Fear of the unknown often darkens our dream of buying the young horse that will become the next show star. Perhaps we are drawn to this idea by the harmony that arises between human and equine when raising a horse from his first years; possibly it's the chance to be able to buy him before he costs six figures. But will this charming youngster transform into that fancy show horse we had envisioned? Here is a way to peek into a crystal ball. Start from the bottom up — your bottom line Clearly...

Interest and participation in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has never been greater. The association continues to exhibit phenomenal growth, especially in the areas of membership and approved shows. During its June meeting, the NRHA’s Board of Directors announced a year-to-date increase of 4.5% in memberships for 2006. The board also announced a significant growth in NRHA-approved shows, especially in international venues where there’s been an increase of more than 33% in 2006...

Saddlebred.com has a new and valuable feature titled, “Saddle Up a Saddlebred,” which allows anyone interested in seeing, riding or learning more about Saddlebreds to enter their zip code and find a number of stables within a 300-mile radius. It can be accessed by going to www.saddlebred.com and clicking on “About the Breed,” and then going to “Stable Search,” or type in www.saddlebred.com/breed/stables.php . Right now, there are approximately 400 Saddlebred farms and stables in the database...

Eric Lamaze riding Coriana van Klapscheut is presented with a $3,000 bonus from ringmaster Cliff Haines, Jennifer Ward and Ed James of SSG Riding Gloves (Sportfot) Wellington, Fl – Canada’s Eric Lamaze laid claim to his first $3,000 bonus from SSG Riding Gloves after winning the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round VIII on Thursday, March 1, at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Lamaze defeated 81 other entries while wearing his SSG...

Following consultation with National Federations, riders and event organizers, the FEI Bureau decided that Great Britain and Belgium will both be relegated from the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™. The two teams finished the 2009 season in eighth place on equal points ahead of the Italians, who are also relegated. The two highest-placed teams in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup™ Promotional League Final, which will be held in Barcelona, Spain, on September 20, will be promoted to the FEI Nations Cup™ Top...

Sign-ups are now under way at www.saddlebred.com for the American Saddlebred Horse Association’s (ASHA) live video streaming Internet webcast of the Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival from Madison, WI, which has its first performance Wednesday, September 16. Pricing and sign-up information appears on the ASHA website at www.asha.net/video/register.php . The webcast will once again feature a live chat, to offer subscribers the opportunity to carry on dialogue with other Saddlebred enthusiasts...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) is pleased to announce that the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia (ASHAV) and the American Saddlebred Association of Maine (ASAM) have been selected as ASHA’s Charter Clubs of the Year. The two clubs’ dedication and commitment to the promotion of the breed will be honored during the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, February 13, 2009, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The luncheon will be held in conjunction with ASHA’s Annual Convention,...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) offers a new youth award this year, the Academy Master Medal Award. The Master Medal Award goes beyond the ASHA Academy Awards program, offering participants an opportunity to advance to a higher level after earning their first Gold medal in the Academy Awards Medal program. The Master Medal Awards program encourages participation in promotion, education and continued involvement with the American Saddlebred. Master Gold, Silver and Bronze medals...

Laura Linback and Whittaker MVNZ on course in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer (ESI Photography). Culpeper, VA --- Laura Linback of Mundelin, IL, and Woodrun's Whittaker MVNZ, whom they call "Fred" in the barn, had an amazing week at HITS Culpeper. Last Friday, they captured the win in the $15,000 Brook Ledge Open Jumper Prix and successfully followed up with a big win in the $40,000 HITS Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida was...

Rolex week is in full swing in Lexington. Not only do we have the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day presented by Bridgestone, but also Test Events for the Alltech World Equestrian Games in Dressage and Jumping. Should prove to be a very exciting week of competition and a glimpse at what’s to come in September. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will present a star-studded field of athletes, with 53 riders representing eight countries. Even with a quick glance at the list or if you were present at the...