Boyd Martin and Neville Bardos celebrate their big win at the USEF National CCI*** Championship.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman

Martin Maintains Top Spot in Soggy CCI*** at 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International

Wind substituted for four days of relentless rain for the finale of the 2009 Dansko Fair Hill International, but Boyd Martin was not to be blown off the top of the leaderboard. In an impressive performance with Neville Bardos, Martin had one rail down, but landed his first USEF National CCI*** Championship on the strength of the only double-clear cross-country round on Saturday.

“I just wanted the horse to jump pretty well,” said Martin, who finished on a score of 55.0. “He was full of life in the warm-up and making a good shape in the air. I wasn’t that worried about having rails down. I just wanted him to jump well.”

The Australian expatriate began riding under the American flag just this year and is a welcome addition to the U.S. program. Martin (West Grove, PA) was the Leading Foreign Rider in 2008 riding Remington XXVI— who also placed fifth this year.

“This was, for me personally, as I’ve come second a number of times in three stars in Australia and America and for me it was a great thing to win,” said Martin. “I’ve won a one-star, a two-star and a four-star. It doesn’t mean much really, but to me it did.”

Neville Bardos, owned by Windurra, LLC, is a nine-year-old Australian Thoroughbred. He was bought initially by Martin to re-sell, but the chestnut gelding never ended up leaving the barn, so he made the move to the United States with Martin and his wife, Silva, instead. ‘Neville’ was ninth in his first CCI**** in 2008, had two minor injuries after that but returned with a vengeance for Martin, who picked up his first CCI victory in the U.S.

More USEF National Championship News

Four USEF National Eventing Champions Crowned at Hagyard MidSouth Three-Day and Team Challenge Horse Trials

Susan Knoblauch and Carneval won the opening class for the Amateur-Owner Jumpers.
Photo by Jennifer Wood/PMG

Markies and Smith, Grisset and Kinsey Take Top Honors in 2009 WIHS $10,000 Children's and Adult Jumper Championships

The 2009 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) continued on Wednesday with the best horses and riders in the country competing in jumper championships. There were three jumper classes in total, and the first class victory went to Spencer Smith and Markies in the $10,000 Children's Jumper Championship. Alissa Kinsey guided Grisset to first place in the $10,000 Adult Jumper Championship. Opening up the Amateur-Owner Jumper competition, Susan Knoblauch and Carneval won the $2,500 Time First Jump-Off class.

Wednesday was just the beginning of a week full of exciting jumper competition. The courses are designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. In the $10,000 Children's Jumper Championship, 13 horse-and-rider combinations were clear from the first round to advance to the jump-off. The early lead was held by Lauren Tyree on Eurocommerce Rome, who was clear in the jump-off in 28.123 seconds. The lead changed hands when Rachel Brodsky and Elliot 92 lowered the winning time to 27.671 seconds.

But it was eventually Spencer Smith and Markies, who went second to last in the jump-off, that would find the winning ride in 25.935 seconds. For their win, they were awarded the H. Fenwick Kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Friends of Fen.

Smith and Markies, a 24-year-old veteran show jumper, were quick in the jump-off and left out strides where possible. Twelve-year-old Smith of Wellington, FL, trains with his parents, Emily and Ken Smith. He has been riding Markies for two years and said that the seasoned horse has taught him everything he knows about the jumpers.

More Hunter/Jumper News

Collier and Boyer Aim to Top Galway Downs International Three-Day Event

Anna Collier and Julie Ann Boyer have each won international divisions at Galway Downs events in the last year, and on October 30-November 1, they’ll be facing off in the CCI** at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event.

Boyer, 50, will be riding her Thoroughbred mare, Rumor Hazit, with whom she was victorious in the CIC** at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials last March. Collier, 33, won the CCI** last October at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event on Uppercrust D. But Uppercrust D suffered an injury in the spring and won’t be competing this time. Instead, Collier will be riding a less experienced horse, named Udealer, as she tries to best the 25-horse field for the second consecutive year.

More Eventing News

USEF Announces Dressage Youth/Pony Pilot Program

The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (USEF) is pleased to announce the launch of the USEF Dressage Youth/Pony Pilot Program for Fall 2009.This program is designed to seek out, educate and assist the development of the young riders, and will be under the direction of Lendon Gray, appointed by the USEF Dressage High Performance Committee.

“I am thrilled that USEF is going to help to develop the best equitation and riding skills in our younger riders,” Gray said. “It is so much easier to develop correct riding from the early ages than to try to change bad habits later.”

Certified Horsemanship Association Waiving Fees for Certification Clinic at the Kentucky Horse Park in Support of the University of Kentucky Saddle Up Safely Campaign

Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), in support of the University of Kentucky Saddle Up Safely campaign, is waiving its fees for the CHA Instructor Certification Clinic at the Kentucky Horse Park, scheduled for November 19-23, 2009, resulting in a significant reduction in the overall price.

The UK HealthCare initiative to promote rider safety was launched in October, and is a five-year program to reduce the number of rider injuries. CHA Riding Instructor Certification is a five-day process in which candidates are evaluated on their skills in safety, horsemanship, teaching, group control, and professionalism. The safety category is the most critical, requiring achievement of a maximum score in order to gain CHA certification. There are four levels of certification in both English and Western available at this clinic, and the clinic price includes copies of CHA Composite Horsemanship Manual, CHA Instructor and Trail Guide Manual and CHA Standards for Group Riding Programs.

American Shetland Pony and Miniature Horse Registry National Convention to be Hosted in Orlando, FL, November 5-7

Members of the American Shetland Pony Club, the American Miniature Horse Registry and the American Show Pony Registry (ASPC/AMHR/ASPR) will reap the rewards for a successful year and plan for 2010 at the small equine organization’s upcoming annual convention. Supporters of the versatile and popular small equine breeds will meet in Orlando, FL, November 5-7.

The ASPC/AMHR/ASPR are non-profit organizations established to preserve and refine the bloodlines of small equines and promote the enjoyment of small equines. “Despite a shaky economy, small equines have continued to grow in numbers throughout the country. Due to their small size and affordable price, both children and adults own and show these remarkable breeds,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the ASPC/AMHR. “Our annual convention helps us stay focused and continue to grow and promote the greatest little equines in America.”

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.

Voting Has Begun

American Morgan Horse Association/Team Morgan Essay Contest Winner Revealed

Congratulations to 12-year-old Katerina Barrett of Middletown, MD, who was announced October 17 as the 2009 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA)/Team Morgan "Win a Morgan Horse" Contest winner. Barrett will soon meet her new Morgan horse, CBMF Phoenix (DBA Street Talk x Treble's Wild Memories), graciously donated by Ann Hailey of Copper Beech Morgan Horse Farm in New Albany, OH.

AAEP Foundation Identifies Equine Research Needs

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) Foundation has announced the release of its new study assessing the opinions of AAEP members regarding priorities in equine health-care research. The second study of its kind, the 2009 AAEP Membership Equine Research Study was conducted to assist the equine industry in directing its financial support of equine research projects.

Study results indicate that the equine body systems of highest research priority are musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine and nervous system, ranked respectively. Respondents also ranked laminitis, colic, arthritis, tendon injuries and navicular disease as the five priorities in the category of equine disease or condition. Regarding new technologies that require more funding, horse-side laboratory tests, regenerative medicine and imaging are considered the most important.

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

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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)