The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is proud to name DA Al Capone+// (Ebony Masterpiece x Rabaska) owned by Cheryl Van Deusen of New Smyrna Beach, FL, as its 2007 Distance Horse of the Year. “Alvin” is an 11-year-old purebred Arabian gelding that was chosen for his excellence in endurance. Alvin’s most recent accomplishment was his selection as one of four horses to represent the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Team at the European Endurance Championships in Portugal. As the winner...

HITS was represented by President and CEO Tom Struzzieri and Dale Harvey of the West Coast Management Team. Zone 10 members were represented by West Coast Active Riders Board Chairman Bernie Traurig and President Will Simpson. Sally Ike, Managing Director of Show Jumping, Leigh Anne Claywell, Director of Competitions, and Allen Rheinheimer, the USEF’s footing expert for this project, served as the USEF representatives. Bart Poels, who is the footing specialist for the 2008 Olympic Games and has...

Lexington, KY ­– The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that Lizzy Chesson has been promoted to the position of Director of Show Jumping High Performance Activities. Chesson, 30, is deeply rooted in international equestrian sports. She groomed for her mother and was part of two World Championship Driving Teams in that capacity and in 1999 she was selected to drive a pair of horses in the World Pair Championship in Hungary. “Lizzy has been a great addition to the...

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce that Kelly Sult and Hollywood were presented with the Markham Trophy at the Fair Hill International CCI***, which ran from October 18-21, 2007. The prestigious Fair Hill Festival in Elkton, MD, hosted the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI*** championship, which is one of two three-star competitions in the country. The Markham Trophy is awarded to the highest-placed rider under the age of 21. Sult competed...

Legendary reining sire and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame inductee Topsail Whiz has become only the second stallion to earn this incredible distinction, which is based on offspring earnings. The major milestone came just over one year after reaching the four-million dollar mark. Topsail Whiz, owned by Bob Loomis Quarter Horses, Inc., of Marietta, OK, is by Topsail Cody, another NRHA Hall of Famer and Million Dollar Sire, and out of Jeanie Whiz Bar. When contacted about...

It was a “typical day” at the office for Chester Weber as he went out and captured yet another USEF National Four-in-Hand Championship, his fifth in a row. Yet, Weber, of Ocala, FL, had some top-notch competition to challenge him as two previous five-time winners sought to win their sixth title. Both Tucker Johnson of Hobe Sound, FL, and James Fairclough of Newton, NJ, have accomplished what Weber has done, but neither has had the reign that Weber has maintained over the past five years. This...

The American Horse Council’s 2007 National Issues Forum in Washington, DC, was a huge success and featured dozens of respected speakers on important issues and opportunities to meet and mingle with federal legislators and regulators. More than 150 people gathered at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel from June 17-19, participating in American Horse Council (AHC) committee meetings, attending panels on different topics and socializing with other attendees and Congressional staffers. “With so many federal...

Nick Haness, 2006 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-West Champion (A.C. Custom Photo ) (Burbank, CA)—After three challenging phases of competition, and a ride off among the top four, California’s Nick Haness emerged as the 2006 USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals–West champion during the Los Angeles International Jumping Festival (September 20-24) at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Judges Anne Kursinski, an Olympic medalist, and Carol Hoffman, both of Frenchtown,...

Flat tires are the leading cause of disablements involving horse trailers. USRider is involved in a research project with Dr. Tomas Gimenez to test the benefits (if any) of using air vs. nitrogen to inflate tow vehicle and horse trailer tires. An electronic air pressure monitoring system is being used to assist with the research. During the research, Dr. Gimenez and USRider have noted significant safety benefits resulting from using this system. “At USRider, we are all about safety when it...

Lexington, KY —The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) names Howard B. Simpson of Lake Forrest, IL, the winner of the 2004 Perpetual Sportsmanship Award. Given in memory of Walter Bourchier Devereux, III, the Perpetual Sportsmanship Award honors the horseman or horsewoman who “exemplifies the ideal of good sportsmanship through commitment, dedication and service to USEF throughout his or her career.” Mr. Simpson has done just that, spending years promoting good...