The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is proud to announce the launch of the first ever FEI Awards set up to celebrate the equestrian community and pay tribute to the heroes of the sport. “The awards have been created to put the spotlight on all those who have contributed to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport,” said HRH Princess Haya, President of the FEI. “These awards will not only recognize the achievements and success of individuals and highlight the stars of today and...

Three Phase Event, Inc., hosted it’s first Training, Education and Development (T.E.D.) clinic on dressage for gaited horses and riders, September 5, at the Kentucky Equestrian Center, in Winchester, KY. The full-day schedule included a lecture/demonstration and a full afternoon of dressage tests. The clinician, Betty Ortlieb, a United States Dressage Federation judge, presided over the event and was warmly welcomed by all who attended. During the morning session, two riders demonstrated some...

Karen Jenkins in Spain with Jenson, Ofendido VII's sire. (Photo courtesy Karen Jenkins.) Ocala, FL - When Karen Jenkins demanded her own pony at age five, her unsure parents insisted on riding lessons. Years of instruction and various horses later, they knew horses were in her blood – and not going anywhere. “My parents insisted that if I had a horse, I had to take care of it myself,” said Jenkins, who now is 73. “I think they became resigned to the fact that I was dedicated to making horses a...

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy. (Sportfot.) Wellington, FL - Jennifer Alfano and SBS Farms' Jersey Boy have led the USHJA International Hunter Derby program since its inception, winning classes all over the country in the last few years and proving their expertise in the handy rounds and finesse over the jumps. Tonight was no different, as the pair jumped their way to victory in the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the twelfth and final "Saturday Night Lights" event at the 2011...

Disappointment is hard to swallow. I think we are still choking on it after our dreams for a medal in eventing went on the skids when Mandiba slammed on the brakes in the show jumping at a black gate. Becky Holder made the difficult decision to withdraw Courageous Comet while sitting in a very good spot for a medal but Comet will be back to fight another day and Becky and Aubrey really do look after him so well. We were all devastated, especially after Karen had the round of the day on the...

Steffen Peters and Ravel. (Photo by Shannon Brinkman for USEF.) Lexington, KY - The U.S. Dressage Team has finished fourth in the FEI World Dressage Championship. This was the Team Grand Prix competition, and today's riders - Tina Konyot on Calecto V, owned by Tina Konyot, and Steffen Peters with Ravel, owned by Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki - completed tests that helped the team finish fourth. The two other combinations rounding out the team are Katherine Bateson-Chandler on Nartan, and...

Photo Courtesy Minitube Internationa (Biopsita with surrogate mom.) Minitube International has achieved a scientific breakthrough that will allow for genetic testing and preservation of equine embryos. The world's first foal from a biopsied and vitrified embryo transferred into a surrogate mare was born on Wednesday January 27, 2010, at Minitube International Center for Biotechnology in Mount Horeb, WI. Both the mother, "Lola," and foal are doing well. The birth of "Biopsita" marks a new era in...

The American Horse Council (AHC) has launched a new effort to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. The centerpiece of this effort is an online form equestrians can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails and federal lands that have been closed to them or other access issues. Americans who use horses and pack stock enjoy a unique experience when they ride on trails and public lands. It is an experience that ties them to the...

Tuesday, July 22nd, @ 10pm, HBO Real Sports will air its story on Eventing. While we certainly hope the story will be balanced and accurately portray our sport, we are concerned by the preview HBO sports put out late last week. The story is entitled "Deadly Ride" and features among others, an interview with a mother who has tried to force her daughter to stop eventing. USEF President David O'Connor did a lengthy interview for the story with Real Sports correspondent Frank DeFord. In the...

Meet Molly. She's a gray speckled pony who was abandoned by her owners when Katrina hit southern Louisiana. She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled. While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier, and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected and her vet went to Louisiana State University (LSU) for help. But LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case. You know how that goes. But after...