Related News

• Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show Set for April; New Date, Location and Classes Offered in 2010
  Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show Set for April; New Date, Location and Classes Offered in 2010

  Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - The 2010 Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, through Friday, April 16, and includes significant changes from the previous year's show.
  
  In particular, the show has been moved to the new state-of-the-art indoor facility at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the same arena in which parts of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are set to be held later this year. The new arena, footing and stabling are expected to enhance the experience of the participants and their horses. Other changes will include an adjusted competition date to avoid conflicts with the Kentucky Derby, and the addition of new breed sections.
  
  The three-day full schedule includes a wide range of performance classes for Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and Road Horses. New breed divisions added for the 2010 show comprise of Morgans, National Show Horses, Arabians and Half-Arabians Arabians, and Modern Shetlands. Exhibitions will also be offered featuring the Miniature Horse. And, for equitation enthusiasts, the event will host a USEF Saddle Seat Medal qualifier, the National Horse Show Good Hands Class, UPHA Challenge Cup, and Walk/Trot Challenge Cup.
  
  For information about sponsorship opportunities, vendor possibilities or for a copy of the prize list, contact Chuck Walker at cewalker9876@yahoo.com or Beth Snider at bethandscott@kih.net.
  
  
• Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show Has New Date, Location, and Classes
  Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show Has New Date, Location, and Classes

  Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - As the flowers begin to blossom and a new season begins, the Kentucky Spring Premier Horse Show is looking forward to “sprouting” some participation by making some major changes to the previous year’s show. In particular, the show has been moved to the new state-of-the-art indoor facility at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, which will house some of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games' events later this year. The new arena, footing and stabling is expected to enhance the experience of the participants and their horses. Other changes will include: competition date (to avoid Derby conflicts) and the addition of new breed sections.
  
  The three-day full schedule includes a wide range of performance classes for Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and Road Horses. New breed divisions added for the 2010 show comprise of: Morgans, National Show Horses, half- and full-bred Arabians; and Modern Shetlands. Exhibitions will also be offered featuring the Miniature horse. And, for the equitation enthusiasts, the event will host a USEF Saddle Seat Medal qualifier, the National Horse Show Good Hands class, UPHA Challenge Cup and Walk/Trot Challenge Cup.
  
  For information about sponsorship opportunities, vendor possibilities or for a copy of the prize list contact Chuck Walker at cewalker9876@yahoo.com or Beth Snider at bethandscott@kih.net.
  
  
• 2010 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Application Deadline Extended, Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Participation Announced
  2010 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Application Deadline Extended, Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Participation Announced

  Thursday, December 31, 2009 - The deadline for submission of applications for the 2010 U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team Selection has been extended to January 15, 2010. Applications are available online for riders interested in pursuing an opportunity to qualify for the teams that will represent the United States at the 2010 International Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup event, to be held October 6-8, 2010, at the Kentucky Fall Classic Horse Show in Shelbyville, KY.
  
  In addition, the Saddle Seat World Cup will be a featured part of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Equine Village at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Riders from the U.S. teams as well as members of the visiting International Saddle Seat World Cup teams will have the opportunity to participate in the prestigious WEG Equine Village.
  
  “We are extremely excited about 2010. We’re looking forward to hosting a first-rate competition in Shelbyville, but we’re even more proud that we have the chance to be featured in the World Equestrian Games at the Equine Village in Lexington. This will be the opportunity that we’ve been waiting for, to show the world how incredible our athletes and our horses are,” said Ellen Beard, Executive Director of the organization. “The U.S. Team Selection Trials will be the beginning of what we know will be a very exciting year for us, as we select the team we hope will return the Gold medals and the World Cup trophies to the USA.”
  
  Riders from all Saddle Seat breeds are strongly encouraged to apply for the 2010 teams, each of which consists of five team members and an alternate. The purpose of the Saddle Seat World Cup is to promote the discipline of saddle seat equitation on an international level. The diverse breed affiliations involved in saddle seat equitation in the United States create the unique opportunity to draw from an expanded pool of top riders. Horses from the Saddlebred, Morgan, Arabian and National Show Horse breeds will be used in the competition.
  
