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

Photo Courtesy Pin Oak Charity Horse Show

Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Celebrates 64th Season

The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, the country’s oldest and most prestigious horse competition, announced that they have officially launched their 64th season. This year’s show will be held, once again, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy starting on March 18, 2009, and will run through March 29, 2009. It was also announced that BBVA Compass will be returning as the lead sponsor of the show.

“We are thrilled that Compass Bank has agreed to be our lead sponsor again this year,” said Pin Oak Charity Horse Show President Lynn Walsh. “Their generous support and that of all of our sponsors and show participants will allow us to continue our tradition of raising millions of dollars for our charities, Texas Children’s Hospital and The Ronald McDonald House of Houston.”

Founded in 1945 by Houston philanthropist James S. Abercrombie and his wife Lillie, The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show got its start as a fundraiser for the first hospital in Houston dedicated to children, and the proceeds of the 1947 show provided a considerable portion of the initial backing that established Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. To date, the show has raised close to $4 million for Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Houston.

USEF Announces All Breed Retreat for Recognized Affiliates

Earlier this year during the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting, an All Breed Forum was held and was popularly attended by many breed representatives and other guests. During this discussion, many valuable topics were raised regarding the relationship with USEF and ways to continue the growth, development and promotion of the Recognized Breed Affiliates. As a result, the USEF will be facilitating a retreat March 20-21, 2009, in conjunction with the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, TX.

The retreat will include an overview of the topics discussed during the All Breed Forum, with a focus on sharing resources and improving communication and collaboration between the USEF and the Recognized Breed Affiliates.

D&M Program Notice Regarding Use of Liniments

Recently, there have been some questions related to the use of liniments. The specific liniments in question are:

McLain Ward and Sapphire winning the $150,000 CN CSIO Grand Prix.
Photo by Ken Braddick

Last Week's FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Produces Big Wins by McLain Ward, Todd Minikus, and Team Canada

McLain Ward and his two-time Olympic Gold medal partner Sapphire claimed victory in the $150,000 CN CSIO Grand Prix at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Sunday. The field of 47 starters in one of the highlight events of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival included eight Olympic Gold medal winners and riders from 13 nations.

Ward, of Brewster, NY, and the 14-year-old mare owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock, were one of two to go double clear. The pair posted a time of 46.37 seconds.

Christine McCrea of Suffield, CT, and Promise Land, owned by Candy Tribble and the Windsor Show Stables, the only other double-clean, posted a time of 47.05 seconds.

Lauren Hough of Wellington, FL, and Naomi 152, owned by the Quail Run Partnerships, had the fastest time of 46.11 seconds, but incurred four faults in the jump-off.

More Hunter/Jumper News

Celebrating the Morgan Horse in Sacramento

The Morgan breed was celebrated and heralded in Sacramento, CA, at the 2009 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Convention, February 18-21.

"We were delighted with every aspect of the convention," said AMHA Executive Director Julie M. Broadway. "The weather cooperated for great farm tours, attendance was strong, and all the seminars were well attended. Each party was fun and upbeat, and fundraising was very successful! Everything was smooth and seamless, and a great time was had by all."

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, CO, has established an AHA task force on genetic diseases. The task force was created under the direction of and announced by AHA President Lance Walters.

“The purpose of the task force is to have a group of AHA members regularly focused on genetic diseases. The end result will be an Arabian horse community that is educated about genetic diseases and knowledgeable about testing and disclosure. The task force will guide the association in developing policies and educational programs to educate the Arabian horse community about genetic diseases associated with the Arabian breed. The establishment of the task force emphasizes that we are a breed organization interested in preserving our breed,” said Walters.

Fiesta of the Spanish Horse Cancer Research Benefit and Horse Show to Run April 30-May 3 in California

The popular Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, an annual benefit and horse show to support cancer research, will be held April 30 through May 3, 2009 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

This year marks the 11th annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse. It also plays an important role in integrating communities by honoring horses and people steeped in rich tradition.

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W/Y once again was the tournament of champions with Olympians like Lisa Wilcox and Courtney King-Dye in the winner’s circle during the four-day event, February 26-March 1. Classes in four rings meant strong competition for each ribbon in front of renowned international judging panels. Even the national classes were scored by the great Uwe Mechlem. Competitors and spectators alike were treated to special activities that can only be found at the Derby, such as the Inspection Reception hosted by Markel Insurance Specialist and Dressagedaily.com’s Mary Phelps, the Argentine Asado BBQ Competitor’s Party presented by Purina Mills with a fashion show by Horse of Course and the Taste of the Derby featuring hospitality presented by the Boutiques at the Derby on vendor row, as well as the recognition of Jan Brons as the inaugural recipient of the $25,000 Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize. Naturally the CDI competition was a highlight of the show. Local favorite and USET member Arlene “Tuny” Page with her Wild One delivered a fantastic grand prix freestyle that capped off the event.

“To win at the Derby is great, just great,” explained Page of victory, which earned a 71.45% from the judges. “It’s a great show.” Page credited the show’s Executive Director Mary Anne McPhail and her husband Walter McPhail for raising the bar of dressage in the Wellington area. “If it weren’t for them, there wouldn’t be half of the people [showing dressage in this area.]”

Those interested in owning DVDs of the championship dressage and jumping competition at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals can now place their advance orders online at www.thesporthouse.com.

USA Equestrian Trust, Inc. (www.trusthorses.org) has announced that its deadline for receipt of written applications for grants from not-for-profit organizations this year is Wednesday, April 15, at the close of business, 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Interested applicants should visit http://trusthorses.org/grant/request.html for instructions and the appropriate forms to be completed.

Ten Year Anniversary of Carolina Horse Park and Southern Pines Horse Trials I and II go Hand-in-Hand

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Carolina Horse Park. We will celebrate this milestone by paying tribute to all of our sponsors, exhibitors and friends whom have made the facility what it is today. We have started our next decade on a high note with record numbers of entries secured for the 2009 Southern Pines I and II Horse Trials.

What to Expect When Vaccinating

When vaccination time rolls around, do you know what to expect after your horse’s immunizations? Every horse owner expects their vaccinated horse to be protected from disease, but some horse owners don’t expect to see a reaction that may occur after a vaccination.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games website has a new home at www.alltechfeigames.com. The website still includes features such as the event schedule, discipline information, latest news, information on tickets, and hospitality packages, as well as the latest news on the 2010 Games.

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.