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posted April 30, 2013

Trail Symposium at Western States Horse Expo Promises Experts, Education, Fun

Of the over two million horse owners in the United States, 73% of them participate in trail and pleasure riding. That's a staggering figure that makes one sit up and take notice.

And that's exactly what the president of Western States Horse Expo Miki Nelsen did 15 years ago when she founded this event. "I knew how important trail riding was to horse owners, and how important it is to my own heart. I finished the famous Tevis Cup Ride in 1994, meeting the challenge of 100 miles over the Sierra Nevada Mountains," states Nelsen. "It changed my life — riding for close to 24 hours over that magnificent terrain is something almost unexplainable.

"I also realized that people are anxious for information about trail riding, camping with horses, challenging events on the trail like endurance and competitive trail riding (American Competitive Trail Horse Association [ACTHA] and North American Trail Riding Conference [NATRC])," continues Nelsen. "So when I planned the first Horse Expo, I wanted trail riders to have a voice in the activities at the Expo. For 15 years, I'm proud to say that we've continued to create and grow an informative Trail Symposium within the Expo."

This year's Western States Horse Expo, June 7-9, 2013 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, promises to host even more trail experts and trail topics than ever before.

International endurance champion Becky Hart will lend her expertise in distance riding to the audience. She is a three-time FEI World Endurance Champion, was inducted into the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Hall of Fame, was the AHSA Equestrian of the Year, and won the Tevis Cup Ride twice on the same horse. Her knowledge of the mental and physical qualities of the endurance horse — and what it takes for the rider to succeed — are beyond measure.

Speakers from ACTHA and NATRC are also slated for those who want to ride at a slower pace and travel less miles than required for endurance. These two organizations excel in educating people about horsemanship, horse care, veterinary criteria and correct pacing on the trail. For those thousands of people who want to get out on new trails, camp with like-minded people, and see what the judges have to say about their horsemanship and their horse — these competitions are perfect.

Of course not all the Trail Symposium lectures and demonstrations are about competing on the trail. Horse camping is a wonderful way to be with your horse in the wilderness. Back Country Horsemen of California, represented by the Mother Lode, Sutter Buttes and East Bay units, will set up their "Gentle Use Camp" at the Trail Symposium. These experts will demonstrate what hitches to use, how to tie your horse with a high line, what to pack, how to pack — all the skills necessary to "leave no trace behind" when enjoying the trails and backcountry.

Horse camping expert Bonnie Davis will once again share her experiences and expertise with the audience. Drawing from her hands-on knowledge, she defines "horsecamping" as getting a horse ready to camp, rigs and trailers; feeds and feeding; weed-free feeds; selecting campsites; keeping a horse in camp; meeting environmental regulations; dealing with bears, mountain lions and elk; safety; emergency care; camping tips and more. Bonnie points out that horsecamping allows a person to enjoy longer trips and spend more time with their horse exploring the trails — regardless of one's physical condition or age.

Additional presentations at the Horse Expo Trail Symposium are structured to educate horse people about the use and expansion of multi-use trails. Created to inform horse owners of the on-going and pressing issues facing the preservation of trails, the Symposium offers a forum to share ideas and effective actions needed to keep our trails open and used properly. Environmental and political issues will also be addressed, accompanied by "blue prints" of success when dealing with challenging issues.

For more information about the Western States Horse Expo, June 7-9 in Sacramento, California, visit www.horsexpo.com. Be sure to visit your local tack and feed stores for Expo Bucks — $3 off the gate admission price!

posted April 29, 2013

Nicholson Wins Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by Land Rover; Davidson Wins Third Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Eventing Championship

By Kathleen Landwehr

The final phase of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover provided an exciting finish to the Kentucky Horse Park's staple event. A sold-out Rolex Stadium crowd witnessed Andrew Nicholson (NZL) win North America's only CCI4* event for the first time. With Quimbo, he held onto the overnight lead, only adding three time penalties to their dressage score, finishing with a score of 41.0. Deborah Sellar's 10-year-old Spanish Sport Horse gelding sailed over the fences in Richard Jeffery's stadium jumping course, expertly guided by HSBC World Rankings Leader Nicholson.

"To go round and jump the last fence and you have gone clear is a little bit what you expect to do if you ride them half properly when they are that good," commented Nicholson of Quimbo's exceptional jumping style.

Nicholson won his second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing after winning the 2012 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and will be competing against William Fox-Pitt (GBR) at the Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials for the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, an unprecedented situation. After winning the 2011 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials and the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, William Fox-Pitt (GBR) is currently in the running to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. After the 2012 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials was canceled due to excessive rain leading up to the event, a win next week at the 2013 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials could win Fox-Pitt or Nicholson the coveted title.

"We both have a few more days of peace before it all kicks off. It will certainly be exciting," said Fox-Pitt. "I think this is Rolex's dream."

Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF finished second after having one of only four double clear rounds to finish on a score of 46.2. He made the course look easy with Catherine Witt's 14-year-old Trakehner gelding after rails had been falling all day.

"It is great to have him back on form again and we will how the autumn goes as to where he is," said Fox-Pitt of having his partner performing well after a rough go at Burghley last year.

Nicholson also finished third with Calico Joe after having three rails to end on a score of 52.8. Despite stadium jumping not being Twenty Twelve in Mind's 11-year-old English Thoroughbred gelding's strongest phase, the pair still managed to finish in the top three.

Buck Davidson (Unionville, PA) and Ballynoe Castle RM settled for fourth place after having two unfortunate rails at fences 11 and 13. While he moved down the leaderboard, Davidson won the Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Eventing Championship with Cassandra Segal's 13-year-old Irish Thoroughbred gelding.

"He has been amazing this weekend as he has been his whole life," said Davidson of his beloved mount "Reggie." "Of course I am bummed to have two down, it sort of fell apart at the end but to be sitting up here with these two guys who are obviously unbelievable, I feel fortunate to be up here. If I have got to lose it is two good guys to lose to."

The second highest-placed American was Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, VA) with her own Donner who finished in fifth place with a score of 54.8. She rode the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with determination around the horse's first CCI4* event, having double clear cross country and stadium rounds to finish on their dressage score.

Another American with an impressive finish was Meghan O'Donoghue (Carbondale, IL). A 2013 Developing Riders/Eventing 25 listed rider, she rode her own 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding to a 12th place finish in her first CCI4*. O'Donoghue added only a handful of penalties to finish with a score of 69.0.