  A total of 20 finalists will compete to become one of five team members or an alternate for the U.S. three-gaited team. Up to 12 finalists will have earned their bids to the trials by winning one of several designated qualifying finals or by virtue of a breed association nomination. In addition, 10 finalists will compete for the honors of five-gaited team membership. Two automatic bids for this team will be extended to the winners of designated five-gaited equitation events while the remaining eight finalists are chosen from a pool of applicants.
  
  The remaining finalists for the three-gaited team will be chosen from a pool of applicants. In the event of multiple finals wins or declined automatic bids, remaining finalist slots will be selected from the pool of eligible applicants. Riders may apply for both the three- and five-gaited teams but must submit separate application materials and fees for each team. In addition, in the event a rider qualifies for both teams, they may only represent the U.S. on one team.
  
  Complete details, selection guidelines and application materials are available for download at www.saddleseatworldcupusa.com. Deadline for receipt of completed application packets is 9 p.m. EST on January 15, 2010. Interested applicants must submit completed applications, a $150 non-refundable application fee (per team), a brief essay, letters of reference, DVD or video, and two photographs. Applicants must be 14 years of age on January 1, 2010, but there is no maximum age for applicants. In addition, all riders must maintain current amateur certification with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to be eligible.
  
  The U.S. Team Selection Trials are slated for March 26-28, 2010, on the campus of William Woods University in Fulton, MO. William Woods graciously provides the horses used for the trials, which is designed to prepare riders for the atmosphere of the international event. The Team Selection Trials will consist of two days of competition during which riders will complete two rail sessions, two individual patterns and one personal interview. Scoring will be equally weighted among the riding portions to total 90%, while the interview will account for the remaining 10% of each rider’s total score. Teams will be announced on the final day of the trials.
  
  For more information on the U.S. Team Selection process, please visit the official website or contact Executive Secretary Christy O’Donnell at WCEquitation@aol.com or call (813) 760-0465. The U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation.
  
  
  
• 2009 Performance Horse Registry’s Silver Stirrup Champions Announced
  2009 Performance Horse Registry’s Silver Stirrup Champions Announced

  Wednesday, December 30, 2009 - The final shows have been posted and the 2009 Performance Horse Registry’s (PHR) Silver Stirrup Award winners have been announced. One of the Hunter winners include Krishna Buyalos’s beautiful two-year-old filly, Outstanding. This bay filly is by Popeye K and out of Delilah. She was bred in California by Leslie Nelson. She is the winner of the Hunter Breeding Award. The Anglo-Trakehner gelding Unbelievable (Zarr x Rhapsody II) took home the award for the best Green Working Hunter.
  
  The Jumper category seems to be a carbon copy of last season. John and Barbara Bartko’s uber-talented grand prix winner Tarco Van Ter Moude took home top honors again in the High-Point Jumper category. This gelded son by Darco and out of the mare Pleiade de Revel won in excess of $200,000 in the jumper ring for 2009. Salamander Farm’s La Martinee (Landclassic x Landelfe) was the Amateur Owner Jumper of the Year for the third consecutive year.
  
  In-Hand Dressage was very competitive this year. The Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) winner was Lisa and Jessica Dworkin’s Days Go By. Their homebred yearling is sired by Danone out of a former Silver Stirrup In-Hand Champion mare, Zejaluna (by Palmenhain). Karen Brame’s homebred Royalander (Royal Prince x Accolades) took home the DSHB Materiale award and Jessica Jenkin’s Andorra La Vella (Amethyst x Impressive Cowgirl) won the DSHB Mature Horse of the Year award.
  
  Dressage continues to be very popular with PHR-registered horses. The 2009 season was very competitive and some of the standouts include: Janne Rumbough’s homebred Winnie Too (Gaucho III x Kristina); Kenneth Borden, Jr’s homebred Rashka (Raymeister x Tashika); Kai Handt’s NTEC Donar (D’Olympic x Dukoscha), and Lisa Froehlig’s Welfenprinz (Weltmeyer x Prioschka). One winner, Rose Noir 2, had a very memorable year. Her owner, Mary-Cameron Rollins, rode the beautiful black daughter of Royal Angelo I out of Ironesse to an Individual Gold Medal at the Adequan FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships. She was also the winner of the 2009 Silver Stirrup FEI Junior/Young Rider of the Year Award.
  
