The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Kariel Swanfeldt of Ayer, MA, has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery and sponsored by the USDF Youth Executive Board. 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, Swanfeldt’s name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy,...

It’s not often that World and National Champion competitors from disciplines as diverse as cutting, dressage, reining, jumping, barrel racing, and driving as well as renowned trainers from other walks of horselife gather in one location to share their secrets. Even less often comes the chance to soak up all that learning for about what you’d spend on a movie ticket and a bucket of popcorn. Just $16 gets you an all-access daily ticket to the 2010 edition of our country’s most successful and most...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) held its annual World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS) Junior Judging Contest on Tuesday, August 25, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY. Horse show judging is an important part of ASHA Youth Programs, as these contests are an educational way for young people to learn about judging in a fun environment, while being educated about class specifications and show procedures for judging American Saddlebreds. Any individual, age 17 and under, was...

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...

Troxel LLC, a worldwide leader in ASTM/SEI-certified equestrian helmets, unveiled the Troxel Safety Resource Center, an interactive educational resource for the equestrian community. Troxel’s Safety Resource Center, online at www.troxelhelmets.com/safety is the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of equestrian helmet safety information available online. Organized into categories for adults, kids, and educators, the site provides an assortment of information, games, and resources...

Lexington, KY – The 2009 FEI Adequan North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) will be held for the first time at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has graciously signed on as the Official Veterinary Services Provider and will be providing treating veterinary coverage for all four of the disciplines – Eventing, Jumping, Dressage, and Reining. These Championships bring out North America’s finest Junior and Young...

Out of 50 mares, geldings, and stallions in the three-year-old and four-year-old divisions each, the two mares, H.W.'s Saskia and Quithablue stood out as the true champions that they were at the Oldenburg Free Jumping Day at the Horse Center in Vechta, Germany. Both mares were stunning in their form and explosive power over the fences, and earned top scores that were not at all easily given out by the tough judges, Ulrich Henschke and Gilbert Böckman. H.W.'s Saskia who is by Stakkato, and is...

All too often, talented junior riders are unable to fulfill their dream of competing in the “big eq” division at horse shows because they lack the funds to purchase an appropriate horse. Capable big equitation horses that can compete successfully in the division and qualify and compete at regionals and finals are extremely expensive to purchase or even lease. So for many junior riders, their progression through the equitation divisions ends when they reach the 3’6” level. For some, this...

The 2008 Trail Blazer Festival took place at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, CA, November 14-16, 2008. The festival had many speakers, exhibits and other events. One of the events participated in by Rocky Mountain, Paso Fino, American Saddlebred, Icelandic, Kiger Mustang, Mangalarga Marchador, Morgan, Arabian, Mustang, Quarter Horse, Peruvian, and Tennessee Walker horses was the “Battle of the Breeds,” which was a unique trail competition held between a select group of horses that...

Majestic Gaits KWPN Elite Dutch Warmblood mare Torette R (Silvano x Flemmingh) became Grand Champion of the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) Great American United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Breeders Championship Show in Saugerties, NY. Torette R also became the USDF New England series Bred Mare Champion. Kathy Hickerson, the owner of Torette R and Majestic Gaits bought the mare from VDL Stud in Holland after she was #4 National Mare in Holland. Hickerson said, "This was very...