With a record number of exhibitors from across the country, the 2006 Atlanta Fall Classics concluded it’s two-week AA-rated series in classic style, presenting over $88,000 in cash alone the final week, as well as 2006 year-end awards, the coveted National Hunter Jumper League Finals titles, the Lemon Springs Trophy, and the John Deere/USEF Memberperks prize. Classic Company President Bob Bell said of the fall series, “This has been the most amazing two weeks ever for the fall venue! The talent...

Lexington, KY—The United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) has announced the members of its first ever Youth Council, which is designed to develop programs that expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership of equestrian sport in the U.S., from the grassroots through the levels of horsemanship across all disciplines. Youth representing many of the Federation’s affiliates have accepted the challenge to provide their equestrian leadership and commitment to support and develop...

Productions East Video, in association with the United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF), GoMobileBroadband.com and LiveBroadcast.tv is presenting live webcasts of the 123rd National Horse Show, November 29-December 3. Since it began in 1883, the National Horse Show has been respected as the nation’s premier year-end horse show. Held at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL, it features a dazzling array of classes highlighted by the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping...

As the FEI Nations Cup series concluded in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last weekend, Belgium's promotion to the Samsung Super League in 2007 was confirmed. Having accumulated points from 13 of the 19 Nations Cup legs, which began in Wellington, FL,last March, Belgium finished with a total of 79.5 points, while Denmark slotted into second with 73 ahead of Italy in third with 71.5 points. The Belgian team enjoyed only one victory during the 2006 season, at Ypaja in Finland, but were runners-up in...

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act” (S. 3880) by voice vote on November 13. The bill clarifies that it is a crime to damage or interfere with a legitimate, legal animal enterprise. As defined by the bill, “animal enterprise” includes commercial and academic enterprises that use or sell animals or animal products for profit, food, agriculture, education, research and testing. This definition also includes equine activities such as rodeo, horse shows and...

Alexandra Flynn and Kalu's Can't Stop the Magic (Howard Schatzberg) Lexington, KY—Alexandra Flynn, age 17, of Tampa, FL, riding Kalu’s Can’t Stop the Magic, was crowned champion of the 2006 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, held November 18, as part of the UPHA/American Royal National Championship Horse Show in Kansas City, MO. The USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final was determined through a two-phase competition that required both rail work and patterns. Twenty-eight riders competed in...

Lexington, KY—Once again, the USEF is offering the continuation of the successful Outreach Grant Program. This has been a valuable assistance to financially challenged breed shows that applied in 2006. Competitions must meet certain prerequisites and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. A total of $125,000 has been budgeted of 2007. Each grant request will be evaluated by the National Affiliates staff with final approval by the Executive offices. An approved grant of up...

Once again, the nation’s best equestrians will converge on Wellington, FL, for the 123rd National Horse Show and Family Festival, beginning on November 29, 2006. The show is proud to host the best of the best, the cream of the crop, from the amateur-owner jumper and junior jumper divisions. The top-ranked riders from the year-long Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series (SJHOF) have once again been invited to compete in a head-to-head battle in Florida in their special year-end championships at the...

It was a stars-and-stripes win as four top riders from the United States took the Nations Cup in CSIO Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday, November 10. The team of Eliza Shuford, Chris Kappler, Carolyn Kelly and Brianne Goutal beat out riders from four other countries—Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Sweden. This team was named only for this competition, and was under the direction of U.S. Chef d’Equipe George Morris. Riding in their first Nations Cup, the first round saw Young Rider rookie Kelly go...

With the competition season drawing to a close, final nominations from American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) membership for the ASHA’s individual awards are due at ASHA no later than the close of business Wednesday, November 15, 2006. Each year, the association’s highest honors are presented at the annual Saddlebred Ball, to be held at the Keeneland Entertainment Center to close the ASHA convention, on Saturday evening, February 17, 2007. The awards, Lifetime Achievement, Meritorious...