Watch on-demand video of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover on the USEF Network presented by SmartPak here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/Rolex3Day2013/

For more information about the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, visit www.rk3de.org.

Follow the 2013 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at http://usefnetwork.com/featured/2013Eventing.

posted April 23, 2013

Ravel to Retire during The Evening of Musical Freestyles April 27

The 68th Annual Del Mar National Horse Show continues with Dressage Week (April 25 through 28) and the official retirement of Akiko Yamazaki's, Ravel during the Evening of Musical Freestyles, on Saturday, April 27 at 7pm.

Special preparations are underway for the official retirement of Akiko Yamazaki's Ravel a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood. The magnificent gelding was named the USEF 2009 Horse of Year, won the World Cup Championship, and was a two-time Olympic partner to Steffen Peters of San Diego, California. Ravel was inducted into the US Dressage Federation Hall of Fame in 2012 following his participation as part of Team USA in two Olympics, a World Cup victory, bronze medals in the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and more than 40 Grand Prix victories during his career. This will surely be a historical and memorable experience for the entire family!

Dressage Week includes qualifying competitions for the USEF National Grand Prix and Intermediaire Championships, Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Riders' Championships, USEF National Pony Rider Championships, Massey Ferguson/USEF National Junior and Young Rider Championships, USEF Brentina Cup Championships, Markel/USEF Young Horse Championships, USEF National Developing Horse, Prix St. Georges Championships, and the USEF National Developing Grand Prix Championships.

HUNTER/JUMPER WEEK is April 30 through May 5 and features the$100,000 Grand Prix of Del Mar, an evening filled with exciting speed, agility, and nail-biting competition! The Grand Prix is Saturday, May 4 at 6:45PM.

A longstanding Del Mar National tradition, riders will be available after the Grand Prix to sign autographs, meet, greet, and pose for photos with fans!

The Del Mar National Show continues to be among the most respected, distinguished and popular equestrian events on the West Coast.

Friends of the Del Mar National can now follow the show on Facebook:www.facebook.com/delmarnational. If you would like to receive updates via email, you can sign up for the list via a link on the event website's homepage:www.delmarnational.com.

Admission is free on weekdays from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. Reserved seats for weeknight and weekend daytime performances are $10 for grandstand seating and $15 for box seats (subject to availability). Grandstand tickets are $19 for each Saturday evening highlight event, and are on sale NOW through ticketmaster.com.

For more information go to: www.delmarnational.com.

Bring the family and spend the entire day at the Del Mar Fairgrounds!

The public is invited to an Open House at Del Mar Horsepark on Saturday, April 27 10AM-3PM. The open house is free to the public and will be hosted by Concord Equestrian Center, a full-service competitive Hunter/Jumper show training stable and riding academy.

Learn about San Diego's large and active horse community and enjoy a tour of the equestrian center. Scheduled will be grooming, and riding demonstrations as well as free pony rides for the kids and information sessions.

Concord Equestrian Center (CEC) has been introducing horsemanship and English riding skills to beginner adults and children as well as polishing skills in the show arena for 20 years at the Del Mar Horsepark. They offer many unique individualized programs to suit riders of all ages and levels.

Owned and operated by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, the Del Mar Horsepark is a 65-acre world-class equestrian facility located about three miles east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, at the corner of El Camino Real and Via de la Valle in the San Dieguito River Valley. Go to: www.delmarfairgrounds.com and click on "Facilities" for more information.

The 22nd District Agricultural Association is a State of California agency that owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Surfside Race Place, Horsepark Equestrian Center and the Del Mar Golf Center. The 22nd DAA produces several events each year including: The San Diego County Fair which is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the 4th largest Fair in North America, the Del Mar National Horse Show, The Scream Zone and Holiday of Lights. The Fairgrounds hosts more than 350 events annually, including the live horse racing meet each summer, which is operated by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for the 22nd DAA and the State of California. No taxpayer dollars are used to run the Fairgrounds. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is completely self-supporting and does not receive any support from the State. For more information, visit www.delmarfairgrounds.com.

posted April 23, 2013

Extensive Coverage Planned for the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover on NBC and USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak

Coverage of the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover will be available to millions of people around the world with same-day coverage airing Sunday, April 28 on NBC as the Rolex Equestrian Championships presented by Land Rover. Beginning on Thursday, April 25, all four days of the action-packed competition will be broadcast LIVE on USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak.

With the support of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Equestrian Events, Inc., the Carr-Hughes network production of the Rolex Equestrian Championships will be broadcast on NBC Sunday, April 28 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Leading up to the NBC telecast, USEFNetwork.com presented by SmartPak will offer live, wall-to-wall coverage of the dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, which can be seen on computers, tablets and smart TV/Google TV devices in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Google TV users can go to http://www.usefnetwork.com/googletv for an enhanced experience.

For equestrian fans throughout the rest of the world, FEI TV will air LIVE coverage of Saturday's cross-country and Sunday's show jumping competitions. To sign up for FEI TV visit www.feitv.org.

The broadcast schedule is listed below and is available under the Live Broadcast Schedule tab at USEFNetwork.com. Times are subject to change.
April 25: LIVE Dressage on USEFNetwork.com, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
April 26: LIVE Dressage on USEFNetwork.com, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
April 27: LIVE Cross-Country on USEFNetwork.com, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET
April 28: LIVE Show Jumping on USEFNetwork.com, 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET
Awards Ceremony on USEFNetwork.com, 3 p.m. ET
Rolex Equestrian Championships on NBC, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is held annually at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY and produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. The prestigious competition is part of the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which is awarded to any rider who wins three of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing competitions in succession. The Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing competitions include the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, and Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Rolex Kentucky is also one of six CCI4*competitions that compose the HSBC FEI Classics™ and features riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will crown the 16th Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Champion. The only Four Star event in the Western Hemisphere, Rolex Kentucky will draw an estimated 70,000 spectators and be seen by millions more on the worldwide telecast.

posted April 23, 2013

USEF Awards Grants to Ten Dressage Combinations for European Competition

press release provided by USEF Communications Department

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that 10 dressage athlete/horse combinations have been awarded training and competition grants to be used in 2013. These grants were awarded in order for the combinations to take part in CDI competitions throughout Europe in preparation for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Grants were awarded based on international competition experience and athlete's prospect of contributing to a Team or Individual medal at 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The following 10 combinations have been awarded grants (listed in Alphabetical Order):

