

The inaugural $50,000 CN Palm Beach Jumping Derby that became a festive party on a hot South Florida Sunday was won by the USA's double-Olympic Gold medalist Beezie Madden on Crème Brule.

More than 3,000 spectators turned out to tailgate and party at one of the highlight events of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on the well-established grass field at the former polo stadium that is now part of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Thirty-four horse-and-rider combinations from six nations, including Olympic Gold medalists Beezie Madden, Leslie Howard and Peter Wylde of the USA, Eric Lamaze of Canada and Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, contested 19 natural obstacles that included a devil's dyke, a table, a palm maze over a course of 1,000 meters (0.6 miles) designed by Richard Jeffery of Great Britain. The course that drew rave reviews for its beauty, creativity and attention to detail was built by Brett Raflowitz and his Equestrian Services International that also installed the competition arenas throughout PBIEC show grounds.

American Vaulting Association Celebrates 40th Anniversary at Annual Convention in Washington, DC

The American Vaulting Association (AVA) will celebrate its 40th anniversary at its Annual Convention, February 26-March 1, in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

The four-day convention, themed “Reaching Out, Reaching Up!” will feature a special full-day workshop by members of the Pilobolus Dance Company, who have thrilled millions around the world with their own take on the imaginative and athletic exploration of creative collaboration. Well-known equestrian and author Daniel Stewart will also lead two clinics: “Balance and Symmetry” and “Sports Psychology” for athletes and coaches.

Swinging Saddlebred Ball Climaxes Convention; American Saddlebred Horse Association, Registry Seat New Boards; Nominating Committee Elected

Nearly 500 American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) members, youth and guests poured into the ballroom at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, KY, on Saturday night (February 14) to enjoy the Fifth Annual Saddlebred Ball, topped by a series of emotional acceptances delivered by individual award winners. Standing ovations greeted several, including Earl Teater, Jr., and Ed Teater (representing Earl Teater and Sons, who were inducted into the Breeders Hall of Fame in a surprise announcement), and Lifetime Achievement honoree Don Harris with his beloved wife Judy. Mike Spencer, who received the Cronan Sportsmanship Award, recounted his first riding “lesson” from the legendary Helen Crabtree, in another highlight of the evening.

New! Custom Clothing, Belts, Flip Flops, Dog Collars and More—Exclusively at ShopUSEF.com

Visit ShopUSEF.com and click on the Youth tab to see the great new line of merchandise benefitting the United States Equestrian Federation Youth Council, a talented group of young equestrians who have a keen eye for style. The proceeds from your purchase will help fund future Youth Council initiatives.

The Pegasus you see on the left is the artwork of 19-year-old Kirsten Kimbler, co-chair of the USEF Youth Council. This new rendition of the much-loved mythical figure originated as a painting by the artist before it was transformed into this classy logo that now adorns a rich selection of colorful clothing and accessories available exclusively at ShopUSEF.com.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has selected the six competitions which will be required to take heel measurements from the first and fourth place ponies in Roadster and Hackney Roadster Pony Championships.

Equestrian Events, Inc., Announces Changes for 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

As a result of construction projects at the Kentucky Horse Park, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), is announcing some major changes for the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the only annual four-star three-day event in the Americas. Scheduled for April 23-26, the event draws over 100,000 spectators and is seen by millions more on worldwide telecasts, including a one-hour special on NBC in the United States.

Honored with the 2008 Best of Lexington Award in the Special Events category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA), Equestrian Events continues to move forward and adapt to the changes at the Horse Park that will be fully completed by the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Even before it is the test event in 2010 for the Eventing World Championships, Rolex Kentucky 2009 will be the first time some of the Park changes come into play.

In response to the unwanted horse problem in our country, EquestrianCollegeRecruiter.com has developed a horse donation page on its website. Colleges across the country are in need of horses for their riding and breeding programs. If you have a useful horse looking for a new home you can list them on the website with pictures and video. This is a free service. Colleges are also welcome to send their “wish list” of what is needed in their program or check the website for available horses.

Texas Horse Park to Host Inaugural "Saddles in the City" Gala

The Texas Horse Park, a world-class equestrian facility currently under development on 600 acres south of downtown Dallas and a vital part of the Trinity River Project, will host its inaugural annual gala event, titled "Saddles in the City," on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. at Eddie Deen’s Ranch (944 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 75202).

Excitement Builds for United Professional Horsemen's Association Equitation Update III Clinic

The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) will host the Equitation Update III Clinic at William Woods University, Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, 2009. The topic of the clinic, “Inspiration for Today’s Rider, Instructor and Judge,” will focus on horsemanship. Attendance to the clinic is free for all UPHA members and college students with proper ID. For the registration form, visit http://www.horseshowcalendar.com/ShowPDFs/2009UPHAInstructorsClinic_Registration.pdf.

A wide variety of topics will be covered, including starting your lesson program, pattern work, fitting the saddle, achieving an effective and balanced riding position, judging and communication.

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 My USEF 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.

Once your membership has been processed you will be sent a membership card as well as key fobs. You are required to present proof of current USEF membership in order to compete in USEF Licensed Competitions. If you do not have your membership card, a key fob or a copy of your membership card, you will be required to pay a $30 non-refundable non-member fee. You can print a copy of your card from www.usef.org. Please note, effective 12/01/08 you will no longer be able to sign a membership affidavit in lieu of paying the non-member fee.

Your USEF membership also verifies your amateur status. If you wish to compete in amateur classes and you have not presented proof of USEF membership with Amateur Certification, you will also be charged the non-member amateur fee of $30.

Competitions that are also recognized by an Affiliate organization may require membership in the Affiliate organization to be eligible to compete. You may be required to show proof of membership in the Affiliate organization, e.g. USHJA, USDF, USEA, AHA, AMHA, ASHA, IALHA, AHHS, IFSHA and others.

USEF Membership information can be verified online, however, should the competition office not have the opportunity to verify your membership information online, you will be assessed the relevant non-member fees.

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.