Jessica Springsteen, winner of the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Final.
Photo by Al Cook

Springsteen Rocks the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Final at the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show

Seventeen-year-old Jessica Springsteen was the biggest star at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show as her famous parents cheered her on. She bested 237 riders over two rounds of competition, and a four-rider work-off to win the nation's top equitation prize, the Pessoa/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Final.

Course designer Steve Stephens, in conjunction with judges Ellen Raidt and Leo Conroy, were very specific about the distances they required between related fences, mandating that the riders perform with precision.

Riders were instructed to proceed directly to fence 1, giving their horses no time to acclimate to the ring. A bending line to fence 2, followed by a tight turn to fence three, set on the center line, and another change of direction to fences 4 ABC, an oxer, vertical, oxer combination tested control of the horse. Fence 5 was set on an angle at the far end of the ring to fence 6, which was set on the rail. After fence 6, there were three options for the turn to fence 7, a short approach that was very tight, a medium approach inside another fence or a long approach. Fence 7 was a natural log pile with no wings. Fence 8, a skinny fence also with no wings, was set off the rail and was another on an angle followed by a bending line to fence 9. Fences 10 AB were set on a curve, two strides apart, around to fences 11 and 12 where the riders had to demonstrate five strides.

More USEF National Championship News

Reed Kessler, Zone 10 Team Triumphant at the 2009 USEF National Junior Jumper Championships

Virginia’s Deep Run Horse Show Receives USEF Heritage Competition Status

The Deep Run Horse Show, a historic Virginia equestrian event, is the third American horse show to be honored with the United States Equestrian Federation’s designation as a USEF Heritage Competition. Deep Run has now received the highest honor that can be given to a Federation horse show.

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.

Congratulations to 2009's First Morgan World Champions

The Morgan breed's largest horse show has begun. The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is held in Oklahoma City, OK, and already some athletes have taken world championships in their respective divisions.

More Morgan News

Reduced Registry Fees for Morgans Ends October 31

UK HealthCare, a partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, unveiled "Saddle Up Safely," its new campaign to improve safe riding and reduce the number of riding-related injuries. Click on the video image to play.

“Saddle Up Safely” Initiative Kicks-Off at the Kentucky Horse Park

"Safety" is one of the most important words in the equestrian vocabulary. And to that point, the combined efforts of University of Kentucky HealthCare, the university’s College of Agriculture, Kentucky Horse Park organizations and other businesses have kicked off an education awareness campaign entitled "Saddle Up Safely." The announcement was made at the Kentucky Horse Park, and dignitaries and equestrians were on hand to take part and promote the importance of safe riding practices.

“Saddle Up Safely" is a five-year strategy to raise awareness of rider safety while reducing injuries, as well. Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear, herself an event rider, was in attendance at the press conference.

The presentation stressed the fact that there is no such thing as being too safe when riding. Both human and equine athlete is at risk for injury should the proper safety precautions and ideals be followed.

1996 Endurance World Champion Danielle McGunigal of the United States, aboard Gold Raven, captured the 100-mile Kentucky Cup Endurance event, which was shortened to 75 miles due to weather conditions.
Photo by Gilly Wheeler

Triple-Medal Win for U.S. Riders at the 2009 Kentucky Cup Endurance Race

After a day that tested the will and stamina of some of the world’s best endurance athletes, it proved to be a clean sweep of the medals podium in both the two-star and three-star endurance competitions in the 2009 Kentucky Cup Endurance race. The event, held at the Kentucky Horse Park and neighboring farms, served as the test events for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In the 100-mile ride (that was shortened to 75 miles due to inclement weather and deteriorating conditions), it was an all-American medals haul. The riders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were dominant in the original 75-mile effort, taking the Gold, Silver and Bronze home.

Former World Champion and longtime endurance athlete Danielle McGunigal, 38, led the pack aboard Gold Raven in a final ride time of 06:30:41 to handily claim the Gold. Some 20 minutes behind her in final ride time was Iowa’s Ellyn Rapp, 27, and Berjo Smoky to pick up the Silver medal. And the competitions’ senior rider, 69-year-old Jan Worthington and her Golden Lightning, crossed the finish line nine minutes later to win the Bronze medal. In addition, her mount won the coveted Best Condition Award.

