Jennifer Alfano and Candid (Phelps Media Group, Inc. International) Lexington, KY - The eyes of the hunter world are glued on the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show this week as the country's top horses and riders converge for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship Finals and the inaugural USHJA Pre-Green Incentive Program Championship. Today riders utilized the first day of the World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week show, running now through Sunday, August 18, to prepare for the...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce their first forum as part of the new USDF Sport Horse Prospect Development Program, presented by Dressage at Devon, a USDF Education Partner, and supported by Hassler Dressage. This forum will be held September 14-15 at Apple Knoll Farm, in Millis, MA. Led by internationally renowned sport horse development experts and educators, Scott Hassler, USEF National Young Dressage Horse Coach, and Ingo Pape, one of Germany's most...

Lexington, KY - The search is underway for 2013 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award nominees. The award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, serve as positive role models for their peers, demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, are involved in their community, and exemplify positive sportsmanship principles. The overall winner of the 2013 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award will...

Hannah Holik and Dahlila (Mary Adelaide Brakenridge for Phelps Media Group, Inc. ) Parker, CO - Hannah Holik is moving up the ranks in the jumpers and showing that she is capable of dominant performances in the hunter ring as well. She and Czech Mate LLC's Dahlila notched two wins on Wednesday and placed well on Thursday to secure the championship in the 3'6" Performance Working Hunters, with Ashley Keeler and Emma Willsky's Simply Said taking the reserve. "She was really good...

Note to self: The Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” applies to many things. When teaching a WD clinic be prepared for anything! This week’s blog comes from Vancouver Washington on the Columbia River where the “Discover Western Dressage” clinic is being held as a fundraiser for Silver Buckle Ranch. The Buckle is a non-profit youth ranch that houses Clark County’s disabled riding program. It is a pleasure to be here and to know that the clinic proceeds will be used...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation's dressage coaching staff will be on hand at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North on Thursday, July 18, in Lexington, Kentucky to present the USEF Dressage "Roadmap to the Podiums". The presentation will cover the coaches' plans for the country's world-class training and competitive programs from grassroots to international-level competition. All four USEF Dressage...

Lexington, KY- The USEA and USEF are pleased to announce the riders selected for the Eventing 18/Advancing Athletes program. A total of 10 riders have been chosen from around the country to participate in the new initiative designed to build a foundation of future athletes destined for high performance teams. The riders are: Brynn Littlehale – Saratoga, CA David Pawlak – Boyce, VA Patience (Viola) O'Neal – Spokane, WA Adrian Jones – Schamong, NJ Rowdie Adams –...

Matt Cyphert and Lochivar Parker, CO - Summer in the Rockies III kicked off Wednesday with exciting show jumping action in the Kathy and Brad Coors Family Grand Prix Arena. Highlights of the day included the 1.30m and 1.40m Open Jumpers and the Young Jumper Divisions. McLain Ward has called Alan Wade his favorite course designer in the whole world. And here at the Colorado Horse Park's Summer in the Rockies III, the jumper competitors got their first taste of the Irish course designer's...

Tuesday June 11, 3013 will be the last day USEF will hear comments via email regarding the choice of organizations that will represent Western Dressage as the official recognized affiliate organization. This is a critical time in the development of the discipline and your input is very important whether you are a western rider, a dressage enthusiast, judge, breeder, trainer, or participant in any aspect of the equine industry. NAWD President Jen Johnson shares the following food for thought:...

Shelburne, VT - AMHA is pleased to announce that starting January 1, 2014, its membership structure and associated benefits will be modified. The changes are a result of a nine-month research project conducted by the AMHA Membership Committee, led by Sara Foy and Mari Sanderson. Three surveys and a series of interviews with nearly 300 people targeting non-members, previous members, and current members were conducted. Starting January 1, 2014, AMHA will offer one class of membership with the...