The second in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder I started formal riding lessons when I was four years old. English riding lessons. The doctors told my mom it would be good for me. It was 1969. The Academy where I learned is now a national historic landmark. By the time I was 6, I was riding with double reins. My introduction to western riding came when my parents purchased a POA stallion for me the summer of my sixth year. That pony could buck my dad off! ‘Nuff said. When...

Lexington, KY – A group of cross country course designers including USEF President and licensed course designer, David O’Connor, are taking another step in their continuing commitment to Eventing safety. O’Connor and other course designers and builders will join with faculty and students at the University of Kentucky, forming a multidisciplinary team to develop and demonstrate additional frangible technology for cross-country fences. Frangible technology, often referred to as “breakaway...

Michigan State University's (MSU's) My Horse University (MHU) online curricula are not only useful tools for individuals who want to learn more about horse selection and evaluation and welfare and behavior, but the two online learning programs can also be incorporated into youth and adult group experiences. Through MHU's horse welfare and behavior program, participants can learn about horse behavior and how it can influence the way they interact with horses. It's appropriate for audiences from...

The third in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder I promised you last week I would share more about the informal surveys that have helped give Western Dressage a voice through NAWD, and given me good stuff to share with you. While we believe there is much common ground to be found between western and dressage, there are differences between Western Dressage and BOTH parent disciplines. As Western Dressage continues to develop into a unique discipline in this country it is imperative...

The first in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder My first pony ride was in 1967. I was 18 months old. It must have stuck with me because I rode horses forever after that. I have been a professional in the equestrian industry since 1989 and my parents have supported my horseback riding activities all my life. Recently, seeking that formerly ever present support, I shared with my mom my desire to get involved in Western Dressage. Imagine my surprise when she exclaimed “Western...

Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), in support of the University of Kentucky Saddle Up Safely campaign, is waiving its fees for the CHA Instructor Certification Clinic at the Kentucky Horse Park, scheduled for November 19-23, 2009, resulting in a significant reduction in the overall price. The UK HealthCare initiative to promote rider safety was launched in October, and is a five-year program to reduce the number of rider injuries. CHA Riding Instructor Certification is a five-day process...

Rising star Daniel Bluman added another impressive line to his resume when he bested a star-studded field aboard Fatalis Fatum to secure the top prize in the $100,000 United States Grand Prix League (USGPL) Invitational Grand Prix at HITS Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, VA. Bluman and his impressive mount have now won three grand prix events in a row, including a victory in the $100,000 class at The Hampton Classic. "I am very proud of my horse," said Bluman. "He is proud to do his job. When I...

Delaware State University (DSU) is adding a new women’s sports that will play a major role in making its sports gender equity shortcomings a thing of the past, and at the same time establish a distinct athletics program that will set it apart not only from every school in the MEAC and the state, but in the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. The University will take advantage of the resources and partnerships of its College of Agriculture and Related Sciences and establish a Women’s Equestrian Team,...

The USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Program continued this past weekend with the second of three official Selection Trials at Dressage at Flintridge, held May 27–29, at the beautiful Flintridge Riding Club in La Canada Flintridge, CA. This USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trial for the FEI World Breeding Championships showcased the Western region’s most promising dressage prospects in their quest to qualify for Verden. In a new format this year, the Selection Trial...

Parker, Colo. - The Western Dressage Association® of America is celebrating the success of its fifth annual Western Dressage World Championship Show. More than 800 rides were held over four days, Sept. 28-Oct. 1, at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK, with competitors vying for 79 world championships and 15 divisional championship belt buckles. “Western dressage honors the partnership between horses and riders, and that was certainly on display at our World Show,” said WDAA...