American Shetland Ponies are getting their well-deserved time in the spotlight, starring as the Breed of the Week on the United States Eqeustrian Federation’s ClubEquestrian.com website. The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) is a USEF recognized breed association and has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the USEF. The “Breed of the Week” spotlight details the breed’s history as well as the fact that the small but mighty equines are a favorite of children and adults. Many of today’s...

Effective immediately and until December 31, 2009, registration fees at the National Show Horse Registry (NSHR) for National Show Horses will be $250 for horses three months and older whose sire is NSHR Lifetime Nominated and $500 for horses three months and older whose sire is not NSHR Lifetime Nominated. Effective immediately and until December 31, 2009, the transfer fee of a National Show Horse will be no more than $100 regardless of the number of interim owners as long as the current owner...

Lexington, KY— The UPHA has initiated a new program designed to reward saddle seat equitation riders for their community service involvement and fundraising efforts for approved charitable organizations. Jim Taylor describes Ribbons of Service as “a shared-commitment program that encourages riders to show an American Saddlebred, Arabian (including Half-Arabians), Morgan or National Show Horse in saddle seat equitation competitions, and encourages donors to pledge funds for charity for each...

As a reminder, the FEI issued new dressage tests for the following levels, effective January 1, 2009: Prix St. Georges, Intermediaire I and Freestyle, Intermediaire II, Grand Prix, Special, and Freestyle, Young Rider Grand Prix, and all Junior and Young Rider tests (including Team, Individual, and Freestyle). These new test versions must be used by all USEF-licensed dressage competitions and CDI’s beginning January 1, 2009, and for all 2009 USEF High-Performance, USEF National, and North...

December 1, 2008 marked the start of another show season and the launch of the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s (USHJA) newest program—the Members Choice Awards. Developed by the Show Standards Committee, the Members Choice Awards give exhibitors and participants the unique opportunity to vote for the competition they feel is the best in their zone, at the level they compete. The goal of the program is to promote exhibitor friendly competitions and reward excellence based on the...

Equestrian Events, Inc., has been honored with the 2008 Best of Lexington Award in the Special Events category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through...

Lexington, KY— In the newly created 2008 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) National Developing Horse Dressage Championship sponsored by the Dutta Corporation and Performance Sales International, Guenter Seidel and U II had a strong showing Sunday to win the championship with a total score of 70.873. Similar to the Young Horse championship, the competitors faced high winds which made their rides difficult and a spooky environment for the horses. Seidel felt he was lucky to draw an...

Once again, geographic restraints will no longer keep horse sport fans from enjoying the Capital Challenge or the Washington International horse shows. Using today’s streaming video technology, Equestriansport.tv is bringing the show to you. Visit www.equestriansport.tv and you will be face-to-face with the action in several rings. See the arena, the judges, the presenters, and of course, the horses and their riders. There is no longer a need to rely on a friend’s description; instead, see it...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced the start of its “Going Green” Campaign. The campaign was developed to manage costs in a tough economy and support worldwide environmental efforts while continuing to provide the best in member benefits and services. The first major step in the effort was the launch of the USDF website last fall, which has allowed USDF to provide extensive information and services to its members online, reducing paper usage, shipping costs, and staff...

The Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 125th National Horse Show announces the publication of the 2008 prize list. Held from October 29-November 2, the Syracuse Invitational welcomes the National Horse Show to Syracuse along with top-ranked equestrians from across the U.S. and from around the world to compete in the War Memorial at the Oncenter Complex. Besides the highest level of competition, competitors and spectators alike enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining...