Photo by Diana DeRosa (Liza Boyd and Brunello) "He is my Olympic hunter," commented Liza Boyd after she nailed her third victory in the 14th Annual American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF) Hunter Classic Spectacular in Wellington FL, aboard her seasoned mount, Brunello. She won the very first one riding Monday Morning in 1997 and then in 2008 tasted victory again on Fiyero. Now just 3½ months after the birth of her first child (Ellen) it was important to prove she still had what it takes. Yet,...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) would like to issue the following clarification regarding the US Dressage coaching program. It was incorrectly reported that Morten Thomsen has been hired as a US Team coach and the USEF has applied for a visa for him. Both of these statements are incorrect. The USEF has contracted a number of highly qualified clinicians to help prepare our athletes for future international competitions. Steffen Peters and Kyra Kyrklund have both...

Photo by Diana DeRosa The atmosphere at the fourth annual Bowling for Equestrians was electrifying. From the thunder of the bowling balls as they sped down the alleys to the misty fog that made the psychedelic lighting system sparkle. The game room was showered with kids testing their skills while young and old alike threw bowling balls down the alleys in hopes of a spare or strike. The fundraiser, which is the brainchild of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF), was held at Greenacres...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association's (ASHA) annual Saddlebred Summit and Youth Conference opened Thursday morning, February 18, at the Lexington, KY, Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa, and a theme throughout will be honoring and recognizing breeding accomplishments. Thursday's schedule included any number of open committee meetings to consider and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing breeders today. The Charter Club Workshop on Thursday afternoon pays tribute to...

Lexington, KY— The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the start of the second annual “My Favorite USEF Breed Competition Contest,” following an enthusiastic response to the program in 2009. Designed to function as a “competitor’s choice” award, this contest recognizes and applauds the efforts of the year’s favorite USEF-licensed breed competition, as decided by the officials, trainers, riders, drivers, handlers or owners who participated. Eleven competitions...

The United States Equestrian Federation is accepting applications to host a West Coast qualifier for the 2010 FEI Children’s International Jumping Final. A qualifier consists of two classes of two rounds each held over two days and judged by an FEI licensed jumping judge. Organizers interested in hosting a qualifier should contact Jennifer Haydon, Director of Show Jumping National Programs, at (859) 225-6911 or via email at [email protected] no later than March 19, 2010.

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) convention will honor Saddlebred Stars of Saddle Seat Equitation in a unique setting on Friday evening, February 19. The Lexington Country Club on historic Paris Pike will be the site of the Cocktail Buffet beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. The new event was made possible this year when ongoing construction of the newly expanded Saddlebred Showcase at the American Saddlebred Museum in the Kentucky Horse Park prevented the usual Museum reception that...

In response to the tragic earthquake, which rocked Haiti last month, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is inviting the equestrian community to gather financial support. Funds collected will be sent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) to assist both organizations in their efforts towards the rebuilding of the sports movement and local sports installations in Haiti once local conditions permit. If you wish to partake in this...

Endurance Rider Ellyn Rapp will Swap these Soggy KY Cup Conditions for the Desert in Abu Dhabi (Anna Studdenny) Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be represented by two endurance riders at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Al Wathba President’s Cup in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This prestigious 160 km race is one of the premier events on the international endurance circuit and takes place on February 13, 2010. Riding for the US will be: Ellyn Rapp on Belshazzar and...

Photo by Ken Braddick (A frisky Satchmo with rider Isabell Werth during the vet check.) All 16 horses that were presented for veterinary inspection were passed Wednesday to start in the €100,000 (US$138,000) Exquis World Dressage Masters at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Three German combinations, three Dutch, six from the U.S., three from Canada and one pair from Denmark will perform in the €10,000 (US$14,000) Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe Grand Prix at 1 p.m. It is the only...