World's Championship Horse Show:
Five-Gaited Grand Champion. Click on the video image to play.

American Saddlebred's Biggest Stage Crowns New and Repeat World's Grand Champions

The 2009 World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair, was held at Louisville's Freedom Hall from Sunday, August 23, through Saturday, August 29.

There was plenty of excitement at WCHS this year as new World's Grand Champions were crowned in the Five-Gaited and Fine Harness World's Grand Championships, while the 2008 Three-Gaited World's Grand Champion repeated as such in 2009. Among a formidable field of competitors, as in each class, Courageous Lord emerged victorious in the Five-Gaited World's Grand Championship. He is owned by Marsha Shepard and Bill Carrington of Shelbyville, TN, and ridden and trained by Merrill Murray.

Videos from the World's Championship Horse Show

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More Saddlebred News

McLain Ward and Sapphire win big again at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix.
Photo by John Kassel

Hampton Classic Designated USEF Heritage Competition

The Hampton Classic, running for its 34th year, August 23-30, 2009, became the second U.S. horse show designated by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as a USEF Heritage Competition.

The designation of a USEF Heritage Competition is reserved for those competitions that have been in existence for a quarter century or more, promoted and grown equestrian sport, and made a contribution to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.

The Hampton Classic has been a fixture on the Long Island community calendar for more than three decades and is renowned for both the highest level of competition (featuring the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier) and a huge commitment to the local community (Local Day kicked off the festivities on Sunday, August 23). The Hampton Classic also hosts the Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities.

Hampton Classic Wrap-Up

McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, made history at the Hampton Classic Horse Show by winning the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier for a record fourth time on his two-time Olympic Team Gold-medal horse, Sapphire, owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock. Previously, Ward was tied with Margie Engle and Rodney Jenkins with three victories each.

More Hunter/Jumper News

Outstanding, owned by Krishna Buyalos and handled by John Ducharme, captured the 2009 Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF National Hunter Breeding Championship-West Coast Phase.
Photo by Maria Morgan

Outstanding Delivers at 2009 Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF National Hunter Breeding Championship-West Coast Phase

Outstanding lived up to every letter in her name and demonstrated the presence and conformation for handler John Ducharme to be named best two-year-old filly and Overall Champion at the 2009 Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF National Hunter Breeding Championship West Coast Phase. The West Coast class was held at Showpark All Seasons Summer Tournament in Del Mar, CA, on August 29 and judged by Carleton Brooks and Richard Taylor.

The bay filly (Popeye K x Delilah) beat a tough field of young hunter prospects and took home top honors for owner Krishna Buyalos and Santa Barbara, CA breeder Leslie Nelson.

Reserve champion honors overall for the West Coast Phase went to Pop’s Panda from the two-year-old colt/gelding class. Handled by John French (hot off his win at the 2009 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals the previous week), the two-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Paparazzo x Wyvern) impressed the judges for owner and breeder Lisa Stroway.

USEF Launches New Car-Buying Program for Members: Buy the Vehicle of Your Choice and Save Thousands of Dollars this Labor Day

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is working to make it easier for members to get great low prices on vehicles of their choice. The government’s Cash for Clunkers program is over, but USEF members can still save thousands on a new car purchase.

The USEF has launched a new Online Car-Buying Service that allows members to shop for cars online, get great up-front prices and save time and money. USEF officials say this program saves members an average of over $5,000 off MSRP, including incentives*.

USEF Youth Sportsman's Award Nominations Due October 1, 2009

Applications are being accepted for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®.

Focused on developing leaders in equestrian sport, this award recognizes youth who are members of both USEF and a USEF-Recognized National Affiliate for their participation in the community and equine industry.

2009 American Endurance Ride Conference Championships Set for September 11 and 13

Each year endurance riders from around the U.S. and Canada gather to compete for the American Endurance Ride Conference’s (AERC) top honors in the national championship rides.

This year, tiny Greenville, CA, (population 1,150) will be the launching point for the 100-mile ride on September 11 and 50-mile ride on September 13. Midway between Redding and Reno, the Northern California location has all that riders ask of a trail: elevation changes, gorgeous views, shallow creek crossings, and wildlife sightings.

(l-r) Crimson Illusion+, FF Irish Vodka+++//, Beythoven, MP Murrays Law+, and Thor+/ all won awards from the North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association at Arabian Youth Nationals.
Photo Courtesy NAAAHA

Anglo-Arabian Awards at 2009 Arabian Youth Nationals

The North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association (www.NAAAHA.com) sponsored their third High Point Championship Awards at the Youth National Championship Show.

FF Irish Vodka+++// (Pri Ibn Masriyyah x Jennifers Winner) was Supreme Champion Anglo-Arabian. This Anglo gelding won a reserve championship in Training Level Dressage 14-17 and Hunter Hack. In addition, he won a Top Ten in First Level Dressage, Hunt Seat Equitation Under Saddle 14-17 and Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences with owner/rider Collier McLeod.

Thor+/ (Sabers Clasy Star x Blind Eagle) owned by Patricia and Dwight Fichtner and ridden by Emily Phillips, was Reserve Supreme Champion Anglo. Thor+/ was national champion in Hunter Hack, Reserve National Champion in Working Hunter and Top Ten in Hunt Seat Equitation Under Saddle 13 & Under.

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Dansko Fair Hill International Festival In The Country Returns October 15-18

The popular Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country returns October 15-18, 2009, to the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in the heart of beautiful Cecil County, MD. This year’s Festival features world-class equestrian competition in the Olympic discipline of three-day eventing, as well as a wide array of family attractions.

