Week in Review - U.S. Equestrian

Following the completion of the USEF Selection Trials for Show Jumping in Wellington, FL, the United States Equestrian Federation's Ad Hoc Committee on Selection has approved naming the following 10 horse/rider combinations to the Show Jumping Short List for the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, August 8-24, 2008.

As per the Selection Procedures, the top six horse/rider combinations are named according to their final ranking in the Selection Trials. The remaining four horse/rider combinations may be discretionary choices recommended by the selectors. In this case, the selectors exercised their option to use four discretionary choices. In addition, the Selectors name and rank ten substitute horse/rider combinations to the Short List.

As Cedric and Laura Kraut jumped the final fence of the fifth leg of the USEF Selection Trials for Show Jumping they cleared another hurdle toward the USEF Short List for Show Jumping, which is one step closer to a trip to the 2008 Olympic Games.

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One could hardly have imagined a more beautiful Burbank day to start off the 2008 Andalusian show season. The Region 1 International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) rang in spring with the Rainbow Royal Horse Show, held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, CA, March 8-9. The IALHA California Show Committee was delighted to welcome American Saddlebred friends as guests at the show, as well as offering open exhibition and opportunity classes.

USEF is looking for “official bloggers” for the new social networking site Club Equestrian. This site, built for equestrians by equestrians, will be launching soon. Do you like to write? If so, we hope you can share your thoughts and insights about horses and the industry we all love. Please send a few samples of your writing to severs@usef.org, along with an intro about how you are, or have been, involved with horses.

With the 2008 competition season just beginning, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recognizes that the rising cost of show expenses can often hinder breed shows. To assist competitions with expenses, the USEF offers the Outreach Grant program, which provides financial assistance to various USEF breed competitions.

The USEF Dressage High-Performance Committee is introducing a new 12-Month Grand Prix Ranking List for the 2008 competition year. This new ranking list format will track all U.S. horse-and-rider combinations competing at the FEI grand prix level at any CDI, as well as the 2007 high-performance qualifying competitions, and insures a more accurate reflection of the current top competitors. The 12-Month Grand Prix Ranking List will be maintained by USEF staff and will report all FEI grand prix and FEI grand prix freestyle scores on a revolving 12-month period. There are no drop scores, making the ranking a true account of the top U.S. horse-and-rider combinations in a timelier manner than previously reported by USEF.

Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Launches Campaign to Provide Adequan® i.m. (Polysulfated Glycominoglycan) Joint Therapy to Horses Aiming for 2008 Olympic Games

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., are teaming up in an innovative campaign to support U.S. equine athletes in their push to the 2008 Olympic Games. Luitpold has generously agreed to provide Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) joint therapy for these horses on their quest for Gold at this summer’s Olympic Games in Hong Kong. Adequan® is “The Official Joint Therapy of the USEF.”

Nine teams contested the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup CSIO 5**** presented by CN on March 7 at a festive Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. In a night off from the USEF Selection Trials for Show Jumping, which continued on Sunday afternoon, the Nations Cup brought out true international flavor.

The USEF would like to invite you to list your equine business in a new, comprehensive equestrian professional directory. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your name out there to those who may need your products or services. The directory currently offers 17 main categories, with some subcategories.

125th National Horse Show to Move to the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament

During a meeting on Monday, March 10, 2008, the Board of Directors for the National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd. approved a unanimous vote for the move of the 125th National Horse Show to the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament in Syracuse, NY. The show will run from October 29-November 2, 2008, at the Oncenter Complex.

2008 Adequan United States Eventing Association Gold Cup Series Launches Next Weekend at Red Hills Horse Trials

You can almost smell the excitement in the air...and it can only mean one thing—the Adequan United States Eventing Association (USEA) Gold Cup Series is about to kick off the 2008 season. Running from March to September, the series includes 13 premiere eventing competitions around the country, representing some of the best entertainment and most exciting action in U.S. eventing. Riders compete for prizes and prize money and trophies at each event, accumulating points in the hopes of earning the year-end purse and the coveted title of Gold Cup champions.

