This special section, Drugs and Medications Corner, will feature a series of articles from the USEF’s Drugs and Medications Program and the veterinary community to communicate the latest news to better educate the equine community. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are a class of agents best recognized for anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain suppression) properties. An important clinical use of this class of medication is to improve patient status and minimize pain....

LEXINGTON, KY– The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) would like to notify competitions, managers, stewards, instructors and exhibitors of a rule change that became effective April 20, 2009. The new addition to Equitation rule EQ119 states “At all World and National Championships and Finals, competitors must be allowed ample access to the competition arena in order to walk on foot the posted workout. A minimum of ½ hour is recommended.” Competitions are asked to plan accordingly to...

In an effort to help equestrian enthusiasts and competitors save money in a tight economy, and to promote eco-friendly horse transportation, the United States Equestrian Federation now presents the Ride Share Program on ClubEquestrian.com. Often the logistics of long-distance travel is an unforeseen roadblock in the path to equine events. This new tool allows equine enthusiasts and competitors to post information about open trailer spots, as well as inquire about rides. Information such as...

The Southeastern Horse Sale will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, NC, right outside Asheville, NC, on Saturday, December 6, 2008. The Southeastern Horse Sale will provide a public auction of American Saddlebreds, Hackney and harness ponies, Morgans and Roadster horses and ponies. The sale features 144 entries and will be comprised of two sessions. Lot Numbers 1-83 will sell in the morning session, which is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. Lot Numbers...

Lexington, KY - Following a routine drug test on August 19 at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, Mythilus, a US dressage horse, ridden by Courtney King-Dye, was found to have tested positive for Felbinac. Felbinac is considered a class A prohibited substance by the FEI. Felbinac is usually applied topically for the relief of local pain and inflammation and belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When Mythilus arrived in Hong Kong he was treated...

After much deliberation and careful assessment, the Western States Trail Foundation Board of Governors regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2008 Tevis Cup Ride due to the California fires. "It was a difficult decision," reported Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) President Tom Christofk. "But after in-depth discussion today with the U.S. Forest Service, we have decided that any level of risk was not appropriate. The Forest Service has graciously offered us some options for re-routing...

We want to thank everyone so much for the encouragement shown through your heartfelt emails and postings about our beloved Teddy. We are so overwhelmed by the response of love and sympathy that the global equine community has displayed, and truly appreciate knowing such kindness in your words. Teddy was one of a kind. He was our bright light and Karen's best friend. It was such an honor to have been his rider and caregivers. We are really struggling at this difficult time, and reading your...

As a reminder to all dressage riders, the 2008 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions will be held in San Juan Capistrano, CA, over the weekends of June 20–22 and June 27–29. This Festival of Champions will feature the national championships for the Intermediaire I, Young Adult “Brentina Cup”, Young Rider and Junior divisions, and will be held in conjunction with the USEF Selection Trials for Dressage. Division ranking lists are currently posted on the USEF website, but in...

The American Horse Council (AHC) will host a National Issues Forum at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, KY, on November 2, 2007. The AHC’s National Issues Forum provides an excellent opportunity for all horse enthusiasts and industry participants to gain insight and knowledge about national topics directly affecting the equine community in the United States. The AHC has announced that the key topics slated for discussion at the November 2 forum will include: - Immigration issues facing the...

Foals showing in the Kentucky and Kentucky Amateur Futurity Weanling Divisions must have applications for registration received in the American Saddlebred Registry office on Monday, June 25, by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. No exceptions. A rush fee of $50 will be assessed for any such applications received June 26 or thereafter. Such fee will be billed to the applicant and will be due and payable immediately. This is to ensure a conditional registration number is assigned by the Kentucky State Fair...