Fear of the unknown often darkens our dream of buying the young horse that will become the next show star. Perhaps we are drawn to this idea by the harmony that arises between human and equine when raising a horse from his first years; possibly it's the chance to be able to buy him before he costs six figures. But will this charming youngster transform into that fancy show horse we had envisioned? Here is a way to peek into a crystal ball. Start from the bottom up — your bottom line Clearly...

Interest and participation in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has never been greater. The association continues to exhibit phenomenal growth, especially in the areas of membership and approved shows. During its June meeting, the NRHA’s Board of Directors announced a year-to-date increase of 4.5% in memberships for 2006. The board also announced a significant growth in NRHA-approved shows, especially in international venues where there’s been an increase of more than 33% in 2006...

Saddlebred.com has a new and valuable feature titled, “Saddle Up a Saddlebred,” which allows anyone interested in seeing, riding or learning more about Saddlebreds to enter their zip code and find a number of stables within a 300-mile radius. It can be accessed by going to www.saddlebred.com and clicking on “About the Breed,” and then going to “Stable Search,” or type in www.saddlebred.com/breed/stables.php . Right now, there are approximately 400 Saddlebred farms and stables in the database...

President Murray Kessler and President-Elect Tom O’Mara delivered the 2021 General Session presentation on Saturday afternoon celebrating the new heights equestrians have achieved in recent years and laying out the ambitious plans for continued growth and collaboration in the future behind the theme of Listen, Learn and Lead Together. Kessler looked back at how far US Equestrian and equestrian sport have come in the past four years, even with the challenges posed by 2020. O’Mara...

Eric Lamaze riding Coriana van Klapscheut is presented with a $3,000 bonus from ringmaster Cliff Haines, Jennifer Ward and Ed James of SSG Riding Gloves (Sportfot) Wellington, Fl – Canada’s Eric Lamaze laid claim to his first $3,000 bonus from SSG Riding Gloves after winning the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round VIII on Thursday, March 1, at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Lamaze defeated 81 other entries while wearing his SSG...

Following consultation with National Federations, riders and event organizers, the FEI Bureau decided that Great Britain and Belgium will both be relegated from the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™. The two teams finished the 2009 season in eighth place on equal points ahead of the Italians, who are also relegated. The two highest-placed teams in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ Promotional League Final, which will be held in Barcelona, Spain, on September 20, will be promoted to the FEI Nations Cup™ Top...

Sign-ups are now under way at www.saddlebred.com for the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s (ASHA) live video streaming Internet webcast of the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival from Madison, WI, which has its first performance Wednesday, September 16. Pricing and sign-up information appears on the ASHA website at www.asha.net/video/register.php . The webcast will once again feature a live chat, to offer subscribers the opportunity to carry on dialogue with other Saddlebred enthusiasts...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) is pleased to announce that the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia (ASHAV) and the American Saddlebred Association of Maine (ASAM) have been selected as ASHA’s Charter Clubs of the Year. The two clubs’ dedication and commitment to the promotion of the breed will be honored during the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, February 13, 2009, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The luncheon will be held in conjunction with ASHA’s Annual Convention,...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) offers a new youth award this year, the Academy Master Medal Award. The Master Medal Award goes beyond the ASHA Academy Awards program, offering participants an opportunity to advance to a higher level after earning their first Gold medal in the Academy Awards Medal program. The Master Medal Awards program encourages participation in promotion, education and continued involvement with the American Saddlebred. Master Gold, Silver and Bronze medals...

Lexington, Ky. – Two athlete-and-horse combinations participated the U.S. Dressage European U25 Tour this spring and summer and scored top results. Ben Ebeling and Status Royal OLD competed in Belgium and France, while Erin Nichols and Elian Royale competed in the Netherlands. USEF Dressage Youth Coach George Williams advised the U.S. athletes to help them achieve strong scores in European competition. Ben Ebeling and Status Royal OLD compete in Crozet, France. (Photos Les Garennes)...