A mere 0.112 points separate second through fourth place in the current women’s World Equestrian Games (WEG) Vaulting rankings. Last weekend’s USEF Vaulting selection trial, held during the Garrod’s Spring Classic in Saratoga, CA, on May 20, was the fifth of six chances that U.S. vaulters have to improve their average score toward qualifying for the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. From those six chances, the highest three scores are averaged, and a WEG ranking is established....

The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) selection trials for the U.S. reining team will be held during the Clayton Woosley Hall of Fame Reining and Brownwood Farm Derby, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, June 22-25. The Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship on June 24 will serve as the selection trial for the WEG which will be held August 20-September 3 in Aachen, Germany. Immediately following the Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship, a press conference will be held to recognize...

Sabina Louise Pierce/University of Pennsylvania (Barbaro in his stall after surgery at New Bolton Center) Less than one week after Barbaro's tragic career-ending injury in the Preakness, over 4,000 people have already e-mailed Matz, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson and Barbaro their well-wishes. Just hours after Barbaro emerged from surgery, the USEF set up a means for people to send their regards. You can send your message to Barbaro, trainer Michael Matz, a three-time Olympic equestrian who...

Reprinted from the May 2006 issue of EQUESTRIAN By Gareth Selwood Many horse breeders the world over are now offering the services of their stallions through the use of frozen semen. For the stallion owner, there are many advantages, despite the initial investment in the freezing of the semen, storage and equipment costs, the time and labor intensive work hours saved during a busy breeding season are undeniable. Stallions are freed up to continue their show careers or attend horse fairs. For...

The American Connemara Pony Society (ACPS) is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2006. Summer activities are being planned to commemorate the golden anniversary of Connemara Ponies in the U.S. The main event will be a weekend-long, educational and fun-filled event to highlight the strengths and accomplishments of the American Connemara. The celebration will take place August 4-6, 2006, at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. This event showcasing the Connemara pony in North America will be the largest of...

The FEI has just released new freestyle tests at four levels. These tests must be used by all competitions as of June 1, 2006, in the Junior, Young Rider, Intermediare-I and Grand Prix levels. The coefficients for artistic marks have changed, though the actual freestyle test requirements for competitors have not. All previous test editions should be discarded. All FEI tests, including those just released, are available for download on the FEI website, www.horsesport.org or for direct links,...

The Colorado Horse Park announced that Olympic Gold medalist and president of the United States Equestrian Federation® David O’ Connor has signed on as course designer for the Park’s three-day events and horse trials. O’Connor brings a lifetime of knowledge of eventing and horsemanship to this position. In addition, his persona as the head of national governing body for equestrian sports adds luster to his skills and talents. “We are extremely fortunate to have David O’Connor join the Colorado...

Hilltop Farm is proud to announce details about the Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium 2006 which will be held this fall at Hilltop Farm, November 3-5. Once again, Hilltop Farm and Harmony Sporthorses have joined hands to provide an outstanding opportunity for professionals interested in furthering their education in the realm of young horse training. This year's panel of experts includes USEF Young Horse Dressage Coach Scott Hassler, FEI judge and competitor Anne Gribbons, and Young Horse...

In September 2005, a dedicated group of Egyptian Arabian enthusiasts met in Lexington, VA, at the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals. Realizing the need for an organization that would meet the needs of owners, breeders and trainers of the Egyptian Arabian sport horse, they formed the Egyptian Arabian Sport Horse Alliance, Inc. (EASHA). One of EASHA's main goals is to increase public awareness of the Egyptian Arabian's athletic ability. The organization will offer encouragement to local association...

In September 2005, Tylord Farm's Lord Luciano, a dark bay by the 2005 fifth place United States Dressage Federation's leading sire Enrico Caruso out of Lily of the Valley (by Unkenruf), flew to Schlieckau, Germany, for preparation for the 30-day performance test conducted at Helmar Bescht's training facility in Schlieckau. On the first day of testing, the 2002 stallion received a 9 from the Guest Rider, the highest score given out that day. He also received a 10 on the first day of...