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posted December 21, 2011
"War Horse" Gallops into Movie Theaters and Onto Its Own EquiSearch Blog
First there was a book. Then there was a book and a play. Then there was a book and a play and a film.
Now there is a book and a play and a film and a blog.
When Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" opens in theaters over the Christmas holidays, it will have the support of a media-rich online resource based not in Hollywood but deep in the horse world. EquiSearch.com and the AIM Equine Network are launching "War Horse News," a blog by Fran Jurga that will serve as an education and social media hub for the soon-to-be-released "War Horse" film from Dreamworks Pictures. The blog can be accessed at www.warhorseblog.com.
"War Horse News" supplies moviegoers, history buffs, and horse lovers with a stream of news and media over the two-month launch period of the film, and ties in details about the play and book that enrich the understanding of the role of horses in war and the emerging "War Horse" culture.
The film, which follows a British horse's struggle to survive at the front during World War I, will light up theaters in the United States beginning on Christmas Day, December 25; it opens in Great Britain two weeks later.
Fran Jurga, a freelance writer and editor, anticipated the public's interest in the film and welcomes the challenge of writing the "War Horse" blog. She currently writes two award-winning blogs: The Jurga Report on EquiSearch for EQUUS Magazine and The Hoof Blog, for her own Hoofcare Publishing. Jurga has been following "War Horse" since it opened on the stage in London in October 2007.
"War Horse News" will not divulge any of the critical plot nuances of "War Horse," but it will fill in many gaps that the film creates in a viewer's awareness of how horses were used in World War I, and why more than one million are believed to have died. Working with the publicity departments for Dreamworks Pictures in the US and Great Britain, War Horse News will also feature news about the stars of the film and have many behind-the-scenes enrichment details on how some scenes were created, and about the equine actors who perform so believably in the film.
"The central story of 'War Horse' is not what happens in the war at all," Jurga said. "The story is that some humans can be moved to acts of kindness towards a horse, even when they are in the midst of the most devastating and degrading circumstances in their own lives."
The movie begins with the horse's birth in the beautiful countryside of rural England and the devotion of a young boy to the horse. As the film progresses, the horse is sold to the British cavalry when World War I begins. The horse's military role changes, and horsemen will be interested to see how the professional trainers were able to teach the horses to "act" as if they were actually charging in formation, struggling to pull a heavy load, or limp from an injury.
"We are excited to provide our visitors with some really rich information about not only the film 'War Horse,' but also the history and culture behind the movie, the play and the book," said Kate Light, content manger of EquiSearch.com. "EquiSearch is an incredibly deep resource for horse lovers, so it just makes sense that such an in-depth blog would have a home on our site."
"War Horse News" will be the center of a social media hub connecting readers to news about "War Horse." The following social media links will support "War Horse News":
Twitter: Follow @warhorsenews
Facebook: Like www.facebook.com/warhorsenews
Google Plus: Search for and circle the War Horse News page.
RSS Feed: please subscribe to the feed from the blog.
You can find the "War Horse News" blog at www.warhorseblog.com
posted December 20, 2011
USEF Announces SmartPak Equine as
Presenting Sponsor of USEF Network
From the USEF Communications Department
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) welcomes SmartPak Equine as the presenting sponsor of USEF Network, the Federation's multi-media platform featuring live and on-demand video, news, photography, competition information and select coverage from shows and events across the country.
"We are positively thrilled to be partnering with U.S. Equestrian Federation to help grow the already successful USEF Network," said Colby Balazs, SmartPak Vice President of Marketing. "The USEF Network has quickly become America's destination for high definition coverage of the nation's biggest equestrian events."
USEF Chief Executive Officer John Long said, "We couldn't be more excited to have SmartPak as the sponsor of USEF Network. This goes well with their position as the official tack and equipment supplier to our Federation. SmartPak products are recognized for their quality across all disciplines, making their sponsorship of the USEF Network a perfect fit."
Since it's inception in August 2010, more than 2 million visitors have viewed more than 7 million USEF Network pages and nearly 2 million video plays.
"The Network is truly the only one-stop shop to watch equestrian sports across all of the major disciplines 24/7," Balazs said. "Whereas you used to have to buy a plane ticket and travel the world to see all of these events, the USEF Network brings you all of the action right to the comfort of your own home."
In addition, the Network represents the next evolution of social media in the equestrian space, Balazs added. "As a company with more than 170,000 Facebook Fans, we recognize the importance of building a strong equestrian community and are proud to partner with USEF on this extraordinary endeavor," she said.
About SmartPak Equine:
Founded in 1999, SmartPak Equine is the country's largest online and catalog retailer serving the needs of the active and engaged horse owner. The patented SmartPak supplement feeding system has simplified the process of feeding horse supplements and medications, making it easier for thousands of
riders to keep their horses healthier by ensuring their supplements are being fed correctly. SmartPak's diverse and expansive product offering includes its own line of supplements, tack, and horse blankets as well as an extensive selection of leading brands of equine health, apparel, tack, and equipment. A seven-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, SmartPak is the only equine company ever named to the Inc 500 list. SmartPak's customer service has received an 'Excellent' rating from STELLAService, a leading independent reviewer. In 2011, SmartPak was awarded the Bizrate Circle of Excellence Platinum Award. SmartPak is backed by Waltham, MA-based North Bridge Growth Equity.
For more information, visit SmartPak's website at http://www.SmartPakEquine.com.
Follow SmartPak on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SmartPakEquine.
posted December 19, 2011
Breyer® Announces WAR HORSE Holiday Give-Away
Breyer Is Giving Away 100 Models of WAR HORSE's Joey with Michael Morpurgo's Novel on Christmas Day!
Breyer Animal Creations® will be making the holidays merrier with a special holiday WAR HORSE promotion! Breyer will be giving away 100 special edition models of the horse hero of WAR HORSE, Joey, along with Michael Morpurgo's novel. This special free holiday offer features a unique model of which only 100 pieces will be made. Each model will include the inscription WAR HORSE Joey on the belly in gold.
To enter, please visit www.BreyerHorses.com. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. On Saturday, December 24, 2011, one hundred (100) winners plus a stand-by list will be selected. Winners will be contact by December 25, 2011 via email. Please see BreyerHorses.com for complete contest rules and regulations!
The official release of the Breyer portrait model of WAR HORSE's Joey and Michael Morpurgo's novel will be in January 2012 at your favorite Breyer retailer.
Breyer, founded in 1950, is a division of Reeves International. Breyer is renowned for its realistic and authentic model horses and accessories for play and display. Breyer is especially well-known for its "portrait models," models of real horse champions and legends. To learn more, visit www.reevesintl.com and www.breyerhorses.com.
posted December 19, 2011
The U.S. Para-Equestrian Team Records Third CPEDI3* Victory of the Year in Record Fashion
From the USEF Communications Department
The U.S. Para-Equestrian Team continued to make strides in qualifying for the 2012 Paralympic Games by winning Team Gold at the 2011 Melbourne CPEDI3* held in conjunction with the Saddle World Dressage Festival. The U.S. was represented by Donna Ponessa, Becca Hart, Erin Alberda, and Mary Jordan all riding borrowed horses at the competition held December 8-11 at the National Equestrian Centre in Werribee, Victoria. The team win came in spectacular fashion as the four riders earned the highest overall team score that the U.S. has ever produced. Australia place second with New Zealand and Japan placing third and fourth, respectively.
The winning was not limited to the team competition - U.S. riders finished no lower than second in any of the tests they rode. In Grade 1a competition, Ponessa (New Windsor, NY) produced three winning efforts riding Miike Setsuko's Don Armani to scores of 70.588%, 69.5% and 68.5% in the Team Test, Individual Test and Freestyle, respectively. Alberda of Woodinville, WA, also had a clean sweep of her Grade III division tests scoring 66.913% in the Team Test, 65.556% for the Individual Test and earning a 71.5% Freestyle score with Adele Plumbridge's Southern Cross Tamaris. Grade IV rider, Jordan (Wells, ME) produced second-place efforts in the Team Test, Individual Test and Freestyle riding Elainie Castiellini's Northern Charmer to scores of 64.271%, 65.161% and 68%, respectively.
Hart of Unionville, PA, had winning rides in the two Grade II tests she contested with Plumbridge's Southern Cross Tamaris. However, severe weather including driving rain and hurricane force winds led to the cancellation of the Freestyle on Sunday for this division. In the Team Test, Hart earned a 69.048% and improved upon that mark the following day earning 69.365% for Saturday's Individual Test.