  Eventing grew in 2009 as the popular Beginner Novice division was added as a championship level for Silver Stirrup-nominated horses. The inaugural winner of this division was Ashley Guidry and her bay mare Mercedes (Makuba x Madeara). Deanna Hertrich of Salem, WI, was the Novice Champion with her Thoroughbred gelding, St George (Our Native x Best Game). The Advanced Champion for 2009 is Jessica Ransehousen’s Oldenburg gelding, Critical Decision. This bay son of Consul and out of the mare Two Days Tor was bred in Pennsylvania by Judy Reggio. Accompanied by his rider Melissa Ransehousen, Critical Decision was an entry in the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Four-Star Event.
  
  The National Champion and Reserve Champion winners will be recognized for their success at the USEF Annual Meeting in January. The Silver Stirrup Awards banquet will be held on Thursday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m. EST. The meeting will be held at the Marriott Downtown in Louisville, KY. For more information, please visit www.usef.org/convention/2010/sponsors.aspx.
  
  During the Silver Stirrup Awards, the PHR/USEF Leading Owner, Breeder, and Sires of the Year are also recognized. Some of the winners this year include Gareth Selwood (Andalusian Owner and Breeder of the Year), Chester Weber (Driving Owner of the Year), Dr. Ruth Wilbun (Welsh Owner and Breeder of the Year), McLain Ward (Jumper Owner of the Year), Leslie Nelson (Hunter Breeding Breeder of the Year), and Marilyn Checki (Pony Hunter Breeder of the Year). The complete list of winners are:
  
  
  2009 USEF LEADING SIRES
  
  LEADING FULL AND HALF ANDALUSIAN/LUSITANO SIRE
  SANTIAGO (BRUNO – CAMPANERA II)
  OWNED BY ROTHROCK ANDALUSIANS, STREATOR, IL
  
  LEADING ARABIAN SIRE
  LEGACY OF GOLD (ALADA BASKIN – KHATAR FIRESEMBER)
  OWNED BY MR. FERNANDO DE SANTIBANES, ROGERS, MN
  
  LEADING DRESSAGE SIRE
  CONTUCCI (HAN, CAPRIMOND - LAUREEN)
  OWNED BY HILLTOP FARM, COLORA, MD
  
  LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDING SIRE
  ROYAL PRINCE (HAN, ROHDIAMANT – PIRI PIRI)
  OWNED BY HILLTOP FARM INC, COLORA, MD
  
  LEADING DRIVING SIRE
  EQUINOX BEAUBROOK (MORGAN, ROYALTON ASHBROOK DARLING – EQUINOX SARAH MIA)
  OWNED BY EAST OF EQUINOX FARM, MANCHESTER CENTER, VT
  
  LEADING EVENTING SIRE
  RIVERMAN (HOL, REDFORT – ALEXIS III)
  OWNED BY HILLTOP FARM, COLORA, MD
  
  LEADING FRIESIAN SIRE
  BEAREND 347 (PITER - SASCHA)
  OWNED BY JO LYNNE SHOUSE, FENTON, MI
  
  LEADING HACKNEY SIRE
  FOREWOOD NIATROSS (HOLYPARK WHAT’S WANTED – LAMBERHURST PRINCESS)
  OWNED BY KAREN DUNST / DUNROTH FARM, BRADBURY, CA
  
  LEADING HALF-ARABIAN SIRE
  AL JASSUR LADDIN (ARABIAN, AL IRHAD LADDIN - SOMKINDAWONDERFUL)
  OWNED JEAN JACKSON, SUFFOLK, VA
  
