Matthew Williams of Lexington, KY, development manager of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, has been promoted to the new position of director of development and communications, effective immediately, according to Alan F. Balch, ASHA Executive Secretary. “Since Matthew joined us not quite a year ago now, his performance has been exceptional,” Balch said. “He was a champion in the Saddlebred show ring, and he’s been a champion in his professional life with us as well. Although we’re...

The judges and trainers symposium, featuring Steffen Peters and Janet Brown Foy, has attracted excellent demo riders and horses. The seminar is scheduled April 8-9, 2006, at Penrose Norris Equestrian Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Horses from those just going under saddle to grand prix competitors have been chosen to give the audience a broad view of the levels and how the horse develops as an athlete. All USEF dressage tests will be covered, and movements will be scored and discussed by FEI...

Lexington, KY – Showing the true spirit of teamwork for the equine industry, the Kentucky Equine Education Project, known as “KEEP” throughout the Bluegrass state, has pledged $10,000 to the United States Equestrian Federation Hurricane Katrina Equine Relief Fund. “We have to do all that we can to help alleviate some of these disastrous effects,” said Jim Navolio, Executive Director of KEEP. “Our mission and the mission of USEF are parallel and we’re...

Horse breeders should be aware of a new tax advantage that begins in 2005 and increases over the next five years until fully implemented in 2010. The deduction can shelter up to 3% of 2005 profit from the sale of horses that a breeder has bred and sold. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, passed by Congress at the end of 2004, provided a new tax benefit which lowers the tax on income from U.S. production. Specifically, it applies to income from the sale of property that was "manufactured,...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association has joined forces with the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and have added Misdee Wrigley as a board member to the organization. Also members Hoppy Bennett from Shelby County and Joan Hamilton from Washington County have been selected as team leaders in their respective counties. KEEP’s main initiatives are to: · Educate the public and key state constituencies with regard to the benefits of the horse industry to all sectors of Kentucky's...

The American Horse Council reports that approximately 160,000 postcard invitations have been distributed asking people to participate in the national economic impact study of the horse industry. Those selected should receive the invitation in mid-October. The glossy postcard includes an Internet link that will direct the recipient to an online survey, where the information requested can be provided in a secure website. “We hope that this electronic approach will make it easy for people to...

THE COLOUR LOOKS VERY MUCH LIKE ORANGE…… Dutch pride is at an all-time high after two consecutive victories in the Samsung Super League 2004, and the team at the top of the leaderboard can expect huge support when they line out on their home ground in Rotterdam next Friday. A full three points ahead of Germany in second position, The Netherlands could take a real grip on pole position if they can capitalise with another good result, and the organisers at Rotterdam are encouraging...

Leipzig, Germany – A precisely executed first round and jump-off in Round II pushed McLain Ward and Contagious to the top of the overall standings of the 2022 FEI Jumping World Cup Final, as all eyes turn to the final round of competition on Sunday, April 10. Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Contagious went late in the order given their fifth-place finish in yesterday’s speed round, capitalizing on their opportunity to move up the standings. All eight U.S. combinations will move on to...

Harrisburg, Pa. – The juniors displayed excellent riding in Neue Schule/USEF Junior Jumper Prix des States Team National Championship on Friday evening. Eight teams competed in the modified Nations Cup competition, with four teams finishing the first round on zero faults. Six teams returned for the second round, and the pressure was on for the athletes to deliver for their teams. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Kim Land, Zone 4 maintained their composure to clinch the team gold...

The U.S. Endurance Team had a great finish in the FEI Endurance World Championships for Young Riders & Juniors on Wednesday, September 18. The prestigious 120-kilometer competition was held at the San Rossore Racecourse in Pisa, Italy, during the Toscana Endurance Lifestyle event. “This is a really good result for the program,” said the U.S. team’s chef d’equipe, Mark Dial. "This is the fastest we’ve ridden, and the best team finish we’ve had since...