Week in Review - U.S. Equestrian

Barteau and Roenick Crowned 2008 USEF National Champions on the Second Day of the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions; USEF Selection Trial in Dressage Continues as Peters Wins Grand Prix Special

Overnight leader Steffen Peters returned to the Oaks Blenheim ring with Ravel in the USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship and the USEF Selection Trial for Dressage, and made it quite clear that he was not going to relinquish his lead.

Owned by Akiko Yamazaki, Ravel, a 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding took some of the much more experienced horses to task and never looked in danger of making a mistake. The elegant combination looked relaxed throughout the test with excellent changes and powerful extensions. They finished with a score of 75.240%

Two Riders Blog About The Road to Reining at the CN North American Junior/Young Riders’ Championship presented by Gotham North at the Colorado Horse Park

The 2008 CN North American Junior Young Rider Championship (NAJYRC) will be held at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO, on July 30–August 3, 2008. Reining has officially been added to the NAJYRC this year. In preparation for the NAJYRC, two up-and-coming young riders are blogging about their experiences.

Adequan Renews as Title Sponsor of the 2008 USEF National Open Reining Championship

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the continuation of a partnership with Adequan® for the 2008 Adequan®/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach. Some of the top reiners in the country will compete for $25,000 added money Friday, June 27, at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK, as part of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby. Last year, it was Gabe Hutchins and Juiced Up Doc who took home the Adequan®/USEF National Opening Reining Championship title.

Billed as “The New Breed of Luxury” and designated as the official horse transport vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the new Equine Motorcoach™ is in Oklahoma City, OK. The all-in-one RV and horse transport is on display at the 2008 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby at the Oklahoma State Fair Park.

U.S Drivers Sweep Top Three Dressage Places at 2008 FEI World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities CPEAI****

The U.S. trio of drivers arrived in Greven, Germany for the 2008 FEI World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities CPEAI**** and put the world on notice after the dressage phase.

Meghan Benge of Aiken, SC, drove her borrowed pony Jack to a score of 41.2 with a brilliant performance. The pony was leased from England and his owner was on hand to help groom.

Dressage at Devon is pleased to be the first horse show in the United States to offer a foal championship. The foal championship, sponsored by Hassler Dressage, will be a part of the event’s extensive breed division, which takes place September 23-25.

Sally Swift Honored with Equine Industry Vision Award by American Horse Publications and Pfizer Animal Health

Pfizer Animal Health and American Horse Publications (AHP) presented Sally Swift with the seventh annual Equine Industry Vision Award at a ceremonial breakfast held during the "AHP Break from the Gate in 2008" seminar in Saratoga Springs, NY. Established in 2002, the Equine Industry Vision Award was the first of its kind to showcase innovation and recognize ingenuity and service across the entire equine market.

United States Dressage Federation Announces Dates for Two 2008 USDF Sport Horse Seminars

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced the dates for two USDF Sport Horse Seminars during 2008. The first seminar will be held July 26-27 in Fulshear, TX, with Hilda Gurney and sponsored by the Houston Dressage Society. The second seminar will be held October 18-19 in Colora, MD, with Melissa Creswick and sponsored by Hilltop Farm, Inc. Attendees of these seminars can earn up to four USDF University Program credits.

American Shetland Pony Club offers $10,000 Prize for Pony Finals Champion

The Board of Directors of the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) announced that they will again offer a $10,000 scholarship to any registered American Shetland Pony who earns the title of Champion Small Pony Hunter at the U.S. Equestrian Pony Finals to be hosted August 13-17 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Benefits of Equine Therapy Proven By Washington University Research Team

Researchers from the Washington University Program in Occupational Therapy, funded by a grant from the Horses & Humans Research Foundation, recently completed a breakthrough study on the therapeutic impact of equine therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association Host Friesians at Surf and Sun Show

The International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association’s (IALHA) Surf & Sun Show, the third of the season hosted by IALHA’s California Show Committee, was held June 21-22 at the Del Mar Horse Park in Del Mar, CA.

HITS is pleased to announce that it will be bringing its popular HITS School Station to the 2009 HITS Arizona Winter Circuit.

Like in Thermal, CA, the HITS School Station at the Arizona Winter Circuit will offer a complete academic facility designed especially for equestrian families. The program will stress the academic curriculum of the student's local school, which is an integral part of the support system for the equestrian rider.

Several area Pony Clubs will gather at the Oaks Blenheim Show Grounds in San Juan Capistrano, CA, on Thursday, June 26, to hear Olympian Charlotte Bredahl-Baker give a presentation entitled “Real Athletes Show Respect.” This USOC-sponsored event will be held in conjunction with the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) Selection Trials for Dressage at Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions, and will highlight the importance of good sportsmanship in competition.

