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

Robin Groves and Thors Toy Truck captured the USEF National Single Horse Driving Championship.
Photo by PicsofYou.com

Weber Makes it Record Eight in a Row; Groves Holds on to Singles Title at the 2010 USEF National Driving Championships at Live Oak International

With impending storms looming, the fourth and final day of the Live Oak International presented by US Trust featured a difficult cones phase, and clear rounds were hard to find. But the best drivers in the U.S. prevailed and two USEF National Champions were crowned based on their incredible three phase performances.

A massive storm held off until the final few drivers, and then the weather deteriorated quickly. Chester Weber and Jimmy Fairclough had the option to wait out the weather, but as they were warmed up and ready, they both decided to drive. The weather got worse so their choice proved wise as the Organizing Committee ended up being forced to cancel the final two classes of the afternoon.

More Driving News

Fairclough Wins Marathon, Weber Maintains Overall Lead at USEF National Four-in-Hand Championship; Stover Shuffles USEF National Single Horse Driving Championship with Great Effort at Live Oak International

Sapphire wins again for McLain Ward.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman/USEF Archives

Sapphire and McLain Ward Repeat Huge Victory In $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix, CSI***** at 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

The $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix, CSI***** drew the largest crowd in the history of equestrian sport in Wellington. More than 9,000 spectators came to see who would win one of the biggest show jumping purses in North America. Sapphire, ridden by McLain Ward (USA) and owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock, came home with the win and repeated their victory from last year over Laura Kraut (USA) and Cedric, owned by Happy Hill Farm, and Todd Minikus (USA) with his own Pavarotti.

Tonight's class was also the final qualifier for the $100,000 FTI Rider Challenge, where the top four riders of the circuit were awarded with bonus checks. The top four riders were Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), who earned $50,000; Pablo Barrios (VEN), who received $25,000; McLain Ward, who took home $15,000; and Laura Kraut, who received $10,000.

More Hunter/Jumper News

USC’s famous Andalusian mascot Traveler is scheduled to be among the performers Saturday evening.
Photo by Gary Pirnat

2010 "Fiesta of the Spanish Horse" Cancer Research Benefit and Horse Show Begins May 5 at LA Equestrian Center

The popular Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, an annual benefit and horse show to support cancer research, will be held May 5-9, 2010, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

This year marks the 12th annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, a revered Southern California equestrian tradition that raises funds for cancer research organizations. It also plays an important role in integrating communities by honoring horses and people steeped in rich tradition. The family-friendly event is filled with a variety of vendors, authentic Spanish food, music and dancers, and exciting equestrian entertainment.

The five-day event includes multi-breed horse show competitions and a Charity Spectacular presented Saturday evening. The Spectacular—the main event—features an evening of non-stop equine entertainment and an educational multi-cultural experience celebrating the heritage and historical impact of the Spanish horse. Performances will showcase the agility of fancy dancing horses, drill teams, breathtaking Andalusian, Friesian, and famous Lipizzaner horses, trick riding and roping, singers and dancers, and much more.

USC’s famous Andalusian mascot Traveler is scheduled to be among the performers Saturday evening. Also Saturday evening, the winners of the event’s two raffle horses will be announced. A show-quality Peruvian Paso colt, owned by Jorge Valenzuela Training Center, and an adorable American Miniature Horse Association registered black and white Miniature mare, owned by RB Horses, are offered in this year’s raffle

Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister
Photo by Josh Walker/USEA

Tiana Coudray Takes the Top Prize at Galway Downs International Horse Trials

Overnight leader Tiana Coudray of Ojai, CA, kept her nerves in check to gallop home the winner aboard her Ringwood Magister in the CIC*** at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials.

“He’s really grown up,” said Coudray, 21, of her handsome gray Irish-bred. “In so many places I gave him the opportunity to [be bad], and he wasn’t. He really felt like a big boy.”

