The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the USDF National Education Center on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at the Kentucky Horse Park. The organization's president, Dr. Samuel Barish, stated, "I believe that this is the most significant event in the history of USDF. We are looking forward to being included on a daily basis in an equestrian community environment where we can work effectively on behalf of dressage and our members.” The USDF National...

Three days of seminars, one-on-one consultations and networking opportunities for equine business managers, stable owners, trainers, coaches and instructors are right around the corner. The National Riding Instructors Convention takes place October 20-23, 2005, in Orlando, FL, and the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) has announced the line-up of major speakers. This year’s keynote speaker is Susan Harris, best known for her work as a Senior Centered Riding instructor and...

The horse industry is huge, competitive and powerful. But do you know just how huge and powerful we are? According to the American Horse Council's 1996 industry study, the horse industry impacts the United States Gross Domestic Product by $112.1 billion. It provides 1.4 million jobs and pays $1.9 billion in taxes. How competitive is our business? There are approximately 87 breed registries and associations; the largest of which has more than 161,000 members. So how does the 10,000-member...

Gladstone, NJ – Together, Steffen and Shannon Peters of San Diego, California, along with their mounts, Marlando (1999 Dutch Warmblood gelding) and Luxor (1993 Dutch Warmblood gelding), have built a roadblock that won’t be easy for fellow competitors to break through. With light hands and experience on the side of the Peters, and a real desire to master the sport on the part of the horses, both pairs continue to top the score sheets on the second day of the 2005 Collecting Gaits...

Recognizing that arena soil is one of the most basic and important factors required to ensure a successful equestrian/agricultural event, the American Royal Association, a 106-year old institution, unveiled new footing for all its fall and year-round events. The Royal experienced significant growth in its horse shows last year with some events increasing nearly 40%. After last year’s fall show, the American Royal formed a Footing Task Force to address the needs of its exhibitors. “Excellent...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation is accepting bids for the 2006 FEI World Reining Masters. Bids must be received by Friday, July 15, 2005, to be considered. This marks the third FEI World Reining Masters, and the second time the event will be hosted by North America. The inaugural FEI World Reining Masters took place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2004. For further information and to request a bid document please contact Sherry Frank, Assistant Executive Director,...

The CN North American Young Riders’ Championships (NAYRC), presented by Adequan®, is proud to announce an impressive list of officials who will preside over the 2005 competition, which takes place July 26-31 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. The elite panel of judges and stewards was chosen based on their respected positions in the equestrian sports world, as well as their commitment to the NAYRC, a premier competition for young riders, ages 16-21. Young equestrians come from the...

International equestrian athlete Bjorn Ikast will return to the Colorado Horse Park this July to defend the two show jumping grand prix titles he claimed in 2004. Ikast will also attempt to become the only rider to win the Colorado Horse Park Triple Crown as he takes on some of the best riders in the country and from around the world. It is the quality of competition that attracts top riders like Ikast. “We go where we get the best service and the best value for our horse show dollar,”...

Lili Weik Photography Jimmy Torano and Marcel - Winners of the $150,000 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship (Lili Weik Photography) Saugerties, NY – With only one time fault to speak of in the second round of Sunday’s competition, Jimmy Torano of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and his mount Marcel, out-jumped 14 competitors to take home the Championship trophy, $30,000 in prize money, and the elegant Rolex watch at the $150,000 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship in...

Saugerties, NY (June 9, 2005) —Michael Walton of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, riding Elu De La Hardiere, a 13-year-old French stallion, raced to a top place finish in the Rolex/USEF $20,000 Opening Match—giving him the initial lead in the three-leg $150,000 Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship. The Championship takes place over three days and the $20,000 Opening Match was an exciting speed class run under Table C specifications with faults converted into penalty seconds. The...