The American Horse Council (AHC) will be holding an Issues Forum in Austin, TX, to discuss current issues facing the horse industry, such as the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and its impact on horse owners. Dr. Bob Hillman (Texas State Veterinarian and Executive Director of the Texas Animal Health Commission), Neil Hammerschmidt (USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Animal Identification Coordinator) and Equine Species Working Group members Dr. Billy Smith (Executive Director of...

Horses from across the United States have gathered at the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2006 USEF/Markel National Young Horse Dressage Championships, being held this weekend, September 8-10, in Lexington, KY. This prestigious competition, proudly sponsored by Markel Insurance, includes outstanding fields of five- and six-year-olds vying for the Dr. Edgar Hotz Memorial Trophy. Also, for the first time these championships will include a four-year-old division. The ground jury includes officials...

The 2006 American Saddlebred Registry Sweepstakes (ASR) began on Thursday, September 7, at the All American Horse Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Sweepstakes payouts for 2006 are expected to increase over 20%. In 2005, the total payout was $139,433. Prize money was distributed as follows: Two-Year-Old Sweepstakes, $38,629; Three-Year-Old Sweepstakes, $70,428; Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes, $30,376. The total estimated payouts in 2006 are up almost $32,000. Since its...

Linda Wachtmeister’s and Plain Dealing Farm’s Winsome Adante has taken the lead on the U.S. Eventing Association’s (USEA) All-time High-Point Leaderboard with a record career score of 1,184 points. Giltedge (1,114 points), who represented the U.S. on five international teams with David O’Connor, and who is owned by Mrs. Jacqueline Mars, has headed the all-time high-point leaderboard since his win at the Kentucky CCI**** in 2003 and is now in second place. Hannigan, owned by Bruce Duchossois has...

The American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) is seeking nominations for Youth Leader of the Year, sponsored by the Certified Horsemanship Association. AYHC wants to emphasize how strong adult leadership for young horsemen and horsewomen helps ensure a vital industry for the future. Any leader who volunteers time and effort to the youth horse industry should be recognized as a candidate for the award. The annual award recognizes an adult offering outstanding leadership to young people within the...

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is offering members an opportunity to register eligible Appaloosas over two years of age for the reduced rate of only $150. ApHC Regional Clubs are eligible for monetary incentive by recruiting members to take advantage of this special opportunity. Aged Horse Special registration applications will be mailed to ApHC Chartered Regional Clubs on Sept. 15, 2006, and are available by request. Contact the Regional Club Coordinator at (208) 882-7758 (ext. 235), or...

Lexington, KY - On December 2, 2005, the United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) announced the debut of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Charter Award. This new program is designed for junior members who are current members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. The youth candidates are to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate through the promotion of the horse. This person is to serve as a role model for their peers. The...

The 2006 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) returns to the Verizon Center this year, October 24-29, in downtown Washington, D.C., to host one of the most exciting and innovative horse show events in the country. This year, the WIHS proudly welcomes ladies’ side saddle as a new division and evening feature. Eight exhibitors will be chosen from the USEF Horse of the Year standings as of September 18, 2006. The eight invited competitors will participate in the $10,000 Ladies’ Side Saddle...

Another successful show for Alexandra Thornton of Bedminster, NJ, placed the 12-year-old in the winner’s circle once again. This time, her triumph made history at the highly regarded Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, NY. Thornton, who trains with renowned judge and trainer Susie Humes, piloted her way to the division tricolor in the Younger Small Junior Hunters aboard her mount Tobasco, a small, yet scopey chestnut gelding. She then continued her winning ways and became the youngest rider to...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation® announces the formation of the USEF Youth Council, designed to encourage and support existing affiliate youth programs. The goal will be to create the most varied board possible with members from each and every USEF national affiliate. This first-ever council will be made up of youth members, 21 years of age and under, and they must be active in their affiliate’s youth club, organization or young rider program. Applicants should also have...