A total of 43 riders from 19 countries will compete in the 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva, Switzerland, next week from April 14-18. All but one of the competitors have emerged from nine leagues that took place around the world in recent months, the sole exception being the host nation's Niklaus Schurtenberger who has been awarded a Wild Card entry with his top horse, Cantus. A notable absentee from the exciting closing stages will be 2008/2009...

Expanding its already considerable support of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), SmartPak™ has signed on as "Official Tack and Equipment Supplier to the USEF". In addition, SmartPak will be adding sponsorship of the new Adult Amateur Hunter Ranking List to the list of other programs SmartPak supports, which include the USEF Week in Review and the North American Young Rider Reining Championship. "The USEF has done so much for equestrian sport, and we are grateful for their...

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, is pleased to announce the opening of his organization’s first satellite facility for retired Thoroughbreds. Cabin Creek, a 40-acre farm just outside Saratoga in Greenfield Center, NY, will begin receiving horses immediately. An official opening and celebration is planned for July 22, 2010. This premiere auxiliary space will be named in honor of trainer Bobby Frankel, who passed away last week after a battle with leukemia. A native New...

The American Paint Horse Association’s (APHA) annual convention and membership meeting concluded recently in Colorado Springs, CO, where 107 leaders of the association met to elect the group’s executive committee, decide on rule change proposals and work within committees to continue to advance the popular horse breed organization. APHA’s newly elected executive committee now includes: • President Linda Vance, Winlock, WA • President-elect Dr. Travis Titlow, Lincoln, CA • Vice President Scot...

Kona Gold, winner of the 2000 Eclipse Award for Sprinter of the Year was humanely euthanized at the Kentucky Horse Park on the morning of September 29 after suffering a severe fracture to his left front leg while exercising in his paddock. He was 15-years-old. Within minutes of the accident, he was taken to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for evaluation where it was determined by the surgical staff that his injury was beyond repair. The unanimous decision to euthanize was made by the surgeons,...

On a beautiful New England day, the 20th Annual Jumper Classic, featuring the $75,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix, kicked off by welcoming riders of all ages to New England's premiere equestrian venue at the Silver Oak Equestrian Center. The Jumper Classic is the only American Grand Prix Association-sanctioned grand prix to take place in New England. The event features more than 72 classes and $200,000 in prize money. The Jumper Classic offers an array of divisions designed to attract...

The High Roller Reining Classic is pleased to announce that the only female $1 Million Elite Rider, Mandy McQuay McCutcheon, will be showing at this year's competition. The horse show will be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino, September 4-12, 2009. McCutcheon is the only non-pro Elite Rider and the daughter of Elite Rider Tim McQuay, who will also be competing at this year's event. The High Roller Reining Classic is the international "crown jewel" of western riding competition, and...

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce that the Jack Le Goff Memorial Fund has been established in memory of the legendary USET Eventing Coach. The fund will provide annual travel grant(s) to riders selected to represent the United States at the FEI Eventing World Cup Final. The first major gift to start this fund in Jack Le Goff's name was generously made by Cindy and Larry Lippon of Cave Creek, AZ, who had the pleasure and honor of knowing Jack Le Goff and...

Brentina, the only U.S. dressage horse to win the FEI World Cup Finals, will appear at the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals for her official retirement ceremony. Brentina's retirement ceremony will take place on Friday afternoon, April 17. Once again hosted by Las Vegas Events (LVE), the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals, April 15-19, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, will bring spectators edge-of-their-seat entertainment as they watch riders compete for the title of FEI World Cup champion in...

The 2009 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) opened Wednesday to rave reviews for the $10-million makeover of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Opening day in almost perfect weather with temperatures reaching a high of about 80 degrees F (27 degrees Celsius) saw 854 hunter and jumper trips in 10 competition arenas. The annual George H. Morris Horsemanship Clinic filled another arena. Although the premiere jumper rings, International, DeNemethy and Mogavero arenas drew 231 entries...