Gladstone, New Jersey (December 21, 2004) – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET Foundation) announced that the Festival of Champions would not be held in 2005. The main reason for the decision was the need for the USET Foundation to focus its efforts and resources on a new fundraising campaign to be launched in 2005. Foundation officials stressed that, while the fundraising efforts must take precedence over the Festival of Champions, steps are being taken to properly plan for a...

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...

Sponsor Slots Selling Fast for USEF 2005 Annual Meeting Sponsor slots are selling fast, but a limited number of spaces are still available for the USEF's 2005 Annual Meeting. Known to attract the most influential equestrians and decision-makers in the sport, the 2005 Annual Meeting will be hosted at Louisville’s prestigious Seelbach Hilton Hotel, January 12-16. Two Platinum sponsorships remain—offering, by far, the most exclusive opportunities for name recognition and...

Lexington, KY —Competing against a record number of submissions from across the country, 12 outstanding entries have emerged victorious in the 2004 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Awards for Media Excellence. The winning entry in each of the six individual categories will go on to compete for the Daniel P. Lenehan Trophy , a capstone award celebrating outstanding achievement in media excellence. In addition, the Federation is pleased to introduce the President’s Award ,...

Gail Abele of Highland Village, TX, has been named the 2004 USDF/Dover Adult Medal National Champion. Awarded for the first time in 2004, the year-end award is presented jointly by the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and Dover Saddlery as part of the USDF/Dover Adult Medal program, which is designed to acknowledge and reward adult amateurs riding at Second Level. To be eligible for the year-end award, a rider must win at least three USDF/Dover Adult Medals, which were presented at over...

Prince Bernhard, the President of the FEI from 1954 to 1964, passed away on December 1, 2004. He was 93 years old. Prince Bernhard, husband of Queen Juliana, who reigned from 1948, and father of the present Queen of the Netherlands, Beatrix, was born on June 29, 1911. In 1937 he married the then Princess Juliana. The couple had four children, all girls. One of them, Irene, became a successful jumper rider, competing as a member of the Dutch team at the European Junior Championships of 1956....

Oklahoma City, OK —Setting the pace for the rest of the world, the two reiners representing the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) made history December 2, winning the first Gold and Silver Medals ever awarded at the inaugural FEI World Reining Masters, presented by Netjets. Bringing home the Gold in the open division, Todd Crawford of Blanchard, OK, and Matt Dillon Dun It (owned by 3 Peaks Ranch) finished with a top score of 220.5. The win entitled the pair to $17,906.25 in...

Wellington, FL —With seven World Cup slots hanging just out of reach, and the possibility of two wild cards factoring in, East Coast League riders hold a collective breath as the latest round of qualifying points is tallied. After eight rounds of competition, the rivalry stays ever close, with McLain Ward emerging the new leader as the group takes a short recess for the Winter months. Closely following Ward’s 92 points are Kimberly Frey with 81, Laura Kraut with 72, and Lauren Hough...

Courtesy NRHA/Waltenberry (Todd Crawford on Matt Dillon Dun It) As the NRHA Futurity & North American Affiliate Championship Show continues, horses and riders showing in the FEI World Reining Masters Finals were officially received for the FEI general horse inspection on Wednesday, December 1. Traditionally, the NRHA Futurity & Championship Show has been the annual meeting ground for reining enthusiasts from all over the world. But this year is even more special. The first-ever $100,000...

Lexington, KY —The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) names Howard B. Simpson of Lake Forrest, IL, the winner of the 2004 Perpetual Sportsmanship Award. Given in memory of Walter Bourchier Devereux, III, the Perpetual Sportsmanship Award honors the horseman or horsewoman who “exemplifies the ideal of good sportsmanship through commitment, dedication and service to USEF throughout his or her career.” Mr. Simpson has done just that, spending years promoting good...