This week I want to update you about some exciting new programs coming in 2013 for Western Dressage enthusiasts. As this discipline continues to develop, more tests are available, more shows are available, and more award programs vie for participation. The show and clinic calendars are filling up for the year and so much is happening. In January our local WSH Zone added year end awards for Western Dressage following the inclusion of Western Dressage as a subdivision of Dressage on the...

Lexington, KY - The first Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training Session of 2013 wrapped up Sunday at Shannondale Farm in Alpharetta, Georgia. A diverse group of young dressage horses, representing a multitude of breeds and varied levels of experience, were selected for the training session with USEF Young Horse Dressage Coach Scott Hassler. Scott Hassler instructs Sandie Gaines-Beddard and Flairance (Chris Hutchings) Hassler commented, “We had another very successful training session...

Lexington, KY- The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to release the schedules for the 2013 Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions and 2013 USEF Youth Dressage Observation Sessions. Both the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program and USEF Youth Dressage Program are vital in creating a pipeline for future U.S. combinations to compete on the international stage. The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training and Observation Sessions are open to all...

Reserve Dressage Seat Equitation Rider-Clare Burke, Essay Contest-Cassie Crotty, High Point Hunt Seat Rider-Brianne Link, High Point Dressage Seat Equitation Rider-Ashley Guidry, Reserve Hunt Seat Equitation Rider-Jessica Hall, Community Service-Alexandra Adams. (ManciniPhotos) Wellington, FL – The College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) hosted its third year of competition this weekend at The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, home to the...

Wellington, FL -On Saturday night, the participants, parents and supporters of the USEF Horsemastership Training Session gathered with the USET Foundation and Karen Lloyd, who graciously hosted a dinner at her lovely Palm Beach Polo home in Wellington, FL. This year's riders participated in a five-day clinic at the Palm Beach International Equestrian center with former U.S. Chef d'Equipe USEF. The 12 riders selected for the clinic included Gabrielle Bausano, Olivia Champ, Meg...

Lexington, KY - Equestrian enthusiasts have been given a special gift by the CBS Sports Network this holiday season with another chance to watch top show jumpers in action at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. CBS Sports Spectacular will offer encore viewing of their US Equestrian Festival Nations Cup 2012 and US Equestrian Festival Championships programs on Christmas day from 3:00-5:00pm ET. In the first...

Lexington, KY - USA Equestrian Trust has awarded $95,000 in grants to help fund four more equine projects as part of a historic year of grant-giving for the foundation. The awards come on top of nearly $240,000 awarded in May to 11 equine non-profits. The Trust's volunteer leadership approved an expansion of the program earlier this year, offering a second grant application period for the first time in the foundation's history. The organization saw even greater need from interested...

This is a truly thrilling time to be a part of Western Dressage and the Western Dressage Association® of America! I recently had the opportunity to chat with Cliff Swanson, who has been instrumental in many facets of the program, including authoring and editing the new tests, working with the Rules Committee, developing the Train The Trainers™ Program and conducting a wonderful series of Skill Set Clinics. Cliff also sits on the Advisory Board for the WDAA. According to Cliff,...

Lexington, KY - The 2013 Markel/USEF National Young and Developing Horse Dressage Championships presented by HorseShow.com will host up-and-coming dressage horses over five divisions of National Championship competition. Four-, five- and six-year-olds will vie for national titles in their respective Young Horse Championships. While developing horses have the option to compete in Prix St. Georges or Grand Prix Championships. Markel has supported the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program since...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is now accepting letters of intent from competition managers to host the 2014 USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals. These Finals will take place in the summer of 2014. The purpose of the USDF/USEF Dressage Seat Medal program presented by Dressage Today is to promote and reward correct seat, position, and use of aids in dressage for youth riders. The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) oversees the qualifying system and the...