The four riders demonstrated the increasing strength and depth of the para-equestrian program in the U.S. by producing solid results with unfamiliar horses. All the U.S. riders and their connections are extremely grateful to the Australian owners that graciously supplied horses for this competition.
The U.S. is steadily marching towards their qualification to compete in London having scored three team wins in 2011. The win in Australia comes on the heels of another Team USA victory at the CPEDI3* in Mexico City in November. They were also the winners of the Saugerties CPEDI3* in September, a competition that was held alongside the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships.
Two more chances to gain qualification will be held stateside in January 2012. Twenty horse-and-rider combinations will have the opportunity to contest CPEDI3*s in Wellington, FL, January 19-22 at the Gold Coast Opener and January 26-19 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. The second competition will be held in conjunction with the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5*.
To find out more about the Wellington CPEDI3*s and the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5* visit: http://www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com/.
To learn more about the 2011 Saddle World Dressage Festival visit: http://www.equestrianvictoriaevents.com.au/DF/.
posted December 19, 2011
Molly Sweeney Named Recipient of
The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award
by Brian Sosby
Known as a visionary with an incredible passion for horses and learning, Molly Sweeney, of Hockley, TX, has been chosen as the 2011 recipient of The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award for her local- and national-level volunteer work for over two decades in the equine assisted activities and therapies (EAA/T) field.
Sweeney recognized the importance of professional research to support the results from EAA/T. To that end, she gathered like-minded individuals with the intent to create a plan to promote research. It was under her leadership and dedication that the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) was born. As a 501(c)3 non-profit, HHRF offers grants for scientific research on the therapeutic relationship between horses and humans.
"We are most pleased that Molly Sweeney has been selected to receive the Humanitarian Award for 2011 for her dedication and tireless work with equine assisted activities and therapies, and her leadership in establishing the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF)," said Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of The EQUUS Foundation. "HHRF's work on validating the influence of horses on human health will transform the value and purpose of equines in our culture."
As a result of support from this internationally recognized foundation, controlled, rigorous research is now published in peer review journals. Sweeney recognized early on that all EAA/T progress would hinge on learning the facts, versus relying on anecdotal input. The EAA/T field could not move forward without developing evidence-informed practices through the highest levels of published scientific research. She was one of the first to recognize that until rigorous research was established, many things would be held back, including fundraising, third-party reimbursement, development of best practices, community acceptance, and mainstreaming EAA/T into its rightful place in society.
In short, Sweeney is an advocate for promoting EAA/T and is devoted to sharing with others the best way to support our horses through healing and training. Her sincere and tireless efforts to ignite interest in rigorously developed research which will positively impact equines and humans together has improved the industry, and her selfless dedication is the essence of her receiving The 2011 EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award.
The 2011 EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award will be presented to Sweeney during the annual Pegasus Awards - the year's much anticipated gala - on Saturday, January 14, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza.
For more information regarding the 2012 USEF Annual Meeting visit http://www.usef.org/convention/.
posted December 19, 2011
Downunder Horsemanship and Ritchie Industries Team Up in 2012 to Help Non-profit Equine Organizations
As the feature sponsor of the Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour, Ritchie Industries is again partnering with Downunder Horsemanship for the third year in a row to help non-profit equine organizations raise money for their individual causes. At each Walkabout Tour stop, a local organization with equine connections is selected to run the Ritchie Charity Ball Toss. Throughout the two-day event, spectators purchase tennis balls from the non-profit organization for $5, and on Sunday afternoon toss them into the arena trying to be the closest to a pre-determined marker. Those closest to the marker receive Clinton's instructional DVDs and Downunder Horsemanship training tools. All money raised goes straight to the non-profit organization.
Clinton sees the ball toss as a way to give back to the communities he visits and the charity event has become a fan-favorite at tours. "The ball toss is something I love partnering with Ritchie to bring to the crowd. It's a great way to help local organizations raise funds they need to continue to make a difference in their communities," Clinton says.
Organizations chosen to head up the Ritchie Charity Ball Toss in the past have included equine rescues, therapeutic riding centers for children, adults and military personnel, and 4-H groups. Thanks to tour spectators' generosity and Ritchie's willingness to support the event and often match the monies raised dollar for dollar, the ball toss has earned hundreds of thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations around the country.
"This weekend was one of those amazing events that demonstrates how powerful an act of kindness is, and what happens when you send it forward," Rebecca McManus of Leg Up Therapeutic Riding Center, a past organization chosen to run the Ritchie Charity Ball Toss, said after the event. "Leg Up wishes to thank Clinton Anderson, the Downunder Horsemanship organization and Ritchie Industries for creating a fundraising event that supports local equine communities. We were honored to be selected for this fundraising activity and were humbled by the generosity of all the people at that event."
Organizations interested in running a Ritchie Charity Ball Toss at a Walkabout Tour need to fill out an application on the Downunder Horsemanship website http://www.downunderhorsemanship.com/events/tour_charity.cfm for consideration.
The Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour will be making six nationwide stops in 2012:
January 28-29 – Reaves Arena at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry, GA
March 24-25 – Ford Truck Arena at the Tulsa Expo Square, Tulsa, OK
June 16-17 – Jacobson Exhibition Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA
August 4-5 – Save Mart Center at Fresno State University, Fresno, CA
September 8-9 – Majestic Valley Arena, Kalispell, MT
October 27-28 – George Henderson Expo Center, Lufkin, TX
For more information about Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tours, visit http://www.downunderhorsemanship.com/events/events_tour.cfm.
posted December 16, 2011
USEF Announces Wofford, Arnold to Receive Year's Highest Equestrian Awards at the 2012 Pegasus Awards
by Brian Sosby
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is proud to announce the names of five equestrians who have been selected to receive the year's most coveted awards. Presented by the USEF, the Lifetime Achievement Award, Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the Pegasus Medals of Honor will be presented during the Pegasus Awards gala on Saturday, January 14, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Additionally, the Equestrian of the Year Award will be announced at the Pegasus Awards. More information about that is available here.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Virginia's James "Jim" Wofford, 67, is a legend in his sport of Eventing. A decorated athlete, Wofford has helped shape an industry as a trainer, clinician, author, and administrator. His lifelong involvement with equestrian sports and his incredible list of accomplishments have secured his place in history.
Following in his father's footsteps (Col. John W. Wofford was a founding member and first President of the U.S. Equestrian Team, and a member of the 1932 Olympic Show Jumping Team), Wofford served as President of the American Horse Shows Association; First Vice-President of the United States Equestrian Team, and Secretary of the United States Combined Training Associations (USCTA, now United States Eventing Association - USEA). His resume boasts several other administrative commitments and committee service.
But his influence as an athlete was also profound. Between 1959 and 1986, Wofford's successes included a berth on the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Teams aboard Kilkenny, winning a Team Silver medal both times. He was also named to the 1980 Olympic Team, and he won Individual Silver at the 'Alternate Olympics' that year. In 1970, aboard Kilkenny, the pair won Individual Bronze at the World Championships in Punchestown, Ireland. In 1978, he was part of the Bronze-medal winning team with Carawich at the World Championships in Kentucky. A five-time U.S. National Champion, Wofford won on five different horses. He also won Team Gold at the 1967 Winnipeg Pan American Games. Near the end of his competitive career, Wofford won two titles at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (with Carawich in 1981 and The Optimist in 1986 when he came out of retirement to compete the horse for his student and fellow Olympian Karen O'Connor). He has gone onto to become one of the most respected trainers in the sport and there are few riders competing today who have not been influenced by Wofford.
Junior Equestrian of the Year
Jacob Arnold has embraced the sport of combined driving with maturity beyond his years and has quickly become a young force with which to be reckoned. From the age of eight, Arnold immediately took to the sport - one that traditionally boasts an older demographic. Today, he is already producing top results and represents an exciting future for his sport.
He started his combined driving competition career driving the family's Morgan mare, Spring Hollow Dark Shadow, in the Training Level Single Horse division, when he was 14. He progressed through the ranks to the FEI level in February 2010, two weeks after turning 17. One year later, he won his first Single Horse CAI (International Combined Driving competition) two weeks after turning 18 at the CAI-B Little Everglades International CDE at in Dade City, FL. He has had a meteoric rise in a sport that takes decades to master.
