Lexington, KY— The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the start of the second annual “My Favorite USEF Breed Competition Contest,” following an enthusiastic response to the program in 2009. Designed to function as a “competitor’s choice” award, this contest recognizes and applauds the efforts of the year’s favorite USEF-licensed breed competition, as decided by the officials, trainers, riders, drivers, handlers or owners who participated. Eleven competitions...

On Monday, January 25, 2010, the American Saddlebred Museum temporarily closed its doors to the public. During the closure, a complete renovation of the current exhibit space will take place. When the Showplace for Saddlebreds building addition opens in late March, the entire attraction will sport a new look. Originally, the facility’s grand opening was scheduled to be held during the American Saddlebred Horse Association's (ASHA) Annual Convention, however, weather and other delays now...

The Kentucky Horse Council (KHC), for over three decades, has worked to benefit and support all equine breeds, disciplines, and activities across Kentucky, primarily through education and leadership. In a move to emphasize this role, the Kentucky Horse Council Board of Directors recently adopted a new mission statement to encompass the operating principles of the organization. The new mission statement of the Kentucky Horse Council is: "The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization...

The equine racing year has come to an end, and the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to recognize individuals who experience success racing their Breed of Choice...the Appaloosa! The association annually honors owners, breeders and trainers for their accomplishments with the fastest color breed on the tracks. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals who were honored in 2009: • Dr. John White of Fort Collins, CO, the leading owner based on the number of wins earned by...

If spreading manure and draining waste water onto plants is your idea of going green you may be in for a big surprise. As large scale agriculture production facilities alter their management strategies to become more environmentally conscientious the spotlight transitions to the small farmer. In an effort to provide up-to-date information on green equine initiatives, the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) recently added a Going Green page to the Farm & Business segment of their website. The page...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) would like to congratulate the 11-year-old 16.3-hand Dutch Warmblood gelding Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazaki of Woodside, CA, and ridden by Steffen Peters of San Diego, CA, for being named 2009 Adequan/United States Dressage Federation Grand Prix Horse of the Year. Ravel’s median score of 75.574% made him the top horse in the United States competing at this level and the recipient of USDF’s highest honor. Ravel was recognized at the 2009 Adequan/USDF...

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,...

The United States Equestrian Federation’s Saddle Seat Medal Final will be held Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association’s American Royal National Championship in Kansas City, MO. This medal final brings together the best saddle seat equitation riders from across the country that will perform for a prestigious judging panel comprised of Maria Gilman, Brooke Jacobs and Sally Lindabury. To qualify for the competition, competitors must be 17 years and under who...

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Foundation has announced the release of its new study assessing the opinions of AAEP members regarding priorities in equine health care research. The second study of its kind, the 2009 AAEP Membership Equine Research Study was conducted to assist the equine industry in directing its financial support of equine research projects. Study results indicate that the equine body systems of highest research priority are musculoskeletal,...

The largest gathering of FEI Four-in-Hand drivers ever in the Americas will go head-to-head October 1-4 at the Kentucky Horse Park for Kentucky Cup Driving, the third official test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The CAI-A competition will be held in conjunction with the annual Lexington Combined Driving Classic (also the 2009 USEF National Driving Championships), and will feature drivers from Australia, Canada, and the United States. Several drivers competing in the test...