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

Buck Davidson, with My Bobby Boy, was the highest-placed American at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman

Fredericks Tops 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event; Davidson Wins Rolex/USEF National CCI**** Championship

It was tight at the top of the leaderboard at the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, but the first three places remained unchanged, as Lucinda Fredericks, Bettina Hoy and Buck Davidson each jumped immaculate clear show jumping rounds.

Fredericks, who took over the lead from Hoy after the cross-country, had all kinds of horse left in the brand new main arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and Headley Britannia bounded around Richard Jeffrey’s track, giving the pair their third CCI**** win in two years.

“It would have been a lot easier to nip down the road to Badminton,” said Fredericks. “It took a lot of effort, organization and understanding to get her here but I really look forward to coming back.”

The Australian rider and the 16-year-old Thoroughbred-cross mare she owns with her husband Clayton, motored around the cross-country course, and completed the event as one of only three to finish on their dressage score of 32.3. They took home $80,000 for their effort and Headley Brittania was the first mare to ever win this CCI****.

“She’s a little household name now,” said Fredericks about her beloved mare. “She’s taken everyone’s heart.”

Fredericks duplicated her husband’s effort (and now has her own Rolex watch to match): in 2007 Clayton won this event with Ben Along Time.

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event To Be Televised Worldwide

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, which returned to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 23-26, is pleased to announce that NBC will broadcast a one-hour program on the CCI**** on Sunday, May 3. This marks the sixth straight year that NBC is airing coverage of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

More Eventing News

Valarie Kanavy and LM Francesa Pharr during the Pan American Endurance Championships. The pair captured a Team Silver medal and a sixth-place finish.
Photo by Cidinha Franzão

Team USA Wins Silver at 2009 Pan American Endurance Championships

Team USA put in a remarkable effort on the final phase at the 2009 Pan American Endurance Championships in Costa Azul, Uruguay to secure a Team Silver medal. They finished less than six minutes off the gold medal-winning pace of Argentina.

The American riders blazed through the final 15km phase: Cheryl van Deusen on DA Al Capone (New Smyrna Beach, FL) and Stephen Rojek on Savvy (South Woodstock, VT) completed the final leg in just 37 minutes. Valerie Kanavy and LM Francesa Pharr (Fort Valley, VA) added to the effort with another strong final phase time and a sixth-place Individual finish to secure a Team Silver medal.

The race was very close as the riders set off on the final phase Team USA was just four minutes ahead of the Guatemalan Team and 25 minutes behind Argentina. The U.S. riders made up considerable ground.

“We needed the riders to pick up the pace to assure a medal and the riders responded by turning in a phase speed of just under 16 miles per hour,” said Chef d’ Equipe Becky Hart. “The combined experience of not only the riders, but the crews, Team Veterinarian, and Team Staff contributed greatly to the overall result. This win was a true team effort.”

National Show Horses Featured as “Breed Of the Week” on ClubEquestrian.com

The National Show Horse breed is currently the featured "Breed of the Week" on ClubEquestrian.com. With information provided from the National Show Horse Registry about the breed's history, characteristics, and some interesting facts and figures, horse lovers can learn much more about this beautiful breed.

On the National Show Horse Breed of the Week page, you can:

Learn more about the breed and become a fan;
View photos of National Show Horses ;
Add your own photos to the National Show Horse gallery;
Read news about National Show Horses;
Add your own videos;
Discuss National Show Horses in the discussion forum;
Answer a poll: What is your involvement with National Show Horses?

All features can be reached from the National Show Horse Breed of the Week page.

ClubEquestrian.com: Your Backstage Pass to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Behind-the-scenes coverage of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is now on ClubEquestrian.com.

VIDEOS— Sarah Lane showcases the excitement of eventing with interviews, features, and behind-the-scenes access. Visit the ClubEquestrian.com Video Center.

BLOGS — Equestrian magazine Editor Brian Sosby entertains readers with his candid commentary on the event. Brian has blogged from major international competitions...from the Olympics and the FEI World Equestrian Games and more. Visit Brian's Blog.

Find all of the Rolex coverage in one place.

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.

Place Your Ad in the NAJYRC Program

Advertising space is available in the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North Program. For more information, contact Kim Russell at 859-225-6938 or krussell@usef.org.

USEF Rule Changes Recently Approved

The Executive Committee met on April 20 to review and approve several extraordinary rule changes and rule clarifications. You can find a PDF summarizing all the recently approved rule changes online at www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/2010/ECapproved42009.pdf.

These rule changes have also been incorporated into the online rulebook. If you have any questions, please contact Abigail Cook at acook@usef.org or (859) 327-5931

Georgia Claims Equestrian National Championship; Texas A&M Wins Western Title; Georgia Victorious in Hunter Seat

For the second straight season, the Georgia Bulldogs claimed the overall team title on Saturday at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC), held at the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo Complex in Waco, TX. The win marked Georgia’s fourth VENC national championship. In addition, the Bulldogs took home the hunter seat team championship, their fourth and the first since 2004, while Texas A&M claimed its third VENC Western title and first since 2005.

