HITS, Inc., is pleased to announce that one of their competitions has won a national award from the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA). The HITS Ocala Winter Classic, which was held on February 3-8, 2009, was selected as the USHJA "A/AA" rated Member's Choice award-winning competition for Zone 4. "We are honored that our Zone 4 exhibitors selected the HITS Ocala Winter Classic for this award," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. "I'm proud that their experience at HITS...

While many events are making cut backs in prize money, Bob Bell and Janet McCarroll, co-managers of the 2010 Gulf Coast Winter Series, were ecstatic to announce an increase to the High Junior and Amateur Owner Jumpers this season. Over $100,000 will be awarded during the six-week 2010 winter series. “That is a lot!” a happy Bell commented. The high section will offer $2,000 per class, and on the weekends there will be a $15,000 High Jumper Classic. “This is for each and every week!” said Bell....

Equestrian Sport Productions announces the online publication of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Prize List at www.equestriansport.com . This year's circuit promises to be the best ever with over $5.5 million in prize money and awards and exciting classes every week. Following are the Highlights of the circuit: • FTI $500,000 Finale Grand Prix in Week 11 • FTI $100,000 Rider Challenge • CN $200,000 CN World Cup in Week 9 • Spycoast Farm $150,000 World Cup in Week 5 • CN $75,000 Nations...

A national Welfare Code of Practice has been endorsed by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the United States Equestrian Federation and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Welfare Code of Practice, drafted by the American Horse Council, outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care,...

The Old Dominion Horse Show in Manakin Sabot, VA, was the site for the inaugural competition for ponies nominated to the North American Pony Futurity (NAPF) Registry incentive program. A parade of lovely young ponies competed in hand, divided by ages and genders. USEF “R” Hunter Breeding judges Joe Dotoli (of Vermont) and Beth Neilsen (of Colorado) evaluated the youngsters at the walk and trot prior to standing for conformation. Amateur and pro handlers were equally represented with Tim Foster...

The international sport of reining will host the world’s premiere event for reiners—the 2009 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show, November 26 through December 5, at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. The $1.9-million show features the NRHA Futurity—the premiere event for three-year-old reining horses. At the end of the Open Finals on Saturday, December 5, one entry is guaranteed a check for $125,000 as...

Stolen Horse International, aka NetPosse.com, will launch its NetPosse Crime Watch pilot program to help form closer links with horse farm owners and the crimes committed on the farm. The NetPosse Crime Watch team is working on setting up an early warning system so that owners and riders can be contacted with information about possible crimes in their area. Sometimes information comes to the attention of Stolen Horse International that is not a crime but is suspicious. This information can be...

Consignors and prospective buyers gathered on October 28 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, TX to view more than 90 quality appaloosas up for auction in the 2009 world appaloosa sale, held in conjunction with the prestigious 2009 world championship appaloosa show. The highly anticipated event, hosted by the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC), was comprised of several sales, including the Yearling Incentive Sale, the Broodmare Incentive Sale and the Select Appaloosa Sale. Consigners and...

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity will bring the best three-year-old reining horses to Oklahoma City, OK, starting Thanksgiving day, but to many NRHA members the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) is the final leg of their quest to proudly represent their region among riders from the U.S., Canada and Mexico; and battle for an NRHA North American Affiliate Championship title. This year’s Adequan® NAAC, held in conjunction with the NRHA Futurity, will see...

Last year the United States Hunter Jumper Association proposed a rule change to the point structure for the professional hunter divisions to effectively go from deciding champions based on points earned to money won. USEF, the governing body of equestrian sports, passed this rule in January of 2009 with a December 1 start date. Bob Bell, President of Classic Company and the show organizer for the Jacksonville Winter Series, has decided to use the new rule to make some giant changes to the...