Blaine Mangione takes a break from the jumper ring to win the $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Bella Nova Pictures) Versatility was the name of the game as riders transitioned between the equitation, hunter, and jumper rings at Gold Coast 5 (July 19-21). Young professional Blaine Mangione, usually seen in the jumper arena, proved she could win the blue ribbon in $1,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby as well. “I was really shocked! I’m usually in the middle of the pack so I honestly...

Albuquerque, NM - Beautiful southwest skies greeted attendees to the Welsh Pony & Cob Society Annual Meeting in Albuquerque, NM. The convention provided a chance for friends and competitors to visit and celebrate the successes of 2010 and make 2011 plans. An open schedule and planned tour provided ample opportunity to explore nearby museums, cultural exhibits and plenty of shopping in nearby Old Town and Santa Fe. • The Annual General Meeting revealed election results, welcoming new Board...

Lexington, KY - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that 31 USDF members successfully completed the USDF “L” Education Program between July and December, 2010. The USDF “L” Education Program is designed to prepare candidates to enter the United States Equestrian Federation “r” Judges Training Program, to qualify individuals to judge schooling shows, and to give competitors, trainers, and instructors greater insight into the evaluative techniques of judging...

OKLAHOMA CITY - Horses considered as gypsy cob, gypsy vanner and other similar types are now eligible for registration with the Pinto Horse Association of America. Relaxing the rules on draft characteristics, the PtHA is offering a new classification of equines. According to the new rules, horses showing feathers on their legs are now acceptable as long as they are registered with an approved outcross breed association as determined by the PtHA Rule Book and meet the standard color requirements...

Lexington, KY (November 12, 2010) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Naomi Martin of Brooks, OR, has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery and sponsored by the USDF Youth Programs Advisory Subcommittee. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed on a national and local basis to USDF and dressage. As the recipient of this award, Naomi’s...

Lexington, KY (November 5, 2010) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) has just launched its new USDF e-Membership. This membership is an online educational membership (non-competing) featuring e-TRAK, an online center that provides unlimited access to a searchable database of articles and videos on equine healthcare, training, and more. In addition to e-TRAK, e-Members will be able to access the online USDF Connection, USDF’s member-only magazine, and enjoy discounted memberships with...

The U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup is in the final stages of planning for the very exciting 2010 International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup competition, to be held October 6-8 in conjunction with the Kentucky Fall Classic Horse Show at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. This year’s event will be the largest Saddle Seat World Cup event in history as U.S. Team will be taking on three- and five-gaited teams from Canada, Germany, Great Britain and South Africa. In addition to the...

Lexington, KY (September 15, 2010) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate its new USDF Certified Instructors from the testing held August 6-8, 2010 in Mt. Holyoke, MA. The USDF Instructor Certification program is designed to set a standard of excellence in dressage training and instruction in the United States and to educate dressage riders, instructors, and aspiring instructors. New USDF Certified Instructors include; Jennifer Verharen of Vashon...

Lexington, KY – The United States Eventing Association (USEA) will maintain its generous support of the Junior and Young Rider program as the returning Title Sponsor of the Eventing Championships at the 2010 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. These Championships will feature top eventers ages 14-21 in a CCI* for Juniors and a CCI** for Young Riders. Medals will be awarded to the top three teams as well as individuals. Many of the country’s...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that GMOs now have the ability to submit membership roster entries online by logging onto the USDF website. This new program allows GMOs to submit their member updates in a more efficient manner, eliminating the need to e-mail or mail hard copy. When a GMO representative logs onto the USDF website, they will be able to view the previous year’s membership roster. Members for the new year can then be selected from the previous...