This weekend the CIC divisions at Galway Downs were run in the European format, which culminated in the cross-country phase being run in reverse order of placing. The pressure cooker of going last turned somewhat in Coudray’s favor, however, as she heard over the loudspeaker that second-placed Kelly Prather on Ballinakill Glory had suffered a run-out as she galloped around the course. Coudray knew that gave her some breathing room, and it allowed her to have 3.6 time penalties and still maintain her lead.

Prather’s misfortune vaulted overnight third-placed rider Tamra Smith, of Hemet, CA, on Bubbles At Bricky into second, and Hawley Bennett-Awad of Canada flew around on Gin N’ Juice to move in to third.

Sweet Briar College to Host 33rd Annual American National Riding Commission National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship

The 33rd Annual American National Riding Commission (ANRC) National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship will take place at Sweet Briar College in Lynchburg, VA, April 17-18. Approximately 12 college teams will showcase their most talented riders, who will be judged and scored in three riding phases: a Dressage Sportif (a program ride with USEF hunter equitation tests) on Saturday, a Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Course at 3' and a Hunter Trials Equitation Course in a field on Sunday. In addition, there will be a written test on riding theory and equine science for participants on Friday, April 16, at the Sweet Briar College Campus. Each team will consist of two or three riders, and individual riders will also compete.

Photo Courtesy ASPC/AMHR

Small Equines Represented in a Big Way at the Kentucky Equine Youth Festival

The American Shetland Pony Club and the American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) attended the Kentucky Equine Youth Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park this past month to introduce their small equines to Kentucky youth.

Over 4,000 kids and their 4-H leaders flocked to Lexington from all over the state for an introduction to the eight equestrian disciplines that will be featured at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ this fall.

ASPC/AMHR Director of Operations Zona Schneider and the ASPC/AMHR Registry Queen Ali Olander were on hand to answer questions about the small equine. Attendees were able to obtain the information about the national organization, youth membership forms, the 2010 youth program and fun educational worksheets and buttons depicting small equines.

Ready for a Spring Getaway?

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Remember to reference both CDP#00207740 to get your Pioneers discount and earn points. Hurry! You can easily sign up to be a Choice Privileges member by going to www.choiceprivileges.com/signup/USEQUEST.

*Terms and conditions apply. Go to www.choicehotels.com/springpromotion for details.

Alltech Celebrates Six Months to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™; Tickets to the Prestigious Championships Available

In six months, the world’s finest equine athletes will gallop into Kentucky’s Bluegrass region for the most prestigious, global equestrian championships—the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Alltech FEI Games, will take place in Lexington, KY, September 25–October 10. Like the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games are held every four years and are the world championships for the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Grounds Pass Ticket Sales Set for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games; Offering Includes Free Child’s Ticket; Host of Venue Activities

Grounds Pass tickets for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will go on sale Friday, April 16, at 10 a.m. Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 each, but from April 16 through May 31, as a special promotion, tickets will be available for $20. Each Grounds Pass will allow entry to the 2010 Games venue for the selected date of purchase.

Study Estimates $167 Million in Economic Impact to Kentucky from Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Kentucky could realize a $167 million economic benefit from the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, a significant increase from early projections of $150 million, organizers said.

Photo Courtesy Kalarama Farm

World Renowned Saddlebred, Harlem Globetrotter, to Celebrate 30th Birthday on Thursday, April 1

Kalarama Farm, home of world renowned Saddlebred Harlem Globetrotter, has announced plans to celebrate the 30th birthday of the famous stallion.

With an impressive showing and breeding career, Harlem Globetrotter remains a legendary performer and producer of other notable horses in the American Saddlebred industry. Since arriving at Kalarama Farm in Springfield, KY, Stall #1 has been home to this champion, where he continues to enjoy the affectionate care provided by his original groom, while enjoying a healthy and much-deserved retirement.

Harlem Globetrotter was purchased in 1981 as a two-year-old, by current owner Joan Hamilton and her father, the late Paul Hamilton. Originally purchased as an ideal breeding horse, the stallion quickly became a winning show horse while under the training of Larry Hodge.

