The 2009 Nominating Committee of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has conducted its organizational meeting under the direction of Dr. Margaret C. McNeese, Chairman. Also on the committee are Nancy Boone, Barbara Molland, Shirley Trail, and Art Zubrod. The purpose of the committee is to prepare recommendations for ASHA directors to be elected to three-year terms beginning in February 2010. The Nominating Committee directed ASHA staff to undertake all possible means to solicit...

International dressage rider and trainer, Heather Blitz, together with Mary Wanless, BSc, BHSI, FRSA, and Dr. Hilary Clayton, BVMS, PhD, MRCVS, will present the "Naked Truth of Riding," a two-day symposium on May 9-10, 2009, at the Leatherdale Equine Center in Minneapolis, MN. The symposium delivers a complete package of information. Students will learn about the relationship between veterinary medicine and dressage performance, with special emphasis on prevention and treatment of lameness...

Mark your calendars and register early for the Fifth International Equine Conference on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot (ILC), November 6-8, 2009. Registration, program, presenter information, and exhibitor information is available online at www.laminitisconference.com . Who: Dr. James A. Orsini is the Director of the International Equine Conference (ILC) on Laminitis and Diseases of the Foot. He is a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania and Associate Professor of Surgery in the...

Results of a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) online survey conducted in May and June 2008 concerning the USEF Dressage Performance Standards Proposal showed that 65% of the over 1,250 respondents feel that there should be a proficiency requirement in order to advance through the levels in dressage competition. In addition, 56% of respondents indicate that the levels of proficiency identified in the draft proposal were appropriate. Important concerns about the USEF Dressage...

Since February 2008, LG-Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE) has issued 137 new Breeder Codigos in the United States, sponsored two clinics, supported three horse shows and through USPRE has made four Inscription and Revision tours servicing in excess of 2000 horses. The grand opening of the LG-ANCCE office in Miami, FL, is a further testimony of the continued ANCCE commitment to provide breeders in North America with timely and enhanced quality services....

In the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine and team members of the Equine Health Studies Program have developed a call center in an effort to respond to the potential needs of horse owners in southern Louisiana. The telephone number for horse owners in need is (225) 578-9501. This helpline will function from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. through the coming weekend and perhaps longer if the need is evident. A secondary number exclusively dedicated to...

NARHA announced that Deborah Lipsky and Dr. Will Richards have been signed as keynote speakers for the 2008 NARHA National Conference and Annual Meeting in Hartford, CT on October 30. Their presentation is titled “Horses and Individuals with Autism: a Natural Therapeutic Relationship” Lipsky holds a masters degree in education and counseling and she presents workshops on autism across the U.S. to healthcare workers and laypersons. Diagnosed with high functioning autism, she has found her own...

Hong Kong The FEI held an informational pre-Olympic workshop in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 17, 2008 furthering their dedication to ensuring horse health and welfare at the 2008 Olympic Games to be held August 8-24 in Hong Kong. The workshop was designed to follow-up on the data collection and research conducted at the test event in Hong Kong in August 2007. There was a wide range of panelists and speakers, including veterinarians, shipping agents, BOCOG representatives and FEI staff....

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to offer another opportunity for its members to attend the Succeed®/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference featuring Jan Brink, the current Swedish National Dressage Champion for the fifth year in a row. The conference is set for January 20-21, 2008 at High Meadow Farm in Loxahatchee, FL. In addition to the two-day conference, the Palm Beach Dressage Derby is pleased to offer a Biomechanics Seminar on the Pyramid of Training with Dr....

Lexington, KY —Following in the footsteps of Victor Hugo-Vidal and Mrs. F.D. Sinclaire, the late Stephen Hawkins and the late Dr. Eugene LaCroix have been named the newest honorees for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Awards of Merit. Named for Richard E. McDevitt, AHSA President from 1975-1987, the Award of Merit is given in memory of an individual or individuals who have passed away during the competition year, and who have given “meritorious service to equestrian...