Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Scott Hassler as the National Young Horse Dressage Coach, as part of the highly successful Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program. The establishment of this coaching position is an illustration of the Federation’s continuing initiatives to support and emphasize structured development of future FEI-level dressage horses and riders. Hassler is the Training Director at the...

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage Committee is pleased to announce the launch of a new dressage championship program in 2006, the "Passage Cup." Designed to assist and encourage today's Young Riders as they transition to the Senior Grand Prix, the Passage Cup will shed much-needed light on tomorrow's stars--today. "With this exciting new program, we're looking to 'bridge the gap' for our talented dressage riders who are graduating from the Young Rider ranks to High...

The United States Eventing Association has announced that the 2006 Maui Jim Horse Trials in Wayne, IL, will again be part of the Adequan Gold Cup Series of events, thus designating it as one of the 12 “premier” eventing competitions in the United States. Maui Jim Horse Trials, who recently entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement with Maui Jim, Inc., the Peoria-based manufacturer of high-end sunglasses, will offer riders a new look for the July 7-9 competition. A long unused parcel of...

Federico Sztyrle on Fatalis Fatum edged out Margie Engle by less than a half second to win the Palm Beach Toyota’s $25,000 Grand Prix at Littlewood on January 22, 2006. Engle came in second place riding Canaille and third riding Hidden Creek’s Charlie Brown. Fourth went to Andres Rodriguez on Indien D’ Adriers. The spectators enjoyed the complimentary buffet with wine and beer provided by Palm Beach Toyota. The crowd filled the tent with every table and chair occupied and spilled out...

Langer Equestrian Group, Inc., jumped into the new year with record entries at the LAEC Opener, January 20-22. The USEF A-rated show attracted over 300 horses and riders to the first major show of the new year. "We've had really great weather, and I think that everyone could get their horses out and were looking forward to a nice show," said Langer Equestrian Group President Larry Langer. The new show season attracts new faces and new horses. Archie Cox found another winner to add to his string...

The 2005 National Pleasure Horse Award winners have been named in eight divisions, all of which are based on a high-point scoring system. All registered American Saddlebreds are eligible for these awards without payment of additional fees. The National Pleasure Horse Awards are based on a formula that favors horses that are consistent winners across the country. The system, which crowns eight champions, is based on the USEF rating of the show and the number of entries in the class. The complete...

The Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Board of Directors approved the addition of the Virginia Presidential Paso Fino Horse Association at the 2006 Paso Fino Horse Association Board of Directors and Annual Membership Convention, held January 13-15, in Redondo Beach, CA. The new region will encompass the state of Virginia. According to the PFHA Rule Book , a region is a group of people interested in the aims of the Association. The group must be comprised of at least 30 voting members in good...

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) announced that it has agreed to acquire the stock of Farnam Companies, Inc., for approximately $287 million, plus $4 million for the purchase of related real property. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Farnam is a leading manufacturer and marketer of innovative health care products primarily for horses, household pets and livestock sold through over-the-counter and veterinary channels. In addition to the internationally recognized Farnam umbrella brand, Farnam’s...

If your competition offers the Young Horse Tests and you would like to draw more interest from Young Horse competitors, become an official "qualifying competition." By simply using the title of the program (and logo if possible) in your prize list and/or show program, your competition will be placed on the Markel/USEF Young Horse Qualifying Competition list on the Young Horse page of the Federation website. Exhibitors will refer to our new list of qualifiers when planning their show schedules,...

The Pennsylvania Futurity has announced that it will officially be changing its name to more accurately reflect the region and participants to the Penn-Ohio Futurity. In a combined effort to resume its rightful place as a nursery for fine American Saddlebreds, the exhibitors and breeders from the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio have merged forces to promote the Penn-Ohio Futurity as one of the nation's most progressive and responsive futurities. The Ohio Limited Breeders and the Penn-Ohio...