The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has issued updated Freestyle Tests for the following levels: • Grand Prix Freestyle • Intermediare I Freestyle • Young Rider Freestyle • Junior Freestyle Please note these tests have been updated in format only (e.g. new logo, additional comments and clarifications). Actual required test movements have NOT changed. These new test versions must be used by all CDI’s as of May 2, 2005. USEF-recognized dressage competitions may use either “old” or “new”...

Proving again that Morgans are among the some of the finest driving horses in the world, Fred Merriam drove Nicholas Mercede's Gaitwood Lightwing, a 1995 bay gelding, to finish first in the FEI Single Horse Division. Lisa Singer finished first in the FEI Pairs Division driving Mimi Torrington's chestnut geldings, Count On Me and LR Ami Bengali. Sara Schmitt was first in the FEI Single Pony Division driving her High Country Doc, a 1996 bay, who also had the best marathon score. Suzy Stafford was...

Some of the countries leading international riders head a strong cast of competitors for the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, April 8-10, in Chatsworth, GA. The event, now in its 18th year, will be hosting its first FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) alongside Intermediate and Open Preliminary divisions to offer a total purse of $30,000. Athens Olympic Silver medallist, Kimberly Severson, of Scottsville, VA, and Linda Wachtmeister’s 12-year-old English Thoroughbred gelding, Winsome...

The Board of Directors of the American Saddlebred Horse Association(ASHA), Inc., completed the internal corporate reorganization of its governance structure Tuesday, March 29. Members, who approved the reorganization in February, will belong to ASHA, Inc., now a public charity, and the breed’s Registry will be supervised by a companion board, including nine newly-elected directors effective Friday, April 1, 2005. Following solicitation of suggestions for Registry board service from the...

Riders from Germany, Canada and Mexico will be competing against some 300 U.S. entries at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials, Temecula, CA, April 1-3, 2005. The FEI World Cup Qualifier (CIC***-W) has a strong field of 16 riders, including Natalie Rooney Pitts, of Napa, CA, who finished eighth at last year’s qualifier with Aladdin to make the finals. Lauren Whitlock, of Rohnert Park, CA, who came fifth aboard Kipling last year will also be back, as will James Moore who, in 2004,...

The all-time leading sire in national reining horse history, Hollywood Dun It, was humanely put down on March 30. The 22-year-old buckskin stallion had been suffering from severe health problems escalated by his continuing battle with testicular cancer. According to Tim and Colleen McQuay, who owned Hollywood Dun It along with partner Jennifer Easton, the decision to put him down was a difficult one. Tim noted, “He’s been a part of our family, and a part of our lives, for a lot of years. None...

Candice King, Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, Georgina Bloomberg and Anne Kursinski. Not shown: McLain Ward, Kim Frey and Schuyler Riley. (Courtesy Randi Muster/Phelps Media Group) Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the eight East Coast show jumpers who will represent the nation during the 2005 Budweiser FEI World Cup Show Jumping Final in Las Vegas, April 20-24. They are: McLain Ward of Brewster, New York, Laura Kraut of Oconomowoc,...

Lexington, KY – In a bold move sure to expand the sport of reining starting at the grassroots level, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the first-ever USEF Youth Reining Championship, to be featured at Fiesta in the Park at the Kentucky Horse Park, August 23-28. The 2005 Championship will be sponsored by the Hagyard-Davidson-McGee veterinary practice and Markel Insurance, both leaders in their respective fields, with reputations built on excellence in the equine...

Debbie McDonald on Brentina during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens (Bob Langrish) Lexington, KY – The best and brightest dressage stars will battle it out in Burbank, California this weekend, in a show-down that will determine who will ride at the 2005 FEI World Cup Dressage Final Presented by Offield Farms, in Las Vegas, April 20-24. Tickets to the World Cup won’t come easily though, with a red-hot roster waiting to take home the title at the U.S. Grand Prix Freestyle...

Dressage with the Expert will be offered at the 2005 Las Vegas World Cup, featuring FEI “O” Judge, Cara Whitham. Dressage with the Expert is a fascinating way to “eavesdrop” on the comments an expert might make about the performance of riders and horses while they are actually competing. It is a great way to gain a better understanding of this majestic sport. Whitham has judged all over the world and knows these horses and riders well. Headsets are available to hear a running commentary on each...