From the International Equestrian Federation In an effort to adapt to the reality of the modern sporting scene, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) had taken the decision to change the name of the FEI World Equestrian Games to FEI Games™ in view of the event’s next edition in 2010. The objectives behind the new brand were to clarify the ownership of the competition and to enhance its marketability by creating a clear and strong identification. A passionate reaction from the whole of...

(Lexington, KY) – The USEF Board of Directors met in Lexington, KY, on July 11 and addressed a relatively light agenda with few proposed bylaw or rule changes. In their respective reports, USEF President David O’Connor and Chief Executive Officer John Long announced that a new strategic planning process will begin in the next several months with the objective of guiding the Federation for the next decade. It will address such issues as grassroots support and development; the rule creation and...

How to increase funding for equine research was the primary focus of a collaborative equine research summit held in Lexington, KY, April 19-20. Hosted by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation, Inc., over 35 leading researchers, industry leaders and funding agencies gathered to develop a blueprint for future success in the equine research field. While the amount of money dedicated to equine research by the racing industry, private foundations, universities and...

The World Equestrian Festival, perhaps the largest single week's horse show in the world, began Wednesday in Aachen, Germany, with the United States announcing a top team for the Samsung Super League. Aachen CHIO has added championship vaulting to the lineup of show jumping, dressage and four-in-hand driving that will be contested by 145 athletes from 23 nations on more than 400 horses, in front of what is expected to be well above 300,000 spectators during the five days of competition. For...

Jumpers have always been a major part of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, and this year, with three new sections, these terrific athletes will add even more excitement to the oldest and most prestigious outdoor show in the country. Devon, held May 25-June 3, benefits Bryn Mawr Hospital, to which it has donated over $11.4-million over its four decades of association. Jumper classes are held daily throughout the 10 days, culminating in two grand prix classes, held Thursday and Saturday...

The Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) is proud to announce that they are relocating their headquarters from Sisters, OR, to Lexington, KY. This move will enable the Friesian to increase its visibility in the North American equine industry. Plans are to locate their offices in the National Horse Center at the Kentucky Horse Park. This relocation will also provide an opportunity for the Friesian to be showcased during the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse...

Lexington, KY - Chester Weber of Ocala, FL bested a field of five international drivers to win the CAI-A Live Oak CDE held March 16-19. Weber was named the USEF National Four-in-Hand Champion for 2006 and won his fourth consecutive Vanderbilt Trophy from the USET Foundation. Reserve Champion was Tucker S. Johnson of Hobe Sound, FL. When asked about his fourth consecutive National Championship win Weber replied, “I am fortunate enough to have a superb group of horses and a wonderful crew.”...

Tallahassee's Red Hills Horse Trials, Inc., which began nearly a decade ago and has grown into one of the nation's top eventing equestrian competitions, will have a change in leadership following the March 2006 event. Red Hills Co-Organizers, Sallie Ausley and Sylvia Ochs, announced this week they will step down from their leadership roles following the March 2006 Trials. An initial search to locate an individual or individuals to succeed the co-organizers proved unsuccessful and it appeared...

The weekend of October 21-23, 2005, a week before the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) festivities take place in downtown Washington, D.C., local riders will compete at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. This horse show allows riders to qualify for the Local Finals at the MCI Center that will take place on Sunday, October 30. Along with the qualifying classes, this competition features the USEF Zone 3 Finals and offers Regular “C” rated points for the Maryland...

The Youth National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (Youth Nationals) celebrated its 13th anniversary when it returned to Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque on July 23-30. This year's event showcased more than 1,000 of the nation’s best Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians from the United States and Canada competing in 124 classes with their talented young riders. Divisions included English, Western, dressage, driving, equitation, halter, horsemanship, hunter, native costume,...