Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company, announced, "It’s official," referring to the return of the John Deere-USEF Memberperks bonus program, which will award a new Gator to the high-scoring adult amateur hunter on the final week of the Atlanta Fall Classics in November. Bell had pitched the idea for rewarding the adult group to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and various committees in late 2005. “I just felt this is a group of exhibitors that so often is overlooked and that...

The Board of Directors of the American Shetland Pony Club announced that they will again offer a $10,000 scholarship to any registered American Shetland Pony who earns the title of Champion Small Pony Hunter at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pony Finals to be hosted in August. “The $10,000 incentive prize was designed to encourage participation and reward success,” explained Zona Schneider, Operations Director of the American Shetland Pony Club Executive Committee. “Today...

Iron Spring Farm’s popular Friesian stallion Goffert 369 was euthanized Tuesday, February 13, 2007. The Grand Prix competitor colicked, and although every effort was made to save him, the damage was irreparable. Goffert 369, known as “Herbie,” was a beloved spokesman for the Friesian breed. Known for his tremendous athletic ability and intelligence, Goffert had a fan base around the world. In 2004, he performed at the 125th Anniversary Celebration of the Friesian Studbook where more than 10,000...

Randi Muster 2007 (Todd Minikus and Pavarotti were the highest-placed members of the U.S. team in the $150,000 CN U.S. Open Jumper Championship, Presented by Cosequin.) Wellington, Florida—In another action-packed day of horse sport, Canada’s Mario Deslauriers emerged victorious in the $150,000 CN U.S. Open Jumper Championship, Presented by Cosequin, held Sunday, March 11, in Wellington, FL. A total of 39 riders attempted to win the final event of the CSIO5* CN Wellington Open...

(Lexington, KY) – Pam Lane has joined the United States Equestrian Federation as Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting effective March 5th. She is located in the Gladstone, New Jersey office and will report to Jim Wolf, Executive Director of Sports Programs. Pam has extensive experience with the USEF and the dressage discipline. Since 1997 she has organized West Coast athlete and developing rider training sessions and has been an event organizer for such competitions as the 2002 qualifiers...

Merial, maker of Zimecterin® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel), announced Jonah Christensen of Salt Lake City, UT, won the grand prize of the Zimecterin Gold Drive Home the Gold giveaway. Christensen will take home a new 2007 FORD® F-250 truck worth approximately $32,000. “We’ve always used and trusted Zimecterin brand products to deworm our horses,” Christensen says. “I plan on continuing to use Zimecterin Gold. It’s always been easy to use and has helped keep my horses healthy.” Christensen uses...

The Animal Planet television network will televise a special 90-minute broadcast of the 2007 Rolex FEI World CupTM Finals on Saturday, May 12, beginning at 9:00 p.m. (EDT). The telecast will include the finals in both jumping and dressage. Las Vegas, the world’s premier city for exciting entertainment, will once again be the backdrop for the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Finals in both jumping and dressage when they return to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, April 18-22. In 2005, the FEI World Cup...

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has named its 2007 Equestrian of the Year—Mindy Darst. The winner raised over $52,000 to support the society’s mission, and more than $125,000 was raised by the equestrian community in total. The Equestrian of the Year fundraising program is a multi-discipline campaign benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The equestrian who raises the most amount of money wins the title, a trophy, a $1,000 gift certificate from EuroAmerican Saddlery and their photo on...

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) has announced that the Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes (Sweepstakes) program has paid more than $2.7 million in Sweepstakes prize money, Breeders Incentive and Nominated Sire payback to owners and breeders out of a $3.1-million pot of available prize money for 2006. More than $1.2 million was paid to owners who enrolled their horses in the annual Points program. More members received Sweepstakes earnings in 2006 than ever before. Payouts involved 5,922 horses...

On Saturday evening, February 17, 2007, one of the most unique auction items will be the opportunity for one guest to join judges George Morris, Susie “Paula Abdul” Schoellkopf, Gene “Randy Jackson” Mische, and Mason “Simon Cowell” Phelps to select the top two finalists in the EQUUS Equestrian Idol competition. The celebrity lineup also features Robert “Ryan Seacrest” Dover, who will be the emcee and promises entertaining banter with the judges. The guests will ultimately be called upon to...