When the Federation launched the USEF Purchasing Program in April of 2004, the implications were big. Even so, no one could have estimated the enormity of the impact on the members, let alone the impact on the Federation itself. $800,000 in savings later, those who have used the program are not only standing behind it—they’re asking for more. In his January 16 report to the Board of Directors, USEF CEO John Long unveiled the numbers that point to the program’s undeniable success. In the course...

U.S. Endurance Team at first inspection. (Jan Mansfield ) United Arab Emirates - Two of the six riders representing the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) completed the 100-mile 2005 FEI World Endurance Championship on January 27 at Dubai International City in Dubai, UAE. The highest place finisher was Becky Harris of Medina, OH, who came in 20th place with a ride time of 8:47:03 on GA Tyfa Mynte. Carolyn Hock of Riverside, CA and GT Sando were 56th with a ride time of 11:10:13....

With the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) annual meeting of members scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, February 17-19, at the Embassy Suites of Lexington, KY, proxy and voting materials have been mailed to the entire senior membership. Ballots for election of directors must be returned by members on or before Tuesday, February 1, 2005. The slate of candidates seeking a seat on the Board of Directors includes Victoria Gillenwater, Tim Lockard, Fred K. Sarver, Paul Treiber,...

In an effort to improve the lives of horses, the Kentucky Horse Park and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will conduct the first ever Healthy Horses series of seminars at the park on May 14. John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, commented, “The weeks preceding and following the Kentucky Derby bring national attention to Kentucky’s horse industry, so it’s a perfect time for everyone in our state who is involved with horses to take a fresh look at...

Aaron Vale of Aiken, SC, posted the first victory of the season as the 2005 American Grand Prix Association (AGA) tour got underway in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, January 23, 2005. The nighttime competition took place at the Paul E. Reinhold Agricultural Center Fairgrounds on State Road 16 in Green Cove Springs, FL. In its 27th year of equestrian excellence, the AGA tour includes 32 events in 22 different equestrian markets and offers over $2.5 million dollars in prize money. Vale’s...

Lexington, KY —The Grand Ballroom was packed as United States Equestrian Federation members and staffers joined to celebrate the men and women of the media for their contributions to the coverage of equestrian sport in 2004. The USEF Media Awards Luncheon hosted a total of 12 industrious nominees January 13, at the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, KY. These reporters, photographers, editors, managers and producers gathered from across the country to hear USEF President and Olympic Gold...

EQUESTRIAN magazine will publish its annual photo gallery and roster of national, zone, regional and district Horse of the Year champions in the March 2005 issue. Owners of Horse of the Year champions are invited to submit photos for publication in the photo gallery. Final standings will be available on the website on December 20, 2004. The mailing of notification letters will begin on December 20 as well. There is no charge for publication of these roster photos. Photo Guidelines • Color...

On August 5-7, 2005, the Over the Walls Horse Trials will take place in Hardwick, MA. Riders and spectators alike will enjoy the marvelous facilities and beautiful grounds at Great Meadowbrook Farm, the site of the event. With top-notch competition taking place, a trade fair with numerous booths offering an abundance of equine products and gifts for sale, everyone will find something to enjoy. Eventing is the equestrian version of a triathlon: one rider and one horse compete together in...

Rule Changes Address Safety Concerns at Recognized Competitions Lexington, KY – Consistent with one of the primary missions of the United States Equestrian Federation, which is to ensure the safety and welfare of both horses and riders, two important rule changes were approved at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors held in Louisville, Kentucky on January 16th . These changes should significantly contribute to safety at recognized USEF competitions. They involve the operation of...

USEF Honors its Stars of 2004 at Athletes’ Luncheon and Pegasus Awards Dinner Louisville, KY —Friday proved to be a day of widespread celebration at the 2005 USEF Annual Meeting as two special events brought audiences to their feet with thunderous applause and accolades for athletes and honorees. During the Friday Recognition Luncheon in honor of Athletes and Owners, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation presented the coveted Whitney Stone Memorial Cup to one of the...