Lexington, KY - This weekend, the first two USEF/North American Juniors and Young Riders' Championships qualifying competitions of 2008 for the USEF National Dressage Championship Programs kick off the new year in West Palm Beach, FL, and Tucson, AZ, with FEI junior, young rider, “Brentina Cup”, young horse and developing horse divisions. Complete selection procedures are posted on the national dressage programs page of the USEF website, www.usef.org. Recently added are the required...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Junior Exhibitor Youth Driving Challenge, funded by Elisabeth Goth Chelberg, held its finals in November during the American Royal in Kansas City. Cash prizes, trophies and ribbons were awarded to seven competitors in the Show Pleasure Driving Challenge and to two in the Fine Harness Driving Challenge. The winners are as follow: Show Pleasure Driving Challenge Place, horse, registration number, rider, owner 1st: CH Advantage Me 93840; Aliyah...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Kristen Posner of Lexington, KY, has been selected as the first recipient of the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious award, sponsored by the USDF Youth Executive Board, honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed on a national and local basis to the USDF and dressage. In 2007, Posner volunteered at numerous events, including the Mid-South Eventing and Dressage Association (MSEDA) Musical...

An active and well-known member of the Saddlebred community, Shan Ellis Donaldson, died on Tuesday, September 25, 2007, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, KY. She was 60. The Georgetown, KY, native became an equestrian at an early age, and her love of horses led to her parents, R. E. Ellis Jr., DMD, and Martha “Perkie” Ellis, founding the Longview Riding Camp. Shan and her husband of 40 years, Jamie Donaldson, started their own horse photography business. For many years, Shan could be found...

When Laurie Jakubauskas entered the Tavern on the Green Ring at the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic on Friday, September 7, it was readily apparent that they were the ones to watch. Despite the withering heat, both were fresh and eager to go. It's no surprise that they won their classes back-to-back. First to go was Vixen, who captured the blue in the $750 Five-Year-Old Jumpers. Vixen is a very fast mare who just started jumping in April. "She can't go slowly. She's fun and is similar to...

Michigan State University's (MSU's) My Horse University (MHU) online curricula are not only useful tools for individuals who want to learn more about horse selection and evaluation and welfare and behavior, but the two online learning programs can also be incorporated into youth and adult group experiences. Through MHU's horse welfare and behavior program, participants can learn about horse behavior and how it can influence the way they interact with horses. It's appropriate for audiences from...

The Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic, the only American Grand Prix Association grand prix show jumping event in New England, will be presented by Animal Planet this year at the show grounds in South Hamilton, MA, September 5-9, 2007. As presenting sponsor, Animal Planet will provide one of the jumps in the grand prix course by Olympic course designer Richard Jeffrey. Animal Planet programming has included equestrian events, such as the Sporthorse Cup and the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals, and...

If you are interested in becoming a Friesian judge, now is the time! The United States Equestrian Federation will conduct a Friesian Judges’ Clinic, October 5-6, 2007, in Lake St. Louis, MO. The clinic is open to all Friesian judges, as well as any applicants or potential applicants for the license. Please note that effective December 1, 2007, all ‘A’- and ‘B’-rated Friesian classes must be officiated by a licensed Friesian judge. Guest judge cards will no longer be allowed. To become a...

Former United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) steward of many years, Iris McNeil of Lexington, Virginia, age 88, died Monday, July 23, 2007. A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia. Flowers may be sent in care of the Harrison Funeral Home, 714 Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450. The funeral home may be reached at (540) 463-2912. Florists in the area include Jefferson Florist, (540) 463-9841, and University...

The FEI is proud to announce that on July 7, 2007, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein was elected as the member representing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and as President of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). The election took place during the 119th IOC Session held in Guatemala City. HRH Princess Haya was elected with 78 out of 91 valid votes. “On behalf of the Olympic movement, I would like to congratulate HRH Princess Haya on her...