Arnold spent part of the past summer in Europe gaining valuable experience while competing at the CAIO in Hungary and serving as groom at the World Pony Championships in Slovenia. Through the USEF/USET training sessions, he has been afforded instruction from some of the world's top drivers. His hard work and determination has earned him an invitation to compete at the Arctic Equestrian Games International Single Driving Challenge in Oslo, Norway, in February 2012. USEF Driving Coach Michael Freund described Arnold's Cones driving as "unbelievable," adding, "You won't hear me say that very often."
Continuing in his pursuit of excellence, Arnold is now working toward his goal of being a member of the U.S. Team for the FEI World Singles Driving Championship in 2012.
Pegasus Medals of Honor
The Pegasus Medal of Honor was created as an annual award to recognize individuals who have exhibited outstanding service to horses and the sport of Equestrian. These dedicated individuals have engaged more people in their passion for horses through their work in the industry. There are three special recipients of this year's honors.
Pennsylvania's Raymond Francis has left his mark on the hunter world as a trainer, judge, and exhibitor. As the owner of Offington Stables, not only has he coached top hunters and equitation riders, but he has produced some of the top hunter breeding horses over the last four decades. His successes have included many champions at the Devon Horse Show and in the USEF Horse of the Year Hunter Breeding divisions. Both an inductee of the Hunter Hall of Fame and recipient of the Pennsylvania Horse Show Association Lifetime Achievement Award, he also received the National Professional Horseman's Association's Frank Hawkings Lifetime Achievement Award.
With more than a quarter of a century as a trainer and breeder of the Andalusian/Lusitano breed, California's Nancy Nathanson has served as a highly respected multi-breed show secretary. Her resume includes serving in that capacity at driving competitions, Paso Fino, Andalusian, and Friesian shows (she was a show secretary nine times for the International Friesian Show Horse Association World Championships). Her most recent post has been as the Executive Director of the International Friesian Show Horse Association and she is an advisory member of the USEF Friesian Committee.
For six generations, horses have been an important part of Marvin McCabe's family. Marvin himself has been actively showing horses since age 12. Today, at 70, he shows little sign of slowing down as he continues to breed, train and show his beloved Shetland Ponies. It is through much of his work that the Shetland made its affiliation with the USEF. As the owner/trainer of American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) Congress Champion ponies, he takes special pride in his road pony, Masters Jet Star, a Hall of Fame inductee and "Pony of the Year" for two years - a record. His work as a judge and show manager adds to his list of accomplishments, including his dedication to the importance of safety.
For more information regarding the 2012 USEF Annual Meeting visit http://www.usef.org/convention/.
posted December 16, 2011
FindAJudge.com: The New Network Room is Live!
Who hasn't been to a show and heard the sentence, "I do not agree with the judging." How do shows pick their judges? Word of mouth? Now the Internet has made it so instant information is available 24/7. Why not the way he managers find new judges or show staff? Welcome www.FINDAJUDGE.com. The Online Directory of Horse Show Staff.
Managers, we love the "old boys" but let's face it they're getting... Now you have the resource to interview new people in the comfort of your own home. WithFindAJudge.com you can relax, learn their history with horses, training, and about their experience, from the comfort of your own office computer.
Tired of your email box filling up with people looking to work for you, when their emails do not give you enough information to make an educated decision? AtFindAJudge.com you can research easily on your computer, at your convenience. Being a member, you even have the Network Room that allows you to post a job, providing attraction marketing at its best, and you can control how people contact you. The revolution is on and this tool hands it to you on your computer.
FindAJudge.com is a membership based community to maintain the integrity and security of its purpose, to facilitate the connection of managers with judges and staff to run a nice Horse Show. Right now, there's a program for managers to get a FREE trial membership, so they can see if this service is a fit for them. Contact Jenny@FindAJudge.com.
Judges and Show Staff wouldn't you like to have your name in front of all the managers? This service is for big and small shows, all disciplines and types of shows are included. Membership fees have be lowered to allow everyone to benefit from this resource. Go join www.FINDAJUDGE.com today, and enjoy the Internet explosion.
posted December 16, 2011
Helen Woodward Equine Hospital Adds High Tech MRI to List of Services
The Equine Hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center today added high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI to its lineup of state-of-the art services available to Southern California's equine community. The new service is offered in partnership with MREquine and Equine Surgical Services and is a mobile MRI suite that will be available at Helen Woodward Equine Hospital on an as-needed basis. This is the first time this state-of-the-art technology has been available in San Diego.
Today Taro, a 9-year-old Grand Prix jumper, who has been lame for more than a year due to an injury to his ankle joints, became the first Helen Woodward Equine Hospital patient to undergo the high field MRI procedure. He was anesthetized to limit movement and spent nearly two hours in the MRI suite being scanned. The hospital also held an open house today, inviting veterinary community to see the MRI imaging suite in person and to meet technicians and doctors from MREquine as well as the team at the Equine Hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center.
"This is really exciting," said Christen Hanley, Director of the Equine Hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center. "This is the new up and coming diagnostic tool for horses. We have wanted to offer high field MRI services for a long time and MR Equine has made it possible for us to do it without having to purchase several million dollars worth of equipment. This is a fantastic service to be able to offer our clients."
Until now low field standing MRIs (.2 Teslas) have been the only option available for horses in San Diego County. The imaging available through MREquine utilizes a high field (1.5 Tesla) image similar to the standard MRI used in human hospitals. The high field MRI has a much greater imaging area than low field imaging, offering the most definitive bone and soft tissue examination and images available.
The new MRI technology will be especially valuable to the elite equine athletes the Equine Hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center treats as an accurate diagnosis is the key to an effective treatment plan, and a faster recovery.
The Equine Hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center provides high-quality veterinary care for the health and welfare of the community horse population and is equipped to perform a wide variety of medical procedures and services such as Colic surgery, dental repair, endoscopy, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, fracture surgery, recovery pool with overhead sling, wellness exams and 24 hour nursing care. For more information on the Equine Hospital at Helen Woodward Animal Center, visit www.animalcenter.org or call 858-756-4117 x 325. To learn more about MREquine, visit www.MREquine.com.
posted December 16, 2011
AHC Opposes Proposed Changes to Child Labor Rules on Farms
The American Horse Council (AHC) has opposed the Department of Labor's (DOL) proposed new child labor regulations applicable to agriculture. The proposed rule, if adopted, would place new limitations on the ability of young people to work for pay on farms or ranches not owned solely by their parents and would effectively bar workers under 16 from working in most capacities in agriculture, especially around livestock, such as horses.
"The safety of young workers is important, but these proposed rules are so broad they would keep most young people from working on horse farms and ranches at all," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "For over 70 years Congress has explicitly allowed young people to work in agricultural because of its unique and family nature. We believe, as written, this proposed rule is contrary to Congressional intent."
In comments submitted to the DOL the AHC focused on the parts of the proposed rule that it believes are overly broad, such as prohibitions on workers under 16 herding livestock on horseback or foot in confined spaces and engaging in most common animal husbandry practices. The AHC also highlighted the special role young people play in the horse community and raised concerns regarding new limitations on the parental exemption that could impact family farms and ranches. The complete AHC comments can be found on the AHC's website here.
"Members of the horse community do not employ young people simply because they need workers. In most instances, they employ young people to give them the same opportunities they had to learn and do something they love," said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass. "Young people don't go to work on horse farms and ranches only for a pay check, but because of a desire to learn about and be around horses and to follow the traditions of their families. This experience often leads to later careers as veterinarians, horse trainers, breeders and farriers or other agricultural pursuits. This proposed rule would deny most young people such an experience. "
The AHC urged the DOL to revisit the proposed rule after reviewing comments from the agricultural community and either retain existing regulations, or propose a rule that recognizes the original Congressional intent that youth be able to productively work in agriculture with adequate protections.
"This proposed rule is not acceptable to the agricultural community. Right now a bipartisan group of Senators and Congressmen are asking the DOL to withdraw this rule and start over or keep existing regulations," said Hickey. "We support their efforts and urge all members of the horse community to contact their members of Congress and let them know they oppose this DOL proposed rule."
Link to full article on AHC website
posted December 16, 2011
WIHS Silent Auction Holiday Edition is Now Open for Bidding
Online auction offers fabulous, one-of-a-kind and equestrian-themed holiday gifts
Looking for that perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself)? The Washington International Horse Show silent auction is offering a wonderful selection of fun, one-of-a-kind and equestrian-themed items for the holidays. How about a private riding lesson with Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward or a weekend getaway at the Blackthorne Inn in Upperville, Va., with two polo lessons and a special dinner at the Fox’s Den Tavern? And for the non-equestrian on your list, who wouldn’t love tickets to NBC’s Saturday Night Live, or the ultimate father/son getaway at the Otesaga Hotel & Resort, golf at Leatherstocking Golf Course and a private tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.
