posted February 2, 2012
Parelli Fund Seeks Skilled Volunteers
Do you ever dream of building a better world for horses and humans? Do you have some spare time and business savvy? If so, the Parelli Horsemanship Fund wants you!
The Fund is seeking volunteers to walk in on the ground floor and help grow the innovative non-profit and help craft its next chapter. Under the leadership of Lori Northrup, the Fund seeks highly skilled and dedicated volunteers who are aligned with the Parelli Natural Horsemanship mission to educate the horsemen of tomorrow and affect positive change on the treatment, care and training of horses worldwide.
Accountants, tour stop volunteers, fund-raisers, marketing assistants, web masters, writers and directors for the Fund's missions like Horse Welfare, Therapeutic Horsemanship and Youth Initiatives are needed right away.
Volunteers must be available to work 5-10 hours per week from home and be able to communicate with team leads via email and phone. For descriptions of volunteer opportunities visit: http://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/parelli-horsemanship-fund-volunteer-positions or just Google "Parelli Fund Volunteers."
The Parelli Horsemanship Fund supports natural horsemanship education for kids, adults, and the equine educators of tomorrow. Through financing education, the Parelli Horsemanship Fund can empower people to make a difference for themselves and for horses and humans all over the world.
About Parelli: The Parelli method combines in-depth equine psychology and common sense communication techniques in a proven recipe for horse and rider success. It allows horse owners at all levels of experience (from trail rider to Olympic level Dressage rider) to achieve success without force, partnership without dominance and harmony without coercion. The wider goal is to help create a better world for horses and the people who love them through the non-profit Parelli Foundation. Join the Parelli movement at www.parelli.com
posted January 31, 2012
She's Back! Helen McNaught comes back strong and wins the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at HITS Thermal
Helen McNaught took coming back strong from an injury to a new level when she captured Sunday's $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard Alison Heafey's Lariccello to cap off a week of action-packed competition at the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California.
"I should break my neck more often," joked McNaught, who just two days before finished second aboard Lariccello in Friday's $25,000 SmarkPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health,. "This is my first show back after I fell off at home. The doctor told me I could ride again in January and here I am. Who would have thought I would have been back so fast."
Sunday's Grand Prix was a great sequel to Friday's class where McNaught went head-to-head with Canadian Olympian Jill Henselwood in the jump-off where she lost by less than two seconds. The two met again on Sunday, this time with McNaught edging out Henselwood by seven tenths of second to take home the blue.
"Lariccello was a five-year-old when Duncan [McFarlane] bought him in Germany and I have been riding him for more than a year now. We seem to really like each other."
McNaught of Woodside, California and Lariccello were the top team of the 24 horse-and-rider combinations that challenged Olaf Petersen, Jr.'s (Munich, Germany) first-round track and the eight teams that moved on to the jump-off.
First to challenge Petersen's eight obstacle jump-off track was Michelle Parker of San Marcos, California aboard Tula Pinnella's Xel Ha. The talented duo almost made it home fault free, but the second-to-last rail came down. They finished with four faults in 47.06 seconds and in seventh place at the end of the class.
On the very next trip, Jill Humphrey of Sacramento, California and Leone Equestrians Kaskaya set the Great American Time to Beat in 50.50 seconds after they crossed the timers clear. At the end of the class, the pair finished in the fifth spot.
Humphrey and Leone Equestrian's Kaskaya were booted from the top of the mountain one trip later when Henselwood and Brian Gingras' IV Ever, went clear in 42.86 seconds to take over the lead.
Three trips later McNaught and Lariccello made the dash for the cash coming all the way home clean in 42.16 seconds to take the lead and the $15,000 in first-place check away from Henselwood. McNaught also finished ninth aboard her own Caballo.
"We had a great week. All of our horses were phenomenal," said McNaught. "Duncan (McFarlane) was fourth with Mr. Whoopy and Caballo was tremendous and only had a time fault. Things are shaping up very well at HITS Thermal for us."
Rounding out the top five in the class was Canadian Olympian John Pearce in third place aboard Forest View Farms Chianto.
With two Grand Prix in the books, McNaught and Henselwood are on their way to qualifying for this year's Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. In addition to punching her return ticket the third-annual Pfizer Million, Henselwood also has her eyes set on qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, England.
"The horses just love it here," said Henselwood. "I always like to use Thermal for a platform for the rest of my year. There is no better place to show in the winter."
Show jumping at the HITS Desert Circuit resumes Tuesday with Desert Circuit II and most of the buzz is about Saturday night's $50,000 Strongid® C2 X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, which will be the first of four FEI World Cup Qualifiers held during the circuit.
This week, the HITS Desert Horse Park will host representatives from Pfizer Animal Health, who will be on-site all weekend to partake in the festivities. Pfizer's special guests will include a number of regional veterinarians who will be on hand at Saturday evening's Strongid® C2X Grand Prix in the HITS Indoor Arena.
Press release provided by HITS.
posted January 30, 2012
HITS Thermal's first $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix of the season makes for a two-woman duel
The top four titles from January 27th's $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, only boasted two names – Jill Henselwood of Oxford Mills, ON and Helen McNaught of San Ramon, CA who went to battle in a six-horse jump-off and traded off for top honors in the class at HITS Thermal.
Henselwood guided Brian Gingras's IV Ever to top honors and accepted the blue ribbon over the 25-horse field that challenged Olaf Petersen, Jr.'s 13-effort course. She also claimed third place aboard Gingras's George. McNaught finished second aboard Alison Heafey's Lariccello and also rounded out the top four in the irons of her own Caballo.
Faults were scattered with no one fence offering up significant trouble to riders. The course included a double combination at fence eight and a triple combination two efforts later at fence 11. Six horses went clear in the first round to advance to the jump-off. Henselwood and IV Ever were slated third in the jump-off and were the first to post a clear round in 36.977 seconds – well within the time allowed of 55 seconds. Henselwood celebrated the win, but also hinted at big plans for the coming weeks.
"I am here in Thermal with what I hope is a great plan that will land me a berth on the Canadian Team that will go to London this summer," said Henselwood. "One part of this plan is to show my horses the colors [of the jumps] that we are seeing this week."
After John Pearce and Forest View Farm & Allison's Chianto suffered elimination in the fourth go of the jump-off, Henselwood only had two remaining challengers including her own final round aboard George standing between her and a win. McNaught followed Pearce to challenge the eight-fence jump-off course with Lariccello. She posted a time of 38.551 seconds to clinch second place. Henselwood followed with a conservative final round aboard George to post a time of 40.446 seconds and pick up third place.
"Both my horses today [IV Ever and George] are owned by Brian Gingras whose daughter Elizabeth is showing in this ring later this afternoon," said Henselwood. "These horses are becoming world class Grand Prix horses here in Thermal this winter and we give special thanks to HITS and the Desert Circuit for providing a great facility for them to develop in."
McNaught and Caballo picked up four faults at the fourth fence of the second round to sit fourth and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin joined the Henselwood-McNaught duo to round out the top five aboard Prentiss Partners' Taunus.
Petersen watched the class with satisfaction and was pleased with the way his course rode. "It doesn't always happen this way, but today it happens! I got just what I wanted," he said. "In a Grand Prix class I look for having about half of the riders finish round one with four or fewer faults. Today we had 10 of 25 with this result and I am very happy."
Petersen will design Sunday's Grand Prix course and hinted at adding some more height for that class. "We have had great weather this week and beautiful footing," he said. "Today's jump-off was fast with lots of thrills. For Sunday I will build up a bit more to offer additional challenges for our riders."
Friday's Grand Prix was the first of the West Coast qualifiers for the famed Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix. Both Henselwood and McNaught are Pfizer Million veterans, making appearances in both 2010 and 2011. They are both now well on their way becoming eligible for the return of the $1 million class, scheduled for September 9 at HITS-on-the-Hudson.
Press release provided by HITS.
posted January 30, 2012
95-Day Makeover for Mustangs; Adoption in Redlands
Thirty-four horse trainers from five western states will gather at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)'s Ridgecrest Corrals on Feb. 3- 4 for the start of an intense competition to determine who among them can best train a wild mustang in 95 days. Skilled trainers will give an extreme makeover to young mustangs from the ranges of America's public lands. On May 18 and 19, each horse and trainer will then compete in Norco's (Horsetown USA) Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge.