  LEADING HUNTER SIRE
  CASSINI I (HOL, CAPITOL I - WISMA)
  OWNED BY HOLSTEINER VERBAND, GERMANY
  
  LEADING HUNTER BREEDING SIRE
  POPEYE K (KWPN, VOLTAIRE – ELORETTA)
  OWNED BY SPENCER RANCH, KESWICK, VA
  
  LEADING JUMPER SIRE
  DARCO (BWP, LUGANO VAN LA ROCHE - OCOUCHA)
  OWNED BY MARTINUS PAESEN, BELGIUM
  
  SOUTH PACIFIC AWARD
  Presented by Joan Irvine Smith and The Oaks to the Leading U.S.-based Jumper Sire
  SOUTH PACIFIC (HOL, ALOUBE Z - NIRZA)
  OWNED BY THE OAKS (JOAN IRVINE SMITH), SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA
  
  LEADING MORGAN SIRE
  COURAGE OF EQUINOX (CHASLEY SUPERMAN – KATY BENNFIELD)
  OWNED BY EAST OF EQUINOX FARM, MANCHESTER CENTER, VT
  
  LEADING NATIONAL SHOW HORSE SIRE
  ALLIENCE (ARABIAN, ALADDIN – A LOVE SONG)
  OWNED BY SHAFER ARABIANS, W. FARMINGTON, OH
  
  LEADING PASO FINO SIRE
  EL DIRECTOR DE DAGUAO (PROFETA DE BESILU – LA MAESTRA A LA ORDEN)
  OWNED BY LA MUNDIAL PASO FINOS, PUERTO RICO
  
  LEADING PONY HUNTER SIRE
  BLUE RAIN (WELSH/TB, CYMRAEG RAIN BEAU – BLUE HAVILAND)
  OWNED BY ALLYSON COLUCCIO, PURCELLVILLE, VA
  
  LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDING SIRE
  LAND’S END POSEDION (WELSH, ROTHERWOOD STATE OCCASSION - CAROLINAS PHOENIX)
  OWNED BY GARY BAKER, MIDDLEBURG, VA
  
  LEADING PONY JUMPER SIRE
  GLENCOE JESTER (WELSH, ARDMORE FOOTLIGHT – UPLAND WHIMSEY)
  OWNED BY ROBERT AND JAN O’CONNOR, BOALSBURG, PA
  
  LEADING WESTERN SIRE
  SMART STARBUCK (QUARTER HORSE, GRAYS STARLIGHT – SMART MARLENA)
  OWNED BY TOM MC CUTCHEON, AUBREY, TX
  
  LEADING ROADSTER SIRE
  DUN-HAVEN CLASSIC EDITION (HACKNEY, FUN-HAVEN CRESCENDO - ROYAL MANOR MELODY)
  OWNED BY JEROME ROSINSKI, MAPLE CITY, MI
  
  LEADING SADDLEBRED SIRE
  CHUBASCO (FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - TROPICAL GALE)
  OWNED BY MICHELE MACFARLANE & ELLEN SCRIPPS DAVIS, SAN DIEGO, CA.
  
  LEADING WELSH SIRE
  SLEIGHT OF HAND (MYLNCROTH SPUN GOLD – COED COCH OLWEN)
  OWNED BY GAIL THOMSON, HETH, AR
  
  
  
  2009 USEF LEADING OWNERS
  
  LEADING FULL AND HALF ANDALUSIAN / LUSITANO OWNER
  GARETH SELWOOD, ELKHORN, WI
  
  LEADING ARABIAN OWNER
  TRACY RATLIFF LORD, AUGUSTA, GA
  
  LEADING DRESSAGE OWNER
  GRAND PRIX EQUESTRIAN, CHICAGO, IL
  
  LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDING OWNER
  MELANIE PAI, FULSHEAR, TX
  
