Lexington, KY - On February 22, 2012, USEF President David O’Connor issued a Presidential Modification waiving the requirement for including a Liverpool jump in USEF Show Jumping Talent Search classes at all rated competitions, with the exception of ‘AA’ rated outdoor events where a water jump of specific dimensions remains a course requirement. This Presidential Modification is granted for the first half of the 2012 qualifying period only; specifically September 1, 2011 until...

Lincoln, Neb. Major General Jonathan R. Burton, Chairman of The Dressage Foundation Board of Directors, proudly announces the opening of The Dressage Foundation’s Equestrian Fundraising School, offering lessons in fundraising and giving. “The School has been in the planning and development stage for the past two years, and its inaugural class of students began on January 3, 2012.” “The Dressage Foundation has a growing family of funds that awards grants and scholarships...

2011 Winner Announced The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce that Talkin’ To You has won the inaugural USEF Cup Incentive program for the Saddlebred division. The program was created to encourage competition participation by providing a $1,000 incentive award to the top point earner in the Saddlebred division. Talkin’ To You earned top honors in country pleasure classes at numerous competitions throughout the year. Owner Donna Finch of Greensboro, North...

Katie Poag (Regine Kraft) February 16, 2012 - The Dressage Foundation's Continuing Education for Dressage Instructors Fund has awarded a $1,250 grant to Katie Poag (SC) to participate in the United States Dressage Federation's Instructor Certification Program. "I am excited to continue my education through the wonderful program that USDF offers to instructors to make their teaching clear and concise following all aspects of the training scale," said Katie. "From the workshops and...

Likely V and Nina Zollo Top Smartpak's Low Hunter 2'6 Division Kent Farrington and Uceko (Sportfot) Wellington, FL - It was a great afternoon for grand prix riders Kent Farrington (USA) and Richie Moloney (IRL) at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) as each took home the top share of prize money in a split class for round five of the WEF Challenge Cup Series. Held in a 'California Split', the class awarded two sets of placings, each with $32,000 distributed...

Oklahoma City, Okla. - During their first 2012 meeting, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors approved for NRHA Germany to be named an NRHA National Affiliate Association and a member of NRHA’s International Affiliate Program. This is exciting news for reiners in Europe as the following four big shows are scheduled to be NRHA-approved: NRHA Germany Easter Show, NRHA Germany Breeders Derby, Speed N Style and the NRHA Germany Breeders Futurity. NRHA Germany is...

Nomination Program brings nearly $375,000 more to the Derby! Oklahoma City, Okla . - The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors recently discussed major changes to the 2012 NRHA Derby (June 25-30 in Oklahoma City, Okla.). These changes and enhancements for 2012 include massive increases in added money due to the NRHA Nomination Program, an increase in the number of Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro finalists and granting five- and six-year-olds the ability to compete for...

Stephens City, VA - The Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America is pleased to announce that it is offering an amnesty period for reduced registration fees through August 31, 2012. This amnesty period is in response to a similar program offered during 2011. It will apply to all qualified Purebred, Part-Bred and Half-Welsh ponies. Dr. Ruth Wilburn, WPCSA President, acknowledges that a similar program in 2011 was timely and highly successful. “In light of today’s economic environment,...

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the dates and locations of two Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training Sessions for 2012. The open training sessions will be a unique opportunity for up and coming talent to have one-on-one sessions with USEF Young Horse Coach, Scott Hassler. The two-day event will include a 45-minute lesson each day with Scott Hassler as well as an evening lecture and discussion for the riders led by Scott. He explains, “I’m...

Arianna Barzman-Grennan on Red Alert. Photo courtesy of Barzman-Grennan family. Within the past month, The Dressage Foundation awarded a total of $3,800 in grants to provide support to young riders. A grant of $1,800 was given to young rider Arianna Barzman-Grennan (CA) and $2,000 was provided to Dressage4kids, for the Emerging Dressage Athlete Program. The Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund provided an $800 scholarship to Arianna, and the Foundation also provided a $1,000 general grant to help...