Germany's victory in the fourth leg of the 2008 FEI Samsung Super League in Rotterdam moved them up from sixth to second on the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the series.

The Netherlands finished in runner-up spot; time faults proved costly for them on a day when the clock was particularly influential. Belgium slotted into third ahead of Great Britain in fourth, Switzerland in fifth, and Ireland in sixth. For Sweden it was yet another difficult day, but they battled hard to avoid being last on the result sheet; that unenviable position went to the USA.

Good Start at CSIO Rotterdam; McLain Ward Wins Two Classes on the First Day of Competition

Todd Minikus and his ride Ultimo Van Ter Moude cruised past the star-studded field of 38 starters to secure $7,500 in prize money in Thursday's $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties.

Alice Debany won the Grand Prix at CSI** Bonheiden; Kate Levy wins at CSI*** Norten-Hardenburg

This past weekend was a busy weekend for show jumpers in Europe. Alice Debany-Clero won the grand prix at CSI** Bonheiden (BEL). Debany-Clero is based in Paris and was riding Tin Tin, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare. The pair won the class with a time of 39.11 seconds in the jump-off. The second place duo, France’s Olivier Jouanneteau riding Kaeleme, had a jump-off time of 39.21 seconds. A tenth of a second was the deciding factor. The CSI** Bonheiden continues again this weekend, June 27-29, 2008.

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Simpson and El Campeon’s Carlsson vom Dach to Replace Welles and Armani at 2008 CHIO Aachen

Will Simpson and El Campeon’s Carlsson vom Dach will replace Jeffery Welles and Armani at the CHIO Aachen July 1-6, 2008.

Due to an injury sustained by Armani, Welles has regretfully withdrawn Armani from the Show Jumping Selection Process for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Adequan®/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach will bring the nation’s finest reiners together to compete for their chance to land a spot on the U.S. reining team. The 2008 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby hosts this competition on Friday, June 27, at the Oklahoma State Fair Grounds in Oklahoma City, OK.

The facilities for providing first-rate care of horses brought to Hong Kong for the Olympic Games in August have been given the thumbs-up by members of the Animal Welfare Advisory Group (AWAG) who visited the two equestrian venues.

Gas prices too high? Choice Hotels® would like to offer you some relief when traveling to visit friends and family this summer. Take advantage of our Choice Privileges® summer promotion and earn a FREE $50 GAS CARD! All it takes is three separate stays at Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn® or Clarion® hotels. Make sure to join the Choice Privileges rewards program—it’s easy, fast and free. Then book your stay for arrival between now and August 14 at (800) 258-2847 or choicehotels.com. After your third qualifying stay, you’ll earn enough points to redeem for a free $50 gas card*.

If it's bonus points you're after, you'll earn 1,000 Choice Privileges points for every qualifying stay at MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay®, Econo Lodge® or Rodeway Inn® hotels in the U.S. between now and August 14. Just make sure to book your stay through choicehotels.com to score your bonus points*. Then use your points for free nights at Choice hotels, Airline Rewards, gift cards and more. And remember, you can use your free nights at more than 5,500 locations worldwide with no blackout dates.

More good news. USEF members can earn Choice Privileges points while taking advantage of the USEF discount! How? Book in advance and make sure to reference both the USEF Special Rate Identification #00207740 and your personal Choice Privileges Identification Number when making reservations**.

If you are not already a Choice Privileges member, go to www.choiceprivileges.com to join. Membership is FREE.

Finally, Subscribe to the SOS Sentinel, a complimentary e-newsletter, to get the news about promotions, Choice Hotels International property information, new choicehotels.com features and more! Please make sure to note that you are an USEF member. Where are you traveling? Choice Hotels is probably there!

Thanks again for choosing Choice Hotels International!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has amended its import rules to allow noncompetitive entertainment horses to be temporarily brought into the U.S. from countries affected with the venereal disease, Contagious Equine Metritis. The final rule, titled Temporary Importation of Horses: Noncompetitive Entertainment Horses From Countries Affected with Contagious Equine Metritis, is effective July 7, 2008.

In keeping in the tradition of promoting the best in equestrian sport, the Capital Challenge Horse Show is pleased to announce the addition of an expanded $45,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper division.

A specialty Kentucky license plate may soon be available in celebration of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

In order for these plates to be produced, at least 900 applications and deposits must be submitted to the World Games 2010 Foundation. If 900 applications are not received by September 30, 2008, all applications and fees will be returned.

