Directors of the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and the American Saddlebred Registry, along with invited guests, are scheduled to gather, beginning Sunday evening, October 9, in French Lick, IN, to begin a three-day conference and retreat to address strategic planning for the breed and its governing organizations. The formal October meetings of both boards will conclude the session on Wednesday morning. Alan F. Balch, Executive Secretary/Registrar of the organizations, said key...

Devon, PA – The 2005 USEF Junior Dressage Team Championship returned to the East Coast for another exciting showcase of some of America’s most talented young dressage riders, hosted by Dressage at Devon CDI 3*/Y in Devon, Pennsylvania, September 27 through October 2. Three teams of four riders, from 14 to 18-years-old and from all parts of the country, competed over the course of three days in the FEI Junior Tests. Scores from both the Team and Individual Tests were averaged to...

The equine industry’s work on behalf of unwanted horses continued to gain momentum this week as representatives from twenty organizations met to advance the efforts that began at the nation’s first Unwanted Horse Summit in Washington, DC, in April. Gathering on September 21 at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, the group focused on solidifying its mission and building a long-term organizational structure. The important roles of education and owner...

After discussion with trainers and the USEF, show management has decided to reduce the Great Southwest Fall Classic in Katy, TX, to a four-day event. This change will hopefully allow for an easier and safer return to the Houston area for some people and their horses. The show will start on Thursday, September 29, at 7:30 a.m. and finish on Sunday. There are a few changes, which are highlighted below. 1) The $25,000 Katy Fall Grand Prix will be canceled this week. We will be adding a $10,000...

The American Saddlebred Registry Sweepstakes, held during the All American Horse Classic in Indianapolis, September 6-10, had a 14% increase in its total payout from 2004 to 2005. The 2005 total payout was $139,434 compared to $122,353 one year before. The biggest increase came in the two-year-old division, which paid winners $38,629 for a 74% increase from the previous year's total of $22,155. The $38,629 paid in the two-year-old division is the most since at least 1995. Registrar Alan F....

Gladstone, NJ – Taking a year off from competing doesn’t work for everyone, but it paid off for Scott Monroe of Sharon, CT, who drove his way to his first national championship at the 2005 USEF National Combined Driving Singles Championship, part of the CAI-B Gladstone Driving Event, September 22-25. Driving his 11-year-old Morgan gelding, Bethesda After Dark (Shadow), Monroe bested a field of 12 single horses with a smooth dressage test; a precise, blistering trip through the eight obstacles...

Red Horse Stables is proud to announce that Waterford, a 16-month-old stallion prospect won champion at the prestigious Cosequin Final Dressage Sport Horse Prospects Division -- Young Horse Colts / Geldings, on September 14, 2005 at the NEDA Fall Festival Region 8 Championships. Waterford also won: First Place: Yearling Colts and Geldings Champion: Colt / Gelding Championship Reserve Champion: Young Horse Championship Champion: New England Sport Horse Breeders Futurity Second Place with a score...

Burbank, CA – With nary a misstep, Alex Maida, was picked as the winner of the grueling 2005 USEF West Coast Talent Search. The class was held in conjunction with the Los Angeles International Jumping Festival at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, September 21-25. Thirty-eight junior riders qualified throughout the year for a spot in the two-day four-phase finals. On Wednesday afternoon riders were allowed into the Equidome for a practice round and the class started in earnest the next...

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation is now accepting entries for the 2005 Pegasus Awards for Media. Bronze Pegasus statues will be presented in 10 categories to honor outstanding achievement in the coverage of equestrian in the United States, whether in aspects of sport, lifestyle or issues. This year’s categories include: • Best Publication of the Year • Best Specialized Publication of the Year • Best News Article • Best Feature Article...

Craig Schmersal and Tim McQuay after their Gold- and Silver-medal wins at the $100,000 FEI World Reining Masters Finals. (Andrea Bonaga) Manerbio, Italy – September 25 – The much awaited second $100,000 FEI World Reining Masters Finals, presented by the Arcese Group and the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, saw a full house and was truly a tribute to the sport of reining. Craig Schmersal, riding Tidal Wave Jack, received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd, who had a...