Since its inception just five years ago, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has experienced unprecedented growth and has quickly become the largest recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Albeit the USEF’s largest affiliate, USHJA is also one of the only affiliates to not have its own headquarters. But that is changing. On September 24, 2008, the USHJA celebrated two landmark occasions: the launch of the “Building For Growth” Capital Campaign and...

Lexington, KY – At the 2009 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting, the USEF Board of Directors passed the ‘Return to Play’ rule. This rule (GR 1317) mandates that any competitor at a USEF licensed competition that is deemed concussed or unconscious (by qualified medical personnel) cannot return to competition until they have been cleared by a medical professional, who will sign and submit a letter to the USEF stating the rider is fit to compete. This rule became effective on...

In an effort to help equestrian enthusiasts and competitors save money in a tight economy, and to promote eco-friendly horse transportation, the United States Equestrian Federation now presents the Ride Share Program on ClubEquestrian.com. Often the logistics of long-distance travel is an unforeseen roadblock in the path to equine events. This new tool allows equine enthusiasts and competitors to post information about open trailer spots, as well as inquire about rides. Information such as...

Lexington, KY— Sharing the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, USRider is proud to partner with the USEF in an effort to further enhance the safety of those who travel with horses. USRider provides emergency roadside assistance and towing services through their Equestrian Motor Plan along with other travel-related benefits. With an annual fee comparable to that of other roadside assistance programs, USRider offers many services...

In celebration of the American Morgan Horse Association's (AMHA) 100th year anniversary and in partnership with the American Driving Society, AMHA is pleased to announce the Mid-Atlantic Driving Challenge, sponsored by Driving Essential, Inc. Four Morgan shows are included in this series: Mason-Dixon, Mid-A, Old Dominion, and the New York Regional. Any exhibitor in a carriage driving class that has at least two entries at any of the participating shows is eligible for the year-end award. Shows...

The 2009 Vermont Summer Festival in East Dorset, VT, is gearing up for another exciting summer of equestrian competition. The six-week circuit will run from July 1-August 9 at Harold Beebe Farm, and in addition to great hunter and jumper competition, the Manchester and the Mountains area will play host to all of the exhibitors and their families. The Vermont Summer Festival offers six consecutive weeks of competition, which makes it the longest horse show circuit offered in the Northeast. Many...

Lexington, KY – The Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC) announced the collegiate teams that have been selected and seeded for this year’s competition, in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). This year, there will be twelve schools competing in Hunter Seat, including Equitation Flat and Equitation Over Fences. There will also be twelve schools competing in Western, including Horsemanship and Reining. Eight...

George Lucas’ Storm Troopers from the blockbuster Star Wars films were created as an elite army with no fears, just a determination to be victorious. This week saw a new breed of Storm Troopers at the Atlanta Spring Classics finale. Shaker Heights, OH-based David Jennings and partner Marcus Aurelius triumphed over Mother Nature in the Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake and the Atlanta Spring Grand Prix, both presented by Classic Company. Despite torrents of rain that came and went throughout most of...

Riders taking part in the "Intro to Eventing" clinic at The Oaks Equestrian Center, home to the inaugural O’Connor Signature Facility, not only learned the basics of eventing but also had a chance to test out the world-class cross-country course designed by Olympians David and Karen O’Connor. Rhonda Gailey, Resident Equestrian Facility Manager of The Oaks Equestrian Center, taught the two-day Intro to Eventing clinic. “We had an excellent response for the clinic. Everyone who attended learned a...

The FEI has taken some decisions on the Wild Cards considering the 24th FEI World Cup™ Final Dressage, taking place April 15-19 in Las Vegas. The wild cards are granted to Americans Leslie Morse on Kingston and Jan Ebeling on Rafalca . This brings the complete list of 15 competitors to the following. 1. Title Defender Anky van Grunsven IPS Painted Black (NED) Western European League 2. Isabell Werth on Satchmo or Warum Nicht FRH (GER) 3. Adelinde Cornelissen on Parzival (NED) 4. Hans Peter...