A total of 42 Countries have qualified, either with team or individual, to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games, according to the qualification procedures of each discipline— FEI Regulations for Equestrian Events at the Olympic Games, 22nd Edition , effective for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (Hong Kong). National Federations have until May 30 to confirm their participation. Jumping TEAM (16 NOCs will be qualified to take part with a team consisting of four riders and four horses or...

Jane Beshear was announced as the latest addition to the 2010 World Equestrian Games Foundation Board of Directors. She was elected unanimously by the board. “I am pleased to be able to offer my equine experience to the World Equestrian Games Foundation Board as we move toward 2010,” said Beshear. “This event is an excellent opportunity for the state of Kentucky, and I am honored to lend my experience to help make it a success.” Beshear, an avid horsewoman for nearly 30 years, offers vast...

A report on the Olympic Test Event held in Hong Kong in August was presented at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Bureau meeting in Dubai. The goal of this essential event was to review the venue, layout and procedures for the three Olympic disciplines. Main issues requiring further work were lighting in the main arena; press officer and media operations; veterinary issues and confirmation of a weather protocol designed with Hong Kong Observatory; and communication between the FEI...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation announces two changes to the Eventing Team for the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The eventing portion of the competition begins July 19. Better I Do It owned by Adrienne Iorio, and ridden by Darren Chiacchia will replace Bonnie Mosser and Merloch. Phillip Dutton will ride Truluck owned by Ann Jones and Shannon Stimson instead of Connaught Unfortunately Bonnie Mosser’s horse Merloch (owned by Mosser) and Connaught...

FEI Official International Judge Rogier Van Iersel (NED) has resigned from his position as president of the ground jury for jumping for the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. The decision of Van Iersel is based on the fact that he is also team manager of the Saudi Arabian Jumping Team, which may have resulted in a potential conflict of interest should the two functions be performed concurrently. The FEI wishes to thank Van Iersel for his fair play decision, which is entirely in line with its Code...

Woodside, Calif., May 25-27 – Woodside Horse Trials’ advanced division served as a “mandatory outing” for West Coast candidates for this summer’s Pan Ameircan Games, and U.S. Equestrian Federation officials were there to watch them. Capt. Mark Phillips (the U.S. eventing team’s Chef d’Equipe), four members of the USEF Eventing Selection Committee, and two team veterinarians were at Woodside to evaluate the riders’ and horses’ performances and soundness. The group was evaluating three...

West Coast riders aiming for this summer’s Pan Am Games will be in action during the Woodside Horse Trials at the Horse Park at Woodside, May 25-27. Capt. Mark Phillips, the U.S. eventing team’s chef d’equipe, along with other officials of the U.S. Equestrian Federation, will be there to assess the candidates’ performance. Eventing is one of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines, along with dressage and show jumping, each of which will be contested at the Pan Am Games. Eventing, the...

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organizers of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, announced the formation of a Media Services committee. The committee’s primary responsibility will be to advise the Foundation on a broad range of media relations issues for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Media Services Committee, currently comprised of 14 equine and journalism industry professionals, specifically will consult with the Foundation on how to prepare for and...

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning and executing the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced that Anne Buchanan has been promoted to director of administration. Buchanan is one of the two original employees who began working for the Foundation more than a year ago. “Anne has been a key member of our staff since the beginning and has demonstrated very strong administrative abilities, which are crucial to our...

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for preparing and putting on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, announced that Crystal Bennett has been hired as marketing coordinator. Bennett joins the Foundation after recently completing her graduate degree in sport administration at the University of Louisville. She received her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. While completing her studies at both institutions, Bennett was very...