On the first day of the challenge, Friday, May 18, trainers and their horses will be judged on how they maneuver through obstacles on trails in the hills above Norco. On Saturday they take to the streets of Norco, navigating traffic through the city and negotiating the banks and waters of the Santa Ana River before beginning the journey back to Norco's George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center. That evening, the 10 horses scoring best up to that time will participate in a free-style competition for approximately $12,500 in prize money. All competing mustangs will then be available for adoption on Sunday, May 20 by competitive bid.
(Reporters may wish to make prior arrangements to follow a local trainer from the time of pickup at the corrals to the final competition in Norco. The amazing transformation of mustang – and trainer -- will assuredly make for an interesting story or series. Here are the trainers' hometowns:
Arizona: Heber (2), Taylor; California: 29 Palms (3), Anaheim, Bloomington (2), California City, Elk Grove, Fontana, La Point, Moreno Valley, Napa, Paicines, Paso Robles (2), Perris, Riverside (2), Sebastopol, Silverado, Springville, Sun City, Sunol, Vacaville, Watsonville, Winton, Yucca Valley; Nevada: Pahrump; Oregon: Cave Junction; Utah: Tooele, West Haven)
Three burros and eight mustangs will be available for adoption at Sundance Ranch in Redlands, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 11. Sundance Ranch is located at 27273 Pilgrim Road (off San Timoteo Canyon Road).
A Friday preview runs from 1 to 5 p.m. On Saturday, BLM staff will approve adoption applications from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Approved adopters may then adopt animals on a first come, first served basis. The adoption fee of $125.00 per animal may be paid by cash, check, or credit card.
For more information about the Redlands adoption or the Bureau's Adopt-A-Horse or Burro Program, contact BLM toll free at (800) 951-8720, or visit www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.
posted January 27, 2012
Steffen Peters Sets New Grand Prix Record at World Dressage Masters Palm Beach
American Steffen Peters took a step toward defending his 2011 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach title by winning the WDM Palm Beach Nürnberger Grand Prix test with a record-shattering score of 81.383%. Not only is that a personal best result in a CDI Grand Prix for Peters and Akiko Yamazaki's 14 year old KWPN gelding, it is also the highest score ever attained in a WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix.
"I started to have the feeling I got from Ravel tonight in the last couple of weeks," said Peters after his decisive victory over the international field of 16 competitors. "I had this feeling at a show two weeks ago in California, but I had to risk it a bit more here. Ravel feels even stronger than last year and more supple. It was a blast to ride."
Finishing in second place behind Peters was Great Britain's Charlotte Dujardin riding Valegro, a ten year old KWPN gelding co-owned by Carl Hester and Roly Luard. Dujardin's score of 78.468% was nearly three points behind Peters, but it was a full five percentage points higher than the third placed pair, Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven of Sweden on Antonia Ax:son Johnson's 13 year old Rheinlander gelding Favourit, with a score of 73.255%.
The WDM Palm Beach presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach is Dujardin's North American debut. For Peters and Vilhelmson-Silfven, their placings in the Grand Prix are identical to the 2011 WDM Palm Beach on the same horses, though the scores are higher than a year ago. "I think we had so many good horses in this class," said FEI five star dressage judge Gary Rockwell, president of the ground jury.
The 2012 WDM Palm Beach Grand Prix has also set records for spectators, with well over a thousand people in the stands and at ringside VIP tables on Friday afternoon. For the first time ever, USEF Network live streamed the entire competition in High Definition not only for the web, but also for smart phones. People from all over the world - from Canada to Germany to Japan - logged in on computers and mobile devices to watch the event.
"I was really pleased with the number of spectators who came today," said Noreen O'Sullivan of Wellington Classic Dressage, which is the Official Show Producer of the WDM Palm Beach. "It's a wonderful statement about the state of our sport." A completely full Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is expected for Saturday afternoon's sold out Grand Prix Special and the evening Grand Prix Freestyle. Eight pairs from the Grand Prix, including the top three from the Grand Prix, have opted to enter the Freestyle, while the remaining eight will compete in the Grand Prix Special.
Live streaming video will continue to bring WDM Palm Beach action to fans around the world on Saturday. In addition to their broadcast at www.internationalpoloclub.com, IPC Palm Beach has created a smartphone application that will be available at the Jim Brandon Center. The application will provide live stream video of the competition, as well as up-to-the-minute information about the competitors and results. USEF Network's live streaming coverage can be found at www.usefnetwork.com. Eurosport will also broadcast a feature about the WDM Palm Beach on the February 22nd episode of Wednesday Selection.
The World Dressage Masters presented by Axel Johnson Group is the most prestigious dressage series in the world, and with €400,000 in prize money awarded at 2011 WDM events, also the richest. The field at the 2012 WDM Palm Beach represents some of the world's top ranked and most successful horses and riders.
Results WDM Palm Beach Nürnberger Grand Prix
Steffen Peters (USA) Ravel - 81.383%
Charlotte Dujardin (GBR) Valegro - 78.468%
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven (SWE) Favourit - 73.255%
Adrienne Lyle (USA) Wizard - 72.149%
Anja Plönzke (GER) Le Mont D'Or - 71.404%
5.(tie) Ashley Holzer (CAN) Breaking Dawn - 71.404%
7. Heather Blitz (USA) Paragon - 71.000%
8. Carl Hester (GBR) Wie Atlantico De Ymas - 69.979%
Full results of the WDM Palm Beach Nürnberger Grand Prix, as well as a detailed schedule of competitor times for Saturday's Grand Prix Special and the Exquis Grand Prix Freestyle can be found at www.WorldDressageMasters.com.
posted January 26, 2012
EHV-1 Virus now Totals 16
One new case in Riverside appears unrelated to 15 confirmed cases, all at one San Juan Capistrano stable.
By Kim F. Miller
The EHV-1 virus continues to crop up. The first case was confirmed on Jan. 11 and by Jan. 24, there were 16 confirmed cases, 15 of them in horses at a 350-plus horses center in Orange County’s San Juan Capistrano. On Jan. 24, a confirmed case was reported in Riverside County, but the California Department of Food and Agriculture says there appears to be no link between the two. Exhibiting hind leg uncoordination and urine dribbling, the horse in Riverside was euthanized and quarantine was imposed on that stable, too.
On Jan. 18, one of the earliest-diagnosed horses in Orange County was euthanized. The horse had a fever, swelling in his limbs and was lying down, although necropsy results made available by the CDFA several days later said it was unlikely the “recumbency” was due to the EHV-1 infection. The horse had other issues that contributed to the decision to put him down, one source reported.
The CDFA defines a confirmed case as a horse demonstrating “compatible clinical signs and a positive laboratory diagnostic test for the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1.” Horses with this strain of the EHV-1 virus are described as having Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, EHM.
As mainstream news reported the spread of the “fatal equine disease,” management and horse owners at the San Juan Capistrano facility went about the business of implementing state-mandated quarantine, isolating the confirmed cases, and taking bio security measures to prevent further spread of the virus. Owners and stable staff watched for early signs of EHM: fever, uncoordination, lying down, dribbling urine, hindquarter weakness and nasal discharge.
CDFA Department of Animal Health representative Dr. Kent Fowler spoke with approximately 100 concerned horse owners at the facility on Thurs. Jan. 19. Although some said the worst part of the outbreak was the rumors about what was going on, San Juan Capistrano area horse owners definitely faced a scary situation when the virus appeared in a horse-dense area where the affected stable is one of four large horse keeping facilities.
EHV-1 is a highly contagious virus, spread through direct contact and through airborne transmission when an infected horse sneezes or coughs. Those are the obvious methods of transmission. Less obvious methods are preventable but require all horse handlers to carefully re-think their everyday routines.
The virus, Fowler explained, can be carried in dirt on boots, people and horse clothes and tack and other equipment. The CDFA’s website has terrific tips for enacting bio security measures. These include disinfectant footbaths for use going in and out of stalls to kill any dirt-borne virus, changing clothes between working with one horse and another and not sharing tack or equipment between horses. “It’s all common sense, but it does require people to do things differently than they are used to.”
