Blaine Mangione takes a break from the jumper ring to win the $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Bella Nova Pictures) Versatility was the name of the game as riders transitioned between the equitation, hunter, and jumper rings at Gold Coast 5 (July 19-21). Young professional Blaine Mangione, usually seen in the jumper arena, proved she could win the blue ribbon in $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby as well. “I was really shocked! I’m usually in the middle of the pack so I honestly...

Wellington, Florida - The SSG Riding Gloves 'Go Clean for the Green' promotion returns for 2012, offering $60,000 in bonus money throughout the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival running January 11 to April 1 in Wellington, FL. Based on the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural sponsorship promotion, SSG Riding Gloves will once again offer bonus money in the weekly WEF Challenge Cup Series, the Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic and the Junior Jumper High Classic...

With the 2010 season just weeks away, HITS, Inc., is preparing for full horse show circuits in Thermal, CA, and Ocala, FL. The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal will have six weeks of competition from January 26 to March 14, while the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will run two non-rated and six rated shows from January 19 to March 21. One of the best attributes of both venues is the availability of permanent stalls that are situated on the main show grounds in close proximity to the show rings....

The annual convention of the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) was a resounding success. More than 300 Morgan enthusiasts enjoyed the week-long event held in Lexington, KY, February 15-18. The week was filled with exciting demonstrations and interesting seminars, as well as the AMHA Board of Directors quarterly meeting. The annual stallion service auction, which had more than 70 stallions, brought in nearly $140,000, which will be split between the Association's ten regional shows, the...

Albuquerque, NM - Beautiful southwest skies greeted attendees to the Welsh Pony & Cob Society Annual Meeting in Albuquerque, NM. The convention provided a chance for friends and competitors to visit and celebrate the successes of 2010 and make 2011 plans. An open schedule and planned tour provided ample opportunity to explore nearby museums, cultural exhibits and plenty of shopping in nearby Old Town and Santa Fe. • The Annual General Meeting revealed election results, welcoming new Board...

Lexington, KY - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that 31 USDF members successfully completed the USDF “L” Education Program between July and December, 2010. The USDF “L” Education Program is designed to prepare candidates to enter the United States Equestrian Federation “r” Judges Training Program, to qualify individuals to judge schooling shows, and to give competitors, trainers, and instructors greater insight into the evaluative techniques of judging...

OKLAHOMA CITY - Horses considered as gypsy cob, gypsy vanner and other similar types are now eligible for registration with the Pinto Horse Association of America. Relaxing the rules on draft characteristics, the PtHA is offering a new classification of equines. According to the new rules, horses showing feathers on their legs are now acceptable as long as they are registered with an approved outcross breed association as determined by the PtHA Rule Book and meet the standard color requirements...

Lexington, KY (November 12, 2010) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Naomi Martin of Brooks, OR, has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery and sponsored by the USDF Youth Programs Advisory Subcommittee. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed on a national and local basis to USDF and dressage. As the recipient of this award, Naomi’s...

Lexington, KY (November 5, 2010) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) has just launched its new USDF e-Membership. This membership is an online educational membership (non-competing) featuring e-TRAK, an online center that provides unlimited access to a searchable database of articles and videos on equine healthcare, training, and more. In addition to e-TRAK, e-Members will be able to access the online USDF Connection, USDF’s member-only magazine, and enjoy discounted memberships with...

The U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup is in the final stages of planning for the very exciting 2010 International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup competition, to be held October 6-8 in conjunction with the Kentucky Fall Classic Horse Show at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. This year’s event will be the largest Saddle Seat World Cup event in history as U.S. Team will be taking on three- and five-gaited teams from Canada, Germany, Great Britain and South Africa. In addition to the...