Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) High-Performance Dressage Committee has appointed Debbie McDonald to the position of USEF Dressage Developing Coach for the remainder of 2006 and through December 31, 2007. This appointment is one of many steps being taken toward expanding the USEF Dressage Developing Program. In this new role, McDonald’s responsibilities will include increasing awareness and visibility of the USEF Dressage Developing Program and furthering the...

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Olympic Committee today announced equestrian athlete Megan Benjamin and swimmer Brendan Hansen as its August Athletes of the Month. The USOC Team of the Month was awarded to the USA National Baseball Team. Benjamin (Saratoga, Calif.) won the gold medal in women's vaulting at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany on August 27. She was the first American woman to win the title. The Germans have won 20 of the last 32 World Championships. Benjamin was also...

Gulfport, MS –“It’s official!” Bob Bell, Co-Chair of the Gulf Coast Classic Company, confirmed the big news this afternoon that the Winter Classics would be returning to their home at the Harrison County Equestrian Center in Gulfport, MS, for the 2007 season. The five-week series had been displaced and relocated to Pensacola, FL, for 2006 due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina to much of the Gulf Coast region. Ironically, the show grounds were spared any major damages, yet the...

Olympic Gold medalist David O’ Connor is offering a course walk of his newly designed cross-country courses at the Colorado Horse Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006 in Parker, CO. Riders and non-riders alike are welcome to join O'Connor for his insights into the design of the courses, as well as his suggestions for how to successfully complete the course. The event includes a walk of the new courses, a lecture and a question and answer session. All participants will also receive an...

The HorseTV Channel’s August premieres feature diverse selections, including the revealing new international series, Spirit of the Equestrian , and the final PRCA rodeo in the network’s original series, Rodeo Nation: Pushing The Barrier . “Viewers will enjoy a much needed break from the summer heat at The HorseTV Channel this August as we introduce intriguing new series and experience the captivating conclusion to others,” said Rachel Falleroni, head of programming for The HorseTV Channel....

New Jersey hometown girl Jessica Lehnes riding Lexington Lady was all smiles on June 20 at the Middlesex County Horse Show in Allentown, NJ, after notching a score of 75.769% in Open Training Level Test 4. The impressive percentage earned Lehnes and Lexington Lady a victory in the class and the high score in training level at the one-day dressage show. Lexington Lady is an eight-year-old, 16.3-hand, dark brown Trakhener mare (by Schonfield), owned by Joanne Penso. For her performance, Lehnes...

Two American Saddlebred geldings, Kobada’s Jacq Of Times and Canyonleigh Stargazer, have been sold to the members of the ruling family of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Kobada’s Jacq Of Times (nicknamed JT) was sold by Australian Kevin Sayer of Mountain Breeze Stud, Mount Hunter, New South Wales, to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, supreme ruler of Dubai. The 15.3-hand bay gelding is presently in quarantine in northern Australia. His record in 2004 and 2005 includes winning...

Sabina Louise Pierce/University of Pennsylvania (Barbaro in his stall after surgery at New Bolton Center) Less than one week after Barbaro's tragic career-ending injury in the Preakness, over 4,000 people have already e-mailed Matz, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson and Barbaro their well-wishes. Just hours after Barbaro emerged from surgery, the USEF set up a means for people to send their regards. You can send your message to Barbaro, trainer Michael Matz, a three-time Olympic equestrian who...

The Colorado Horse Park announced that Olympic Gold medalist and president of the United States Equestrian Federation® David O’ Connor has signed on as course designer for the Park’s three-day events and horse trials. O’Connor brings a lifetime of knowledge of eventing and horsemanship to this position. In addition, his persona as the head of national governing body for equestrian sports adds luster to his skills and talents. “We are extremely fortunate to have David O’Connor join the Colorado...

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...