The measures would be easier to enact if all infected horses demonstrated symptoms, but that’s not the case. “It can be latent in a horse for years without any signs, although we think that is rare,” Fowler explained. That reality increases the importance of bio-security measures that can be tough to implement in a large public stable. At the very least, Dr. Fowler added, “Work with the healthy horse first, then tend to the sick horse.”
Horses are considered exposed to EHV-1 if they’ve come in contact with a confirmed case within the previous 14 days. The stable quarantine will continue for 21 days after the cessation of clinical signs of EHM in the last confirmed case. Fowler says the virus typically runs its course in 10 days.
The Orange County occurrence should hopefully be easier to contain than the EHV-1 outbreak in May of 2011, Fowler says. That’s because, at least as of press time, all the confirmed cases are located in one place. Last year, 54 California horses were exposed to the virus at a show in Utah then returned home to 14 different premises in 12 counties, greatly increasing the number of potentially exposed horses.
A bright side to last year’s outbreak was that horse owners seemed better educated and calmer this time around. “General knowledge among horse people is considerably better than it was a year ago,” said Fowler after his Jan. 18 visit to San Juan Capistrano. “But there are still a lot of misconceptions and misinformation out there, I think a lot of it based on the rumors going around.”
“Don’t buy into those,” Fowler concluded. “Go to the CDFA’s website. We are updating it daily and that’s where you’ll get the facts.”
The CDFA’s website is www.cdfa.ca.gov, and the EHV-1 udpates can be found under the Food Safety & Animal Health tab.
posted January 24, 2012
USEF Dressage Kicks off 2012 with USET/USEF pre-Olympic Games Clinics and USEF Developing Dressage Clinic
From the USEF Communications Department
Continuing with preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games, the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET) and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) kicked off 2012 with two training sessions for Dressage Olympic hopefuls. Betsy Juliano graciously opened the doors of her Havensafe Farm South to riders in Wellington, FL, January 6-8. The following weekend, Steffen Peters hosted a session for West coast riders at his Arroyo Del Mar farm in San Diego, CA. Also taking place in California, the first USEF Developing Dressage Clinic of 2012 was held at Epona Farms, owned by Michael and Linda Fowler in Thousand Oaks, CA.
The USET/USEF pre-Olympic Games clinics, made possible by a gift from Betsy Juliano to the USET Foundation, featured instruction from USEF Technical Advisor and Coach Anne Gribbons and Olympian Steffen Peters. At the Florida clinic were seven horses (six riders) including 2011 Pan American Games Team Gold and Individual Silver medalists Heather Blitz and Paragon. Over three days the combinations worked with Peters and Gribbons individually, rode the Olympic Grand Prix Special and reviewed video of the tests with Gribbons.
In California four combinations honed their skills over the two-day session. Participating in the California clinic was USEF grant recipient Kathleen Raine with her mare Breanna. Gribbons praised the pair's progress stating, "They had their best foot forward and showed a real improvement after the USEF grant supported training and show tour in Europe this fall. The mare just went to a national show and received a score of 74% in the Grand Prix Special. After working with Peters and me on day one, she went through the test on day two and proved she had earned the score from the show. Raine's home trainer, Christine Traurig, was present both days, and she has every reason to be pleased with the way her student is progressing."
Focusing on the development of the next generation of U.S. dressage talent, the USEF Developing Dressage Clinic at Epona Farms included nine horses with seven riders. Under the guidance of USEF Developing Dressage Coach, Debbie McDonald, these combinations worked to polish movements and improve training practices. Renowned U.S. dressage rider Leslie Morse presented two up-and-coming horses at the clinic, Fluer and Excalibur. Other participants included David Blake with Royal Prinz and Lord Albert, Rebecca Rigdon with Solei, Brian Hafner with Lombardo LHF, Elizabeth Ball with Avanti, Oryla Wiedoeft with Galanta, and Barbi Breen-Gurley with Vindicator. The 2012 USEF Developing Dressage Program, including these clinics with McDonald, has been made possible by a gift from USET Foundation Trustee Akiko Yamazaki/Red Husky Foundation.
The next USET/USEF pre-Olympic Games clinic will take place in February in Florida; a complete schedule is available here.
The next USEF Developing Dressage Clinic will take place in late January in Florida; a complete schedule is available here.
posted January 20, 2012
New Year Sees Birth of New Farrier Association
The American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) was launched on January 1 by ten well-known US and Canadian farriers, most of whom have been involved in governance and policy making in other farrier organizations. They see an opportunity to stimulate interest in continuing professional development for farriers by giving credentials that must eventually be maintained by attending farrier education events.
The founding members and board of directors are:
President - Jeff Ridley APF CJF TE (Leighton, Iowa)
Vice President - Dave Farley APF CF (Coshocton, Ohio)
Treasurer - Ed Reardon APF CJF (Lone Jack, Missouri)
Directors:
Roy Bloom APF CJF (Drummond, Wisconsin)
Dave Dawson APF (Uxbridge, Ontario)
Jennifer Horn APF CJF (Dafter, Michigan)
Scott Lampert APF (Lake Elmo, Minnesota)
Bob Pethick APF CJF (Califon, New Jersey)
Steve Prescott APF CJF (Hardeeville, South Carolina)
Doug Workman APF CJF (Cleveland, Georgia)
The mission statement on the association's by-laws states: The American Association of Professional Farriers will promote the integrity of the farrier industry by strengthening the knowledge and skills of its members through continuing education and support at the state, national and international levels while improving overall equine health through collaboration with other industry professionals.
The AAPF hired Bryan Quinsey, former executive director of the American Farrier's Association, to serve as its executive director. Most recently, Quinsey was a Customer Service and Marketing staff member at Farrier Product Distribution (FPD) in Shelbyville, Kentucky. The association will be headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
Regular membership in the AAPF is open to any full-time or part-time farrier or veterinarian. Associate membership is open to all other interested individuals. Horse Owners are encouraged to join at no charge.
Additional information about the AAPF can be found on their website – www.ProfessionalFarriers.com
posted January 18, 2012
Phillips and Ransehousen Named 2011 USEF Coaches of the Year
From the USEF Communications Department
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has nominated Capt. Mark Phillips and Missy Ransehousen for top coaching honors with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). With this nomination, they have been named USEF Coach and Para-Equestrian Coach of the Year.
Capt. Phillips has had a long tenure of medal winning service to the USEF. Beginning in 1993 - he has brought medals home from every championship he has coached, except for one. In 2011 his team made history. They won Pan American Team Gold with all five athletes finishing on their dressage scores. This is the first time in history this ever happened. The U.S. Team also won Individual Silver and Bronze. Even more impressively, this was a relatively inexperienced team, only one rider had represented their country previously. He has worked tirelessly on the developing rider program the results of which are now being utilized. He serves on four USEF Committees and is a top international course designer and technical delegate. His impact on the sport, both in 2011 and throughout his career has been profound and garnered him the Nomination of USEF Coach of the Year.
Missy Ransehousen has had a banner year with the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team, coaching two winning teams at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Para-Equestrian CPEDI 3* in Saugerties, NY and at the Saddlewood Festival of Dressage CPEDI 3* in Werribee, AUS. Ransehousen also coached Rebecca Hart to a Reserve Championship Individual honors at the USEF Para-Equestrian CPEDI3* and then on to a double win at the Saddlewood CPEDI3*. The Australian success was even more impressive because it was achieved entirely on borrowed horses. Ransehousen has coached four-time National Para-Equestrian Champion and Paralympian Rebecca Hart to all of her championship titles. Ransehousen's commitment to the sport is tireless, her efforts since 2000 have grown the sport considerably and she works as an advocate and fundraiser for the program as much as she works helping her riders succeed.
"Captain Phillips and Missy Ransehousen are extraordinary coaches," said James Wolf, USEF Executive Director, Sport Programs. "Both of these individual have dedicated their lives to the training of horses and riders. Their dedication, determination, integrity and work ethic make them both strong candidates for USOC Coach of the Year Honors."
Both Phillips and Ransehousen will be considered by the USOC for the National and Paralympic Coach of the Year Award that will be announced in late spring/early summer 2012.
posted January 18, 2012
SmartPak Releases Top Ten Horse Names for 2011
SmartPak, the nation's leading equine online and catalog retailer, and creator of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system, has just released the Top 10 List of the most popular horse names for 2011.
Leading this year's list is "Buddy", which regained the first-place position it owned in 2009, bouncing back from a ninth place finish in 2010. Rounding out the top three are returning champions "Jack" and "Max".
