Dr. Cesar Parra and Lori Washton’s 13-year-old KWPN gelding, Olympia proved that good things come in threes at the 2009 New England Dressage Association Fall Festival CDI-W/Y/J. The pair went three for three winning the Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I, and the Intermediaire Freestyle. Parra and Olympia finished the weekend with an exciting victory in the Intermediaire Freestyle with a score of 74.5%. The freestyle performance was fun, and the spectators showed their appreciation by clapping...

The United States Equestrian Federation and The EQUUS Foundation have joined together to create an industry-wide award. The inaugural presentation of The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award will take place at the 2010 USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner during the Federation’s Annual Meeting in January. The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award (presented by the United States Equestrian Federation) is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world. Specifically,...

The Hunter Development Incentive Fund (HDIF) was created by the United States Hunter Jumper Association's (USHJA) Breeders Committee to recognize and reward breeders and owners of American-bred hunters. The program is currently open for nominations and is offering special limited-time discounts for stallion and horse owners. The HDIF will work from a points-based system to award financial bonuses to those who breed and show American-born hunters. Each point earned at a USHJA-approved event by a...

HITS, Inc., is excited to announce that they will offer a $1-million United States Grand Prix League (USPGL) Grand Prix at the HITS Saugerties Summer Show Series on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The grand prix will be the culmination of qualifying opportunities in grand prix events at all of the 2010 HITS horse shows, including Thermal, Ocala, Arizona, Culpeper, and Saugerties. "This is something we've been looking to do for some time now and the opportunity has finally presented itself," said...

Hot weather can pose serious health problems for animals, both two-legged and four-legged, including dehydration, heat stroke and exhaustion. USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians, encourages horse owners to take steps to prevent these ailments when traveling with horses. “In addition to providing a reliable and valuable roadside assistance program,” said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, “it is also our mission is to continually educate horse...

Team Morgan was the Gold-medal winner as overall high-point team at the Saddle Seat Equitation International Event that took place at Cash Lovell Stables in Winston-Salem, NC, August 17-18. Competing against a team from South Africa and an American Saddlebred team, seven riders from each team rode using World Cup rules. Reserve team honors went to the South African team and third went to the Saddlebred team. Competing for Team Morgan were Jordan Cusumano of Brighton, MI; Gaetana D'Alesio-Spina...

Doug Payne, acclaimed rider and board member of the Professional Riders Organization, won top honors at the Millbrook Horse Trials this past weekend in New York. Payne's placings included three wins. "To date, I have not had an event which went so smoothly," Payne said. "And I can't say enough about the horses this weekend." Payne competed with eight horses in six divisions. "I'm excited that several of these horses will be competing for years to come," Payne continued. "Hopefully, their...

The American Horse Council (AHC) has launched a new effort to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. The centerpiece of this effort is an online form equestrians can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails and federal lands that have been closed to them or other access issues. Americans who use horses and pack stock enjoy a unique experience when they ride on trails and public lands. It is an experience that ties them to the...

Understanding the responsibilities of horse ownership just became much easier thanks to a new DVD, HorseSmarts: Essential Advice for Today’s Horse Owner , from the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) and produced by Marvo Entertainment Group. In an effort to meet the needs of new and potential horse owners, the Kentucky Horse Council collaborated with equine industry experts to produce a 60-minute film. The DVD contains 10 chapters, including horse selection considerations, nutrition, hoof care,...

Lexington, KY— The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces a new contest for 2009 designed to let USEF members vote for their “Favorite USEF Breed Competition.” The idea behind this contest is to award and promote the USEF licensed breed competitions for their efforts in running a show so well that exhibitors want to call it their favorite. Also, this contest gives exhibitors the opportunity to provide positive feedback about the competitions to the USEF. “When we created this...