New Orleans, LA – After decades of discussion, debate and consternation, the current increment system—the way points are calculated when a horse places in a class at a rated competition—was successfully revamped. “It’s something that’s not happened in our lifetimes,” noted United States Hunter Jumper Association President Bill Moroney with a smile. “This is a massive change. The beauty of this system is how easily it’s understood. This rule...

Lexington, KY - Voting is now open for the coveted 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year, which, following decades of tradition comes at the end of the 2011 competition year and is announced when the horse world meets at the United States Equestrian Federation's annual Pegasus Awards celebration in January. Known as the USEF Equestrians of Honor, eight stars of equestrian sport-across breed and discipline -each recently received a unique competitive trophy. These honors will be presented during...

Hugh Kincannon received the USHJA's President's Distinguished Service Award. Photo: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports. Lexington, KY - On December 6, 2011, Hugh Kincannon of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, was recognized at the United States Hunter Jumper Association's Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. Kincannon received the President's Distinguished Service Award for his management of USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, the USEF Pony Finals, and the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th...

Helen Lenahan's participation and dedication to the equestrian sport has been nothing short of amazing, she was awarded the Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians Program. Photo courtesy of the USHJA. Buffalo, NY - The 2011 United States Hunter Jumper Association Evening of Equestrians Program sponsored by the USHJA Foundation, honored the top riders, owners and trainers on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, LA. SBS Farms'...

Wellington, FL - At the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, dressage is poised to take center stage this January. Among the many high-level competitions that will occur at the venue this winter will be a Para-Equestrian CPEDI3* qualifier for the 2012 Paralympics. This exciting three-test qualifying competition will serve as an inspiring opener for both the Gold Coast Dressage CDIW and the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3*, both of which now offer the chance to see...

Lexington, KY - At the 2011 FEI General Assembly, it was announced that there will be new FEI Pony Tests effective January 1, 2012. A link to the 2012 tests can be found on the USEF website: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/dressagePonies.aspx The qualifying period for the USEF National Pony Dressage Championship began August 2, 2011 and will end May 28, 2012. The 2012 FEI Pony Team Test and the 2012 FEI Pony Individual Test must be used at qualifying...

Wellington, FL - The Finals for the 2011 Spy Coast Farm Young Horse Show Series will be held this Friday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL. It will be an exciting evening where young horses will show what they are made of through a series of two classes. In addition to the finals classes, a Stallion Show will run on Friday night as well in the International Arena. The first finals class will be Suitability for Sport in Hand for...

Sascha Mills. Photo: Laurie Revard. Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Sascha Mills as the winner of the 2011 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award. Mills was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed and discipline affiliates from across the country. An avid Morgan competitor from Goldsby, OK, she was nominated by the American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA). "Winning this award is such an honor,"...

I think we are very close to experiencing some snow. It has been quite cold with some rain, and with a few degrees lower, it could easily be a White Christmas! Today was a really simple day. Light work and some frequent power walks throughout the day. We will begin with full training again on Monday, and my hope is that we can slowly peak from there. We will let Watson tell us when he is ready. While I was handwalking today, I got to see something quite special. Klaus Martin Rath was exercising...

I think we are very close to experiencing some snow. It has been quite cold with some rain, and with a few degrees lower, it could easily be a White Christmas! Today was a really simple day. Light work and some frequent power walks throughout the day. We will begin with full training again on Monday, and my hope is that we can slowly peak from there. We will let Watson tell us when he is ready. While I was handwalking today, I got to see something quite special. Klaus Martin Rath was exercising...