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

Rebecca Hart and Norteassa
Photo by PhelpsPhotos.com

Rebecca Hart and Norteassa Defend Title to Win 2009 Cavalor/USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship

Rebecca Hart has had quite an eventful year. In 2008, she won her first national championship aboard Norteassa in May, 2008, and then the pair went on to Hong Kong to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games and barely missed winning an Individual medal. This year, Hart bested 16 other riders to defend her title as 2009 Cavalor/United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion. The championship returned to the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, May 15 through Sunday, May 17.

In addition, the national championship was held concurrently with the Lamplight CDI; and for the first time ever in the U.S., a CPEDI*** was held, which is a FEI International Para-Equestrian Dressage competition. Four nations were represented, including Ireland, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

“I was excited at the turnout and growth of the championship,” said Pam Lane, USEF’s Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting. “The championship has doubled the number of entries from last year with riders from all over the United States. We’ve also added a title sponsor to the event, Cavalor, whose support contributed to the success of the championship and the future of para-equestrian. This goes to prove that the program is growing and is on the right track.”

Read the "At the Back Gate" blog from para-equestrian ride Robin Brueckmann

Sports Leaders Taking Notes on USEF’s Innovative Customer Care Center

In days gone by, you could pick up the phone, dial the number of an organization and talk to the voice of a helpful employee, located within said organization (instead of a secretly positioned call center halfway across the world).

At the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), those days never left. In fact lately, the initiative to provide personalized customer service has been on an exponential curve upward. John Long, USEF CEO, says the Customer Care Center, implemented in 2008, is behind it all. With just under a dozen dedicated staff members, the center takes care of everything from greeting on-site visitors to fielding the thousands of phone calls that come in each month.

The innovative concept took center stage recently, at the business conference for the Association of Chief Executives for Sport (ACES) hosted at the USOC’s Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Universal Sports to Air Global Champions Tour Live

Universal Sports will broadcast the Equestrian Global Champions Tour this Saturday, May 23, at 8:50 a.m. ET LIVE from Hamburg, Germany, on www.universalsports.com. The coverage will also air on Universal Sports television later in the day at 5 p.m. ET.

The Global Champions Tour (GTC) invites the world’s top 30 riders, according to Rolex rankings, to compete in the most prestigious championship in show jumping. This third leg of the tour will be hosted by the historic German Jumping and Dressage Derby.

The heated battle for top GTC rankings is already on with Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengsston and France’s Michel Robert tied for first with 33 points each. This third leg promises not to disappoint as these world-class athletes continue to vie for top honors.

Michael Pollard and Icarus won the CCI*** at the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event to capture the Gladstone Trophy from the USET Foundation.
Photo by stockimageservices.com

United States Equestrian Team Foundation Awards Michael Pollard and Icarus with Gladstone Challenge Trophy

The USET Foundation is pleased to announce that Michael Pollard of Dalton, GA, won the Gladstone Challenge Trophy at the National Open Spring Championship. Pollard rode his horse, Icarus, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, to the CCI*** victory at the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event in Allentown, NJ.

Pollard joins an elite group of riders that have won the Gladstone Challenge Trophy in its 45-year history. Of having his name on the trophy, Pollard said, "It means a lot. I like to study the past and understand the history of the sport. I think that's important if you want to be a great rider, to understand what made great riders before you. Having my name on the Gladstone trophy is incredible. There are certain trophies that are special in our sport. I was lucky enough as a young rider to get my name on the Markham trophy twice. That's always been really special. Obviously the Gladstone trophy is even more of an achievement for me. To have my name on there with all the other great riders—it doesn't get any better than that."

Pollard and Icarus started out the competition at Jersey Fresh in third place after the dressage phase. They added just 2.4 time faults in cross-country to move into the lead. Going into the stadium jumping round, they had a rail in hand. They finished double-clear with a score of 46 for the win.

More Eventing News

Kentucky Spring Classic Wrap Up, May 13-17

Mario Deslauriers and Vicomte D charged across the finish line to win Saturday night's $55,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix, sponsored by Air 51 and Audi of Lexington, at the Kentucky Spring Classic. Deslauriers and Vicomte D had completed double-clear rounds during the past three grand prix classes held during the Kentucky series to earn top placings, but the fourth time was the charm. Four horse-and-rider combinations qualified for Saturday's jump-off round, held in the main outdoor stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, and all completed clear efforts. Deslauriers and Vicomte D were the last to enter the ring, but they laid down the fastest time to win the class over Todd Minikus and Pavarotti.

More Hunter/Jumper News

Drugs and Medications Corner: A Healthy Respect

This special section, Drugs and Medications Corner, will feature a series of articles from the USEF’s Drugs and Medications Program and the veterinary community to communicate the latest news to better educate the equine community.

"Many years ago, I was called to see a show hunter discovered to have a “big knee.” I found the horse to have moderate heat and swelling with pain on flexion of the left knee. He demonstrated a 3/5 lameness to trot in hand (AAEP scale, head bobbing). The trainer’s suspicion was the horse got cast in the stall as it was normal the day before when schooled. I suspected a severe contusion (bruise). I suggested radiographing the knee, but the owner and trainer declined. I administered a 500 mg dose of Banamine® (flunixin meglumine), a newer drug at the time, and a 20 mg dose of Azium® (dexamethasone), told them to ice and poultice the knee and hand walk him only for exercise. I dispensed four packages of Banamine granules for the horse to receive over the next two days (one package twice daily)."

Vote for Your Favorite "Cute Foal" Photo Finalist on ClubEquestrian.com

If you would like to vote for your favorite "Cute Foal" photo, please vote by May 31 at www.clubequestrian.com/photos/contest/may_2009/finalists.aspx or visit ClubEquestrian.com.

