FITS® ThinLine® Seat Shims! COMFORT. PROTECTION. BALANCE. Just where you need it.

PORTLAND OR—USA For decades the equestrian industry has gone to great lengths to adjust and modify saddles and padding to allow them to sit evenly and comfortably on the horse’s back. The goal to allow the horse to move in perfect balance and comfort. Yet until now, no one has addressed the final determining factor in the equation: How balanced and how well does the rider sit in the saddle? A crooked rider or one with an intensely driving seat can negate all the effort that has gone into making the horse comfortable in his tack.

Fortunately for horses and riders, the engineers at ThinLine and the product developers at FITS recognized the need to balance and cushion riders in the saddle, for their comfort and equitation issues, and for the overall comfort of their horses. States Sheryl Rudolph of FITS, “Think about it. We achieve a perfectly balanced and comfortable saddle fit on a horse, then mess it up by putting a crooked rider in it.”

FITS Thinline riding inserts allow the rider who collapses to one side or who needs some extra shock absorption to invisibly pad up one or both sides of their seat as needed by inserting shims on the inside of FITS strategically placed deerskin seat patches (US Patent 7,533,423B2). The shock absorbancy of the ThinLine cellular foam helps the rider to sit closer and more balanced in the saddle improving the effectiveness of the aids while providing superior comfort to both horse and rider.

Riders who can benefit from the shims are include anyone who spends long hours in the saddle or anyone who could use a little extra padding in this sensitive area be they trainers, therapeutic riding program members, endurance riders or one of the millions of riders who simply collapse a bit to one side or another in the saddle. Theorizes Rudolph, “We found in our product testing that riders who had a tendency to collapse to one side, improved their connection to their horse’s back immediately with the shims; and after riding with them for a few weeks they were able to remove the shims and retain a more balanced seat through the retraining of their muscle memory.” Watch for ThinLine® Seat Shims by FITS® in stores October 2009 or contact info@FITSriding.com for more information. Suggested retail is $28 for a set of 6 shims. The shims work in all FITS full seat breeches and come with easy to follow instructions.

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, FITS specializes in technical clothing for horseback riders. The firm has demonstrated expertise in creating products that help riders perform to their utmost ability. FITS PerforMAX™ breeches (US Patent 7,533,423 B2) can be seen on top athletes around the world in the riding disciplines of Dressage, Three Day Eventing, Show Jumping and Endurance. In Spring 2010 FITS will be introducing a new line for the Hunter market. To learn more about FITS innovative equestrian products visit www.FITSriding.com or call 1.888.360.FITS or 503.708.5722

BLM Rushes Forward with Roundup of World Famous Wild Horse Herd Before Senate Can Act

LOVELL, WY- August 28, 2009: In response to the destructive removal planned for America’s most famous wild horse herd, the Cloud Foundation and Front Range Equine Rescue have filed a lawsuit and a request for an injunction in Federal Court in Washington, DC. The Pryor Herd gained worldwide fame largely due to the popular PBS NATURE Documentaries about the Pryor Stallion, Cloud. The appellants’ aim is to prohibit the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from rounding up all the horses in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range and removing 70. This roundup, unprecedented in size and scope, is slated to begin September 1, 2009 according to the recently released BLM Decision Record. This would be the largest removal in the 32-year history of this specially designated wild horse range. The helicopter drive-trapping operation would be shrouded in a cloak of secrecy as BLM proposes to close the entire public lands area to humane observers and the general public except “on a case by case basis”.

Advocates in this case argue that the removal of 70 horses will leave this unique and historical herd genetically non-viable and unable to sustain themselves into the future. According to noted equine geneticist, Gus Cothran, Ph.D. of Texas A&M University, “… a census population of 150-200 is required to achieve the minimum effective population size…. The [Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Herd] has been one of the most important and visible herds within the BLM Wild Horse Program and it is important that it stays viable.”

BLM is circumventing Congress’ wishes that wild horses be protected in the American West. The House just passed the Restore Our American Mustangs (ROAM) act and the Senate will review this bill (now S.1579) when they return from recess in September. “Is BLM just trying to do as much irrevocable damage to America's wild horses as fast as they can before the Senate can act?” asks Ginger Kathrens, Volunteer Executive Director of the Cloud Foundation.

“Right now there are twelve entire herds being eliminated from 1.4 million acres in Eastern Nevada because these lands are suddenly not appropriate for wild horses,” Kathrens continues. “However, no action has been made to reduce cattle grazing in these areas.” There are no grazing permits in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range and reasons for holding an unprecedented removal this year are not clear. The range and adjacent lands are in excellent condition following three years of drought-breaking precipitation.

Cloud and the wild horses of Montana’s Pryor Mountains are world famous but fame and an outcry from the American public does not seem to impact BLM plans. There are currently only 190 wild horses (one year and older) living in the spectacular Pryor Mountains. In order to remove 70 the BLM must take older horses who could be sold directly to killer buyers or destroyed on the spot according to their codes of federal regulation.

The Pryor Mountain wild horses are descendants of the Lewis and Clark horses who were stolen by the Crow Indians in the early 1800's. George Reed, Secretary of Cultural Education for the Crow Tribe Executive Branch, wrote in 2006: “We advocate preserving our heritage, culture and language, and these Pryor wild horses are part of our culture.” Lakota and Northern Cheyenne Tribal Leaders will gather in response to the BLM’s destructive actions on Saturday, August 29th. This ride “Honoring Freedom: The Ride to Save America’s Wild Horses” will start in the lowlands and culminate in ceremonies at the Dryhead Overlook atop the mountain.

BLM Director Bob Abbey has had his office reroute calls to the BLM hotline due to the number of complaints he’s received on this issue. “Nothing has changed for the wild horses with this new administration” Kathrens says, “except it has gotten worse”.

For More Information contact:

The Cloud Foundation

719-633-3842

www.thecloudfoundation.org

Entries Invited For The Colorado Cowboy Challenge Race At The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo In Ignacio

Every age can find a fun challenge at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Ignacio, CO

New for this year: EXCA-sanctioned “Colorado Cowboy Challenge” race and—for the little ones--Mutton Bustin’

The Extreme Cowboy Association and the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo will join forces at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds in Ignacio, Colorado, September 18-20, 2009, to stage a 3-day “Colorado Cowboy Challenge,” which is a timed, judged obstacle course race—and as Extreme Racing fans know, the wilier the obstacle, the wilder the ride.

The Colorado Cowboy Challenge Race will be sanctioned by and run according to the rules of the Extreme Cowboy Association, founded by legendary horseman Craig Cameron in conjunction with HorseTV. Costs to enter vary according to division, and entrants in every division except novice are eligible to win cash prizes. The event is open to all riders, age 14 and over, with qualifying races Friday and Saturday, followed by finals on Sunday. Races will be held each day from 1-3 p.m. Fun to watch, and even more entertaining to ride, the Colorado Cowboy Challenge is sure to please both the crowd and the participants.

Sign up now through the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo at expo@rockymountainhorseexpo.com or (303) 292-4981. The event is limited to 40 entries, and there must be a minimum of 12 entries above novice for the race to be held. Stalls are available through the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo and come with grounds passes. Per the requirements of the Sky Ute facility, every horse entering the grounds must have a current (within 12 months) negative Coggins and a 30-day health certificate.

As for the little ones, the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo is looking for a few brave rodeo fans—or maybe MORE than a few—to try their skills at mutton bustin’. The sheep will be ready to go at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, in a special, kid-sized chute by Priefert Ranch Equipment. Safety gear will be provided, and parental consent is required. Mutton busters should be between 3-7 years old, and weigh no more than 55 pounds. Ribbons will be awarded for various categories; there will be a nominal charge to participate.

Whatever your age, you’ll find plenty to interest you—and maybe even a few new challenges—at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, Sky Ute Fairgrounds in Ignacio, CO, September 18-20, 2009. Clinicians and speakers, unique shopping, the Green Resources College, and more: visit www.RockyMountainHorseExpo.com or call (303) 292-4981 for more information.

Kentucky Equestrian Center Announces The Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol To Make the KEC Their New Home

The Kentucky Equestrian Center is proud to announce the Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol is making there home at the KEC. The only all volunteer unit serving the State of Kentucky has been looking to relocate to a central location and finds the new facilities the Kentucky Equestrian Center offers the perfect location to recruit and train members on a statewide basis.

Started as a grass roots volunteer opportunity for local horsemen and women, the patrol has rapidly grown to show its support for the local community. Training officer, Robert Milward has graduated from numerous equine and emergency management courses including: Kentucky Ground Search and Rescue, Man Tracking Search and Rescue, Horse College, Citizens Emergency Response Team Training, American Red Cross Disaster training, First Aid and CPR Certifications. He takes great pride in sharing past experiences and training with volunteer riders wishing to become part of the Mounted Patrol.

The Mounted Patrol Demonstration Unit can serve as ambassadors for the community, attending school programs, teaching equestrian safety to local 4-H groups and making themselves available to the public at different events. Be sure to visit their booths at various horse shows and other equine events.

The Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol have provided visitor and traffic control at such events as the annual balloon race held on the campus of Maysville Community College. The Mounted Patrol has worked with the Department of Transportation in Kentucky and local law enforcement to help provide crowd control services during community events such as the triathlons in downtown Maysville, Kentucky, competing along the Ohio River.

The Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol members use their own horses but the patrol is involved in training horses waiting to be adopted by the Kentucky Equine Human Society. Using the same obstacles like the “car wash” and a giant training ball, the equines in training learn to be useful companions instead of mere pasture ornaments.

The Kentucky Equestrian Center looks forward to hosting some of the training seminars and clinics the Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol offers throughout the year. In conjunction with law enforcement agencies and dog search and rescue organizations continue to train new recruits and fine tuned those already a member of the Mounted Patrol.

The Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol is comprised of mounted and unmounted volunteers and are always looking for those interested in being part of this very important state wide organization. For those interested in learning more about the Mounted Patrol, you can visited the web site: www.BuffaloTraceMountedPatrol.com or you can click on there logo from the KEC site: www.kyequestriancenter.org

Introducing the Lightweight Goodnight Training Flag

PONCHA SPRINGS, Colo. Aug. 31, 2009 — As Julie Goodnight travels across the country to work with horses and riders for her Horse Master with Julie Goodnight RFD-TV show, she’s noticed that many horse owners are looking for ways to enhance their leaderships with their horses. Turning to groundwork is a great solution, and the Goodnight Training Flag will help as a resourceful tool as you work with your horse. The lightweight (only 5 oz.) Goodnight Training Flag is available for purchase alone for $44.95, or as part of Goodnight’s “Basic Groundwork Package,” including how-to DVDs and a rope halter and starting at $244.95.

The Goodnight Training Flag consists of a 46-inch-long fiberglass stick with a foam grip. The stick, rigid and strong, balances easily in your hand and, weighing in at just 5 oz., feels lighter than other bulky tools designed for the same job. The 18-inch-square flag, made of yellow nylon, will last a lifetime, and immediately catch your horse’s attention. (Animal research shows that horses notice yellow more than other colors.) It’s also silk-screened with the Goodnight logo, and can be removed for washing. The Goodnight Training Flag is available online at http://shop.juliegoodnight.com/shop/tttrainingflag.html and http://shop.juliegoodnight.com/shop/packagecompletegroundwork.html for the whole groundwork package.

“Your relationship with any horse is built from the ground, not the saddle,” says Goodnight. “Through groundwork, you gain your horse’s focus, trust and obedience. He learns to respect your authority as the leader, and he begins to look at you with admiration and a yearning for your acceptance and approval. It’s the ideal relationship to have with a horse—the one that both of you want. No matter where you are now with your horse, things will improve when you begin using my step-by-step groundwork program and have the tools—such as my training flag—to do the job right.”

The Goodnight Training Flag helps keep you at a safe distance from the horse as you work. When you ask a horse to move out in the round pen, it’s normal to see a few kicks, leaps and bucks. If you’re using a longe whip in the round pen, you may accidentally hit your horse with the tool that’s too long and clumsy. Plus, the long whip isn’t rigid enough to act as a space saving tool for you. The Goodnight Training Flag acts as an extension of your arm—helping you to reinforce your cues and claim your own space. Without needing to touch the horse with the flag, the sound and movement inspire his attention. Then, when you’re ready to “sack out” your horse, the Goodnight Training Flag also helps your horse learn to accept any scary stimulus.

In a recent Horse Master episode at the Tanz-Pferde dressage barn http://www.tanz-pferde.com, Goodnight used the Training Flag while teaching a young rider named Clare how to establish leadership with her horse, Lux. The 16-year-old warmblood threw bucking temper tantrums when he didn’t want to work. Goodnight taught Clare how to be her horse’s leader from the ground, in the round pen and established rules, boundaries and expectations with the quickly transformed horse.

With the Training Flag and only fifteen minutes in the round pen, Lux followed Goodnight around and showed his respect for her as a leader. Goodnight showed Clare how to develop a larger perimeter around her so that Lux didn’t move into her space and cut the circle short. Soon he lowered his head and stayed on the rail, in a deliberate gesture of submission. The next day Lux was a changed horse — he maintained his subordinate demeanor and respected boundaries. As Goodnight left the farm, she saw Clare canter figure eights and perform beautiful flying lead changes. The quick round pen lesson with the space saving Goodnight Training Flag impacted Clare’s relationship with Lux on the ground and from the saddle.

To get your Goodnight Training Flag today, visit http://shop.juliegoodnight.com/shop/tttrainingflag.html or call(800) 225-8827 to order by phone.

Julie Goodnight is sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories, Circle Y Saddles, Spalding Labs, Troxel, Myler Bits, Kestar and the Certified Horsemanship Association. Visit http://www.juliegoodnight.com and http://www.horsemaster.tv for more information about Julie Goodnight and her Horse Master television show. RFD-TV is available on DirecTV channel 345 and Dish channel 231 as well as cable outlets in the Northeast through Verizon; Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, and Tennessee through Charter; Georgia through ComSouth; Kentucky and New Mexico through Comcast; Ohio through Time Warner. Visit http://www.rfdtv.com to find out how to view the channel in your area.

You Save While Giving with The Horseman’s Card®

Lexington, Ky. (August 31, 2009) – The Horseman’s Card® VISA® was created to aid in the support of the world-renowned Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center located in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Gluck Center is one of only three centers in the world dedicated exclusively to researching the diseases and physiological problems of the horse. This critical research benefits horses of all breeds. Scientific findings benefit people as well, including investigations into arthritis, aging and immune response, as well as bacterial and viral infections. Six of the top ten vaccines sold today are a result of the accomplishments of equine researchers at the Cluck Center.

As a member of The Horseman’s Card V.I.P. Benefits Program you are part of a win-win situation. When you use your Horseman’s Card to make a purchase – be it feed for your horse, supplies for your farm, jewelry, gifts or collectibles – you save when you purchase any of those items from any V.I.P. partner. You also are part of thousands of other Horseman’s cardholders who are giving to the Gluck Center, as a donation is made to the Center with each retail purchase.

The Horseman’s Card is pleased to have in their V.I.P. Benefits Program three very well-known health-care partners:

Valley Vet Supply is your complete source for horse supplies. From supplements and wormers to blankets and tack, you'll find what you need and be pleased with low prices. Check out the huge selection of boots, riding accessories and equine-theme gifts. Use your Horseman’s Card to get FREE shipping on most items plus 10% discount on your first order. For fast, friendly service call toll-free 800-356-1005 for your free catalog or visit www.valleyvet.com.

Need a first-aid kit for your horse, dog, cat or bird? Show-Me Animal Products pioneered quality first-aid for horses and pets. Their pet products offer serious first-aid at prices that compete in any market. Through a special arrangement with The Horseman’s Card, members receive free shipping and handling on every purchase. Call 800-831-7245 for a catalog or visit www.petfirstaid.org.

United Vet Equine’s® pledge is 100% customer satisfaction. United Vet Equine® has been supplying horse owners with nutritional supplements and horse supplies for the past 30 years. Now, exclusively when using your Horseman’s Card, you can save 10% off United Vet Equine’s® already-low prices on MedVet® Pharmaceutical (MVP) Products. For more information or to receive a free catalog, call toll-free 800-328-6652 or visit their vast website at www.unitedvetequine.com.

For more information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of The Horseman’s Card®, or to apply by phone, call (800) 932-2775 (mention code UAAQA2) or apply online at www.horsemanscard.com.

RUSTLER™ UTILITY VEHICLES INSPIRE ‘GO-ANYWHERE, DO-ANYTHING’ CONFIDENCE

New Holland, PA (August 31, 2009) — New Holland announces a new product for the hardworking rancher, farmer or property owner and the hardplaying outdoor sports enthusiast: the Rustler™ utility vehicle. Equally at home at work or play, Rustler™ utility vehicles combine rugged performance with an ultra-smooth ride for “go-anywhere, do-anything” confidence. No matter what you do, a New Holland Rustler can be built for you!