  LEADING DRIVING OWNER
  CHESTER WEBER, OCALA, FL
  
  LEADING EVENTING OWNER
  SARAH COUSINS, WEST GROVE, PA
  
  LEADING FRIESIAN OWNER
  JO LYNNE SHOUSE, FENTON, MI
  
  LEADING HACKNEY OWNER
  KAY MARSCHEL, DALLAS, TX
  
  LEADING HALF-ARABIAN OWNER
  BILL DOUGHTY, CAPE CHARLES, VA
  
  LEADING HUNTER OWNER
  PONY LANE FARM, BLUFFDALE, UT
  
  LEADING HUNTER BREEDING OWNER
  KRISHNA BUYALOS, SANTA BARBARA, CA
  
  LEADING JUMPER OWNER
  MCLAIN WARD, BREWSTER, NY
  
  LEADING MORGAN OWNER
  TERRI STURM, LAS VEGAS, NV
  
  LEADING NATIONAL SHOW HORSE OWNER
  LESA DAHL-LELAND, BRICELYN, MN
  
  LEADING PASO FINO OWNER
  SANDRA WALKER, LOUISVILLE, KY
  
  LEADING PONY HUNTER OWNER
  ALEECE JARMAN, PACE, FL
  
  LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDING OWNER
  THORA POLLAK, POTOMAC, MD
  
  LEADING PONY JUMPER OWNER
  KAYLA BRIEL, COPPELL, TX
  
  LEADING WESTERN OWNER
  ALLISON NELSON, ARVADA, CO
  
  LEADING ROADSTER OWNER
  CHARLES JONES, JONESTOWN, PA
  
  LEADING SADDLEBRED OWNER
  JUDITH FERGUSON-GANDARILLAS, HAYES, VA
  
  LEADING WELSH OWNER
  RUTH WILBURN, OLIVE BRANCH, MS
  
  
  2009 LEADING BREEDERS
  
  LEADING HALF- AND HALF-ANDALUSIAN / LUSITANO BREEDER
  GARETH SELWOOD, ELKHORN, WI
  
  LEADING ARABIAN BREEDER
  MRS BAZY TANKERSLEY, TUSCON, AZ
  
  LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDER
  KENNETH BORDEN / LITTLE BIT FARM, WILMINGTON, IL
  
  LEADING DRESSAGE BREEDING BREEDER
  MELANIE PAI, FULSHEAR, TX
  
  LEADING DRIVING BREEDER
  SUSAN MC LELLAN, DELHI, NY
  
  LEADING EVENTING BREEDER
  ELIZABETH CALLAHAN, OXFORD, MD
  
  LEADING FRIESIAN BREEDER
  BLACK DRAGON FARM (JO LYNNE SHOUSE), FENTON, MI
  
  LEADING HACKNEY BREEDER
  DARREL KOLKMAN, NEW LONDON, IA
  
  LEADING HALF-ARABIAN BREEDER
  BILL DOUGHTY, CAPE CHARLES, VA
  
  LEADING HUNTER BREEDER
  AUGUSTIN WALCH, STRATFORD, ONTARIO, CANADA
  
  LEADING HUNTER BREEDING BREEDER
  LESLIE NELSON, SANTA BARBARA, CA
  
  LEADING JUMPER BREEDER
  PATRICIA METZ, OCALA, FL
  
  LEADING MORGAN BREEDER
  SUE SPRINGSTEAD GRAMSE, ANGOLA, NY
  
  LEADING NATIONAL SHOW HORSE BREEDER
  CYNTHIA BACKLUND, ST LOUIS PARK, MN
  
  LEADING PASO FINO BREEDER
  VANESSA HOWARD, ORLANDO, FL
  
  LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDER
  MARILYN CHECKI, FRANKSVILLE, WI
  
  LEADING PONY HUNTER BREEDING BREEDER
  LAURA CAMPBELL, FOUNTAINVILLE, WI
  
  LEADING PONY JUMPER BREEDER
  VIRGIL GREMORE, SAPULPA, OK
  
  LEADING WESTERN BREEDER
  MAGNESS ARABIAN FARMS, LLC, FORT LUPTON, CO
  
  LEADING ROADSTER BREEDER
  DARREL KOLKMAN, NEW LONDON, IA
  
  LEADING SADDLEBRED BREEDER
  CALLAWAY HILLS STABLES, NEW BLOOMINFIELD, MO
  
  LEADING WELSH BREEDER
  RUTH WILBURN, OLIVE BRANCH, MS
  
  If you are interested in become part of this exciting program, please read more about it at www.phr.com.
  
