Thanks to the vision of the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC), children in Hong Kong are enjoying the love and companionship of two very special Shetland Ponies. The ponies, FMF Imagination and PC Karmel Kid, were donated in the summer of 2008 as a way to salute Hong Kong’s efforts in hosting the 2008 Equestrian Olympics. “Karmel Kid is doing really well. He has been given the stable name of Bear and is loved by all. He has been fabulous with the lead rein kids and has also enjoyed a little...

Old Salem Farm will host its 2009 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows at its newly renovated facility in the charming town of North Salem, NY, in the heart of Westchester County. The "new" Old Salem Farm boasts its historic pristine grass grand prix field as well as three all-weather outdoor rings, all which will be in full use during its traditional May 5-10 and May 12-17 horse show dates. "We are thrilled that the long-awaited unveiling of our new facility at Old Salem Farm is now ready for our...

Lexington, KY— This year’s USEF Horses of Honor have been decided and your vote will be an integral part of deciding which of the nation’s leading equines will be named the Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year. With the 2009 USEF Annual Meeting around the corner, all heads are turning to five finalists in anticipation of which horse will be adorned with the title of Horse of the Year—one of the most prestigious awards the USEF bestows. This year’s winner will join dressage superstar...

The gavel fell with a resounding boom at the 2008 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)/Markel Insurance Futurity Prospect Sale in Oklahoma City, OK, on December 6. The $240,000 winning bid was the largest purchase price ever witnessed at an NRHA sale. Hip 3023, Peppy Superboom, was purchased by The Bucket List Syndicate. Peppy Superboom was consigned by Schmersal Reining Horses, who also consigned the top-selling horse in the NRHA/Markel Insurance Marketplace Sale. The 2006 sorrel colt is...

Every competitive horse owner knows that showtime is stressful. However, stress from training to trailering can affect horses, too. Horses can continue feeling the stress even after stepping off the trailer. Situations such as increased stall time—especially at an unfamiliar facility—and limited turnout, along with training and competing, can often lead to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). In fact, 63% of nonracing competitive horses can suffer from EGUS. EGUS can diminish the...

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation awards many prestigious trophies throughout the year to various equestrian disciplines. One of the most coveted is the Fritz Cup, which is given to the national champion in show jumping every year. In 2008, the award was given to Margie Engle of Wellington, FL, for her win in the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach. Veteran rider Margie Engle was the most consistent over the two rounds of competition...

A group of fuzzy and adorable Miniature horses became instant fan favorites when they marched in the 75th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day parade in downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving Day. Lennie Bertrand, of Bertrand’s Miniature Horse Ranch, brought 21 Miniature horses to march in the parade much to the delight of the 400,000 plus spectators who came out to enjoy Chicago’s favorite tradition. Bertrand said it was his 11th year to bring his Miniature horses to the parade, and he had friends...

Lexington, KY – Fourteen High Performance Dressage athletes traveled from across the US and from as far away as Germany to join the 19 members of the USEF High Performance Dressage Eligible Athletes Committee and the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee to attend a forum held November 11, 2008 in Chicago, IL. The objective of the forum was to discuss the USEF’s High Performance Strategic Plan for the period leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The forum was designed so that High...

Southern Living magazine recently photographed Silver medalist combined driver Chester Weber at his farm in Ocala, for an upcoming article in the magazine. Known for bringing readers the best of everyday life in the South, Southern Living journeyed to Weber’s Live Oak Stud for a chance to capture the magnificent farm and the man behind the name that has become synonymous with combined driving. The article and photos will appear in the Florida People and Places section of Southern Living and...

John Deere is the “Official Equipment Sponsor” of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as announced today by the World Games 2010 Foundation. The Games will be held September 25-October 10, 2010, in Lexington, KY. “On behalf of the Federation Equestre Internationale, we are pleased to have John Deere Company partnering with our sport as the official equipment provider of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. As part of the...