United States Polo Association Enlists Services of USEF for USPA Equine Drugs and Medications Testing Program

In an effort to implement a pilot program for equine drugs and medications testing for its sanctioned events, the United States Polo Association (USPA) has engaged the services of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equine Drugs and Medications Program. This new pilot program was approved by the USPA Board of Governors in October 2009 and has been implemented in time for the annual 2010 polo season that includes the annual USPA U.S. Open Polo Championship. The Championship takes place at the International Polo Club in West Palm Beach, FL, March 29–April 18, 2010.

United States Equestrian Team Foundation Establishes "International Young Rider Talent Fund"

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the "International Young Rider Talent Fund" that will be used to support the United States Equestrian Federation's High Performance International Young Rider and Developing programs in the Olympic disciplines. An integral part of the long-term high-performance strategy, these programs play a critical role in developing the best possible United States Equestrian Teams for the future. Although this country has many talented young riders that have been successful in national competition, most have not been exposed to, nor have had the opportunity to hone their skills in the international arena as a member of a "team."

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" experience 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

April 3 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) GreenSouth Equipment, North Highway 441, 1695 Northwest 63rd Street, Ocala, FL 34475; Kelly Tabor - (352) 351-2383
April 6 (3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.) Live Oak Tractor, 10055 Highway 129 South, Live Oak, FL 32060; JT Hingson, Jr. - (386) 208-3451
April 8 (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) Statesville Civic Center, 300 South Center St., Statesville, NC 28687; Michael Board - (704) 636-2671

Save Up to $35 with Hertz Through USEF's MemberPerks Program

Save $5 Per Day, Up to $35 Off a Weekly or Weekend Rental, when PC#142564 is included in your reservation of an economy or higher class car at participating airport locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Offer valid for pickup March 3-May 31, 2010.

Click Here for More Information

Terms and Conditions: Advance reservations are required. Subject to availability, this offer is redeemable at participating Hertz airport locations in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. This offer has no cash value, may not be used with Pre-pay Rates, Tour Rates or Insurance Replacement Rates. No other CDP#, certificate, voucher, offer or promotion applies. Hertz age, driver, credit and qualified weekend and weekly rate restrictions for the renting location apply. Taxes, tax reimbursement, age differential charges, fees and optional service charges, such as refueling, are not included. Discounts apply to time and mileage charges only. Discounts in local currency on redemption. Offer valid for vehicle pickup through 05/31/10.

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 2010 events began September 1, 2009.

Learn more about the program.

To see the list of all qualified riders, visit the 2009/2010 Ranking List.

East Coast Championship - Oct. 9-11
USET Foundation Headquarters, Gladstone, NJ

A few riders that have now qualifed on the East Coast:

— Erin Bruheim
— Elizabeth De Golian
— Beatrice Mack
— Katherine Schmidt

West Coast Championship - Sept. 23-25
LA Equestrian Center, Burbank, CA

A few riders that have now qualifed on the West Coast:

— Elizabeth Benson
— Leighona Bernstein
— Colleen Biemer
— Megan Bifano
— Victoria Birdsall
— Chasen Boggio
— Theodore Boris

Save Money with Partners Plus Auto Care Savings Plan!

Welcome to the Partners Plus Auto Care Savings Plan: A new program offered to USEF Members and designed to help save you money on maintenance, repairs, and tires for your vehicle.

Getting Started

Step 1: Go to www.PartnersPlusSavings.com and click the Enter Here button.

Step 2: On the next page, enter express sign-up code 59857381.

Step 3: Set up your profile.

The Partners Plus Auto Care Savings Plan is a FREE program that offers great savings on Bridgestone and Firestone tires and all vehicle maintenance and repairs at all company-owned locations, to routine maintenance, such as oil changes and check-ups, to vehicle repairs, like brakes.

For more information about MemberPerks, visit:
www.usef.org/_IFrames/memberServices/memberperks/Default.aspx.

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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