Lexington, KY – Fourteen High Performance Dressage athletes traveled from across the US and from as far away as Germany to join the 19 members of the USEF High Performance Dressage Eligible Athletes Committee and the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee to attend a forum held November 11, 2008 in Chicago, IL. The objective of the forum was to discuss the USEF’s High Performance Strategic Plan for the period leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The forum was designed so that High...

Chicago 2016 Presents Bid Plan to European Olympic Committees CHICAGO - The delegation from Chicago 2016 traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, this week to present Chicago's vision for the Olympic and Paralympic Games at the European Olympic Committees (EOC) XXXVII General Assembly. The delegation, including Honorary Chairman of Chicago 2016 and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan met with sport leaders from across Europe to discuss Chicago's bid for the...

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) would like to extend thanks and gratitude to the Eventing Selectors who have served the US Eventing program from 2005-2009. Chairman Peter Green, Bea DiGrazia, Ann Getchell, Ann Taylor, and Mark Weissbecker have selected three championship teams. They chose the horse/rider combinations that made up the fourth placed team and earned an individual bronze at the 2006 World Equestrian Games. The following year they selected the team that went to Rio de...

Lexington, KY – A mutual decision has been made not to renew the contract of USEF National Dressage Coach Klaus Balkenhol which expires at the end of 2008. The decision between Balkenhol and the USEF’s High Performance Dressage Committee means that his role as Chef d’Equipe, National Dressage Coach and Technical Advisor to the Committee shall be concluded according to the terms of the existing contract on December 31, 2008. In recognition of Balkenhol’s excellent service to the USEF over the...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) will induct Robert Dover and Fiona Baan into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame (HOF) at the Salute Gala on December 4, 2008, during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in Denver, CO. Induction into the HOF is an honor bestowed on those who have made outstanding contributions to dressage in the United States through their achievements, creativity, originality, vision and sustained effort. Robert Dover, 52, has had an enormous impact on the sport...

Lexington, KY – Don’t miss a second of the equestrian portion of the 2008 Olympic Games. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has just launched TeamUSA, a website offering equestrian coverage of the 2008 Olympic Games. The road to the Olympic Games has been a journey for these horses and riders and the site will provide some insight about who they are, how they got here and will provide all the latest news from Hong Kong, along with photos, results and rider bios. Follow the...

The newest addition to the international reining scene, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Reining Championships, is showing a world of support, literally. Twenty countries from four continents are entered to compete in the September 11-14, 2008, competition in Manerbio, Italy. Teams and individuals from these countries are to compete in the inaugural World Championships, a brand new event hosted by the FEI. In the past, a World Reining Championship has only been offered during...

Lexington, KY – Five American horses had their final preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games at the Barbury Castle International Horse Trials in Marlborough, England July 4-6. A star studded field of over 100 horses graced the beautiful venue despite some less than ideal weather throughout the weekend. Olympic-bound riders from numerous countries were spotted making their final preparations in the CIC*** at Barbury Castle. Californian Gina Miles was the highest placed American rider with Pan...

David Holmes of Great Britain has been appointed to the key position of FEI Executive Director, Sports. In this role, Holmes will lead the FEI Sports Departments and manage their planning, financial, and operational activities. He will monitor the liaison with the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, and the Organizing Committees in charge of the Olympic, Paralympic, and Youth Olympic Games and will coordinate the FEI World Equestrian Games, Regional Games,...

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - On Thursday, June 19, 2008, Chicago's Harris Theatre will be the site of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2008 Induction Ceremony. This black-tie event will bring to the Windy City some of the greatest names in sports. Inductees, presenters, and VIPs will arrive on the red carpet at the Harris Theatre from 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19, and will be available for interviews and photo opportunities as they enter the theatre. Olympic Movement fans wishing...