In fields and woods, over ruts and rocky roads, through mud or snow, Rustler UVs get the job done. Whether hauling supplies, pulling trailers or transporting people and gear, Rustler UVs can be configured to meet the need: they are offered in two-passenger or four-passenger versions, with gas or diesel engines, 4x2 or 4x4 axles, and with a wide variety of options and accessories.

Rustler UVs are built tough: the frames of the 120 and 125 models are constructed of the same grade of rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, lightweight aluminum used in jet fighters, while the 115 features rugged steel frame and box construction. They’re backed by an industry-leading two year/2,000 hour warranty.

With total vehicle capacities of 900 to 1,600 pounds, Rustler utility vehicles handle big loads with ease. Independent front and rear suspension (rear only on the 115) and a high ground clearance provide an exceptionally smooth, stable, comfortable ride no matter what type of terrain they’re on. Rack and pinion steering ensures easy handling.

New Holland offers Rustler UVs with 4x2 or 4x4 axles. For extra traction on the 14-hp 4x4 115 (gas) model, simply engage the shift-on-demand four-wheel drive, while the larger models engage four-wheel drive automatically. The 20-hp 120 (diesel) and 23-hp 125 (gas) models feature an automatic, all-wheel-drive system that delivers the gear you need, when you need it. There are no manual gears to shift, levers to pull or buttons to push. The automatic system always transfers power to the wheel(s) with the most traction to get through tough terrain.

Rustler UVs can be equipped with a choice of bench seats or high-back bucket seats with 13-position driver seat adjustment for all-day comfort. (Bench seat only on the 115.) For safety, passengers are surrounded by certified roll-over protection system (ROPS) and retractable safety belts for all seat positions.

A wide variety of factory and dealer-installed options and accessories -- from an optional powered cargo dump box, to cab enclosures, special lighting packages, and attachments -- are available to customize Rustler UVs. A hydraulic-powered, quick-change tool attachment system is built in. Attachments easily connect to a front mounting plate, and are controlled with a joystick from the driver’s seat.

About New Holland

New Holland is a world leader in agricultural, utility and construction equipment. New Holland sells and services an innovative and diverse line of equipment, including a full line of tractors as well as hay and forage equipment, harvesting, crop production and material handling equipment.

Sales, parts and service are provided to customers by New Holland dealers throughout the United States and Canada. There are more than 1,100 New Holland dealerships located throughout North America.

For more information on New Holland equipment, contact your local New Holland dealer or visit the New Holland Web site at www.newholland.com/na.

AMHA Announces 2010 Sponsorship Opportunities

SHELBURNE, VT—The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is proud of the support received from corporations and businesses. These companies acknowledge the public value derived from supporting the equine community including creating solid economic development, strengthening the sense of community and expanding educational opportunities.

AMHA is pleased to announce that it is accepting inquires for sponsorship opportunities for the 2010 calendar year. AMHA corporate sponsors enjoy the benefits of visibility, prestige and access to a targeted audience of more than 25,000 patrons from across the U.S. Sponsors receive significant visibility in AMHA’s promotional and marketing materials along with a variety of opportunities to entertain clients and employees. Become an AMHA sponsor and you will play a vital role in sustaining one of the nation’s greatest treasures--the Morgan horse.

AMHA and its partners, the American Morgan Horse Educational Charitable Trust, American Morgan Horse Institute, Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, World Morgan Futurity, and National Museum of the Morgan Horse would like to thank their 2009 sponsors for their generous support including Liberty Mutual, YTB Travel, Hertz, Enterprise, Hyatt, MyHorseforsale.com to name just a partial list.

For information on sponsorship programs contact Julie Broadway, AMHA Executive Director, (802) 985-4944, execdir@morganhorse.com; or Sally Wadhams, Director of Sponsor Relations for the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, (802) 985-8477, sallywadhams@aol.com.

Founded in 1909, the American Morgan Horse Association is a non-profit organization serving more than 50,000 Morgan horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts throughout the United States. AMHA serves as a parent organization to more than 90 recognized Morgan horse clubs and national service organizations.

For more information on America’s original horse breed, contact the American Morgan Horse Association, Inc., 122 Bostwick Road, Shelburne, Vermont 05482; (802) 985-4944; www.morganhorse.com.

SUPPORT YOUTH AND HORSES WITH THE HORSECITY.COM ONLINE AUCTION FOR AYHC & NHSRA

The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) has enjoyed a successful partnership with Horsecity.com and many great sponsors for the past five years raising funds for the NHSRA Scholarship Fund through an online auction. For the fourth year they are also partnering with the American Youth Horse Council to raise funds for their grants and scholarship fund. This means a greater diversity of products for bidders and more youth being assisted through the generosity of donors and bidders! The bidding will begin on September 1st and run through September 30, 2009. The deals are awesome with great products from NHSRA and American Youth Horse Council sponsors. Items range from tack and jewelry to books and other gift items.

To access the auction go to www.horsecity.com. The auction will begin September 1st and will run through September 30th. Be sure to keep checking back as more items are being added to the auction daily. Additionally, donations are still being accepted for the auction. Donors will get recognition in AYHC newsletter and a link to their website on the item. To donate contact AYHC at 719-594-9778 or info@ayhc.com.

Deadline to Register for the Early Bird Discount for the Certified Horsemanship Annual Conference is Today!

(August 2009) – The Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference is taking place at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, October 8 – 11, 2009 – Deadline is TODAY for the Discount on Full Conference Registration. Click https://www.cha-ahse.org/store/cart.php?target=category&action=view&category_id=267 to register online and click http://www.cha-ahse.org/downloads/CHA_CONF_REGISTRATION.pdf to print out a registration form.

Daniel Stewart, Richard Shrake, Julie Goodnight, Dr. Temple Grandin, Mitzi Summers, Heidi Potter, Louis Wood and many other wonderful speakers will be there! Click here to see all speakers and sessions that will be at this educational event open to all horse enthusiasts http://www.cha-ahse.org/downloads/CHA_CONF_SCHEDULE.pdf There are Day Rate options available for each day of the conference.

Please donate an item for the Silent Auction – This fundraiser raises money for the CHA Scholarship Fund that helps new riding instructors attend CHA clinics and get certified based on their financial need. Please click here to send in an item today! http://www.cha-ahse.org/downloads/CHA_CONF_SILENTAUCTION.pdf

Get your CPR and First Aid up to date at the conference and it includes horse first aid. Deadline to register is September 10th. Click http://www.equineu.com/courses/cha.php to find out more!

The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors, recreational vaulting coaches, barn managers, college coaches, drivers and trail guides; accredits equestrian facilities; publishes educational manuals and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call toll free 1-800-399-0138. To find a certified riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com

International Dressage Trainer Oded Shimoni Coaches Biggest Names in Eventing World

Wellington, FL (August 31, 2009) - International dressage trainer Oded Shimoni has unparalleled dressage experience as a veteran of two World Equestrian Games and two European Championships, and that experience comes in handy as he coaches some of the biggest names in the eventing world. Shimoni travels monthly to Pennsylvania to provide two-day clinics to legendary eventers such as Buck Davidson, Bruce Davidson, Phillip Dutton and Jan Byyny. In the past he has also helped other top eventers such as Bonnie Mosser, Jane Sleeper and Boyd Martin to keep America’s eventers in the winner’s circle.

“I think Oded has a terrific eye for dressage but also understands that as eventers our horses have other jobs in addition to dressage,” said Buck Davidson, winner of the 2009 Pinnacle Trophy for Highest Placed U.S. Rider at Rolex KY CCI**** with My Boy Bobby. “Oded offers a really good balance for us knowing that our horses aren’t just dressage horses, but also must perform in cross-country and jumping.”

Shimoni has been working with eventers for several years and said it has been a rewarding experience. “It is important for three day eventers to improve basic riding and horsemanship and to increase their horses athletic ability, suppleness and elasticity. This gives the rider greater ambition for their way of thinking and the whole discipline. I designed a special routine for three day horses for their daily training that follows into the horse shows from the very first day.”

Shimoni said, adding that they hold clinics at Buck Davidson’s Pennsylvania farm.

When he is not teaching clinics, Shimoni can be found training and teaching at Arlene “Tuny” Page’s world-class facility, Stillpoint Farm, in Wellington, Florida. He has trained an impressive number of his clients up to the ranks of Grand Prix competition and coaches some of the most successful trainers and riders in the business today.

Shimoni is a native of Israel, a country that lacks a history of equestrian sport. That hasn’t slowed down Shimoni, who has reached levels only a handful of dressage riders in the world have achieved. Oded was the first Israeli to qualify for and compete in the World Equestrian Games. He made his first trip to WEG for the 1998 competition in Rome, Italy aboard the mare Amora. Oded returned to WEG in 2002 in Jerez, Spain on the Dutch Warmblood gelding Glenstern.

Shimoni qualified and competed in the European Championships, competing in 2001 on Amora and in 2003 on Glenstern. He also became the first Israeli dressage rider to qualify for the Olympic Games, which he did with two different horses for the 2004 Games. For more information visit www.odedshimonidressage.com.

Dansko Fair Hill International Festival In The Country Returns October 15-18

World-Class Eventing Competitions and Family Activities Highlight Schedule

Fair Hill, MD—August 31, 2009—The popular Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country returns October 15-18, 2009 to the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in the heart of beautiful Cecil County, MD. This year’s Festival features world-class equestrian competition in the Olympic discipline of three-day eventing, as well as a wide array of family attractions.

In addition to the traditional USEF CCI*** Fall Championship, which has drawn many of the world’s best eventing horses and riders to Fair Hill for many years, the USEF CCI** Championship will return to the Dansko Fair Hill International for the second year.

Additionally, the Dansko Fair Hill International will also serve as the host of this year’s Spalding Labs USEA Young Event Horse Championship. The Young Event Horse Championship, which takes place on Thursday, October 15, features young horses (ages 4 and 5) competing in three events: Conformation & Type, Dressage and Jumping/Suitability and Potential. The Young Event Horse Championship was designed to recognize and identify the potential of young equine athletes.

“We are very excited to see the return of the CCI*** and CCI**, as well as the addition of the Spalding Labs USEA Young Event Horse Championship to this year’s schedule,” said Trish Gilbert, Co-President of the Dansko Fair Hill International. “We are looking forward to having everybody join us for a great Festival with world-class equestrian competition and wonderful family activities.”

Back by popular demand to the Dansko Fair Hill Festival in the Country is The Art and Sport of Falconry With Live Birds of Prey, taking place on Saturday, October 17. Master Falconer Mike Dupuy brings his audience up close and personal while he and his birds provide an unforgettable educational experience for people of all ages.

While many new events have been added to the schedule, traditional favorites such as the Dog Agility Trials, which draws over 400 canine competitors, will return this year.

Members of the United States Pony Club will be on hand participating in the President’s Cup Invitational Games. During the Games, riders in teams of five will compete in a variety of challenging and entertaining relay races; awards will be presented to winning teams on Sunday.

The Kids Corner will also return this year, offering a variety of activities for the younger set. Miniature horses will be performing on both Saturday and Sunday, and live music will be provided by Rebecca Pitre’s Whoa Buddy Productions. Visitors may want to watch JoAnn Dawson’s musical production, “HorsePlay,” on Saturday. The play uses actors and horses to chronicle the relationship of man and horse throughout history.

Also returning are the Country Shops, featuring vendors of tack, jewelry, artwork, pet needs, exceptional apparel and fine gifts for the approaching holiday seasons. The Fair Hill Club offers fine dining, while visitors seeking a more casual snack or meal will find pubs around the Fair Hill grounds serving classic Maryland crab-cakes and other treats. In fact, the Maryland Department of Agriculture named the Fair Hill International as a “Maryland Top Event!”

The Dansko Fair Hill International Festival in the Country benefits Union Hospital in Elkton, MD. The hospital, whose mission is to enhance the health and well-being of the residents of Cecil County and its neighboring communities, has been caring for area families and neighbors for nearly 100 years.

Healthy feet, healthy body, healthy planet. That’s the spirit behind Dansko, founded in 1990 by husband and wife team, Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot, both former horse trainers. Now sold in over 3,000 leading independent retailer locations across North America, Dansko is the leader in all-day comfort footwear.

For more information on this year’s Fair Hill, including how to purchase tickets, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com

The Magic of Power Stretch®: Kerrits Expands their Power Stretch® Product Offerings

Hood River, OR—When it comes to snuggly warmth when the temperature drops, Kerrits’ Power Stretch® Breeches are number one! Now, Kerrits has added two new winter performance bottoms to their line made of this super fabric: the Power Stretch® Breathe Tight and Power Stretch® Full Leg Bootcut Tight.

Polartec® Power Stretch® features body-hugging 4-way stretch and is very breathable. It wicks sweat away through "touch points" located on the fabric’s inner surface that draws sweat off the skin to the outside of the fabric, where it spreads rapidly for evaporation. When the sweat reaches the outside of the fabric, it spreads out to many times its original surface area, enabling it to dry at least 2 times faster than cotton. This keeps you dry when you sweat and provides warmth without weight. Additionally, the exterior finish won’t collect horse hair and hay.

“Customers who love our Power Stretch® Breech have asked for a full-leg Power Stretch® option and now we have the Power Stretch® Breathe Tight for them.” said Kerri Kent, owner and designer for Kerrits. “Plus, we now offer the Power Stretch® Full Leg Bootcut for our loyal Bootcut Tight customers who have been clamoring for a winter Bootcut Tight!”

The Power Stretch® Breathe Tight is a fullseat tight featuring Kerrits exclusive Grip Stretch™ suede panels through the seat and inner leg. It is thermo-regulating, lightweight, snag resistant and extremely durable. Compression stretch provides muscle support and slimming effects. The tight features a side pocket that is easily accessible while in the saddle. Colors: Metal, Brunette, Black Sizes S – XL Retail Price: $109.

There is no beating the performance of Kerrits’ Power Stretch® Full Leg Bootcut Tight! Grip Stretch™ is bonded to fleece and is flat seamed to Power Stretch® creating a continuous panel for performance and warmth. The custom shaping through the calf keeps your pant in place while riding. A handy side pocket for your cell phone or a treat for your horse make this the perfect winter Bootcut Tight. Colors: Metal, Brunette, Black Sizes S – XL Retail Price: $109.

Since 1986 Kerrits Equestrian Apparel has been committed to providing innovative, functional performance apparel, designed and constructed specifically for the unique demands of women who ride and love horses. The company is based in Hood River, Oregon. For more information, go to www.kerrits.com or call 1.800.274.7946.

Segway of Paducah glides into position at the International Equestrian Festival

August 31, 2009

Lexington, KY – If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to ride the new gyroscopic Segway Personal Transporter, here’s your chance. Visitors of the 2010 International Equestrian Festival will undoubtedly be amused and entertained at the interactive exhibit, provided by the newly announced sponsor, Segway of Paducah.

Since 2002, the Segway has been gaining in popularity and is seen as a fun way to travel. Segway of Paducah (www.segwayofpaducah.com) sell new and used vehicles and accessories to the western part of the state. The company also offers guided Segway tours of downtown Paducah, Kentucky.

“Segway of Paducah is very proud to sponsor a one-of-a-kind event like the International Equestrian Festival,” said Dwaine Stigall, owner of Segway of Paducah. “I’m thrilled that we can represent the Western Kentucky region at the IEF, and be included in the festivities that will surround the one of the biggest sporting events in the U.S. in 2010.”

Horse Capital Productions, LLC, a Lexington-based company, will produce the 2010 International Equestrian Festival, to be held during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The event will take place from September 25-October 10, 2010 at the state-of-the-art Lexington Convention Center, located in downtown Lexington.

The multi-million dollar event will feature world-class educational seminars and convention activities, as well as high-end retailers from around the world.

Horse Capital Productions, LLC promotes entertainment, education, and tourism for the horse industry with large-scale events production and web-based education and entertainment solutions. The 2010 International Equestrian Festival, a Horse Capital Productions event, is a 16-day festival designed to fill downtown Lexington with food, shopping, participatory events, exhibits and high-end retailers from around the world, providing a high-energy, multifaceted entertainment experience for the hundreds of thousands of people attracted by the World Equestrian Games. Horse Capital Productions is based in Lexington, the heart of Kentucky bluegrass horse country, and operates under the philosophy of doing what is right for the horse, the community and the international sport of horses.

Teamwork enables the Ignacio Horse Expo to spotlight “Rescued and Recycled” Horses September 18-20, 2009

Sometimes it takes a dedicated team to help a horse make it to a new, better life. The Colorado Horse Council is pleased to facilitate just that kind of teamwork at the upcoming Rocky Mountain Horse Expo scheduled for September 18-20 at the Sky Ute Fairgrounds in Ignacio, Colorado.

With the help of two clinicians, a couple of horses with troubled histories will get some extra TLC and a lot of attention. Using a newly arrived horse from Bayfield’s Spring Creek Horse Rescue, popular horseman Jason Patrick will conduct a session on Saturday at 4 p.m. on “Evaluating a horse for purchase or adoption”—useful information for any prospective horse buyer, but especially valuable for those considering taking on a horse whose past experience may be unknown. Spring Creek’s participation at the Expo is sponsored by Robin Williams of the Wells Group Real Estate (Durango, CO) and the Durango Regional Horse Coalition.

