Albuquerque, NM - The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America (WCPSA) is pleased to introduce a Junior Merit Program designed to recognize and encourage our juniors to get out and enjoy, compete, work with, and learn from and about their Welsh ponies and cobs in all sorts of venues. The program also recognizes general good citizenry by including such accomplishments such as school and community service. Points are obtained through both an activity workbook and a questions workbook. The WPCSA Junior...

Lexington, KY - The American Saddlebred Registry (ASR) and Half-Saddlebred Registry (HSRA) are proud to announce the launch of a new incentive program designed to identify and reward the owners and breeders of registered Saddlebreds and Half-Saddlebreds competing in the International disciplines. Beginning in 2011, horses registered with ASR or HSRA competing in dressage, driving, endurance/trail, eventing, and show jumping/hunters are eligible for $15,000 in prize money based on their...

Lincoln, NE - The Dressage Foundation Young Rider Olympic Dream Program is ready to go for the tenth year. The concept of the program evolved as a result of former Olympian Michael Poulin’s wish to offer an opportunity for gifted Young Riders to enhance their understanding of dressage theory through a European tour. The program is both funded and administered by The Dressage Foundation of which Poulin is a National Board Member. The 2011 trip is planned so as to maximize the possibility that...

Lexington, KY – Have you ever had an equestrian dream that you just couldn’t quite reach? Do you wish you could have a special experience in the equestrian world but challenging circumstances have gotten in your way? If so, then a newly launched scholarship program may just make your dreams reality. The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Foundation “Making A Dream” Scholarship Program is philanthropic in nature and extends opportunities to individuals with unique circumstances who...

Lexington, KY - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced that the ASHA Regional Championships have been discontinued, effective in 2011. This change allows for more focus to be placed on the new ASHA High Point Awards program being implemented in the 2011 competition year. The ASHA High Point Awards program, an initiative of the Charter Club Council, recognizes Saddlebred and Half Saddlebred achievement, not only in the traditional show ring, but also in a wide range of...

Lexington, KY - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that 31 USDF members successfully completed the USDF “L” Education Program between July and December, 2010. The USDF “L” Education Program is designed to prepare candidates to enter the United States Equestrian Federation “r” Judges Training Program, to qualify individuals to judge schooling shows, and to give competitors, trainers, and instructors greater insight into the evaluative techniques of judging...

Lexington, KY – January 18, 2011 - The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) is pleased to announce the upcoming arrival of Kelley Douglas-Mallery as the new Director of Competitive Programs and Education. Kelley comes to the USHJA with a diverse resume rich with experience, including horse show office management, farm management, and event planning. Kelley is an alumna of Hollins University where she was president of their collegiate equestrian program and competed on the 1991...

The National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) is introducing a new program that it expects will transform the industry. The NRBC Classic Challenge Program, which will be offered for the first time at the 2011 show, is for those horses that have aged out of the existing Derby programs in the reining industry. “The Classic Challenge Program will begin with a horse’s 7-year-old year,” said NRBC President Tom McCutcheon. “It will give horses an extension of their show careers and a chance for FEI...

November 22, 2010 – Austin, TX – The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) is excited to announce a new program called Find A Buddy. This wonderful, new program is found exclusively on the ACTHA Web site (www.actha.us). The FAB program was created for the trail rider who is interested in finding riding buddies in their area. It is a free, easy to use, social networking message system for the trail riding community and is available for ACTHA members and non-members. Carrie Scrima,...

New in 2010 the USEF has developed the Dressage Talent Search Program as a means to identify combinations that have world-class potential. Up-and-coming dressage riders have had the opportunity to participate in clinics with USEF Developing Dressage Coach Debbie McDonald. Observation days are held one day prior to the USEF Developing Rider Training Sessions in which applicant riders present their horses in groups of up to three for 30 minute evaluations. McDonald then selects a limited number...