For one week only, Dec. 13-20, these and a dozen other specially selected items are available for your bid in the WIHS Silent Auction Holiday Edition, an online auction allowing you to join in the fun and place bids from your computer or smart phone at home, at the barn, at work or anywhere you have Internet access.
Items range from thrilling opportunities to meet and ride, drive or play golf with equestrian celebrities, including Chester Weber, Mario Deslauriers and Nick Roldan as well as Ward, to great getaway packages with a private tour of the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian, to the perfectly practical like a photo session with James Leslie Parker, a year’s worth of Pedigree dog food or custom boots from Vogel, to the exotic like Dark Dining at Camaje Bistro in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.
The auction ends Tues, Dec. 20, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern. Buy-it-now options are available for all items. Visit the WIHS Facebook page for auction activity updates, including new items. WIHS Silent Auction Holiday Edition
About Washington International Horse Show, http://www.wihs.org/
WIHS is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show with leading horses and riders competing in show jumping, hunter and equitation events. Highlights include the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix (World Cup Qualifier), Puissance (high jump) and the WIHS Equitation Finals for the top national junior riders. Exhibitions, shopping and community events round out this family-friendly show. The 54th Annual Washington International Horse Show will take place Oct. 23-28, 2012 at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
posted December 15, 2011
USEF Announces the 2011 Equestrian of the Year Nominees; Voting Is Now Open!
From the USEF Communications Department
Voting is now open for the coveted 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year, which, following decades of tradition comes at the end of the 2011 competition year and is announced when the horse world meets at the United States Equestrian Federation's annual Pegasus Awards celebration in January.
Known as the USEF Equestrians of Honor, eight stars of equestrian sport-across breed and discipline -each recently received a unique competitive trophy. These honors will be presented during the celebrated Pegasus Awards on January 14 at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.
But now it is time to pick just one of these Equestrians of Honor to win the distinguished grand prize: the 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Here are the nominees, and the distinctive honors they have achieved:
Steffen Peters •
San Diego, CA •
Dressage
The William C. Steinkraus Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing, or show jumping.
Steffen Peters continues to forge his place in equestrian history. Not only did he break records all year with Weltino's Magic and culminated an undefeated season with a double Gold medal-winning effort at the Pan American Games - he also scored the World Dressage Masters - Palm Beach title with Ravel. He led Team USA to a sweep of all the medals at the 2011 Pan American Games, after winning in California, Germany and New Jersey with Weltino's Magic. He was undefeated with the horse and broke the 80% mark. He took on the best small tour horses in the world at CHIO Aachen in Germany and left them all in his wake. Peters won two Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage National Championships in 2011 - scoring again with Weltino's Magic at the Intermediaire I level and Ravel - in the Grand Prix. He won all six classes at Gladstone over that weekend. Ravel won eight of 11 classes he contested in 2011, he was undefeated in the U.S. and was never out of the top five at CHIO Aachen, including a second-place finish in the Freestyle.
Peters is the past recipient of the William C. Steinkraus Trophy in both 2008 and 2009.
Chester Weber •
Ocala, FL • Combined Driving
The Becky Grand Hart Trophy is presented to international-level non-Olympic athletes.
Four-in-Hand driver Chester Weber won on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean in 2011 as he developed a new pair of horses to help lead his team. He began his season in Florida scoring at Sunshine State, Little Everglades and Live Oak International. He then took his team to Europe and won at CAIO Veces, CAI Altenfelden and CAIO Riesenbeck. He was the Reserve USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Champion in 2011 and rounded out the year with a win at Katydid in Aiken, SC.
With his considerable experience and expertise, Weber stepped into the role of Chef d'Equipe and served in this capacity for the U.S. drivers in their Bronze-medal win at the World Pony Team Championships in Slovenia. He also commandeered the 10th-place U.S. Team finish at the FEI World Pair Championship, where he again served as chef. He is a member of the USEF Board of Directors and is an 'r' driving judge. Weber won the Becky Hart Trophy in 2008.
Karen Waldron • Shawsville, VA •
Saddlebred / Hackney / Friesian
The Bill Robinson Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing with horses or ponies across all the breeds in harness or for driving performance in non-international competitions.
It's quite the accomplishment to win World Championships within a breed, but when you make this kind of mark across a wide array of breeds, it takes things to an entirely different level. In 2011, Karen Waldron prevailed in both the Hackney and Friesian divisions.
With her Hackney ponies and horses, Waldron dominated the Amateur Ladies Harness and Hackney Pony World Championships at the prestigious Kentucky State Fair's World's Championship Horse Show. Turning her hand to Friesians, she also earned the 2011 IFSHA Friesian World and Grand National Championships in Carriage Pleasure Driving-Concours D'Elegance, Carriage Pleasure Driving-Working Pairs, and Carriage Driving-Turnout Pairs.
Scott Stewart • Flemington, NJ • Hunter
The Emerson Burr Trophy is presented to a rider in the hunter divisions in any breed over fences.
The words "Leading Hunter Rider" are synonymous with the name Scott Stewart who won consistently with the elegant riding style that has garnered him championship titles for decades. He was the leading hunter rider at the Devon Horse Show and Alltech National Horse Show in 2011. He picked up various Champion and Reserve Champion honors at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, WCHR Palm Beach, Devon, Upperville, Bluegrass Festival, and the Hampton Classic.
He has produced scores of hunters who have excelled with him, as well as in the amateur and junior ranks. His eye for a horse and ability to diversify them is second to none. He was named the Show Hunter Horseman of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse, Stewart's style, both in and out of the ring, hasn't gone unnoticed. He won the Emerson Burr Trophy in 2003 and then again in 2007 and 2008.
Debbie Foley • Louisville, KY • Saddlebred
The C.J. "June" Cronan Trophy is presented to those excelling in under saddle show breeds.
The Saddlebred world has been influenced by Debbie Foley who has been an institution at the top since 1977. She has trained more than 100 World Champion title winners in a variety of divisions and she has ridden or driven 65 of those champions to victory herself.
In 2011, she continued her influence by training and showing Callaway's Annabel Allison to the Five-Gaited Mare World Champion title. Under Foley's expertise, Callaway's The Best and Brightest earned the Ladies Five-Gaited Mare World Championship, and Just Plain George won the World's Championship Three-Year-Old Five-Gaited Stallion/Gelding class.
Her influence on the industry is extraordinary, which matches the quality of horses she produces.
Janice Giles • Pleasureville, KY • Friesian / Saddlebred
The Barbara Worth Oakford Trophy is presented to an equestrian showing in a non-reining Western discipline.
A disciple of the great Helen Crabtree, Janice Giles has had success exhibiting a diverse group of horses and breeds. She has found her role as trainer to be the one in which she succeeds the most. She and her students won across the nation in 2011.
Giles introduced the lovely Friesian Victor FC to the show ring and he was crowned the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) National Champion Western Pleasure Open, National Champion Junior Western Pleasure, and World Champion Open Western Pleasure. Her work with Victor FC has paved the way for the Friesian to gain popularity in the Western discipline.
Steven Stiller • Elkhorn, W • Andalusian / Lusitano / Friesian
The Norman K. Dunn Trophy is presented to the equestrian competing at halter or in-hand.
Steven Stiller has already produced a myriad of top results throughout his career to stand among the top professionals in the sport. Over the past five years, this Adult Amateur has amassed showing successes numbering in the hundreds.
The word "domination" aptly defines Stiller's performance at-halter during the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships in 2011. In two days of competition, Stiller collected five World Champion, two National Champion, six Reserve World Champion, two Reserve National Champion, and 10 Top Five Champion titles across a wide array of at-halter classes.
Danielle Barrasso • Chicopee, MA • Arabian / Friesian
The Vaughan Smith Trophy is presented to the best rider of any horse or pony breed shown in hunter pleasure, show hack, hunter hack, dressage hack, costume, side saddle, or Western dressage.
Danielle Barrasso has spent her life with horses and her success in 2011 comes as no surprise. This past year saw her hard work pay off with her stallion, Steffen S, winning World Champion, Dressage Sport Horse Friesian Stallion. Not to be outdone, with her Friesian, Renaissance, she won three World Championships (Western Dressage, Western Pleasure, and Driving Costume).
