HITS is pleased to report that last week it received unanimous support from attendees of the 2008 USEF World Cup Riders Meeting held at The Oaks in San Juan Capistrano, CA, to once again host four FEI World Cup™ Qualifiers at the 2009 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal. HITS has successfully run the World Cup classes at its West Coast circuit since 1991, giving riders on the West Coast an opportunity to qualify for the prestigious World Cups year after year right in their own backyard....

March 26, 2008 - 8PM EDT Although still in the ICU Darren continues his gradual improvement, responding to commands and moving his extremities with more consistency. His left lung remains problematic with a chest tube still in place and draining fluids. Cognitively he is more alert, and able to identify familiar faces. The hospital staff is pleased with his progress. Please see Darren's website: www.eventrider.com for the most recent updates. We have set up an emergency designated fund in...

March 26, 2008 - 8PM EDT Although still in the ICU Darren continues his gradual improvement, responding to commands and moving his extremities with more consistency. His left lung remains problematic with a chest tube still in place and draining fluids. Cognitively he is more alert, and able to identify familiar faces. The hospital staff is pleased with his progress. Please see Darren's website: www.eventrider.com for the most recent updates. We have set up an emergency designated fund in...

A new program has been launched to provide prize money for exhibitors at the Arabian Sport Horse National Championships beginning in 2008. Founded by a group of Sport Horse National (SHN) exhibitors and supporters, the program features half-price stallion services as the main source of funding. By donating a breeding, all existing offspring of that stallion become eligible for the prize money in all payback classes. The stallion services are sold on a first-come-first-served basis to any mare...

The American Vaulting Association board, at its recent annual meeting, voted to match the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s $1,500 donation to the USEF Youth Council, announced at the recent USEF Inaugural Youth Convention in Lexington. AVA President Nancy Stevens-Brown and AVA Board Member and USEF Youth Council Member Megan Benjamin led the charge. "Those lucky enough to be involved with horses take pride in the positive influence horses have on children, recognizing that every...

Lexington, KY – With the 2008 competition season just beginning, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recognizes that the rising cost of show expenses can often hinder breed shows. To assist competitions with expenses, the USEF offers the Outreach Grant program, which provides financial assistance to various USEF breed competitions. The USEF grant program assists financially challenged breed competitions that meet the grant requirements and are approved by the USEF. The grants are...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is please to announce that Reining has been added as the fourth discipline to the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships. Reining, an incredibly popular sport throughout the U.S. and Canada, will make its debut at the 2008 CN North American Junior/Young Rider Championships at the Colorado Horse Park presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) July 30-August 3, 2008. Competitors from seven geographical regions and five associations...

EquiFit, Inc., the equine industry’s innovator of protective performance gear, announces a contest to coincide with the release of its new pony products. The best-selling T-Sport Wrap and supportive T-Boot EXP are now available in pony sizes. As part of its new product launch, EquiFit is searching for a junior rider and pony team to be part of its promotion. Submission will be accepted through March 31, 2008. Contestants are urged to get out their cameras and put the pony T-Boot EXP’s and Pony...

Langer Equestrian Group, Inc., kicked off the 2008 show season with record entries and sunny skies at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) Season Opener, January 18-20, 2008, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Junior rider Laura Ware started off 2008 on a winning streak. She piloted Parker to the large junior championship, and then showed the gelding’s versatility by garnering wins in equitation as well. The pair captured both the USEF Medal and the ASPCA Maclay, as well as a...

With the opening of her new training barn, riding academy, and offering of introductory clinics, Melissa Moore’s Sunrise Stables has become the newest presenting sponsor of the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s (ASHA) Annual Convention and Youth Conference. The convention is set for Thursday, February 14, through Saturday, February 16, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington, KY. For more information, visit www.asha.net/ASHA-Annual-Meeting . Moore plans to host a series of three to four...