The 2010 Kentucky International Equine Summit, presented by the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program in cooperation with the University of Kentucky Equine Initiative, concluded last Tuesday evening at the Downtown Hilton in Lexington, KY. The Summit was created with a goal of drawing in industry leaders to share in a discussion and search for solutions for some of the industry’s most important challenges, regardless of the breed or discipline. With 74 industry experts on hand as...

Competition in the 2010 Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series continued steadily during the month of April. With classes in full swing in both the East and West Conferences, riders continued to earn points on the Series' overall standings. Following stand-out performances in the West Conference, rider Jasmine Wiggins was named the Rider of the Month for the month of April. Jasmine Wiggins of Canada competes in the Series' West Conference Junior division with her mount Little...

Photo by USEF Archives/Geoff Bugbee (Maxi Gumprecht (far right) wins the 2009 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations) Lexington, KY - The search is underway for nominees for the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®. Now in its fifth year, the award recognizes young equestrians who exhibit exceptional leadership potential, and who demonstrate commitment to the USEF, a USEF Recognized Affiliated...

Photo by Shakota (A trip to Olympic Reserve rider Michael Barisone's farm provided another fun and educational field trip while showcasing several KWPN dressage horses in action.) The KWPN of North America (Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook) is proud to announce that Rabobank, N.A. has become a major strategic partner in the support of North American sport horse breeders. The sponsorship includes prize money for a wide variety of champions, a new breeders awards program, the Rabobank Star Breeders...

Congratulations to all the reining athletes from the U.S. who have successfully qualified for the USEF Selection Trial for the Adequan U.S. Reining Team. Competing at competitions throughout the United States, the high-performance reining competitors listed below have successfully met the qualification criteria to be able to advance to the Official Selection Trial—the place and time where the Adequan U.S. Reining Team will be selected for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG)....

In recent months, the USEF Dressage Department has received many inquiries regarding use of protective headgear in USEF/USDF-Licensed Dressage Competitions. “Protective headgear” is defined as a helmet which is ASTM/SEI-approved and has a secured harness. USEF General Rule GR801.6-.7 states: “6. Except as may otherwise be mandated by local law, the Federation strongly encourages all riders, while riding anywhere on the competition grounds, to wear protective headgear with harness secured which...

Photo Courtesy USHJA (The headquarters of the United States Hunter Jumper Association.) When a horse and rider present an elegant partnership it’s called great equitation. When two equestrian organizations—the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)—join forces, it’s called a winning combination. “Speaking on behalf of the IHSA membership, I am confident in saying that I believe this relationship will greatly enhance both...

Photo by Jon Kassel (Grand Prix Course at the sold out Alliant Energy Center Arena .) The 10,000 seat John Deere Coliseum at Madison's Alliant Energy Center was standing room only Saturday night as five of 38 entries passed the course's first test and were asked back for the tie-breaking round. Ultimately it was the feisty chestnut mare Happy Z and Ohio's Wilhelm Genn who laid down an unbeatable jump-off track for the win. Laura Linback and As di Villagana, competing last, also put in a...

After Thoroughbreds have completed their race careers, they are often ideal candidates for another vocation. To call attention to these horses' second career possibilities, nationally-recognized Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital has created a series of annual awards, the first of which will be presented to the top Thoroughbred sport horses of 2009. Divisional awards, named for legendary Thoroughbred sport horses, will be given to those Thoroughbreds who were the top achievers in 2009 U.S....

2009 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Champion Jean Mutrux (Photo Credit: Howard Schatzberg) Lexington, KY - Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, scheduled for July 9, 2010. A title sponsorship and reception sponsorship are both available, in addition to all levels of supporting sponsorships. Initially developed to showcase a discipline rich in tradition, the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur...