A number of factors have converged to make this a very difficult year for Kentucky’s horses. Equine overpopulation, a challenging economy and last summer’s draught are among the causes of distress that have put Kentucky’s horses in the national media spotlight. “We’ve all been disturbed by the sight of neglected and starving horses in the news, and we are determined to do something about it. We’re going to put our actions where our hearts are,” said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced that Henk van Bergen has signed on to be the featured presenter at the 2009 Succeed/USDF FEI-Level Trainers’ Conference to be held January 18-19, 2009, in Loxahatchee, FL. Each year, USDF offers a trainers’ conference to those individuals who meet the attendee criteria to learn training techniques and study with a world-class dressage trainer. Born as the son of a baker in Nijmegen, Holland, van Bergen started his career as a groom at the...

The World Games 2010 Foundation announced an official community partnership with United Way of the Bluegrass for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. As an official community partner, United Way of the Bluegrass will showcase Central Kentucky’s sense of community to thousands of visitors attending the 2010 Games by incorporating the wide scope of services into the Games’ needs, particularly in volunteer coordination and visitor needs. “United Way’s international recognition and broad...

The American Horse Council’s (AHC) 2008 National Issues Forum will be held June 15-18, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Monday, June 16 will include various committee meetings and an opening reception, with the National Issues Forum, and an awards luncheon and Congressional reception on Capitol Hill to be held on Tuesday, June 17. This year’s National Issues Forum will focus on how the horse industry and individual members can be involved in the 2008 federal...

The American Hanoverian Society (AHS) 2008 Inspection Tour itinerary includes visits to 30 sites throughout the United States and the province of Ontario. Inspection teams, consisting of members from both the AHS Mare and Stallion Committee and representatives of the German Hanoverian Verband, will make their way across the country inspecting eligible mares and stallions for inclusion in the Hanoverian breeding program, as well as registering and evaluating this year's foal crop. The annual...

The Carolina Horse Park announces the addition of a new hunter-jumper competition May 22nd-25th, 2008 to benefit the Carolina Horse Park Foundation. This year’s event will be held in Raeford, NC, at the 'Carolina Horse Park', located just minutes from the Southern Pines-Pinehurst area. The show was previously produced by Rush Management at the Pinehurst Training Track. John and Pam Rush generously donated their show date to the CHP for its use as an annual benefit horse show. The competition...

Lexington, KY - Thursday’s dressage winner Becky Holder got a run for her money early on and an assault continued on her score of 39.3 all day but no one was able to top her effort with Courageous Comet. They Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (Mike McNally) remain the only pair under 40 at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Farnam. Two points separate the top three horses as they head to the cross country phase on Saturday. The third pair to go, Heidi White and Northern...

Federation members may submit rule changes if they feel an aspect of the USEF Rulebook needs revision. According to the process set forth in GR150, the deadline for individual members to submit a rule change for consideration at the January 2009 Annual Meeting is June 1st . Proposed rule changes may be submitted through our automated online submission system, located under “Rules & Governance,” then “Rule Book,” then “Rule Change Proposal Form,” or via paper on the Official Rule Change Form,...

This year is well under way and plans for the 2008 Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) Grand National show are already in the works. "Celebracion del Paso Fino" is the theme for Nationals this year. We all gather at the shows, participate in parades and trail rides, not only to see old friends and meet new people but to celebrate this wonderful breed. It is my hope that this year and every year will be about the grace, beauty and fire of the Paso Fino. Judges for the 2008 National Show are:...

When the sixth Samsung Super League with FEI season gets under way in three weeks' time it will mark an important moment in the history of international team show jumping. Together with the world governing body for equestrian sport, the Korean multi-national has helped create something very remarkable indeed—a prestigious and gripping series that captures the imagination, commitment and enthusiasm of both competitors and spectators alike. It is the sense of personal involvement that holds...