More Eventing News

Rocking Horse Fall Horse Trials to Offer Training Three-Day Event

International Equestrian Federation Reaches Out to Youth Around the World

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is proud to launch its first ever Year of Youth—a yearlong celebration of youth equestrianism—which will run from August 2009 to August 2010 when the Youth Olympic Games will take place in Singapore. For the first time, young people will come together, overcoming geographical barriers by using a unique online platform delivered by the FEI.

Team CHA—Youth Program for Future Riding Instructors and Barn Managers

The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) has a TEAM CHA youth Horse Connection Reward Program for kids 15 years and younger. The participants keep track of their hours working with horses, whether they have them or not. They can count activities, such as taking riding lessons, watching non-fiction videos and reading non-fiction books about horses, grooming, cleaning stalls, cleaning tack, feeding and so on.

The EQUUS Foundation Announces 2009 Grant Awards

The Board of Directors of The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., is pleased to announce the award of its 2009 grants to 49 charitable organizations that use the horse to benefit the public; promote the horse's health and welfare; and elevate equestrian sport.

Kentucky Horse Council Provides Trail Etiquette Training in Central Kentucky

Keeping Kentucky's trails clean, friendly, and open for all riders, hikers, and bikers is the responsibility of all users. An educational seminar on trail etiquette for the horseback rider will be offered by the Kentucky Horse Council, September 19, 2009, at Brumfield Hay & Grain in Lexington, KY.

The presentation includes safety tips for managing group rides, riding with horses of various gaits, ages, and abilities, and supporting the needs of the novice rider. Presented by Essie Rogers, Director of Education, the training has information appropriate for all ages, levels and abilities.

2009 Paso Fino Horse Association's Grand National Championship Show Events Announced

The upcoming 2009 Paso Fino Grand National Championship Show will be held September 20-27, in Perry, GA. There are several new activities planned during this show.

The first item is the Davis Love III Event. Davis Love III is a lifetime member of the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) and a professional golfer. On Sunday, September 20, 2009, at 7 p.m. in the Beef and Dairy Arena he will be availabe for a Question and Answer Session.

Now is your chance to submit your best "Competition Photos" in the September Photo
Contest on ClubEquestrian.com. Submit photos you have taken by September 20.
Voting runs September 22-30.

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 equestrian event calendars online.

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.

Check Your Points in the Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year Program to see how your horse is doing in 2009.

Please check your points and standings in your respective division(s) by:

Calling the Horse Report Hotline at (859) 258-2472, or
Ordering a copy of your horse’s point report via e-mail or mail (faxed copies will incur an additional charge), or
Checking your standings online.

Current Standings of a Few National Champion Divisions (as of August 13, 2009):

Division	Horse	Owner
Andalusian/Lusitano Saddle Horse	Kripton-Seni 1	Nancy Latta
Arabian Hunter Pleasure Amateur	C.A. Napostar	Shelley Sutter
Combined Driving Four-In-Hand Horses	Boy W, Para, Reno, Senate	Chester Weber
Friesian Hunter	Beake Fan Boppe de Slus	Deni Bator
Roadster Pony Junior Exhibitor	Albert Kapone	Kevin Berman
Half-/Anglo-Arabian Western Pleasure Open	Ima Rock Star	Gregory O'Shanick
Amateur Owner Hunter 3'3"	Orka	Laurie Stevens
Five-Year-Old Young Jumpers	Zealous	Mary Chapot
Morgan Hunter Pleasure Open	Freddie Mercury	Marissa Becker
National Show Horse Hunter Pleasure	Double Down	Erica Krasity
American Saddlebred Five-Gaited Amateur	Callaway's Ariel	Sondra Kipper
Welsh Pleasure Section C/D	Crossroads Chocolate Chip	John Almond
Western Pleasure Junior Exhibitor	DarkCountryZippo	Allison Nelson

Joining the program is as easy as filling out an application, which may be found on the USEF website here, or may be obtained at any recognized horse show, or by contacting the USEF office at (859) 258-2472. In addition, you can record your horse online through your
My USEF Account.

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 2009 events began September 1, 2008.

Learn more about the program today.

To see the list of all qualified riders,
visit the 2008/2009 Ranking List online.

East Coast Riders
October 3-4, 2009, Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East, Gladstone, NJ

A few riders that have now qualifed on the East Coast:
— Elizabeth Kenny
— Christina Lin
— Kelly Lively
— Amelia McArdle
— Seraphin Millon

West Coast Championship
September 16-20, 2009, Los Angeles International Jumping Festival, Burbank, CA

A few riders that have now qualifed on the West Coast:
— Devon Poeta
— Erica Polle
— Lindsay Portela
— Lauren Powers
— Schaefer Raposa
— Chelsea Renier
— Cayla Richards

Attention all USEF Members

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.

Please Read—Important Information about Your Membership Card

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 United States Equestrian Federation®, Inc. (USEF), as the National Equestrian Federation of the U.S., is the regulatory body for the Olympic and World Championship sports of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, reining, show jumping, and vaulting, as well as 20 other breeds and disciplines of equestrian competition. As the country's largest multi-breed organization, the Federation has over 90,000 members and recognizes more than 2,800 competitions nationwide each year. It governs all aspects of competition, including educating and licensing all judges, stewards and technical delegates who officiate at these shows.

VISION STATEMENT

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.

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Buy at least six tubes of ZIMECTERIN® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel) between July 1 and December 31, 2009, and receive a $0.50 rebate on each. Each additional tube after six brings you another $0.50 rebate. Receive a free ZIMECTERIN Gold visor when this coupon is redeemed. (while supplies last)

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Buy at least six tubes of ZIMECTERIN® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel) between July 1 and December 31, 2009, and receive a $0.50 rebate on each. Each additional tube after six brings you another $0.50 rebate.

Receive a free ZIMECTERIN Gold visor when this coupon is redeemed. (while supplies last)