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

Chris Kappler aboard VDL Oranta during the $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational.
Photo by Ken Kraus/PhelpsSports.com

Tampa Equestrian Festival Week Three Wrap-up; Kappler Wins Budweiser American Invitational

It was a difficult course testing the horses' power and endurance that set the stage for Saturday night's $200,000 Budweiser American Invitational, where no horse-and-rider combinations were able to complete a faultless first round. A seven-horse jump-off took place between the four-faulters in which Chris Kappler and VDL Oranta captured the Gold medal and led the night's victory gallop.

This was Kappler's third time winning this prestigious class, which has only been done by two other riders, Rodney Jenkins and Katie Prudent. In 1995 Kappler rode Seven Wonder and produced the only clear round to earn the win, and in 2003 he rode his Olympic mount Royal Kaliber during the victory gallop.

"Steve Stephens is an excellent builder; he always builds an Olympic-caliber track and it just proved to be a difficult course," explained Kappler. "The oxer-oxer was scopey; he had a tricky combination for the last line coming home, and it was a long course."

Kappler and VDL Oranta, owned by M & K Oranta, LLC, gathered four faults during their first round when they lowered the height of the oxer coming out of the liverpool double combination.

More Hunter/Jumper News

Brackets Released for Varsity Equestrian National Championships

The Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC) announced the collegiate teams that have been selected and seeded for this year’s competition, in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

ANRC National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship Showcases Talented Riders

The 32nd Annual American National Riding Commission (ANRC) National Intercollegiate Equitation Championship, which is a USEF local member competition, is being held April 18-19 at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC. Approximately 12 college teams will showcase their most talented riders.

Find a Ride to an Equestrian Event with ClubEquestrian.com's Ride Share Program

In an effort to help equestrian enthusiasts and competitors save money in a tight economy, and to promote eco-friendly horse transportation, the United States Equestrian Federation now presents the Ride Share Program on ClubEquestrian.com. Often the logistics of long-distance travel is an unforeseen roadblock in the path to equine events. This new tool allows equine enthusiasts and competitors to post information about open trailer spots, as well as inquire about rides. Information such as where a trailer is leaving from, open trailer space and potential lay-overs will be readily available.

Check out the Ride Share Program by logging on to ClubEquestrian.com and going to "My Tackroom" or visit www.clubequestrian.com/tools/rideshare.

ClubEquestrian.com Announces First Video Contest for Prizes

ClubEquestrian.com is offering its first video contest. Aspiring film-makers are invited to "Tell Us A Horse Story" within a two-minute time frame. Submissions will be accepted through April 20. Voting for the top finalists will begin on April 22. The finalist with the most votes will win a $100 gift certificate to High Line Outfitters, along with a USEF Prize Pack.

Enter Today for Your Chance to Win

Submit Your Favorite "Kids and Horses" Photo in April for Your Chance to Win

April's Photo Contest theme on ClubEquestrian.com is "Kids and Horses." Enter your favorite image(s) of kids and horses for a chance to win a sterling silver saddle ring from Show Stable Artisans, the Equestrian Jeweler. Submit online by end of day on April 19 at www.clubequestrian.com/photos/contest/apr_2009/about.aspx.

Rocher and George Williams.
Photo Courtesy Terri Miller

Rocher Retires from International Competition

Gypsy Woods Farm owners Charles (Chuck) and Joann Smith announce that the beloved, crowd-pleasing Westfalen mare Rocher (Rolls Royce) will retire from international competition.

“Rocher took a dream and made it a reality,” stated Chuck. “She took us all over the world and filled us with pride. She has incredible character and inspired her fans wherever she showed.”

Rocher came to the United States in 2000 to be ridden by George Williams for the Smith family and Gypsy Woods Farm. Her career was highlighted with a fifth-place finish in the 2003 World Cup Freestyle Championships in Goteborg, Sweden. In the same year, she was named United States Dressage Federation Grand Prix Horse and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year as well as Chronicle of the Horse Dressage Horse of the Year.

Perhaps Rocher will best be known for her hair-raising extended trot and flopping ears that entertained spectators worldwide. Crowds at Dressage at Devon will never forget her performances there. She won the prestigious show three times with record-breaking scores in an atmosphere fit for a rock star.

Gypsy Woods Farm also announces that with the retirement of Rocher, the farm will no longer be engaging in international dressage pursuits. With this change, the farm has also released George Williams to continue his successful career elsewhere.

