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

Richard Spooner on Cristallo.
Photo Courtesy Remco Veurink/FEI

Richard Spooner Clinches Second Consecutive Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ Win for United States

The U.S. show jumpers continued their march across Europe with another amazing performance in St. Gallen, Switzerland, in the third leg of the Meydan FEI Nations Cup. Christine McCrea, Ashlee Bond, Laura Kraut and Richard Spooner stayed on the roll that began last week in Rome and continued with a jump-off for the win in Switzerland.

“It doesn’t happen often back-to back to win in a top league like this,” said Chef d’Equipe George Morris. “This is a great group; we have five great riders and a bunch of wonderful horses.”

Morris selected Spooner (Agua Dulce, CA) to jump-off to break the tie. The seasoned veteran carried the weight of the win back into the ring for the third time.

“I could have used any of the three in the jump-off,” said Morris of Spooner, Kraut or Bond. “Richard’s horse was very, very fast in Rome, but I didn’t want to get him any more strong, he was very strong today. I thought maybe Ashlee’s horse as he was a bit more backed up, Richard helps Ashlee, Ashlee was leaning to Richard, so I said we can flip a coin. Ashlee would have done a great job. Richard is a master craftsman, a master jump-off rider.”

Spooner, known across the U.S. jumping community for his uncanny ability to shave seconds off seemingly unbeatable times, put the Europeans on notice that his accelerator was good on both sides of the Atlantic. Riding Cristallo, an 11-year-old gelding owned by Half Moon Bay, Inc., Spooner went head-to-head with German rider Marcus Ehning after the two teams were tied on four faults after the two Nations Cup rounds.

More Hunter/Jumper News

George Morris coaching Michelle Spadone during the Rolex FEI World Cup Show Jumping Finals.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman

George Morris Receives the Coveted Golden Whip from the Cadre Noir of Saumur

On May 19, George Morris, U.S. Show Jumping’s Chef d’Equipe, was celebrated in a special presentation in Saumur, France. Morris was present at the French National Equitation School, Cadre Noir of Saumur, to share his experiences as a trainer with the students and instructors of the School. At its conclusion, Morris received the coveted title of "Horseman of Honor of the Cadre Noir of Saumur."

This marks only the fourth time the award has ever been presented. The very first Horseman of Honor was named as the result of an initiative by Colonel Margot, Chief Horseman of the Cadre Noir from 1945-1958. Colonel Margot had received this title himself in 1950, honoring his commitment to France, as well as the Cadre Noir of Saumur.

This merit of exceptional character was awarded to Heni Saint-Cyr, Swedish double-Gold medalist in dressage at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, then in Stockholm in 1956. In 2001, Colonel Loic de la Porte du Theil awarded this honorable distinction to Michel Robert, French show jumping rider, and again in 2002 to Dutch Olympic show jumping rider Albert Voorn.

Enter Your Favorite "Scenic Stable" Photo for a Chance to Win on ClubEquestrian.com

If you would like to share your best "Scenic Stable " photo, please enter by June 18. You will be entered for a chance to win an Ambitious jacket by Gersemi. Voting starts June 20.

Gersemi is the new equestrian fashion brand for women who want style and performance. It is a premium European brand that has the emphasis well and truly on fashionable riding apparel. For more information, visit www.gersemi.se.

Enter the "Best Horse Show Reporting" Video Contest for a Chance to Win

Are you headed to a show anytime soon? We hope you will take your video camera and show off your reporting skills. Then enter your video in the "Best Horse Show Reporting" Video Contest by July 13th on Club Equestrian.com for a chance to win a USEF Prize Pack.

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.

A vaulting demonstration.
Photo by Eric Jewett

"Introduction to Equestrian Vaulting" Day Camps this July Designed to Grow Sport in the Greater Kentucky Region

As part of a key initiative to bring equestrian vaulting to the home of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the American Vaulting Association (AVA) will host a series of "Introduction to Vaulting" summer day camps and clinics in the greater Kentucky area throughout July. The top U.S. coaches and equestrian vaulters will teach participants dance and gymnastics routines on a moving horse.

