The International Olympic Committee and the FEI Bureau have approved the proposal of the FEI Eventing Committee and Safety Sub-Committee regarding a change of rule for eventing to apply for all events as of August 1, 2008, including the Olympic Games. The new rule states that horses and riders will be eliminated after one fall at fence at cross-country and in the jumping test. According to the rules currently in place, horses are eliminated after a first fall and riders after a second fall. The...

With its first year anniversary approaching this month, Kentucky Large Animal Emergency Response Team (KLAER), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has received a grant for $10,000 from the Kentucky Horse Council to pursue its goal in providing emergency response to horses and other large animals involved in situations causing pain, serious injury or even death. Typical incidents include trailer accidents on the highway; falling into sink holes and wells, getting stuck in the mud or water,...

Morton, IL- In a gesture of goodwill, the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) is sending a gift of two American Shetland Ponies to the Hong Kong Equestrian Federation to salute their efforts for hosting the 2008 equestrian events of the Olympics. The two Shetland riding ponies are currently in quarantine in Lexington, KY, awaiting their flight to Hong Kong scheduled for June 6. The two show ponies will fly from Chicago to Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF) will host a special...

The 2008 Final of the HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing will take place in Deauville, France, September 18-21, introducing FEI’s global partner for eventing, HSBC, as the series’ new title sponsor. The HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing Final will be the main attraction of the prestigious R.I.D.E. (Les Rencontres Internationales des Disciplines Equestres) event organized by A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organisation), renowned for managing major large-scale sporting events. The 40 best riders from the 17...

The Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) has been completed and handed over to the Equestrian Company. Officiating at the handover ceremony on May 26, Chief Secretary Henry Tang said a host of factors have been taken into consideration when designing the venue, including horse training, transport, laboratory tests and waste recycling. The facilities can also cope with adverse weather conditions. International equestrian experts have hailed the venue's design and facilities, he noted....

The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc., is please to announce the formation of the Eventing High-Performance Owners Task Force. The task force will serve in an advisory role to the Eventing High-Performance Committee with the primary goal of winning medals in championship competitions. Owners of horses who have represented the U.S. in Olympic Games, Pan American Games, or CCI*** and CCI**** competitions in the last quadrennium (2004-2007) were invited to participate on the Eventing...

Susan Dutta enjoyed a successful weekend at the Gold Coast May Dressage show. Dutta won the Prix St. Georges with an impressive score of 74.250% on Currency DC and placed second in the same class on Manette DC with a 68.500%. Michele Hundt, co-owner of the dressage boutique, Sho Clothes, was on hand to present Dutta with the custom-made engraved whip for the Prix St. Georges High Score Award. Sho Clothes has been a strong supporter of FEI Small Tour classes. The Sho Clothes Prix St. Georges...

Internationally renowned driving champion Chester Weber has been featured in a new television series, The Ocala Horse Show . Weber is based in Ocala, FL, during the winter season. The rest of the year he travels with his team internationally to compete in the world’s premiere driving competitions. Weber is well respected for his outstanding accomplishments in the driving community. He is also a well-rounded horseman and has served as an excellent ambassador to the sport. These characteristics...

The FEI Veterinary Department is pleased to announce that a course for Promotion to Event Veterinarians and Continuing Education will be organized during the European Championship for pony riders in Avenches, Switzerland, July 22-24, 2008. Avenches is a historic city located between Lausanne and Bern. The course will be held in collaboration with the organizing committee of the championship and will give the participants the opportunity to immerge themselves in the atmosphere of a wonderful...

The Kentucky Summer Horse Show, produced by Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, will be held at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park, July 30-August 3, and the Kentucky Summer Classic will follow during the week of August 6-10, 2008. These two weeks of exciting hunter/jumper competition will feature incredible horses and riders from across the nation. Featuring two grand prix competitions, one of which is American Grand Prix Association--sanctioned, the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows will welcome top show...