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.

Don't Miss Out on Your Chance to Promote Your Equine Event for FREE

Do you have an event you want to promote? Do you know of an exciting equine event—whether it be a training seminar or clinic, a horse health care seminar, a continuing education event for equine professionals, an expo, a trail ride, a charity event/fundraiser or an equine social event? If so, fill out the online form at www.usef.org/clubEquestrian/clubeqevent.aspx to add your event to the ClubEquestrian.com Calendar, one of the most comprehensive online equestrian event calendars out there.

List Your Equine Business in Our FREE Equine Directory

The United States Equestrian Federation would like to invite you to list your equine business in its new online Professional Directory at ClubEquestrian.com. The listing is FREE. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your name out there to those who may need your products or services. To make sure your business is listed, visit www.usef.org/prodir.

Universal Sports and UniversalSports.com to Air Rolex Three-Day Event

Universal Sports has scheduled the Rolex Three-Day Event broadcast to re-air three times as follows:

— Sunday, June 7th 2:00 PM
— Tuesday, June 9th 11:00 AM
— Friday, June 12th 8:00 AM
(all times ET)

Additionally, Universal Sports will post the show as a free “Video on Demand” webcast prior to the first TV airing for those who don’t receive Universal TV to be able to see it on the web.

For more information or to view the webcast, please visit www.universalsports.com.

Two Staff Members Celebrate 20 Years with the United States Equestrian Federation

The Federation would like to honor two staff members who recently completed 20 years of service.

Sally Ike

From her first competition at Monmouth County Horse Show to being named as an alternate member of the 1968 Olympic Team, Sally Ike is a well-seasoned veteran of equestrian sport. In March of 1989, she began working as the Manager of Eventing and Show Jumping for the United States Equestrian Team (USET). She currently serves as the Managing Director of Show Jumping, overseeing all of the Federation’s show jumping programs. Working tirelessly, Ike is committed to helping athletes realize their dreams from the grassroots level to the international show jumping arenas.

Diane Tartal

A member of the United States Equestrian Federation’s Equine Drugs and Medications Program recently completed her 20th year of service to the organization. Diana Tartal started with the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) in May of 1989 and has been with the Drugs and Medications Program her entire tenure. Tartal is currently the Assistant Director of the program, but is more commonly thought of as the "voice" of the program considering the 20 years she has been answering the phone and addressing the wide range of drug and medication questions. Most veterinarians and trainers who have called throughout the years may not recognize her picture, but her voice is indelibly imprinted in their mind.

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.

Morgan Youth Council to Hold Charity Event

On October 16, 2009, the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Youth Council will be holding a charity event, "Justin Time For a Cure," at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City. In tandem with the Shirley Bowman Nutrition Clinic at the University of Oklahoma (OU) Cancer Institute, the event will raise cancer awareness and educate horse world members on the importance of cancer screening.

American Saddlebred Museum Preparing Exhibit for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

As September 2010 and the opening of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY, steadily approach, the American Saddlebred Museum is preparing for the arrival of the world at its front door. The museum plans to showcase the American Saddlebred horse in world-class fashion for this unprecedented opportunity. The intention is to send international guests home full of enthusiasm and excitement about this wonderful and versatile breed.

More Saddlebred News

American Saddlebred Horse Association Announces Saddlebred Regional Championship Guidelines for 2009

USEF Rule Changes Recently Approved

The Executive Committee periodically meets to review and approve extraordinary rule changes and rule clarifications. You can find summaries of rules approved by visiting www.usef.org/_IFrames/RuleBook/Changes/2009.aspx.

These rule changes have also been incorporated into the online rulebook. The online rulebook is continually updated with new rule changes and corrections; it is always the most complete version of the rules.

Shelley Van den Neste and Ezmarelde La Biladora
Photo by Michael Bradtke

Shelley Van den Neste Finds Success at Northern Florida Dressage Shows

Shelley Van den Neste of Sunrise Farms Sport Horses continues to find success in the show ring, recently visiting the winner’s circle at two North Florida dressage shows. Ezmarelde La Biladora, owned by Brooke Horan of Vertu Sport Horses in Park City, UT, and Van den Neste earned the high-point award in first level at Jacksonville’s Horse Shows in the Park.

Van den Neste has long been a fan of the 16.1-hand bay mare with the long, graceful catlike walk and ground-covering trot. “Ezmarelde has the greatest attitude about everything,” Van den Neste said.

Van den Neste is pleased that Ezmarelde continues to shine, but she wasn’t the only horse from Sunrise Farms Sport Horses to earn ribbons recently. “About a year ago Vision Farms of El Paso, TX, sent me two AQHA mares and after a long year of rehabilitating them, they are now stars. The client had them with a different trainer before me and they didn’t do well, but you would never know it to look at them now,” Van den Neste said. “I took both of them, Dali’s Artful Legacy (Dali) and Barpasser’s Vision (Ziggy) to the May Days Qualifier at Canterbury Showplace, and they were amazing.”

American Horse Council Finalizes Schedule for National Issues Forum

The American Horse Council’s National Issues Forum will focus on the “Welfare of the Horse,” an important topic in the horse world today. AHC believes that this will be the most comprehensive presentation in recent years on what the industry is doing in “Putting the Horse First.”

The forum has now been finalized and will feature speakers from segments of the horse community as varied as competition, sport, work and entertainment. A complete program follows. The forum will be held June 16, 2009, in Washington, DC, as part of the AHC’s annual meeting.

Kentucky Equestrian Center is Proud to Announce the First Tom Poulin Clinic

The Kentucky Equestrian Center is proud to announce the first Tom Poulin clinic. This clinic is open to all levels of riders and horses, and welcomes all breeds of trot and gaited horses to participate.

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 removing 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.