The Top 10 List is drawn from the more than 50,000 horses that are fed their supplements in SmartPaks each day. Custom-packed to meet the needs of each horse, every daily dose SmartPak is labeled with that horse's name - making feeding mistakes virtually impossible, and giving the company unique insight into naming trends among well-cared for horses.
There are no newcomers to the Top 10 List this year, as the seventh through tenth place names have each appeared in the list at least once before. However, "Rocky" and "Cody" stand out as perennial favorites, with seven appearances each since 2001, the first year supplements became available in daily dose SmartPaks.
Standouts not making the Top 10 List for 2011, but deserving recognition for their uniqueness are "Terrorizer", "Sweet Cornflake", and "Divas Wear Prada".
SmartPak's Top Ten Most Popular Horse Names for 2011:
- Buddy
- Jack
- Max
- Rocky
- Beau
- Bella
- Chance
- Blue
- Teddy
- Cody
"As riders ourselves, we look forward to the Top 10 List every year," said Colby Balazs, SmartPak's Vice President of Marketing. "It's a great feeling knowing that these are real horses that we're making a difference for every day. Plus it's always fun to see if our own horses' names made the list."
To start ordering SmartPaks for your horse (and join the Class of 2012 horse names) head to SmartPak.com or call 1-800-461-8898 today! To check out the Top 100 List, visit SmartPak.com/Top100.
posted January 16, 2012
Custom Saddlery Believes In Magic – Steffen Peters And Weltino's Magic To Be Exact!
Pan Am Gold Medal winning horse Weltino's Magic, owned by Jen Hlavacek and ridden by Steffen Peters, has a motto designed to remind people that they can achieve the highest goals they set for themselves. Magic's motto is, "I Believe In Magic," and his fans around the world have embraced the saying. The staff at Custom Saddlery, the saddle company that endorses Peters and his magical equine partner, is thrilled to embrace the magic of Peters and Weltino's Magic.
"Custom Saddlery has sponsored Steffen Peters on a variety of horses over the years. Steffen now rides predominantly in our Icon Flight Saddle and we are currently in the process of making a new saddle for Weltino's Magic. We could not ask for a higher profile or more accomplished rider then Steffen. He is a true ambassador for the sport and for Custom Saddlery. We are proud and honored to have him ride in our saddles," said Graham Newell, Professional Saddle Fitter for Custom Saddlery.
Peters and Magic showed the dressage world they were on top in 2011 when they rode away with the Team Gold and the Individual Gold Medal at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Peters and Weltino's Magic also produced the only score over 80% -- a score of 80.132 that set a new Pan-American Games record.
Newell said having Peters and Weltino's Magic as part of their team has been a great experience for Custom Saddlery, a company known for producing quality dressage, eventing and jumping saddles. "Steffen is a staunch advocate for Custom Saddlery, to the point where he will stop riding to show a new client his saddle, even insisting that they sit and ride in it," Newell said. "Steffen fell in love with our Advantage saddle and used that saddle for the Olympics. When we introduced the Icon range it was impressive to watch Steffen take delivery of the saddle on a Wednesday, ride in a CDI*** on Saturday and win! Steffen's comment was, "The saddle worked right out of the box as if I had been riding in it for years."
While Peters has a large fan base and is the reigning king of American dressage, Magic isn't far behind him. With a Facebook page of approximately 1,600 fans, Magic has a big following among children, including school kids who were taught interdisciplinary subjects such as computer skills, geography and math while following Magic's quest for the Pan American Games. "Magic's owner has a file of his student fan mail that kids have sent to him. They ask Magic questions and they give Steffen advice on how to avoid the paparazzi. And of course they draw him pictures," Newell said.
Earlier this year one of Magic's young student fans became ill with leukemia. When she went into the hospital for a kidney transplant, she took with her a Christmas card from Magic and one of his first place ribbons that he had sent her. "It was her reminder to believe in herself and her powers of healing and recovery," Newell said.
Magic is known as a laid back horse that doesn't get frustrated as he travels the world to compete. "At the USDF National Symposium, Coach Anne Gribbons said that Magic was the same horse everywhere he went. He loves people and craves their attention because he knows he can con them into giving him some treats," Newell said.
Cary Wallace, President and Master Saddle Fitter at Custom Saddlery, said that Custom enjoys its relationship with Peters and Magic. "Steffen is on board with our theory that innovations and unique designs are a result of a blending of design and craftsmanship," Wallace said. The quality and craftsmanship of Custom's saddles has had an enormous impact on the dressage world, with many of the top United States riders competing in Custom creations. At the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions, Peters wasn't the only rider competing in a Custom Saddle. Other Custom Saddlery endorsed riders at Gladstone included Heather Blitz, Tina Konyot, Kathleen Raine, Caroline Roffman, Lauren Sammis, Endel Ots and David Wightman.
For more information on Custom Saddlery, visit their website at www.mysaddle.com.
posted January 16, 2012
Shannon Peters Headlines the Upcoming California Dressage Society Annual Meeting & Symposium
By Yellow Horse Marketing for the California Dressage Society
Dressage enthusiasts from up and down the West Coast are preparing to gather in Rancho Murieta, CA for the upcoming California Dressage Society Annual Meeting and Symposium, January 20 - 22, 2012, the kickoff event for CDS' 45th anniversary year. On Friday, January 20th, the CDS Executive Board will meet to conduct the business functions of the organization, a meeting which is open to all CDS chapter chairs, members, and guests. A second full day of organizational activities is scheduled for Saturday, January 21st, including annual reports to members; round table discussions about CDS programs; live and silent auctions; veterinary lectures; and an evening dinner, dance, and awards banquet.
With the generous support of The Dressage Foundation, on Sunday, January 22nd CDS will present a live demonstration symposium from 8am to 3pm at the Murieta Equestrian Center, headlined by High Performance dressage rider Shannon Peters. Wife and business partner of famous U.S. Team member Steffen Peters, she is an accomplished Grand Prix competitor in her own right. Most recently, she partnered with Akiko Yamazaki's 15-year old Dutch Warmblood gelding "Odyssey" (by Ferro out of Gerina) to win the Grand Prix Special at this year's Del Mar and Burbank CDIs, as well as qualifying for and competing at the USEF Festival of Champions in Gladstone, NJ.
Peters' presentation during the Sunday symposium is titled "Correct Position For Horse and Rider Through the Levels". "A rider's position is so important, but it can be one of the first things we overlook in our daily training," notes Peters. "What we may not realize is the extent to which the rider's position affects the execution of movements by the horse. It's about so much more than just pretty riding - it's effective riding, and preparing our horses to perform their work correctly."
For Peters, dressage means much more than just a riding career - it's a life-long relationship with horses she cares deeply about. "I love my work and the sport, but this is more than a job for me," she explains. "I've learned over the years that competition horses are complex athletes who need more than talent and good training. They need the best care we can provide for their overall well-being; they need to feel safe and secure with their trainers and riders; and they need to feel a connection to really excel. I love my horses, and regardless of results in the show ring, for me that will always mean more than anything else."
The CDS Symposium will also include a presentation by Alfredo Hernandez on "Piaffe and Passage Introduction and Development". Originally from Jerez, Spain, Hernandez has become one of this country's leading experts in developing and schooling piaffe and passage in hand. He currently works with Steffen Peters, as well as having worked with Olympian Hilda Gurney for 20 years and High Performance West Coast competitors Jan Ebeling and Leslie Morse. Also featured in the symposium will be sport horse expert Kevin Reinig of Wilton, CA, who with wife Erika runs their own training and sales program, KEFA Performance Horses, and also manage the famous Lucchetti Ranch breeding program.
For complete information about the upcoming CDS Annual Meeting and Symposium, please visit the CDS website, www.california-dressage.org.
posted January 16, 2012
Nominations Due February 8, 2012 for the 11th Annual Equine Industry Vision Award
The deadline date for nominations for the 11th annual Equine Industry Vision Award is on or before February 8, 2012. Pfizer Animal Health sponsors the award in partnership with American Horse Publications (AHP) and developed it to recognize outstanding leadership, creativity and meritorious contributions in the equine industry.
