Matthew Williams of Lexington, KY, development manager of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, has been promoted to the new position of director of development and communications, effective immediately, according to Alan F. Balch, ASHA Executive Secretary. “Since Matthew joined us not quite a year ago now, his performance has been exceptional,” Balch said. “He was a champion in the Saddlebred show ring, and he’s been a champion in his professional life with us as well. Although we’re...

A clear round for Brandie Holloway on the little mare she fell in love with was all it took to win Sunday's $25,000 Grand Prix during the opening week of the HITS Arizona Winter Circuit. Out of a starting field of 25 horse-and-rider combinations, Holloway and S&L So Be It was the only pair to master Mike Gallaway's challenging first-round course. Gallaway's course was a sweeping series of combinations with a last line that included an oxer to a vertical to an oxer double-combination finish. A...

Lexington, KY – Following a star-studded performance that warmed our hearts at the Athens Olympic Games more than a year ago, U.S. show jumpers Chris Kappler, Beezie Madden, McLain Ward and Peter Wylde will finally be awarded their Olympic Gold medals at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, just before the Gold Coast Jumper Classic Grand Prix at Circuit Finale in Wellington, FL. In addition, Kappler will be officially awarded the Individual Silver. “This is truly something for all of...

Rocket Finder MMR (Courtesy Don Shugart ) Lexington, KY -- With varied coats of bold spotted patterns, the Appaloosa continues to chart a solid course as one of America's favorite companion and competitive horses today, just as it did more than a hundred years ago. Thousands of these horses can be found in the United States and across the world, demonstrating their versatility as they compete in multiple disciplines and show classes. As this breed continues to demonstrate notable growth in...

The Spanish Andalusian and the Portuguese Lusitano are known collectively as the "Iberian Horse" from their place of origin, Europe's Iberian Peninsula. A new brand to represent these beautiful horses was approved by the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) at their recent board meeting in Tulsa. The IALHA is the North American registry for all bloodlines of the Iberian Horse, including pure Spanish, pure Portuguese, pure Spanish/Portuguese and Half-Andalusians. The...

Horse breeders should be aware of a new tax advantage that begins in 2005 and increases over the next five years until fully implemented in 2010. The deduction can shelter up to 3% of 2005 profit from the sale of horses that a breeder has bred and sold. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, passed by Congress at the end of 2004, provided a new tax benefit which lowers the tax on income from U.S. production. Specifically, it applies to income from the sale of property that was "manufactured,...

The 152nd Upperville Colt and Horse Show Kick-Off Party on Friday, May 20, was a big success in raising money to benefit the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. The party was from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. on the show grounds, and included a fun evening of dancing, fabulous food, a live auction and a silent auction. Music was provided by Johnny White and the Elite Band, who kept guests twirling throughout the night. The live auction consisted of neighbors and friends who have...

Members of the show jumping team that won the Silver medal at last summer’s Olympic Games in Athens will compete in the jumper divisions and in two thrilling grand prix classes at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, which runs May 26-June 4. In a thrilling duel for this year’s top honors, Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ, Open Jumper Champion for four of the last six years, will take on Olympians Chris Kappler of Hunterdon in Pittstown, NJ, Open Jumping Leading Rider at Devon two years...

A life-sized bronze sculpture of Bruce Davidson and Eagle Lion jumping into the Head of the Lake will likely be unveiled at the Kentucky Horse Park this Fall or at the 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Artist Jean Clagett is hard at work creating the sculpture, which will feature a highlighted patina, and be mounted in the lake at the Kentucky Horse Park in front of a water obstacle, with the horse’s front feet in the water and jets splashing. The presence of this beautiful piece of art will...

Lexington, KY —Adding their names to a long list of respected breeders from across the country, Diana Dodge of Montpelier Station, VA, and Herb Kohler of LaGrange, KY, have been named the winners of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2004 Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Award. Given in memory of American Saddlebred owner and breeder Ellen Scripps Davis, the Award recognizes an individual who consistently breeds outstanding show horses. The award also honors the...