(Lexington, KY) – USEF members are invited to obtain updates and weigh-in on issues at an International Forum, Saturday, February 4 in Wellington, FL. The forum will provide updates on news concerning upcoming international events and issues. Among the topics of discussions are the following: • 2006 World Equestrian Games planning and hospitality • 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong • 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky • 2012 Olympic Games in London • FEI Strategic Planning...

Mike Ferrara (Lexington, KY) - Throughout the year there are many competitions which are extremely valuable to the various USEF breed organizations but are a challenge to organize due to required expenses. The USEF wishes to support the widest possible network of shows for its breed members and enthusiasts by announcing a new Outreach Grant program. A total of $125,000 has been budgeted in 2006 for grants to financially challenged breed competitions which meet the grant requirements and are...

The AAEP Foundation, Inc., announced the availability of additional funds to aid horses affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as other natural disasters. The Foundation’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund was established last September to assist groups or individuals that are treating, housing, transporting or feeding horses that have been impacted by a natural disaster. Donations of $25,000 each have been made thus far by the Foundation to the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association...

Stephen B. Macfarlane, 59, died following surgery in Louisville on January 11. Macfarlane had spent his lifetime as a multi-faceted horseman, winning championship titles in American Saddlebred, Roadster, Pony and coaching competitions. Macfarlane had just returned to Kentucky from his winter home in Ft. Meyers, FL. He had been taking blood-thinning medication for a diagnostic procedure scheduled later this week, when he suffered a head injury resulting in edema that could not be controlled...

The details for the Saddlebred Summit, the 2006 ASHA Annual Meeting and Youth Conference, can be found on the Association's website at www.asha.net/ASHA-Annual-Meeting . The Saddlebred Summit will take place in Lexington, KY, February 16-18, at the Embassy Suites of Lexington. A complete schedule of events and event descriptions can also be found online. Highlights include the ASHA Open Members Forum, Open Committee Meetings and the Saddlebred Ball at the Keeneland Entertainment Center, where...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Charter Club Council has been formed to create more efficient communication channels between ASHA Charter Clubs and the ASHA Board of Directors. Twenty individuals have been selected to form the new Charter Club Council. Two council members from each United States Equestrian Federation-sanctioned region were selected from the submitted nominations. Regions one and two, three and four, and six and seven were grouped together respectively. Two...

The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) has recently developed a new certification program -- the Equine Facilities Manager (EFM) program. This program is done as a 2.5 day clinic to certify four levels of stable employees: - Stable Worker- Qualified to work in a barn under the supervision of a manager - Stable Manager- Qualified to manage a small private stable of up to 10 head and 1-2 employees - Herd Manager- Qualified to manage a public equine facility of up to 35 head and 3-4...

Dick Lockhart of Morning View, KY, was appointed as the three-year director on the Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Executive Committee. Lockhart was recently a board delegate from the Kentucky region and has previously served on the Executive Committee and has chaired numerous committees. Sharon Quinn Dixon and Fred Moretti completed their terms on the PFHA Executive Committee. Dr. Jose Laracuente of Miramara, FL, was appointed as the Chairman of the newly formed CONFEPASO 2007 Mundial...

PhelpsPhotos.com (Brentina and Debbie McDonald) (Cincinnati, Ohio)—Among the regalia of the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) annual meeting and black tie gala, Dressage Champion Brentina was named the inaugural Farnam®/ Platform™ • USEF Horse of the Year, the first time one horse has been selected among all breeds and disciplines as the year’s most exceptional horse. Owned by Peggy Thomas of Hailey, Idaho, Brentina is one of the most successful horses in the history of U.S. Dressage...

On Monday evening, January 16, the $35,000 Jack Daniel's Grand Prix will be held at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. The class begins at 7 p.m. MST (9 p.m. EST). In addition, the NWSS will be hosting USEF Open Classes January 17-18, with the championships held the afternoon on January 18. Waltenberry will be webcasting these events, along with the rest of the shows in the Event Center, in their entirety at www.waltenberry.com . For more information, visit www.nationalwestern....