Intercollegiate Dressage Association Announces Results of the 2009 National Championship

The 2009 Intercollegiate Dressage Association’s National Championship was one of many surprises. Host University of Findlay masterfully created a championship that was certainly worthy of the title and occasion. Kicking off events on Friday afternoon, Findlay’s 32-acre James L. Child Jr. Equestrian Complex became an Hawaiian paradise that quickly became overrun with golf cart decorating and driving competitions designed to really build team spirit and provide a great deal of fun for student riders. Riders from the University of New Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, University of Massachusetts, Delaware Valley, Lake Erie, Albion, Findlay, Otterbein, Virginia Intermont, North Carolina State, University of Florida, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Washington State, St. Andrews Presbyterian, Cazenovia, Central Florida, University of Kentucky, Averett, Centenary, Johnson & Wales, University of Connecticut and Florida State came to participate in the championship.

USEF Announces Fourth Annual Youth Sportsman’s Award sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®

The Fourth Annual United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, will kick-off for the 2009 competition year May 1, 2009.

This award recognizes youth members of both USEF and a USEF Recognized National Affiliate for their participation in the community and equine industry and is focused on developing leaders in the equine industry.

Summer is Prime Time for Potomac Horse Fever; Vaccination is Recommended

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to vaccinate horses against Potomac horse fever (PHF). “Horse owners need to be aware of the disease and its seasonality,” said Dr. Julia Wilson, DVM, Associate Professor, Large Animal Medicine, University of Minnesota.

PHF is a potentially deadly disease that can cause mild depression, anorexia, diarrhea and abortion in pregnant mares. Some horses also may develop severe toxemia, and up to 40% of horses with PHF will develop laminitis.

Classification Opportunity at Lamplight Equestrian Center CPEDI*** for USEF ParaEquestrian Athletes

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to offer a classification for all riders with disabilities at the upcoming CPEDI*** at Lamplight Equestrian Center, May 14-17, 2009.

The FEI Classification System identifies the functional abilities of riders, and determines which grade they will compete in at paraequestrian competition. Paraequestrian dressage competition is made up of five grades, and riders compete against other athletes of their own grade, and in turn similar function.

Recreational Vaulting Coach Certification Clinic is Now a Certified Horsemanship Association Stand-Alone Clinic

Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is now offering the Recreational Vaulting Coach Certification as a stand-alone certification clinic. This clinic was designed in conjunction with the American Vaulting Association (AVA). Prior to approval of the change by the CHA Board of Directors in March of this year, it was required by the participant to either hold an instructor certification or attend a “standard equivalency test out” prior to the vaulting clinic. Since so many excellent vaulting coaches throughout North America do not teach group riding, but only vaulting, it seemed unnecessary to require this certification.

Saddlebred Fine Harness Championship Adds $6,000 for Kentucky-breds at Spring Premier

This year, more than $180,000 will be offered from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program, for Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds exhibited by members of the Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association (KSOBA), a charter club of the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

Morgan Gold Cup Regional Horse Show Announces Pink Ribbon Class

The 49th edition of the Morgan Gold Cup Regional Horse Show is less than two months away. Plans are heating up for a great week, including the Friday night United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) Pink Ribbon events.

USEF Now Accepting Applications for 2010 Qualifying Competitions for Dressage High Performance Programs

The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.® (USEF) invites licensed dressage competitions to apply to become an official 2010 “qualifying competition” for the USEF Dressage High-Performance Programs.

More Dressage News

FEI Dressage Task Force Meets in Lausanne

Hillary Dobbs, who won the Leading Open Jumper Rider title last year at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, is bringing at least two horses to the show this year to defend her title. Dobbs, 20 of Sussex, NJ, a daughter of CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, also rode her Corlett to win the Open Jumper Championship at Devon last year.

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, May 21-30, benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital, to which it has donated more than $13 million over its decades of association.

Corlett won the $20,000 Open Jumper Gambler’s Choice Friday evening and placed third in the $100,000 Budweiser Grand Prix of Devon Thursday evening.

Dobbs unseated both two-time Olympic Team Gold medalist McLain Ward and Laura Chapot, both of whom had maintained strangle holds on the Leading Rider and Championship titles for the past five years.

Ward had won the grand prix four times in the previous six years, taking the championship and Leading Rider once each, while Chapot had won the championship four of the past five years and was the Leading Rider for the previous three years. To make her feat even more impressive, Dobbs was competing in the open jumper division at Devon for the first time, having competed at the show in the past in junior divisions.

The Equine Foot, Recession-Proof Business Strategies are Focus of American Association of Equine Practitioners' Summer Education Meetings

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) summer education event, Focus on the Foot and the 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar, will provide a comprehensive continuing education package for equine practitioners, July 19-21, in Columbus, OH.

Now more than ever, it is important to understand the world beyond our borders. Families in the Chicago-land and Northwest IN, area can do just that, by becoming involved in a global cultural exchange through the Aspect Foundation. Interested families can participate by volunteering to host an Aspect Foundation international high school student for a semester or academic year.

Aspect Foundation students hail from nearly 30 different countries but all share the same dream—to experience the American way of life. These students, who would arrive in August, are ages 15-18 and have a wide variety of interests and abilities. They are chosen on the basis of maturity, grades, and language skills.

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.