The 2012 Equine Industry Vision Award will be presented on June 1, 2012 during the AHP Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia The award recipient is given the Equine Industry Vision Award Perpetual Trophy, created in the finest full lead crystal by master artisan Peter Wayne Yenawine and commissioned by Pfizer Animal Health. In addition to the perpetual trophy, the winner receives a smaller version of the award as a memento of this unique recognition.
Since inception in 2002, there have been many worthy nominees for the Equine Industry Vision Award. Anyone is eligible to be nominated, re-nominated, or to nominate a candidate for the Equine Industry Vision Award and nominees may include individuals and/or organizations. Candidates may be considered for a single outstanding visionary achievement or for sustained outstanding contributions that have made a profound impact on the equine industry.
At a breakfast sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health during the AHP Hoofprints in the Sand Seminar in San Diego, California, in June 2011, the 10th annual Equine Industry Vision Award was presented to Robert Cacchione for his exemplary vision to start an organization that would allow any college student to participate in horse shows, regardless of financial status or riding level. As Executive Director and Co-Founder, Cacchione is best known for his 44 years of dedication to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
In 2010, John Nicholson received the award for his vision and determination to make unimaginable dreams a reality. Best known for his work as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park and the President of the World Equestrian Games 2010 Foundation, Nicholson's leadership was pivotal in bringing the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to the United States.
In 2009, Charlotte Brailey Kneeland earned this honor for her vision to promote and certify riding instructors across the United States. Best known as the founder and director of the American Riding Instructors Association, Kneeland is a true leader who has set an exemplary standard in safety, good teaching practices and professionalism across the horse industry.
In 2008, Sally Swift (1913-2009) earned this honor for having a revolutionary impact on horseback riding worldwide in the twentieth century. Best known as the founder of the Centered Riding® method used by riders across all disciplines, Swift is a true visionary whose legendary work will continue to impact the equine world long beyond her years.
David O'Connor was selected the winner in 2007. Best known for his Olympic accomplishments and his work as president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), O'Connor is a true leader who is recognized and well respected throughout the equine world.
In 2006, Stanley F. Bergstein (1924-2011) earned this honor for his positive contributions to the Standardbred racing industry and lifetime of accomplishments. Known primarily as the Executive Vice President of Harness Tracks of America (HTA), a position he held for over four decades, Bergstein was a true leader and visionary who was recognized and respected throughout the equine world.
In 2005, the award was presented posthumously to John Ryan Gaines who passed away on February 11, 2005. Gaines was noted for his countless contributions to the horse world that continue to reach across disciplines.
In 2004, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was selected to receive this prestigious honor because of the organization's vast, positive impact on the equine experience world wide.
In 2003, Don Burt was honored as the 2nd annual Equine Industry Vision Award winner. Burt has spent over 50 years living and working as a member of the horse industry and his efforts have been felt across disciplines.
In its inaugural year, the 2002 Equine Industry Vision Award was bestowed on Alexander Mackay-Smith (1903-1998) for his broad contributions to the whole of the equine industry. Mr. Mackay-Smith's influence continues today not only in his books, but also in the organizations that he helped found and that are still flourishing.
To request a nomination ballot for the 2012 Equine Industry Vision Award, contact Christine W. Brune, Executive Director, American Horse Publications at (386) 760-7743 or email ahorsepubs@aol.com.
Nomination information is also available at the AHP website at www.americanhorsepubs.org/programs/equine_vision_award/index.asp.
All materials will be due on or before February 8, 2012.
posted January 14, 2012
Neville Bardos and Sjoerd Named 2011 Horses of the Year by the United States Equestrian Federation
From the USEF Communications Department
For the first time ever, the USEF crowned two horses with its highest honor, one from an International Discipline and one from a National Discipline. Neville Bardos and Sjoerd were named 2011 Horses of the Year at tonight's USEF annual Horse of the Year celebration. Honored for their accomplishments in 2011 their roads through the last 12 months, while both exceptional, have been very different.
Videos of all of the Horses of Honor are available here.
Neville Bardos - Eventing
He shouldn't have lived. But he did. He shouldn't have returned to his life as an event horse. But he returned better than ever. Trapped in a burning barn for 45 minutes, Neville Bardos made a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a fire that claimed the lives of six other horses at his rider Boyd Martin's barn in West Grove, PA. The now 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding won the USEF National CCI3* championship in 2009 and was 10th at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - leading the U.S. effort. But his life changed dramatically in the early hours of Memorial Day in 2011. Martin pulled him out of the burning barn to safety. Neville Bardos was left with horrific injuries due to massive amounts of smoke inhalation and the subsequent damage to his throat.
Neville, who is owned by 10 members of a syndicate bearing his name, never seemed to feel as badly as he should have and he began making a miraculous recovery. Through the help of his vet (Dr. Kevin Keane), his groom (Lindsey Taylor) and the Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center (where he visited the Hyperbaric Chamber) Neville defied the odds and made a miracle trip to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England in September. He rocketed around the cross-country course clean and fast and finished seventh at the world's toughest CCI4*.
Braver than brave, Neville Bardos' courage saw him through more than just a difficult cross country course it helped see Martin through the rebuilding of his own life. Shortly after the fire, Martin lost his father in a bicycling accident in Australia. Shortly after that Martin's wife Silva lost her father to cancer. It was a nightmare summer for the Martin's and Neville's success helped them find their way through it.
In 2011, he was also second at the Red Hills Horse Trials in the CIC3*(in March), fourth in the Advanced at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August. If Neville Bardos had lived the rest of his life in the field this story would have had a no less incredible and happy ending. But Neville was looking to make a miracle and tonight was the next chapter in that mission.
Hear the reaction to Neville Bardos's win here.
Sjoerd - Friesian
Not to be outdone by a tearjerker Sjoerd's year on the National circuit was one of insurmountable success. Xena Vimercati's stallion won and won and won. He transcended divisions, riders and classes. Anyone lining up against the striking jet black Friesian knew that to try to beat him they better bring their A game.
He was honored for his confirmation and presence in the ring and with his panache and personality he garnered fans everywhere he went. He was undefeated in 2011 in the Halter division.
Sjoerd was named World or Grand National Champion 14 times in 2011. He also added four World/Grand National Reserve Champion titles to his list.
At just six years of age, Sjoerd is beginning to build a dynasty.
He won back-to-back Shakespeare Perpetual Hi-Point Friesian Trophies and Jeff Wonnell Memorial Versatility Silver Belt Buckles continuing a streak that began in 2010. He also scored the Robin ut de Warren Memorial Perpetual Trophy, World Champion Saddle Seat Open, 19 Regional titles and 5 Reserve Championships. He won with 10 different people in 2011, demonstrating his versatility and trust. He won across the country, picking up championships in California, Colorado and Virginia. He won with multiple riders across divisions at the same show, exemplifying his ability to adapt to different styles of riding in the different classes he contested. He won Equitation, Dressage, Liberty, Walk/Trot, English Pleasure, Trail, Hunt Seat Pleasure, Saddle Seat, Western Pleasure, Junior and Amateur Classes.
As a sire, he is already beginning to prove his mettle. He is the sire of TDR Zivah the Diva who was the 2011 USEF Grand National Champion Part-bred Friesian. In 2010 and 2011 she was the Grand National Part-bred Halter Champion. Sjoerd's foals, although only yearlings and weanlings, are consistently winning top honors in the show ring. They carry his looks and his talent with them.
Hear the reaction to Sjoerd's win here.
The other four Horses of Honor are:
Starr Llight - Arabian
Starr Llight is frequently referred to as both Dynamic and a Diva. Every time the now 16-year-old Arabian mare enters the ring she rises to the occasion. With her young owner Leah Beth Boyd in the stirrups, Starr Llight ended up winning a spectacular ride-off for the coveted Open Purebred English Pleasure title at the 2011 Arabian National Championships. With that victory, Starr Llight became the winningest Purebred English Pleasure mare of all time and is only the second mare since 1988 to win the title.She is also the oldest mare, and second oldest horse overall, ever to garner the coveted prize.
Purchased by her young owner in 1999 from a dispersal sale, this mare has now won 11 National or Reserve Championship titles. Boyd and Starr Llight are the only Arabian horse/rider team to win a National Championship in the Junior exhibitor, the Amateur exhibitor, and the Open division.