  Congratulations to all of the winners and all participants.
• USEF Announces "My Favorite USEF Breed Competition" Contest Winners
  USEF Announces "My Favorite USEF Breed Competition" Contest Winners

  Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - Lexington, KY - In July, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced a new contest for 2009 designed to let USEF members vote for their "Favorite USEF Breed Competition." The idea behind the contest was to award and promote the USEF licensed breed competitions for their efforts in running a show so well that exhibitors want to call it their favorite. Also, the contest gave exhibitors the opportunity to provide positive feedback about the competitions to the USEF.
  
  The exhibitors and members stepped up and provided more valuable input than we get on a yearly basis about the competitions they are attending. We received nominations for several competitions in many of the breed categories and lots of positive feedback about the competitions; however, we were only able to award one competition per breed for the Favorite Breed Competition contest. We are pleased to announce the winning competitions for each breed and to share some statements from the exhibitors below:
  
  

  Breed	Competition	Comments
  Andalusian/Lusitano	IALHA REGION I CHAMPIONSHIP	A Regional Championship is offered in every class. It is a culmination of the hard work you did all year with Championship rewards offered. A good show if you can't make it to Nationals.
  Arabian	AHAF ANNUAL THANKSGIVING	Fantastic show management, large class variety, wonderful facility, great horses, show in its 40th year and loved by all competitors.
  Connemara	PONIES ON THE HUDSON	Beautiful facility, excellent surface in wet conditions. Easy to reach competitive rings.
  Friesian	BAROQUE HORSE CLASSIC	The show is run by professionals. Stalls are safe and grounds are well maintained.
  Hackney	MIDWEST CHARITY	Midwest Charity Horse Show is a showcase for young stock coming out early in the season. The hospitality and atmosphere at the very horse-friendly location of the Illinois State Fairgrounds is just the best!! The volunteers that put together such a gracious world-class charity horse show, with the right "home town" touch is a pleasure for exhibitors, officials, and spectators to enjoy.
  Morgan	MASSACHUSETTS MORGAN	The Mass Morgan Horse Show has it all: quantity, quality and A LOT of fun. Each year exhibitors look forward to the annual theme and socializing at this outstanding event. When trainers have to make cuts to their show schedule, Mass Morgan is never cut out. This show is truly one-of-a-kind and deserves recognition.
  National Show Horse	NSHR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS	Well run and fun.
  Paso Fino	FOUR BEAT JUBILEE	Georgia PFHA and show management are always friendly and helpful. The show runs smoothly and efficiently. The show is priced affordably. Volunteer personnel maintain a fun but professional demeanor. The facility (and its personnel) is first class, perfect for sunny or rainy weather, kept clean and a pleasant place to be. Food from concession (as well as food provided for Saturday night dinner) is good.
  Saddlebred	SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL	The wonderful hospitality, management, facilities, and professionalism of the staff and vendors. Great job Naomi and everyone involved!
  Shetland	MISSOURI STATE FAIR	I enjoy being able to show the Shetlands with the saddle horses and Hackneys. It also brings in a good audience. The show staff is great as well.
  Welsh	PENN MARYDEL WELSH PONY	Friendly, well run, very nice facility, great participants. It is a show that children are safe to run and play when not showing. Just a good down-to-earth show with a family feeling.

  
  
  Every competition that was voted for will receive a letter sharing the positive feedback from their exhibitors. The breed competitions listed above will receive the same, along with a plaque from USEF in recognition of their efforts to provide exhibitors with a competition atmosphere that prompted them to vote the competition as the Favorite Breed Competition.
  
  The following two competitions have been randomly selected from the above list to receive the Grand and Runner-Up placing:
  
  Grand Prize - MISSOURI STATE FAIR
  This competition will receive a pizza party for their exhibitors at the 2010 competition.
  
  Runner-Up - IALHA REGION I CHAMPIONSHIP
  This competition will receive an ice cream party for the exhibitors at the 2010 competition.
  