David Q. Wright of Murfreesboro, TN, and partner Renaissance have the distinct honor of winning the $10,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association 2008-2009 ASG Software Solutions International Hunter Derby presented by Dietrich Insurance, being held for the first time at the Gulf Coast Winter Classics.

The World Games 2010 Foundation announced it is requesting proposals for equine exhibitions and demonstrations to be showcased at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 25-October 10, 2010.

Tampa Equestrian Festival to Host $75,000 FEI World Cup™ Qualifier and Just World International Grand Prix of Tampa CSI ***-W

The Tampa Equestrian Festival, produced by Stadium Jumping, Inc., and held at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, FL, will proudly feature the $75,000 FEI World Cup™ Qualifier and Just World International Grand Prix of Tampa CSI***-W at 2 p.m. on March 30, 2008. The competition counts towards the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Finals, scheduled for April 24-27, 2008, in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Take advantage of one of the many USEF MemberPerks privileges by using Hertz for all of your travel needs. Simply use your USEF/Hertz discount CDP# 15757 each time you place a reservation, and instantly qualify for member discounts in the

U.S.

and around the world. For low web rates, special offers and free membership to Hertz #1Club®, visit their website at www.hertz.com or call (800) 654-2200.

2008 Charlotte Jumper Classic Schedule Offers Classes for Junior, Amateur Owners and Open Jumpers

The 2008 Charlotte Jumper Classic will be held on April 11-13 at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. It promises to be one of the biggest and best show jumping events in the United States this year for juniors, amateur owners and international open jumpers. The top international show jumpers in the nation will be vying for a purse of $500,000 and will show why the Charlotte Jumper Classic is one of America's premiere equestrian competitions.

Remember to take advantage of the USEF MemberPerks Program. USEF MemberPerks offers substantial cost savings on products and services from John Deere, Dodge, Office Max, UPS and many more!

For more information, please call (877) 576-6872 or fax (859) 422-9407, or visit USEF.org's MemberPerks page.

International Equestrian Federation Appoints Secretary General

The President of the International Equestrian Federation, HRH Princess Haya, has announced the appointment of Alex McLin to the position of Secretary General, effective immediately. The appointment follows an extensive consultation period with the National Federations and the interviewing of a number of external candidates. McLin, who joined the FEI in March 2005, is currently the General Counsel and Deputy Secretary General of the FEI and has been Acting Secretary General since September 2007.

New Northwest Summer Circuit Created for Hunters and Jumpers

Thunderbird Show Park and the Washington State Hunter and Jumper Association have teamed together to create a new hunter/jumper circuit named the Northwest Summer Circuit. The circuit includes the Evergreen Classic, the Thunderbird Summer Classic and the Thunderbird Summer Festival.

Jim Wofford to Give Cross-Country Course Walk During the Rolex Three-Day Event

Have you ever wondered what's going through a rider's mind when he or she is galloping down to a four-star cross-country fence? You'll find out when you join eventing legend and Practical Horseman magazine columnist Jim Wofford for a free (with event admission) fun and educational cross-country course walk during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Friday, April 25, 2008.

Team USA Purina Mills Wins 2008 Challenge of the Americas

The bright lights of the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, showcased three teams in two rounds of competition on a very chilly Saturday night, March 8, with Team USA Purina Mills emerging as the winner of the 2008 Challenge of the Americas. The USA team claimed second place in the high jump and first place in the musical quadrille, which counted 40% and 60% respectively, giving the eight-member squad the victory after a spectacular dressage performance to a "Blue Angels" themed soundtrack.

Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search
Qualified Riders

The Talent Search program is a very demanding show jumping competition, which attracts the nation’s top young riders in head-to-head competition. The qualifying period for the 2008 events began September 1, 2007.

Learn more about the program today.

East Coast Riders
(October 4-5, 2008, USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals,
Gladstone, NJ)

A few riders that have now qualifed on the East Coast:
— Hayley Barnhill
— Elizabeth Benson
— Victoria Birdsall
— Sara Green

West Coast Championship
(September 17-20, Los Angeles International, Burbank, CA)

A few riders that have now qualifed on the West Coast:
— Tatiana Eagles
— Molly Forlines
— Sara Green
— Morgan Hale

To see the list of all qualified riders,
visit the 2007/2008 Ranking List online.