In two sessions on Sunday (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.), RFD-TV’s “Behaviorist” Ryan Gingerich will work with a rescued horse who’s already been adopted, but who persists in some dangerous habits. Ryan’s goal: to help the horse become a safe and reliable saddle mount.

In addition to featuring arena work with the two horses, the “Rescued and Recycled” teamwork includes a talk by Colorado Unwanted Horse Alliance president, Christopher Whitney, on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. He will address the present situation for unwanted horses, pending legislation of consequence to the horse industry, and a wide range of solutions underway or under consideration. Additionally, Colorado Horse Rescue will hold a luncheon and business meeting Saturday at the Expo.

Produced by the Colorado Horse Council to further its mission of uniting horse interests throughout the state, the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo presents three days of education and fun for horse enthusiasts of all kinds. Clinicians will demonstrate a wide range of training and riding approaches, and LPEA-sponsored classroom sessions will focus on aspects of the environmentally-friendly ranch. The Colorado Cowboy Challenge Race (an Extreme Cowboy Association sanctioned event) will be held every day from 1-3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday mornings will find kids trying their skills at mutton bustin’. For more information about the full weekend, visit www.RockyMountainHorseExpo.com or call (303) 292-4981.

National Riding Instructors Convention November 18-21, Naples, Florida

featuring George Morris, Denny Emerson, Susan Harris and Jane Savoie and free Charles Owen helmets to all ARIA certified riding instructors!

The National Riding Instructors Convention is filling fast! Applications continue to arrive from countries around the world, as well as throughout the United States.

To celebrate ARIA’s 25th Anniversary, Charles Owen and The American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) have teamed up to present a custom-fit Charles Owen helmet to each ARIA Certified Instructor in attendance at the Convention. Even those who earn their certification at the Convention will, if they pass, be sent their Charles Owen helmet gift certificate with their results!

The Convention will be held on November 18-21 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, Florida. Featured speakers include George H. Morris, Denny Emerson, Jane Savoie, Susan Harris, Peggy Brown, Sgt. Jerry Mayo of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Atty. Julie Fershtman, Jochen Schleese and Roy Burek.

A Test Center will be held for instructor certification testing; private mentoring and guidance will be offered, small networking sessions with speakers will be held, and there will still be time offered for quiet beach walks and poolside relaxing under the palms.

A limited number of Exhibitor Tables still remain, and Silent Auction items valued at $50. or more are currently being accepted. A few Sponsorship opportunities are available as well. All Sponsors, Exhibitors and Silent Auction donors will be prominently announced and featured throughout the Convention, and will be listed in both the Convention Program and Riding Instructor magazine - a full color, glossy publication distributed both in print and online to over 15,000 instructors, trainers, coaches, farm owners and stable managers.

Contact ARIA at ARIA@Riding-Instructor.com for further information, or call 239-948-3232. ARIA’s website is www.Riding-Instructor.com

The mission of the American Riding Instructors Association is to promote excellence in the profession of horseback riding instruction, based on the principles of Safety, Knowledge, and Integrity, with the health, happiness, and well-being of students and horses being of primary concern.

Rethinking the Round Pen

by Ryan Gingerich

Do you view a round pen as ideal for training? Think again! Your techniques may need some re-tuning

The round pen revolution has had a dramatic impact on the horse industry, affecting every aspect of how people start horses and retrain problem horses. Many years ago I, too, was a part of the round pen revolution. I used the same round pen techniques promoted by many of this country’s top trainers. My effectiveness with this technique was good (or so I thought at the time), and I was getting what I believed to be the correct responses from the horse. The horse would turn when I asked, stop when I cued him to stop, and I had a fair amount of control over his feet.

But What About the Horse’s Mind?

What I failed to see was the psychological damage that I was causing the horse. It is my opinion that the round pen techniques I once taught and are still taught by others today are a major contributing factor to the serious behavioral issues I deal with on a daily basis.

My training program, Connective Horsemanship, is designed to allow you to work in any type of area — you don’t have to have a round pen. Please understand I have no problem with the round pen itself. When properly designed and used, the round pen provides a safe and efficient means of working with horses. In fact, I often use the round pen to rehabilitate horses with behavioral issues. It saves me time and effort by keeping them in a more confined area. But my techniques have dramatically changed since I’ve researched how horses learn, what creates behavioral issues, and how I can develop the horse without traumatizing his mind.

I also understand that many horse owners have spent thousands of dollars on round pens, and I’m not saying to get rid of them or not to use them. I am simply saying let’s look at how we can use them more effectively with an awareness of how to maintain the horse’s psychological well-being.

Acknowledging the Horse’s Intelligence

Let’s talk about current round pen techniques and how they relate to the way horses learn. Trainers who teach that round pen techniques control the horse’s feet rationalize this theory by saying that because the horse moves his feet according to what the trainer wants, the horse is now under control.

I strongly disagree.

My question to these trainers is: If the round pen wasn’t there, would the horse still respond the same way? The answer is always ‘no.’ The physical round pen, therefore, becomes a “must” for the desired response by keeping the horse in a confined area. It then follows that the round pen gives the handler a false sense of security and success. Through negative reinforcement, horses learn that they can stop running (which is a hyper-reactive response) if they follow the handler’s movements. Worse yet, I’ve seen trainers exhaust the horse in a round pen until the horse, dripping with sweat with sides heaving, literally succumbs from exhaustion.

I want you to look at this from a behavioral point of view. Since every action that is repeated is learned, what are we teaching the horse?

If the horse spends five minutes running away from us, and five seconds responding to us, which of these activities has the horse practiced more? Right — to run away! Current round pen techniques teach the horse to associate the human with the flight response. Flight is the horse’s first choice for escaping potential or real danger. The flight response is the horse’s basic instinctive response to danger. Is this the response we want from our horses? For him to think that we represent danger? Of course not!

The Round Pen as a Source of Behavioral Issues

I have received e-mails from over a 1,000 horse owners, since my TV show, ‘The Behaviorist,’ aired on RFD-TV January 1st 2008. These people are all asking me to help with their behaviorally-challenged horses. Almost without fail, these horses have been exposed to many of the round pen techniques we’ve discussed here.

So what does that tell us?

We must rethink how we use the round pen!

How Horses Learn

Taking it a step at a time, let’s first look at how horses learn. That’s fairly simple; they learn through negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcements are not bad reinforcements — they are actually just the subtraction of pressure.

When we use pressure to train a horse, the horse learns to get relief from pressure by giving a correct response. This simple relief-from-pressure response begins the development of a cue-based language with the horse. Cues are the language that bridge the gap between human and horse languages. Horses learn by being “told” (the cue) to perform a certain task over and over.

Horses also learn through the flight response; this is simply the mechanism they use to survive in a world of predators and other natural threats. In simple terms, they run away when confused or threatened.

So what’s the basic nature of the horse? This animal’s basic nature is to be vigilant (since it’s a prey animal), but relaxed when not threatened or confused.

Now that we’ve defined in simple terms how horses learn, the flight response and the basic nature of the horse, let’s go to the round pen.

Creating a Common Language

In the round pen we’ll begin the process of teaching our horses a language they can understand and correctly respond to, while avoiding causing a fear or flight response with the techniques we use. This is really an important statement — please read this first sentence a few times! Language = correct response without fear!

I truly believe that if you will think through the process you’ve been using in the round pen, these unwanted responses can be eliminated. Not only must you eliminate the unwanted responses, you must find new techniques which teach the horse a simple, consistent language that gets the right response without creating negative behavioral patterns. In this simple, consistent language, “A is always A” and “B is always B.” I teach one cue for one response.

Remember to keep in mind it’s not five minutes of mindless running to get five seconds of response. This is the “new” round pen method of training — not the old one you’ve used in the past.

How Much Repetition is Too Much?

As you teach this new language, your horse will be conditioned to respond correctly. Repeat those correct responses in sets of five to seven — not 10, 20, 30 or even more as I’ve seen so many trainers do. In fact, what happens to the horse’s brain with all those numerous repetitions is that the brain gets “flooded” and literally shuts down any possibility of learning. That’s certainly not the outcome we’re after.

If at any time the horse gives you an incorrect response without reaching the goal of at least five correct responses, go back to zero and start again. (Take a deep breath, relax, be patient and calm — anger or trying to speed up the process will always lead to disaster.)

Horses are intelligent, but they lack the ability to reason. So simplifying the language relaxes them and they begin to learn. All of this can be taught in the round pen which can provide you with a secure and controlled work area. Make sure you monitor yourself, and don’t fall back into old bad habits. By creating this two-way language and response pattern in your horse in a positive way, you’ll avoid all those behavioral problems that can result from improper round pen training.

I hope you will take to heart and mind what I have written here and begin using your round pens for the good they can provide for you and your horse. And as always, the Connective Horsemanship program and DVDs will supply you with the answers you’re seeking to develop your skills to a higher level.

For more information on Ryan Gingerich and his training program, please visit www.connectivehorsemanship.com or simply call 800.359.4090.

Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano Victorious in $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby

Antioch, IL - August 30, 2009 - The $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby saw big crowds and tremendous competition this afternoon at Annali Farm in Antioch, IL. The class hosted 35 of the nation's top hunters and riders for a "Derby Day" full of festivities. Today's show raised money for Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, which donates to the Children's Memorial Hospital. Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY, rode SBS Farms' Jersey Boy (below left) to victory in the $25,000 Hunter Derby.

Today's courses were designed by Bobby Murphy, who also served as show manager. The 35 entries competed over a rolling course of 12 obstacles in the large jumping field. The top 12 were asked back to do the handy hunter round.

The first position of judges consisted of Louise Serio and Geoff Teall, while George H. Morris and Scott Williamson were in position two. First back for round two was Maggie Jayne on Pony Lane Farm's Francesca. They had a first round total of 179, and in the second round, they had trouble in the one-stride combination. They had a second round score of 85 to finish with a total of 264 for an overall 11th place finish.

Maggie Sarmiento had the ride on Kensington, owned by The Ring LLC, next in the ring. Coming in with a score of 179, they put down a solid second round trip with a total score of 185. Their total of 364 vaulted them into an overall sixth place finish.

Also leaping up the standings in the second round was Rex the Wonder Horse, ridden by Kris Killam for Morel Masuoka. They came in with a score of 181. Thanks to a great gallop to the single rolltop oxer, they raised their score in the second round to 185. Their total was 366, and they finished with a solid fifth place ribbon.

Sugar Boy, owned by Wendy Hofmeister and Tammy Provost and ridden by Provost, was next in the ring. They had a score of 182 in the first round, but were not able to duplicate that in the second round. They posted a 105 to finish with 287 total for 10th place.

Caroline Weeden, riding on her home field, rode Topsider for Redfield Farm. They were in eighth place after the first round with a score of 182, and their second round score improved to 185. Their total of 367 squeaked them into fourth place at the end of the class, one point ahead of Killam and Rex.

Jayne returned in the handy hunter round on her second horse, another Pony Lane Farm entry, Milous de Fontaine. She and the cute bay stallion did not do as well in the handy round with a score of 109. Added to their first round score of 184.5, they finished with 293.5 points for ninth place.

Provost and her second horse, Peridot, are previous hunter derby winners. Owned by Stephen Martines and trained by Lynn Jayne, Peridot had no trouble with the handy course. They scored a 187 in the second round to add to their first round score of 186, and their total of 373 put them third in the class.

Rush Weeden made a jump up the list when he and Balisto, owned by Alec Bozorgi, laid down a great handy trip. They were fifth in the first round with a 186.5, and in the second round they increased to 188 for a total of 374.5 and second place.

Weeden and Balisto (below right), an eight-year-old Belgian Warmblood, have shown in one other hunter derby before today. Balisto usually shows in the equitation and jumpers with Bozorgi, and it was a late decision to compete today. Weeden owns Annali Farm where today's event took place.

"We were going to show him, but I had so much to do in getting the grounds ready and the show organized that we sort of took him off the list. Then on Thursday, I thought we were doing so much work for this that we might as well enjoy it too. I love to do these classes," Weeden said.

On her first horse Kid Rock, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC, Jennifer Alfano was poised to be a top contender. They were fourth in the first round with a score of 191, but an unfortunate rail in the combination lowered their second round score to 103. They finished with a total of 294 points for eighth place.

Kelley Farmer and her first mount Clooney, owned by Top Line Sporthorse International Inc., also had trouble with the combination. Due to refusals, Farmer made the decision to retire on course, and she received no score for that round. She finished on her first round score of 194 for 12th place.

Farmer sat in second place after the first round with her other horse Yes Indeed, owned by Oliva Weaver. They had a second round score of 116 added to a first round score of 195 to finish with 311 points for seventh place.

There was no stopping Jersey Boy and Alfano. They accumulated an amazing score in the first round with a smooth, stylish, consistent trip. In the first round, they scored an amazing 95 from the first position judges and added five points for options plus seven style points. The second position judges gave them a 96 with option points and six style points. Their first round total was 209, which was 14 points ahead of the next competitor.

In the second round, they were just as smooth and Alfano was able to open up Jersey Boy's big, fluid stride. They scored a 91 plus nine and 93 plus eight for a total of 201 to win the handy round by 13 points. Their two-round total was 410, and they won by a margin of 35.5 points.

Alfano was thrilled with Jersey Boy and amazed with yet another outstanding performance. This was only the second time that Jersey Boy has shown on grass, and Alfano said it made no difference to the chestnut gelding. The pair took every high option jump available for the maximum bonus points.

"He is so good to gallop on. He's got a big, open stride. Going from one end of the field to the other on him is just so easy. What's great is that you never have to worry about the jumps, because you can be rolling along and he's never going to lose his front end either. He's a really special horse," Alfano said.

Alfano enjoyed the course as well. "There weren't really many lines, just long gallops, which I love. One thing about Jersey Boy is that he pretty much jumps all of them the same. When he's on, they're all the same. That's what makes him so exceptional."

"This event was unbelievable, and they did such a good job," she went on to say. "I love coming out to Chicago. It's always beautiful, and they always do a nice job."

Rush Weeden and Balisto

Rush Weeden and his wife Caroline hosted the Chicago Hunter Derby at their farm, and everyone remarked on the picturesque setting and beautiful grass ring. Weeden noted, "We've been hustling pretty good the last week or so trying to get the place ready to horse show. We had five days of rain before the class, which slowed us down a bit. But at the end, everybody worked late and pulled together to make it go. You've got to give a lot of credit to all of our crew to throw an event like this."

He added, "Overall I think everybody had a great time, and we raised a lot of money for the Children's Memorial Hospital, which is why we're doing it. The weather cooperated finally, and it was a fantastic event."

Caroline Weeden and Lynn Jayne are on the advisory board of Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, while the Board Chairman is Karen Lackinger. The hunter event raised money for Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, and the net proceeds will benefit The Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Children's Memorial Hospital is one of Chicago's most precious civic assets. As Illinois' only freestanding hospital exclusively for children, Children's Memorial currently cares for more than 126,000 young people annually. The hospital is consistently recognized as one of the top pediatric institutions in North America, and many of its physicians and researchers are among the world's top experts in their areas of specialty. In today's challenging health care environment, the hospital relies on philanthropic support to help ensure that all children have access to the highest quality care.

Money raised by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause will support the Founders' Board's five-year, $10 million commitment to the hospital's Department of Family Services. The programs offered by Family Services aim to help patients and families cope with the emotional, developmental and spiritual aspects of a child's illness and hospitalization.

The Chicago Hunter Derby is a series event for the Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. The Chronicle of the Horse is the title sponsor for the 2009-2010 USHJA International Hunter Derby Series, and it is presented by Dietrich Insurance. Major sponsors for the series include Charles Owen & Co. and Dover Saddlery. Award sponsors for series are Essex Classics and The Clothes Horse.

Please visit the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby website at www.chicagohunterderby.com.

Final Results: $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby

1. Jersey Boy, SBS Farms, Jennifer Alfano: 209+201= 410

2. Balisto, Alex Bozorgi, Rush Weeden: 186.5+188= 374.5

3. Peridot, Stephen Martines, Tammy Provost: 186+187= 373

4. Topsider, Redfield Farm, Caroline Weeden: 182+185= 367

5. Rex the Wonder Horse, Morel Masuoka, Kris Killam: 181+185= 366

6. Kensington, The Ring LLC, Maggie Sarmiento: 179+185= 364

7. Yes Indeed, Oliva Weaver, Kelley Farmer: 195+116= 311

8. Kid Rock, Bright Star 158 LLC, Jennifer Alfano: 191+103= 294

9. Milous de Fontaine, Pony Lane Farm, Maggie Jayne: 184.5+109= 293.5

10. Sugar Boy, Wendy Hofmeister and Tammy Provost, Tammy Provost: 182+105= 287

11. Francesca, Pony Lane Farm, Maggie Jayne: 179+85= 264

12. Clooney, Top Line Sporthorse International Inc., Kelley Farmer: 194+0= 194

McLain Ward Makes History Winning the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 30, 2009- McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, made history at the Hampton Classic Horse Show by winning the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier for a record fourth time on his two-time Olympic team gold medal horse, Sapphire, owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock. Previously, Ward was tied with Margie Engle and Rodney Jenkins with three victories each.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, culminated on Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix.

