The discipline of endurance is undergoing a full review of its rules. One of the key innovations introduced in new rules, which will come in force on January 1, 2009, is the emphasis put on the education of all officials involved in the discipline, be they judges, technical delegates and veterinarians. A significant contribution towards this new development will be brought by the agreement that was recently concluded between the FEI and Hydra Properties of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)....

Lexington, KY – As part of the continuing efforts to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the third annual Youth Sportsman’s Award. This awards program recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. These candidates need to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate organization by...

Darren had an excellent day in therapy. He was able to ambulate with a walker for approximately 50 feet, and was much more alert and oriented. He continues to be confused with his surroundings, accompanied with obvious short term memory deficits, and some long term memory difficulties. Assistance is no longer needed when eating, and he has commented about having reservations at Bonefish. Being such an active individual, it is obvious that Darren is anxious about not being as busy as he is...

The United States Equestrian Team (USEF) Foundation is proud to announce that Hillary Dobbs of Sussex, NJ, is this year's winner of the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award. The USET Foundation awarded the rising young equestrian this honor because of her competitive record to date and because of her promise for the future. The recipients of this award are chosen based on their potential to represent the United States in international competition. A Show Jumping Developing Rider is...

Qualifying criteria for riders hoping to compete in the 2008 CN North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) at the Colorado Horse Park Presented by Gotham North, is now available. The Championships, July 29-August 3, 2008, which is the premier equestrian event in North America for riders ages 14-21, operates under the rules of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sport. It is the only FEI championship held annually in...

Lexington, KY – The Varsity Equestrian National Championships (VENC) announced the collegiate teams that have been selected and seeded for this year’s competition, in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). A total of twelve schools were chosen for both the hunter seat and Western divisions to compete at the National Championships. The selected teams will compete April 17-19 in Waco, Texas at the Heart O’ Texas Fair...

The Dressage Foundation proudly announced, following a special meeting of its Board of Directors, that Lendon Gray will become the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Dressage Foundation, effective September 1, 2008. "Her appointment grows out of a Management Transition Plan that has been conducted over the past year by the Foundation's Board and Staff, to replace John Boomer, President and CEO, and his wife, Lynn, Administrative Director, who, as sole staff members, have led,...

Colorado Springs, Colo. - The United States Olympic Committee and Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE: RL) announced an agreement designating Polo Ralph Lauren as an Official Outfitter of the 2008 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams. Under this agreement, Ralph Lauren has designed the official Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony Parade Outfits for the U.S. Teams, in addition to an assortment of village wear pieces to be provided to the U.S. Teams. The Official Opening Ceremony Parade Outfits will not be...

The remainder of the Chiacchia family arrived in Tallahassee today to attend the benefit for Darren tomorrow evening at the Dover Farm. Darren walked with a more steady gait today, and more frequent moments of clarity were noted with his cognitive functioning. Darren is expected to be transferred to a neurological rehabilitation facility in Buffalo, NY on Thursday. The special medical flight had been arranged, and Darren’s mother will accompany him. Darren’s grandmother was laid to rest today...

HITS is pleased to report that last week it received unanimous support from attendees of the 2008 USEF World Cup Riders Meeting held at The Oaks in San Juan Capistrano, CA, to once again host four FEI World Cup™ Qualifiers at the 2009 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal. HITS has successfully run the World Cup classes at its West Coast circuit since 1991, giving riders on the West Coast an opportunity to qualify for the prestigious World Cups year after year right in their own backyard....