Lexington, KY - It is with the deepest sense of loss that the USEF must announce that Mary Lutz, Director for Endurance and Para-Equestrian, died today as a result of a riding injury. We ask that the entire equestrian community join us in expressing our deepest sympathy to Mary's family. Mary’s devotion to horse sport, her patient team attitude, and her commitment to both endurance and para-equestrian were admired and respected by all who had the privilege to work with her. More information...

Longtime American Saddlebred benefactor Joe Stopher, 91, of Louisville, KY, died Thursday April 27, 2006 at Baptist Hospital East. Stopher was the Kentucky State Fair Board Member in Charge of the World’s Championship Horse Show from 1968 to 1996; in that time, the show grew in size and prestige. He also served as a member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Board of Directors, and as legal counsel for the Association. He was also a member of the board of directors for both the...

Stephen B. Macfarlane, 59, died following surgery in Louisville on January 11. Macfarlane had spent his lifetime as a multi-faceted horseman, winning championship titles in American Saddlebred, Roadster, Pony and coaching competitions. Macfarlane had just returned to Kentucky from his winter home in Ft. Meyers, FL. He had been taking blood-thinning medication for a diagnostic procedure scheduled later this week, when he suffered a head injury resulting in edema that could not be controlled...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) is asking breeders to assist in its ongoing research to find the genetic cause of lordosis. ASHA has been funding this research since 2003. Dr. Patrick Gallagher, of PCG Equine Research, was selected by the Association's board of directors to perform the research. To further the research, hair samples of American Saddlebreds with lordosis are needed to look at the DNA basis of the trait. Also, for those who want to make a generous contribution,...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce a new educational opportunity, made possible with funding support from The Dressage Foundation. The Continuing Education Program for Judges and USDF ‘L’ Graduates, developed by the USDF Judges Committee, has been designed to meet the growing need for continuing education. The goal of this program is to provide for, and continually improve, the training of individuals currently licensed as judges and those aspiring to become...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12-19-2006 From the Florida Department of Agriculture Department Contacts: Liz Compton (850) 488- 3022 cell: (850) 251-5693 [email protected] Terry McElroy (850) 488-3022 cell: (850) 933-4562 [email protected] Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services Continues Investigation Into Horse Virus Outbreak TALLAHASSEE –Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson says the department’s Division of Animal Industry is...

Dear USEF Members, The recent and unexpected death of Rob Gage has been shocking to the equestrian community. Any time a life is lost, it is a tragedy. In recent days, a number of member concerns have been raised regarding processes used by the U.S. Center for SafeSport (the “Center”). There has also been an increase in the distribution of incorrect and misleading information, as well as the bullying, harassment and blaming of survivors. The facts reported in USA Today and The...

Thermal, Calif. - The pinto Oldenburg gelding, Symphony, has quickly gone from catch ride to dream horse for Katie Cook of Newport Beach, California. Cook had never sat on Symphony, owned by Amy Knox, before she arrived at HITS Thermal, but the two have become fast friends, jumping to three blue ribbons during Week I and winning the $1,500 Platinum Performance Hunter Prix on Friday for the second week in a row. Knox has owned the gelding, who is now 10, for three years and rode him in...

Aurora, CO - Darker N Bey (NV Beau Bey x Spot N The Dark) and Leprachaun SCR (Pachole x Bekkah Ambrielle) were both recently recognized with Ambassador Awards for outstanding achievement in representing the Arabian horse community to the general public. The two geldings achieved unique accomplishments that showcased the breed outside the show ring. Darker N Bey “Darker” connects with children and senior citizens at camps, horse shows, and charity events, but perhaps relates best to...

Lincoln, NE - G. Lowell Boomer of Lincoln, NE, died Sunday, November 20, 2011. Lowell was born on October 12, 1911, in Burwell, Nebraska, to George R, and Grace Y Boomer. Lowell graduated Lincoln High School, and attended the University of Nebraska School of Music, Lincoln. While in High School, he won first place on the clarinet in a Lincoln Music contest playing “Concertino” by Weber. He then went on to win the contests at the State, Regional and National levels. He played...