Unlike Saturday, the weather for the FTI Grand Prix was beautiful. Expectations were high, but the first clean round did not come until the thirteenth rider, Judy Garofalo Torres of Dover Plains, NY, riding Higher Ground Farm's Oliver. Torres had to wait a long time to see if anyone in the field of 33 could challenge her fault-free performance. One by one the best riders and horses in the country were beaten by the Conrad Homfeld designed course as rails continued to fall.

"I was kind of surprised," said Torres of the lack of clean rounds. "My horse did so well. I did think there would be a few more clears. I was getting pretty excited at the end."

The possibility of no jump-off was finally erased by the day's last rider, McLain Ward, and his 14-year-old, Belgian warmblood mare. The audience collectively held its breath as Sapphire negotiated the fences without fault creating a battle of the sexes for the jump-off; Ward on his mare and Torres on her 19-year-old stallion.

Torres went first in the tiebreaker and rode conservatively leaving all the rails up, but in a beatable time of 56.88 seconds. Ward made it look easy rolling around the Grand Prix turf flawlessly posting a winning time of 50.81. Third place went to Darragh Kenny of Ireland and Obelix, owned by Trade Winds Farm, the fastest of the nine four-fault rounds.

"The course was quite difficult," said Ward. "Over the last few years the standard of this horse show has gone up again. Shannette (Cohen) has taken the show to another level. On course, the water line was spooky and caused a lot of trouble and the last line was a little mushy which might be why a lot of rails went down, but the footing held up great."

Since Ward was the last to go in the first round and there were only two in the jump-off, there was not too much time in between rounds, making it a little tough for Ward and Sapphire. "She was running out of gas at the end of the jump-off and so was I, but she knows the game and was able to get it done," said Ward. "Either she keeps getting better or I have stopped getting in the way. Hopefully she stays healthy."

This is the seventh win for Sapphire in 2009 (and the 118th career win for Ward), an amazing statistic for any horse, but especially for a 14-year-old mare. "This year we picked the FTI events, they have been very good to us," joked Ward referring to his FTI victory in the $400,000 Grand Prix in Wellington in March.

Ward's win, coming in the heels of his triumph in Friday's $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier, made him just the third rider, following Joe Fargis in 2005 and Hillary Dobbs in 2008, to sweep the Hampton Classic's two lead events. For good measure, Ward also won the $30,000 Fendi Cup on Goldika on the day in between, giving him Grand Prix wins on three consecutive days.

Even though Torres did not make it to the winner's circle, she was not too disappointed

"I have had him for ten years," said Torres referring to her 19-year-old. "I wanted this class to be the class of the year, the main event for him. Coming in second to McLain is very, very exciting. I'll take it."

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, has its broadcasts available online at www.wvvh.tv.

Full results and further information on the Hampton Classic are available at www.hamptonclassic.com.

Victoria Birdsall Caps off the Hampton Classic Horse Show with a Win in the $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby

Bridgehampton, NY-August 30, 2009- Victoria Birdsall of Topsfield, MA., topped the $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby with a lightning fast performance riding Jerremy, owned by Natalie Johnson.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, culminates on Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis.

The Carolex Derby, a member event of the Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, was moved to Jumper Ring II due to the inclement weather on Saturday, thus saving the field for the featured event, the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix to take place later in the afternoon. The field of 28 in the Carolex Derby yielded only eight for the jump-off in which five had clean rounds. The first clear was negotiated by Callie Bass and Zorro's Precision MBA setting the pace with a time of 38.216 seconds. Alexandra Thornton had two in the jump-off and learned from the rail she incurred on Ostara, going clear the second time in the ring with Naomi, both owned by Dunwalke, LLC, in a time of 41.403. Philip Richter and Coker Farm's Glasgow turned in the third clean round, posting a time of 38.875 with two left to ride. Birdsall and Jerremy rode next and took the lead blazing around the course in 36.558 seconds leaving only Tracey Weinberg and Cromwell with a chance to steal the Derby. Unfortunately, Cromwell stumbled on the next to the last fence. The pair managed to keep the rails up, but finished in 36.954, good enough for second place. Pacesetters Bass and Zorro's Precision MBA were third.

Birdsall was thrilled with her win. "I am usually a little conservative, but I really wanted to win this and have a good finish at the Hampton Classic so I just went for it," said the 16 -year-old.

"He is such a good horse and he tried really hard," Birdsall said of her 18-year-old gelding. "I knew he wanted to win and I wanted to win so we just went for it and we did it!"

Weinberg was a little disappointed, but still happy with the results. "I'm thrilled," said Weinberg. "It is a dream come true to do well here at the Classic. I won this class two years ago on Linda Z and to come in second today is just great."

Weinberg did not go home empty handed. She was crowned the Amateur-Owner Jumper Champion with Cromwell, owned by the Weinberg Brokerage Group. The Carolex Derby also put Birdsall and Jerremy on top to win the Junior Jumper Championship.

Other Hampton Classic Championship honors presented on Sunday were:

Grand Hunter Champion (tie) Sambalino, owned by Gina Day

Smart Pak, owned by Meredith Bross

Leading Hunter Rider: Emily Williams

Leading Junior Rider: Jessica Springsteen

Leading Junior Equitation Rider: Jessica Springsteen

National Open Jumper Champion: McLain Ward

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU is broadcasting broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic through Sunday, August 30.

STAUT TAKES INDIVIDUAL JUMPING GOLD FOR FRANCE

Windsor (GBR), 30 August 2009

Kevin Staut steered Kraque Boom to take the individual jumping gold medal on the final day of the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor Castle, Great Britain, today. In a nail-biting finish he clinched it with a fabulous clear from the 11 year old stallion which is owned by his grand-parents, and he said afterwards - "I hope this will do good things for French breeding and that it will encourage our young riders. France has been through some difficult times over the past few years but this summer we won the Meydan series and now I have won here so I hope this motivates everyone to keep going!".

Germany's Carsten-Otto Nagel and Corradina also produced a superb double-clear performance to take silver, but the heart-break of the day was Albert Zoer's second-round first-fence error which cost the popular Dutchman and his much-loved gelding the individual title. Typically stoic, Zoer accepted the disappointment with good humour - "when I hit the fence I wasn't happy, but I knew I had to concentrate and go on because the bronze medal was stlll there".

CLEARS

Course designer, Bob Ellis, admitted that he was surprised when their were 12 clears in the first round. "The course was very big" he said, but it was his second-round track that proved the real test. A much tighter time limit and even taller fences produced only two faultless performances this time out, and those two riders would top the medal podium.

Defending champion, Germany's Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, was lying sixth as the final stages unfolded but an untidy turn to the Post Box vertical at fence five saw Checkmate leave that on the floor and not even this quick-moving gelding escaped without also adding a time penalty.

Switzerland's Steve Guerdat was next into the ring with Jalisca Solier but the mare seemed to be tiring when collecting an uncharacteristic 12 faults. Ireland's Cameron Hanley and SIEC Livello however put on a classic jumping exhibition and as they turned for home it seemed they could could put huge pressure on the final three. But the clock showed a time fault as the handsome grey bounced through the beams - and that would prove costly.

ANOTHER SUPERB ROUND

Nagel was already lying in bronze medal position when returning another superb round from his mare Corradina, and then Staut steered his stallion home with the biggest smile on his face knowing silver was already in his grasp. As he was cooling down with Kraque Boom in the warm-up ring however he guessed that somehow things might have gotten even better - "great for me, but not for Albert I'm afraid!" he said afterwards. He had heard the huge gasp of dismay coming from the crowd as Zoer's Oki Doki kicked out the front pole at the very first fence.

The much-fancied Dutch duo completed an otherwise foot-perfect round, but nothing could stop the Frenchman from taking the title for France - for the first time since Alexandra Ledermann delivered individual gold at Hickstead ten years ago.

"I didn't watch Albert go" said Staut afterwards. "I'm not the kind of rider who watches the others and hopes they will have a fence down" said the sporting 28 year old who has previously operated from the Haras de Hus breeding centre at Nantes, just north of La Baule. He said today that now he is moving for six months to a rented yard near Brussels from where he will concentrate on running a horse-dealing operation.

SPECIAL

Talking about Kraque Boom he said he got the stallion to sell as a 7 year old while he was working for a dealer in the East of France. "I was told to find someone to buy him because he was special and so my grandparents bought half along with another buyer, then they bought him outright" he explained. "He's a fighter, with a super mentality" said the thoughtful Frenchman who now has next year's World Equestrian Games and the 2012 Olympic Games in his sights.

He said that today's tracks tested horsemanship, and he complimented Bob Ellis's course-building skills as did the other two riders. Nagel pointed out that he was the only one sitting behind the press conference table to have won two medals and that he was really pleased because his aim had been to finish in the top ten "and my dream was to make it into the top five. My success is all due to my horse" he insisted, "Corradina jumped five exceptional rounds".

Staut, meanwhile, reflected on a great week of championship competition. "The sport here was at the top level and the course designer did a super job - it was tough but very fair. The horses were very happy because they were living in a very quiet area and it wasn't too warm, because of the very English weather!" he pointed out.

And he concluded "on Friday we (the French team) missed the podium by just two points so everyone was behind me for this gold medal. I hope it brings good things for French breeding and encourages our young riders".

RESULT:

1, GOLD - Kraque Boom (Kevin Staut) Fra 9.42; 2, SILVER - Corradina (Carsten-Otto Nagel) Ger 9.64; 3, Oki Doki (Albert Zoer) Ned 11.18; 4, SIEC Livello (Cameron Hanley) Irl 11.83; 5, Asti Spumante (Thomas Mulhbauer) Ger 15.43; 6, Peu a Peu (Daniel Etter) Sui 15.54; 7, Ninja la Silla (Rolf-Goran Bengtsson) Swe 15.66; 8, Vigo d'Arsouilles (Philippe Lejeune) Bel 16.88; 9, Checkmate (Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum) Ger 17.31; 10, Snai Seldana di Compalto (Natale Chaiudani) Ita 17.47.

For FULL results go to : http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/421/421zeitplanENG.htm

FACTS AND FIGURES

25 horse and rider combinations started in today's competition.

There were riders from 12 nations including 4 from Germany, 3 from Switzerland, Ireland, The Netherlands and France, 2 from Great Britain and Italy, and one from Norway, Austria, Belgium, Sweden and Finland.

The bogey fences in the first round were the triple combination at fence 6 and the final oxer.

In round two the second fence, a vertical with plank on top, proved influential.

QUOTES

Kevin Staut, individual gold medal winner for France "this was a horseman's competition today".

Bob Ellis, course designer "Every class produced good results at these championships and I was particularly pleased with the Nations Cup course".

Albert Zoer, bronze medallist "I tried to ride my own ride but it didn't work out".

David Holmes, FEI Sports Director "We've had fantastic competition here this week and I want to congratulate all the competitors, the organisers and give a big thanks to the officials".

Amendment to yesterday's FREESTYLE DRESSAGE FINAL REPORT - in body text Emma Hindle should be replaced by Laura Bechtolsheimer (GBR).

TheHorseStudio.com and Willowview Hill Farm International "Working with Talent II" Dressage Clinic Winner

F.E.I. dressage coach and trainer Greta Kemmer arrived from Switzerland to host the second in clinic series " Working with Talent" presented by TheHorseStudio.com in conjunction with Willowview Hill International in Millbrook, New York on August 28th, 2009.

"The attendance was very good with many young horses of very good type. Some of the riders were from before and they had worked well in their lessons over the summer. Of twenty five attendees it was Debra Collins who won the most improved rider award. She certainly deserved to win all the great gear that TheHorseStudio.com once again sponsored," Greta Kemmer remarked.

Debra, who has a background in dance, found her way to Willowview Hill International quite by chance.

"Sitting on a plane ride back from Portugal I found myself seated next to Tina Hammond. Tina explained to me her involvement with Willowview Hill International and the world of dressage. This was several years ago. I was intrigued by this dance on horses. So I set about learning to ride dressage and here I am," grins Debra. "Tina found my mare Calypso for me last year and this is my first serious competitive horse ever. The horse has more talent than I. But I am catching up, I hope! "

The clinic focus was directed to working the horses with the big dressage movements in and toward collection without compromising their gaits. Addressing key conformational issues for each horse on both the negative and positive side determined the workout program for each horse. Working flying changes on the long side instead of the diagonal when teaching them, how to handle the switch to tempis, how to stop runaway horses during changes or better still prevent it in the first place were just a few of the topics covered. After a short break for lunch of healthy eating with high energy and nutritious foods, the riders continued but not before a quick seminar on diet and nutrition for the days before and during and after a show. There was also a special late afternoon set that included how to handle the warm up arena traffic and issues at a busy show. Tina Hammond rode several text book intimidation moves that you might experience in warm up and caused lots of laughs from the auditors, as they learned to see each one coming. Greta swiftly dispatched the clinic riders in various moves and actions to avoid collisions and showcased how and when to hold your line as well as general etiquette and safety issues. Once horses were rested and readied for departure, a short seminar was given on how to handle security of your horse at a show, and how to address FEI rule changes and practices on a day to day basis. "Working with your team of vets and grooms is paramount. Trust is key but as the rider it is still for you to know the rules. Look at the mess in Germany now. Even an honest mistake is no excuse. You are working hard. You owe yourself and horse a fair go but also it must be fair to all riders," stated Greta Kemmer.

The winning prize donated by TheHorseStudio.com included an imported German double bridle, a Kyra K. Tuva vest in the very fashionable cardinal red, a set of Philippe Karl DVDs, plus a pair of the hottest selling FITS performax breech. All participants were also provided with a surprise basket, containing horse design stationery, "Jackhammer" hoofpicks and a set of polos and naturally some horse treats. "It's our way of saying thank you to the riders for attending. We did not have a Trunk Sale this time around as there simply wasn't time, but we hope that everyone will save time and shop online at TheHorseStudio.com to show their appreciation for their sponsorship. They have some super tack and apparel. They have super deals running all the time. Their books and DVDs are cheaper than other major online stores," said Tina Hammond.

ABOUT WILLOWVIEW HILL FARM INTERNATIONAL:

Willowview Hill Farm International was established in the Hudson Valley of New York in 1993 and is an experienced producer of international calibre horses for the dressage arena. Through importation of elite performance horses from Germany, Spain, Portugal and Britain and from their own breeding operation of Hanoverian and Baroque mares, Willowview Hill Farm has produced many notable horses over the years. Horses such as the FEI Prix St Georg horse Willowview Hill Balou ( Borneo x Wendekreiss), first class foundation mares such as Willowview Hill GemmaMaria ( Graf Gotz x Gimli) dam of several premium status progeny as well as providing European competition opportunities for students through their operations in Jerez, Spain and in collaboration with Greta Kemmer, FEI coach based in Lausanne, Switzerland. In addition Willowview Hill Farm is a producer of high quality organically grown horse hay.

ABOUT THEHORSESTUDIO.COM:

TheHorseStudio.com is an online equestrian retail store that offers a wide selection of horse related products. Known as " The International Equestrian Shop," the store offers domestic & imported items including tack, artwork and collectibles, horse stationery and greeting cards, home decor and giftware as well as American and European Equestrian Couture Collections from the finest houses. In addition TheHorseStudio.com offers one of the widest selections of horse books and DVDs available online. Disciplines covered include dressage, driving, showjumping, eventing, polo, barrel racing, western pleasure, trail and endurance, vaulting, barrel racing, reining, cutting and horse racing. Since inception in April 2006, TheHorseStudio.com has offered frank reviews and extensive product testing of all items they market. The Horse Studio Team embraces experienced riders from many riding/driving disciplines who are well versed in the top levels of equestrian sport. In addition The Horse Studio Team encompasses personnel who are also published writers/authors plus executive management well versed in international trade.

Kappler, Thornton, and Bourns are among Saturday's Winners at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 30, 2009- Rain did not keep the top show jumping horses and riders from competing at the Hampton Classic Horse Show on Saturday.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, culminates on Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis.

Chris Kappler and VDL Dundee, owned by Sand Castle Farm, won the $30,000 Split Rock Farm Young Jumper Championship for 6-year-olds. Kappler was the only one to score a double clear in the class. Alexa Lowe made the jump-off, but had a rail with Windsor Farm Sales' Westham to take the runner-up spot. Shane Sweetnam and Tangelo Z, owned by Spy Coast Farm, LLC, were third.

In the $20,000 SHF Enterprises Young Jumper Championship for 5-year-olds, three made it to the jump-off with clear rounds. Andrew Bourns and S&L Waikiki, owned by S & L Farm, negotiated the fastest clear in the jump-off to win in a time of 39.071 seconds. Kate Gerhart and Zen Rose, owned by Christine McDade, just missed also going clear, but in a time of 39.105. Ramiro Quintana and Forever Z, owned by Tiffany Ann Avon, had a rail for third place.

