Lexington, KY — The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that the winners for the third annual "Favorite USEF Breed Competition" have been selected for the 2011 competition year. This program was 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. Now in its third year, the contest gives exhibitors the opportunity to provide USEF positive feedback about the competitions.
The exhibitors and members again stepped up and provided more valuable input than the Federation receives on a yearly basis about the competitions they are attending. USEF received nominations and positive comments for nearly 200 competitions held in 2011, many of which received numerous votes. USEF is pleased to announce the winning competitions for each breed and to share some statements from the exhibitors below:
Breed/ Competition
Comments
Andalusian/ Lusitano Pin Oak Horse Show
I enjoy showing in a multi-breed venue, it allows us to “show off” our breed to many other exhibitors and spectators!
Arabian/ Region 4 All Arabian Championship
The Region 4 show was by far the most welcoming and organized show I’ve attended. Region 4 staff, the Nampa facility and their staff, the grounds and a well-organized event schedule make this a great show. I’d like to see other shows incorporate the standard we found at this competition.
Connemara/ West Coast Connemara Show
T his show has a great atmosphere. People at this show really love the Connemara Pony and come together to appreciate the qualities of this special breed. The family participation and camaraderie add so much and the games class is a lot of fun! The facilities, management and judging were all top notch!
Friesian/ IFSHA Friesian World & Grand National
Everyone was so friendly and extremely helpful. No matter what the hour or what was going on, they were ready to try to help you as best they could. The organization of the event was also wonderful. I liked how they scheduled the classes for both the exhibitors and spectators. The venue chosen was really great too, everything very convenient on the show grounds itself, the food was terrific, the accommodations very convenient, the written program information, progress announcements throughout the day, everything was picture perfect! The announcer was a special guy, humorous, friendly, and helpful. They worked so hard to make everyone's experience a wonderful lifetime memory, and that is what I came away with.
Hackney/ Bonnie Blue National
A fantastic facility, fantastic people, great competition, wonderful area and simply a wonderful early show of the season.
Morgan/ Western New York Morgan
Great facilities, fantastic parties, a well-run show with large classes and good competition. Always a fun show!
National Show Horse/ OH Buckeye Sweepstakes/District One Championship
Well run show and offers a great variety of classes.
Paso Fino/ Piedmont Classic
The competition and participants are what sets this show apart! Every year my friends and I look forward to meeting up in Asheville to enjoy great horses, great competition, great fun and great friendships! The Asheville area is not only beautiful but the surrounding shopping and dining options are also much appreciated and anticipated. It is the one show we don’t like to miss!
Saddlebred/ Blue Ridge Classic
The best management, greatest show secretaries, wonderful hospitality, great competition and fabulous location.
Shetland/ UPHA Chapter V
Good competition and always enjoyable showing in Hale Arena.
Welsh/ Northeastern Welsh Pony Association
Lots of fun activities for exhibitors, tons of classes for any level of horse or rider, great facility and very professional show management.
Every competition that was voted for will receive a letter sharing the positive feedback from their exhibitors. The breed competitions listed above will receive the same, along with a plaque from USEF in recognition of their efforts to provide exhibitors with a competition atmosphere prompting them to vote the competition as a Favorite Breed Competition.
The following two competitions have been randomly selected from the above list to receive the Grand and Reserve placing:
Grand Prize*— Region 4 All Arabian Championship. This competition will receive a pizza party for their exhibitors at the 2012 competition.
Reserve*— West Coast Connemara. This competition will receive an ice cream party for their exhibitors at the 2012 competition.
*To be eligible to claim their prize, the competitions must remain USEF licensed for 2012.
We thank the exhibitors and members for taking the time to provide USEF with valuable input about your experience at USEF competitions and invite you to do the same in 2012 when we launch the voting again. You may also always find evaluation forms at the competitions to provide the same positive input about your experience at USEF competitions. We want to hear your thoughts!
For more information, please contact Lori Nelson, Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at (859) 225-6957 or via e-mail at [email protected].