The human and animal kingdoms may be enjoying a quiet summer/winter weekend, depending on the hemisphere, but it is a key one for the horses taking part in the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games. On Friday, July 25, the first horses left from Europe (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and the United States (Atlanta, GA) on three flights to Hong Kong. All 33 horses—coming from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Korea, The Netherlands, and Switzerland—accompanied by 15 attendants...

Dressage trainer Elizabeth Niemi won the grand prix on Sunday at the Windy Hollow Hunt Dressage Show in New Jersey. Niemi rode Stan and Vivian Picheny’s strapping dark bay gelding Wholio to a score of 65.625% for the win. Following a torrential downpour the night before, the show opened on Sunday to a crystal clear day that provided perfect footing for the competitors. After competing in torrid heat Saturday, Wholio gave Niemi a relaxed and focused ride, coasting into the Grand Prix victory on...

At the Kentucky International Equine Summit Olympic Gold medalist David O’Connor urged the disparate elements of America’s horse industry to work in concert to improvement promotion in the sport. He said that the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) gives America’s horse community a unique opportunity to reach a large segment of the public. The WEG is to be held in September in Lexington, Ky. He made his remarks on Tuesday at the Kentucky International Equine Summit, sponsored jointly...

On November 10, NickerTV charges out of the gate with an initial offering of 26 different equestrian channels all dedicated to a variety of horse-oriented themes and subjects. Nicker Network will be the first Internet-based, on-demand multi-channel television network targeted to the horse world. Each channel will have its own selection of programs, with new ones being added to the rosters on a regular basis. Programs will be available for viewing at no cost, with additional options for viewers...

SmartPak announced that they have joined the blogosphere with two new blog forums—Ask the Vet and A Peek at the Pak. "Blogging is a perfect fit for SmartPak because as a company, we are all about sharing our culture and personality, while also providing horse owners with the most up-to-date horse health care information," said President Paal Gisholt. "Our employees are horse and dog owners, too, and they’re excited to share their experiences with our customers.” A Peek at the Pak will...

A record number of almost 130 horses have been nominated so far to compete in the 2007 Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championships, presented by Collecting Gaits Farm, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, September 14–16 in Lexington, KY. The nomination list (to date) is now posted on the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program web page at www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allDressage/2004yhProgram.aspx . The inaugural USEF National Developing Horse...

Lexington, KY – In an effort to continue to grow and promote young rider competitions, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has partnered with Platinum Performance, Inc. to develop a special co-branded identity for the Platinum Performance / USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program. As the USEF’s “Official Sports Nutrition Supplement Company” and the title sponsor of the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program that includes championships on both the East and West Coasts, Platinum...

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce that Le Samurai has been humanely euthanized. From the outset we have been determined to give this magnificent horse the best veterinary treatment available, but only so long as the continuation of that treatment remained consistent with Sparky's best interests. Regrettably, the veterinarians treating him have advised us that a successful outcome is not possible. Sparky will be greatly missed by our family, Amy Tryon and everyone who knew and loved...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation® is now accepting bids from photographers who would like to be named “Official Photographer for the 2007 USEF Pony Finals National Championships.” The prestigious Pony Finals will once again be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, August 15-19. To request an application form, please contact Lauren Chapman at [email protected] or call (859) 225-6977. Applications must be returned by February 16. For further information about...

Lexington, KY – Today the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) recognized the male and female athletes as well as team of the month for their accomplishments during the month of September. The U.S. reining team came in second place with 22 votes based on their Gold medal-winning performance at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. The press release, issued earlier today, reads: “Equestrian’s U.S. reining team took home second place honors for the team award. The U.S. reining...