McGunigal’s mount, an eight-year-old grey Arabian mare, was tough and defiant against the very challenging atmosphere presented to her. The rider was quick to comment on just how strong and promising the horse is and how equally strong is the mare’s will.

“Raven is unique, and I’ve competed two of her sisters. They are very tough and really put their teeth into the work they are doing and get it done," she said. "Sometimes she can be such a bully. She will push you around the [vet] check, and she knows what she wants and can be difficult. But, at the same time, that is what is great about her is that she is difficult."

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 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 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 at www.clubequestrian.com/tools/rideshare.

Mythilus and Courtney King-Dye
Photo by Amy McCool/USEF Archives

In Memoriam: Mythilus (1994-2009)

It is with great sadness that the United States Equestrian Federation reports that former Olympic mount and dressage horse Mythilus was humanely euthanized Friday, October 9, as a result of complications discovered during a colic surgery.

The 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding was the former partner of Olympian Courtney King-Dye. In June 2008, King-Dye finished in third place at 2008 Olympic Dressage Trials with Mythilus, securing the pair’s trip to compete in Hong Kong.

“He began to colic yesterday afternoon, and he was taken to Fairfield Equine,” said King-Dye. “It was clear that surgery was inevitable. Dr. Rick Mitchell and his staff did everything they could. I feel blessed to have had Myth in my life. We went through many struggles and heartbreaks as well as many pinnacles and joyous times.”

“I consider this a personal loss, when you travel with a horse and become personally acquainted with them you get attached. This is a huge loss not to have him available for the U.S. dressage team,” said Dr. Rick Mitchell.

More Dressage News

Record Numbers Vie for USEF National Eventing Championships at the 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International

The 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International Horse Trails was inundated with a record number of entries, as 141 horses will go forward to the dressage after a chilly Wednesday afternoon horse inspection. Of those, 113 will be vying for the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) National CCI** and National CCI*** Eventing Championship titles.

The only fall CCI*** held in the United States, the Dansko Fair Hill International Horse Trials brings the best to Elkton, MD, every October. The field has a wide range of horses and riders, from the ultimate in experience: Bruce Davidson, who at 59, has won just about every title in the world (at least once) to 18-year-old Allie Blyskal contesting her first CCI**.

More Eventing News

Eight-year-old Daisy Parish aboard Ballou are one of this year's champions at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.
Photo Courtesy Classic Communications

Pennsylvania National Horse Show Crowns Ward, Garofalo Torres, Kenny, and Pony Hunters and Junior Hunter Champions in First Few Days

McLain Ward showed the crowd that he deserves his many accolades, as he piloted Miss Liberty 7 to a perfectly planned and executed round to win the $10,000 Gem Twist Sprint Gambler's Choice at the 64th Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

The Gambler's Choice competition is very different from the standard style of classes offered at horse shows. In the Gambler's Choice, the course designer places fences around the arena and they are given numerical values depending upon their level of difficulty. The riders plan their own track, trying to amass the most points in 50 seconds, while only jumping each fence twice. Once they have completed their course, they are given the opportunity to jump the Joker fence, the highest fence in the ring, which will give them an additional 200 points if cleared and if knocked down will cost them 200 points.

Miss Liberty 7, a 14-year-old Warmblood owned by Overlook Farm, jumped flawlessly, and the track that Ward had planned took advantage of the mare's speed and agility. They were even faster than Ward had planned, stopping before the final timers and waiting for the buzzer to ring, signifying the end of their allotted 50 seconds. Their final score after jumping the joker without difficulty was 1,090 points.

More Hunter/Jumper News

2009 Paso Fino Horse Association Awards Announced

The Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) announced their 2009 award winners through their e-newsletter. The following list includes those outstanding participants in the Paso Fino horse world who shined in 2009.

Developing Future United States Equestrian Team Members at the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session

The EQUUS Foundation and the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament have joined forces to promote the importance of excellent horsemanship at the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session, which will be held January 5-9, 2010, in Wellington, FL. The mounted sessions will be held in the grand prix ring on the South Grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

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Saddlebred.com to Begin Live Video Webcast of TSE/Tattersalls Fall Sale on Thursday, October 29

The TSE/Tattersalls Fall Sale will be broadcast over the Internet starting Thursday, October 29, through Saturday, October 31, on the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) website at www.saddlebred.com.

