HITS, Inc., is pleased to announce that one of their competitions has won a national award from the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA). The HITS Ocala Winter Classic, which was held on February 3-8, 2009, was selected as the USHJA "A/AA" rated Member's Choice award-winning competition for Zone 4. "We are honored that our Zone 4 exhibitors selected the HITS Ocala Winter Classic for this award," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. "I'm proud that their experience at HITS...

Young equine enthusiasts from around the country are expected to attend the EQUUS Foundation/USEF Youth Convention on Saturday, January 16, 2010, in Louisville, KY. The Youth Convention, now in its third year, is held in conjunction with the USEF Annual Meeting for the purpose of uniting youth as well as for growing equine interest and participation. Attendees will learn to become better horsemen, develop awareness of educational opportunities to pursue a career in the equine industry, and gain...

The United States Equestrian Federation and The EQUUS Foundation have joined together to create an industry-wide award. The inaugural presentation of The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award will take place at the 2010 USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner during the Federation’s Annual Meeting in January. The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award (presented by the United States Equestrian Federation) is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world. Specifically,...

Lexington, KY— The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces a new contest for 2009 designed to let USEF members vote for their “Favorite USEF Breed Competition.” The idea behind this contest is to award and promote the USEF licensed breed competitions for their efforts in running a show so well that exhibitors want to call it their favorite. Also, this contest gives exhibitors the opportunity to provide positive feedback about the competitions to the USEF. “When we created this...

Board Members of the American Shagya Arabian Verband, Inc. (ASAV), have a new and truly innovative program that will give mare owners the chance to breed their mares for a stud fee of only $200. This promotion will bring attention to this amazing breed and assist those with limited budgets a chance to compete in today's market. Details can be found at www.shagyaregistry.com . The Shagya is very rare with only about 150 in the U.S. and about 1,500 in the world. It is an Arabian-based breed since...

The American Horse Council (AHC) has announced that the focus of this year’s National Issues Forum will be the “Welfare of the Horse.” The Forum will be held June 16, 2009, in Washington, DC, as part of the AHC’s annual meeting. Over the last year, concerns about the welfare of horses used in racing, showing, recreation, or work have been raised by our fans, the general public, the media, and Congress. Such concerns have been expressed before, but perhaps not as broadly as now. “Those involved...

Lexington, KY – In its inaugural year, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize members whose involvement in the sport, and the USHJA itself, has benefited the industry. On December 10, Beth Miner and Alvin Topping were honored with the prestigious award at the 2008 Evening of Equestrians Dinner during the USHJA Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. Both Miner and Topping have an illustrious history with the USHJA and took a prominent...

Lexington, KY – Mindy Darst was named Volunteer of the Year by the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians on December 10, 2008. Evening of Equestrians is the USHJA’s awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting which took place at the Hilton Downtown in Nashville, TN, December 8-11. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who donates their time to develop and implement programs in the organization. Darst was selected...

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced that Elizabeth Osborn of the Woodside Vaulters equestrian vaulting club has won the prestigious title of Vaulter of the Year. Osborn’s coach, Isabelle Bibbler Parker, was named USEF Coach of the Year. Osborn and Parker will receive their awards on January 16 at a ceremony during the USEF’s Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH. The USEF, based in Lexington, KY, is the national governing body of equestrian sport in the U.S. Osborn is the...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the National Affiliate Working Group (NAWG) committee is pleased to announce that Madeleine Genereux is the winner of the 2008 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®. Genereux was selected from an outstanding group of young adults from across the country. Genereux, of Mahtomedi, MN, was nominated by the United States Hunter/Jumper Association for her passion and commitment to the sport along with...