Her successes in 2011 continued with the Friesian gelding, Hilbrand fan Fjildisaht. She won another World Championship in Hunter Pleasure Open and a National Championship in Hunter Pleasure Open. Aboard Klaas fan Synadea, she won three more World Championships and continued to show her diversity, taking the top honors in: Dressage Hack Open, Show Hack Open, and Fantasy Costume Open, plus two National Championships (Dressage Hack Open and Show Hack Open).
Also a breeder and active member in the horse community - Barrasso actively volunteers on show committees for several associations and clubs.
Voting is Now Open!
One of these eight award-winners will be honored as the overall 2011 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Now, it is up to you - USEF members, designated equestrian media and the USEF Board of Directors - to decide who will receive the top tribute for 2011.
Simply visit http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/eoty/Default.aspx and type in your USEF membership number to access the voting portal. Voting will end at Midnight [ET] on Monday, January 2, 2012.
For more information regarding the Equestrian of the Year program or any of the eight Equestrians of Honor, contact Trisha Watkins, USEF Awards Manager, at 859.225.6944 or tlwatkins@usef.org.
posted December 15, 2011
USEF Announces the 2011 USEF Horse of the Year Candidates; Voting Is Now Open!
From the USEF Communications Department
To reach the highest level of excellence in equestrian sport takes talent, perseverance, a tremendous spirit and often, unwavering courage. In 2011, six horses have shown the world those qualities and more. And on January 13, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will bestow two of them with the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, the highest honor the USEF awards a horse. This year - a change from years past - both a national and international horse will win.
The six champions have earned their place on the elite list as USEF Horses of Honor, and each will be recognized at the USEF Horse of the Year Awards gala and dinner in January - part of the USEF Annual Meeting - at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, OH.
It will be up to you to choose the two special horses, selecting from a range of talents and from across the Federation's breeds and disciplines. Your vote will help determine the champions that join the pantheon of past winners including reining horse Gunners Special Nite (2010); dressage horse Ravel (2009); driving horse Jamaica (2008); eventer Theodore O'Connor (2007); show jumper Authentic (2006); and dressage horse Brentina (2005).
The 2011 National Horses of Honor are:
Sjoerd (Tsjalke 397 x Anne G) •
2005 Friesian Stallion • Owner: Xena Vimercati
In the Friesian breed, there are few horses that can boast as impressive a track record as Sjoerd. In his young six years, the stallion has amassed 38 Lifetime World/Grand Champion National Champion titles and has earned more career points than any other Friesian in the history of the International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA). It comes as no surprise that Sjoerd is the only one of his breed to have twice been named the United States Equestrian Federation's (USEF) Friesian Horse of the Year.
In 2011, Sjoerd earned 14 World/Grand National Champion titles and four World/Grand National Reserve honors. In addition, the stallion was undefeated for the year in halter. While his first foal crops are only yearlings and weanlings, they are winning top honors in the show arena, demonstrating Sjoerd's strength as a breeding stallion as well.
Starr Llight (Reign On x Charm Eta) • 1996 Arabian Mar • Owner: Leah Beth Boyd
"Dynamic and a Diva" are the perfect words to describe this 15-year-old mare. With the young Leah Beth Boyd in the stirrups Starr Llight ended up on top after the ride-off for the prestigious Open Purebred English Pleasure title on Saturday night at the 2011 Arabian National Championships. In doing so, the mare became the most winning Purebred English Pleasure mare of all time and only the second mare since 1988 to win the prestigious title. At age 15, she was also the oldest mare, and second oldest horse overall, ever to garner the coveted award.
Purchased by her young owner in 1999 from a dispersal sale, this mare has gone on to win 11 National or Reserve Championship titles. The pair is the only Arabian horse/rider team to ever win a National Championship in the Junior exhibitor, the Amateur exhibitor, and the Open division.
CHThe Daily Lottery (Sultan's Great Day x Callaway's Lady Lottery) • 2004 American Saddlebred Gelding •
Owner: High Hickory Farm
When it comes to the Five-Gaited division for Saddlebreds, CHThe Daily Lottery was a jackpot payout in 2011 with an undefeated record among amateur competitors. From the string of 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, this impressive chestnut gelding dominated the scene like no other.
In fact, this has been the case well beyond this year's competition calendar, as the 7-year-old has long been outperforming his competition in the show ring with his rider, Gabe Deknatel. Trained by John and Tammie Conatser, CHThe Daily Lottery is handsome, fast, beautifully big motioned - and seemingly invincible.
The 2011 International Horses of Honor are:
Coral Reef Via Volo (Clinton x Run Away) •
1998 Belgian Warmblood Mare •
Owner: Coral Reef Ranch
Though small in stature (15.3h) and nicknamed "Shrimp," Coral Reef Via Volo is a giant when it comes to jumping. With Beezie Madden, 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 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). Having won their first competition together only a year ago, this new partnership has proved an incredible one so far.
Neville Bardos (Mahayaa x Zambia) • 1999 Australian Thoroughbred Gelding • Owner: Neville Bardos Syndicate
2011 marked a year of tragedy for eventing rider Boyd Martin. He lost six horses in a horrific barn fire on Memorial Day but was able to save five. One of those saved was Neville Bardos. The failed Australian racehorse was trapped in the fire for nearly 45 minutes before Martin was able to pull him out. Neville suffered burns and severe smoke inhalation that required extensive rehabilitation. The prognosis was grim, but he fought through it and defied every odd. He made a miraculous recovery to return to competition two months later. Martin lost his father and father-in-law over the summer and he set a big goal for Neville to try to get him through the tragedy.
Neville and Martin went on to not only compete in the CCI4* at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials - but they placed seventh out of 81 entries in September. He jumped only one of nine double-clear cross-country rounds over arguably the world's toughest cross-country track.
Weltino's Magic (Weltino x Diva) • 2002 Westphalian Gelding • Owner: Dr. Jen Hlavacek
Weltino's Magic and Steffen Peters were undefeated in 2011, winning 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. 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 Pan American Games.
They 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. Started by Peters' wife, Shannon, together they were the reserve champions in the Markel/USEF National Young in the Six-Year-Old division. Peters took the reins in 2009.
Voting Is Now Open!
Two of these six exceptional horses will be honored as the overall 2011 USEF Horse of the Year, a mark of distinction that will last a lifetime. Now, it is up to you to decide who will receive the top tribute in 2011.
Simply visit http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/hoty/Default.aspx and type in your email address to access the voting portal. Voting will end at Midnight [ET] on Monday, January 2, 2012.
For more information regarding the Equestrian of the Year program or any of the six Horses of Honor, contact Trisha Watkins, USEF Awards Manager, at 859.225.6944 or tlwatkins@usef.org.
posted December 15, 2011
Triple Crown Nutrition - New pelleted option for popular beet pulp-based feeds is formulated for horses of all ages
Triple Crown TLC means tender loving care for your horse's lifetime. This innovative formula uses a combination of fiber ingredients with a nutrient profile that can be used for horses of any age in a convenient pelleted form.
"Our product line has been dominated by beet pulp based feeds, so our goal was to provide similar nutrition to our popular Senior, Complete and Growth feeds in a pelleted version," says Eric Haydt, vice president of sales and marketing. "In the continuing effort to listen to our customers, we formulated TLC to provide another feeding option for both our existing customers and those who like the concept of Triple Crown feeds but wanted to feed a pellet."
TLC allows horse owners the flexibility to feed most every horse the same diet and the high fiber will help when hay is short or lacking in quality. The basic guarantees are 12.5% protein, 8% fat and 18% fiber, but like our other Triple Crown feeds, we guarantee 21 additional nutrients and all the technology found in our Equimix® package.
For more information, visit us at www.triplecrownfeed.com or call at 800-267-7198.
posted December 14, 2011
Courtney King Dye Medical Fund eBay Store Now Live
Olympian Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury In March 2010 Accident
The popular helmet awareness campaign, Riders4Helmets, is pleased to announce that an eBay store to raise funds for 2008 US Olympian Courtney King-Dye's Medical Fund is now open. The store will operate for one week only and all proceeds will be donated to the King-Dye Medical Fund. King-Dye suffered a traumatic brain injury in March 2010 following an accident while riding without a helmet, and is now an avid supporter of the Riders4Helmets campaign, having been vocal in support of helmet wearing since the accident. A moving video of the Olympian opened the 2nd Riders4Helmets Safety Symposium held this past July at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY. The video which is available at www.youtube.com/riders4helmets has received over 40,000 views to date.