David Blake (Encinitas, CA) on Melanie Pai's Ikaros
Ikaros is a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding

Heather Blitz (Wellington, FL) on her own Paragon
Paragon is a 10-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding

Jan Ebeling (Moorpark, CA) on Ann Romney, Amy Ebeling, and Beth Meyers' Rafalca
Rafalca is a 16-year-old Oldenburg mare

Shelly Francis (Loxahatchee, FL) on Patricia Stempel's Doktor
Doktor is a 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding

Adrienne Lyle (Ketchum, ID) on Peggy Thomas' Wizard
Wizard is a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding

Tina Konyot (Palm City, FL) on her own Calecto V
Calecto V is a 15-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion

Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) on Four Winds Farm's Legolas 92
Legolas 92 is an 11-year-old Westphalian gelding

Kathleen Raine (Murrieta, CA) on Jennifer Mason and David Wrightman's Breanna
Breanna is a 13-year-old Hanoverian mare

Guenter Seidel (Cardiff, CA) on Coral Reef Ranch's Coral Reef Wylea
Coral Reef Wylea is a 13-year-old Westphalian mare

Lisa Wilcox (Loxahatchee, FL) on Horses Unlimited Inc's Pikko Del Cerro HU
Pikko Del Cerro HU is a 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion

The funding for these grants was made possible by the USET Foundation.

Follow the 2013 U.S. Dressage Team here.

posted April 18, 2013

Lane Clarke & Semira de Saulieu Win $40,000 Blenheim Spring Classic II Grand Prix

Lane Clarke of Hayden Show Jumping does it again winning two for two grand prixs aboard the stellar mare, Semira de Saulieu. This time it was the $40,000 Blenheim Spring Classic II Grand Prix presented by Summit General Insurance Agency. With 45 tough competitors in the class, half completed the challenging course designed by Olaf Peterson, Jr. before the first clean round. Another six would finish clean with a total of seven making the jump-off. In the end, there were no inside turns or tricky maneuvers. Clarke "simply" rode double clear and a little handier and a little faster to clinch the win.

Of course there is nothing simple about this sport. As Clarke states, "It takes practice, some luck, and a great horse."

To that end, Semira has definitely proven herself. In December 2010, Clarke and owner, Charlotte Gadbois, travelled to Europe selecting the horse with the assistance of head trainer, Mickey Hayden. In just over two years, Semira's performance has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2011, she won the $25,000 Blenheim Summer I Grand Prix with Clarke aboard (his only other grand prix ride with the mare). In 2012, she placed second in the $25,000 Flintridge Grand Prix and $10,000 Thermal Jr. A/O Classic with Gadbois. That year, she also took Gadbois to the North American Young Rider Championships in Lexington, Kentucky where they won team Bronze and an individual fourth place finish in this notoriously difficult international competition. Ever more impressive is the fact that this was both horse and rider's first attempt at this level of competition.

"Semira is that rare horse that adapts herself to perform extraordinarily well for both her trainer and amateurs," adds 19-year old Gadbois. "We believed she had tremendous potential when we first rode her in Europe as an eight-year old. Since then, she has met or exceeded every hope we had for her."

Now, if a good horse and good riding isn't compelling enough, there is an interesting twist. For as long as Clarke can remember, lucky seven has been his favorite number. So on this seventh day of April, horse number 777 (Semira) brought him his seventh grand prix win. While Clarke is quicker to point to his support team, the Hayden organization, the owners, vets, shoer, and horses as the real reason for his win, he does admit that the connection to the number seven does make for a good story. Either way, he considers himself lucky.

Lane Clarke has been a trainer and top rider for the past eleven years with Hayden Show Jumping & Riding School, one of the oldest and most successful barns in Orange County, California. Operating out of the beautiful Nellie Gail Equestrian Center in Laguna Hills, this family-oriented organization routinely advances riders to the top of their divisions and to the top of the sport. To read more about Hayden Show Jumping and Clarke's accomplishments, go to mickeyhayden.com.

posted April 18, 2013

Deadline Fast Approaching for USA Equestrian Trust Grant Applications

Equine Non-Profits Must Submit Grant Proposals by May 6

There is still time to submit proposals for the first round of USA Equestrian Trust grants in 2013. IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations are invited to apply by filling out the online grant application at http://www.trusthorses.org. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, May 6.

In 2012, the Trust awarded nearly $335,000 to more than a dozen organizations. Past recipients include those doing equine health research, land conservation and educational programs. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications. All applicants must submit a proposed budget for their projects. If you have any questions about applying, please e-mail grants@trusthorses.org.

Funding available for grants includes $51,500 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for grants available from this specific reserve.

The May 6 deadline marks the conclusion of the first of two grant periods in 2013, as USA Equestrian Trust's board expanded the program last year. The second grant application period ends October 7.

About USA Equestrian Trust: USA Equestrian Trust is a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation whose mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America. Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports. The Trust is a private foundation pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and a Sustaining Affiliate of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States.

posted April 18, 2013

AAEP's Summer Education Meetings to Provide New Knowledge to Veterinarians of All Experience Levels

The American Association of Equine Practitioners' 2013 series of summer continuing education meetings will impart the latest trends and best practices in the diagnosis and treatment of core areas of equine health, enabling practitioners to raise the standard of care provided to patients and the value provided to clients.

The 360° meetings will feature intensive, hands-on training centered on musculoskeletal ultrasound and the hind suspensory and stifle. The Focus meetings will present the latest evidence-based diagnostic techniques and treatment procedures pertaining to equine dentistry and the foot. The meetings are:

360° Imaging: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
July 13-16, Davis, Calif.
Practitioners will sharpen their ability to produce and interpret high-quality scans of the musculoskeletal structures and maximize the benefits of ultrasound to diagnose, manage and rehabilitate horses with soft tissue injuries. 360° Imaging: Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is sponsored by Sound-Eklin, Universal Imaging, Vet Imaging and Vetel Diagnostics.

360° Diagnosing, Imaging and Treating the Hind Suspensory and Stifle
July 28-31, Fort Collins, Colo.
While enhancing their understanding of the disease process in the hind suspensory and stifle, equine veterinarians will improve image acquisition and clinical decision making to efficiently diagnose and treat the all-too common but often challenging injuries to these areas.

