Fear of the unknown often darkens our dream of buying the young horse that will become the next show star. Perhaps we are drawn to this idea by the harmony that arises between human and equine when raising a horse from his first years; possibly it's the chance to be able to buy him before he costs six figures. But will this charming youngster transform into that fancy show horse we had envisioned? Here is a way to peek into a crystal ball. Start from the bottom up — your bottom line Clearly...

The dates on which McLain Ward and Beezie Madden will be presenting at the 2009 USEF Horsemastership Training Session presented by Bates Saddles, January 5–9 at the South Grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Grand Prix Ring in Wellington, FL, have changed. Ward and Madden will swap dates, with Madden now scheduled to present on Thursday, January 8, and Ward now scheduled for Friday, January 9. Also, rider Shelby Wakeman has withdrawn from participation in the clinic and is...

On November 19, 2007, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin using the Veterinary Services Process Streamlining (VSPS) Web-based system to take online reservations for the USDA Animal Import Center in Miami, FL. This change applies only to the Miami import center, though it is expected that the import center in Rock Tavern, NY, will begin to use the VSPS system for online reservations in early 2008. The required documentation and procedures for making online reservations...

On August 5-7, 2005, the Over the Walls Horse Trials will take place in Hardwick, MA. Riders and spectators alike will enjoy the marvelous facilities and beautiful grounds at Great Meadowbrook Farm, the site of the event. With top-notch competition taking place, a trade fair with numerous booths offering an abundance of equine products and gifts for sale, everyone will find something to enjoy. Eventing is the equestrian version of a triathlon: one rider and one horse compete together in...

As I sift through weekly e-mails and phone messages, I’m beginning to realize the United States Equestrian Federation’s best kept secret is no longer a best kept secret. Only a few months from its conception, and already, details of the USEF purchasing program are running through the rumor mill faster than juicy tabloid gossip. I should hardly be surprised. When money is involved, especially this much money, news tends to spread fast; and while we’re not working overtime to keep the news under...

Through the collaborative and generous commitments of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), the U.S. Eventing Association (USEA), and a major matching grant from Jacqueline Mars, more than $425,000 has been committed in just a few short months to further the safety of equestrian athletes across all breeds and disciplines. The USET Foundation has provided their enthusiastic endorsement of the program via education and awareness with their...

In the second half of the General Session, US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney elaborated on how the organization continues to develop for members as the vision and mission statements remain at the forefront. “Everything we do is for our members and their horses, otherwise, we should not be doing it,” Moroney said. He added that challenges and member feedback in the past year have brought about positive changes that have and will continue to bring improvements for US Equestrian’s...

Lexington, Ky. – This spring, the USEF Network has begun expanding its role as the leading distribution hub for equestrian sport. In addition to showcasing premier equestrian competitions, including the Devon Horse Show and County Fair, Old Salem Horse Show, and the Split Rock Jumping Tour, the USEF Network is exploring ways to bring more entertaining and educational content to its audience. This continued evolution reflects the USEF Network’s growing popularity and the demand for...

Steffen Peters with Heidi Zorn, President of Premier Equestrian, LLC. (Photo courtesy of JRPR.) Wellington, FL – United States Dressage rider Steffen Peters turned in the ride of his life aboard his equine partner, Ravel, in front of a sold-out crowd at the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5* at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington. In addition to earning a “personal best” score on Ravel, Peters also rode away as the winner of the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award. Heidi...

Photo by Flashpoint Photography (Jennifer Ramsey and Cielo B captured the $7,500 Open Jumper Classic. ) The Charleston Summer Classics’ final week of competition at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center on Johns Island, SC, found most attendees weren't so anxious to head home, but rather thinking of extending their stay at nearby Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island beach resorts. Sunny skies and ocean breezes provided another perfect backdrop last week for not only competition in the arenas, but at area...