While King-Dye does have medical insurance, her out-of-pocket medical expenses since her accident have been substantial. King-Dye requires over 200 sessions of Physical and Occupational Therapy annually and her insurance only covers 60 of these visits leaving her to find a way to pay for the remainder. While King-Dye is extremely appreciative of the support that she has received to date, she faces a long journey on the road to recovery, and every dollar counts.
Items that are available in the store include: a half-day photography session with award winning photographer Sharon Packer (HorseSportsPhoto.com), one certificate for a GPA helmet, SUCCEED Digestive Conditioning Program, Riders4Helmets logo wear, a Smartpak Harwich padded dressage bridle, an autographed King-Dye saddle pad, 40 bags of Purina Ultium horse feed, a Laura Clark Curtis Design Studio Hampton necklace, a Nutrition Consultation with Clair Thunes PhD (Summit Equine Nutrition), "Piaffe Revealed" DVD set donated by Riz Ilyad, "Big Trot" vase by Beverly Zimmer donated by www.backinthesaddle.com and Pottery by Courtney King-Dye. To make a purchase from the eBay store, please visit http://stores.ebay.com/CourtneyKingDyeMedicalFund.
"Thank you so much for continuing to support me through all this time. It's been a year and a half since my accident, and I'm looking at years more of necessary therapies" said King-Dye. "I have big goals which I can only achieve with continued therapy, which is only made possible through the incredible support of people like you. I can't thank you enough, and I try to give what I can back to the community that gives so much to me. Thank you."
The goal of the Riders4Helmets Campaign is to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitted and secured, certified helmet. For further information please visit www.riders4helmets.com. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets and http://twitter.com/riders4helmets.
posted December 14, 2011
A New Point Increment System Highlights the USHJA Annual Meeting
It's just one of the many successful outcomes during this year's meeting in The Big Easy.
After decades of discussion, debate and consternation, the current increment system—the way points are calculated when a horse places in a class at a rated competition—was successfully revamped.
"It's something that's not happened in our lifetimes," noted United States Hunter Jumper Association President Bill Moroney with a smile. "This is a massive change. The beauty of this system is how easily it's understood. This rule change had unanimous support, too; it's what the sport wants."
A record number of 362 attendees gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana, December 5-8 for the seventh annual USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. There they discussed a number of issues, including standardizing zone children's and adult specifications and a national children's/adult jumper championship, a new amateur definition, accident and return to play, jumper prize money, participation fees for jumper classes of $25,000 or more and points versus money won, to name a few.
Most of the approved rule changes will become effective December 1, 2012, after receiving the stamp of approval during the United States Equestrian Federation Annual Meeting, January 14-18.
In a nutshell, the new increment system provides a base number of points for each placing, depending on the show's rating, and then awards the horse one additional point for each horse in the class. Section champions will be awarded 2x the total first place point value of the first class in that section. Reserve champions will receive 1.2x. The national increment system also extends to the International Hunter Derby classes and Hunter Classics while National Hunter Derby points are zone points only.
"It's the best way to give credit for the number of horses competing rather than grouping them as was done before," said Moroney. "I must commend the Affiliates Council for proposing this change and [USHJA Board of Directors members] Shelley Campf and Geoff Teall for their hard work. It's a fair and balanced solution."
The increment system change was a byproduct of the ongoing debate over calculating zone and national Horse of the Year awards (HOTY) through points versus money-won in the professional sections.
After a year of research and discussion by various USHJA committees (while the professional sections calculated HOTY by money-won for the first time in 2010-11), a new rule change was proposed that would establish two HOTY awards, one based on points and the other based on money won. The USEF leadership is supportive of this proposal, and the two organizations are working through the progress of its implementation.
Another major topic centered around a proposal initiated in 2010 by the USEF but taken on by the USHJA that seeks to standardize zone specifications for the C-rated children's and adult divisions across the country. Currently, each of the 12 zones set specifications for these divisions, and these specs vary from zone to zone, which has in the past created some challenges and points issues for riders competing outside their home zones.
After the rule changes were studied and tweaked this year in committee meetings and zone retreats, their new versions still didn't receive support and were mostly disapproved at the committee levels.
Similarly, a proposed National Children's and Adult Jumper Championship for 2012 was also tabled for further discussion and development. USHJA leaders plan to develop a Task Force to work out the details for this team-type championship in time for a 2013 debut.
Safety was also a prevalent theme during the meeting, and the USHJA Board of Directors passed several rule changes addressing the welfare of riders, including the accident and return to competition proposal.
A proposed expansion of GR1317, known as the "return to play" rule, further stipulates when a rider who loses consciousness or suffers a concussion may return to the show ring. After a lively debate in the General Rule Change Forum and in the final Board of Directors meeting, the rule was approved as submitted by the USEF Safety Committee.
Over the past decade, the mandatory use of ASTM/SEI-approved helmets has slowly become more common in the hunter/jumper world, and one more inroad was made at this meeting when an amendment to GR801.2 was approved: All persons at USEF-licensed shows must wear an approved helmet while mounted anywhere on the competition grounds.
The word "amateur" was once again a popular one throughout the week as the USHJA Amateur Committee and Owners Task Force celebrated a milestone with a major revision to the USEF definition of an amateur. After their proposal last year drew attention at the USEF Annual Meeting, President David O'Connor appointed a Task Force of members from the various breeds and disciplines to rewrite the definitions of an amateur and a professional.
The resulting GR1306 is now on its way to the USEF Annual Meeting where USHJA Amateur Committee Chairman Tracey Weinberg is confident it will pass.
"While this endeavor started at the USHJA committee level three years ago, it's because of the importance of the issue, which is defining an amateur, that it's taken a village to get it where it is today," said Weinberg. "With David sensing the need and urgency as well as the members of the Task Force and USEF's [General Counsel] Sonja Keating, we feel the challenges of this rule have been met. Jointly, we feel this rule is solid and is something the Federation can put forward as an enforceable rule."
Moroney was also thrilled with the number of National Jumper Committee members who attended the meeting and who were on-hand to hear his presentation on restructuring the USHJA governance to better serve the jumper and hunter constituents.
"I'm pleased that so many more members came and got involved with the process, wanted to learn about the process and understood it," he said. "People came and actually said what was on their minds. It was refreshing to see the door open for everyone. People were saying what they thought, and sometimes it didn't come out as well as we would have liked, but it helps us moving forward and we all learn what we can do better."
The award presentation featured honorees included: Jane Dow-Burt as Volunteer of the Year; Diana Dodge and Gegi Winslett as Lifetime Achievement Award winners; Marcia Bobek as the Amateur Sportsmanship Award winner; Helen Lenahan as the Owner's Legacy Award winner; Jacob Pope as the Youth Sportsman's Award winner; Taylor Harding as the Young Horseman's Award winner; George Heston and Brenda Outwater as the Vital Staff Award winners; and Dianne Johnson and Kit Sydnor as the winners of the Jane Marshall Dillon Award.
This year, two hunter riders reached the half-million-dollar level since the USHJA began tracking the total money earned in 2005. To mark this milestone, Amerigo presented each winner with a saddle. They included: Kelley Farmer ($501,220) and Scott Stewart ($532,740).
The USHJA thanks its many sponsors for making the Annual Meeting a success, including: Mississippi Gulf Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau; Texas High Performance Series presented by GSEC, Pin Oak Charity Horse Show and Spring Gathering; Goetz Insurors; Gulf Coast Classic Company; Sheila and Britton Sanderford; FarmVet; the USEF; the USHJA Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Dennehy, Diane Carney and Greg Franklin.
Complete coverage of the USHJA Annual Meeting will be published in the February 2012 issue of USHJA In Stride. Rule changes can be found here http://www.ushja.org/programs/rules/rules_default.aspx.
posted December 14, 2011
Is Your Horse Lame?
Equine caregivers know all too well, identifying and treating lameness in horses can be a frustrating and expensive process.
Equine Guelph's new Lameness Lab online tool, sponsored by Pfizer Equine Division, will help you learn about lameness through interactive activities.
"We think that a visual approach to lameness will greatly help horse caregivers better understand the basics of lameness and how to recognize the signs or symptoms in their horse," says Dr. Cathy Rae, equine Technical Services veterinarian for Pfizer Animal Health. "This understanding should help them detect lameness earlier as well as guide them in knowing when to call their veterinarian."
