In grand style and competing against the best reiners in the world, champion reiner Shawn Flarida of Springfield, OH, broke into the elite Two Million Dollar Rider Club Saturday night at the FEI World Reining Masters Finals in Denver, CO. Flarida became only the second rider in National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) history to earn this incredible distinction. He competed against riders from 18 different countries at the Masters Finals earning the Gold medal. Flarida scored 223.5 riding...

Ten million dollars in equine research funding is needed to unlock the mysteries of the devastating equine disease known as laminitis, announced the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation, Inc. The life-threatening injury to Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and the subsequent development of laminitis in the horse’s left hind foot has highlighted the prevalence and severity of the disease, which affects horses around the globe. Members of the AAEP have identified laminitis...

Smith Lilly and his gifted mount, He’s The Man (CH Man On The Town X Perfect), were the judges’ unanimous winners of the Five-Gaited World’s Grand Championship in Louisville’s Freedom Hall on Saturday evening, August 26. Having won the Five-Gaited Gelding Stake earlier in the week, the pair wowed the audience from the moment they came into the arena, with the trademark Louisville roar growing with every pass down a straightaway. In his comments to the show ring announcer, Smith was appreciative...

The atmosphere at the Piazza di Siena, located in the parklands of the lovely Villa Borghese in the heart of the Italian capital, is very laid back indeed - except for the tension in the air over tomorrow's third leg of the Samsung Super League with FEI Nations Cup series - and it's the British that just about everyone's talking about. They are looking good and when Chef d'Equipe Derek Ricketts was asked today about their chances he said "yes, they're up for it - I think they should do well...

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...

Alison Hartwell/Phelps Media Group (Laura Kraut on Miss Independent) Wellington, FL – At the completion of the World Equestrian Games Selection Trials, the gutsy Margie Engle owns the top two spots based on the placings after five trials, despite only placing fourth and fifth in Trial #4 and fourth in Trial #5. Engle placed first overall after all five trials on Quervo Gold with only 11 faults and second overall on Hidden Creek’s Wapino with only 17 faults. Two of the ten total...

By Mary Creech Brandie Holloway and S&L So Be It, the winners of last week's $25,000 HITS Grand Prix, were the first to attempt the jump-off course. Holloway left all the rails up, stopping the timers in 37.87 seconds. A time that would end up giving her second place. Monica Rahman rode Cyrano to chase Holloway's time. They also posted a clear round, but a second shy with 38.85 seconds left them in third place. Next to go was Sharn Wordley aboard Mr. Flanagan. The pair took second place in last...

A Judges and Stewards Clinic will be held on February 4-5, 2006, in Tampa, FL. The clinic is open to anyone who wants to attend, not just judges and stewards. The fee for auditors is $25, for Renewal Judges/Stewards that pre-entered by January 23, 2006, the fee was $100. For Renewal Judges/Stewards that enter after January 23, 2006, the fee is $125. On Saturday, February 4, 2006, the clinic will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Some of the topics to be discussed are rule changes (from the...

A group of Louisiana State University and Idaho State University students are volunteering their time to give owners personal help searching for their pets. If you, or someone you know, needs assistance in searching the Animal Emergency Response Network (AERN) for a pet lost during the hurricanes, please contact them by e-mail at [email protected]. When you e-mail, please provide: • Your current contact information (name, current address, phone number, email address) • Address where your...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the four athletes who have been named to the 2006 USEF ParaEquestrian Advanced Rider List. The following rider/horse combinations have completed the requirements for inclusion on the list and are as follows: • Rebecca Hart and Nordkap (Bay Hanoverian gelding) – 68.917% • Robin Brueckmann and Richmond (Gray Hanoverian gelding) – 67.636% • Lynn Seidemann and Ryan (Sorrel Quarter Horse...