Four made it to the jump-off in the $15,000 WGHR Farm Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper and the winner was Alexandra Thornton riding Silvana, owned by Dunwalke, LLC, managing the only clear round in a time of 44.468 seconds. Tracey Weinberg had the fastest of the two four-fault rounds with 41.366 on Larone, owned by Weinberg Brokerage Group, and Marshall Shear stood third on Quipraquo du Lodge, owned by Central PA Equine Center with 43.099.

The Hampton Classic culminates on Sunday with the FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction.

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU is broadcasting broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic through Sunday, August 30.

McLain Ward and Goldika Had It in the Bag Winning the $30,000 FENDI Cup at the Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 29, 2009-McLain Ward is having a good week at the Hampton Classic Horse Show winning back to back jumper events. Riding Goldika, owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock, the team gold medalist in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games, topped the field of 20 to win the $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis.

Ward and Goldika, were the fastest of the three double clears winning in a time of 36.568 seconds. Darragh Kenny and Gael Force were second with 37.539. Third went to 16-year-old Katie Dinan on Couletteo K James with 41.696.

Due to the inclement weather, the Fendi Cup was relocated to Jumper Ring II. Out of the 53 that were entered, only 20 decided to show and 18 managed to negotiate the first round. Ward was one of only three that were clear in the first round and was the second to go in the jump-off.

First to go was Darragh Kenny riding Gael Force, owned by Missy Clark and North Run. Kenny went clear, but he knew things were far from over with two left to compete. Ward was next and obviously gunning for a win, but it looked like it was all over for Goldika when she stumbled over a fence, giving everyone a scare. Amazingly the 19-year-old Holsteiner mare picked herself up and the pair became the new leaders. Dinan and her Couletto K James, were the last to go, but they were not a threat, going clear but over five seconds behind the leaders.

"She stumbled over the vertical and I lost my reins, but she recovered OK and did very well," said Ward of Goldika. "I was very happy with the way she went. It was a bit splashy, but the footing held up remarkably well. It was unfortunate that the weather was bad, but it was a good competition and I hope FENDI decides to come back next year."

Kenny was disappointed at finishing second for the second time this week. The 21-year-old is getting tired of seconditis, but still happy with the performance of Gael Force.

"It was a bit sticky out there, but I was very, very happy with the way my horse went, said Kenny. "McLain is McLain, he is just really hard to beat."

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU is broadcasting broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic through Sunday, August 30.

IT'S AN ORANGE-WASH IN THE FREESTYLE - AND GAL DOES THE RECORD AGAIN!

Windsor (GBR), 29 August 2009

Audio links:

Edward Gal (NED), god medallist, http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euro_Edward_Gal_Web.mp3

Steven Clarke (GBR), president of the Ground Jury http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros-Steven_Clarke_end.mp3

FEI TV – LIVE Broadcast Schedule

Sunday 30 August 2009 – FEI Individual Jumping Final

1st Round - 13:00 GMT - 14:15 GMT (15:00 CEST - 16:15 CEST) – NO geo-blocking restrictions

2nd Round with Medal Ceremony - 15:10 GMT - 17:00 GMT (17:10 CEST - 19:00 CEST) – PLEASE NOTE that this broadcast will be geo blocked for all European Broadcasting Union territories except for the United Kingdom and France (European subscribers in the United Kingdom and France will be able to view this competition)

It seemed impossible that the record-breaking week at the European FEI Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor, Great Britain, could get any better, but for The Netherlands' Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas the impossible is just all in a days work. Tonight, before a packed house and with Windsor Castle standing proudly as a backdrop, the most extraordinary horse-and-rider combination ever seen in the sport of dressage smashed the world record they established in Hickstead just a few short weeks ago when scoring 90.70% to win the Freestyle gold medal.

The excitement in the aftermath was palpable. All across the showgrounds equestrian fans, officials, supporters and competitors were saying the same thing - "this horse is something so special, we may never see his like again".

Grand Prix Special winners Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival had to settle for silver this time around while Anky Van Grunsven and Salinero truly rose the occasion with a vastly improved performance to take bronze. This week the bar has been raised so high however that somehow Gal's words after his opening appearance with the black stallion on Wednesday afternoon don't seem altogether fantastic any more.

That day he half-joked that this horse, which is only a nine year old, has even more room for improvement and that he would like to keep riding Totilas until he earned a score of 100.000%. Anyone who witnessed tonight's exhibition of controlled power and exuberance could see that perfection is only a short step away and that somehow 100.000% may be not be quite enough....

SET THE TARGET

As the second tranche of riders got underway in front of the packed house of 8,000 spectators it was Germany's Matthias Alexander Rath and Stertaler-Unicef who set the new target with a mark of 77.85% but Britain's Emma Hindle then lifted the home fans when earning a score of 81.750% with Mistral Hojris. Yesterday's Grand Prix Special gold medallists Cornellissen and Parzival relegated her however with a test that scored 90% for artistic merit and a final score of 87.35% and with just three left to go it seemed she might be about to do the double.

But as Totilas entered the ring he brought with him that spell-binding magic that has followed him everywhere over the last few months and the crowd were already electrified even before he entered the arena. With "Totally Totilas" - a compilation of classical music with a modern and dramatic spin - ringing out across Windsor Great Park he produced a spectacular display - the extended trot so extravagant, the piaffe so elevated and the passage so graceful that it left those watching with a lump in their throats.

Van Grunsven followed with a lovely freestyle from Salinero, but there was no doubt where the gold medal was going.

SPEECHLESS

"I don't know what to say anymore" said an almost speechless Gal after breaking another world record again tonight having racked up an unbelievable 29 perfect-10 scores. He speaks as if he is humbled by the creature who is taking everyone's breath away. "He feels so good you cannot describe it, you have to feel it but you cannot put it into words".

And asked how he felt when he came out of the ring and discovered what he had done he said "I started to cry".

Cornelissen said she knew something amazing had happened when she heard the crowd roar when her compatriot was in the ring. "I know he is an amazing rider and this is an amazing horse" she said. Van Grunsven was pleased with Salinero's result. She heard about the scores of her fellow Dutch riders "and I thought yes, I'll go in there and give it a try again" she said. She admitted "bronze was not what I was hoping for" but she can see, like everyone else, that a new era has dawned in this sport and that a new super-star has been born.

RESULT GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE:

1, GOLD - Moorlands Totilas (Edward Gal) 90.750%

2, SILVER - Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) 87.350%

3, BRONZE - Salinero (Anky Van Grunsven) 87.250%

4. Mistral Hojris (Laura Bechtsolsheimer) GBR 81.750%: 5, Augustin (Victoria Max-Theurer) Aut 79.000%: 6, Sterntaler-Unicef (Matthias Alexander Rath) Ger 77.850%.

FOR FULL RESULTS GO TO http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/421/421zeitplanENG.htms

FACTS AND FIGURES

The Windsor stadium was packed to capacity tonight when 8,000 spectators watched the new dressage superstars smash yet another record.

A total of 15 horse and rider combinations competed in the Grand Prix Freestyle competition.

6 of the horses competing tonight were stallions, including the winner, the remaining 9 were geldings.

All of the medallists were representing The Netherlands.

The youngest competitor was Germany's Susanne Lebek who rode Potomac into 14th place.

The youngest horses were the new champion Moorlands Totilas and Augustin ridden by Austria's Victoria Max-Theurer who are both nine year olds.

QUOTES

Stephen Clarke, President Ground Jury "Tonight was the greatest night our sport has ever seen - congratulations to the riders and the championship organisers and to the rest of the Ground Jury who have done a great job this week".

Edward Gal, Freestyle gold medallist "It's hard to believe he (Toitlas) can do better but I know I have to think about it - it's really weird!"

Schaefer Raposa Jumps Through the Rain to Win the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship at Hampton Classic Horse Show

The Bridgehampton, NY-August 29, 2009- Schaefer Raposa, 15, of Clinton, N.Y., braved the rain to win the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship riding Y2K, owned by renowned show jumping veteran Hap Hansen.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis.

Raposa and Y2K finished with a score of 88.500 points. Reed Kessler and Flight were second with 87.000. Third went to Christina Gellos riding Rhythm & Blues scoring 83.500. First round leader, Victoria Birdsall fell to fourth for a final score of 83.000 riding Sierra.

"It was alot of fun," said Raposa. "This was my first time competing in this class and in the Grand Prix ring. Last year I was riding in the pony divisions."

Competitors in the Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship rode the same horse in both rounds and were judged on such factors as their use of the aids, position, analysis of the course, and eye for assessing jumping distances in negotiating the varied fences. The goal was to effectively control the horse and produce a competitive yet stylish jumper performance. Major emphasis was placed on clear rounds, as well as the rider's ability to cope with natural obstacles and to complete the course within tight time restrictions.

Ten were scheduled to compete in the Final Round, but the rain fell hard enough to discourage four riders, leaving only six to take part on Saturday. Riding in reverse order of merit from the first round Raposa was scheduled to go fourth, giving her time to watch the other riders take the course.

"I watched the first two go and they made it look easy," Said Raposa. "I was happy that I was in third place coming into the final round. I would have been more nervous if I was the leader. I was nervous when I came into the arena, but after the first jump it all went away and I just focused."

Raposa's score put her at the top, but she had to wait for two more riders to see if she would stay there. "I knew Victoria still had to go and she is such an awesome rider, but it ended up working out."

It did not work out for Birdsall, however. Sierra, owned by her trainer Andre Dignelli, seemed to have trouble with the footing and knocked down three rails.

"She was trying really hard," said Birdsall of Sierra. "In the schooling ring she felt like she wanted to win, but when she got into the Grand Prix ring, she had a tough time with the footing."

"I was just hoping to do well and put in a solid round," said Raposa. "It felt good to win. It was really fun."

Andre Dignelli, received the $10,000 Trainer's Award as the trainer of the winner. He also coached the top four riders and six out of the top ten.

The Hampton Classic continues through Sunday. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU is broadcasting broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic through Sunday, August 30.

Strong Contenders Lead List of Competitors at $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby

Antioch, IL - August 29, 2009 - On the eve of the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby, top hunter riders and their horses have gathered to compete in one of the most special hunter derbies in the country. Held at Annali Farm in Antioch, IL, the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby will feature 38 horses in tomorrow's class. The $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby is hosted by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause and the title sponsor is CN.

Leading the list of contenders is Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY. Alfano recently finished second with Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms, in the $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. She and Jersey Boy have already started the 2009-2010 derby season off well with a win at the derby in Chagrin. Alfano will also compete with Kid Rock and The Specialist, both top hunters in the country.

Our Day Farm's Maggie Jayne of Elgin, IL, will be a major challenger with multiple entries, including Early Applause, owned by Pony Lane Farm. The pair won the $10,000 derby at the Showplace Spring Spectacular in June. Joining Jayne from Pony Lane Farm is top junior rider Kelsey Thatcher of South Jordan, UT. Charlie Jayne, who represented the United States in international competition this summer, will also join the list of riders.

Bringing three hunters to tomorrow's derby is professional rider Tammy Provost of Westfield, IN. Provost will ride Peridot, a past hunter derby winner at Horse Shows by the Bay, as well as up-and-coming star Sugar Boy and Riofino W.

Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA, will have three horses in competition tomorrow and will be a formidable competitor with Clooney, Clarity, and Yes Indeed.

Hosts Rush and Caroline Weeden of Brookstone Farm will also have entries in tomorrow's class. Caroline and Croquet, owned by Karen Lackinger, won the $15,000 derby at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

Riders from across the Midwest are gathering tomorrow, including Kris Killam of Nebraska, Jill Spreitzer and Caitlin Ziegler from Wisconsin, and Micaela Kennedy of Missouri.

Top riders from Chicagoland will also be attendance, such as professionals Freddie Vasquez, Tina Judge, Brenda Mueller, Maria Rasmussen, and Maggie Sarmiento and junior/amateurs, Adrienne Iverson and Caitlin Maloney.

The derby is managed by Bobby Murphy, who will also be the course designer. Chicago trainers Caroline Weeden and Lynn Jayne are on the advisory board of Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, which is hosting the derby. The Board Chairman is Karen Lackenger. The judges for the derby include USEF Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George H. Morris, Louise Serio, Geoff Teall, and Scott Williamson.

The hunter event will be held to raise money for Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, and the net proceeds will benefit The Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. Children's Memorial Hospital is one of Chicago's most precious civic assets. As Illinois' only freestanding hospital exclusively for children, Children's Memorial currently cares for more than 126,000 young people annually. The hospital is consistently recognized as one of the top pediatric institutions in North America, and many of its physicians and researchers are among the world's top experts in their areas of specialty. In today's challenging health care environment, the hospital relies on philanthropic support to help ensure that all children have access to the highest quality care.

Money raised by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause will support the Founders' Board's five-year, $10 million commitment to the hospital's Department of Family Services. The programs offered by Family Services aim to help patients and families cope with the emotional, developmental and spiritual aspects of a child's illness and hospitalization.

The Chicago Hunter Derby is a series event for the Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. The Chronicle of the Horse is the title sponsor for the 2009-2010 USHJA International Hunter Derby Series, and it is presented by Dietrich Insurance. Major sponsors for the series include Charles Owen & Co. and Dover Saddlery. Award sponsors for series are Essex Classics and The Clothes Horse.

Please visit the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby website for more details at www.chicagohunterderby.com.

Big Apple - Circus to Go! Entertains Hundreds on Cablevision's Kids Day at the 34th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY - August 29, 2009 - Rain could not keep the children away from Cablevision's Kids Day at the 34th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show's on Saturday. Hundreds of children packed the tent to enjoy the Big Apple Circus - Circus To Go!, a petting zoo, animal acts and other exciting attractions.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis

Highlights of Cablevision's Kids Day, included Li, Gigi & Bucky's Circus Show featuring Chinese acrobatics; the Anna Jack Family Show, with Anna, her daughters and their 5 poodles; The Hey-Ya Brothers, a two man slapstick comedy and the Circus Skill Workshop & Strolling Entertainment, offering kids the opportunity to learn juggling, plate-spinning, magic stilts and more.

Russel Schneider, 6, of Nassau County was asked to join the circus, at least for a few minutes, when he was brought on stage as part of the act. "I really liked being in the show," said Schneider. "It was my favorite part."

At ten years of age, Rachel Kalafut of East Hampton, NY, is already a veteran of Cablevision's Kids Day. "I come every year and bring my friends each time. We have so much fun!"

The marquee competitions on Saturday include the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship and the $30,000 FENDI Cup.

Those unwilling to brave the inclement weather will have ample opportunity to see the Hampton Classic on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, a long-time sponsor and the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Sunday, August 30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

McLain Ward and Sapphire Have Golden Touch in $50,000 Spy Coast Grand Prix Qualifier at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 28, 2009-McLain Ward and Sapphire, team gold medalists in the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympic Games, showed the field of 50 how it's done, handily winning the $50,000 Spy Coast Grand Prix qualifier at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis.

One of 11 clear rides in the first round, Ward, of Brewster, NY, claimed what seems to be his perpetual pot of gold, turning in a winning time of 43.440 seconds with no faults in the jump off round. Close on his heels was Canadian rider Mario Deslauriers, who had two swift rides in the jump-off. Deslauriers went clear with Paradigm to place second (43.660) and also finished fourth with Ardeche van de Zelm, (four faults in 45.280). Candace King had the only other clear round in the jump-off and placed third with Toronto (51.170).

Brianne Goutal placed fifth with Ralvesther (45.450). The sophomore at Brown University has had an amazing week, racking up numerous wins, including one earlier on Friday aboard Mon Gamin in the $15,000 Arcadia Aviation 1.40m Speed Derby.

Ward has won the Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic three times and has twice placed second. How does he feel being in the cat bird's seat leading into Sunday's main event? "Pleased," he said. "Pleased to be here and pleased to be in Sapphire's life."

He described Sapphire as "an old, experienced girl who knows the game" and said, "I just try not to get in her way." Although the mare hadn't competed since July, Ward said he was not concerned about that, given her record of consistency over the past nine years.

"This was a good day," said Ward after his win, noting how well the footing held up despite a light but steady rain. He called the Hampton Classic "a huge event and the most prestigious show in North America." Underscoring the quality and generosity of the Classic's sponsors, he added, "Everyone truly loves coming here. I just hope we don't have a hurricane," referring to a storm brewing off the coast.

All horse and rider combinations who completed the course are qualified for Sunday's $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier, the horse show's feature attraction. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's Grand Prix.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU is broadcasting broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic through Sunday, August 30.

Hampton Classic Designated USEF Heritage Competition

By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY - The Hampton Classic, running for its 34th year August 23-30 2009, became the second US horse show designated by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as a USEF Heritage Competition.

The designation of a USEF Heritage Competition is reserved for those competitions that have been in existence for a quarter century or more, promoted and grown equestrian sport, and made a contribution to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.

