Gypsy Woods Farm owners Charles (Chuck) and Joann Smith announce that the beloved, crowd-pleasing Westfalen mare Rocher (Rolls Royce) will retire from international competition. “Rocher took a dream and made it a reality,” stated Chuck. “She took us all over the world and filled us with pride. She has incredible character and inspired her fans wherever she showed.” Rocher came to the United States in 2000 to be ridden by George Williams for the Smith family and Gypsy Woods Farm. Her career was...

This morning we are pleased to see more incremental progress with Laine’s lung injury. While she remains on the ventilator, she is beginning to take some breaths on her own. Her vital signs are also improving. Her fever, while still high, is down to a less critical level. Her blood pressure, which has been running low, is beginning to rise up to a more acceptable level and her blood oxygenation saturation is very good (meaning that her lungs are performing their primary function of distribution...

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the approval of Digital Angel Corporation’s (formerly Destron Fearing) Life-Chip equine radio frequency identification (RFID) injectable transponder for use in horses. The industry expects that in the future additional companies will apply for USDA approval of equine microchips to be developed and sold in the U.S. Microchips are a valuable tool to the equine industry to identify horses, whether as proof of ownership if lost or...

Lexington, KY—The United States Equestrian Federation is seeking an individual to fill the position of Endurance Chef d’Equipe. The successful candidate will be provided with a contract for the 2008-2010 biennium and possibly longer. A Search Committee has been appointed: -James Wolf - Executive Director, Sports Programs -Mark Phillips - USEF Chef d’Equipe for Eventing -Tony Benedetti - Endurance High Performance and Active Athlete Committee member. -Kathy Brunjes - Endurance High...

Lexington, KY — Stacey Meier has joined the United States Equestrian Federation as Director of National Marketing effective March 5, 2007. Located in the Lexington, KY office her main responsibilities will be to grow and promote the grassroots efforts among the USEF national breed and discipline affiliates. Meier is a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, IN, with a degree in journalism with an option in advertising and a minor degree in marketing. Upon graduation, Meier pursued a career...

Lexington, KY —Effective immediately, Sara Ike will be taking on a new role at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), as High Performance Director of Vaulting and USADA Coordinator. “Sara Ike has a wide range of knowledge and experience in equestrian sport, coupled with outstanding organizational skills,” says Jim Wolf, Executive Director of High Performance. “Sara has such a high level of energy and a love for vaulting. She’s a natural fit for this...

Lexington, Ky. - The FEI announced today a one-year period of ineligibility will be imposed on U.S. athletes Hannah Burnett, Jennie Brannigan, and Alyssa Phillips for the positive tests of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited Substances at the 2017 CIC3* Ocala-Reddick event. The suspensions will be imposed from the date of sample collection on November 18, 2017. These athletes are suspended from participating in any FEI and USEF sanctioned activities in an official capacity, but can...

Dear US Equestrian Members, As a follow up to the letter you received last week from US Equestrian (USEF) President Murray Kessler, I am writing to provide you with further detail regarding our actions and changes involving the USEF Drugs & Medications Program and Laboratory. Staffing Changes Effective last week, Laboratory Director Dr. Cornelius Uboh is no longer employed by the Federation. In addition, a laboratory technician has also left his position as well. The Federation will not...

Lexington, Ky. - The FEI announced today that the results of samples collected from three U.S. athletes at the CIC3* Ocala-Reddick Florida event revealed the presence of Stimulants, which are Prohibited Substances according to the 2017 Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), in force at the time of sample collection. Contrary to speculation, cocaine was not detected in any samples taken at the event. Effective immediately, these athletes, Jennie Brannigan, Hannah Sue Burnett,...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will host a Forum on March 10th, 2011 for Eventing Long Listed Athletes* to hear directly from the short-listed applicants for the position of Eventing Chef d'Equipe/Technical Advisor beginning in 2013. The two short-listed candidates recommended by the Search Committee are Leslie Law and David O'Connor. The process to select a new Chef d'Equipe/Technical Advisor for Eventing has been underway since the summer of 2010. In August of...