  *In order to be eligible to claim their prize, the competitions must remain USEF licensed for 2010.
  
  We thank the exhibitors and members for taking the time to provide USEF with valuable input about your experience at USEF competitions and invite you to do the same in 2010 when we launch the voting again. You may also always find evaluation forms at the competitions that you can use to provide the same positive input about your experience at USEF competitions. We want to hear your thoughts!
  
  For more information, please contact Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at (859) 225-6957 or via e-mail at lnelson@usef.org.
• Reduced Registration and Transfer Fees Passed by the National Show Horse Registry Board of Directors
  Reduced Registration and Transfer Fees Passed by the National Show Horse Registry Board of Directors

  Monday, December 07, 2009 -

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  Effective immediately and until December 31, 2009, registration fees for National Show Horses will be $250 for horses three months and older whose sire is National Show Horse Registry (NSHR) Lifetime Nominated and $500 for horses three months and older whose sire is not NSHR Lifetime Nominated.
  
  Effective immediately and until December 31, 2009, the transfer fee of a National Show Horse will be no more than $100 regardless of the number of interim owners as long as the current owner is a current NSHR member.
  
  While you're at it, don't forget to enroll all your Saddleseat Horses to the Show Horse Alliance for the fee of $150. This will make your horse eligible to compete in the Show Horse Alliance classes at the National Show Horse Registry Finals.
  
  For more information, visit www.nshregistry.org.
• English Pleasure Division Approved
  English Pleasure Division Approved

  Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - By Carrie Mortensen
  

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  Effective December 1, 2009, English Pleasure will now be a recognized division with the United States Equestrian Federation. The new division rules can be found on the USEF website at www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/2010/RE12109.pdf. This means that you have the opportunity to offer "rated" English Pleasure classes to your exhibitors.
  
  The Federation is excited to add this division to encourage and reward yet another venue of equestrian sport. The English Pleasure division has three sections—saddle seat, hunter seat, and driving. Exhibitors will now have the opportunity to earn points and be nationally recognized through the USEF Horse of the Year Program. Many USEF-licensed competitions have been holding English Pleasure classes as unrecognized, opportunity, or exhibition classes, which required the competition to print the class specifications in the prize list. If your competition (beginning December 1, 2009) follows the class specifications EXACTLY as written in the newly approved English Pleasure division, your competition can just list the class names as you do with the other USEF recognized classes. When the class specifications match the rules, your class will be "rated" with the Federation. If your horse show requires a class in the division that is not currently listed or requires different class specifications, your class would be "unrated" but still recognized by USEF (See GR902.2) and you would need to include your class specifications in the prize list if they differ from the exact class specifications for this new division.
  
  There will not be an "English Pleasure" judging license. Per GR1004.14, “Judges licensed in any breed that includes a Saddle Seat or English Pleasure section are eligible to officiate English Pleasure Saddle Seat classes. Judges licensed in Hunter or any breed that includes a Hunter Pleasure section are eligible to officiate English Pleasure Hunter Seat classes. Judges licensed in any breed that includes a Pleasure Driving section are eligible to officiate English Pleasure Driving classes.” (See chart below) GR1011.11r allows guest judges to officiate alone at A, B, C, or Local competitions within the English Pleasure division. C1 and C2 Stewards will be allowed to officiate any of the English Pleasure classes without additional licensing requirements.
  
  

  Official Holds This License	Can Officiate EP Saddle Seat	Can Officiate EP Hunter Seat	Can Officiate EP Driving
  Arabian	Yes	Yes	Yes
  Connemara	Yes	Yes	Yes
  Friesian	Yes	Yes	Yes
  Hackney	Yes	No	Yes
  Hunter	No	Yes	No
  Morgan	Yes	Yes	Yes
  National Show Horse	Yes	Yes	Yes

• National Show Horse Registry to the Rescue
  National Show Horse Registry to the Rescue

  Thursday, June 25, 2009 - The National Show Horse Registry (NSHR) announces the opening of the National Show Horse Foundation to accept donations in support of their program for the rescue/re-homing of National Show Horses.
  
