The Morgan horse breed was celebrated in Lexington, KY, at the 2010 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Annual Convention, held February 17-20. "The true measure of a successful convention is the satisfaction and feedback the Board and staff hear from attendees," said AMHA Executive Director Julie M. Broadway. "By all accounts, the 2010 convention was not only successful in terms of being educational and informative, but fun too! The convention committee did a great job with fabulous farm...

The World Games 2010 Foundation announced it is launching a volunteer recruitment website through the online services of The Registration System to manage the thousands of volunteers needed for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG). Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can log on to www.feigames2010.org and click on “Volunteer Information” in the “Quick Links” box, to register and receive more information about volunteer opportunities and benefits. Volunteers are needed before,...

Flat tires are the leading cause of disablements involving horse trailers. USRider is involved in a research project with Dr. Tomas Gimenez to test the benefits (if any) of using air vs. nitrogen to inflate tow vehicle and horse trailer tires. An electronic air pressure monitoring system is being used to assist with the research. During the research, Dr. Gimenez and USRider have noted significant safety benefits resulting from using this system. “At USRider, we are all about safety when it...

Lexington, KY – Tucker Johnson of Hobe Sound, FL, took first in the FEI Driving Four-in-Hand class at the USEF 2006 CAI-B Oldwick at Cedar Lane Farm held April 28-30. Johnson and his team of Warmbloods posted scores of 54.66 in dressage, 88.51 in marathon and 6.00 in cones. James Fairclough of Newton, NJ, and James Richards of Atlanta, GA, were second and third respectively. This four-in-hand competition was one of several selection trials for the 2006 FEI World Games to be held late this...

Sarah Hamilton from strategic communications consulting firm Kivvit gave a presentation on social media to kick off Friday’s Workshop Sessions. She reviewed the basics, different platforms, strengths and weaknesses of social media, and best practices. Hamilton concluded by fielding questions from the audience for a thoroughly informative session. Social media is a communication tool “Social media is just one tool in a larger communications and marketing external relations plan that...

Blaine Mangione takes a break from the jumper ring to win the $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Bella Nova Pictures) Versatility was the name of the game as riders transitioned between the equitation, hunter, and jumper rings at Gold Coast 5 (July 19-21). Young professional Blaine Mangione, usually seen in the jumper arena, proved she could win the blue ribbon in $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby as well. “I was really shocked! I’m usually in the middle of the pack so I honestly...

The twenty second in a series of blog post from Michelle Binder With the Holiday, I have just a short newsy blog for readers this week. I for one am looking forward to what the New Year brings in all areas, especially video submissions for the virtual shows. It is an exciting and challenging time for everyone involved on all fronts, a time that requires courage, flexibility, willingness to share and learn from one another, as well as patience as WD emerges over time. Like Edison with the light...

Lexington, KY - The University of California Davis Extension and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have teamed up to develop an online continuing education program in Equine Event Management that will premiere on January 18, 2011. The first of its kind, this specialized studies program brings together UC Davis' expertise in distance education and the expertise of USEF, the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in the United States. The inaugural course, "Competition...

Equestrian Sports Productions (ESP), owner and manager of the FTI 2010 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), is busy with the final preparations to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) for the January 12 opening day. ESP has spent millions of dollars since the last circuit to ensure that the experience for both customers and horses will be excellent in the New Year. Mark Bellissimo, Chief Executive Officer of ESP, and Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP),...

Equestrian Sport Productions has begun the upgrade of both the Gene Mische Grand Hunter Arena and the Rost Arena with the world class "Poels" Footing that is currently installed in the Magavoro, Denemethy, and the International Arenas. Work commenced this week and will be completed by mid-December well in advance of Week 1 of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, which begins on January 13, 2010. Equestrian Services International, LLC, a Bart Poels Footing Company, will be installing the...