Following the FEI European Reining Championships held in Manerbio, Italy, last May, preparations are under way for the second finals edition of the $100,000 FEI World Reining Masters Series, presented by the Arcese Group, which will be held on September 22-25, 2005. The finals of the prestigious competition, which were held in Oklahoma City during the National Reining Horse Association Futurity last year, will be hosted at the beautiful Palasturla facility located in Manerbio, Italy. “We are...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) is asking breeders to assist in its ongoing research to find the genetic cause of lordosis. ASHA has been funding this research since 2003. Dr. Patrick Gallagher, of PCG Equine Research, was selected by the Association's board of directors to perform the research. To further the research, hair samples of American Saddlebreds with lordosis are needed to look at the DNA basis of the trait. Also, for those who want to make a generous contribution,...

The report detailing the work of those who participated in the nation’s first-ever Unwanted Horse Summit is now available from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). The Summit was hosted on April 19, 2005, in Washington, D.C., by the AAEP with the purpose of identifying long-term solutions designed to improve the quality of life of unwanted horses. Over 25 equine industry organizations and individuals participated. Attendees worked in small groups during the Summit to examine...

Lexington, KY – On March 15, the Executive Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) approved an extraordinary rule change to rule DC147.2, for Combined Driving Events. Effective April 1, 2005, all drivers competing in obstacles on the marathon must wear protective ASTM/SEI certified headgear. The rule has been amended as follows: DC147. Add new and renumber. Effective 4/1/05 2. Dress. At USEF sanctioned National Events b. It is compulsory for all drivers competing in...

While most of us only dream of running a four-star course, the next best thing is experiencing it through the eyes and insights of Olympian equestrians! Attendees of the 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI**** can do just that at the SmartPak Equine-sponsored course walk with Kim Severson and Amy Tryon. Severson and Tryon will offer their tips and tactics for riding the toughest cross country course in the U.S. Everyone is welcome to attend this incredible opportunity; just sign up at the SmartPak booth in...

Phil Peterson of Port Orchard, WA, has been elected as president of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) for the 2005–2006 term. Peterson is Camp Director at Miracle Ranch in Port Orchard, WA. For the past 20 years, he has hired and trained the staff for the summer weekly and off-season weekend horsemanship camps, developed new programs for college apprentices and homeschoolers and has planned and completed two major buildings-–a full service dining and meeting facility and a complete...

Lexington, KY —Last year, course designer Richard Jeffery of Dorsett, UK, set a record at the United States Equestrian Federation. He was the first to have been awarded Course Designer of the Year , on six separate occasions. Once again, Jeffery adds to that record winning streak, receiving the Mr. & Mrs. William C. Cox Memorial Trophy for a seventh time. In addition to the 2004 award, Jeffery enjoyed the title in 1989, 1990, 1994, 1999, 2002 and 2003. “He sets a pretty tough...

Lexington, KY —Adding their names to a long list of respected breeders from across the country, Diana Dodge of Montpelier Station, VA, and Herb Kohler of LaGrange, KY, have been named the winners of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2004 Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeders’ Award. Given in memory of American Saddlebred owner and breeder Ellen Scripps Davis, the Award recognizes an individual who consistently breeds outstanding show horses. The award also honors the...

On the initiative of the Jumping Committee, the FEI Executive Board has approved the creation of an Independent Temporary Committee to establish why a number of horses received tendon injuries during the jumping competitions at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and to produce recommendations for the future. The Temporary Committee comprises the following persons: Edouard de Rothschild (FRA), Chairman Leopoldo Palacios (VEN), Member Jack Snyder (USA), Member Robert Jolicoeur (CAN), Member Thomas...

The United States Equestrian Federation deeply regrets the passing of Cindy Burge of Spokane, Washington. Ms. Burge was critically injured Saturday, July 24th at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, where she was competing in the Open Preliminary division when her horse tripped and fell on her while galloping on the flat. She passed away July 28th at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Montana. “I first met Cindy when her family was preparing for the first Deep Creek Horse Trials,”...