An exciting benefit to being a member of the Morgan Dressage Association (MDA) is the Annual Scholarship Awards. Each year, the association intends to award up to eight scholarships in the amount of $500-$750 each in three categories to MDA members: training/first level; second/third level; fourth level and above, with the larger amount considered for riders and Morgans competing at the FEI level. Scholarships will be awarded across the categories, distributed based on qualified applicants. A...

Lexington, KY— The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Breyer Animal Creations® as the title sponsor of the 2008 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. This partnership supports the effort to continue to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports through this awards program. The Youth Sportsman’s Award recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their USEF-recognized national affiliate...

William Moyer, DVM, has been named the 2009 vice president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Moyer, of College Station, TX, will join the Executive Committee next year and then serve as AAEP president in 2011. Moyer is professor of sports medicine and head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He also serves on the board of directors of the College of Veterinary Medicine and is...

More changes are being announced for the 2009 HITS Desert Circuit, including a new entry policy. The HITS Desert Circuit will run from January 20 to March 22 with eight weeks of competition at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA. After meeting with the Thermal Advisory Committee, which consists of riders, trainers and owners who compete at the HITS Desert Circuit, one consistent theme raised by the members was the challenge that trainers and exhibitors face when attempting to enter their...

The theme for the Dressage at Devon Preview Party was "Be Part of the Magic," and a magical evening it was. The affair took place in the lovely gardens of Jane MacElree’s historic Fairy Hill estate in Newtown Square, PA. The weather was perfect, the flowers were blooming in a riot of color, and guests were treated to a stellar musical freestyle by Chris Hickey on Bugatti Hilltop. Approximately 150 supporters of Dressage at Devon were on the guest list. To boogie woogie music that was...

Rebecca Hart (John Stevenson) By Joanie Morris Hong Kong, China – The venue was lively today as the freestyles got underway in the main arena at Sha Tin. All kinds of music were showcased in two sessions. Two US riders went to task in the morning sessions on the penultimate day of competition at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Equestrian. In the Grade II Individual Freestyle, Rebecca Hart (Erie, PA) finally had the performance she knew she was capable with Norteassa at these Games. The...

Hong Kong, China – The first medals were handed out at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Hong Kong tonight, and although the US anthem wasn’t played, the Team is looking firmly to the future. They will ride their freestyle tests over the next two days and then focus on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games where they will be riding on their home turf. Barb Grassmyer kicked it off with Mibis. She put in a steady performance in the Grade III Individual Test. From Placerville, CA the...

The 42nd Annual U.S. National Arabian and Half-Arabian Championship Horse Show (U.S. Nationals) makes its debut in Tulsa, OK, at Expo Square on October 17-25, 2008. The move comes after years of the show alternating venues between Albuquerque, NM, and Louisville, KY. This year is the first of a three-year contract with the city of Tulsa that was four years in the making. Expo Square staff and leadership worked diligently with the U.S. Nationals Show Commission to provide an upgraded, functional...

A new round of major improvements focused on footing in the competition arenas has begun at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in preparation for 2008/2009 circuits including the showcase Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Footing created by Olympic provider Bart Poels that was installed in PBIEC's International and DeNemethy arenas last year will be extended to the DeNemethy warm-up ring and the Mogavero arena. Footing in Rings 7 and 8 and the arenas at the South Grounds...

Beesd, the Netherlands ­­­­­– The nineteenth edition of the World Four-in-Hand Driving Championship 2008 in Beesd, the Netherlands concluded today with a thrilling Final. The Chester Weber Celebrates Silver (Rinaldo de Craen) best four-in-hand drivers in the world showed the highest level of horsemanship and carriage driving sport in the crowded main arena in Beesd. The overall winner of the World Four-in-Hand Driving Championship 2008 is Ijsbrand Chardon. Chardon, who...