The Lameness Lab will allow horse owners to discover the causes and factors contributing to increased risk. You will learn about the body tissues involved and how to tell if your horse is lame. Plus, see videos of lame horses; test your knowledge and find out how a veterinarian detects lameness.
This online tool features video commentary by Dr. Nicola Cribb, assistant professor and equine surgeon at the University of Guelph, and Dr. Ken Armstrong, equine veterinarian and partner of Halton Equine Veterinary Services.
"I am pleased to help out with the 'working with the vet' section of the online tool," says Armstrong. "In the videos, I explain to horse owners a typical process that vets go through from lameness assessment to diagnosis. Because it's a team effort between the vet and the owner, it's important for owners to understand what the vet is doing and why."
To check out this tool, go to Equine Guelph's 'Toolbox' at www.EquineGuelph.ca and click on Lameness Lab.
posted December 7, 2011
West Coast Riders Debut Their Future Dressage Stars at the Adequan/USDF Symposium
from DressageDaily.com
If the horses on display at the Adequan/USDF Symposium in Del Mar, CA, were any indication, American dressage looks to have a very bright future. Presenters and national coaches Anne Gribbons, Scott Hassler, Debbie McDonald and Jeremy Steinberg were all thrilled with the up-and-coming talent coming through the pipeline, and Gribbons, the U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor, even went so far as to call one of them — Steffen Peters' Sundance 8 — a serious contender for the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. "The Olympics is a little too soon," she quipped. Jan Ebeling, of Moorpark, CA, left his high performance talented mares at home and brought out Breitan, a 6-year-old chestnut Hanoverian stallion owned by Beth Meyer. "It was his first time away," said Ebeling, who was pleased with the horse's composure in the often-electric Del Mar Arena. "He was so calm and focused. I couldn't be happier."
Ebeling, who purchased Breitan (by Breitling W out of Carrera) from longtime trainer Wolfram Wittig, raves about the horse's presence and gaits, particularly the canter. He'll show him at Third and Fourth Level, and hopes to finish up the season at Prix St. Georges. "This was a fantastic opportunity for everybody involved," he said. "It was great for the audience, and all the presenters handled it really well."
Another 6-year-old on display was Leslie Morse's own Oldenburg gelding King's Excalibur, whose looks and movement reminded many in the crowd of his sire, Kingston. "He's young and strong," said Morse with a laugh.
Shannon Peters, whose Grand Prix partner Odyssey was retired after the National Dressage Championships at Gladstone, had nothing but praise for her new prospect: Sir Gregory, a 6-year-old Sir Donnerhall stallion owned by Jennifer and Armin Arnoldt of Dreamscape Farm in British Columbia. "I've only had him for two months," said Peters, "but he's the nicest, kindest stallion I have ever been around. He has a terrific work ethic, and always wants everyone's attention in the barn. And he has the gaits to match his stellar personality." Peters hasn't yet decided on her show plans. "We're going to see how the next couple of months go, training-wise."
Shannon's husband, Steffen, had a busy two days at the Symposium. In addition to a beautifully performed Freestyle demonstration with Ravel and a well-attended training session with Weltino's Magic, his Gold Medal-winning Pan Am Games partner, he rode Sundance 8, a 7-year-old, 17.3-hand Hanoverian gelding owned by Margaret K. Koerner of Cambridge, MA. Shannon reports that Steffen will show the flashy chestnut (by Shakespeare in Love out of Daylight) in the small tour this season.
David Blake, a trainer at Shannon and Steffen's Arroyo Del Mar in San Diego, showed off the latest addition to his barn: Royal Prinz, a 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion by Royal Diamond. Now 17.3 hands, the horse came in as a sales prospect before being purchased for Blake by Teresa and Willard Simmons of Alabama. "It's like a fairy tale," said Blake's wife and business partner, Andrea, who added that David will compete the horse at Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I.
Part-time California resident Adrienne Lyle, who also had a training session with Peggy Thomas's 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding Wizard (whom Gribbons called "a truly international horse"), introduced 6-year-old Accolade to the national scene. Peggy Thomas has owned the Dutch mare, a half-sister to Brentina, since she was two, and imported the horse to the U.S. in August 2010. "She's still really green for her age," said Lyle. "She hadn't done a lot." Next up for Lyle: She, Debbie McDonald and the rest of the River Grove Farm team will head to Florida with four horses in early January for the show season.
posted December 7, 2011
ASPCA Calls for Permanent Ban on Horse Slaughter
American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act would prevent transport of
horses to slaughter for human consumption
Following the passage of the 2012 Agricultural Appropriations bill, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is urging support of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HR 2966/S 1176), which would stop the inhumane killing of American horses for human consumption by banning it in the U.S. and prohibiting the transport of horses across U.S. borders for slaughter in other countries. The passage of this critical legislation would end the current export and slaughter of approximately 100,000 American horses each year.
Since 2005, the appropriations bill has included language that prevents money from being used for USDA inspections at horse slaughterhouses. This year, Congress lifted the ban on funding horse meat inspections, thus allowing tax dollars to be used for inspections at slaughterhouses.
"Using tax dollars to fund this grisly business is a wildly unpopular decision and has fueled the fire for a complete ban on horse slaughter," said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. "We stand with the large group of bipartisan leaders on Capitol Hill who have already declared that they will be pressing for accountability and recorded votes on this issue. We applaud Representatives Jim Moran (D-Va.), Dan Burton (R-Ind.) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Senators Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) who are eager to bring an end to the cruelties of horse slaughter."
While the language in the appropriations bill protected American communities from the horrors of horse slaughter plants, it did not prevent horses from going to slaughter because thousands of horses are purchased at auctions and then sent over U.S. borders for this purpose every year. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act would not only ban horse slaughter in the U.S., but would also ban the export of horses to Canada and Mexico for slaughter.
"The majority of Americans are opposed to horse slaughter, and there is no domestic demand for horsemeat," said Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La. "Considering that the cost of humane euthanasia for a horse is equal to the cost of approximately one month's care, it is inconceivable to me that a horse owner could not afford to put down a sick, injured or unwanted animal humanely. This fight is long from over. I plan to continue to working with my colleagues in Congress and other advocates to end this inhumane and controversial practice once and for all."
Horse slaughter is inherently inhumane and the methods used to kill horses rarely result in quick, painless deaths, as they often endure repeated stuns or blows and sometimes remain conscious during their slaughter and dismemberment. "Furthermore, if horse slaughter inspections resume, American taxpayers will have to shell out $5 million a year for a product no Americans want," added Perry.
The passage of this the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act is a priority for the ASPCA and several other animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and equine groups. The ASPCA has an extensive history of equine protection around the country and continues to assist domestic and wild horses through legislation, advocacy, targeted grants and enforcement of the carriage horse and cruelty laws in New York City. Animal advocates should contact their federal legislators to press for passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act by visiting www.aspca.org/AHSPA.
posted December 1, 2011
Dr. Robert Miller Wins 2012 Western Horseman Award
Recognized internationally as one of the foremost authorities on equine behavior, Dr. Robert Miller has been named recipient of the 2012 Western Horseman Award. This year, the award will be presented at the 2012 Road to the Horse International event, where Pat and Craig Cameron as Team USA will take on Team Canada and Team Australia in the World Championship of Colt Starting.
Dr. Miller's extensive knowledge and natural perspective on the horse-human relationship is directly aligned with the Parelli principles. Parelli and Dr. Miller have had a long relationship in understanding horses. In fact, Dr. Robert Miller's Early Learning DVD on imprinting with foals is available to purchase in the Parelli web shop.
Come out to Road to the Horse to watch Pat and see Dr. Miller get this prestigious award. Tickets are available now (click here). Click here to read more about Dr. Miller and the 2012 Western Horseman Award.
posted December 1, 2011
Change In Results Announced
For The Galway Downs
International Three-Day Event
The organizers of the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event regret to announce a change in the final results. Barbara Crabo and Over Easy, who placed first in the CCI1* with steeplechase, have been disqualified from the event.
The new winner of the CCI1* with steeplechase is Andrea Baxter on Indy 500. All other finishers in this division have moved up one place, and ribbons, prize money and prizes will be redistributed.
Federation Equestre Internationale officials disqualified Crabo and Over Easy after reviewing the results sent to them by the Galway Downs staff. FEI rules require that all horses must be 6 years old to participate in a CCI, but Over Easy is 5. Crabo did not in any way misrepresent Over Easy's age before or during the event.
"We're very sorry about this misunderstanding of the FEI's rule regarding horses' minimum age. Barb and Over Easy had a fabulous weekend, and we're looking forward to seeing them at the next Galway Downs event," said organizer Robert Kellerhouse.