Horse Council Conference to Provide Information and Recognize Outstanding Achievements

Horse owners in Kentucky may attend informational sessions at no charge on November 14, 2009, as part of the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) Annual Conference.

The conference features presentations and panels on topics appropriate for pleasure and show horse owners, association leaders, farm and business owners and horse-interested youth. Held in conjunction with "Your Future with Horses," an equine education fair, the conference has something for everyone.

Two Rentals = Free Day

Now through January 31, 2010, every Hertz rental of a mid-size or larger vehicle for two days or more earns you a bonus of 300 Hertz #1 Awards® Points. So after every two qualifying rentals, you’ll receive 600 points − enough to redeem for a Free Rental Day. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend in addition to this bonus. And, if you’re a Hertz #1 Club Gold® Five Star® or Hertz #1 Club Gold® President’s Circle® member, you earn additional point bonuses on top of this special offer.

Awards Points are flexible.
There’s no limit to the number of times you can rent or points you can earn, and you can use them whenever you want! Save your points to redeem for longer rentals and larger cars.

Earning Free Rental Days is as easy as 1-2-3-4.
1. Make your reservation at hertz.com, with your travel agent or Hertz at 1-800-654-2210.
2. Provide your USEF CDP# 15757.
3. Provide PC# 136205 and request #1 Awards Points if it’s not already in your Profile.
4. Earn 300 bonus #1 Awards Points per qualifying rental! Rent two times and you’ve got enough for a Free Day.

You will need USEF Hertz number CDP# 15757.

Advance reservations are required. PC# and request for #1 Awards must be provided at time of reservation. 300 bonus #1 Awards Points will be provided to member’s account after each qualifying rental. After two qualifying rentals members will have earned enough points to redeem for a Free Non-Peak Rental Day. This offer has no cash value and cannot be used with Pre-Pay Rates, Tour Rates or any other promotion other than your CDP#. Standard rental qualifications and return restrictions apply. The minimum age for this offer is 21 and age differential charges may apply. Valid for qualifying rental pickups on or after September 1, 2009, and no later than January 31, 2010. Rentals require a two-day minimum keep on any vehicle mid-size or larger. Offer valid at participating locations within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and USVI. Free days may be redeemed anytime after close of the second qualifying rental and after September 14, 2009. #1 Awards Points are valid up to two years from the end of the calendar year in which they were earned. All #1 Awards program rules apply.

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.

Renew for 2010

The new USEF Competition year begins December 1, 2009. Renew your membership now. It is so easy when you log into your MY USEF Account and click on "2010 USEF Membership Application" under 2010 Competition Year. For your convenience and the best membership deal, you can opt for a three-year membership for $150.

The annual USEF Competing Equestrian membership costs only $55. As a competing member, you are eligible to participate at all USEF Licensed Competitions, receive "equestrian" magazine at no additional charge, a million-dollar personal excess liability policy for horse-related accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties, and the added benefits of USEF MemberPerks—a members-only discount program with unbeatable deals from companies like John Deere, Hertz, Sherwin Williams, USRider, FarmVet, LifeLock, Moxie and others.

Not participating in USEF Licensed Competitions but still want to be a member? There are member categories for you. With the USEF Equestrian membership, at $35, you receive automatic insurance along with the MemberPerks. If you are a college student who is busy studying and not competing, you can join as a USEF Collegiate member for $25. This is another non-competing membership that will give you the benefits of MemberPerks plus four issues of "equestrian" magazine to keep you well informed of equestrian sports. And Club Equestrian, which is only $15, gives you access to the MemberPerks program.

USEF is pleased to announce that we can offer you the ability to pay for your membership renewal with a credit or debit card or by utilizing our newest electronic check payment method. We accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard and electronic check.

If you have questions, call the USEF Customer Care Center and a personal agent will assist you. You may call 859.258.2472. Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm [ET]

Attention all USEF Members: 2009 Renewal Information

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 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)

Click Here for your Coupon!

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)