During the FEI Bureau Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 15-16, 2007, the following items were brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval following the two meetings of the FEI Dressage Committee held in Turin, Italy, May 14-15 and September 3, 2007. 1) Safety at Prize-Giving Ceremonies: Due to the increased safety risk for riders and horses, the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) proposed that new recommendations should be made for prize-giving...

There is a new kid on the block. Oldenburg (GOV) stallion Rosall, by Rosario out of Akzent II mare is just over from Germany, and he won the blue at Devon in the four-year-old stallion Materiale class. His very accomplished grand prix rider, Jessica Jo Tate, is thrilled with him, and very proud of the way he handled his week at Devon. Tate, now training/riding some very successful young horses, said, "He is always the gentleman, always easy to work with, and his work ethic and character are...

A report on the Olympic Test Event held in Hong Kong in August was presented at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Bureau meeting in Dubai. The goal of this essential event was to review the venue, layout and procedures for the three Olympic disciplines. Main issues requiring further work were lighting in the main arena; press officer and media operations; veterinary issues and confirmation of a weather protocol designed with Hong Kong Observatory; and communication between the FEI...

Congress has recessed for the Thanksgiving holidays and will return the week of December 3. At that time, the Senate will again take up the 2007 Farm Bill (H.R. 2419). The Senate has been considering the bill for several weeks but has been unable to reach agreement on how it will proceed. Democrats and Republicans differ on how many amendments should be allowed to be offered. Nearly 200 amendments have been filed that various Senators wish to offer when the Senate returns to the bill after the...

U.S. endurance competitors were up to the task at the World Endurance Championship Test Event in Teregganu, Malaysia, November 10-11, 2007. Despite torrential rain and muddy conditions, two American combinations finished in the top ten. Kathy Brunjes from Maine riding her own Theatric finished fifth, just inches in front of her fellow countryman John Crandell III. Crandell, from Virginia, was sixth riding Heraldic. Interestingly, these geldings are ¾ siblings. They are both by Statistic and...

Beginning December 1, 2007, all U.S. competitors must present either a U.S. National Passport or an FEI passport at lower level FEI events in the U.S. The following events are considered lower level FEI events (CSI 1*/2*, CDI 1*/2*, CCI or CIC 1*/2*, CRI 1*/2*, CAI-B, CVI 1*). FEI Passports are still required at upper level FEI events and events outside the competitor’s home country. GR1309.4 U.S. Competitors competing in their own country in an FEI-sanctioned event, not requiring an FEI...

The New England Dressage Association played host to Ingrid Klimke, one of Germany’s leading event and dressage riders, during NEDA’s annual Fall Weekend. As she has at previous symposiums, Klimke joined forces with Dr. Ina Goesmeier, one of the world’s leading veterinary practitioners in holistic medicine. Like her father, the late Reiner Klimke, Ingrid Klimke has achieved international success in both eventing and dressage. She shares with her father a strong belief in the importance of...

The Nomination Committee met for the first time at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, November 1-2, 2007. During their one-and-a-half-day meeting, the committee mainly discussed and reviewed the following: conflict of interest and confidentiality agreement, role of the committee, procedures and timeline. The committee will forward a report to the Bureau for their upcoming Bureau meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The National Federations will be updated as soon as possible...

Boston, MA, is the site for the 2008 Annual Meeting and Convention of the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. From Wednesday, January 23 until Sunday, January 27, an anticipated 1,000 Pony Club leaders, volunteers and youth are expected to attend the meeting for a variety of informative and exciting seminars on equestrian topics. Noted professionals from across the country will conduct workshops on subjects relating to equine activities and sports, such as: “A View From C,” “Alternative Medicine,”...

The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) reported that it has funded 503 horse-related organizations and their activities across Kentucky over the past three years totaling $352,627. KEEP created this local funding program as part of its grassroots efforts to help horse organizations around the state. The grants program is divided into four categories: 4-H clubs, horse shows, equine associations and equine education programs at Kentucky colleges and universities. Each category has a funding...