Matthew Williams of Lexington, KY, development manager of the American Saddlebred Horse Association, has been promoted to the new position of director of development and communications, effective immediately, according to Alan F. Balch, ASHA Executive Secretary. “Since Matthew joined us not quite a year ago now, his performance has been exceptional,” Balch said. “He was a champion in the Saddlebred show ring, and he’s been a champion in his professional life with us as well. Although we’re...

USEF would like all licensed competitions and officials to be aware of a rule change that became effective on April 1, 2006, requiring ALL competitions to have an accident preparedness plan in place whether the ambulance is on call or on competition grounds. (See GR1212.6. below) The Safety Page on the USEF web site (www.usef.org/content/safety) contains a copy of the rule as well as sample plans that are offered as guides to help competitions prepare their own emergency plan in accordance with...

The HorseTV Channel recently announced its June premiere lineup featuring world-class competitions, breed documentaries and training and magazine series from the Western and English worlds. “We focus on presenting family-friendly programming that is as diverse as our audience,” said Rachel Falleroni, Head of Programming for The HorseTV Channel. “Our viewers enjoy their favorite programs while also discovering new and intriguing elements of the horse world.” The American Quarter Horse...

Courtney King of Bedford, NY, riding the Dutch stallion Idocus owned by Christine McCarthy, won the Open Grand Prix at the Windy Hollow Hunt Spring Dressage show on Sunday, May 14, at the Sussex Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ. King and the 16-year-old bay stallion by Equafor scored 62.708% from Judge Anne Rawle of Pennsylvania. "Idocus and I had our best grand prix by far since he has come back to me," enthused King, who had ridden the stallion to international success four years ago and was...

With the 2006 World Equestrian Games just three months away, the top endurance riders in the U.S. are preparing to demonstrate their abilities in the hopes of earning a place on the U.S. Endurance Team. In order to be considered, each rider must compete at one of three FEI***/AERC dual-sanctioned 100-mile rides scheduled for May 20 in Oreana, ID; May 27 in Grand Island, MI; and June 11 in Ashland, MT. Members of the National Selection Committee will be present at each event to evaluate the...

The World Equestrian Festival, perhaps the largest single week's horse show in the world, began Wednesday in Aachen, Germany, with the United States announcing a top team for the Samsung Super League. Aachen CHIO has added championship vaulting to the lineup of show jumping, dressage and four-in-hand driving that will be contested by 145 athletes from 23 nations on more than 400 horses, in front of what is expected to be well above 300,000 spectators during the five days of competition. For...

PhelpsPhotos.com (Grande Crimson and C. Michelle Folden) The USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Program kicked off 2006 with the first of three official selection trials at the CDI***/Y Cincinnati and Spring Classic I & II, held May 12-14, at Paxton Farm in Batavia, OH. This USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage Central Selection Trial for the FEI World Breeding Championships showcased the region's most promising dressage prospects in their quest to qualify for Verden, Germany. Claiming the...

As the presenting sponsor of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Farnam looks at its involvement as more than an opportunity to showcase its vast equine product line. Its participation also helps to bring the equine industry together by affording horse lovers a pedestal to showcase their greatest passion. “Aligning with a competitive event of this prestige, and with the United States Equestrian Federation® - an organization that advocates for horse health - is an ideal partnership for us,” said...

The clinic "What the Judges are Looking for, and How to Achieve the Results with Your Horse," with Paso Fino Horse Association Senior Certified Judge and Trainer of the Year Rick Meyer and with Top Equitation Trainer Christy Meyer, will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 2, at El Cardenal Farm in Mooresville, NC, with a question and answer session. It will resume Saturday morning with hands-on work with horse and rider. The fun show will begin around 12 p.m. on Saturday with several fun Paso Fino...

Post entries are being accepted in American Saddlebred classes at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon, PA. American Saddlebred classes begin Wednesday, May 31, and run through Saturday, June 3. More information on the show can be found online at www.thedevonhorseshow.com, or by calling the horse show office at (610) 964-0550; or, contact Ryegate Show Services at (717) 867-5643. In an effort to attract more Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster exhibitors, the show committee, show...