Trakehners International and friends have joined together to host an online auction to raise funds for Darren Chiacchia, the international event rider who was critically injured in a fall on course at Red Hills Horse Trials on March 15, 2008. All bids are paid to the Equestrian Aid Foundation in Darren Chiacchia’s name and are tax-deductible. Online bidding begins on Thursday, April 24, at www.trakehners-international.com . There are multiple ways to support this fundraiser: 1. Bid on the...

Lexington, KY – As part of the continuing efforts to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the third annual Youth Sportsman’s Award. This awards program recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. These candidates need to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate organization by...

EquiFit, Inc., the equine industry’s innovator of protective performance gear, announces a contest to coincide with the release of its new pony products. The best-selling T-Sport Wrap and supportive T-Boot EXP are now available in pony sizes. As part of its new product launch, EquiFit is searching for a junior rider and pony team to be part of its promotion. Submission will be accepted through March 31, 2008. Contestants are urged to get out their cameras and put the pony T-Boot EXP’s and Pony...

Louisville, KY-On Saturday, more than 100 young equestrians and their parents gathered in Louisville’s downtown Hyatt to celebrate their shared love for horses. Organized by the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Youth Council, this inaugural convention focused on promoting youth involvement from all 18 affiliated breeds and disciplines and ParaEquestrian which operate under the USEF umbrella. Jane Savoie, one of the most recognized names in dressage, kicked-off the activities with a...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the promotion of Sara Ike to the position of Managing Director of Eventing. Ike has worked at the USEF Gladstone office since 2003, and has served as the Eventing High Performance Director since March of 2007. Prior to that appointment she was the Director of Vaulting. In 2007 she was the Team Leader for the Eventing team which swept the medals at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also traveled to...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the promotion of Sara Ike to the position of Managing Director of Eventing. Ike has worked at the USEF Gladstone office since 2003, and has served as the Eventing High Performance Director since March of 2007. Prior to that appointment she was the Director of Vaulting. In 2007 she was the Team Leader for the Eventing team which swept the medals at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She also traveled to...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Meagan Davis has been chosen as the USDF nominee for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award. Nominees must demonstrate an ongoing dedication to the promotion of the horse, exhibit positive sportsmanship principles, and serve as a role model for their peers. As the USDF national nominee, Davis will receive a one-year USDF Participating Membership (PM), a certificate, a lapel pin, and an...

Lexington, KY—Sonja S. Keating has been named Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Before this appointment, Keating served as Associate General Counsel for the USEF. Prior to joining the Federation staff, Keating was associated with the Lexington office of the Cincinnati-based law firm of Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, where she practiced in the litigation department. Keating worked closely with Julie Goodman, former General Counsel, in both...

Starting in 2007, the American Morgan Horse Association’s (AMHA) Youth Member of the Year award will now be called the AMHA Annual Youth Achievement Award, as decided by the AMHA Board of Directors at their May meeting. The award, which recognizes a youth who demonstrates outstanding achievement and dedication to the Morgan breed , is determined by a point system. In 2006, Caitlin Novotny of Oklahoma City received the first AMHA Youth Member of the Year award. AMHA youth members may earn points...

Lexington, KY – As part of the continued efforts to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation announces the second annual Youth Sportsman’s Charter Award. This awards program recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. The youth candidates need to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate organization...