It’s time for the 13th annual Capital Challenge Horse Show, held in Upper Marlboro, MD. As one of the show’s largest corporate sponsors, Ariat International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of equestrian riding boots and apparel, will be sponsoring the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation’s (AHJF) Emergency Relief Fund focused GOT ARIAT! Program during the World Champion Hunter Rider classes. Established in 1995, the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund was created to provide financial support to the families...

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) will continue its long history of providing premier continuing education for equine veterinarians when it sponsors its 52nd Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX, December 2-6. More than 4,000 practitioners, veterinary students and technicians attend the convention each year, making it the largest equine veterinary meeting in the world. The San Antonio Convention Facilities, located along San Antonio's famous River Walk, will be the primary...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) High-Performance Dressage Committee has appointed Debbie McDonald to the position of USEF Dressage Developing Coach for the remainder of 2006 and through December 31, 2007. This appointment is one of many steps being taken toward expanding the USEF Dressage Developing Program. In this new role, McDonald’s responsibilities will include increasing awareness and visibility of the USEF Dressage Developing Program and furthering the...

Lexington, KY - On December 2, 2005, the United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) announced the debut of the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Charter Award. This new program is designed for junior members who are current members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. The youth candidates are to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate through the promotion of the horse. This person is to serve as a role model for their peers. The...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation® announces the formation of the USEF Youth Council, designed to encourage and support existing affiliate youth programs. The goal will be to create the most varied board possible with members from each and every USEF national affiliate. This first-ever council will be made up of youth members, 21 years of age and under, and they must be active in their affiliate’s youth club, organization or young rider program. Applicants should also have...

The HorseTV Channel is set to introduce its new broadband channel "HorseTV Access," with a free six-day special presentation, beginning September 4, which will feature the network’s 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) coverage. The WEG presentation is a “free rein” direct feed intended to give viewers the feeling of being at the event. HorseTV Access will begin airing The HorseTV Channel’s regular programming on September 10, and viewers will receive an additional week free upon subscribing...

The 60th annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) will host yet another year of top hunter and jumper competition in the Northwest in 2006. Held at the Buffalo Equestrian Center (BEC), which is formerly known as the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, the horse show has a long tradition of excellence and has seen some of the nation’s best equestrians compete in its hallowed indoor arena. The show will be held September 13-17 and will benefit the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC)....

The always innovative National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) has announced a new program for the reining industry--the NRBC Mare Bonus. "The NRBC has always focused on the breeding programs," noted NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux. "Although the emphasis is often on the stallions, mares that perform and produce are the backbone of this industry. The officers and board of directors of the NRBC are excited to create a venue where performing mares are rewarded. This will create...

Breeders have more opportunity to bring recognition to their stallions, mares and offspring through the recent expansion of the International Jumper Futurity (IJF) Program, which now includes the International Dressage Futurity (IDF). The IJF and IDF now provide a platform for the four-year-old, awarding youngsters in sport whose sires have been nominated to the program and whose breeders/owners nominated the individual as a youngster. The IJF's four-year-old program is open to horses who have...

(Lexington, Ky) - Thomas F. Lomangino of Laurel, Maryland has been named as the Director of the USEF Equine Drug Testing and Research Laboratory in Ithaca, New York effective August 15, 2006. He will be responsible for the administration and management of the facility as well as the daily supervision of all tests, analyses and research programs. Since 1988, Lomangino has been the Director of the Maryland Racing Commission Laboratory in College Park, Maryland. In this role he also served as a...