It's been another busy month for the team at the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) as they get set for a successful fundraising party and silent auction in Traverse City, MI, during Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival. There will also be a launch of the eBay Giving Works site with the cover image to the new FarmVet catalog. This limited edition picture was graciously donated by photographer Shelli Breidenbach. This month's newsletter is full of ways to help our fellow equestrians and horse...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate its new USDF Certified Instructors from the testing held March 27-29 in Kansas City, MO. The USDF Instructor Certification program is designed to set a standard of excellence in dressage training and instruction in the United States and to educate dressage riders, instructors, and aspiring instructors. New USDF Certified Instructors include Laurie Hedlund of Claremore, OK, at training through second level; and...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) 2009 New England Regional Championship will be held at the Eastern States Exposition Big E Horse Show. The show is set to take place September 17-October 4, at the Eastern States Exposition, in West Springfield, MA. Saddlebreds will be competing in the portion of the show taking place beginning on Thursday, September 17, through Sunday, September 20. For details about the saddle horse portion of the show, visit the Eastern States Exposition...

The Junior League Horse Show is the only show in Kentucky to host Grand National classes in 2009. The show is set to take place Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 11, at the Red Mile, in Lexington, KY. The show will offer a total of $9,000 in prize money, offering $1,800 in each of the following Grand National classes: - Fine Harness Junior Horse - Three-Gaited Park Open Championship - Three-Gaited Ladies Championship - Five-Gaited Amateur Championship - Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Junior...

Now, saddleseat equitation riders can ride with a new reason in mind: raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the rider’s selected charity. “It’s a shared-commitment program that encourages riders to show an American Saddlebred, Arabian (including Half-Arabian), Morgan or National Show Horse in saddleseat equitation competitions, and encourages donors to pledge funds for charity for each class in which the rider shows. The rider is not only responsible for raising the...

The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) recently elected its 2009 Executive Committee at the 38th APHA Annual Convention, held in San Diego, CA. The Executive Committee sets APHA policy and is responsible for the Association’s activities and fiscal integrity. Elected by their peers were: · President John Corbin of Colorado Springs, CO · President-Elect Linda Vance of Winlock, WA · Vice President Dr. Travis Titlow of Lincoln, CA · Senior Committee Member Scot Jackson of Stephenville, TX ·...

A lifetime horseman and trainer, Carl Knee, passed away at age 76 on July 22, 2008. He trained many outstanding riders and horses, but it was a team effort that gave Knee his greatest joy. He coached the Canadian Equestrian Team for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. Michel Vaillancourt won the Silver medal in the individual jumping event. Among the riders he trained were Anthony D’Ambrosio who set the National Horse Show’s record for jumpers of seven feet, four inches aboard Sympatico in 1973;...

Sensitive to the issue of safety that is being emphasized in the eventing world today, English Riding Supply' 4-Star Collection, (ERS), a longtime sponsor of the Maui Jim Horse Trials, has come on board with a generous incentive aimed at highlighting the importance of riding cross country in a safe and sane manner. With the "4 - Star Collection Closest to Optimum Time" award, the rider who completes cross country without jumping penalties and comes in closest to the optimum time in the CIC One...

Federation members may submit rule changes if they feel an aspect of the USEF Rulebook needs revision. According to the process set forth in GR150, the deadline for individual members to submit a rule change for consideration at the January 2009 Annual Meeting is June 1st . Proposed rule changes may be submitted through our automated online submission system, located under “Rules & Governance,” then “Rule Book,” then “Rule Change Proposal Form,” or via paper on the Official Rule Change Form,...

STATEMENTS FROM CHIACCHIA FAMILY March 18, 2008 - 2PM EDT After breathing independently for a few hours, Darren had a temporary set back. He developed a fever and pneumonia causing him to be re-intubated and is now breathing with a ventilator. He continues to receive superior medical care and remains in critical but stable condition. The Chiacchia family wishes to extend their appreciation for all the concern and support.