More Dressage News

USEF Accepting Photography Bids for 2009 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions

Photo by Daniel K. Lew

Sally Swift, Author and Founder of Centered Riding, Mourned

Sarah Rodman Swift, known to her worldwide following as “Sally Swift,” passed away on April 2, 2009. Swift was less than three weeks away from her 96th birthday. She was born on April 20, 1913 in Hingham, MA, to Rodman “Tod” Swift and Elizabeth Townsend Swift. She had one sister, Agnes, who died in 2004.

Swift was known all over the world for her innovative horse-riding methodology known as “Centered Riding.” She was the author of two books Centered Riding and Centered Riding II – Further Explorations, which, together, have had sales of more than 860,000 copies worldwide in 15 different languages. Swift was the founder of Centered Riding, Inc., which is the non-profit organization that oversees the worldwide membership of instructors and horse riders. Swift began Centered Riding at the age of 62 upon her retirement from the Holstein Association in Brattleboro, VT. Her first book, Centered Riding, was published in 1985.

If you would like to share any stories or memories of Sally Swift, click here.

USRider Partners with USEF and Offers Exclusive Discount to Members

Sharing the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, USRider is proud to partner with the USEF in an effort to further enhance the safety of those who travel with horses.

USRider provides emergency roadside assistance and towing services through their Equestrian Motor Plan along with other travel-related benefits. With an annual fee comparable to that of other roadside assistance programs, USRider offers many services geared especially toward horse owners.

Morgan Mid-Atlantic Driving Challenge Announced

In celebration of the American Morgan Horse Association's (AMHA) 100th year anniversary and in partnership with the American Driving Society, AMHA is pleased to announce the Mid-Atlantic Driving Challenge, sponsored by Driving Essential, Inc.

More Morgan News

American Saddlebred Registry Grand National to Kick Off Summer Showcase at Lexington Junior League Horse Show

The Junior League Horse Show is the only show in Kentucky to host Grand National classes in 2009. The show is set to take place Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 11, at the Red Mile, in Lexington, KY. The show will offer a total of $9,000 in prize money, offering $1,800 in several Grand National classes.

Celebrities, Horses, Music and History Will Unite for 2009 Fiesta of the Spanish Horse Cancer Research Benefit

Saturday, May 2, thousands will join with celebrities, musicians, dancers and magnificent horses at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center for the 11th Annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse extravaganza, all in support of raising funds for cancer research.

Fiesta of the Spanish Horse is a revered Southern California equestrian tradition that raises funds each year for multiple cancer research organizations. Beneficiaries of this year’s Fiesta are the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. It also plays an important role in integrating communities by honoring horses and people steeped in rich tradition. The four-day event features multi-breed show competitions and a gala show presented Saturday evening.

Reining Spins with SmartPak Equine at the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North

Reining joined the FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in 2008 with huge success. 2009 promises to be even more exciting with the addition of SmartPak Equine as the Title Sponsor of Reining.

The North American Young Rider Championships will feature the best reiners, ages 18-21, vying for FEI medals at the Kentucky Horse Park as part of the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North.

Garden State Combined Driving Event Canceled

The Horse Park of New Jersey announced the cancellation of the Garden State Combined Driving Event, scheduled to be held at the Horse Park, May 29-30. The Horse Park has hosted the popular event since 1992.

Vaulting Gears Up for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games; Summer 2009 Will Bring Hundreds of Vaulters to Kentucky

Equestrian vaulters from around the world will descend upon the Bluegrass state in July in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, performing dance and gymnastics on cantering horses in two events.

Athletes and horses from around the world will compete at the Kentucky Horse Park in two of the most important vaulting competitions of the year: the American Vaulting Association (AVA)/United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) National Championships and the Kentucky Vaulting Cup.

2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Named One of Kentucky Tourism Council's Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2009

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, one of the world's most prestigious equestrian competitions, has been named one of the Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2009 by the Kentucky Tourism Council.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI Classics™ Series, is set to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, April 23-26. It was named as one of the Top 10 Events for Spring because this premiere event is the only four-star three-day event in the Americas and because it brings international attention to Lexington and the Bluegrass State each spring. While attracting crowds in excess of 100,000, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event also features an International Sponsor Village and Trade Fair with more than 150 booths and various exciting demonstrations.

Corrections

The dates of the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals are April 15-19, 2009.

Last week the wrong photo ran for Peter Pletcher's win on Argentum in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Presented by Valobra Jewelry and Antiques. The correct photo is below.

Peter Pletcher and Argentum.
Photo by Shawn McMillen

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.