Glenn Moody, a highly respected hunter course designer and riding instructor, will join the riding program teaching staff at Sweet Briar College for the 2006/2007 academic year. Last August, Moody retired from teaching and coaching at The Barracks, home of the University of Virginia riding team, to focus on course designing and judging. “We were fortunate to have him teach a hugely successful clinic at Sweet Briar last December,” said riding director Shelby French. “We told him then that if he...

Matthew Williams of Lexington, KY, development manager of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, has been promoted to the new position of director of development and communications, effective immediately, according to Alan F. Balch, ASHA Executive Secretary. “Since Matthew joined us not quite a year ago now, his performance has been exceptional,” Balch said. “He was a champion in the Saddlebred show ring, and he’s been a champion in his professional life with us as well. Although we’re...

With the 2006 World Equestrian Games just three months away, the top endurance riders in the U.S. are preparing to demonstrate their abilities in the hopes of earning a place on the U.S. Endurance Team. In order to be considered, each rider must compete at one of three FEI***/AERC dual-sanctioned 100-mile rides scheduled for May 20 in Oreana, ID; May 27 in Grand Island, MI; and June 11 in Ashland, MT. Members of the National Selection Committee will be present at each event to evaluate the...

PhelpsPhotos.com (Grande Crimson and C. Michelle Folden) The USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Program kicked off 2006 with the first of three official selection trials at the CDI***/Y Cincinnati and Spring Classic I & II, held May 12-14, at Paxton Farm in Batavia, OH. This USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Central Selection Trial for the FEI World Breeding Championships showcased the region's most promising dressage prospects in their quest to qualify for Verden, Germany. Claiming the...

The General Assembly of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) elected HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan as the 13th FEI President. The other contenders for the position were HRH Princess Benedikte of Denmark and Freddy Serpieri of Greece. The voting took place over two rounds; Princess Haya received 82 votes in the second round. The full details of the voting will be communicated shortly. “I promise to do everything in my power and to work tirelessly to serve the institution...

As a reminder to all Junior Dressage riders, the 2006 USEF Junior Dressage Team Championship, sponsored by Collecting Gaits Farm, the Dutta Corporation and Performance Sales International, will be held at Pebble Beach Dressage and CDI***, July 6–9. In order to be eligible for this championship program, an Application of Intent must be submitted to the USEF office by Monday, May 15. Applications are available on the Federation website at www.usef....

The Colorado Horse Park Two-Star Three-Day Event has been postponed. The event, usually held over the Memorial Day weekend holiday, typically draws several hundred horses and riders from beginner novice to Olympic medalists. Yet, even with its success, the volunteer Eventing Committee recommended postponement of the event in order to upgrade the footing, update the course and to find funding to make these improvements. Ideally, enough enhancements can be made to hold the Fall Horse Trials,...

Even before the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) began on Tuesday, April 18, the 2006 event was already having an impact at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX. More than 300 Classic entries arrived in Katy for a chance to compete for $240,000 in guaranteed added money and a total payout over $1 million. In true NRBC style, decorations went up, along with sponsors' banners, and the show grounds were embellished with flowers and greenery. Trainers and riders from across the...

Lexington, KY – Bracket-style national championships are well-known in the NCAA basketball world and will soon be second nature in the NCAA equestrian world as well. The Varsity Equestrian Steering Committee recently announced that the 2006 Varsity Equestrian National Championship will take on the bracket-style format, a welcomed change by fans, competitors and coaches. Visit www.varsityequestrian.com to view the 2006 Western and English (Hunter Seat) brackets. In the past, each individual...

Lexington, KY –The United States Equestrian Federation® has partnered with U.S. Bank to offer members a new way to support USEF equestrian teams in their quest to compete in international competition, including the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, with the new United States Equestrian Federation Visa® Platinum Card from U.S. Bank. “When our members sign up for a new card under the USEF—U.S. Bank credit card partnership, they can rest assured our USEF equestrian athletes will benefit...