Lexington, KY – The Executive Committee of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will meet to consider Extraordinary Rule Changes to clearly define the implementation of the Federation’s new helmet rule to breed competitions that offer dressage classes. The committee will meet later this month to discuss the changes, which will clarify the rule in the Andalusian, Arabian, Friesian and Morgan divisions of USEF Licensed Competitions. To review the latest memo regarding the use of...

Endurance The first American CEI of 2011 took place at the Dupuis Equestrian Center near Indiantown, FL, January 28-29. The event featured two days of Endurance competition. In the CEIJY 1* (80km), Forest Green and PL Nino took top honors in a time of 3:55:30 beating Kelsey Russell and Tryssta by 30 seconds to the wire. In the CEI 1* (80km) Amy Atkins crossed the finish line in 5:03:40 on SA Zacks Comet, one second ahead of Daryl Downs and Blaze Star. In another desperately close race, Kathy...

Burbank, CA - This year marks the 13th annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, a revered Southern California equestrian tradition that raises funds for cancer research organizations. It also plays an important role in integrating communities by honoring horses and people steeped in rich tradition. The four-day event, from May 4-8, features multi-breed horse show competitions and a Charity Spectacular, which features an evening of equine entertainment and an educational multi-cultural experience...

Oklahoma City, OK – A group of enthusiastic young leaders are gearing up for an exciting year with the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA). Five outstanding youth members were recently elected by their peers to lead the NRHyA. After stating their goals for the year, they are ready to get their hands dirty to better the association they are proud to serve. The NRHyA annual meeting, which included officer elections, was held during the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American...

Boston, MA - Several nationally accomplished presenters will be leading clinics and seminars at the 2011 AMHA Convention, which will take place February 23-26 in Boston, MA. Among the speakers are: • Eitan Beth-Halachmy, the founder of Western Dressage, who will give a talk on this new discipline. • Carriage driver Jeff Morse will lead a talk on how carriage driving is a perfect discipline for older equestrians. • World champion trainer, Steve DeBolt, will give a harness demonstration/clinic. •...

Lexington, KY - At the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) Annual Conference, outstanding achievements in the Kentucky equine industry were recognized. High point individual accomplishments were recognized at the January 14 banquet through six KHC programs: Youth Saddlebuster, KHC Natural Pleasure, KHC Trail Pleasure, Eventing/Dressage Horse of the Year, Hunter/Jumper Horse of the Year, and Stock Seat Horse of the Year. For the second consecutive year, Colt McGuire of Campbellsburg earned the 2010...

Aurora, CO — The Arabian Horse Foundation has announced it received a $50,000 gift from the Barbara Wright Hutton Trust, the largest gift the non-profit entity has ever received since re-launching in 2007. The $50,000 gift was directed to horse rescue and rehoming and to equine research. “This gift speaks volumes for the message it conveys and represents an investment in the future of the Foundation,” said AHF President Larry Kinneer. “It is a clear indication of a family’s belief and trust in...

Wellington, FL – Varsity Equestrian is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Collegiate Equitation Challenge to be held at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. The finals of the event will take place on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the International Arena of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The tournament will be run in the Varsity Equestrian head-to-head, bracketed format with 16 top collegiate riders from all over the country. Riders will compete over...

Effective March 1, 2011, the following rules apply to Dressage Competitions and Regular Competitions holding Dressage classes: 1. Riders under age 18 must wear protective headgear, as defined by DR120.5 and in compliance with GR801, at all times while mounted on the competition grounds. This includes non-competing riders as well as those competing at any level. 2. While on horses competing in national level tests (Fourth Level and below), riders must wear protective headgear as defined by DR120....

Burbank, CA – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will hold two judges clinics during the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, an annual benefit and horse show held May 4-8, 2011, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. A USEF Friesian Judges’ Clinic will be May 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic, held at the Courtyard Los Angeles Burbank Airport and L.A. Equestrian Center, will be open to licensed Friesian judges, applicants and those interested in becoming licensed. Attendance fulfills...