The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate its new USDF Certified Instructors from the testing held March 27-29 in Kansas City, MO. The USDF Instructor Certification program is designed to set a standard of excellence in dressage training and instruction in the United States and to educate dressage riders, instructors, and aspiring instructors. New USDF Certified Instructors include Laurie Hedlund of Claremore, OK, at training through second level; and...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be hosting a ParaEquestrian Dressage Training Session June 10-11, 2009 at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville, WA. The Training Session is designed for riders who have various disabilities to learn more about competing in Dressage at the National or International Level. Missy Ransehousen, USEF ParaEquestrian Team Coach, will be conducting the Training Session. Ransehousen has competed through the international...

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) summer education event, Focus on the Foot and the 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar, will provide a comprehensive continuing education package for equine practitioners, July 19-21, in Columbus, OH. Focus on the Foot will explore the intricacies of one of the most crucial components of equine anatomy—the foot. The 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar program is designed to equip practice managers will the business skills to...

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) reports that 2008 Sweepstakes Program figures look similar to that of 2007. A March report indicates that over $2.2 million in prize money was awarded to nearly 5,000 AHA members. Just over $1 million of the total money awarded was through the Points Payout Program. The second largest payout came from the Allocated Payout Program, followed by the Breeder Nominator Payout, and then Nominated Sire Payout. Broken down, horses enrolled in the Sweepstakes Point...

People Helping Horses (PHH) Founder and Executive Director Gretchen Salstrom was recently made aware of the need in the community to serve children with disabilities through therapeutic riding. After careful consideration and much discussion, Salstrom and the PHH Board of Directors agreed to partner with NARHA certified instructor Laurie Grow in the launch of a new program, Leg Up for Kids Therapeutic Riding. The program officially commenced on April 1, 2009. It is run at Half Trak Farm, a...

Lexington, KY— The Fourth Annual United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, will kickoff for the 2009 competition year May 1, 2009. This award recognizes youth members of both USEF and a USEF Recognized National Affiliate for their participation in the community and equine industry and is focused on developing leaders in the equine industry. To be considered for the award, the following criteria must be met: • Active membership in...

The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc., and the United States Dressage Federation invite licensed dressage competitions to apply to become an official 2010 “qualifying competition” for the USEF Dressage Developing Programs and the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships (NAJYRC). The USEF Developing Programs and the NAJYRC Program include the following: - USEF National Championships for Juniors, Young Riders, and Young Adult “Brentina Cup” - FEI North American...

Representatives from dozens of national and state-based equine protection, advocacy and rescue organizations gathered April 9-10 at Bally's Las Vegas for the third annual Homes for Horses Coalition Conference to discuss the re-homing of at-risk horses in America and other equine welfare concerns. The conference was held in conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States' Animal Care Expo, which included two equine welfare workshops on Wednesday, April 8. Immediately following Homes for...

Lexington, KY— Sharing the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, USRider is proud to partner with the USEF in an effort to further enhance the safety of those who travel with horses. USRider provides emergency roadside assistance and towing services through their Equestrian Motor Plan along with other travel-related benefits. With an annual fee comparable to that of other roadside assistance programs, USRider offers many services...

The Junior League Horse Show is the only show in Kentucky to host Grand National classes in 2009. The show is set to take place Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 11, at the Red Mile, in Lexington, KY. The show will offer a total of $9,000 in prize money, offering $1,800 in each of the following Grand National classes: - Fine Harness Junior Horse - Three-Gaited Park Open Championship - Three-Gaited Ladies Championship - Five-Gaited Amateur Championship - Five-Gaited Show Pleasure Junior...