The International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) just passed a major milestone with the registration of its 10,000th purebred Andalusian. Although Andalusians were practically unknown 30 years ago, this rare breed is rapidly taking the horse world by storm. Known for their signature beauty and their fantastic temperaments, Andalusians are now making their mark as performance horses, especially in Dressage. The 10,000th Andalusian registered was the colt Suerte D’ ORO, owned...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is proud to recognize the following individuals for achieving USDF Instructor Certification status at the USDF Instructor Certification Test held at the Riverside Equestrian Center in Petaluma, CA, on September 15-17, 2006. The examiners for this Instructor Certification Test were Cindy Sydnor, Michael Poulin and Debbie Bowman. Training-Second Level Susan Gamier, CA Nellie Martin-Giles, CA Marina Murray, WY Anne Reynolds, CA Stacy Zwergel, CA...

Governor Donald Carcieri signed into law a bill designed to protect and inform Rhode Islanders who ride horses with equestrian instructors. The bill, introduced in the House by Representative Carol Mumford R-Scituate, mandates any person who holds themselves out to be an equestrian professional and taking compensation for lessons must be certified in first aid. It also mandates equestrian facilities to have on premises and on the trailer during events a fully operational first aid kit. The law...

When the dust settled after the record-breaking NRHA Derby Finals on May 20, 2006, in Oklahoma City, OK, one more milestone was added to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) record books. Topsail Whiz became the second stallion to achieve the NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire distinction. Owned by Bob Loomis Quarter Horses, Inc., of Marietta, OK, Topsail Whiz first became an NRHA Million Dollar Sire in 2001. In 2003, he earned Two Million Dollar Sire status and was inducted into the NRHA...

The Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Steve Taylor as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) beginning August 1, 2006. Taylor has served as executive director of the Missouri Beef Industry Council for the past 19 years and also has ties to the Appaloosa industry as a former breeder, exhibitor and volunteer. The council is part of the industry network responsible for the famous "Beef. It's What’s For Dinner" advertising campaign. In addition...

Lexington, KY – Ariat International, the leading equestrian footwear and apparel manufacturer, has created a collection of high-performance athletic gear for our nation’s top equestrian athletes that will debut in mid-summer. Through the newly-signed sponsorship, Ariat becomes the “Official Apparel Supplier” of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). As part of the category-exclusive sponsorship, Ariat has created an assortment of signature USEF garments to debut with the U.S. Team at...

The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and the American Vaulting Association (AVA) have combined efforts to create the Recreational Vaulting Certification program. Vaulting is gymnastics and dance in harmony with the moving horse. As a competitive sport, it is stylized and disciplined. As a recreational activity and teaching aid it is enormously adaptable in scope and application. The goal of the Recreational Vaulting Coach (RVC) certification clinics are to provide the vaulting community...

(Lexington, KY) As approved by the 2005 FEI General Assembly, an annual FEI registration is now mandatory for all riders and horses competing in FEI events. This would include the following disciplines: Dressage, Reining, Show Jumping, Driving, Endurance and Vaulting, Paraequestrian and Eventing. The fee requirement will take effect on January 1, 2006 and it is renewable annually. Fees are $15.00 for each horse and $15.00 per rider. This registration is in addition to acquiring a passport or...

Lexington, KY – Lexington, KY - As part of a series of improvements designed to relieve competition headaches for members and management, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) have agreed to begin joint recognition of dressage competitions in the United States. Beginning in 2006, dressage competitions recognized by the USEF will also be recognized by the USDF, eliminating the need for show organizers to apply for USDF recognition....

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is pleased to announce that NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Chic Olena has become an NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire. Owned by Jim Babcock, of Valley View, TX, he joins Hollywood Dun It and Topsail Whiz as the third sire to achieve this distinction. In NRHA competition, Smart Chic Olena's 376 money-earning offspring have reached an earnings total of $3,033,204.60, with average earnings of $4,513.70. Not surprising, his highest money-earning offspring to...