Focus on Dentistry and Business Education Workshop
August 4-6, Charlotte, N.C.
Held jointly, the meetings provide a unique opportunity for veterinarians to develop dental skills and business expertise for one price. During dentistry sessions, attendees will advance beyond the oral exam and learn to recognize and treat oral pathologies that can adversely affect the health and performance of the horse. Business sessions will present communication and management strategies designed to unlock the commercial potential of a practice through strengthened customer loyalty and identification of additional profit sources. The meetings are sponsored by AAEP Educational Partners Merck Animal Health and Zoetis as well as Capps Manufacturing Inc., Equine Specialties and Veterinary Dental Products.

Focus on the Foot
September 5-7, Fort Collins, Colo.
Practitioners will progress from the basics of a thorough examination to successfully diagnosing, treating and managing common to complex foot problems, including critical and complicated laminitis cases, septic conditions of the foot, sheared heels, quarter cracks and club feet. Focus on the Foot is sponsored by AAEP Education Partner Merial, SmartPak, Universal Imaging and Vet Ray Technology.

Registration for each meeting is now open. To view a complete scientific program for each of the summer meetings, make hotel reservations or register, visit www.aaep.org/continuing_edu.htm.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its nearly 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

posted April 15, 2013

NERN Castration Clinics Continue to Help Horse Owners in the West

The National Equine Resource Network's (NERN) low-cost castration clinics have reduced the number of stallions by a total of 142 in the last two months, according to Shirley Puga, head of the nonprofit organization.

In March, a series of seven (7) low-cost gelding clinics were completed in various CA locations by NERN, in conjunction with R-VETS (www.r-vets.org), local venues, and volunteers.

· The series began with a clinic in Red Bluff at the Tehama County Fair, where 25 stallions were gelded. The clinic was supported by volunteers from P.E.T.S and Safe Haven Horse Rescue.
· The following day found the team at the Santa Rosa Equestrian Center, where 24 horses were castrated, with the help of Sonoma County CHANGE Program.
· Next on the schedule was Elk Grove, and a stop at Hoofbeats Equestrian to create 20 new geldings.
· A private ranch in Lathrop followed, where 22 stallions were gelded, with the help of Oakdale Equine Rescue.
· Salinas Valley Fair was the venue for 14 castrations, supported by volunteers from Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue.
· Creek Hollow Ranch in Ramona became the setting for the team, supported by Tearsong's Equine Athletes, Rescue, and Sanctuary, to create 11 new geldings.
· The multi city tour ended at Laughing Stock Farm in Sky Valley, where with the help of Coachella Valley Mounted Rangers, the team castrated 14 more studs.

The total result of the March clinics was 130 new geldings.

On April 6th, a team of veterinarians, interns and vet techs at Pioneer Equine Hospital collaborated with NERN in Oakdale, where 12 more horses were gelded.

"Reception by local horse owners has been overwhelmingly positive to these clinics," Ms. Puga said. "There are a lot of responsible people out there who want to do the right thing by their horses, they are just struggling financially. In fact, we are getting calls and emails daily from desperate horse owners and rescuers, asking us to host a clinic in their community. We are working diligently to expand the program to address as many areas as possible."

Gelding services are offered to the public at a fraction of the usual cost. Horse owners pay $75 towards the procedure, which can typically run $150-$325.

Another benefit of the clinics is providing training for interns, vet students, vet techs and vet tech students. Under careful, direct supervision of a veterinarian, interns and vet students get valuable hands on experience administering medications/vaccines, inserting IVs and performing routine castrations. Techs and tech students provide assistance to keep things flowing more smoothly for the vets.

Additional castration clinics are scheduled for Arizona and Colorado in May. Oregon is in the works for June. NERN will be back in California late Summer/early Fall to host clinics in the Central and Northern parts of the state.

"The bottom line is that there are more horses in this country right now than there are adequate homes for them. A goal for the castration clinics is to decrease the numbers of horses by castrating stallions from rescues and/or those owned by people facing financial challenges. This helps because the number of stallions is directly correlated with the number of mares bred. Reducing the number of foals being born over the next few years will be a major factor in alleviating this problem," Ms. Puga said.

NERN is dedicated to improving equine welfare nationwide. To help NERN continue to expand the gelding clinics and other proactive programs, please consider making a donation through their website at www.nationalequine.org.

posted April 12, 2013

U.S. Polo's Premier Event to Air on NBC Sports Network

National Broadcast of the USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship® Final Highlights Sport's Growth

For the first time in nearly a decade, U.S. polo's leading event is coming to national television. Exemplifying the sport's recent growth and evolution into the mainstream, NBC Sports Network will broadcast the U.S. Polo Association (USPA) Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship® title match on Sunday, April 28 at 2:30 p.m. ET, providing fans with an up-close look at American polo played at its pinnacle of skill and speed. In addition to the action, the broadcast will also include special features on and off the field, along with commentary that tells the unique story of polo and its current rise in this country. The airing is co-presented by the USPA, the sport's national governing body, along with its official apparel brand, the U.S. Polo Assn.

American polo has seen a great deal of recent growth thanks to efforts from the USPA and its dedicated clubs, players, patrons, fans and sponsors. The USPA has roughly 290 polo clubs across the U.S. that provide learning and competition opportunities for players at every level, an increase of 20% since 2011. These clubs and their programs have helped generate a steady increase in participation, highlighted by a growth of nearly 1,000 USPA members over the last three years. Youth programs like USPA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic polo and junior polo are also responsible for the sport's overall advancement in this country.

"The USPA U.S. Open Polo Championship is the cornerstone of professional polo here in America, indicative of the growing interest and excitement the sport is generating across the nation," said Peter Rizzo, CEO of the U.S. Polo Association. "We invite the public to tune into NBC Sports Network on April 28 to get a first-hand look at the country's biggest polo match and learn more about the sport."

The USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship® is currently underway in the sport's national capital of Wellington, Fla., and will culminate with the tournament final on April 21. Capping off the U.S. "Triple Crown" of polo, featuring America's top three polo events, the competition brings an exhilarating end to the high-goal professional season. Celebrating a deep-rooted American history, the USPA U.S. Open dates back to 1904 where it was first played at Meadowbrook Polo Club in Old Westbury, N.Y. It has been played at International Polo Club Palm Beach's world class venue in Wellington since 2004.