The Hampton Classic has been a fixture on the Long Island community calendar for more than three decades and is renowned for both the highest level of competition (featuring the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier) and a huge commitment to the local community (Local Day kicked off the festivities on (Sunday, August 23). The Hampton Classic also hosts the Finals of the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities.

Partnered with the Southampton Hospital, the Hampton Classic has generated more than a million dollars since its inception for the hospital. A staple in the community, the Hampton Classic continues to support local charities and equestrian programs.

“The Hampton Classic is an international show deeply rooted in the local community in Long Island,” said USEF CEO John Long. “It has been a staple on the US Horse Show calendar since its inception and represents everything the USEF looks for when designating a Heritage competition.”

“The Hampton Classic is extremely proud to be designated as a USEF Heritage Competition. We recognize that this honor is bestowed on a very select group of competitions. Many people have contributed to making the Hampton Classic the great event that it is today and it is with great pride that we accept this tribute on behalf of all of them,” said Hampton Classic Horse Show Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen.

SUPER SWISS PIP INCREDIBLE ITALIANS FOR THEIR FOURTH EUROPEANS TEAM TITLE

Windsor (GBR), 28 August 2009

Audio Links:

Steve Guerdat and Clarissa Crotta, members of the gold-medal winning Swiss team http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros_Guerdat_Crotta.mp3

Juan Carlos Garcia (ITA), http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros_Juancarlosgarcia.mp3

Saturday, 29 August 2009 (PLEASE NOTE that geo-restrictions apply to all the European Broadcasting Union territories except for the United Kingdom)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Freestyle: 20:45 - 24:00 CEST (18:45 – 22:00 GMT)

The Swiss claimed their fourth team jumping title at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor, Great Britain, today where the Italians continued to amaze when taking silver ahead of Germany in bronze. Out in front after Wednesday night's Speed and Handiness leg, the eventual winners lost their grip at the half-way stage, but they pulled themselves together again and came back out with all guns blazing in round two when foot-perfect runs from Daniel Etter (Peu a Peu) and anchorman Steve Guerdat (Jalisca Solier) sealed the result.

The individual performance of the day however came from Italy's Natale Chiaudani who steered Snai Seldana di Compalto to the only double-clear of the entire competition, and who has now gone into the lead ahead of Sunday's top-25 individual final.

Germany finished in bronze medal position, while the defending champions from The Netherlands had to settle for fourth ahead of the much-fancied French who didn't quite live up to expectations. And hopes for a home side medal were dashed when, despite a gallant effort, the British slotted into sixth ahead of the Irish in seventh place.

FORMIDABLE

Bob Ellis's 13-fence track proved formidable, the open water once again influential as it had been in the first-leg competition on Wednesday night. The seventh fence on the track, it was the first obstacle in a tricky line that included the following double - triple-bar to vertical - and then upright planks, and the penultimate triple combination was also a bit of a puzzler. Riders generally approached on a strong six strides from the preceding vertical but with horses sometimes baulking at the water under the first two elements and often struggling to meet it on a nice distance it hit the floor on a regular basis. Ireland's Darragh Kerins and his little gelding Night Train were one of the few to succeed in negotiating it on a seven-stride pattern when one of nine combinations to record a single clear round.

At the halfway stage the Dutch took the lead when Angelique Hoorn (Blauwendraad's O'Brien), Albert Zoer (Oki Doki) and Marc Houtzager (Opium VS) collected just four faults each, and the British moved up from seventh to second thanks to just a single time penalty from Geoff Billington (Rosinus), five faults from Peter Charles (Murkas Pom d'Ami) and a great clear from Ben Maher (Robin Hood). The Italians were lying third and the Swiss dropped to fourth when first-leg winner Pius Schwizer (Ulysse) left three fences on the floor, and single errors from both Etter and Clarissa Crotta (West Side v. Meerputhoeve) had to be added to eight faults from Steve Guerdat (Jalisca Solier).

COULD DO BETTER

As Guerdat explained later however "we knew we could do better, I was disappointed because I didn't ride well in the first round but we knew our horses were jumping good so we went back in to fight and to try even harder". The Germans, lying fifth, began to move up the order when Marcus Ehning (Plot Blue), Carsten-Otto Nagel (Corradina) and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Checkmate) all just lowered one fence each, but the Dutch lost their grip on pole position when Hoorn hit the second elements of both the double at 8 and the triple combination at 12 and Harrie Smolders (Exquis Walnut de Muze) left four on the floor. Albert Zoer and Oki Doki jumped clear but that would not be enough to retrieve the situation when Houtzager's stallion hit the planks, the middle element of the treble and collected a time penalty.

The British too began to fade when Tim Stockdale's opening mistake with Corlato at the vertical at 11 was followed by 13 faults from Billington, nine from Charles and five from Maher, but the Italians were holding their own despite three mistakes from pathfinders Juan Carlos Garcia and Hamilton de Perhet. Giuseppe d'Onofrio and Landzeu hit only the oxer at 10 and Chiaudani's second clear suddenly put them right back in the frame. Guerdat however had already sealed gold with a superb round under tremendous pressure. The 28 year old kept a cool head to finalise the Swiss total at 27.66 and the Germans were now lying second with 31.75.

LAST MAN IN

Last man in for Italy, Piergiorgio Bucci left two on the floor with Kanebo but that would still be good enough for the team relegated from the 2009 Meydan FEI Nations Cup series after a string of below-par performances to squeeze the Germans down to bronze medal position and to claim silver behind the golden Swiss.

Former Swiss star Markus Fuch was also the centre of attention as he is the man responsible for spurring Italy to success at the final leg of the Meydan series in Dublin earlier this month and now to an historic first European Championship medal - just weeks after his appointment as Italian coach. "I'm full of emotion" said the man who for so many years was the lynchpin of his national team. "If you asked me three days ago how I would feel if Italy beat Switzerland I would have said it would be a miracle!" he said, "but hey, you see the character of this team, they are fantastic. Maybe Natale was right when he said I am a nicer person at night than I am during the day because I push them so hard, but maybe I am a better motivator than I was a rider!" he said, delighted with the result.

"The competition was so close, and every rider counted" said Guerdat, and his team-mate Daniel Etter pointed out that this was the first time for this particular team combination to compete together. "We knew we all had good horses and our goal was to win a medal but the golden one was a dream - now its a dream come true!" he said.

RESULT: (Scores below include points calculated after Table C competition on Wednesday - second and third columns are faults collected today):

1, GOLD - Switzerland 27.66 - Ulysse (Pius Schwizer) 0/12/12, Peu a Peu (Daniel Etter) 6.54/4/4, West Side v Meerputhoeve (Clarissa Crotta) 3.61/4/8, Jalisca Solier (Steve Guerdat) 0.05/8/0.

2, SILVER - Italy 31.00 - Hamilton de Perhet (Juan Carlos Garcia) 3.29/8/12, Landzeu 2 (Giuseppe d'Onofrio) 1.43/13/4, Snai Seldana di Campalto (Natale Chiaudani) 4.47/0/0, Kanebo (Piergiorgio Bucci) 2.28/4/8.

3, BRONZE - Germany 31.75 - Plot Blue (Marcus Ehning) 1.8/8/4, Corradina (Carsten-Otto Nagel) 1.64/4/4, Asti Spumante (Thomas Muhlbauer) 5.43/4/5, Checkmate (Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum) 4.31/4/4.

For full results go to http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/421/421zeitplanENG.htm

FACTS AND FIGURES

This was Switzerland's fourth victory in the European Team Jumping Championships.

They previously took the title in 1983 at Hickstead (GBR), in 1993 at Gijon (ESP) and in 1995 at St Gallen (SUI).

A total of 17 teams competed in round 1, and 10 teams returned in round 2 along with 12 individual riders.

Italy, silver medallists today, has never previously been placed in any European Team Jumping Championships.

Italy's Natale Chiaudani and Snai Seldana di Campalto completed the only double-clear round of today's competition.

There were only 9 single clear rounds.

In the first round the bogey fences were the open water (7) and the penultimate triple combination (12). In round two the planks (fence 9) which followed the tricky double (8) were highly influential.

QUOTES

Steve Guerdat, Switzerland "The course was tough and there were mistakes everywhere, the competition was very close, to the very last rider".

Natale Chiaudani, Italy "It's only the second time this group of riders has competed together - the first time we won and the second time we are second!"

Natale Chiaudani, Italy "My mare has a lot of power, she's a difficult mare with a strange character but I had a great feeling with her today".

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Germany "I am excited to win bronze, this is a new team with a new Chef d'Equipe and our goal coming here was to win a medal and we've done that. Personally I had a hard fight today - Checkmates wa a bit out of control, he pulled the reins out of my hands over the water in the second round - this is one of the toughest European Championships I've ever competed in".

Markus Fuch, Italian team manager "we shouldn't forget the great work that the previous Italian Chef d'Equipe, Emilio Puricelli, has done with our team".

Circumventing the Wishes of Congress and the American Public: BLM Moves Forward with Massive Removals of Wild Horses

CHICAGO, (EWA) -The Cloud Foundation and Front Range Equine Rescue have filed a lawsuit and a request for an injunction in Federal Court in Washington, DC to prohibit the Bureau of Land Management from removing horses from the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, and to stop the unprecedented round up of the Pryor Wild Horses slated to begin September 1, 2009.

The appellants argue that this removal of 70 horses will leave this unique and historical herd genetically non-viable and unable to sustain itself into the future. According to noted equine geneticist, Gus Cothran, Ph.D. of Texas A&M University, "... a census population of 150-200 is required to achieve the minimum effective population size.... The [Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Herd] has been one of the most important and visible herds within the BLM Wild Horse Program and it is important that it stays viable."

The Bureau of Land Management is circumventing Congress' wishes that wild horses be protected in the American West. The House just passed the Restore Our American Mustangs (ROAM) act and the Senate will review this bill (now S.1579) when they return from recess in September. "Is BLM just trying to do as much irrevocable damage to America's wild horses as fast as they can before the Senate can act?" asks Ginger Kathrens, Volunteer Executive Director of the Cloud Foundation.

"Right now there are twelve entire herds being eliminated from 1.4 million acres near Ely, Nevada because these lands are suddenly not appropriate for wild horses," Kathrens continues. "However, no action has been made to reduce cattle grazing in these areas." There are no grazing permits in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range and reasons for holding an unprecedented removal this year are not clear. The range and adjacent lands are in excellent condition following three years of drought-breaking precipitation.

Cloud and the wild horses of Montana's Pryor Mountains are world famous but fame and an outcry from the American public does not seem to impact the BLM's plans. There are currently only 190 wild horses (one year and older) living in the spectacular Pryor Mountains. The BLM plans to remove 70 of them, including young foals and older horses who could be sold directly to killer buyers.

The Pryor Mountain wild horses are descendants of the Lewis and Clark horses who were stolen by the Crow Indians in the early 1800's. George Reed, Secretary of Cultural Education for the Crow Tribe Executive Branch, wrote in 2006: "We advocate preserving our heritage, culture and language, and these Pryor wild horses are part of our culture."

www.equinewelfarealliance.org

www.thecloudfoundation.org

Brianne Goutal and Mon Gamin Take Colorful Victory in $15,000 Arcadia Aviation 1.40m Speed Derby at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 28, 2009-Brianne Goutal of New York City and Mon Gamin-Cloverleaf Farm's famed "painted pony"-showed their winning colors in the $15,000 Arcadia Aviation 1.40m Speed Derby at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. The pair breezed through the course in a time of 75.850 seconds, with Ireland's Darragh Kenney and Indy Star II on their heels for a second-place finish with 75.940.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis.

Mon Gamin, a pinto Selle Francais gelding, flew over the fences, his brown-and-white coat with tinges of black painting an unusual blaze of color on the Grand Prix field, which is traditionally dominated by grays, solid browns and bays. Always a crowd-pleaser, Mon Gamin is a celebrity in his own right, being the inspiration for a Breyer horse model carrying his name.

Goutal could not have been more proud of the 14-year-old horse, which she has ridden since he was purchased a 6-year-old stallion. "I'm so happy with him. He is so brave and always super-careful. He is a competitive horse every time and never lets me down," she said.

This is the pair's sixth year at the Hampton Classic. Said Goutal, who is a 20-year-old sophomore at Brown College: "We came prepared and stuck to our plan. It's always great when your plan works out."

A proper plan was essential to successfully negotiate the challenging course, which foiled a number of veteran horse-and-rider combinations. Particular challenges came from a water-and-bridge complex with faux seagulls atop moorings and a bank that has traditionally separated the field at the Classic.

Goutal did not find the number of refusals at those obstacles surprising. "This field is notorious for unnatural jumps," she said, noting that the darkness of the water and the bobbing "geese" in it tend to unnerve a horse. Because the bank is directly beside the VIP tent, horses that shy atop it see the tent seem to suddenly veer toward them, giving them claustrophobia. "Some veteran horses that have jumped the bank in Aachen [Germany] with no problem won't do it here," said Goutal.

While Mon Gamin didn't even blink at either the bank or the water, several horses refused one or both, some spinning atop the bank and scrambling to get away. Kenney's first ride in the class, Castletto, tried that, but with strong urging from Kenney, the horse zipped up, over and down the bank on the second try. Indy Star II, also piloted by Kenney, found the bank a cakewalk, as did Bazooka de Muze, on which Kenney finished tenth. After the competition, a jovial Kenney quipped that his strategy had been the same on every ride-"try to get over the fences without knocking them down."

Callen Solem placed third with Warsaw (77.310), followed by Olympian Norman dello Joio, who was fourth aboard Maarten (78.540).

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic is also receiving extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU is broadcasting updates daily throughout the Classic, with live programs from the Classic through Sunday, August 30.

ELCR Expands Advisory Council; Welcomes Laurel Florio and Susanna Colloredo-Mansfield

The Advisory Board at the Equine Land Conservation Resource has grown with the addition of Laurel A. Florio, J.D. and Susanna Colloredo-Mansfield. ELCR’s Advisory Council provides a means for experts on a variety of topics such as land conservation, federal land management, liability issues to assist the organization in a formal, recognized capacity. CEO, Deb Balliet, stated, “We are fortunate to have such a qualified group of individuals who give so generously of their time. The talent and knowledge represented by our Advisory Board is overwhelming.”

Laurel A. Florio, J.D. is an attorney and consultant primarily working with land transactions and conservation easements. She is a member of the Land Trust Alliance’s Land Conservation Leadership Program Faculty and conducts seminars and training sessions for LTA, land trusts, landowners, governmental and other non-profit organizations. She has been involved with horses since she was a child and trains and competes in Dressage as a member of the USDF and the USEF as well as her local Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association.

Susanna Colloredo-Mansfeld has dedicated over thirty years of her life to environmental conservation and education. Susanna is a co-founder and Director of the Essex County Trail Association, which encourages responsible use of the open land, maintains trails, helps establish easements, and promotes good will and communication between trail users and land owners. Susanna is an avid trail rider and trail advocate in Massachusetts.

ELCR CEO, Deb Balliet is very pleased to be welcoming the new Advisory Council members. “Laurel and Susanna are great additions to our organization. Laurel’s extensive experience in land conservation law, along with her passion for horses makes her a perfect fit, and Susanna’s knowledge of trail management and the challenges faced by trail organizations will be a great benefit to ELCR.” For a complete list and more information about ELCR’s Advisory Council members, visit http://www.elcr.org/index_board.php#ad

About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR):

The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. If you want to know more about ELCR, visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

UGA inducts 102 incoming veterinary students in White Coat Ceremony

Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine welcomed the class of 2013 during its annual White Coat Ceremony held on Sunday, August 16. Sponsored by the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, this event officially recognized 102 members of the incoming class of 2013 by donning them in bright white lab coats to be worn during their veterinary education.

The hour-long ceremony was held in the Mahler Auditorium at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel. After the ceremony, Dr. Myron Downs, president of the GVMA and an Athens-area veterinary surgeon, led the two-block recessional of coated students to the College of Veterinary Medicine for a class photo and a reception with their families and veterinary faculty and staff.

This year’s incoming class includes 76 women and 26 men, with an average undergraduate GPA of 3.54 and an average GRE score of 1116.

“The class of 2013 is one of the most diverse we have had in years, with interests ranging from epidemiology and public health to food animal and zoological animal medicine,” said K. Paige Carmichael, associate dean for academic affairs. “Regardless of the area of veterinary medicine our students choose, we hope that the coat is a tangible symbol and daily reminder of their chosen profession and accompanying responsibilities.”

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals and people. The college benefits companion animals and their owners, food-producing animals and wildlife by offering the highest-quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. The college enrolls 102 students each fall out of more than 570 who apply and employs more than 145 faculty members.

Caslin Named Director of the Unwanted Horse Coalition

Washington, DC – August 28, 2009. The American Horse Council is pleased to announce the arrival of Ericka Caslin, who will serve as the Director of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC).

