Week in Review - U.S. Equestrian

Consistency is Key as Benjamin and Sir Neel Take Home Top Honors in the 2008 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final – East

Gold medals from this summer’s CN FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park Presented by Gotham North spelled good things for competitors in the 2008 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals. Talent Search Final-East winner Sophie Benjamin followed in her teammate Hannah Selleck’s footsteps by winning the East Coast version on Sir Neel (Selleck won the West Coast Final two weeks ago). Held on the hallowed grounds of the USET Foundation headquarters, the Talent Search is a proving ground for the country’s best up-and-coming riders. Olympians McLain Ward, Lauren Hough and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum are just a handful of previous winners who have gone on to win medals internationally.

Benjamin, an 18-year-old freshman at Princeton University and a California native, made her presence known on the East Coast by convincingly winning the Talent Search-East—besting 93 other riders.

Upcoming USEF National Championships

At the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, October 9-12, 2008

The second annual Lexington Combined Driving Classic, held October 2–5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, was a resounding success. Out of the initial pool of 70 competitors, 15 received blue ribbons in their divisions.

Competitors arrived from as close-in as Lexington, Paris and Cynthiana, KY; from as far away as Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Canada, Texas and Colorado; and from everywhere in between.

Over two full days, the drivers performed their dressage tests in front of three FEI-level judges: Diana Brownlie of Great Britain, Klaus Christ of Germany and Martha Nicoll of the U.S.

USEF/USEA Launches Frangible Technology Research Campaign in Conjunction with University of Kentucky

A group of cross-country course designers, including USEF President and licensed course designer David O’Connor, are taking another step in their continuing commitment to eventing safety. O’Connor and other course designers and builders will join with faculty and students at the University of Kentucky, forming a multidisciplinary team to develop and demonstrate additional frangible technology for cross-country fences.

Turn a Lead into $5,000 for You or Your Organization With the Sale of an Equine Motorcoach

Through December 2008, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is offering $5,000 to any individual or organization that can supply a lead that translates to the sale of a new Equine Motorcoach™.

Equine Motorcoach™ is the unique all-in-one motorized luxury RV and horse transport. Billed as "The New Breed Of Luxury," Equine Motorcoach™ is designated as the “Official Horse Transport Vehicle of the United States Equestrian Federation.” The horse transport area accommodates up to six horses comfortably, while providing an air ride to ensure that the horses are ready to compete as soon as they arrive at a horse show.

In an effort to better represent and serve the horse industry in Washington, DC, the American Horse Council (AHC) and the United States Equestrian Federation have organized a new grassroots effort entitled, “The Congressional Cavalry program.” United States Equestrian Federation members can participate and help to make a difference in federal legislation and regulations that affect the horse industry.

This is the annual stallion and breeding issue. This issue will be seen by over 93,000 horse owners, breeders and trainers.

Advertising in the December/January stallion and breeding issue of equestrian allows you to reach the entire competitive equine market—over 93,000 horse owners, trainers and breeders. There is no need to advertise in multiple publications. Book your ad in equestrian and get the best value for your advertising dollars.

The deadline to book space in the issue is October 24. Ad design is available for no additional charge. For more information, call Kim Russell at (859) 225-6938 or e-mail krussell@usef.org.

American Morgan Horse Association Unveils New Graphic Identity; New Brand Connects With Association's Commitment to Breed Recognition

The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) has unveiled its new graphic identity as the foundation for promoting the Morgan horse. The new logo and slogan reflect the essence of the Morgan and will help in the growth of this great breed.

Public Invited to "Olympic Journey," a Gala Event Celebrating the Road to Hong Kong Featuring Olympian Phillip Dutton

Four-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, Olympic Nutritionist Dr. Joe Pagan and United States Olympic Team Veterinarian Dr. Brendan Furlong will share their nutritional insights and equine competition experiences from Hong Kong at a feature presentation, “The Olympic Story,” at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation at 1040 Pottersville Road on Wednesday, October 22, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Now in its ninth year, the next AAEP Healthy Horses Workshop will be held on Saturday, December 6 in San Diego, CA, and will offer seminars addressing health topics that are important to the horse owner. In addition to world-renowned veterinary experts, the Olympic Silver medalist in individual eventing, Gina Miles, will be featured.

The 2008 All American Horse Classic, held in Indianapolis, IN, September 2-6, 2008, hosted the inaugural All American Three-Year-Old Cup, with the largest-paying performance class in history, an unprecedented $170,000 purse. Out of 26 competing three-year-olds, Elisabeth Goth Chelberg’s Pola Negri by her world's champion stallion Exalted Effect, was declared the winner of a record $52,500. Her name will be the first plate engraved on the Harlem Globetrotter Perpetual Trophy, presented by Kalarama Farm owner Joan Hamilton.

Two Notable Saddlebred Supporters, Betty E. Brockman and Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr., Mourned

Two American Saddlebred supporters recognizable to many in the Saddlebred community have died: Betty E. Brockman and Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr.

On Friday, September 26, 2008, Betty Elaine (Hilgendorf) Brockman, died peacefully at age 84. She was born February 19, 1924, in Beloit, WI, the daughter of the late Ada (Bussewitz) and Bernhard Hilgendorf.

