The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) announced the results of its December 7 stallion season auction. The grand total for the fundraising effort when all seasons are totaled is estimated to be approximately $4,000,000. The live and silent auctions combined totaled approximately $3.9 million. When KEEP finalizes all of the private seasons, the total will top $4 million. “What a tremendous success for KEEP and the horse industry. I want to thank all of the stallion managers, farm managers...

Each of the American Saddlebred Registry’s (ASR) prize programs increased its payouts in 2007 over what was distributed in 2006. Additionally, state futurities were up overall with nearly $800,000 in prize money awarded this year. The most encouraging increase came in the ASR Grand National program, in which $85,025 was awarded in 2007 versus $66,300 in 2006—an increase of 28.24%. The next highest spike was 15.39% more awarded this year in the ASR sweepstakes: $199,424 paid out in 2007...

Jeff Wonnell, a lifelong consummate horseman who assisted with the introduction of the Friesian breed to the Federation, passed away on November 21, 2007, from injuries related to an accidental fall at his Branson West, MO, home. He was 86. For the past seven decades, Wonnell’s accomplishments were as a horseman, trainer, mentor, breeder and friend, each documented by countless championships and the horses he was responsible for breeding and showing. Wonnell never ceased to serve the equine...

As the year comes to a close, the United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF) is pleased to announce the 2007 Equestrians of Honor. Of these seven honorees, one will be selected as the 2007 USEF Equestrian of the Year, one of USEF’s most prestigious awards. All of the Equestrians of Honor will be recognized during the Annual Pegasus Awards Dinner at the USEF Annual Meeting on Friday, January 11. The Annual Meeting will be held January 9-13 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in...

The tally has just begun, and your votes will be an integral part of deciding which of the nation’s leading equines will be named the Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year. Merely weeks away from the 2008 USEF Annual Meeting, all heads are turning to five finalists in anticipation of which horse will be adorned with the title of Horse of the Year—one of the most prestigious awards the USEF bestows. This year’s winner will join dressage superstar Brentina (2005...

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to congratulate all of the winners of the 2007 General Member Organization (GMO) Awards, which were presented during the Board of Governor’s General Assembly at the 2007 Adequan/USDF Annual Convention at the end of November. These awards are given annually to recognize outstanding GMO newsletter and website layout and design, first person experience articles, general interest articles, and volunteers. Also included are the winners of the...

The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) Junior Exhibitor Youth Driving Challenge, funded by Elisabeth Goth Chelberg, held its finals in November during the American Royal in Kansas City. Cash prizes, trophies and ribbons were awarded to seven competitors in the Show Pleasure Driving Challenge and to two in the Fine Harness Driving Challenge. The winners are as follow: Show Pleasure Driving Challenge Place, horse, registration number, rider, owner 1st: CH Advantage Me 93840; Aliyah...

Lexington, KY ­– The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that Lizzy Chesson has been promoted to the position of Director of Show Jumping High Performance Activities. Chesson, 30, is deeply rooted in international equestrian sports. She groomed for her mother and was part of two World Championship Driving Teams in that capacity and in 1999 she was selected to drive a pair of horses in the World Pair Championship in Hungary. “Lizzy has been a great addition to the...

Lexington, KY – Plans are under way for the 2008 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Youth Convention and registration is open, but space is limited for the convention. Already, over half of the available spots have been filled for the first annual Youth Convention, which will be held January 12 in Louisville, KY. Along with the schedule, the break-out sessions have been finalized. The Youth Convention will feature many notable speakers, including experts in the equine industry as well...

Dean and Alexandra Rheinheimer, known for their production of Horse Shows by the Bay, were two of six individuals last Thursday to receive a 2007 Community Champions Award from the Traverse City, MI, Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB). Acknowledged during the 26th Annual TCVB Meeting and Reception at the Grand Traverse Resort, the Rheinheimers were given a plaque for their "uncommon vision and public spirit" in bringing an event to the Traverse City area that "advanced the economic health...