"Polo has a storied history in this country and the sport has gained a lot of momentum recently thanks to the commitment of its ambassadors and players," said Casey Stone, Senior Manager of Programming Acquisitions, NBC Sports Network. "We look forward to tapping into their passion and introducing our viewers to this growing sport during its premier annual event."

The USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship® is the country's supreme high-goal tournament featuring four-man teams whose combined handicap equals 26 goals. A 10-goal rating is the highest individual classification for a polo player. Less than 100 players have reached the 10-goal mark since the USPA was established in 1890. Offering a glimpse of polo at its most elite level, this year's tournament boasts eight competing 10-goal rated players including international phenom, Adolfo Cambiaso, often regarded as the best polo player in the sport's history.

Playing against and alongside these 10-goal talents are some of the highest-rated professional American players, including U.S. polo's biggest star and ambassador, Nic Roldan, along with Jeff Hall and Mike Azzaro. A six-time USPA U.S. Open winner and last year's championship MVP, Azzaro is looking to help his Zacara team defend its 2012 title. In addition to top players, the tournament features some of the sport's fastest horses, reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour as thousands of fans pack the stands to catch the action.

For news, scores, schedules, tickets and more surrounding this year's tournament and other exciting 2013 events, visitwww.ipcscoreboard.com. For more information on polo in the U.S., or to get in on the action and schedule a lesson, visit www.uspolo.org.

posted April 12, 2013

AQHA is Seeking Young Riders to Star in a New Video Series

AQHA is offering young riders a great opportunity to star in a new video series for a new, innovative digital platform.

The American Quarter Horse Association, April 12, 2013 - The American Quarter Horse Association and its production partners are pleased to announce the development of a web-based video series about young riders and horses. The videos will be featured on Take Me Riding, a new digital platform designed to interest young children in horses and encourage them to ride. This recently renamed platform, originally announced at the 2012 AQHA Convention under the project name Digital Oats, will launch in 2014.

Take Me Riding is seeking child actors with riding experience to star in the new online video series.

The ideal candidate is a 9- to 13-year-old male or female with experience in major roles in theater camps, school plays or local dinner theater productions.

The ideal candidate has significant riding experience, understands correct riding behavior and attire, and has shown horses or is comfortable riding horses in an open arena around cattle.

Take Me Riding is seeking outgoing, energetic and highly-personable individuals who are willing to work on a video shoot that will include riding for two consecutive days. Members of any horse breed association are encouraged to apply.

Parents or guardians of interested candidates should email a completed liability waiver, a formal headshot or digital photo, a brief list of acting credentials, a summary of relevant experience with horses and a video reel to auditions@takemeriding.com. If a video reel is not available, consider making a short one-minute or less video clip on a cell phone in which a child explains why he or she wants to participate. All submissions must be received via email by May 3.

Candidates who meet the qualifications will be contacted to provide names, dates and locations of upcoming horse shows where he or she is planning to compete or about the name of working ranches or stables where he or she rides.

Please send submissions to auditions@takemeriding.com by May 3. No phone calls or mailed auditions will be accepted.

posted April 11, 2013

White House Recommends Removal of Horse Slaughter Funding in Proposed 2014 Budget

Animal welfare organizations support move to block spending

Congress could once again ban the use of federal funds to inspect horse slaughter plants in the United States if it follows the lead of the White House—a move that is strongly supported by The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI). President Obama's FY 2014 budget proposal includes a request for Congress to block spending by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to inspect U.S. horse slaughter plants. A similar spending prohibition was put in place in 2005, which effectively shut the door to the grisly horse slaughter industry on U.S. soil. However, it was not renewed in 2011, leading to the potential for horse slaughter plants to reopen in the U.S at the expense of American taxpayers.

There are no horse slaughter facilities operating in the U.S., but the USDA confirms it has received at least six applications and is processing those requests. Humane organizations oppose the slaughter of American horses for human consumption because the practice is inherently cruel to horses. Additionally, horse meat poses a potential human health risk, as horses are not raised for food in the U.S. and are consequently treated with a wide range of drugs that are not approved for use in animals intended for human consumption.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, said: "It's a fool's errand to inspect tainted horse meat, and this Administration is wise to reject that path and to embrace the idea, even indirectly, that horses belong in the stable and not on the table."

Nancy Perry, senior vice president of the ASPCA, said: "It is wonderful to see our government taking steps to ensure American horses are not slaughtered on our own soil for foreign demand, especially in light of the daily news from Europe about the horrors of discovering horse meat in their food supply from co-mingling with beef in tainted food products. Wasting tax dollars on cruel and dangerous practices makes no sense, and we urge Congress to adopt this budget cut."

Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for the AWI, said: "Now that the administration has taken this important step toward ending horse abuse, reducing the size of the federal government, and saving taxpayer dollars, we urge Congress to swiftly ensure this widely supported language is maintained when sent back to the president for his signature later this year. Given the serious fiscal choices facing our elected officials in Washington, restoring an unpopular foreign driven horse slaughter industry that only serves to drain taxpayers' money every year, this should be the easiest spending cut they can approve."

The Safeguard American Food Exports Act, H.R. 1094 / S. 541, introduced this year by U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Reps. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., and Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., is a bipartisan measure that would prevent the introduction of horse slaughter operations in the U.S., end the current export of American horses for slaughter abroad, and protect the public from consuming toxic horse meat.

posted April 9, 2013

Charles Wilhelm's "Ultimate Super Horse Challenge™" to be Launched at Horse Expo

In the horse world where the typical scenario is one horse/one discipline, respected horseman Charles Wilhelm is taking another route.

"I've always believed that every horse should be multi-talented, much like a versatile ranch horse," says the California trainer and clinician. "Each and every horse should be able to quietly do a variety of tasks and exercises with confidence and success. Having a Super Horse is a great goal to shoot for, and even if you don't accomplish that final 'Super Horse' level, the training process will help fill in any 'holes' in training the horse might have. For instance, I've seen top level dressage horses who shy at a cavaletti pole on the ground, and world class jumping horses who were out of control on an easy trail ride. These may be great horses at the one thing they do, but in my book they aren't Super Horses. A Super Horse can appear in a parade one day, work cows the next, compete in an equitation class the following day — and more. The Super Horse can do all that with lightness, cadence, carriage, fluidity and responsiveness.