CHThe Daily Lottery - Saddlebred
When it comes to the Five-Gaited division for Saddlebreds, High Hickory Farm's CHThe Daily Lottery put together an undefeated record in amateur competition in 2011. CHThe Daily Lottery scored Grand Champion titles at the UPHA/American Royal, Kentucky Fall Classic, Midwest Charity Horse Show, Bonnie Blue National, and the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show and dominated every time he set foot in the ring.
The now 8-year-old is no stranger to success with his rider Gabe Deknatel and his consistency and big motion are impossible to ignore. Trained by John and Tammie Conatser, CHThe Daily Lottery is handsome, fast and seemingly invincible.
Coral Reef Via Volo - Jumping
Though small in stature (15.3h) and nicknamed "Shrimp," Coral Reef Via Volo is a giant when it comes to jumping. With one of the world's best riders, Beezie Madden, aboard she topped the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List for much of the 2011 competition year and went on to impress the world at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. She led Team USA's Gold-medal effort, which also secured 2012 Olympic qualification. She added only one time fault through five rounds of jumping and won Individual Silver to back up the Team Gold.
In 2011, Coral Reef Ranch's Via Volo and Madden racked up numerous wins across the globe. They were on the winning team in the Nations Cup at the CSIO4* Wellington. They won the D-LINE Cup 1.60m Spruce Meadows and the Longines International Grand Prix of Rotterdam (CHIO). A recent partnership, having won their first competition together just over a year ago, the future for Coral Reef Via Volo is bright.
Weltino's Magic - Dressage
Bruce and Jen Hlavacek's Weltino's Magic was undefeated in 2011, winning with Steffen Peters at the Intermediaire I level at the Festival of the Horse CDI and the Del Mar National CDI in California before heading to CHIO Aachen and taking on the best small tour horses in the world. Together they continued their unbeaten streak in Aachen, Germany, and then returned home to sweep all three tests in the USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championships at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions in September to earn their spot on the U.S. Team for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
They continued to set a remarkably high standard at the Pan American Games and brought home Team and Individual Gold medals. 'Magic's' character comes through in his performance and he has evolved into a top contender since he was started by Peters' wife, Shannon. With Shannon he was Markel/USEF National Young in the Six-Year-Old division.
Dozens of champions were honored across the USEF's 28 Breeds and Disciplines tonight. From jumpers to hackneys, vaulting horses to parade horses, the evening recognized the best horses from 2011. The reception and the HOTY dinner were made possible by Adequan, a steadfast supporter of the USEF. For more information about our other Annual Meeting Sponsors click here.
More information about the Horses of the Year and the 2012 Annual Meeting is available here.
posted January 12, 2012
Ecogold Sponsors Horse Junkies United "Ammie Educational Grant"
Equestrian Products company ECOGOLD and Horse Junkies United have developed an exciting new educational opportunity for Adult Amateur riders. After posing the question "If someone were to put a program together to benefit ammie riders, what should it offer?" the HJU bloggers agreed that education is at the top of the list.
Thus was created the Horse Junkies United Ammie Educational Grant, presented by ECOGOLD. Available to adult amateur riders aged 25 years-old or older, the grant will cover the cost to enter a clinic, lesson with a pro or symposium.
"ECOGOLD is extremely proud to be associated with this program," said VP of Marketing Patricia Da Silva. "Adult amateur riders are at the core of the sport and we feel it is important to invest in their development and help them become better riders."
Applicants must be at least 25 years old and write an article about their journey and goals as a rider and provide details of the educational experience that they would like to attend. A winner will be picked at random, among all entries that respect the guidelines.
The educational opportunities can be in any of the three English disciplines: Hunter/Jumper, Eventing or Dressage, for an educational experience that is out of the ordinary, (not a lesson with your usual trainer).
Clinic organizers: please contact us if you have spots to fill at your event.
If you have an equestrian company, consider sponsoring an Ammie Educational Grant! Investing in the "Ammie rider" is not only a way to give back to those who support your equestrian business the most, but it is also a great investment for your marketing dollar. Email us to learn how you can get involved!
Winners also must write a report of their clinic, lesson, symposium or educational experience and email it to info@horsejunkiesunited.com within one week of the event.
The first grant will be awarded in January, 2012 for an educational opportunity taking place in February, March or April 2012. The grant will cover the entry fee or auditing fee only and will be paid directly to the event. Travel and other costs will be at the rider's expense. The deadline for submissions is January 27, 2012.
posted January 11, 2012
Long Beach High School - Peer Assisted Leadership Class Visits The Shea Center
A group of young leaders from Laguna Beach High School visited The Shea Center last Friday to experience the value of community service. The students are members of the Peer Assisted Leadership class which promotes community service and develops leadership skills.
The field trip was coordinated by Laguna Beach resident Don Crevier and estate planning attorney Mark Powell. On arrival, Executive Director Dana Butler-Moburg greeted the visitors and discussed the importance of volunteerism and giving back to the community.
After viewing a Shea Center video, staff member, Taryn Griffin, 24, connected with the group by relaying her early experiences attending Shea Center events such as the annual BBQ with family and friends.
After a pizza lunch, the students observed a riding demonstration and toured the Parr Family barn before returning to school.
posted January 5, 2012
Cross-Over Full Seat Breech Revolutionizes Comfort and Performance
The Kerrits team continues to revolutionize conventional fullseats with its latest innovation for Spring 2012: the Cross-Over Fullseat breech. Rather than layering a leather patch on top of the body fabric in the traditional fashion, Kerrits uses unique panel construction for a comfortable, more flexible feel. Flat seaming throughout adds to the breech's smooth, supple fit.
The Cross-Over fullseat panels are made of soft, flexible proprietary suede that is backed with wickable soft stretch. This environmentally friendly fabric features a distressed leather hand, maintains its grip over time, and never stretches out or loses its shape or integrity.
"Pony Suede™ conforms to your shape and offers a secure grip in the saddle," says company founder Kerri Kent. "It has the classic look of leather, but outperforms leather on every level—you can even toss this breech in the washing machine. This stretchy, forgiving material, combined with innovative panel construction, makes for a flexible fullseat breech with great movement."
The body of the Cross-Over Fullseat is designed with Kerrits popular four-way stretch woven Dynamic ExtremeTM fabric, offering stretch and support with a flattering fit. The fabric draws moisture away from skin to keep riders dry and comfortable; and is stain-resistant, machine-washable and virtually indestructible.
Although traditionally known for pull-on styling, Kerrits was inspired by Facebook and European customers to add a more tailored look to the line. With a zipper fly and double-snap closure, the Cross-Over provides that, plus a wide elastic waistband lined in plush microfiber for additional comfort. The fullseat is cut in a slimming chevron shape to elongate and flatter the figure in and out of the saddle.
Available in tonal and contrasting colorways, as well as a bootcut style.
Cross-Over Fullseat Breech
Sizes S, M, L, XL
MSRP: $119
Colors: Tan, Charcoal, Teak, Black
Ride On! About Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel:
Home-grown performance that sprouted in 1986, Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel thrives on creating innovative, functional and stylish performance apparel, uniquely designed for women who love to ride – and their horses.
posted January 3, 2012
Dressage Today and SmartPak™ Invite You to Join Their 31-Day Wellness Challenge
Beat those winter doldrums with Dressage Today's "New Year, New You Challenge: 31 days to wellness with your horse" sponsored by SmartPak™. Sign up at equisearch.com/NewYearNewYou.com to receive exclusive daily email tips during the month of January from experts on exercise, nutrition and mental health for horse and rider. Olympian Cesar Parra shares his tip on how to stay limber, while 2011 Pan American Games Medalist Heather Blitz reminds us to remain focused. Authors like Jenny Rolfe (Ride From The Heart) and Beth Glosten, MD (Ride in Balance) provide ground exercises for your horse and core awareness movements for you. You'll also receive motivational tips, healthy (and tasty) recipes, important veterinary care information and much, much more.
"Come January the holidays have passed, the weather is cold and the days are short. For many people it can be a little depressing and tough to get motivated," says Jennifer Mellace, managing editor for Dressage Today. "That's why we decided to offer our readers the 31-Day Wellness Challenge. We collaborated with top riders, nutritionists, veterinarians, sports psychologists and bloggers and have come up with 31 tips to help make this your winter of wellness. And you won't be doing this alone. The editors of DT will be joining the challenge and blogging about our experience on our "Work and Play atDressage Today" blog.
