The United States Equestrian Team Foundation welcomed internationally renowned dressage rider and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Developing Dressage Coach Debbie McDonald to Hamilton Farm for the second of three Developing Dressage Clinics this past weekend, June 12-13, 2010. Aiding the development of this nation's up-and-coming dressage riders, the two-day clinic led by McDonald provided important guidance and insight to the nine riders who were invited to participate based upon...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) has announced the dates and locations for the 2011 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships: USDF Region 1 (October 20-23) at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA; USDF Region 2 (September 22-25) at Majestic Farm in Batavia, OH; USDF Region 3 (October 14-16) at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, FL; USDF Region 4 (September 9-11) at the North Iowa Fair Grounds in Mason City, IA; USDF Region 5 (November 4-6) at WestWorld of...

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with several key sponsors and partners, will celebrate 100 Days to Go until the world’s most prestigious equestrian event comes to Kentucky with a celebration in downtown Lexington on June 17. The Fifth Third Pavilion at Cheapside Park will be transformed into a celebration and preview of things to come from September 25-October 10, 2010, when the world championships in eight equestrian sports are contested at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park. The 100 Days...

The USEF Rules and Standards Subcommittee is conducting a survey until July 1, 2010, to evaluate the need to increase the age of the Juvenile Division and the need for a Masters division. These ideas were presented to the USEF Rules and Standards Committee at the January Convention and a Subcommittee was formed. The Committee consists of Chuck Herbert, Ellen Beard and Misdee Miller. The discussion for these changes were based on instances of Juvenile riders having aged out while still attending...

The Bluegrass Vaulting Academy with the collaboration of the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park presented the grand opening of the Vaulting Exhibit on June 6. Vaulting incorporates horses, sport, music, excitement and fun with the performance of gymnastics and dance-like poses on a moving horse. The word “vaulting” comes from the French "La Voltige," which originated during the Renaissance, when it was a form of riding drill and agility exercise for knights and...

Hunters had a big week at the High Prairie Farms Spring Final. More than 20 horse-and-rider combinations competed in the $2,500 United States Hunter Jumper Association National Hunter Classic on a perfect May evening in the main hunter ring. When it was all over, Libby Copeland claimed the championship riding Remember When (Jennifer Wallen, owner). Copeland, a Kansas City native, rides and trains out of Michael Dennehy’s Bridlewood Farms. She has been there for a little more than a year after...

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), a leading national equestrian event based in Washington, D.C. since 1958, is proud to announce Anna Rossi of Washington, D.C., as Youth Ambassador of the 2010 show. WIHS received dozens of applications from very qualified students in the D.C. metro area, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Rossi will serve as the second WIHS Youth Ambassador following Jamal Brown. Rossi, 15, is a sophomore at the Field School in Washington, D.C. She has attended...

Courtesy U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup, Inc. Come celebrate your patriotism by supporting the U.S. athletes. The U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup will be hosting a benefit dinner on Sunday evening, July 4, at the beautiful and historic Spindletop Hall in Lexington, KY. The 2010 Gold Medal Gala will feature cocktails, dinner and both live and silent auctions. Past auction items have included stallion breedings, vacation packages, tack and equipment, and other unique items. Tickets for the gala...

Photo by Dr. C. Mike Tomlinson (Para-Equestrians at CDI at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL.) The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) would like to announce that it is now a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization. The USPEA provides programs, clinics, and competition opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. Riders compete under the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules during their competitions and many of the athletes compete at the highest...

Volunteers from Kentucky and surrounding states flocked to Lexington on June 1 for the very first volunteer training session in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This marks the beginning of general volunteer training which will span the month of June. “It went fabulously,” said Erin Faherty, director of volunteer services, about the first session. “The volunteers are very excited and they are beginning to realize that they not only represent themselves, the local...