Morton, IL- The Hong Kong Equestrian Federation (HKEF) in conjunction with the Hong Kong Jockey Club and ING Corporation, hosted an extraordinary “Hand- Over” ceremony on July 10th in Hong Kong to receive two ponies the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) donated to salute Hong Kong’s efforts in hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics. ASPC Marketing Director Johnny Robb was on hand to make a speech at the ceremony and to answer questions for the media. ASPC Director of Operations Zona Schneider...

Did you know that some wilderness management agencies are trying to restrict the use of horses on public lands? Or that the U.S. Forest Service is planning new trail classifications, which might limit our activities? Did you hear about the new bill that could eliminate the current fees for accessing undeveloped federal land? The outcome of these kinds of concerns can have far-reaching consequences, yet they often come and go with little public awareness. But Back Country Horsemen of America...

MaxWest Environmental Systems, Inc.m and Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) have announced a partnership to convert horse waste into renewable energy. Signed on June 19, the partnership will reduce horse waste while generating "green" energy for the Ocala/Marion County community. Ocala/Marion County is home to 431 Thoroughbred breeding and training farms covering more than 70,000 acres of Florida's prime, mineral-rich pastures. Since 1945, FTBOA has represented the...

Millions of kids have been waiting for the new adventures of Carole, Stevie and Lisa, the girls who formed the Saddle Club and their favorite horses—Starlight, Belle and Prancer. Now, their wait is almost over! Series three, The Saddle Club Rides Again! , of the international hit TV series based on the popular books by Bonnie Bryant will premiere Tuesday, September 2, at 6 p.m., on TVOKids (also 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday). “We are proud that The Saddle...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced that Christine Eidson is the 2008 recipient of the USDF Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Member Organization (IMO) Team Leadership Award. As the winner, Eidson will receive a five-year USDF participating membership and certificate of recognition from USDF. Receiving honorable mentions for 2008 were Asheley Ireland, from Westbrook, ME, representing Mount Holyoke College, and Laura Coburn, from Hopkinton, MA, representing the University of...

Tuesday, July 22nd, @ 10pm, HBO Real Sports will air its story on Eventing. While we certainly hope the story will be balanced and accurately portray our sport, we are concerned by the preview HBO sports put out late last week. The story is entitled "Deadly Ride" and features among others, an interview with a mother who has tried to force her daughter to stop eventing. USEF President David O'Connor did a lengthy interview for the story with Real Sports correspondent Frank DeFord. In the...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced plans for its upcoming live video streaming Internet webcasts for August and September, following its very well-received Lexington Junior League webcast in early July. According to Will Wood, Technology Manager, the ASHA will again offer live Internet coverage of all events at the Kentucky State Fair’s World’s Championship Horse Show from Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY, from Sunday evening, August 17, through World’s Grand...

In support of its mission to end the abuse of high-stepping show Tennessee Walking Horses, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) announced its sponsorship of the first National Walking Horse Association Youth Leadership Conference, taking place this week at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Attendees from around the country, ages 11 to 17, will have the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and learn about the horse industry. “The best way to effect large-scale change in...

Lexington, KY— In a unanimous decision by the judges, Brooke Jacobs defeated four talented riders in the 2008 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Despite the heat, Jacobs completed the rail and pattern work to outshine the competition at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show at the famous The Red Mile racetrack. Jacobs, of Georgetown, KY, claimed the title aboard CH My Southern Charm, a bay Saddlebred gelding owned by Werk Way Stables and trained...

Monday, July 7, was an emotional day at SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center in Corinth, TX. Highly respected horseman and clinician Chris Cox paid the center a visit and donated his time to conduct a clinic, working with staff and special needs riders who receive free lessons at SpiritHorse. The event was covered by five different news networks. "SpiritHorse was honored to have the support of Chris Cox. He was so generous with the time he spent conducting a free clinic with our children and...