A group of six young equestrians traveled to Middelburg, South Africa, in March as Team Morgan 2009 to compete in an international saddle seat competition. Team Morgan is an international multi-discipline competition program for Morgan youth ages 14-21. Its mission is to promote the breed through international competition and provide educational experiences to Morgan youth. Team Morgan 2009 was comprised of Lyssa Bomgaars of Walled Lake, MI; Brynne Cummings of South Woodstock, CT; Kelsey Irvine...

Since its inception just five years ago, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has experienced unprecedented growth and has quickly become the largest recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Albeit the USEF’s largest affiliate, USHJA is also one of the only affiliates to not have its own headquarters. But that is changing. On September 24, 2008, the USHJA celebrated two landmark occasions: the launch of the “Building For Growth” Capital Campaign and...

After a 4.20 wake-up alarm this morning, I had a cold cup of coffee (accidentally), found my way to Lexington airport in the midst of MORE rain and was in Chicago before i knew it. The SVP of Marketing (aka my boss) Kathy Meyer was on the same flight so we chatted and had breakfast in the windy city Las Vegas could give Chicago a run for its money with the wind. I got to the MGM where I'm staying (it was totally sensory overload), I'm a first-time starter in Vegas (to borrow a term from...

Lexington, KY – At the 2009 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting, the USEF Board of Directors passed the ‘Return to Play’ rule. This rule (GR 1317) mandates that any competitor at a USEF licensed competition that is deemed concussed or unconscious (by qualified medical personnel) cannot return to competition until they have been cleared by a medical professional, who will sign and submit a letter to the USEF stating the rider is fit to compete. This rule became effective on...

In an effort to help equestrian enthusiasts and competitors save money in a tight economy, and to promote eco-friendly horse transportation, the United States Equestrian Federation now presents the Ride Share Program on ClubEquestrian.com. Often the logistics of long-distance travel is an unforeseen roadblock in the path to equine events. This new tool allows equine enthusiasts and competitors to post information about open trailer spots, as well as inquire about rides. Information such as...

Lexington, KY— Sharing the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, USRider is proud to partner with the USEF in an effort to further enhance the safety of those who travel with horses. USRider provides emergency roadside assistance and towing services through their Equestrian Motor Plan along with other travel-related benefits. With an annual fee comparable to that of other roadside assistance programs, USRider offers many services...

Gypsy Woods Farm owners Charles (Chuck) and Joann Smith announce that the beloved, crowd-pleasing Westfalen mare Rocher (Rolls Royce) will retire from international competition. “Rocher took a dream and made it a reality,” stated Chuck. “She took us all over the world and filled us with pride. She has incredible character and inspired her fans wherever she showed.” Rocher came to the United States in 2000 to be ridden by George Williams for the Smith family and Gypsy Woods Farm. Her career was...

The Horse Park of New Jersey announced the cancellation of the Garden State Combined Driving Event, scheduled to be held at the Horse Park, May 29-30. The Horse Park has hosted the popular event since 1992. The current economic climate in the United States has put a pall on all non-essential spending. "It's all about meeting expenses," said organizer Heather Walker. "Garden State must be self-supporting, as it has been for as long as I have been associated with the event. However, sponsorships...

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, one of the world's most prestigious equestrian competitions, has been named one of the Top 10 Festivals and Events for Spring 2009 by the Kentucky Tourism Council. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, part of the HSBC FEI Classics™ Series, is set to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, April 23-26. It was named as one of the Top 10 Events for Spring because this premiere event is the only four-star three-day event in the Americas and because it brings...

In celebration of the American Morgan Horse Association's (AMHA) 100th year anniversary and in partnership with the American Driving Society, AMHA is pleased to announce the Mid-Atlantic Driving Challenge, sponsored by Driving Essential, Inc. Four Morgan shows are included in this series: Mason-Dixon, Mid-A, Old Dominion, and the New York Regional. Any exhibitor in a carriage driving class that has at least two entries at any of the participating shows is eligible for the year-end award. Shows...