"After a number of successful Super Horse Clinics at my ranch for the past two years, the popularity of these events inspired me to create a super horse competition. I wanted the challenge to be a platform for horses and people to achieve a higher level of diversified performance. So I decided to give people an opportunity to develop their horses to participate in a range of events, and created the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge that will have its debut in Sacramento at the famous Western States Horse Expo, June 7-9," smiles Wilhelm. "And let me add that this is not a race. This challenge is designed to showcase the rider's control, and the horse's relaxed lightness and responsiveness throughout the course. The competition is designed to challenge the horse and rider to excel in their abilities and to demonstrate communication, horsemanship and equitation.

"One of the great bonuses of having the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge at Western States Horse Expo is that these horses will be exposed to huge crowds, golf carts, babies crying, horses all around them, bursts of applause, loud speakers — all kinds of environments and noises that you can't duplicate at home," states Wilhelm. "It's great exposure for the horse. You can't buy that kind of training!"

The overall winner of the three-day Ultimate Super Horse Challenge will receive one of Charles Wilhelm's signature saddles. In addition, the winner of each day's competition will receive an award.

"There are written regulations for the event," says Wilhelm, "including what equipment is acceptable. We're limiting the competition to 15 contestants. Each contestant must qualify by sending a video of their performance that will be reviewed before the applicant is accepted. This guarantees that the audience will see good horsemen and women put their horses to the test — and have fun doing it!"

The three days of competition include the following:
Equitation and Trail Patterns: Including trot poles, sidepassing, up and down transitions, gate and bridge
"Dancing with Cows TM", and Working Pattern
Super Horse Challenge Grand Finale: Extreme obstacles with the finalists! Flag run, dragging and crossing a large tarp, pedestal, balls, jumps and more

To view and download the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge application form and rules/regulations, visit www.CharlesWilhelm.com.

"And if you don't want to enter, you can participate by attending the Horse Expo and watching these exciting and maybe even humorous challenges. Then you'll get an idea of what it takes to have a Super Horse!" concludes Wilhelm.

For more information on Charles Wilhelm, his program, clinics, DVDs, equipment and books, visit www.CharlesWilhelm.com.

posted April 8, 2013

HITS, Inc. Unveils 2014 Ocala $1 Million Grand Prix, Introduces Triple Crown Challenge

With two $1 million grand prix scheduled for 2013, HITS, Inc. upped the ante for 2014 by announcing the addition of a third ground-breaking class. The Ocala $1 Million Grand Prix, to be held next March and will join the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties, New York and the AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix in Thermal, California next year to form the Triple Crown Challenge of Show Jumping.

The Ocala $1 Million Grand Prix will take place at the conclusion of the now 10-week 2014 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit on Sunday, March 23 and is the latest addition to an already impressive list of events for high-performance riders next year. Growing in size and popularity, the Ocala Winter Circuit will wrap with the Ocala Million and ground will soon break at HITS Post Time Farm for a new state-of-the-art jumping field to host the historic event.

The brainchild of HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri, the first leg of the new trifecta event will take place in Southern California with the second-annual AIG Thermal $1 Million Grand Prix Sunday, March 16 at HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California. International and Olympic-level talent converged on HITS Thermal this past winter for the first-ever $1 million class on the West Coast and Struzzieri gave an immediate thumbs up to a repeat in 2014.

Just one week later, the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will host the second $1 million grand prix, the premiere of the Ocala Million – giving some of the world's equestrian stars a chance to win the prestigious Triple Crown Challenge. The third and final leg will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson when the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix, the class that started it all, takes the stage September 7 for the fourth consecutive year in Saugerties.

"There is no better way to reward our customers than to continue offering big-money classes," said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. "I can't imagine how electric Saugerties will be if someone has a chance for the Triple Crown going into Championship Weekend at HITS-on-the-Hudson."

If one horse-and-rider combination does indeed conquer the Triple Crown Challenge and win all three $1 million grand prix next year, Struzzieri plans to offer a sizable rider bonus modeled after the Triple Crown Bonus offered in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

When the news hit the ears of eager grand prix riders from all corners of the world, excitement led them to admit that they don't plan to let mileage keep them from missing any of the million-dollar action. "I had to pinch myself," said grand prix rider and HITS Ocala regular Tracey Fenney of her reaction to the news. "For HITS to offer three $1 million classes in one year is extraordinary. I would say there is a great chance that I compete in all three of them."

With more top-notch events being offered on American soil, riders are not only seeing dollar signs, but are enjoying an increase in the level of sport in the United States. "These classes are very comparable to the Olympics – to jump a clear round is no easy task," said McLain Ward, a two-time U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and twice the winner of the Saugerties Million and competitor in the first Thermal Million. "As a country, we are only as good as our horses and riders and these classes are raising that bar."

Riders can qualify for the each of the grand prix based on money won on their leading horse at HITS events throughout the season. For additional information on how to qualify, please check HitsShows.com for complete specifications and updates.

posted April 8, 2013

Processing of H-2B Visa Applications Temporarily Suspended

On April 2, 2013, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it has temporarily suspended processing most petitions for new H-2B temporary non-agricultural workers. This announcement was in response to a court decision issuing a permanent injunction against certain parts of the current Department of Labor (DOL) rule governing H-2B program wage rates.

This will effectively prevent most H-2B employers, including those in the horse industry, from hiring any new H-2B workers for at least 30 days. H-2B workers currently in the country will not be impacted.

On March 21, 2013, a judge in Pennsylvania granted a permanent injunction against the 2008 H-2B wage rule that is currently used to issue "prevailing wage determinations" and gave DOL 30 days to come into compliance with the Court order. H-2B employers must receive a "prevailing wage determination" as part of the process to bring an H-2B worker into the county. The DOL will continue to process some prevailing wage requests not subject to the court order, such as those based on Collective Bargaining Agreements, acceptable private wage surveys, the Service Contract Act or the Davis Bacon act.

DOL has said they plan to issue a new emergency wage rule within 30 days.

The AHC and other H-2B user groups are looking at all options to ensure the H-2B program resumes processing new applications as soon as possible.

posted April 4, 2013

Trail Closures Scheduled for Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons

The National Park Service (NPS) is advising visitors that trails at Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons will be intermittently closed during April and May due to the demolition and removal of surplus water conveyance infrastructure.