“Our goal is to introduce this exciting and growing sport to Kentucky and surrounding states this summer, and to give riding instructors and equestrian facilities the tools to start 20 new vaulting programs throughout the region within the next year,” said Sheri Benjamin, AVA President.

During each three-day camp, the AVA will run dual tracks: a “train the trainer” program designed to teach riding instructors how to coach vaulting, and an “Introduction to Vaulting” camp for riders and athletes who want to learn the sport.

“It's an ideal way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with your equine partner,” said Benjamin. “If you love horses, gymnastics, dance and fun, you’re a perfect candidate for vaulting!”

Supreme Champion Stallion and Senior Champion Stallion honors went to Botswana, owned by the Botswana Trust and shown by Mike Wilson.
Photo by Darryl Larson

Gorgeous Egyptian Arabian Horses Create an “Event” to Remember

During the week of June 2-7, the Egyptian Event was held in Lexington at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Egyptian Event is known for tough competition, open only to Arabian horses of Egyptian breeding.

Over 300 internationally-owned horses competed in 60 classes for over $200,000 in prize money.

High points of the final day included the Egyptian Breeders Challenge classes, which were held for yearling colts and fillies shown by amateurs. Sixteen fillies and 15 colts competed in separate classes for $90,000 in prize money. The filly class was won by Oruba Alrabie RCA, owned by Rock Creek Arabians of Waco, TX, and shown to the win by David Reissig. The EBC colt winner was the choice of Lexor Al Mar, bred, owned and shown by Bob Miars of Murchison, TX. Each of these two yearlings received a check for $19,525.

Lexor Al Mar returned to the ring to be named the Junior Champion colt, led by Joe Polo for owner Bob Miars. Junior Champion filly honors went to PA Aida, owned by Pannonia Arabians, Inc., of Street, MD, and shown to the win by Steve Dady.

Senior Champion Stallion honors went to Botswana, owned by the Botswana Trust and shown to the win by Mike Wilson. The spectacular bay returned to be named the Supreme Champion Stallion.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Signs on as Official Veterinary Services Provider for 2009 FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships

The 2009 FEI Adequan North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) will be held for the first time at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has graciously signed on as the Official Veterinary Services Provider and will be providing veterinary coverage for all four of the disciplines—eventing, jumping, dressage, and reining.

GumBits Continues Their Support of the Collecting Gaits/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions

For the third consecutive year, GumBits will continue their support of the 2009 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Championships. GumBits has been a dedicated sponsor of the sport of dressage, having partnered with the USEF on several occasions, including the 2008 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Championship, as well as the 2008 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Championships, which determined the Olympic dressage team.

Notice of Change (Addition) to Equitation Rule EQ119

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) would like to notify competitions, managers, stewards, instructors and exhibitors of a rule change that became effective April 20, 2009.

Norman Brinker (foreground) was a member of the U.S. show jumping team that competed at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Also pictured are (left to right) William Steinkraus, Arthur McCashin, and John Russell.
Photo Courtesy USOC Archives

Former Equestrian Olympian and Famous Restaurateur Norman Brinker Dies at 78

Norman Brinker, who served as an alternate with the United States show jumping team at the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki, passed away due to pneumonia while on vacation in Colorado.

Brinker was born in Denver, CO, on June 3, 1931, to Kathryn and Eugene Brinker. He helped his family at a young age by buying and selling horses and a variety of other jobs. He attended the New Mexico Military Institute in high school, served in the Navy, and graduated from San Diego State University in 1957. In 1954, he competed in the pentathlon world championships in Budapest. In June 1955, he married Maureen Connolly, who was the first female tennis player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments in the same year.

A Call For Volunteers for the National Museum of the Morgan Horse

The National Museum of the Morgan Horse shares a building with the American Morgan Horse Association in picturesque Shelburne, VT. This non-profit organization is dedicated to educating the public about the Morgan horse. It collects, preserves and displays original works of art and historical materials related to the Morgan breed. The museum also has a small library and research center that is open to researchers by appointment.

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.

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.