Mr. and Mrs. Willis Foley of Belmont, NY, have sponsored two cash prizes of $250 each to be given at the 2009 USEF Pony Finals. These awards will be presented to the highest-ranking Arabian-bred pony in the hunter division and in the jumper division. The winning ponies must possess a documented minimum of 50% Arabian blood. Mr. and Mrs. Foley are lifelong horsemen that breed Arabians, Welsh ponies and crossbreds at their farm, Solar Hill Sport Horses. "Our goal is to promote Arabian-breds as...

Janice Syphers had a lot to thank her mother for on Sunday morning as she exited the grand prix ring with a blue ribbon, a trophy and $1,500 in prize money for her win in the $5,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic at the Vermont Summer Festival. The 18-year-old won the $5,000 NAL Classic on Sunday, July 19, riding Star 32, a horse that is owned and usually shown by her mother, Saly Glassman. The timing had been right for a switch in riders, as Syphers found herself in need of a horse when...

Lexington, KY— The 2009 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage Seat Medal Finals presented by Dressage Today ® concluded this weekend, July 17-19, in the beautiful setting of the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL. Riders came from across the country to compete for the championship in two age divisions—13 & under and 14-18. The purpose of the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Program is to promote and reward excellence in equitation, including correct seat, position, and use of aids...

Jean Mutrux of St. Louis, MO, took the championship title in the 2009 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show on Friday, July 10. Mutrux was coached to the win by her daughter, Abigail. “Coach” Abigail took home the Silver “trainer’s trophy.” As champion, Mutrux was honored with many awards including a beautiful cast resin sculpture created for this event by artist Patricia Crane, a hand-crafted USEF leather cabin bag made by Freedman Harness, a...

The FEI Meydan City European Endurance Championship Open 2009 is the most important world endurance event of the year with all national official teams from five continents participating. Held during the event known as the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2009, the endurance championship will join other activities and topics such as economics, medicine, real estate, culture, fashion and entertainment across September 17-27 in the Italian city of Assisi. The program also includes a prestigious...

The Mid-A Youth of the Year Contest was well attended with 13 contestants, thanks in part to top-notch contest organization provided by Leitha Stone and a wonderful crew of volunteers. In the oral presentation section, contestants were asked to think critically about today’s difficult economic situation and how it is impacting the equine industry. Walk-trot and junior contestants focused on horse rescue organizations and how they are dealing with an influx of surrendered horses, while senior...

The Laurels At Landhope International Combined Driving Event, one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the U.S., will be held in West Grove, Chester County, PA, September 11-13, 2009. Combining family fun with international equestrian competition in a beautiful country setting just 40 miles from Philadelphia, the event hosts the best drivers from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, who compete in a series of three events with combinations from single horses and ponies to...

Photo Courtesy American Connemara Pony Society On two weekends at the end of June and beginning of July there were three United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)-recognized Connemara shows or divisions in USEF-recognized shows. On June 26, the West Coast Connemara Show was held in Pasa Robles, CA, and this year included a USEF- and United States Dressage Federation-recognized dressage show and a USEF-recognized in-hand breed show. Marynell Eyles was the judge for the in-hand and performance...

From the USEF Driving Department Lexington, KY – The USEF has named the following Drivers and Horses to represent the United States at the 2009 World Driving Championships. The Pair World Driving Championships will be held in Kecskemet, Hungary August 20-23, 2009. Driver/Age/Hometown Horse/Age/Breed/Sex/Owner Larry Poulin/59/Petersham, MA Wiley/10/Hanoverian/G/Natasha Griggs Rivage/11/Oldenburg/G/Natasha Griggs Cody/12/Swedish Warmblood/S/Natasha Griggs Keady Cadwell43/Southern Pines, NC...

The Chincoteague pony herd is thought to be descended from animals aboard a wrecked 16th century Spanish ship, but today the herd is getting 21st century health care. Again this year, the herd is receiving donated vaccinations and deworming products from Merial, maker of Recombitek® Equine West Nile Virus (WNV) vaccine, Imrab® rabies vaccine and Zimecterin® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel). These products represent health care technology used by top equine competitors—but even wild ponies...