Several days of trail closures are expected, though limited to weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Visitors can find up-to-date information on trailhead signs, at www.nps.gov/samo or by calling 818-889-8996.

Triunfo Sanitation District (TSD) will be removing the Palo Comado Pump Station and the Cheeseboro Reservoir. These facilities, owned by TSD, were built in 1959 at the behest of comedian Bob Hope, who had hoped to build thousands of homes in the surrounding area as part of a master-planned community. TSD is decommissioning the facilities as part of an agreement with the NPS and other agencies.

Large trucks will be hauling salvaged materials along both the Palo Comado and Cheeseboro Canyon trails to recycling centers. For their safety, visitors are asked to refrain from using these trails when posted as closed.

Entrance to trails from Cheeseboro Canyon, Doubletree and Smoketree trailheads will be periodically closed. The China Flat trailhead and trailheads for Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve will remain open.

The NPS and TSD appreciate the public's cooperation with this effort. Additional information is available by calling 818-889-8996.

posted April 3, 2013

Important News from Bonnie Davis

I'm heading down to Arizona to the International Trails Symposium (April 13-18). It's a 'world' event for trail users, agency and government folks, etc. Unfortunately, us equestrians -- specifically trail riders -- make a VERY POOR SHOWING to the agencies that control our trail developments and usage.

I'm giving a Featured Workshop Presentation -- "Weed Free Feed -- fact or fiction". If the agencies continue to require the usage of Certified Weed Free Feed on public lands we will be 'locked' out of public lands, trails and usage specifically because in some areas there is NO Certified Weed Free Feed. In others, one has to drive up to a 100 miles to buy it to get into a trail or camp.

Along with my Presentation, I'm co-hosting the AQHA's Horse Trail Caucus (with an ice cream social) and hosting two different Round Table discussions simply titled "Equestrians" during the Symposium.

What I'd like to get from WHIN members is horse related, business items. Specifically trail related. The more the better. It will be given out at the Caucus. I'll give it out with my handouts after my Workshop. Others will the used for the Round Table discussions. I wanta prove that the horse industry is indeed using trails and is an economic value to the US economic picture. And I've made copies of the American Horse Council Economic Survey plus the American Horse Publications Survey to help bring 'home' that point.

Two Horse Enterprises (www.twohorseenterprises.com) has printed copies of the US Forest Service manual "Equestrian Guidelines for Developing, Building Trails, Horsecamps". Two Horse will be giving one to ALL trail designers, developers, builders -- agency and private -- since most agency people and others complain they can't build trails because they don't know how to meet Forest Service and agency requirements. With this book there is NO EXCUSE why an agency or an equestrian club, group, business, association can't 'sponsor' the development and maintenance work on a trail!

If a business has something it can send me -- business cards, brochures, literature, ANYTHING -- send it to me Bonnie Davis, 3263 Vineyard Ave., #122, Pleasanton, Ca. 94566. I'm leaving for Arizona on April 10th so will need by then -- hopefully sooner. If concerned it might not make it to me before April 10th, send to Radisson Fort McDowell Resort, Attn: Bonnie Davis, Guest, 10438 North Fort McDowell Road, Scottsdale, Az. 85264. And if you've got a question or comment, (925) 523-3241 office number, (510) 299-5215 cell, e-mail horsecamping@comcast.net.

The horse industry value to the US economic picture is $105 BILLION -- $2 billion in taxes to difference forms of government. And of the 10 million horses nationwide, 59.4% are used for RECREATIONAL TRAIL RIDING.

Thanks for your help........

Bonnie Davis

posted April 2, 2013

SmartSupplements™ in SmartPaks™ – Guaranteed to Work!

You'll see results in two months or get your money back, no questions asked

When you've got a supplement that is smarter by design, fresh, and fed right every time, it works—plain and simple. SmartPak is so sure that its SmartSupplements™ work that if you order any formula in SmartPaks™ and don't see results in two months, they will give you your money back.

"As the leading equine supplement retailer, we've had hundreds of thousands of conversations with horse owners who deal with real horse health problems every day," says Jessica Normand, SmartPak's Senior Director of SmartSupplements. "Hearing the challenges they face, and their frustrations with finding the right supplements for their horses, inspired us to create supplements that work better, taste better and save riders money."

SmartSupplements™ in SmartPaks™ offer comprehensive support for your horse without the compromise of a "one size fits all" approach. The carefully targeted formulas in SmartSupplements™ ensure that your horse gets everything he needs—and nothing he doesn't. SmartSupplements™ come in custom made SmartPaks™ that are pre-measured daily doses of your horse's supplements. Tightly sealed to protect 100% potency, SmartPaks™ ensure that your horse always has the freshest supplements available.

"When bringing the formulas to market, we worked with leading veterinarians and industry experts and conducted extensive palatability tests to ensure every formula was 'picky-eater approved,'" explains Normand. "As with any product, the proof is in the pudding, and you don't have to take our word for it. Over 6,500 horse owners have been so happy with the results they've seen that they've given SmartSupplements™ a perfect 5-star rating. With this kind of record, you can be sure our products work."

Knowing which supplements are best for your horse is easy thanks to the SmartPak Supplement Wizard. The SmartPak Supplement Wizard, "Five Minutes to a Healthier Horse," is the best online tool to help you create the perfect supplement program for your horse and it's incredibly simple to use. Answering some quick questions about your horse's lifestyle and health gives the Wizard all it needs to provide customized supplement recommendations for your horse. Finding the best supplement plan for your horse is absolutely assured.

"The Supplement Wizard makes creating the smartest supplement program for your horse's individual needs fast and easy," said Donnie Steele, SmartPak's Chief Marketing Officer. "And when you order SmartSupplements in SmartPaks, shipping is free, monthly delivery is automatic, and they are Guaranteed to Work! Our guarantee means that buying SmartSupplements in SmartPaks is completely risk-free because if you're not satisfied with the results you see in your horse, we will give you your money back, no questions asked."

