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...

A scholarship in honor of Patrick Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi, has been established by the Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF), which is based in Denver, CO. Swayze and Niemi have had close ties to the Arabian horse breed and owned Arabian horses for many years. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), also based in Denver. Announcement of the scholarship was made at the association’s annual convention in Reno, NV, November 19-21. The scholarship will be...

McLain Ward and his Beloved Sapphire at the 2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final (Shannon Brinkman for USEF) Gladstone, NJ -The USET Foundation is pleased to announce that the Whitney Stone Cup has been awarded to McLain Ward of Brewster, NY. The Whitney Stone Cup is awarded annually by the USET Foundation Executive Committee to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition, high standards of sportsmanlike conduct, while also serving as an ambassador for the...

The 2010 schedule of the Exquis World Dressage Masters, the globe's richest line up of competitions each with €100,000 (US$149,850) in prize money, was announced Monday. A WDM Rider Ranking award of €25,000 (US$37,000) is also offered by Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe at WDM in Munich in 2010. Munich will also be the venue for a WDM gala celebration. The 2010 schedule of confirmed competitions of the Exquis World Dressage Masters, founded by Exquis and also sponsored by Moorland Stables and...

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...

Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, is pleased to announce the opening of his organization’s first satellite facility for retired Thoroughbreds. Cabin Creek, a 40-acre farm just outside Saratoga in Greenfield Center, NY, will begin receiving horses immediately. An official opening and celebration is planned for July 22, 2010. This premiere auxiliary space will be named in honor of trainer Bobby Frankel, who passed away last week after a battle with leukemia. A native New...