Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that of the 11 shows that were voted "Favorite USEF Breed Competitions" in 2012, the Piedmont Classic has been selected as the Grand Prize winner.

The 2012 Piedmont Classic Paso Fino Horse Show was held June 21-24 in Asheville, NC. Also known as "Asheville Alive," this annual show has earned "Favorite USEF Breed Competition for the Paso Fino division" distinction in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Exhibitors who commented on the show called it "a well-run show with a tremendous amount of competition," and "always first-rate and exciting." In 2012 it was broadcast live at www.usefnetwork.com presented by SmartPak.

The 2012 Reserve Grand Prize winner was the IFSHA Friesian Grand National Show. This show, held in Del Mar, CA was described by its exhibitors as "Lots of fun...very friendly with helpful staff and gorgeous trophies."

The complete list of 2012 USEF Favorite Breed Competition winners is listed by breed, in alphabetical order with their 2012 date and location, below.

Andalusian/Lusitano - IALHA Region 1 Championship - August 9-12, Burbank, CA
Arabian - Region 4 All Arabian Championship - June 16-23, Nampa, ID
Connemara - Upperville Colt and Horse Show - June 4-12, Upperville, VA
Friesian - IFSHA Friesian Grand National Show - October 10-14, Del Mar, CA
Hackney - Lexington Junior League - July 9-14, Lexington, KY
Morgan - Morgan Medallion Classic - August 15-18, Santa Barbara, CA
National Show Horse - NSHR National Championship Finals - September 13-15, Springfield, IL
Paso Fino - Piedmont Classic - June 21-24, Asheville, NC
Saddlebred - Blue Ridge Classic - July 24-28, Asheville, NC
Shetland - Sussex County Horse Show - August 6-12, Augusta, NJ
Welsh - Northeastern Welsh Pony Association Show - July 1, Saugerties, NY

This "competitor's choice" contest gave exhibitors the opportunity to provide the USEF with positive feedback about the competitions they attended throughout the year. Every competition that was voted for has received 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 an excellent competition atmosphere.

For more information, please contact Terra Schroeder, National Affiliates Representative, at (859) 225-6952 or via e-mail at [email protected].