To start your horse on SmartSupplements™ in SmartPaks™ and to see SmartPak's full inventory of products for you and your horse, just go to www.SmartPak.com/SmartSupplements

posted April 1, 2013

Jan Ebeling & "Rafalca" Return to the Show Ring in Style at 2013 Festival of the Horse & CDI 3*/Y/J

by Yellow Horse Marketing for Cornerstone Event Management

After the media frenzy which surrounded U.S. Dressage Team member Jan Ebeling at last summer's Olympic Games, he and his mount "Rafalca" enjoyed a quiet winter away from the spotlight. The well-deserved vacation obviously benefited both rider and horse as they put in strong winning performances at the Festival of the Horse & CDI 3*/Y/J held March 27 - 30, 2013 at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

The 15-year-old Oldenburg mare (Argentinius x Ratine by Rubinstein, owned by Amy Ebeling and Ann Romney) showed no signs of being rusty in returning to the international arena for the first time since London. First to canter down centerline in Thursday's CDI Grand Prix class, Ebeling and "Rafalca" looked fresh and were rewarded by the judging panel of Stephen Clarke (5* GBR), Mary Seefried (5* AUS), Linda Zang (5* USA), Cara Whitham (5* CAN), and Sarah Geikie (4* USA) with a score of 70.979%. Despite strong challenges by Kathleen Raine aboard long-time partner "Breanna" (13-year-old Hanoverian mare, Brentano II x Weltmeyer) and Guenter Seidel with "Coral Reef Wylea" (13-year-old Westfalen mare, Weinberg x Saluut), Ebeling's score remained atop the scoreboard for the duration of the class as Raine and Seidel had to settle for second and third with 70.340% and 69.787%, respectively. "Rafalca showed me that she was mentally and physically ready to be back from vacation," said Ebeling. "I was thrilled with the consistency and accuracy in the Grand Prix. She seems to have more sparkle than ever before!" Ebeling and "Rafalca" also danced through their technically-challenging and crowd-pleasing Grand Prix freestyle to win on a score of 73.600%, while David Blake rode Melanie Pai's Danish Warmblood gelding "Ikaros" (Akinos x Fernando) to win the CDI Grand Prix Special with 67.854%.

In the small tour, Heather Kennedy presented Alanna Seller's 12-year-old Rheinlander mare "Escada Magica" (Ehrentusch x Rouletto) to earn a score of 66.272% and the blue ribbon in the CDI Prix St. Georges class. The Intermediaire I victory went to Megan O'Brien riding "Wyoming" (2001 Hanoverian gelding Weltmeyer x Akzent I, owned by Carol Robertson) on 64.693%. In the Young Rider classes, Cassidy Gallman won both the Team and Individual tests with "Woden" (Hanoverian gelding Weltmeyer x Ankum) with a scores of 59.035% and 59.974%, respectively, while CDI Junior competitor Rison Naness rode Kristina Harrison's Hanoverian mare "Venezia" (White Star x Espri) to sweep her division with 64.459% in the Team Test and 61.474% for the Individual Test.

The Festival of the Horse was also an official qualifying competition for the Markel/Cornerstone Young Talent Search Finals, a new program designed to identify and reward talented young horses on the West Coast which also will pay out over $10,000 in prize money and awards and conclude with a spectacular Finals in June. In the four-year-old division, Karen Ball and "Sir Spiderman" (Oldenburg stallion, Sir Donnerhall x Rubinstein I) rode to their second straight Talent Search victory with a winning score of 70.208% for owners Alan and Theresa Reese. Ball also rode the Reese's gray Holsteiner gelding "Calimero" (by Contender) to top the five-year-old field with a score of 72.328%, while Jocelyn Hamann's lengthy trip from Reno, NV was made worthwhile with a win on her own "Casanova" (Dutch Warmblood gelding by Lauwersmeer Laka) in the six-year-old division with 72.286%.

The next Cornerstone competitions will be Woodside Spring Dressage in Woodside, CA on May 16 - 19, and Dressage at Flintridge CDI*/Y/J, May 23 - 26 in La Cañada-Flintridge, CA.

Cornerstone Event Management is the leading resource for premier dressage events in California. For more information, including news, show calendars, prize lists, entry forms, schedules, and results, visit Cornerstone Event Management on Facebook or http://www.cornerstonedressage.com/.

posted April 1, 2013

Nominations Open for Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame

"Since 2002 the Western States Horse Expo has maintained a tradition of inducting an individual or organization into its Hall of Fame," states Miki Nelsen, owner and founder of the yearly event. This year's date for the 15th annual Expo is June 7-9, 2013 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California.

"Once again we are soliciting input from the people who support the Horse Expo, and ask that they send their nominations to me: miki@horsexpo.com," Nelsen continues. "We strive to listen to what people want at the Expo, and this is a great way for everyone to voice their opinions about who deserves this award."

The Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame was created to honor a person (or organization) each year within the horse industry who maintains a worthy vision that has made a significant difference, and who contributes in a consistent way that benefits both horses and horsemen.
Last year the inductee into the Hall of Fame was the Western States Trail Foundation, the organization that hosts the world famous 100-mile endurance ride, the Tevis Cup. The Foundation is dedicated to keeping the 100 miles of trail maintained and open for perpetuity from near Truckee, California over the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains to Auburn, California. "I really admire this organization and certainly have respect for this difficult trail. Thousands of people around the world have one goal with their horse: To finish the Tevis, which is touted as the toughest ride in the world," comments Nelsen. Since 1955 the Western States Trail Foundation has diligently spent thousands of hours and an extraordinary amount of money to keep this trail open, which also includes working with a myriad of governmental agencies. They also maintain several staging areas along the 100 miles where everyone can ride their horses, including those not involved in endurance. "I was very pleased when this Foundation was nominated and received the Hall of Fame Award," says Nelsen. "The stewardship of our horse trails is of major concern to everyone who appreciates riding on trails, especially in the wilderness."

The Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame recipients include the following:

2002 / Frank Vessels
2003 / Ray Hunt
2004 / R. M. Miller, DVM
2005 / No recipient
2006 / Pat Parelli
2007 / Linda Tellington-Jones
2008 / Richard Shrake
2009 / John Lyons
2010 / No recipient
2011 / Bob Avila
2012 / Western States Trail Foundation

To submit your nomination for the Hall of Fame award, email Miki Nelsen: miki@horsexpo.com.

The Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame is awarded during the Magnificent Seven stock horse competition finals on Friday night, June 7 at the Horse Expo.

For more information about the Western States Horse Expo, visit www.horsexpo.com.