To help encourage folks to sign up and take part, SmartPak™ is offering coupons on various items throughout the month, and the magazine is offering a little something extra—a chance to be in Dressage Today. At the end of the challenge, participants can send in their stories with a photo, and the most compelling entry will be published in a future issue of Dressage Today and posted online. Just email your stories and photos to dressage.today@aimmedia.com by March 1.
To learn more about the contest and sign up to receive the daily emails, visit http://www.equisearch.com/magazines/dressage-today/newyearnewyou/. To learn more about SmartPak™, visit smartpakequine.com. And don't forget to follow the editors in their wellness journey at blogs.equisearch.com/work-and-play-at-dt.
posted January 3, 2012
Taylor Harris Represents Zone 10 in George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session
provided by LEG Up News
As the new year quickly approaches, one of Zone 10's own riders, Taylor Harris, will be lucky enough to start the year off by attending the sixth annual George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session, presented by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), and Adequan from January 3-7, 2012. Twelve extraordinary young riders throughout the United States were invited to participate in the training session. These included the North American Young Riders Individual Champion, the North American Junior Rider Individual Champion, the 2011 Randolph College/USEF National Jr. Jumper Individual Champion, the champion and reserve champion of the 2011 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals – East and West, two riders from the USHJA Emerging Athlete Program, and three Wild Card riders chosen by George Morris. Taylor Harris is from Orange County and will be the only rider from the West Coast and Zone 10 at the training session.
The training session, held this year at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, is a comprehensive program that includes not only riding sessions but also sessions covering other important aspects of horsemanship and showing such as stable management, veterinary care, and horse selection. Specific sessions are all led by experts in the field.
Taylor was studying and working hard during her finals week at UC Berkely when she received a phone call inviting her to participate in the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session. "I was thrilled to accept the invitation," Taylor says. She will be taking her favorite horse, Candilla, to the training session. Taylor has had Candilla for six years and they have developed a strong relationship showing all over the United States together.
"I love taking care of Candilla and all aspects of horsemanship in general," she says. "It is something I really miss doing when I'm at college. I'm really excited for the opportunity to study with some of the best in the business, and I think it's great that the training session emphasizes horsemanship in addition to riding. I'm particularly looking forward to meeting Olympian Beezie Madden and attending the Course Design and Farrier sessions."
Of course, she is also honored to meet and train with George Morris. She says, "I'm really interested to hear what George Morris has to say and get experience from him because he's one of the best of our time, so to have the opportunity to learn from him is absolutely amazing."
Before attending college, Taylor took a year off of school to focus solely on riding and competed in the ASPCA Maclay Finals, USEF Pessoa Finals, Washington International Horse Show Medal Finals, and the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals. Now as a sophomore at UC Berkeley majoring in economics, Taylor is working hard to balance riding and school. She applied to the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and hopes to be accepted as a business major, spend some time studying abroad, and later attend graduate school. Blending her passion for riding and for her college, Taylor also rides for the newly formed equestrian team at UC Berkeley and competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). While at school, she rides with the team's trainer, Diane Yeager, and also does some riding at Stanford's facility.
For 2012, Taylor hopes to continue balancing riding and her education, and her goal is to represent Zone 10 in the Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. With the great experience of the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session to start off 2012, Taylor will certainly be on her way to having a successful and memorable year.
posted January 3, 2012
Nominations Due February 8, 2012 for the 11th Annual Equine Industry Vision Award
SOUTH DAYTONA, FL; January 3, 2012 – The deadline date for nominations for the 11th annual Equine Industry Vision Award is on or before February 8, 2012. Pfizer Animal Health sponsors the award in partnership with American Horse Publications (AHP) and developed it to recognize outstanding leadership, creativity and meritorious contributions in the equine industry.
The 2012 Equine Industry Vision Award will be presented on June 1, 2012 during the AHP Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia The award recipient is given the Equine Industry Vision Award Perpetual Trophy, created in the finest full lead crystal by master artisan Peter Wayne Yenawine and commissioned by Pfizer Animal Health. In addition to the perpetual trophy, the winner receives a smaller version of the award as a memento of this unique recognition.
Since inception in 2002, there have been many worthy nominees for the Equine Industry Vision Award. Anyone is eligible to be nominated, re-nominated, or to nominate a candidate for the Equine Industry Vision Award and nominees may include individuals and/or organizations. Candidates may be considered for a single outstanding visionary achievement or for sustained outstanding contributions that have made a profound impact on the equine industry.
At a breakfast sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health during the AHP Hoofprints in the Sand Seminar in San Diego, California, in June 2011, the 10th annual Equine Industry Vision Award was presented to Robert Cacchione for his exemplary vision to start an organization that would allow any college student to participate in horse shows, regardless of financial status or riding level. As Executive Director and Co-Founder, Cacchione is best known for his 44 years of dedication to the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
In 2010, John Nicholson received the award for his vision and determination to make unimaginable dreams a reality. Best known for his work as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park and the President of the World Equestrian Games 2010 Foundation, Nicholson's leadership was pivotal in bringing the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to the United States.
In 2009, Charlotte Brailey Kneeland earned this honor for her vision to promote and certify riding instructors across the United States. Best known as the founder and director of the American Riding Instructors Association, Kneeland is a true leader who has set an exemplary standard in safety, good teaching practices and professionalism across the horse industry.
In 2008, Sally Swift (1913-2009) earned this honor for having a revolutionary impact on horseback riding worldwide in the twentieth century. Best known as the founder of the Centered Riding® method used by riders across all disciplines, Swift is a true visionary whose legendary work will continue to impact the equine world long beyond her years.
David O'Connor was selected the winner in 2007. Best known for his Olympic accomplishments and his work as president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), O'Connor is a true leader who is recognized and well respected throughout the equine world.
In 2006, Stanley F. Bergstein (1924-2011) earned this honor for his positive contributions to the Standardbred racing industry and lifetime of accomplishments. Known primarily as the Executive Vice President of Harness Tracks of America (HTA), a position he held for over four decades, Bergstein was a true leader and visionary who was recognized and respected throughout the equine world.
In 2005, the award was presented posthumously to John Ryan Gaines who passed away on February 11, 2005. Gaines was noted for his countless contributions to the horse world that continue to reach across disciplines.
In 2004, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was selected to receive this prestigious honor because of the organization's vast, positive impact on the equine experience world wide.
In 2003, Don Burt was honored as the 2nd annual Equine Industry Vision Award winner. Burt has spent over 50 years living and working as a member of the horse industry and his efforts have been felt across disciplines.
In its inaugural year, the 2002 Equine Industry Vision Award was bestowed on Alexander Mackay-Smith (1903-1998) for his broad contributions to the whole of the equine industry. Mr. Mackay-Smith's influence continues today not only in his books, but also in the organizations that he helped found and that are still flourishing.
To request a nomination ballot for the 2012 Equine Industry Vision Award, contact Christine W. Brune, Executive Director, American Horse Publications at (386) 760-7743 or email ahorsepubs@aol.com.
Nomination information is also available at the AHP website at http://www.americanhorsepubs.org/programs/equine_vision_award/index.asp.
All materials will be due on or before February 8, 2012.
posted December 29, 2011
Pro Equine Grooms Announces Organization Plans and Goals for 2012
Pro Equine Grooms expands its corporate partnerships, creates new awards, and seeks to help provide benefits for Grooms and the Equestrian Community in 2012
Pro Equine Grooms is pleased to announce plans for the 2012 year. Pro Equine Grooms is creating a new series of Awards for Grooms, across all disciplines, to be awarded in the fall of 2012. These awards shall honor Grooms who go above and beyond and have contributed to the improvement of the Equine Industry as a whole. Pro Equine Grooms is seeking Corporate Sponsors to help supply cash and gift awards for these deserving Grooms.
Pro Equine Grooms is also actively working towards finding solutions for Grooms who are without Health Insurance. Additionally, Pro Equine Grooms hopes to find solutions for Employers in the Equine Industry who wish to offer insurance packages to their employees.
To fund all of these goals for 2012, Pro Equine Grooms is opening the popular www.proequinegrooms.com website for corporate advertising opportunities. Please contact liv@proequinegrooms.com for a media kit.
