The Morgan breed was celebrated and heralded in Atlanta, GA, at the 2007 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Convention February 14-17. For the first time in its 26-year history, many Morgan enthusiasts and speakers couldn’t make the event due to poor weather and cancelled flights. “Our theme this year was ‘The Morgan: A Passion That Lasts a Lifetime,’” said Convention co-chairman Barbara Goda. “I think this also follows closely with the people who surround the Morgan horse. Our Morgan...

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has named its 2007 Equestrian of the Year—Mindy Darst. The winner raised over $52,000 to support the society’s mission, and more than $125,000 was raised by the equestrian community in total. The Equestrian of the Year fundraising program is a multi-discipline campaign benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The equestrian who raises the most amount of money wins the title, a trophy, a $1,000 gift certificate from EuroAmerican Saddlery and their photo on...

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has announced a strategic plan to re-align the NRHA, creating a National Governing Body for reining affiliates and its members in the United States. This new affiliate organization is currently named Reining USA. The worldwide governing body for reining will remain under the name NRHA. This strategic plan, endorsed by the NRHA Executive Board, was presented on February 16, to the attendees of the NRHA Annual Convention in St. Louis, MO. A final vote...

Attention Children Jumper Riders! This year’s FEI Children’s International Jumping Final will be held in Jalapa, Mexico, December 3-8, 2007. The Final for Children between the ages of 12 and 14 as defined by FEI rules brings together riders from various nations around the world not only to compete but also to meet their peers from other cultures. Qualifiers for this final will be held at the Florida Classic/WCHR Spectacular February 21-25, 2007, and the Oaks Blenheim Fall Tournament September...

The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the national governing body for endurance riding in the United States, will hold its 2007 annual convention in Sparks, NV. The two-day program of seminars, informational meetings and a free trade show is set for February 23-24 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. Leading experts in equine health care and endurance-related fields will be featured at several seminar sessions. Other highlights of the AERC's convention will include a trade show featuring vendors...

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) announced its 2007 National Awards Dinner will be held at John G. Sikura’s Hill 'n' Dale Farms on Saturday, September 8, 2007. This marks the first time that the event will be held on a Saturday. “Hill ‘n’ Dale is honored to host the 22nd Annual TOBA Awards Dinner,” said John G. Sikura, owner of Hill ‘n’ Dale. “We congratulate all the national award winners on their achievement. It is the contributory success of each state which makes TOBA...

As of January 1, 2007, the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) began issuing Performance Permits to ApHC-registered, non-characteristic (N) Appaloosas. Permits allow all non-characteristic Appaloosas, regardless of parentage or age, to show in ApHC-approved and sponsored events as well as race with results counting toward ApHC race awards. The permit remains effective for the life of the horse once it is issued, regardless of ownership changes. Performance Permits eliminate the current Certified...

American Quarter Horses, the world's most versatile breed, takes center stage Sunday, January 7, on NBC at 1:30 EST/ 10:30 PST to strut their stuff in the America’s Horse Championships Presented by Ford Trucks . The program features two uniquely American competitions, cutting and reining, coming from The FedEx Open Competition at The American Quarter Horse Association World Championships show in Oklahoma City, OK. For those viewers new to these two sports, be ready to be intrigued. Calling the...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced the recipients of the USDF FEI Junior/Young Rider Council’s Shining Star Sportsmanship Award. The recipients include Emily Barnsley of Laytonsville, MD; Kirsten Lane of Medford, NJ; Becky Mark of Virginia; Emily O’Neill of Chester Springs, PA; Katie Pare of Lincoln University, PA; and Ryann Scelba of Lumberton, NJ, selected from the USDF Region 1 Youth Team Championships and Barbara Ayers of Cottage Grove, OR; Jessica Crawford of Tualatin,...

American Quarter Horses take center stage Sunday, January 7, on NBC Sports Television at 1:30 p.m. Eastern/10:30 a.m. Pacific for the America’s Horse Championships presented by Ford Trucks. The one-hour special is based at a portion of the FedEx Open competition at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Championship Show in Oklahoma City and highlights the reining and cutting competitions along with other features. “We were so pleased with the response from viewers and NBC last...