The first day of the FEI European and Open Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships at the Epona Riding Centre in Kristiansand, Norway on Friday, August 21, went especially well for three British and two German riders placing the Brits in the lead. Despite the heavy rain on the previous day, the dressage arena remained in excellent condition. “It is great footing here, which is impressive considering how much it rained yesterday,” said the first winner of the championships, Angelika Trabert (GER)....

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is proud to announce the launch of the first ever FEI Awards set up to celebrate the equestrian community and pay tribute to the heroes of the sport. “The awards have been created to put the spotlight on all those who have contributed to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport,” said HRH Princess Haya, President of the FEI. “These awards will not only recognize the achievements and success of individuals and highlight the stars of today and...

A Friesian Judges’ Clinic is tentatively being planned for October 29, 2009, at the International Friesian Show Horse Association Nationals (IFSHA) World Grand National Championship Horse Show in Lake St. Louis, MO. The clinic will be held only if a minimum number for paid applications are received in the USEF office by August 1. This clinic is open to all licensed judges or anyone interested in obtaining a Friesian judges’ license. Those interested in attending should send in their...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Youth and Auction Committees have announced that the ASHA Youth Auction will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2009, during the World’s Championship Horse Show. The auction will be held at the new Crowne Plaza Louisville (formerly The Executive West Hotel) in Crowne Room A (formerly The Mary Room). Bid Numbers may be obtained beginning at noon on Wednesday, August 26, and bidding on silent auction items will begin at this time. Silent bidding...

The Sport Horse Nationals Payback Program 2009 is proving to be just the ticket for breeders again in 2009. With deep discounts on the stud fees of almost 300 stallions of all breeds, Payback is the “go to” resource in today’s economic climate. Included in the offered stallion services are world class Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Anglo-Arabians, Saddlebreds, Welsh, Friesians, Hackneys, Quarter Horses and others. Many are national or world champions, or have sired champions. Total number...

The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is giving members one more chance to win big money at the 62nd National Appaloosa Show & World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, MS, by extending the deadline to purchase slots for futurity and sweepstakes to June 1, 2009. The 2009 slot purses promise to be large. More than $85,500 was paid out in 2008, so get in on the action and purchase a slot in one of the following four classes: · 3-year-old Western Pleasure Futurity · 3-year-old Hunter Under...

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) reports that 2008 Sweepstakes Program figures look similar to that of 2007. A March report indicates that over $2.2 million in prize money was awarded to nearly 5,000 AHA members. Just over $1 million of the total money awarded was through the Points Payout Program. The second largest payout came from the Allocated Payout Program, followed by the Breeder Nominator Payout, and then Nominated Sire Payout. Broken down, horses enrolled in the Sweepstakes Point...

Lexington, KY— The Fourth Annual United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, will kickoff for the 2009 competition year May 1, 2009. This award recognizes youth members of both USEF and a USEF Recognized National Affiliate for their participation in the community and equine industry and is focused on developing leaders in the equine industry. To be considered for the award, the following criteria must be met: • Active membership in...

A group of six young equestrians traveled to Middelburg, South Africa, in March as Team Morgan 2009 to compete in an international saddle seat competition. Team Morgan is an international multi-discipline competition program for Morgan youth ages 14-21. Its mission is to promote the breed through international competition and provide educational experiences to Morgan youth. Team Morgan 2009 was comprised of Lyssa Bomgaars of Walled Lake, MI; Brynne Cummings of South Woodstock, CT; Kelsey Irvine...

American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Youth Scholarship applications will be due at the end of this month, on Thursday, April 30. Applications can be found on the ASHA website at www.asha.net/Youth-Scholarships along with additional documents and information. The purpose of these scholarships is to encourage, support and recognize participation in all aspects of the American Saddlebred industry, as well as to strengthen the American Saddlebred industry and breed through education. Four...