The Dressage Committee proposed a change to the “R” and “S” Dressage Judges Training Program requirements and the Licensed Officials Committee approved this change at the USEF Annual Meeting. The change made to each of these two programs was to allow an ‘r’ (recorded) judge to start the application process for the “R” program after holding the ‘r’ license for two years (24 months) instead of the three years (36 months) previously required. The same change was approved for the “S” program....

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Ad Hoc Committee on Selection has approved naming the horse/rider combinations of Authentic/Beezie Madden and Sapphire/McLain Ward to Beezie Madden and Authentic (Bob Langrish) the Show Jumping Short List for the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong August 8-24, 2008. Per the USEF Selection Procedure for the Show Jumping Team, the Selectors have the discretion to recommend up to four of the 10 horse/rider combinations to the Short List...

In the first 10 days since the launch of a new web-based volunteer registry system, nearly 4,000 new volunteers have already signed up online for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The World Games 2010 Foundation estimates that at least 6,000 volunteers will be needed to work before and during the Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October 10, 2010 in Lexington, KY. “The response we have received is heartwarming and overwhelming,” said Cathy Rutter,...

In recent years, the months of the show season have included news of disease outbreaks that can pose a threat to the health of performance horses. More and more, horse owners are searching for simple and effective techniques to help protect their horses from these threats year round. Knowledge and practice of basic biosecurity has become critical for horse health. Whether traveling, accepting new horses into a facility or performing day-to-day tasks around the farm, an eye to sanitation and...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association and American Saddlebred Registry, which will conduct their annual convention this week in Lexington, KY, announced audited results for the year ending December 31, 2007. Prize program revenue increased a robust 15.1% to $610,375, well up from the previous year’s mark of $530,155. On a combined basis, 2007 net income for the two corporations was the second highest in history, at $175,982, dipping 9.4% from the previous year’s all-time high of $194,166,...

Mark your calendars for March 12-14 and March 15-16 for two exciting events being held at the Treasure Coast Farm in Palm City, FL. FEI “I” Dressage Judge and current Director of Education and Training of the German Olympic Committee, Christoph Hess, will be conducting a clinic March 12-14, 2008. This clinic will focus on the FEI Young Horse Tests for Dressage Horses and their relation to the proper development and training of the dressage horse. Auditors are welcome. On March 15-16, 2008, also...

Lexington, KY – As the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) membership base continues to grow and the equestrian community relies more on information from the USEF, focus on customer service becomes increasingly important. To address this need, the USEF recently launched a Customer Care Center to better serve members, customers and other requests for information that the USEF receives on a daily basis. On Monday, February 4, five full-time employees along with several...

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is proud to name DA Al Capone+// (Ebony Masterpiece x Rabaska) owned by Cheryl Van Deusen of New Smyrna Beach, FL, as its 2007 Distance Horse of the Year. “Alvin” is an 11-year-old purebred Arabian gelding that was chosen for his excellence in endurance. Alvin’s most recent accomplishment was his selection as one of four horses to represent the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Team at the European Endurance Championships in Portugal. As the winner...

Langer Equestrian Group, Inc., kicked off the 2008 show season with record entries and sunny skies at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) Season Opener, January 18-20, 2008, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Junior rider Laura Ware started off 2008 on a winning streak. She piloted Parker to the large junior championship, and then showed the gelding’s versatility by garnering wins in equitation as well. The pair captured both the USEF Medal and the ASPCA Maclay, as well as a...

The National Horse Show Association of America is pleased to announce that they have chosen the judges for this year's ASPCA Maclay National Championship. Leo G. Conroy of Wellington, FL, and Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, will judge the prestigious national final, which is held during the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament in Syracuse, NY. The show will run from October 29-November 2, 2008, at the Oncenter Complex. Conroy has been a sought-after judge for many years. He has held...