Caslin is a graduate of Virginia Tech’s Animal Sciences program and has been an active member of the hunter/jumper community for more than ten years, competing at shows throughout the country. For the past four years, she served as the Administrative Director of the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). As the Administrative Director of WIHS, Caslin handled many aspects of the event, from planning a large part of the show to maintaining relationships with many of the integral people and foundations within the equestrian industry. Caslin owns horses of her own, and is focused on the needs of the industry and brings a vast knowledge of the equestrian community as a whole.

Dr. Tom Lenz, Chairman of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, said, “We are happy to have Ericka join the team. She brings great enthusiasm, and an understanding of the horse industry.”

“My focus and passion has always been horses, and I am truly fortunate to have found a position in which I can share my knowledge and experience of the equestrian industry. The problems of the unwanted horse population are something I feel very strongly about, and I am looking forward to affecting positive change in my new position,” said Caslin.

HITS Announces $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix at 2010 HITS Saugerties Summer Series

Saugerties, NY - August 28, 2009 - HITS, Inc. is excited to announce that they will offer a $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix at the HITS Saugerties Summer Show Series on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The grand prix will be the culmination of qualifying opportunities in grand prix events at all of the 2010 HITS horse shows, including Thermal, Ocala, Arizona, Culpeper, and Saugerties.

"This is something we've been looking to do for some time now and the opportunity has finally presented itself," said Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO of HITS. "We see this as a great opportunity for our customers and the sport. It's also a chance for HITS to demonstrate our continued commitment to host a class of unprecedented significance and importance, both nationally and internationally."

Riders will qualify for this historic event by showing in a pre-determined number of HITS Grand Prix events throughout the year. All HITS Grand Prix classes will be named qualifiers, allowing riders to show at any HITS event throughout the qualifying period, which will be from January through September. Once they compete in the designated number of Grand Prix classes to qualify, their money won on their leading horse will place them in the rankings for the event. The 40 top riders based on money won will be eligible for the class.

Management will also have five invites to extend at their discretion to riders not already qualified. In addition, a Wild Card class will be held in Saugerties the same week of the $1,000,000 class and the winner of that event will also earn a spot in the order.

Riders will be tracked based on their entering and competing in HITS Grand Prix events. Rankings through prize money won will become activated once the rider has competed in the designated number of Grand Prix events.

"We are in the process of finalizing all the finer details now and plan to have a full description of the League to send out to all High Performance riders outlining all the specifics very soon," added Struzzieri.

As part of the program, Grand Prix riders will be contacted every week during the qualifying period to be informed of their status both for number of Grand Prix classes needed to initially make the qualified roster of riders and money tracking for their position within the rankings.

Qualifying grand prix events will begin this winter with three HITS horse show circuits. The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit runs from January 26 to March 14, while the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will be on January 19 to March 21, and the HITS Arizona Winter Circuit will be held February 3 to March 14.

More details on the thrilling addition of a $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix to next year's show schedule at HITS Saugerties will be released soon.

To keep on track with the updates or to request a copy of the winter circuit prize lists, please visit www.HitsShows.com.

Victoria Birdsall Leads the Field in Opening Round of $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 27, 2009-Victoria Birdsall, 15, of Topsfield, Mass., took the lead aboard Sierra among 48 Junior riders in the first round of the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team, as well as legendary riders such as Olympian and Hall-of-Famer Joe Fargis.

Birdsall's score of 94 positioned her two points ahead of her nearest rival, Elizabeth Lubrano of Glenmoore, Pa., on LB Carte Noir (92 points). Lubrano's younger sister, Jacqueline Lubrano-who won last year's championship-took fifth position (85). Schaefer Raposa was in third position with Y2K (89), followed by Reed Kessler on Flight in fourth (88).

Birdsall has been having an impressive run at the Hampton Classic, earlier in the week winning her section of the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, as did Jacqueline Lubrano.

At last year's Hampton Classic, Birdsall won the SHALANNO Farms Perpetual Style of Riding Award. The award is presented to the Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation as modeled by Olympic medalists Joe Fargis, Conrad Homfeld and George Morris. The recipient must have the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman.

Birdsall's trainer, Andre Dignelli, described her as a "very competitive and accomplished rider and an all-around horseman." He lauded her and her family for their commitment to her riding career, which involves frequent commutes from their home base in New England to his Heritage Hill Farm in Katonah, NY.

Birdsall and this year's other top-10 Junior riders will return Saturday for the second and final round on a new course on the Grand Prix field, after which the $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Champion will be crowned. The finalists can count on a course every bit, if not more, challenging than the first-round course.

"This is not a typical equitation class," said Phil de Vita, who has judged the competition several times. "It fine-tunes Junior riders for the jumper divisions. It gets them thinking about what they need to do as jumper riders."

The top 10 scores ranged from 76 to 94 points.

These are Saturday's finalists:

1. Victoria Birdsall

2. Elizabeth Lubrano

3. Schaefer Raposa

4. Reed Kessler

5. Jacqueline Lubrano

6. Samantha Schaeffer

7. Christina Lin

8. Christina Gellos

9. Gabrielle Bausano

10. Christy Distefano

Competitors must ride the same horse in both rounds. They are judged on such factors as their use of the aids, position, analysis of the course, and eye for assessing jumping distances in negotiating the varied fences. The goal is to effectively control the horse and produce a competitive yet stylish jumper performance. Major emphasis is placed on clear rounds, as well as the rider's ability to cope with natural obstacles and to complete the course within tight time restrictions. Thursday's competitors negotiated a series of obstacles that included verticals, spreads and combinations.

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

Faudree and Mosing's Pawlow On The Way To The United Kingdom

(Maurice, LA and Hoffman, NC – August 26, 2009 - Will Faudree and Pawlow who were named to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) high performance eventing training list earlier this year are preparing to leave for an international competition in the United Kingdom. Coach Mark Phillips and team members visited the pair while they were competing at a spring Jersey Fresh event.

All three Eventing High Performance Training Lists were updated following the spring competition season. Faudree and Pawlow were placed on the list to compete at the Blenheim Horse Trials in the United Kingdom.

Faudree and Pawlow fly out to the United Kingdom on August 31. Once there they will have eight days to prepare for the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials September 10 –13. Ernie's owner, Jennifer Mosing, is attending the event as well.

Will Faudree is based in Hoffman, North Carolina at his Gavilan Farm. Pawlow is a 10-year old Irish Thoroughbred gelding and is owned by Jennifer Mosing. Mosing and her family own Sterling Silver Stables in Maurice, Louisiana. This is Mosing’s first sponsorship in the equestrian world although she and her family have sponsored top-bred dogs through their Nottoway Kennels.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” said Will Faudree. “This horse is so amazing and he is just beginning to show us what he has to give. He’s an incredible athlete and we are both so lucky that Jennifer came into our lives.”

The pair did their in late February and moved up quickly to the 3-star level with the selectors taking a look at them in early May. The pair has been competitive at the advanced level throughout the competition season.

Blenheim Palace is the host venue for one of the best three-day horse trial events in the world. Attracting top international competitors and their up and coming horses who compete against one another in the three phases of dressage, cross country and show jumping, this event offers great days with much to see and do including a wide range of attractions and displays, fabulous shopping and of course the chance to get close to the best sportsmen and women from this sport in the world–with a new class for 2009 aimed at those horses who are being targeted at London 2012 the equine Olympian stars of the future too.

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials was awarded the opportunity to run a CIC3* competition alongside its established CCI3* event. “With the CIC cross country Sunday morning this will give spectators the opportunity to enjoy cross country on two days,” said Event Director Mandy Hervieu “as well as offering more riders and horses the opportunity to compete at this prestigious venue.”

The class will be positioned as an opportunity to spot the stars of the future and is very likely to be a target for those aiming for 2012 as it is similar to the CCI3*, but of less difficulty with a slightly shorter cross country course and not such a tight optimum time target.

Many riders will be keen to ride the anticlockwise course at Blenheim designed by Eric Winter but as yet never ridden, due to the cancellation of last year’s event due to adverse weather. Both the CCI 3*and CIC3* will incorporate some of the feature fences such as the lake crossings, dew pond and famous ‘Blenheim Flyer’ fence.

This new competition provides a much-awaited end of season target for the owners of talented young horses and will undoubtedly be an excellent showcase for those tipped for future success.

Faudree and Mosing teamed up earlier this year when Mosing purchased Pawlow, who they affectionately call Ernie P. Mosing. Mosing’s children ride and train with Faudree.

About Will Faudree

Will Faudree was born on October 4, 1981 in Midland Texas. He grew up on a cattle ranch, learning to ride at a very young age. When he was about thirteen he became interested in eventing, and started to compete. After graduating high school, Will moved to Pennsylvania to ride and train with Phillip Dutton. In 2003 Will set out on his own and moved to Southern Pines, North Carolina with his dog, Kemper, where Gavilan Farm is currently based. Will also competed in the Pan American Games that year. The team won a gold medal. The following year, Will was named the traveling reserve for the Athens Olympic Team. Unfortunately when Will returned home from the games, he found his house and barn had been struck by lightning and burnt down. Luckily no horses were on the property at the time, but the damage was too great. Will had to find a new farm and replace almost all of his personal belongings as well as his horse equipment. With the help of Will's family and close friends, Will was able to put things back together and moved into his current house and barn in January of 2005.

With the continued support of friends and family, Will's career as an Equestrian continues to grow. He represented the United States once again by riding on the US team at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, and continues riding for the U.S. Team in future international competitions.

FEI REACHES OUT TO YOUTH AROUND THE WORLD

The FEI is proud to launch its first ever Year of Youth - a yearlong celebration of youth equestrianism – which will run from August 2009 to August 2010 when the Youth Olympic Games will take place in Singapore. For the first time young people will come together overcoming geographical barriers by using a unique online platform delivered by the FEI.

“Equestrian sport is fortunate to have a generation of ambitious and hard working young people emerging onto the international stage,” said FEI President HRH Princess Haya. “We fully intend to find innovative ways to listen to them and celebrate their talent.”

"Our goal for the Year of Youth is to ensure we hear the opinions of the competitors, grooms, fans, volunteers and support teams of all those aged 12 and 21 involved in equestrian sport in order to help us best shape and drive the sport in the future,” FEI Youth Director Nici Kennedy commented. “It is a tremendous opportunity and we are really looking forward to hearing from a great diversity of perspectives."

To achieve this goal and engage with the young people across all disciplines worldwide in an innovative, interactive and fun manner, the FEI has deliberately sought out the latest media most popular with this audience. The Year of Youth activities will be largely taking place online through a dedicated website, which is unlike any other site online. www.feiyearofyouth.org is a central hub for young equestrians to share, learn and grow together. This site, combined with other social media channels and various offline activities, will undoubtedly make this the most unique and inspiring social media campaign in equestrianism to date.

Visit www.feiyearofyouth.org now and help us carry equestrian sport into the future.

Come Celebrate Missouri’s State Horse with Us

Ava, Mo. - The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association is proud to announce our premier event, the Fall Show and Celebration. See our versatile Official State Horse, the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse, competing in everything from the “best-of-the-best” gaited classes for the title of World Grand Champion to show jumping to cattle events.

The Fall Show and Celebration is much more than just a horse show—there is fun for everyone! Events include

Saturday, Sept. 5:Lion’s Club Steak Dinner followed at 7:00 by Karaoke provided by DJ&Karoke Services of Ava.

Sunday, Sept. 6: Cowboy Church at 8:00 a.m. and 25 Anniversary Gospel Sing with Promised Land

Thursday, Sept. 10: Youth Benefit Auction after the horse show and Music by Samalama from 10:p.m.--1:a.m.

Friday, Sept. 11: Trail, Performance & Versatility Horse Sale

Saturday, Sept. 12: 10:00a.m. The National Sale of weanlings, yearlings, and broodmares

Plus, Vendors Row with everything a horse lover could want.

Admission: Sunday—Thursday $5

Friday—Saturday $6

Attention: Friday: Kids 12 and under get in free!

Saturday: Kids 6 and under get in free!

So, join us at the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association Show Grounds from Sept.5—Sept. 12 for a horse show that’s more than a show---It’s a Celebration! 1 mile north of Ava, MO on State Hwy 5.

For more information see www.mfthba.com or call 417-683-2468

Horse owners, horses both feel the pressure of competition

Horse shows can be a stressful endeavor. However, exhibitors aren’t the only ones who deal with the pressure of competition. Whether horses travel the country attending shows week after week or are out once a year to win a ribbon at the county show, they can feel the stress of competition, too.

After nearly 30 years riding and showing horses, Bret Parrish — Western pleasure trainer and 2006 All American Quarter Horse Congress Masters Two-Year-Old Western Pleasure Reserve Champion — of Parrish Quarter Horses in Pavo, Ga., knows just how stressful competition can be.

“The actual showing of the horse is the easiest part — it’s the hauling and preparation that are toughest for the horse,” Parrish says. “That’s why we try not to stress the horses too much at one time. We take things slow and spread out the preparation time throughout the day — and even sometimes the night before — so we’re not putting added pressure on the horse.”

In addition to keeping a regular competition routine to help keep his horses relaxed, Parrish also uses ULCERGARD® (omeprazole) to help prevent stomach ulcers before they become a problem.

“ULCERGARD is a great tool for us because if a horse isn’t eating well and feeling good, they’re definitely not going to perform well for us,” Parrish says. “We’ve gotten to where we’ll give our horses a dose of ULCERGARD before we leave and then keep them on it until we come home. We try to guard against stomach ulcers before we ever leave home.”

Parrish says it’s a priority to give his horses products that are thoroughly tested and FDA-approved. The competition is no place to encounter surprises — everything from his horse’s tack to healthcare products must work consistently.

“We have always had a really great response with ULCERGARD,” Parrish says. In addition, Parrish says learning each horse’s tendencies and personality can sometimes make training and showing challenging, but using ULCERGARD to help prevent stomach ulcers makes it easier to keep each horse feeling good and ready to work.

Speaking to riders around the country and world, Parrish knows competitors at all levels can relate to the stress of competitions, even if they don’t spend weeks on the road. In fact, stomach ulcers can occur in up to 63% of nonracing competitive horses.1

“A horse’s stomach can produce up to 16 gallons of acid each day,”2 says April Knudson, DVM, manager, Merial Veterinary Services. “In a natural grazing environment, forage in the stomach helps to create a buffer for the stomach acid. But, when we take horses out of the pasture and into a stall or show, with limited grazing opportunities or little free choice hay, coupled with the stress of the show, acid can build up in the horse’s stomach and lead to stomach ulcers.”

Dr. Knudson adds that horses are extremely sensitive to stress. Even events that many horse owners consider to be routine — including training, traveling, competition and stall confinement3 — can be stressful enough to contribute to stomach ulcer development, sometimes in as little as five days.4

“Horses that show competitively — whether year-round or once a summer — can develop stomach ulcers,” Dr. Knudson says. “But, owners can help keep their horses performing at their best just by using ULCERGARD to help prevent stomach ulcers before they become a problem.”*

---

*When treated for 8 or 28 days, ULCERGARD is proven to effectively prevent stomach ulcers in horses exposed to stressful conditions.

ULCERGARD® (omeprazole) can be used in horses that weigh at least 600 pounds. The effectiveness of ULCERGARD in the prevention of gastric ulcers in foals and weanlings has not been evaluated. ULCERGARD may be used safely in breeding stallions. Safety in pregnant mares has not been determined.

®ULCERGARD is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca Group of Companies. ©2009 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUIUGD950 (8/09).

1Mitchell RD. Prevalence of gastric ulcers in hunter/jumper and dressage horses evaluated for poor performance. Association for Equine Sports Medicine, September 2001.

2Kitchen DL, Merritt AM, Burrow JA. Histamine-induced gastric acid secretion in horses. AJVR 1998;59(10):1303-1306.

3ULCERGARD product label.

4McClure SR, Carithers DS, Gross SJ, Murray MJ. Gastric ulcer development in horses in a simulated show or training environment. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;227(5):775-777.

Fall Fashion is a Cinch with Ariat Belts

New Seasonal Styles Feature Vintage Looks and Attention to Details

Union City, Calif. August 27, 2009 – Ariat is proud to announce the debut of its fall 2009 belt styles. Made with premium leathers, handcrafted details and Ariat-exclusive hardware, these new belts are an ideal way to spruce up any wardrobe for the upcoming season.

“The right belt can tie your whole look together, and we’re offering updated styles for both men and women in our fall 2009 collection,” said Andy Andrews, Ariat’s belt designer. “Our focus is on easy-wearing pieces that transition well from saddle to street, plus we’ve added new leathers and detailing to create rich looks for this season.”

Highlights from the Ariat’s fall belt line include:

· The women’s City Girl, which has tooled leather with faux buck stitching plus an antiqued bronze peace sign buckle

· A little bit country mixes with a little bit rock ‘n roll in the women’s Western Rocker, which features multicolored studs over a black palette with a brass antique buckle

· Touching on a few trends, the women’s Tres Rios offers three wide, studded strands and a brass buckle accented with turquoise and coral stones

· The men’s Business Man and Diamond Classic combine the clean lines of simple leather belts with fancy stitch patterns for a classic look

· Men will also enjoy the rich Timber oiled leather in the Boom Town, which features studs, rectangle conchos with crosses and a welted edge

· An ideal competition belt for men, the Sidewinder’s fancy double overlay with contrasting studs and conchos makes it a flashy option for the arena

“Ariat is the only company that uses the same leathers for both our footwear and belt lines,” said Andrews. “We’re proud to offer our consumers a system for the perfect match as well as high-quality belts that will stand the test of time.”

