Effective immediately and until December 31, 2009, registration fees at the National Show Horse Registry (NSHR) for National Show Horses will be $250 for horses three months and older whose sire is NSHR Lifetime Nominated and $500 for horses three months and older whose sire is not NSHR Lifetime Nominated. Effective immediately and until December 31, 2009, the transfer fee of a National Show Horse will be no more than $100 regardless of the number of interim owners as long as the current owner...

Lexington, KY— The UPHA has initiated a new program designed to reward saddle seat equitation riders for their community service involvement and fundraising efforts for approved charitable organizations. Jim Taylor describes Ribbons of Service as “a shared-commitment program that encourages riders to show an American Saddlebred, Arabian (including Half-Arabians), Morgan or National Show Horse in saddle seat equitation competitions, and encourages donors to pledge funds for charity for each...

As a reminder, the FEI issued new dressage tests for the following levels, effective January 1, 2009: Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I and Freestyle, Intermediaire II, Grand Prix, Special, and Freestyle, Young Rider Grand Prix, and all Junior and Young Rider tests (including Team, Individual, and Freestyle). These new test versions must be used by all USEF-licensed dressage competitions and CDI’s beginning January 1, 2009, and for all 2009 USEF High-Performance, USEF National, and North...

Lexington, KY —Over the past decade, the United States Equestrian Federation has bestowed special Pegasus Awards for media excellence on an array of talented journalists, photographers and publications. As time progressed, new categories reflecting the developing and ever-changing world of media have been added to fully honor and celebrate the members of the press, media outlets and freelance artists. Within this group of devoted and hardworking individuals and publications, we find the heart...

December 1, 2008 marked the start of another show season and the launch of the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) newest program—the Members Choice Awards. Developed by the Show Standards Committee, the Members Choice Awards give exhibitors and participants the unique opportunity to vote for the competition they feel is the best in their zone, at the level they compete. The goal of the program is to promote exhibitor friendly competitions and reward excellence based on the...

Exhibitors at the recent Sport Horse National (SHN) Championships were pleasantly surprised by the news that they won some unexpected cash at the show. Where did their windfall come from? Less than one year ago, the SHN Payback Program was born by a group of longtime Arabian breeders and riders. By offering cash rewards, the group hopes to encourage interest and enthusiasm in the Sport Horse Nationals show, as well as the breeding of Arabians specifically for the sport-type disciplines of...

Equestrian Events, Inc., has been honored with the 2008 Best of Lexington Award in the Special Events category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through...

A strong international field descends on the stylish French seaside town of Deauville, France, this week to contest the HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing Final in what should be the most competitive finale yet. It all starts on September 18 with the first horse inspection. The 2008 FEI World Cup™ eventing standings leader Kevin McNab of Australia, will be making his first competitive visit to Europe, and has earned the right to pole position, while the Australian challenge is completed...

Once again, geographic restraints will no longer keep horse sport fans from enjoying the Capital Challenge or the Washington International horse shows. Using today’s streaming video technology, Equestriansport.tv is bringing the show to you. Visit www.equestriansport.tv and you will be face-to-face with the action in several rings. See the arena, the judges, the presenters, and of course, the horses and their riders. There is no longer a need to rely on a friend’s description; instead, see it...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced the start of its “Going Green” Campaign. The campaign was developed to manage costs in a tough economy and support worldwide environmental efforts while continuing to provide the best in member benefits and services. The first major step in the effort was the launch of the USDF website last fall, which has allowed USDF to provide extensive information and services to its members online, reducing paper usage, shipping costs, and staff...