  In addition to financial assistance the NSHR will accept pledges to provide:
  a. Pasture board for retirees
  b. Stabling and/or training/re-training for potential re-homers
  c. Veterinary/Farrier services
  d. Horse care supplies
  e. Feed
  
  Owners of National Show Horses and Show Horse Alliance enrolled horses unable to care for them may apply for assistance on our website. A special form will be posted soon.
  
  The ability to help will be totally contingent upon your generosity. When properly funded the program will provide assistance on a first come-first served basis to approved horses.
  
  The NSHR looks forward to expanding the program to include NSHs found at auctions or abandon.
  
  Information on Corporate sponsorships to this program will be released soon.
  
  Donations to support The NSHR Rescue/Re-homing Program may be sent directly to:
  National Show Horse Registry
  10368 Bluegrass Pkwy
  Louisville, KY 40299
  
  For donations of services or materials please contact NSHR Chairman David Mikosz through the website www.nshregistry.org or email nshowhorse@aol.com.
  
  ENDS
  
• Notice of Change (Addition) to Equitation Rule EQ119
  Notice of Change (Addition) to Equitation Rule EQ119

  Thursday, June 11, 2009 - LEXINGTON, KY– The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) would like to notify competitions, managers, stewards, instructors and exhibitors of a rule change that became effective April 20, 2009.
  
  The new addition to Equitation rule EQ119 states “At all World and National Championships and Finals, competitors must be allowed ample access to the competition arena in order to walk on foot the posted workout. A minimum of ½ hour is recommended.” Competitions are asked to plan accordingly to incorporate this requirement into their schedules.
  
  Questions regarding this rule should be directed to the USEF National Affiliates Department by calling (859) 225-6986.
  
  ENDS
  
• USEF Adult Medal Final Clarification for Lexington Junior League Horse Show
  USEF Adult Medal Final Clarification for Lexington Junior League Horse Show

  Thursday, June 04, 2009 - (LEXINGTON, KY)– The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final will again be held during the Friday morning performance of the Lexington Junior League Horse Show.
  
  To be eligible to compete in this Final, riders must have won a ribbon in at least one qualifying class between June 28, 2008 and July 9, 2009. Please note the Lexington Junior League Horse Show has added a “qualifying” class to their show schedule to allow riders to qualify for the Final at the Junior League Horse Show. This “qualifying” class is a separate class (inadvertently listed as the same class in the show program). THE FINAL ITSELF WILL ACTUALLY BE HELD ON FRIDAY MORNING (class 101). Riders that are already qualified for the Final on Friday may participate in this separate class but are not required to do so. Therefore, any rider that has not yet qualified for the Final being held on Friday, July 10 is encouraged to enter the qualifying class being held during the morning session on Wednesday, July 8. Entries should be made to the Junior League Horse Show by contacting Beth Snider at (502) 647-0076.
  
  The Adult Amateur Saddle Seat National Champion will receive a beautiful cast resin sculpture created for the Championship by noted artist Patricia Crane. In addition, the Champion will receive a hand-crafted USEF Leather Cabin Bag made exclusively by Freedman Harness of Canada. Both the Champion and Reserve Champion will also receive leather halters and coolers for their mounts, tri-colored championships ribbons supplied by Hodges Badge Company, and Bouquets of roses, courtesy of the United States Equestrian Federation. The traditional medals will also be awarded to the top three competitors.
  
  Following the awards presentation, all exhibitors will be invited to the USEF luncheon where each participant and instructor will receive commemorative gifts.
  
  The USEF Medal Final is one of the most prestigious Medal Finals in the country dating back to 1937. Historically, the Medal program represented the top level of competition for junior riders. It was decided in 2001 that a Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final would give adults the ability to continue to compete for the prestigious honor. Riders are judged fifty percent on rail work as a group and fifty percent on individual tests (a pattern).
  
  For more information regarding this Final, please contact Carrie Mortensen, USEF’s Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, at (859) 225-6986 or via email at cmortensen@usef.org.
  
  ENDS