The fundraising Gala Celebration of the Mid South Eventing and Dressage Association on January 31, 2009, was an overwhelming success, fetching more than $40,000 from the live and silent auctions for the Kentucky Horse Park. Over 200 guests attended this new event at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Lexington with Guest of Honor David O'Connor accompanied by prominent figures from the horse world. Proceeds from the evening sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health are being donated to the horse park's...

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) invites proposals to investigate the therapeutic effects of horses on humans. The Foundation's broad research agenda includes basic research as well as clinical studies that will ultimately impact physical and mental health and the quality of life for people with disabilities who are involved with equine-assisted activities/therapies. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account scientific merit, scientific and clinical significance...

HorseTV announced that an agreement had been reached with the Saugerties, NY-based HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) organization for nose-to-tail broadcast coverage of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, February 3-March 15. On February 3, 2009, HorseTV Live, the live broadcast component of the HorseTV.com television portal, will make equestrian industry history by providing simultaneous coverage of six active rings of competition for the entire six weeks of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, including the...

The 2009 American Saddlebred Registry Grand National prize program schedule of competitions has been announced. This year, the Grand National features 32 shows offering 61 classes with over $138,000 offered in prize money for Grand National-eligible American Saddlebreds. The schedule is available at www.asha.net/asr-gn_showschedule . In addition, competitions that have traditionally supported the Grand National were entered into a drawing for three Grand National Championship Stakes. The...

The American Horse Council (AHC) has announced that the focus of this year’s National Issues Forum will be the “Welfare of the Horse.” The Forum will be held June 16, 2009, in Washington, DC, as part of the AHC’s annual meeting. Over the last year, concerns about the welfare of horses used in racing, showing, recreation, or work have been raised by our fans, the general public, the media, and Congress. Such concerns have been expressed before, but perhaps not as broadly as now. “Those involved...

The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Junior Career Development Program provides a rare opportunity for junior riders to apprentice with a competition official for a day. The program pairs a junior rider with a competition official such as a judge, show manager, show secretary, steward, course designer, vet or farrier giving them the ability to better understand the duties and responsibilities of these officials. It’s also a great opportunity for juniors to determine if they would...

Registration is now open for the first 2009 United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Trainer Symposium. Savannah College of Art and Design will host the Trainer Symposium on May 1-3 in Savannah, GA. Trainer Symposiums give members the opportunity to participate in practical training sessions and round table discussions with top professionals in the industry. The schedule offers three days of instruction from top clinicians in the country, specializing in hunters, equitation and jumpers,...

Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital will provide veterinary services for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games test events, as announced by the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. As the Official Equine Hospital and Veterinary Partner for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Rood and Riddle has extended its partnership with the Games to provide veterinary services for a series of test events beginning in 2009. The test events, each called The Kentucky Cup, will allow the World Games...

The Minnesota Horse Council announced the selection of American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) member Guy Warner as 2008 Horse Person of the Year at their annual meeting and awards banquet on Saturday, January 17, 2009. The award is presented each year to someone who shows long-term service and commitment to the equine industry in the Midwest. Warner, the 39th recipient of this award, has put in over 40 years of service—both equine related and community related. He served 10 years in...

Another milestone in National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) history was made following the 2008 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show (NAAC). Arcese Quarter Horses USA, of Weatherford, TX, became NRHA's third Million Dollar Owner with horses surpassing the million-dollar mark with earnings accumulated at the 2008 Italian Futurity and 2008 NRHA Futurity & NAAC Show. Eleuterio Arcese, of Arcese Quarter Horses USA, has worked to promote the sport of reining in...