The weekly "Best Grooming Tip" contest will continue, with prizes being supplied by wonderful Equine Industry Companies that share our mission towards bringing Grooms into the spotlight.
posted December 29, 2011
Bit of Britain Continues Chase the Challenge Across American Into 2012
With the great response from the previous year, Bit of Britain decides to carry this challenge over to the 2012 season.
In 2011 John Nunn, owner of Bit of Britain, decided upon doing a challenge for the lower levels of eventing. He thought, why do you only get rewarded when you make it big?
Thus, Chase the Challenge Across America was born. Those at Bit of Britain suspected the challenge would excite many eventers, however they weren't predicting the overwhelming, positive response from competitors across the country. Having reached and pleased so many, Nunn decided this is something that needs to continue.
"We want to continue supporting the sport of eventing, a sport which has given Bit of Britain so much," Nunn said. "We hope this challenge helps inspire people to go to more shows and try and win back-to-back at the lower levels. After all, the lower levels are where it all starts for each and every one of us."
Here's how the challenge works: For the 2012 season at recognized horse trials across the country, any horse and rider combination that wins two shows back-to-back in levels Beginner Novice through Training will win a $25 gift card and a pair of Nunn Finer Brushing Boots ($48.95 value).
This horse and rider combination may win by winning two shows back-to-back at the same level, or by winning a show at one level, and then advancing one level and winning at the next show (e.g. winning Beginner Novice and Novice or Novice and Training). If the horse and rider combination wins two shows while moving up a level, they will win an additional $10 ($35 gift card and Nunn Finer Brushing Boots).
What to do if you win two shows back-to-back? First, go online to www.useventing.com and verify that your scores are posted (amateur scoring excluded). When you've seen that your wins are posted, call up Bit of Britain at 888-442-5015 with your name and USEA number ready. Our Customer Service Representatives will verify your two wins and then send you your prizes!*
There are no strings attached! As one of the largest supporters of this sport, Bit of Britain, as always, wants to give something back to its competitors.
*Winners will only receive their prizes by calling in; Bit of Britain will not be tracking scores. Verification could take up to two (2) weeks depending on when your scores are posted on the USEA website.
posted December 29, 2011
New Edition of Standards for Equestrian Programs by CHA
The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) has released its newest edition of Standards for Equestrian Programs. This is a complete rewrite of the former Standards for Group Riding Programs produced by CHA. There are new vaulting, trail, driving, equine facility manager and instructors of riders with disabilities standards that have been added.
This manual lists standards for a safer equine environment. These standards are intended to serve as goals in order that facilities and/or individuals can develop an individualized program designed to promote safety. If you are creating your own equine program and facility from scratch or updating your existing ones, this manual can help you evaluate your own program, management and site standards to make sure you are headed in the right direction.
To order yours today – visit http://cha-ahse.org/store/categories/Books%2C_Videos_and_Posters/
The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call toll free 1-800-399-0138. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com.
posted December 29, 2011
USRider Introduces New Partners in Its Member Benefits Program
USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, providing emergency road service to its members in all 48 states as well as Canada and Alaska, is excited to announce the addition of five new companies to its Winner's Circle Advantage benefits program. The Winner's Circle Advantage benefits program offers money-saving discounts to USRider Members from nationally recognized equine retailers on items for the horse, horse trailer, rider and equine enthusiast.
American Horse® Trailer Rental, Inc. is the first national horse trailer rental company in the United States. If your trailer is being serviced or has been in an accident, or if you just need a trailer for local or long distance transportation, American Horse Trailer Rental Inc. has a trailer to suit your needs. Founded in 2010 by retired national horse trainer Gregg Miron, American Horse Trailer Rental has locations in California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Ohio and New York. For new locations, information or reservations, call (559) 381-5357 or toll-free at (855) 55HORSE. With your USRider Member number, receive a 5% discount on all horse or livestock trailer rentals. Visit their website at www.americanhorsetrailerrental.com.
HorseBooksEtc.com offers the largest selection of horse books and DVDs online. Whatever your riding discipline or level of experience, you will find HorseBooksEtc.com to be the best source for all the latest books, DVDs, calendars, and unique gift items, all offered at a special 10% discount for online orders. Visit www.HorseBooksEtc.com or call (800) 952-5813 for a catalog. USRider Members receive an additional 10% discount.
CQ Equine Gifts is a mobile and Internet tack/supply store owned by avid trail riders. Catering to trail riders and their horses, CQ Equine Gifts offers a variety of items, including handmade horse jewelry, riding apparel, saddles, fly and insect control items, grooming and cleaning supplies, and equine gifts. CQ Equine Gifts is also an approved retailer for Fuzzy Logic Equine and Shear Comfort products. USRider Members receive 10% off orders over $50. Shop and order at www.CQEquineGifts.com or call (502) 295-1405 or e-mailing Claudia@cqequinegifts.com.
Zephyr's Garden Natural Equine and Canine Products creates and produces all-natural, 100% pure topical products for horses, including award-winning salves and aloe vera-based sprays, gels, and oils to treat conditions such as sweet itch, rain rot, scratches, thrush, white line disease, sore muscles and ligaments, wounds, bug bites, and hoof growth issues. Zephyr's also has a natural fly repellent that is perfect for use on the trail, in the barn, or at the show. USRider members receive a 10% discount on their first online purchase. To order visit www.ZephyrsGarden.com or call (805) 969-7059.
HayRak™ is the first all-aluminum, bolt-on (no welding required), top-mounting hayrack system that utilizes a flexible design to fit virtually every make of horse trailer for transporting hay, generators, water tanks, or whatever you need to transport. HayRak finally lets you use every part of your trailer, not just the inside! HayRak's design is so unique, its patent is pending. All HayRaks come standard with tilt-out ladder. A 5% discount is available to all USRider Members. Visit www.hayrak.com or call toll-free at (866) 926-1117 for more information.
USRider membership includes standard features such as flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, plus towing up to 100 miles or roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals, and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.
posted December 23, 2011
Purina® Announces Senior Horse Tales Online Contest
Senior Horse Owners Share Their Stories for a Chance to Win One Ton of Purina® Equine Senior® Horse Feed
Senior horses and ponies often leave special stories and memories in the hearts of their owners. Purina is giving these senior horse owners the opportunity to share their stories with other horse enthusiasts across the nation as they announce the return of the Purina(R) Senior Horse Tales Contest online at www.activestill.com.
"Each year Purina is fortunate to hear stories about senior horses and ponies from people across the country," said Chris Goodwin, marketing manager, Land O'Lakes Purina Feed. "Heartfelt, funny or adventurous -- these stories illustrate the strong bond between senior horses and their owners. These relationships have often been formed over a lifetime and we're proud -- through our love of feeding animals -- to have been a part of these tales."
Horse enthusiasts can enter their memorable, one-of-a-kind senior horse tale online at www.activestill.com. Entrants are encouraged to include a photo of their senior horse and mention how Purina(R) Equine Senior(R) horse feed has played a role in their story.
"Purina Horse Feed is proud of the investment in nutrition research we've made to help horses live longer, healthier lives through good nutrition," said Goodwin. "We understand the connection our customers have with their horses. We're looking forward to the stories we'll receive in the contest this year and hope to hear touching stories like these for years to come."
Equine lovers will have until April 18, 2012, to enter their senior horse tale. The three winners will win their choice of a ton of free Purina® Equine Senior® or Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed.
Purina recently introduced new Equine Senior(R) Active Healthy Edge® horse feed. Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed now joins the original Equine Senior® horse feed formula as one of two trusted nutritional choices for feeding aging horses.
While the original Purina® Equine Senior® horse feed remains the industry gold standard in senior horse health and nutrition, Purina is proud to announce the addition of new Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® horse feed to their family of feed products.
The new Equine Senior® Active Healthy Edge® feed is formulated for the aging horse that can still consume and digest forage and benefit from the calorically-dense formula to support their active lifestyle. The original Purina® Equine Senior® horse feed is formulated for horses with compromised dentition and/or digestion and has the proper levels of roughage and fiber built in to meet the needs of these horses.
For more information on the Purina® Senior Horse Tales Contest, both Purina® Equine Senior® horse feed formulas, or Purina® Senior Horse Tales Contest official rules, log on to www.activestill.com. A complete list of prize winners will be available on the site by May 9, 2012.
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