Iron Spring Farm's important KWPN stallion Rampal passed away last week, November 11, 2009, due to the infirmities of old age. The 26-year-old stallion was known not only for his incredible competition record, which included being short listed for the United States Equestrian Team, but also for his contributions to the sport horse world as a sire. His offspring have been competitive through the international levels of both show jumping and dressage. His son Ovation ISF won at such shows as CSIO...

The Illinois Hunter Jumper Association (IHJA) would like to thank everyone involved with their 2009 year-end banquet, which was held on November 21, 2009, at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL. One of the main sponsors of the 2009 IHJA Banquet was WeatherTech.com, owned by David Mac Neil. WeatherTech.com is the online source for MacNeil Automotive Products, a company that designs, engineers and manufactures automotive accessories for cars, trucks, sport utility...

Guests attending The 2010 Lusitano Collection™ International Horse Auction at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, will not only be treated to a spectacle of magnificent-looking Lusitano horses from two of the finest breeders in Brazil, but they will enjoy world-class dining and entertainment, as well. Beginning on Wednesday, February 24, these newly imported horses from Interagro Farms and Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga will be available by appointment for potential buyers to...

The Sport Horse Nationals (SHN) Payback Program celebrated its second year anniversary in November, having raised a grand total of over $119,000 for exhibitors in these first two years. Funds were raised through the sales of donated stallion breeding services sold to the public at half-price. All money raised goes into payouts as no revenues are utilized for administration. Included in the offered services are world-class Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Anglo-Arabians, Saddlebreds, Welsh,...

The deadline date for nominations for the 9th Annual Equine Industry Vision Award is on or before February 1, 2010. Pfizer Animal Health sponsors the award in partnership with American Horse Publications (AHP) and developed it to recognize outstanding leadership, creativity and meritorious contributions in the equine industry. The 2010 Equine Industry Vision Award will be presented on June 18, 2010, during the AHP 40th Anniversary Seminar in Lexington, KY. The award recipient is given the...

Looking to participate in one of the United States Eventing Association's (USEA) many programs? Check out the newest calendar additions for the following series, with more dates to be added in the coming months. Spalding Labs/USEA Young Event Horse Series The USEA Spalding Labs Young Event Horse (YEH) Series may be best described as an equine talent search. The series gives owners and breeders the opportunity to showcase the potential of their four- and five-year-old horses while encouraging...

HITS, Inc., is pleased to announce that the Arizona Winter Circuit will be AA-rated for hunters during the final week of the circuit. The first five weeks of the circuit will continue to be A-rated. The Arizona Desert Finals will take place March 10-14 to close out the six-week HITS Arizona Circuit, which starts its first week on February 3. The new AA-rating will feature increased prize money for nine different hunter divisions as well as increased prize money offered in the Fast Lane Farms...

The inaugural $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby was a huge success this year, bringing top-notch hunter competition to the Midwest for a special one-day event that raised more than $60,000 for the Children's Memorial Hospital. The Chicago Hunter Derby was hosted by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause (CEC) and was held on August 30, 2009, at Annali Farm in Antioch, IL. Children's Memorial Hospital is one of Chicago's most precious civic assets. As Illinois' only freestanding hospital exclusively for...

Join online for a free, 90-minute webinar on December 10 that will cover all the things a good navigator needs to know for successfully participating in a combined driving event. Topics covered will include: calculating and keeping accurate time, proper position on the carriage, helpful hints to improve driver navigator communication and the rules you need to know. This seminar is a must for those new to navigating and for those that need a little brush-up on essential skills. Marc Johnson is a...

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...