Lexington, KY – The first Markel/USEF Young Horse Training Session of 2012 was held over the weekend at Shannondale Farm in Milton, GA with USEF Young Horse Coach, Scott Hassler. The ten participating horse/rider combinations included two four-year-olds, six five-year-olds and two six-year-olds. The two-day training session, which was open to auditors, included a well-attended evening lecture offering a unique opportunity for riders, owners, breeders and other young horse enthusiasts to...

Lexington, KY - During the 2011 USHJA Annual Meeting the United States Hunter Jumper Association announced the development of its first mobile application. Set to launch on February 15, 2012, the app titled “At the Gate” was designed while considering the busy professional who is "standing at the gate” needing just the facts. USHJA CEO Shelby French shared the vision behind the application: “USHJA is making a conscience effort to produce cost effective member benefits...

Isabelle Leibler and her own Watson 108 are set to represent the US at the FEI Young Rider Dressage World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany, held Dec. 14-18. The 2011 Gold medalists from the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North and National Young Rider Dressage Champions at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Championships travelled to Germany and will spend some time training prior to competition before competition gets underway. Travel...

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) General Assembly opened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Friday, November 11, 2011, with a meeting of the FEI Bureau, the first in four days of meetings culminating in the General Assembly on Monday, November 14, 2011. At its meeting Friday, the Bureau unanimously agreed to a proposal from the Dressage Committee to withdraw the proposed addition to Article 430.7.6: evidence of blood in the arena, in order to allow the Veterinary...

Bridgehampton, NY — After communicating with the National Weather Service and the Town of Southampton's head of emergency management monitoring Hurricane Irene, the Hampton Classic has announced that activities scheduled for its Opening Day on Sunday, August 28 will not be taking place. The Classic plans to re-schedule most competitions scheduled for Opening Day for other times later in the week. A revised time schedule will be posted on the Hampton Classic website (www.hamptonclassic....

At the halfway point of the show, everyone has started to settle into a rhythm. Exhibitors have become accustomed to the routine of schooling horses, cheering for friends, competing in classes, and riding the emotional highs and lows of horse showing. Trainers are fine-tuning their coaching, subtly adjusting cues or comments to result in peak performance from horse and rider alike. The full panoply of emotions can be observed by watching the show from a unique perspective - the vantage point of...

Lexington, KY - The USEF High School Equestrian Athlete program is officially underway for the 2011-2012 school year! Students are encouraged to sign up now to count their summer practice and competition hours toward their goal of lettering as a USEF High School Equestrian Athlete. The USEF High School Equestrian Athlete program is open to equestrian athletes involved in all breeds and disciplines who are enrolled in grades 9-12. The program honors participants who document their equestrian...

Hayley Barnhill and Safari. (Photo by Rebecca Walton/PMG. ) Katy, TX - The air was electric for the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by the Carole and Jim Looke Family Fund, held at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show. Thirty-seven horse and rider combinations turned out to compete for the grand prize and winning title. After the top 12 showed over the handy course the victory went to Hayley Barnhill and Safari. The pair led from start to finish with incredible scores of...

Ryan Genn and Jolly Mon. (Photo by Heather Bellock/PMG. ) Katy, TX - Today was another great day of showing in the sunshine for competitors at the Spring Gathering Charity Horse Show held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. Jumper riders competed for the top spot in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, the High Junior Jumpers, the Low Amateur-Owner Jumpers and the Low Junior Jumpers. Ryan Genn was successful in the High Amateur-Owner Jumpers, taking the win aboard Jolly Mon and placing second...

Karen Jenkins in Spain with Jenson, Ofendido VII's sire. (Photo courtesy Karen Jenkins.) Ocala, FL - When Karen Jenkins demanded her own pony at age five, her unsure parents insisted on riding lessons. Years of instruction and various horses later, they knew horses were in her blood – and not going anywhere. “My parents insisted that if I had a horse, I had to take care of it myself,” said Jenkins, who now is 73. “I think they became resigned to the fact that I was dedicated to making horses a...