Kentucky Horse Council Offers Equine Association Risk Management Class

As part of its ongoing series targeted to equine leaders in Kentucky, the Kentucky Horse Council is offering a class titled “Risk Management for Equine Organizations including Insurance Protection.” The class will be offered on April 8, 2008, at the Kentucky Horse Park.

2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games March Interim Update

The following is an update on collective progress toward the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games since the February update.

From the February 2008 issue of EQUESTRIAN magazine:
Equine Disaster Relief Fund: When Equines Need a Helping Hand
By Sarah L. Evers

When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Southern portion of the
United States, they devastated everything in their wakes. It was definitely a hard time in recent American history. Whether individuals lived through it or watched events happen in the news, the impact was felt by all. Countless people were affected or knew someone who was affected, and the entire country watched on the news, with many wondering, “What if that happened to me?”

Despite this difficult time, it was also a time of sacrifice for the greater good, human bonding and a time when Americans rose to a challenge presented by Mother Nature to help their fellow man…and animal. While human aide organizations rallied to respond to one of the largest natural disasters to ever hit the country, those organizations dedicated to animals also rose to the challenge of protecting animals affected by the hurricanes. And the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) was one of them.

The USEF’s vision statement includes USEF’s mission to ensure the safety and welfare of its equine athletes. But with the creation of the Equine Disaster Relief Fund, and other efforts of the organization as a whole, the USEF is going beyond the protection of just equine athletes; instead these efforts encompass any equine in need.

For the full story in PDF format, click here.

Winter Wakeup Call!

Beat the winter blues with the Visa® card that offers 0% APR for 12 billing cycles*! With the United States Equestrian Federation Visa Platinum Card, you can book that weekend getaway you’ve been wanting to take. Or use it for whatever perks up your winter pace—from a day at the spa to a night out on the town. Plus, you’ll benefit our organization and earn great rewards with every purchase!

0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles*

The United States Equestrian Federation Visa® Platinum Card also provides great benefits, including:

No annual fee
Your choice of benefits and rewards
A percentage of every purchase goes directly to the United States Equestrian Federation

This Visa Platinum card issued by U.S. Bank is now the only card that supports the United States Equestrian Federation. Upon receiving your new card, the United States Equestrian Federation receives a payment from U.S. Bank and then we will continue to receive a percentage of each net purchase you make on your card. This helps us fund our international teams.

Click here to apply today or call 1-800-853-5576, ext. 9197.

Hurry, offer ends March 31, 2008.

*Click product name for terms and conditions: Platinum, Cash Rewards, Select Rewards, College Rewards. We may change APRs, fees, and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with other creditors or U.S. Bank National Association, N.D., and its affiliates according to the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law. The introductory rate does not apply to cash advances and is valid for the first 12 billing cycles. The rate will end early and increase to the APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers or to a Delinquency Rate APR if your Account is delinquent, over the limit or closed. We apply your payments to balances with lower APRs first.

The creditor and issuer of the Visa Platinum card is the U.S. Bank National Association ND.

SPECIAL OFFER! Save $20 on your USEF membership by renewing with your new United States Equestrian Federation Visa® Card!†

Apply Now – Here’s how it will work:

Apply and receive your USEF Visa Card by calling 1-800-853-5576 ext. 9076 -- or click here to apply online. You must apply for the USEF Visa Card via this link or 800# in order to get the $20 credit.

Renew your USEF membership* with your new USEF Visa Card by visiting www.usef.org/aua. Your card will be billed the USEF membership fee. A $20 credit will appear on your USEF Visa statement by the second billing cycle

It’s a win-win. You get a great new card and receive all the benefits of a USEF membership, plus a $20 credit!

*After entering your username and password click LOG IN to log in to your Authorized User Account (AUA). Or you can create an AUA if you do not have one by clicking on "Don't have an AUA account? Click here to SIGN UP." Then, select 2008 Membership Application/Renewal/Life Questionnaire/License Renewal to renew your membership.

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.

USEF Names Show Jumping Short List for the 2008 Olympic Games