Lexington, KY - Following the last World Cup Qualifiers which were held in Tampa, FL, and San Juan Capistrano, CA, 10 riders will represent the U.S. at the 2008 Rolex FEI World Cup Final (seven from the U.S. East Coast League and three from the U.S. West Coast League). To be held in Goteborg, Sweden, April 23-27, the Final showcases the world’s best show jumping riders, who qualify by accumulating points throughout the competition year at designated FEI events in one of the FEI worldwide...

Lexington, KY - U.S. Young Reining Riders are taking the first steps towards international competition. This summer at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby the U.S. Young Reining Riders will have their first opportunity to compete on behalf of their country. The NRHA Derby will host an FEI Concours de Reining International - Young Rider (CRI-Y) that will serve as the selection trial for all the U.S. Reining teams that will compete at the CN North American Junior/Young Rider...

Lexington, KY - Qualifying for the 2008 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach is well under way. Two of the four qualifying CRI competitions have already taken place. Both the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO and the Cowboy Capital Classic in Stephenville, TX have happened and Matt Mills and Jordan Larson took home top honors. There are two more opportunities for Reiners on the USEF Reining Long List to compete to qualify for the 2008...

Lexington, KY ­– The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is currently accepting applications for the 2008 World Endurance Championship CEI****. Scheduled for November 5-9, 2008 in Terengganu, Malaysia, the USEF is expecting to send six horse/rider combinations to the World Championships. Athletes on the Endurance National Training List should apply no later than May 31, 2008. Athletes who are not currently on the Endurance National Training List may apply as Wild Card Selections. The...

Lexington, KY—The American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) Sweepstakes nominations made significant leaps forward at the 2008 closing on February 11. Both the Three-Year-Old and the Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes experienced a hike in numbers. In the Four-Year-Old Sweepstakes, 100 four-year-olds of 2008 remain eligible at the February closing, up 31.58% from last year. Likewise, the three-year-old nominations increased 16.67%, to 182 horses. In the Three-Year-Old Sweepstakes, most notable when compared to...

Lexington, KY ­– Darren Chiacchia of Springville, NY and Ocala, FL suffered a serious fall today, Saturday March 15, 2008, at the Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, FL. Chiacchia was riding Baron Verdi at the Preliminary level ­– the pair fell at the fifth cross country fence. Chiacchia was airlifted to Tallahassee Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. Baron Verdi was uninjured in the fall. “We keep Darren and his friends and family in our thoughts and prayers,” said USEF...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the continuation of a partnership with Ariat International, the leading manufacturer of equestrian footwear and apparel, as the “Official Apparel Supplier to the USEF.” In addition, Ariat will continue to produce a collection of high-performance athletic gear for the nation’s top equestrian athletes. “The USEF is thrilled to continue our partnership with Ariat, a notable brand which has a strong reputation among...

Lexington, KY - The USEF Dressage High Performance Committee is introducing a new 12-Month Grand Prix Ranking List for the 2008 competition year. This new ranking list format will track all U.S. horse/rider combinations competing at the FEI Grand Prix level at any CDI, as well as the 2007 High Performance qualifying competitions, and insures a more accurate reflection of the current top competitors. The 12-Month Grand Prix Ranking List will be maintained by USEF staff and will report all FEI...

Lexington, KY – With the 2008 competition season just beginning, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recognizes that the rising cost of show expenses can often hinder breed shows. To assist competitions with expenses, the USEF offers the Outreach Grant program, which provides financial assistance to various USEF breed competitions. The USEF grant program assists financially challenged breed competitions that meet the grant requirements and are approved by the USEF. The grants are...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. are teaming up in an innovative campaign to support U.S. equine athletes in their push to the 2008 Olympic Games. Luitpold has generously agreed to provide Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) joint therapy for these horses on their quest for gold at this summer’s Olympic Games in Hong Kong. Adequan® is “The Official Joint Therapy of the USEF”. Going well beyond their usual level of...