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced the details for the 2009 Annual Meeting, which will take place January 14-18 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.

Registration for this year’s annual meeting is $55 per person. This includes all breakfast and lunch functions, as well as registration materials. The deadline to get the discounted registration rate of $55 is December 19. Should you want to register on site, registration will be $80. Please note: registration will close at the end of business on December 19 and reopen on site January 13 at 1:00 p.m.

Hagyard Challenge Series Concludes: Kent Farrington Wins $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus for Second Consecutive Year

It was another successful Hagyard Challenge Series at the Kentucky National Horse Show in Lexington. Kent Farrington and his mount Up Chiqui mastered the $50,000 Hagyard Equine Medical Institute CSI-W Lexington Grand Prix on Friday, September 26, 2008, and added another victory to their impressive list of wins. Taking home the blue ribbon skyrocketed Farrington to the top of the Hagyard Challenge Series standings, securing him the $50,000 Leading Rider Bonus for the second year in a row.

The 2008 Hagyard Challenge Series is a summer-long series of seven show jumping events at the Kentucky Horse Park. Featuring $215,000 in prize money, the series has attracted the very best grand prix horses and riders in the country. Going into the final event on Friday, a total of seven riders had a mathematical chance of winning the Hagyard Challenge Series' Leading Rider Bonus. These competitors included Margie Engle, Debbie Stephens, Danielle Torano, Christine McCrea, Kent Farrington, Michael Morrissey and Alison Robitaille.

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 Authorized User 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 fee 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.

Check Your Points Now in the
Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year Program

Do not wait until the end of the year! Your points are already online.

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

Calling the Horse Report Hotline at (859) 225-2040, 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 October 9, 2008)

Division	Horse	Owner
Half-Andalusian/Lusitano Youth	Marengo's Miss Matilda	Gareth Selwood
Arabian English Pleasure/Pleasure Driving Open	Era Madusa	Tracy Dowson
Pleasure Driving-Single Horse	Fandango Del Sol	Cara Rothrock
Friesian In-Hand	Galahad	Linda Nicosia
Hackney Pony Open	Heartland Moonglow	Kay Marschel
Half-/Anglo-Arabian English Pleasure/ Pleasure Driving- Open	WCF Mata Hari+//	T. Jean Mercer
Regular Working Hunter	Renaissance	South Point Farm
Low Junior Jumper	Jordy	Fox Meadow Farm
Morgan English Pleasure Open	AMHF Absolut Top Calibre	Patricia Casler
National Show Horse-English Pleasure	Major Good	Rosemarie Pelfrey
Roadster Horse Under Saddle	High Velocity	SGF Winning Ways Farm
American Saddlebred Three-Gaited Open	Sunshine Way	Toni Guarnera
Welsh Pleasure Driving	Stonecroft Spring Cloud	Deborah Brown-Moon
Western Trail Open	Roxy Music	Peggy Weems

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.

Take a holiday from interest payments!

Leave the interest payments behind this holiday season, with the United States Equestrian Federation Visa ® Platinum Card, now offering 0% APR for twelve billing cycles*! Wrap up great holiday memories with this unique card, knowing you’ll pay no interest until next winter. The United States Equestrian Federation Visa is perfect for holiday shopping, but you need to switch now to save. Plus, you’ll benefit our organization and earn great rewards with every purchase!

0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles*

The United States Equestrian Federation Visa ® Platinum Card alsoprovides 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, we 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 continue to fund important programs and activities.

Click here to apply today or call 1-800-853-5576, x9244.

Hurry, offer ends December 31, 2008.

*Click product name for terms and conditions: Signature, Platinum, Cash Rewards, Select Rewards. The 0% introductory APR does not apply to Cash Advances or the College Rewards Visa Card and is valid for the first twelve billing cycles on Purchases and Balance Transfers. Thereafter, the APR may vary, and as of 9/30/08, the undiscounted variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers is 9.24%-20.24% (depending on your credit history).The variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers or any Delinquency Rate then in effect will apply to any outstanding balances after the promotional period ends. For updated rate information, call 1-866-322-7989.The variable APR for Cash Advances is 21.24%-26.24%. We apply your payments to balances with lower APRs first. There is a variable Delinquency Rate APR of 29.24% if your payment is late or you are over the limit. Cash Advance Fee: 4%, $10 minimum. Convenience Check Advance Fee: 3%, $5 minimum. Overdraft Protection: Advances posting as Overdraft Protection are subject to a fee of $10 per occurrence. Cash Equivalent Fee: 4%, $20 minimum. No Balance Transfer Fees for balances transferred with this application. Thereafter 3%, $5 minimum. There is a $2 minimum finance charge where interest is due and a $2.50 Closed Account Management Fee if you voluntarily close your account with a balance. Foreign Transaction Fee: less than or equal to 3% of the amount of your transaction in U.S. dollars. The Late Payment Fee is $19 for balances less than $100, $29 for balances of $100–$250, and $39 for balances of $250 and higher.

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.

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