The deadly outbreak of equine herpes virus at Churchill Downs this spring threatened to limit movement of horses between racetracks during the Triple Crown series of races. Frequent travel is also common for sport horses and such an outbreak could hamper participation at major shows. A Cornell University virologist says his preliminary research indicates that vaccines containing weakened live viruses, called modified live vaccines (MLV), appear to be more effective in preventing horse herpes...

USDF is pleased to announce that the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championship program has reached a new record for the amount of prize money available for 2005. This year's prize money fund totals over $116,000. This fund, which is made up of qualifying ride fees paid by competitors, enables USDF to distribute prize money to all champions and reserve champions in as many as 279 championship classes in all of USDF's nine regions. These championship classes provide opportunities...

Recognizing that arena soil is one of the most basic and important factors required to ensure a successful equestrian/agricultural event, the American Royal Association, a 106-year old institution, unveiled new footing for all its fall and year-round events. The Royal experienced significant growth in its horse shows last year with some events increasing nearly 40%. After last year’s fall show, the American Royal formed a Footing Task Force to address the needs of its exhibitors. “Excellent...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation invites everyone to attend an open forum on Wednesday, June 15, following the last class of the morning performance at the Midwest Charity Horse Show. For more information, visit the USEF booth, located on horse show grounds in Springfield, Illinois. USEF Chief Executive Officer John Long will lead the forum, accompanied by Mary Smith, Director of Licensed Officials, and Carrie Mortensen, Director of Breeds and Western Disciplines....

Lexington, KY – Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine has again taken on the role of title sponsor for one of the nation’s premier junior hunter competitions, the 2005 Show Circuit Magazine/ USEF National Junior Hunter Championships. The East Coast Championships will be in Saugerties, NY, August 1-2, followed by the West Coast Championships in San Juan Capistrano, CA, August 16-17. Now entering its fifth year of success, the 2005 Show Circuit Magazine/USEF National...

The 152nd Upperville Colt and Horse Show Kick-Off Party on Friday, May 20, was a big success in raising money to benefit the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. The party was from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. on the show grounds, and included a fun evening of dancing, fabulous food, a live auction and a silent auction. Music was provided by Johnny White and the Elite Band, who kept guests twirling throughout the night. The live auction consisted of neighbors and friends who have...

For the third time in four years, British leading lady rider Pippa Funnell dominated the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, leading from start to finish with Primmore’s Pride. An inspiring dressage test put them at the top of the leaderboard on day one. Whilst collecting time penalties on the cross-country, the combination jumped clear to retain the lead. In the show jumping when it mattered most, the pair jumped another clear round to secure the Mitsubishi Motors Trophy and the £50,000...

Dover Saddlery has announced the opening of its latest store in Plaistow, NH. An authentic New England post and beam barn has been restored to reflect the ambiance of a premium horse stable, while offering equestrians the finest selection of products for horse and rider at all levels of competition. The store will offer customers tax-free shopping seven days a week on thousands of brand name equestrian products. Merchandise will be displayed over four floors, with the top floor entirely devoted...

PhelpsPhotos.com (Kim Severson won the 2004 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Four-Star on Winsome Adante.) Lexington, KY – In a month where the average American wanders out to the garden wishing for Summer, equestrian sport has taken the lead—and the reins—to bring the country into full bloom. Leading us first to the entertainment capital of the world on April 20, the 2005 FEI World Cup Finals promises to feature some of the best show jumping and dressage the world has to offer. The United States...

Members of the show jumping team that won the Silver medal at last summer’s Olympic Games in Athens will compete in the jumper divisions and in two thrilling grand prix classes at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, which runs May 26-June 4. In a thrilling duel for this year’s top honors, Laura Chapot of Neshanic Station, NJ, Open Jumper Champion for four of the last six years, will take on Olympians Chris Kappler of Hunterdon in Pittstown, NJ, Open Jumping Leading Rider at Devon two years...