Randi Muster (McLain Ward and Sapphire) It came down to a four-rider jump-off speed round at the 2006 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship at the 123rd National Horse Show in Wellington, FL, on Sunday afternoon. And in a finish befitting the championships sponsor—Rolex—the crowds counted split seconds in the final speed test. When the last rider left the course and the points were tallied, McLain Ward and his Sapphire bested all challengers to win the title in a suspenseful, yet...

With a record number of exhibitors from across the country, the 2006 Atlanta Fall Classics concluded it’s two-week AA-rated series in classic style, presenting over $88,000 in cash alone the final week, as well as 2006 year-end awards, the coveted National Hunter Jumper League Finals titles, the Lemon Springs Trophy, and the John Deere/USEF Memberperks prize. Classic Company President Bob Bell said of the fall series, “This has been the most amazing two weeks ever for the fall venue! The talent...

The Equine Research Coordination Group (ERCG), a group comprised of researchers and organizations that support equine research, has agreed upon and announced objectives for the coming year. "It's time to focus on the future of equine research," said Nathaniel White, II, DVM, Chairman of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation Advisory Committee. "Funding quality equine research and promoting the need for more researchers must become a priority for the industry if we...

Lexington, KY—The United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) has announced the members of its first ever Youth Council, which is designed to develop programs that expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership of equestrian sport in the U.S., from the grassroots through the levels of horsemanship across all disciplines. Youth representing many of the Federation’s affiliates have accepted the challenge to provide their equestrian leadership and commitment to support and develop...

Productions East Video, in association with the United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF), GoMobileBroadband.com and LiveBroadcast.tv is presenting live webcasts of the 123rd National Horse Show, November 29-December 3. Since it began in 1883, the National Horse Show has been respected as the nation’s premier year-end horse show. Held at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL, it features a dazzling array of classes highlighted by the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping...

The new International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) Board of Directors was installed at the recent General Meeting held on November 9, 2006, prior to the start of the IFSHA Grand Nationals. The Board elected a new slate of officers to serve in the coming year. The officers are as follows: Garath Selwood—President and Director Lance Bennett—Vice-President and Director Kimberly Ramirez—Secretary and Director Debra Goldman—Treasurer and Director Catherine Moore—Director Jennifer...

Lexington, KY—The United States Equestrian Federation® has announced the nomination criteria for its Heroes for Horses Award, to be presented at the 2007 Pegasus Awards, January 12, in Louisville, KY. It is the second year that the prestigious award will be given. This award is presented to an individual(s) or organization(s) that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of horses over a period of many years and/or have saved equines through an act of courage and...

Lexington, KY—The United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) again asks our competition organizers and managers to consider becoming or continuing to be a part of the very successful Outreach Program which was initiated in 2005. This program has continued to build a productive bridge between the USEF staff, competition organizers, show managers and exhibitors/competitors. This gives USEF staff first hand experience in observing and helping our licensed events, and the opportunity to learn...

A star-studded roster of riders will compete for three days, December 1-3, 2006, in the Fifth Annual Zada Enterprises, LLC, Dressage at the National in Wellington, FL. The prestigious dressage show is featured, along with the country’s top hunters and jumpers at the 123rd National Horse Show and Family Festival, which runs November 29-December 3 at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. Topnotch riders from around the world and their world-class mounts are entered in the International Equestrian...

As the FEI Nations Cup series concluded in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last weekend, Belgium's promotion to the Samsung Super League in 2007 was confirmed. Having accumulated points from 13 of the 19 Nations Cup legs, which began in Wellington, FL,last March, Belgium finished with a total of 79.5 points, while Denmark slotted into second with 73 ahead of Italy in third with 71.5 points. The Belgian team enjoyed only one victory during the 2006 season, at Ypaja in Finland, but were runners-up in...