The Mid-A Youth of the Year Contest was well attended with 13 contestants, thanks in part to top-notch contest organization provided by Leitha Stone and a wonderful crew of volunteers. In the oral presentation section, contestants were asked to think critically about today’s difficult economic situation and how it is impacting the equine industry. Walk-trot and junior contestants focused on horse rescue organizations and how they are dealing with an influx of surrendered horses, while senior...

The Equine Anatomy Precourse Distance Study (EQ50) is now free online at www.equinology.com until 2011 to anyone wishing to broaden their knowledge of veterinary terminology and the musculoskeletal system of the horse. The EQ50 online course is also the required precourse study guide used for Equinology's signature EQ100, EQ101 and EQ102 courses in Equine Body Worker certification. You will also find it very helpful if taking any other courses from any program, including Equinology’s courses in...

Before you hit the show circuit this season, be sure to do your part to keep horses, other animals and competitors safe by including a rabies vaccination at your pre-event health exam. Vaccinations can do more than just help horses—they can help protect horse owners from disease, too. “Owners sometimes forget diseases that affect their horses or cattle may also affect anyone that has contact with their animal,” said April Knudson, DVM, manager, Veterinary Services, Merial. “In fact,...

As September 2010 and the opening of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY, steadily approach, the American Saddlebred Museum is preparing for the arrival of the world at its front door. The museum plans to showcase the American Saddlebred horse in worldclass fashion for this unprecedented opportunity. The intention is to send international guests home full of enthusiasm and excitement about this wonderful and versatile breed. Along with construction of a new wing and...

Lexington, KY— Last month, leaders of the USEF Recognized Breed Affiliates got together with USEF staff to discuss the relationship with the USEF and continued growth, development and promotion of the Breeds. The meeting, moderated by Bill Moroney, took place in conjunction with the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, TX. The meeting was just the beginning of many conversations that the USEF will have to reach the goals of the Breed Retreat, which is to continue the growth, development and...

Para-Equestrian Trainers’ Symposium This two-day workshop, held April 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. will educate dressage trainers and therapeutic riding instructors alike about para-equestrian dressage rider development, the classification system and rider eligibility, competitions, and resources, both regionally and nationally. Through the use of lecture, videos and demonstration riders, examples will be given of how to bring riders along in your own program from...

Lexington, KY – Mindy Darst was named Volunteer of the Year by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians on December 10, 2008. Evening of Equestrians is the USHJA’s awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting which took place at the Hilton Downtown in Nashville, TN, December 8-11. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who donates their time to develop and implement programs in the organization. Darst was selected...

The stallion Hickstead, winner of Individual Gold and Team Silver medals at the 2008 Olympic Games under Canada’s Eric Lamaze, is now offered for breeding for the first time in North America. Hickstead is a 1996 brown Dutch Warmblood stallion standing 16 hands-high. Sired by Hamlet, his dam is Jomara by the well-known and recently deceased stallion, Ekstein. Hickstead’s bloodlines also feature such prominent show jumping names as Nimmerdor, Notaris, Ulft, Le Mexico and Joost. Based on his...

In recognition of the current economic climate, promoters of all the major winter circuits are examining ways to help exhibitors minimize ancillary expenses in an effort to maximize their opportunities to show and enjoy their winter circuit experiences. While United States Equestrian Federation rules do not mandate braiding, the winter circuit managers from Gulfport, HITS, Jacksonville and the Winter Equestrian Festival have decided to go on record advising all judges that exhibitors who opt...

Lexington, KY— Last night the top reiners in the world came together for an evening of intense competition at the 2008 FEI World Reining Masters in Oklahoma City, OK as part of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show. Austria’s Rudi Kronsteiner and Smart Spook scored 221 to take the 2008 FEI World Reining Masters in the Open division. The U.S. won the Silver and Bronze medals in the Open division— Jordan Larson and Lena...