British Eventing’s proposal for the world’s most famous Horse Trials, Badminton and Burghley, to adopt the modified cross-country format in 2006 has been agreed upon by both events after over a year of consultation and worldwide trials. British Eventing's chairman Michael Tucker said, "Last year we wanted to take time to evaluate the implications of the international changes of removing the Roads & Tracks and Steeplechase phases, and after much debate, the new format has emerged as the...

The National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd., announced today that the 2005 edition of the Metropolitan National Horse Show has been cancelled. The association also announced that the ASPCA Maclay National Horsemanship Finals will be held at the Farm Show Arena Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Those finals will not be held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, but instead will be held on the most suitable date that offers the least conflicts for exhibitors and for trainers....

The Kentucky Horse Park has announced its Youth Riding Program schedule for 2005. The program will introduce kids and teens, ages 10-18, to a sport that could bring a lifetime of enjoyment. Participants in the Youth Riding Program will learn to catch, lead, groom and tack horses. They will also learn the basics of stall management and balanced seat riding. The four sessions this summer will take place May 31-June 3 ($120), June 6-10 ($150), June 13-17 ($150) and June 20-24 ($150), from 9 a.m....

Lexington, KY – On March 15, the Executive Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) approved an extraordinary rule change to rule DC147.2, for Combined Driving Events. Effective April 1, 2005, all drivers competing in obstacles on the marathon must wear protective ASTM/SEI certified headgear. The rule has been amended as follows: DC147. Add new and renumber. Effective 4/1/05 2. Dress. At USEF sanctioned National Events b. It is compulsory for all drivers competing in...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to name one of the world’s foremost equine nutrition specialists as the Federation’s Official Equine Nutritionist. Kentucky Equine Research (KER), based in Versailles, Kentucky, boasts more than 15 years of innovative research in the field and now brings its vast reservoir of information to the Federation and its members. In fulfilling this role, KER will provide nutrition seminars for High Performance...

Tish Quirk ((l-r, top to bottom) Nicole Simpson, Joie Gatlin, Richard Spooner and Gabriella Salick.) Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to present the four West Coast show jumpers who will represent the nation during the 2005 FEI World Cup Show Jumping Final in Las Vegas, April 20-24. They are: Nicole Simpson of Thousand Oaks, California, Joie Gatlin of San Juan Capistrano, California, Richard Spooner of Burbank, California, and Gabriella Salick of...

Wellington, FL – In a night that would prove golden for our Irish friends, a young team led by famed Chef d’Equipe Eddie Macken set the standard for the Samsung Nation’s Cup at CSIO Wellington March 11, shutting out even the closest contenders by a roomy eight points. Riders Darragh Karrins, Jennifer Crooks, Conor Swail and Kevin Babington earned the Gold medal with a team total of 12 faults, split between two rounds. Babington and It’s Morado were in fact the only horse and rider pair able to...

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are once again available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These grants are available to livestock facilities, including horse farms, ranches and other equine operations. CIG is a voluntary program intended to stimulate innovative conservation projects in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG enables NRCS to work with public and private entities to promote the use of...

Important Notice for Dressage Exhibitors & Officials The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has issued updated Freestyle Tests for the following levels: Grand Prix Freestyle Intermediare I Freestyle Young Rider Freestyle Junior Freestyle Please note these tests have been updated in format only (e.g. new logo, additional comments and clarifications). Actual required test movements have NOT changed. These new test versions must be used by all CDI’s as of May 2, 2005. USEF-recognized...

While most of us only dream of running a four-star course, the next best thing is experiencing it through the eyes and insights of Olympian equestrians! Attendees of the 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI**** can do just that at the SmartPak Equine-sponsored course walk with Kim Severson and Amy Tryon. Severson and Tryon will offer their tips and tactics for riding the toughest cross country course in the U.S. Everyone is welcome to attend this incredible opportunity; just sign up at the SmartPak booth in...

Laura Kraut and Miss Independent (Randi Muster/PMG) Lexington, KY – The field narrows yet again, as Laura Kraut edges her way to the top of the standings in the East Coast League. Adding more fuel to an already fiery 2005 season, Kraut, a native of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, jumped her way to a first place finish at the $75,000 Cosequin Florida Open in Wellington, March 6. The double clear round atop Miss Independent put Kraut two points ahead of McLain Ward in the standings, previously the...

Despite a previous week of sunshine when the field of 30 competitors began the Gulf Coast Mid Winter $10,000 Open Welcome, Mother Nature decided to add another challenge to Anthony D’Ambrosio’s course. A deluge of rain began as the first horse passed judges Fred Brown and Mike Christian. David Q Wright’s Step Right Up did just that. After a clear first round the 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding from Murfreesboro, TN, gave a repeat performance in a jump-off field of eight with a speedy 34.494...