2009 USEF Farnam/Platform Horse of the Year (Shannon Brinkman/USEF Archives) Louisville, KY – Annually, five of the USEF’s 130,000 registered horses achieve so much in a year that they are named USEF Horses of Honor and enter the running for the title of Farnam®/Platform™ Horse of the Year. In 2009 all five of these horses were nothing short of remarkable. But one forever changed the face of his sport, and with that, Ravel was voted the 2009 USEF Farnam®/Platform™ Horse of the Year. It began in...

Renowned course designer and horse show manager Bobby Murphy has taken equine education to the next level by implementing the Supporting and Promoting of Equine Awareness in Kentucky Schools (SPEAKS) program. The SPEAKS program is designed to work with elementary schools and community groups to develop knowledge of the equine industry. From demonstrations at the horse park, to visits at the equine educational museums, SPEAKS goal is to educate the future of society about the importance and...

As the USEF Horsemastership Training Clinic drew to a close, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation honored participating riders during a luncheon at the White Horse Tavern on Saturday, January 9. Speakers John Madden, USEF, and Bonnie Jenkins explained the importance of the George H Morris Horsemastership Training Clinic in developing not only the careers of the participating riders, but also the future of the equestrian sport in the United States of America. Addressing the...

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce that they have awarded the Amanda Warrington Grant to three-day event rider Heather Morris of Lewisville, TX. The Amanda Warrington Grant is awarded through the Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund. The Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund was established by Amanda's family in her memory with the purpose of helping provide financial assistance to a developing event rider who has been identified as a rider with great talent and ability...

The phrase "learning from the best" took on a whole new meaning for the 14 riders who participated in a clinic with two-time Olympic Gold Medalist McLain Ward at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, NY, December 5-6. Ward helped the United States show jumping team win Gold medals at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, and has won major titles at some of the most prestigious horse shows in the world, including the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show and the $1 million CN...

Karin Offield and her internationally celebrated dressage competition and breeding stallion, Lingh, announce their intention to stay at Flyinge, the National Stud of Sweden, for a second season of breeding. Offield talks about Lingh and the New News. "I was thrilled when I was asked if Lingh could stay for another season of breeding at Flyinge. Lingh will clearly benefit from their newly expanded, export qualified breeding station. It's a modern accommodation that will enable Flyinge to ship...

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, is pleased to announce the opening of his organization’s first satellite facility for retired Thoroughbreds. Cabin Creek, a 40-acre farm just outside Saratoga in Greenfield Center, NY, will begin receiving horses immediately. An official opening and celebration is planned for July 22, 2010. This premiere auxiliary space will be named in honor of trainer Bobby Frankel, who passed away last week after a battle with leukemia. A native New...

Parasite control is an important part of every equine health care program. Today, it’s no longer enough just to know what worms are bugging your horse. Now, you need to understand the basics of parasite resistance to ensure your program is effective. If you already have enough to keep track of, don’t worry—veterinarians are your ally in keeping all the information straight. They also will help with developing and monitoring your parasite control program to ensure effectiveness and to keep...

For the second time this week the Grand Champion cooler was awarded to Confidential at the Washington International Horse Show. Hasbrouck Donovan and Confidential were the winners of this year's Grand Champion Junior Hunter prize, after winning three first-place ribbons and claiming the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter Championship. This is Confidential's second Grand Championship win this week, after earning the co-Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship title with Erin Stewart in the irons....

The opening day of the 2009 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) ended with an evening session for Children's and Adult Hunters. The two divisions each had a two-round $10,000 championship. Sienna Sumavielle rode Lexington to the win in the Children's Hunter Championship, while Ainsley Sadlo and Vermilion took first place in the Adult Hunter Championship. The 2009 WIHS runs through Sunday, October 25, at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. In the $10,000 Children's Hunter...