As the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games draw ever-closer, it is time to take a look at the excellent venues and facilities provided by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which will ensure that the jumping, dressage and eventing horses and riders compete in optimal conditions.

From the June 2008 issue of EQUESTRIAN magazine:
Do You Hear the Call?
Trail Riding Tempts Horse Lovers Across the Board and Joins Many in a Fun and Growing Equine Activity
By MK Viakley

In the distance is a lush green hillside. A hint of forest peeks around one of its curves. The shiny line reflecting the sun might be a creek with water rushing to free itself of snowmelt.

Maybe you’re gazing out an office window. You imagine the hillside
is calling to you. Heed the call. Go trail riding! Join a diverse community of people whose passion for the land nearly rivals their passion for their horses.

Colorado’s Kay Rowe has heeded that call for most of her 77 years. “I love the scenery, going along, everybody happy.”

Thrilling Hunter Derby and $25,000 Grand Prix Highlight Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classic

Week I of the Atlanta Summer Classic was highlighted by two spectacular weekend events: the $25,000 ASG Software/USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $25,000 Central Equine Grand Prix, held Friday and Saturday evening, respectively, at the Georgia International Horse Park’s Olympic Stadium.

Spectators holding Olympic Games tickets for the cross-country test of eventing competition on August 11, 2008 (Session EQ-04), can take part in a public course inspection on August 8, 2008, at the Beas River venue. You must register online to participate in this course inspection.

The $50,000 Wachovia Securities Grand Prix gave the 5,000 spectators at the Wachovia Showplace Spring Spectacular II a thrilling event. Eleven horses advanced to the jump-off, and it was 27-year-old Kate Reuter of Oconomowoc, WI, on her 12-year-old stallion On Line who were the fastest. New York City's Addison Phillips and Regina V finished second, while Charlie Jayne of Elgin, IL, on Cashmere was third.

Riding Ultimo Van Ter Moude Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, shaved the final turn to the Wachovia plank to stop the clock in 33.301 seconds to win the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix, presented by Wachovia, at the Beacon Hill Equestrian Grand Prix. Held at the Beacon Hill Show Stables in Colts Neck, NJ, the Budweiser Grand Prix drew 22 entries over a long course designed by Richard Jeffery.

Remember to take advantage of the USEF MemberPerks Program. USEF MemberPerks offers substantial cost savings on products and services from John Deere, Office Max, UPS and many more!

For more information, please call (877) 576-6872 or fax (859) 422-9407, or visit USEF.org's MemberPerks page.

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 2008 events began September 1, 2007.

Learn more about the program today.

East Coast Riders
(October 4-5, 2008, USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals,
Gladstone, NJ)

A few riders that have now qualifed on the East Coast:
— Laura King-Kapplan
— Robert Lee
— Carolyn Licthenburg
— Michelle Morris

West Coast Championship
(September 17-20, 2008 Los Angeles International, Burbank, CA)

A few riders that have now qualifed on the West Coast:
— Kendall Skreden
— Melena Smith
— Jessica Springsteen
— Katherine Stewart

To see the list of all qualified riders,
visit the 2007/2008 Ranking List online.

This Summer, Take a Break From Interest Payments!

Take a vacation from interest payments with the Visa® card that offers 0% APR for nine billing cycles*! With the United States Equestrian Federation Visa Platinum Card, every dollar you spend is interest free until next winter. Whether you use your United States Equestrian Federation Visa for everyday purchases or that major purchase you’ve been waiting to buy, now is the time to switch. Plus, you’ll benefit our organization and earn great rewards with every purchase!

0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for nine billing cycles*

The United States Equestrian Federation Visa® Platinum Card also provides great benefits, including:

No annual fee
Your choice of benefits and rewards
A percentage of every purchase goes directly to the United States Equestrian Federation

This Visa Platinum card issued by U.S. Bank is now the only card that supports the United States Equestrian Federation. Upon receiving your new card, the United States Equestrian Federation receives a payment from U.S. Bank and then we will continue to receive a percentage of each net purchase you make on your card. This helps us fund our international teams.

Click here to apply today or call (800) 853-5576, etc. 9244.

Hurry. Offer ends June 30, 2008.

*Click product name for terms and conditions: Platinum, Cash Rewards, Select Rewards. We may change APRs, fees, and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with other creditors or U.S. Bank National Association, N.D. and its affiliates according to the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law. The introductory rate does not apply to cash advances and is valid for the first nine billing cycles. The rate will end early and increase to the APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers or to a Delinquency Rate APR if your Account is delinquent, over the limit or closed. We apply your payments to balances with lower APRs first.

The creditor and issuer of the Visa Platinum card is the U.S. Bank National Association ND.

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.