For the first time ever, the 2007 American Saddlebred Reference Directory is now available electronically on the Association’s website and it’s free to all active ASHA members. Just visit www.saddlebred.com/members/index.php and log in. Once you have logged in, follow the instructions provided. The Reference Directory physical copy has been mailed to all active American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) members by USPS book rate mail. In the meantime, the association is providing this service...

The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced that it provided funding to 167 equine programs in 69 counties during 2006, totaling $135,682. KEEP created this local funding program as part of its grassroots efforts to help horse organizations around the state. The grants program is divided into four categories: 4-H clubs, horse shows, equine associations and equine education programs at Kentucky colleges and universities. Each category has a funding limit and specific criteria that...

KERx Special Needs Nutrition, a division of Kentucky Equine Research, recently unveiled EquiShure™, a timed-release buffer designed to reduce the problems associated with subclinical acidosis in horses. EquiShure is scientifically proven to stabilize the pH of the hindgut. Horses fed diets rich in grain or high-fructan pasture grasses often experience a sharp decline in the pH of the hindgut, which in turn causes a deleterious shift in the microbial population. When changes in the microbial...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association's (AHSA) convention, including its large Youth Conference, the formal annual meeting and election of directors, and the Saddlebred Ball at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, February 15-17, 2007. Headquarters will be the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington. Open meetings and forums with committees begin Thursday, as is customary, and the Charter Club Council will also conduct a workshop. The emphasis...

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...

With the competition season drawing to a close, final nominations from American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) membership for the ASHA’s individual awards are due at ASHA no later than the close of business Wednesday, November 15, 2006. Each year, the association’s highest honors are presented at the annual Saddlebred Ball, to be held at the Keeneland Entertainment Center to close the ASHA convention, on Saturday evening, February 17, 2007. The awards, Lifetime Achievement, Meritorious...

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 Horse Council (AHC) has confirmed Dr. Bob Hillman as a speaker for the AHC Issues Forum, which will be held on September 25 in Austin, TX. Dr. Hillman currently serves as the Texas state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission. He is also currently the chair of the USAHA Committee on Livestock Identification and serves on the Secretary’s Advisory Subcommittee for the National Animal Identification System. “We are excited about Dr. Hillman’s...

Governor Donald Carcieri signed into law a bill designed to protect and inform Rhode Islanders who ride horses with equestrian instructors. The bill, introduced in the House by Representative Carol Mumford R-Scituate, mandates any person who holds themselves out to be an equestrian professional and taking compensation for lessons must be certified in first aid. It also mandates equestrian facilities to have on premises and on the trailer during events a fully operational first aid kit. The law...

At its meeting on Monday, July 31, the Executive Committee of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) for the first time designated regional championship competitions throughout the United States, for both 2006 and 2007. The initiative to develop both regional championship competitions for the entire nation and an annual Regional High Score Awards Program was announced after leadership meetings held in October 2005, and has been under consideration by the newly formed Charter Club...