The Vermont Summer Festival, New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show, returns to East Dorset, VT, from July 1-August 9, 2009. Offering more than $750,000 in prize money, the Vermont Summer Festival is the richest sporting event based on purse in the state. The competition attracts the best athletes, including Olympic medalists, from across the country and around the globe to vie for top honors. The first five Sundays feature a $30,000 grand prix, culminating with the $50,000...

Lexington, KY— Last month, leaders of the USEF Recognized Breed Affiliates got together with USEF staff to discuss the relationship with the USEF and continued growth, development and promotion of the Breeds. The meeting, moderated by Bill Moroney, took place in conjunction with the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, TX. The meeting was just the beginning of many conversations that the USEF will have to reach the goals of the Breed Retreat, which is to continue the growth, development and...

The Executive Committee met on April 20 to review and approve several extraordinary rule changes and rule clarifications. You can find a PDF summarizing all the recently approved rule changes online at www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/2010/ECapproved42009.pdf . These rule changes have also been incorporated into the online rulebook. If you have any questions, please contact Abigail Cook at [email protected] or (859) 327-5931.

The Executive Committee has approved the following rule clarification, effective immediately: EV APPENDIX 3 - PARTICIPATION IN HORSE TRIALS [Chapter EV. Eventing Division] Effective immediately: 3. LEVELS OF INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS AND EVENTS In all instances, at least one of the QRs must have been obtained in the current or preceding calendar year. All competitors and horses must meet the minimum requirements published by the FEI. 3.2 CCI* Both the competitor and the horse, though not...

The American Association of Equine Practitioners’ (AAEP) summer education event, Focus on the Foot and the 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar, will provide a comprehensive continuing education package for equine practitioners, July 19-21, in Columbus, OH. Focus on the Foot will explore the intricacies of one of the most crucial components of equine anatomy—the foot. The 17th Annual Practice Management Seminar program is designed to equip practice managers will the business skills to...

This year, more than $180,000 will be offered from the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program, for Kentucky-bred American Saddlebreds exhibited by members of the Kentucky Saddlebred Owners and Breeders Association (KSOBA), a charter club of the American Saddlebred Horse Association. The Fine Harness Open Championship at the Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show, held at the Kentucky Horse Park beginning Thursday, April 30, is the first 2009 class to receive a supplement from the Kentucky Breeders...

The FEI Dressage Task Force met in Lausanne, Switzerland, April 21-22. The Task Force discussed the following items: Olympic Games: competition formula and qualification process. A proposal will be included in the Task Force’s final report to be presented to the FEI Bureau in November. Dressage Committee: future composition. A proposal in line with the FEI Statutes is currently being prepared in cooperation with the FEI Nominations Committee. The Secretary General briefed the task force on the...

All participants at NARHA centers are unique and deserve recognition, but as we all know, some just shine. So every year NARHA celebrates some especially outstanding equestrians, equines, instructors and volunteers. Right now NARHA centers all over North America and beyond are nominating their own special equines and people. Since nominations close on June 15, members, and participants alike are working with center leaders to make sure their special people and equines are not left out. All...

Lexington, KY— The Fourth Annual United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Sportsman’s Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations®, will kickoff for the 2009 competition year May 1, 2009. This award recognizes youth members of both USEF and a USEF Recognized National Affiliate for their participation in the community and equine industry and is focused on developing leaders in the equine industry. To be considered for the award, the following criteria must be met: • Active membership in...

The new outdoor stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park officially opened on Wednesday afternoon, April 22. John Nicholson, Executive Director of the park, along with special guests Governor and Mrs. Steven L. Beshear, welcomed a crowd of government officials, business leaders, equestrian and tourism industry representatives, and the public. The new outdoor stadium is one major component of a master capital improvement plan that will allow the Kentucky Horse Park to continue to attract large horse...