Lexington, KY— In an effort to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recently developed a Youth Council to lead these efforts. Comprised of 18 talented youth representatives from the USEF’s affiliates, this council has committed to providing their equestrian leadership to support and develop programs within their breed affiliates and disciplines. As part of this overall effort, the...

St. Andrews Presbyterian College (Laurinburg, NC) edged out Centenary College (Hackettstown, NJ) to claim the team championship at the 30th Annual ANRC National Intercollegiate Riding Championship on April 21-22, 2007. St. Andrews finished with 161.30 points, compared to Centenary’s 160.73. Goucher College (Maryland) was a close third, with 159.29. Defending champions, Savannah College of Art and Design (Georgia), settled into fourth place. Centenary rider Eleanor Kunsman won the overall...

Lexington, KY – With the 2007 Spring show season quickly approaching, the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) recently announced several changes which will affect those who wish to compete in upcoming competitions. These changes include updates to the equine health protocol, new regulations regarding electrical equipment, and the addition of a trailer grounds fee. In response to the recent outbreaks of the Equine Herpes Virus and their concern over the continual health and safety of horses, the...

Lexington, KY –The Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC) announced the collegiate teams that have been selected and seeded for this year’s competition, in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). A total of twelve schools were chosen for both the hunter seat and western divisions to compete at the national championships. The selected teams will compete April 18-20 in Waco, Texas, at the Heart O’ Texas Fair...

Quentin, PA—St. Christopher’s Horse Show returns to Pennsylvania’s picturesque Lebanon Valley region, May 16-20, 2007. The show, boasting improved footing for this year, will be held at the historic Quentin Riding Club in Quentin, PA. St. Christopher’s features hunter and jumper competitions for all ages and ability levels, from children’s and pony classes to amateur-owner classics. United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) “A”-rated hunter classes, a hunter breeding division and exciting...

East Lansing, Michigan—Every horse owner has at some time wished that his or her steed could suddenly turn into Mr. Ed and talk about its likes, dislikes, pains and fears. Because that’s not likely to happen, a new online educational program is available to help horse owners better understand equine behavior and welfare. The four-unit horse behavior and welfare online course is the first offering of “My Horse University,” a new educational program from Michigan State University (MSU) Global and...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the continuation of a multi-year partnership with Markel Insurance to sponsor the USEF Young Horse Dressage Program. This sponsorship also includes the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage National Championships and the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Selection Trials. “Markel came on board to sponsor this program early in our strategy to build our developing horse and rider programs which are critical to our...

Shane Shiflet (The new USEF Opportunity classes span many breeds and disciplines.) Lexington, KY - In an effort to allow more flexibility and more classes at USEF licensed competitions and to get more people involved in showing horses, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has initiated new opportunities for exhibitors to compete at particular competitions. A new rule was approved by the Executive Committee on February 20, 2007, with an effective date of April 1, 2007. This new rule,...

The development of a world-class equestrian center is underway in the state of Texas and slated to open in 2009. In November 2006, voters in Dallas, TX, approved the balance of more than $14 million in bonds that would allow the city, as a collaborative partner, to move a step closer to making the Texas Horse Park a reality. Fundraising is now underway by Texas Horse Park, Inc., to match the city’s commitment. Situated on more than 500 acres, the Texas Horse Park will border the 6,000-acre...

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has announced a strategic plan to re-align the NRHA, creating a National Governing Body for reining affiliates and its members in the United States. This new affiliate organization is currently named Reining USA. The worldwide governing body for reining will remain under the name NRHA. This strategic plan, endorsed by the NRHA Executive Board, was presented on February 16, to the attendees of the NRHA Annual Convention in St. Louis, MO. A final vote...