Lexington, KY—Sonja S. Keating has been named Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Before this appointment, Keating served as Associate General Counsel for the USEF. Prior to joining the Federation staff, Keating was associated with the Lexington office of the Cincinnati-based law firm of Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, where she practiced in the litigation department. Keating worked closely with Julie Goodman, former General Counsel, in both...

Starting in 2007, the American Morgan Horse Association’s (AMHA) Youth Member of the Year award will now be called the AMHA Annual Youth Achievement Award, as decided by the AMHA Board of Directors at their May meeting. The award, which recognizes a youth who demonstrates outstanding achievement and dedication to the Morgan breed , is determined by a point system. In 2006, Caitlin Novotny of Oklahoma City received the first AMHA Youth Member of the Year award. AMHA youth members may earn points...

Lexington, KY – As part of the continued efforts to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation announces the second annual Youth Sportsman’s Charter Award. This awards program recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. The youth candidates need to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate organization...

Lexington, KY (November 24, 2010) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to John ‘Jack’ Kimball and Judith Noone at the Salute Gala & Annual Awards Banquet on December 3, 2010, at the Adequan/USDF National Convention & Symposium in Jacksonville, FL. These two recipients have shown a lifetime of dedication to USDF through volunteering, and developing programs, projects, and committees that have contributed to USDF's mission. They also have a long...

Lexington, KY – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that the annual USDF Sport Horse Seminar and Handlers’ Clinic will be held October 29-31, 2010 at Horses Unlimited in Albuquerque, NM. Comprised of both classroom lecture portions and hands-on evaluations, the sessions will give valuable insight into four major areas; ideal movement and conformation of a sport horse, considerations when selecting breeding stock, show ring strategies as well as competition rules...

U.S. Three-Gaited Team Wins Gold (2010 Saddle Seat World Cup) Shelbyville, KY - The U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup teams turned in gutsy performances to earn Gold in the Three-Gaited World Cup and Silver in the Five-Gaited World Cup events. The event was held October 6-8, 2010 at the historic Shelby County Fairgrounds in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Both the three- and five-gaited U.S. teams headed to the competition looking to win back the coveted gold medals and World Cups. Three-gaited Team...

Maxi Gumprecht, far right, won the 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award (Photo by Geoff Oliver Bugbee/USEF Archives) Lexington, KY - Applications for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, are to be submitted to the applicable USEF Recognized Associations or International Discipline Associations by October 1, 2010. Focused on developing leaders in equestrian sport, this award recognizes young equestrians who are members of...

Lexington, KY - The selection committee had a difficult task choosing just one Chef d’Equipe from the many poignant nominations received at this year’s NAJYRC. The perpetual trophy named in honor of long time USDF Region 1 Chef d’Equipe, Patsy Albers was awarded to two deserving chefs; Jeremy Steinberg from Region 6 and Roz Kinstler from Region 2, both who have demonstrated an outstanding level of dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit. Roz Kinstler has been Chef d’Equipe for the Region 2...

The American Trakehner Association (ATA) is finalizing plans for its 36th annual convention to be held November 11-13, 2010, in Jacksonville, FL. The ATA annual convention activities include a membership meeting, mare and stallion inspections, Horse of the Year Awards, a breed show, jumper Calcutta and much more—all centered on the versatile Trakehner horse. Registration information can be found on the ATA website at www.americantrakehner.com . All the horse-related activities and...

Photo by Brooke Jacobs (: Members of the 2010 Three- and Five-gaited US Saddle Seat World Cup teams at historic Spindletop Hall.) The U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup hosted a benefit dinner on Sunday evening, July 4, at the beautiful and historic Spindletop Hall in Lexington, KY. The 2010 Gold Medal Gala featured cocktails, dinner and both live and silent auctions. Auction items included stallion breedings, barn visits, rides on very special horses, vacation packages, tack and equipment,...