For more information on the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event, visit www.galwaydowns.com or call 951-303-0405. To learn more about eventing, visit the U.S. Eventing Association's website (www.useventing.com).
posted December 1, 2011
Langer Equestrian Group Celebrates 2011 and Looks Forward to 2012
Langer Equestrian Group (LEG) celebrated another great show season in 2011, providing high quality shows for all levels of riders from beginners to internationally competitive riders. The LA National provided an exciting climax to the show season, with medal finals, championships, and the $50,000 Legisequine.com Grand Prix of Los Angeles, a World Cup Qualifier run on the new Olympic Mix footing installed by Rudy Leone.
Rusty Stewart was first to return for the jump off. He and Bristol (Grey Fox Farm, owner) wowed the crowd with an inside track and fast pace to finish double clear in 45.51 seconds. "I just wanted to go smooth and clean," Rusty explained. "I knew Rich (Fellers) would be super fast, so I just wanted to go fast and clean and make the others go faster."
The next two riders, Henrik Gundersen with Quintender 2 (Emille Martinsen Rijsnijk, owner), and Otavio Jourdan Penedo and his ES Carando Z, were not so lucky, each racking up eight faults during their trips. This left the door open for Rich Fellers and Flexible (Harry and Molly Chapman, owners) to step in and challenge Rusty for the top title.
Rich and Flexible screamed through the incredibly tight turns that left little room for error. Flexible neatly cleared each fence, and the stands erupted when they crossed the timer in just 42.78, double clear and nearly three seconds faster than Rusty and Bristol, leaving them in second place. Otavia settled for third, while Henrik placed fourth.
"I actually watched Rusty go because I know how good he is," Rich recalled, "and I felt I didn't need to take any big risks. Flexible is naturally a very fast horse, and I knew his ground speed would do it for us. I thought the course was very good and appropriate for a jump off. Flexible was very fresh, but he settled in and jumped well. He felt good."
The $50,000 Legisequine.com Grand Prix of Los Angeles was truly a national event via live feed shot by Show Jumping Unplugged and presented free of charge by the Jacuzzi Bed Collection featuring JelSleep technology. The on demand video of the broadcast is still available athttp://www.todocast.tv/lanational/.
Every year LEG awards four trips to Maui to professionals as part of the Maui Trainer Incentive. The race to Maui in Woodside was dominated by Diane Yeager for much of the year, but Toni and Colin McIntosh and their clients rallied at the Woodside Fall Finale to pass Diane and claim the trip. In Southern California, Deirdra Davis led the whole season at the Verdugo Hills series of shows at Hansen Dam. "I think it's a great program and will always support it," Deirdra commented. "I would go to the shows anyway, but it's a nice incentive for sure. It's a nice way for LEG to give back to the trainers who are here early and stay all day long. The customers get their awards, so it's nice for the trainers to have something."
In Colorado, Michael Dennehy won the trip for the third time. A fourth prize was awarded to the winning team in the Memorial Day Classic Equitation Challenge at LAEC, which in 2011 was Tommi Clark, Devon Manze, and Belle Calkin. The program will continue in 2012, with trainers vying for a Maui trip that will take place during the week of December 8-15.
Looking forward to 2012, LEG will celebrate its 40th anniversary with fun activities all year long to remember the past 40 years and look forward to the years to come. Fans of LEG are encouraged to visit the 40th Anniversary event page on Facebook and share their fond memories of LEG shows.
"I never thought I would have a company this big, but my wife Marnye and I enjoy it immensely," shared LEG CEO Larry Langer. "My goal now is to work on LEG as a business that can and will continue long after I am gone. I want it to keep supporting my family, including all the people and their families that have helped make it so great. I won't live forever, but I want the Langer Equestrian Group to be healthy and live a long time."
An exciting new development for LEG in 2012 is the new Year-end Championship Circuit in cooperation with Blenheim Equisports. LEG and Blenheim will rearrange their blockbuster season ending shows to be in the following order: first, the National Preview, second, the LA National, and third, the Las Vegas National. The two World Cup Qualifying events will still continue to be held on the same respective weeks as in past years. However, the venues will be swapped. The series will kick off with the National Preview, which in addition to hosting the Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association medal finals for juniors, seniors, and ponies, will also host an FEI CSI-W Qualifying Grand Prix.
"This is something that Robert Ridland and I have been discussing for several years," stated Larry Langer, President and CEO of Langer Equestrian Group. "It is an opportunity to bookend the country," added Robert Ridland, President of Blenheim EquiSports. "I have long felt that the West Coast needed a set of special championship shows like the East Coast has had for decades."
With another great show season on the books, LEG looks forward to a fun and successful 2012. To learn more about LEG and the shows, visit http://www.langershows.com or connect on Facebook.
posted December 1, 2011
Do You and Your Horse Want to Star on Downunder Horsemanship TV?
When clinician Clinton Anderson began airing Downunder Horsemanship on Fox Sports Net last year, he had no idea how popular the series would become. In fact, the half-hour show has evolved from Clinton just working with problem horses and their owners to the clinician, best known for his easy-to-understand horsemanship method, visiting with horsemen about their personal successes and helping them overcome challenges.
Because of an overwhelming response from horse owners across the country wanting help with their horses, needing a confidence boost or just wanting to share their horsemanship success stories, Downunder Horsemanship has created a Casting Call webpage on its website to better organize potential stories. The page currently offers nine submission categories:
Inspire Us – Have horses and the Method changed your life?
Confidence – Are you searching for lost confidence?
Last Resort – Is your horse a threat to your life or other horses?
Horse Power – Do you use horses in your everyday life?
Competition – Have you or do you want to use the Method to gain a competitive edge?
Undesirable Match – Are you in a bad horse relationship?
Coping with Losses and Challenges – Have horses helped you cope with a loss or overcome life's challenges?
Relationships – Have horses brought you and your family and friends closer together?
Other – Have a story or problem that isn't listed? Share it with us!
Whether you're dealing with a problem horse, searching for lost confidence, are in a bad horse relationship or have an inspiring success story to share, Downunder Horsemanship wants to hear about it!
Clinton and his film crew will travel to selected horse owners' homes, at no expense, for filming. Visit the Casting Call webpage http://downunderhorsemanship.com/CastingCall.cfm to learn more about the types of stories Downunder Horsemanship is looking for and how to submit an application for consideration.
For more information on Downunder Horsemanship airtimes on both Fox Sports Net and RFD-TV, visit this link. To watch hour-long Downunder Horsemanship episodes, visit www.downunderhorsemanship.tv.
posted December 1, 2011
Omega Fields Supports NetPosse Fundraiser
Omega Fields® is pleased to announce their support of Stolen Horse International's annual NetPosse auction to raise money for its continued operations.
NetPosse, a division of Stolen Horse International, Inc. is a key resource for all equestrians, providing valuable information to prevent horse theft, and assistance in recovering lost, stolen, or missing horses. Utilizing the speed of the internet, NetPosse can round up a modern day version of a posse within minutes of an online report being filed. A precursor to the familiar "Amber Alert" instant response system for missing children, a call-to-action goes out to a network ofindividuals, businesses, law enforcement and recovery specialists intent on returning lost horses or property.
Stolen Horse International (aka, NetPosse.com, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) began in 1998 by Debi and Harold Metcalfe, Shelby, NC, after the recovery of their stolen horse, Idaho. Sharing all of the procedures they had learned during their 51-week effort to find Idaho, it has become a valuable resource for thousands of horse owners.
"We may be small but the need for our services grows more and more each year," stated Debi Metcalfe, president, Stolen Horse International, Inc., in a recent letter to equestrians. "In one week, two horses were recovered as a direct result of the work done by NetPosse and its extensive volunteer network. This is our biggest fundraiser and it sets the pace for the work what we [will] do for the year 2012."
Allison Kuhl, VP-Omega Fields added, "We are proud to donate our award-winning Omega Horseshine® and Omega Nibblers® stabilized, whole-ground flaxseed supplement and treats for this very worthwhile fundraiser. NetPosse does wonderful work and needs to be supported by all of us in equine-related industries."
The auction, using eBay's nonprofit "Mission Fish" program, began November 25, 2011 and will end the second week of December. To view and bid on the donated auction items, visit http://netposse.com/ebay_preview.asp, or copy and paste the URL into the address window of your browser. 100% of the proceeds go to Stolen Horse International, Inc.
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