Debbie McDonald on Brentina during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens (Bob Langrish) Lexington, KY – The best and brightest dressage stars will battle it out in Burbank, California this weekend, in a show-down that will determine who will ride at the 2005 FEI World Cup Dressage Final Presented by Offield Farms, in Las Vegas, April 20-24. Tickets to the World Cup won’t come easily though, with a red-hot roster waiting to take home the title at the U.S. Grand Prix Freestyle...

Lexington, KY – On March 15, the Executive Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) approved an extraordinary rule change to rule DC147.2, for Combined Driving Events. Effective April 1, 2005, all drivers competing in obstacles on the marathon must wear protective ASTM/SEI certified headgear. The rule has been amended as follows: DC147. Add new and renumber. Effective 4/1/05 2. Dress. At USEF sanctioned National Events b. It is compulsory for all drivers competing in...

Wellington, FL – In a night that would prove golden for our Irish friends, a young team led by famed Chef d’Equipe Eddie Macken set the standard for the Samsung Nation’s Cup at CSIO Wellington March 11, shutting out even the closest contenders by a roomy eight points. Riders Darragh Karrins, Jennifer Crooks, Conor Swail and Kevin Babington earned the Gold medal with a team total of 12 faults, split between two rounds. Babington and It’s Morado were in fact the only horse and rider pair able to...

Important Notice for Dressage Exhibitors & Officials The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has issued updated Freestyle Tests for the following levels: Grand Prix Freestyle Intermediare I Freestyle Young Rider Freestyle Junior Freestyle Please note these tests have been updated in format only (e.g. new logo, additional comments and clarifications). Actual required test movements have NOT changed. These new test versions must be used by all CDI’s as of May 2, 2005. USEF-recognized...

While most of us only dream of running a four-star course, the next best thing is experiencing it through the eyes and insights of Olympian equestrians! Attendees of the 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI**** can do just that at the SmartPak Equine-sponsored course walk with Kim Severson and Amy Tryon. Severson and Tryon will offer their tips and tactics for riding the toughest cross country course in the U.S. Everyone is welcome to attend this incredible opportunity; just sign up at the SmartPak booth in...

The American Vaulting Association (AVA) has launched a significantly improved and updated website. Visitors to the www.americanvaulting.org site can expect to find the addition of many new resources and educational tools, including video. Whether you are interested in finding a club, starting a program or learning about vaulting, the expanded website provides multiple sources of information. The AVA first entered the information highway in 1995, long before many had heard of the worldwide web....

Lexington, KY – George Morris, who was appointed to the Search Committee for the new U.S. Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe based on his credentials as a leading U.S. Show Jumping rider, trainer and coach, has resigned from the Committee effective January 24, 2005. The remaining members of the Search Committee are Karen O'Connor, Eric Straus, Chairman, Norman Dello Joio, Anne Kursinski, Jessica Ransehousen, and Robert Ridland. “After careful consideration I have decided to...

Lexington, KY —Adding their names to a long list of respected breeders from across the country, Diana Dodge of Montpelier Station, VA, and Herb Kohler of LaGrange, KY, have been named the winners of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2004 Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Award. Given in memory of American Saddlebred owner and breeder Ellen Scripps Davis, the Award recognizes an individual who consistently breeds outstanding show horses. The award also honors the...

Call for Bids – Fall 2006 CCI**** The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. hereby issues a Request for Proposal for hosting and operating a CCI**** beginning in the fall of 2006. The USEF reserves the right to evaluate sites other than those for which applications have been received. If interested please submit a Letter of Intent no later than July 9, 2004. Letters should be sent to Ms. Torri Nahorniak at 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, or by fax to (859) 253-1968 and must...

Beezie Madden of Casanovia, New York has moved up to third position in the FEI/Gandini World Riders Ranking behind 2003 World Cup Winner Marcus Ehning, and Ludger Beerbaum, both of Germany. Swiss rider Markus Fuchs is fourth. This is the first time in recent years that an American rider has been in the top five. Madden riding Authentic was the highest placed rider at last month’s Olympic Show Jumping Selection Trials in California earning her the #1 position on the Short List for the Olympic...