IT'S DOUBLE-DUTCH AGAIN AS ADELINDE PIPS EDWARD IN THE SPECIAL

Windsor (GBR), 27 August 2009

Photo caption : On another record-breaking day of dressage, The Netherlands' Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival claimed gold in the Grand Prix Special at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor - Picture Dirk Caremans.

Audio links :

Adelinde Cornellissen (NED),gold medallist, http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros_Adelinde_Cornelisson.mp3

Edward Gal (NED),silver, http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros_Edward_Gal_day3.mp3

Laura Bechtolsheimer (GBR), bronze, http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros_LauraB_day3.mp3

Friday, 28 August 2009 (no geo-restrictions apply)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 09:30 - 13:15 CEST (07:30 – 11:15 GMT)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 14:00 - 14:45 CEST (12:00 – 12:45 GMT)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 15:15 - 16:50 CEST (13:15 – 14:50 GMT)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 17:15 - 18:00 CEST (15:15 – 16:00 GMT)

Adelinde Cornelissen produced 6.5 minutes of magic to win gold in the Grand Prix Special at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor, Great Britain today. On another extraordinary afternoon her Dutch team-mate, Edward Gal, set a new world record with Moorlands Totilas, but it was a short-lived moment in the spotlight as Cornelissen simply blew it away with a spectacular last-to-go test with the fabulous Parzival.

Ground Jury President Stephen Clarke from Great Britain put it in perspective afterwards when he said "I've judged a few championships in my time but I've never seen sport like this. This was the greatest moment in dressage history - we've never seen riders performing at such a level before and now the sport is wide open - anyone can win. I want to applaud the courage of the riders who rode so brilliantly under pressure - this was an outstanding day" he added.

SET THE TARGET

As the final group took their turn it was another Dutch champion, Anky Van Grunsven, who set the real target with a much-improved test from Salinero who had been, by their exceptional standards, disappointing in the team competition. Today however they worked more as a partnership, and accuracy and confidence were much more in evidence as they re-set the parameters with a mark of 77.917%, although the 15 year old gelding still fiddled in his halts.

"He concentrated very hard today, we did have two little mistakes with the halt but I go day by day" she pointed out, thinking ahead to Saturday's Freestyle for which she is easily qualified.

REAL BATTLE

The real battle however was waged between the final three, Gal throwing down the gauntlet with the mesmerising Totilas who ratcheted up a total of 32 perfect 10 scores thanks to fabulous passage and piaffe and wresting the world record for the Special from Germany's Martin Schaudt and Welthall who set the standard at 82.50% in 2005. Gal's 83.042% swept that away, but as it happened he had some weak scores as well as strong ones, and his shift in the first halt and low marks in some of the tempi changes and extended walk would come back to haunt him.

Britain's Laura Bechtolsheimer rose to the occasion on her European Championship debut to produce a sparkling ride from Mistral Hojris that bounced her up to silver medal position with a mark of 80.083%, but as it happened there was even more excitement to come. "Before I came into the ring I didn't know what the others had scored and when I finished I thought I was second so I congratulated Edward!" Cornelissen explained.

PERSONALITY AND POISE

Her great big chestnut Parzival simply filled the arena with personality and poise, obediently executing each movement with consistent precision and with a power and passion that was all his own. As the marks registered on the leaderboard it was clear something amazing was unfolding - Gal's record was about to be overtaken by an even more sensational performance and as Cornelissen's mark of 84.042% was announced the spectators roared with approval.

"I always knew Parzival can do the work" said the 30 year old rider whose career has advanced a little since she started riding Shetland ponies at the age of two. A qualified teacher, she has been focusing on equestrianism in recent years but has only one Grand Prix horse - the great big chestnut giant who stood quietly while his rider bandaged his legs before going back into the ring for the prize-giving. This is a very unique one-on-one relationship between horse and rider, and it showed in everything they achieved.

DELIGHTED

Bechtolsheimer was delighted when awarded bronze in the final analysis - "I'm still feeling a bit shaken up" she said, "but I was more determined than I've ever been going in today and my horse is extremely generous to me" she pointed out. Gal admitted that he might have overdone it a little in the warm-up leading to tension in the arena - "the passage and extensions were good but the walk was tense - but he's only 9 years old!" he said. Gracious in defeat he added "being second to Adelinde today was not bad - what happened was good for the sport, good for the riders, good for our horses - I'm delighted!".

Golden girl Cornelissen sat contemplating her triumph as Stephen Clarke concluded "what we have seen is really something, at times the hair was standing up on the back of my neck! Salinero (Anky Van Grunsven) was also brilliant in parts, and that's the exciting thing about it. At odd moments we were saying to each other "10's are just not enough" to reward what we have seen!" he said.

QUOTES

Stephen Clarke, Ground Jury President - "that's the pleasure of judging, believe it or not we don't like to give low marks and only do it when we have to, when its appropriate we love to give high marks - that's the excitement of the sport".

Edward Gal, silver medallist, when asked if there is now a new Dutch School of dressage, "its about how we ride, it feels good and it look good, but its not just about training. We just keep the horses happy. You need to adapt your riding to your horse and not the other way around".

Laura Bechtolsheimer, bronze medallist - "In a competition like this it is very special to be part of it and for it to happen in Great Britain on home turf is really great. This was the best test I've ever ridden".

TEAM CHA – Youth Program for Future Riding Instructors and Barn Managers

(August 2009) – The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) has a TEAM CHA youth Horse Connection Reward Program for kids 15 years and younger. The participants keep track of their hours working with horses whether they have them or not! They can count activities such as taking riding lessons, watching non-fiction videos and reading non-fiction books about horses, grooming, cleaning stalls, cleaning tack, feeding and so on.

As part of this membership, the youth also receive a quarterly newsletter full of information about horses, riding and great games and puzzles. Click here to see a sample of the online version. http://CHA-ahse.org/enews_teamCHA.html

Membership is only $15 a year and many barns around the country are including this fee with their lesson programs so that their students can earn great prizes in the Horse Connection Reward Program and keep on learning year round through the quarterly TEAM CHA newsletter. Click here to find out more about this youth membership http://www.CHA-ahse.org/membership.htm

The TEAM CHA Horse Connection Reward Program Top Ten Winners are:

Natalie Gould of Coldstream, BC

Breanna Riley of Staunton, VA

Daria Hawkins of Staunton, VA

Tiffany Couture of Colchester, VT

Evangeline Windmill of Coldstream, BC

Erika Breeden of Staunton, VA

Samantha Mercer of Millington, TN

Maddie Mugnola of Canandaigua, NY

Sydney Vinther of Paso Robles, CA

Logan Marie Shortridge of Corte Madera, CA

Natalie will receive a model horse from the Stone Company, great CHA merchandise and a plaque. Thank you to Stone Horses and Blaze Magazine for providing awards for all the Horse Connection Reward Program winners!

The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors, recreational vaulting coaches, barn managers, college coaches, drivers and trail guides; accredits equestrian facilities; publishes educational manuals and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call toll free 1-800-399-0138. To find a certified riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you visit www.CHAinstructors.com.

Equestrian Legends Unite for Public Clinic at Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament

Renowned trio of George Morris, Ian Millar and Courtney King-Dye team for "first time" educational opportunity in Syracuse

Syracuse, NY - August 27, 2009 - An equestrian dream team of George Morris, Ian Millar and Courtney King-Dye will lead an educational clinic "How It's Done - Dressage and Jumping, Presented by Practical Horseman Magazine" to highlight the opening night of the 2009 Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 126th National Horse Show, on October 28. It is the first time the three, each a master in their area of the sport, have taught together.

This combination of a legendary trainer and horseman, one of history's most decorated show jumpers, and an acclaimed leader in dressage will create an amazing educational opportunity for riders of all skill levels as well as for those simply interested in horses and equine sports. The clinic will include commentary by George Morris and riding demonstrations by both Millar and King-Dye followed by a question and answer session.

"The mission of the Syracuse Invitational is to advance the sport of show jumping - literally to escalate the sport to new heights - and one of the best tools to accomplish that is education," said John Madden, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, Inc. "Exposing riders to this level of equestrian excellence will continue to demonstrate the possibilities the sport has to offer."

Each of the featured instructors bring to the Invitational legendary credentials and are household names of equestrian sport, but combined the accolades of the three are absolutely amazing. Morris, the show jumping coach of the United States Equestrian Team, is without doubt one of the most influential riders and trainers in the history of show jumping. Millar, a fixture on the international show jumping scene for decades, is one of history's most decorated riders and has represented his native Canada in an astounding nine Olympics, a record for all Olympic sports. Known for her elegance in the saddle, Olympian King-Dye is a comparative youngster by age to her counterparts but already boasts an amazing list of accomplishments.

The focus of the clinic will be to illustrate the relationship between dressage, the foundation of all equine sports, and show jumping, and will give riders and fans alike the opportunity to see the inherent relationship between these disciplines demonstrated by world-class riders in each field. Both riding disciplines are Olympic sports.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on October 28 in the War Memorial in Syracuse, the clinic is being presented by Practical Horseman Magazine. Over $10,000 worth of merchandise from Back on Track Horse Products will be given away to spectators. Tickets for the event are $25 available through the Oncenter Box Office, 315-435-2121 or through Ticketmaster.

For more information, visit the Syracuse Invitational web site, www.syracuseinvitational.com.

For more information on the 126th National Horse Show, please visit www.nhs.org.

About the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament: Each fall, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament welcomes the top-ranked equestrians from across the US and the world to downtown Syracuse to compete at the War Memorial Arena in the Oncenter Complex. The event features a full slate of high-level competition, entertainment, shopping and exhibitions and runs October 28 to November 1, 2009. A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the Syracuse Invitational benefits Cornell University Equine Hospital and Vera House.

About George Morris: A world-renowned horseman, George Morris made an early mark at age 14 winning the two most prestigious junior titles in the USA, the AHSA Hunter Seat Medal Final and the ASPCA Maclay Final, the youngest rider to ever do so. In 1960 he was a team Silver Medalist at the Rome Olympics. Besides his success as a rider, his list of students reads as a "Who's Who" of world class show jumping. He has been Chef d'Equipe of the United States Equestrian Team since 2005. His tenure has been highlighted by the Team Gold and Individual Bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games and the Team and Individual Silver at the 2006 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany, plus a team Bronze at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The books he has authored on equestrian sport and riding are critically acclaimed and are consistently in high demand.

About Ian Millar: Known as Captain Canada, Ian Millar's long and much decorated career includes nine Olympic games dating to 1972, a record for any Olympic sport and matched only by Hubert Raudaschl of Austria, a sailor. He is Canada's most medaled equestrian, including 9 Pan Am Games, more than any other show jumper in the world, and won back-to-back World Cup Finals in 1988 and 1989 riding the legendary horse Big Ben. A native of Nova Scotia, Millar operates Millar Brooke Farms near Perth, Ontario.

About Courtney King-Dye: At 31 Courtney King-Dye's show record includes a 6th place finish in her first appearance at the World Cup Finals. Riding Idocus, she competed against a field of 30 of the world's best riders. Later that year, the pair competed in the USEF National Grand Prix Championships at Gladstone, New Jersey, finishing second. In 2008 King-Dye made appearances at both the World Cup and Olympic Games in Hong Kong, representing the United States aboard Harmony's Mythilus. Known for her grace in the saddle, King-Dye is based at Bell-Aire Farm in Millbrook, New York.

Jeffery Welles Claims $7,500 Prudential Douglas Elliman 1.45m Open Jumper Win at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 27, 2009-Jeffery Welles did it again, winning his second major class this week at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Welles, of Wellington, FL, piloted Tango to top honors in the $7,500 Prudential Douglas Elliman 1.45m Open Jumper class. On Tuesday, he won the $7,500 1.40m Open Jumper Class aboard his veteran mount, Armani.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team.

Welles' winning 37.680 seconds bested the other eight riders who posted clear first round efforts to advance to the timed jump-off. Shane Sweetnam placed second with Amaretto d'Acro (38.671). Georgina Bloomberg finished third with Metropolitan (39.422) and fifth on Radio City (40.300). Brianne Goutal on Bravo van de Kwakkelhoek placed fourth (39.638).

Welles has been paired with Tango, a powerful 9-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding, for a year-and-a-half. "He's always strong, but today he was very aggressive," said Welles. "I was a little out of breath when I came off the course," he added with a laugh.

To tackle the course, he said, "You needed a real careful jumper who can curl up around the verticals," a description that fits Tango to a "T." Welles found the course particularly challenging because it had a lot of square oxers, plus a double combination and a vertical by the in-gate that he said "rode very short."

Welles said he is fortunate to have so many superb competition mounts, which are owned by Abigail Wexner. She also owns Authentic and a number of "nice young horses coming along," he said. "She is very supportive and never puts pressure on a rider to push a horse or jump him higher than we should. Without owners like her, our sport would not have so many developing young riders and horses."

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

Show Jumping Rider Hillary Dobbs Joins Ranks of Cavalor Riders

World's Leading Equine Nutrition Company Selects Dobbs as the first "Cavalor Young Champion"

Cavalor, the world's leading equine nutrition company for high-performance horses, has selected Grand Prix show jumping rider Hillary Dobbs as the company's first "Cavalor Young Champion."

Philippe Collard, president of Cavalor, Inc., announced the company's sponsorship of the 21-year-old star on August 26 at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, where last year she became the youngest rider ever to win the Classic's Grand Prix championship. Dobbs joined Collard in the Grand Prix arena after the $7,500 Cavalor 1.35m Open Jumper Class to formally launch the sponsorship and present awards to the class's top finishers, including presenting a Cavalor cooler to the class winner, Show Jumping Hall of Famer Joe Fargis.

"We are thrilled for Hillary to be our first Cavalor Young Champion," said Collard. "Hillary is not only a great competitor, but also an outstanding person, and we are honored to have her wear the Cavalor colors."

Dobbs joins a select group of champion riders sponsored by Cavalor, the Official Feed of the Hampton Classic Horse Show and the Official Belgium feed partner for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Cavalor's sponsored show jumping riders include 2008 Olympic champion Eric Lamaze of Canada, reigning World Champion Jos Lansink of Belgium, and eight-time Olympian and two-time World Cup champion Ian Millar of Canada. Cavalor also sponsors dressage greats Anky van Grunsven of The Netherlands, the reigning World and Olympic champion, and Steffen Peters of the United States, the 2009 World Cup champion.

"Cavalor's sponsorship is very meaningful to me. Cavalor feed and supplements are well-known for producing outstanding results. It is also a big advantage to have Cavalor's name and resources behind me as I advance in my career," said Dobbs, who following the Hampton Classic will begin her senior year at Harvard University.

Cavalor, Inc. is the exclusive North American licensee of the Cavalor brand and Cavalor products, which are developed and produced by Nutriquine NV. Nutriquine NV, a Belgian company, has been a pioneer in equine nutrition for more than 20 years. In close cooperation with veterinarians, scientists and specialists of equestrian sports, Nutriquine NV has developed, under the brand name Cavalor, a complete line of supplements, care and feed products to address the diverse needs and requirements of topsport horses and breeding stables. Cavalor products are distributed and used in 45 countries around the world.

For more information on Cavalor, please visit www.cavalor.com.

Cavalor, when the result counts!

2009 AERC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SET FOR SEPTEMBER 11 & 13

Each year endurance riders from around the U.S. and Canada gather to compete for the American Endurance Ride Conference’s top honors in the National Championship rides.

This year, tiny Greenville, California (population 1,150) will be the launching point for the 100-mile ride on September 11 and 50-mile ride on September 13. Midway between Redding and Reno, the Northern California location has all riders ask of a trail: elevation changes, gorgeous views, shallow creek crossings, and wildlife sightings.

“From the base camp at 3500 feet, riders will climb to 6040 feet on the first loop. There are a few good climbs, with the largest climb first thing in the morning,” said Ride Manager Kassandra DiMaggio. “Besides a few rocky dry creek beds, the footing is really good. On areas with drop-offs, there is a wide road.”

At the trail’s highest point, riders will be rewarded with views of Lake Almanor and the whole of Indian Valley. While riding alongside Walker Lake, riders can watch freshwater pelicans dive for fish.

At the checkpoints, where the horses are examined by veterinarians before going on in the ride, DiMaggio plans to pamper both horses and riders. “We have food and water for the horses and we spoil the riders with drinks, candy and snacks.” Later in the ride, the checkpoint closest to dinnertime will boast a barbecue dinner for ride participants.

DiMaggio has hosted the Patriot’s Day rides at the same site for the past several years, and is looking forward to welcoming high-caliber riders to AERC’s premier event. Riders and horses must meet a mileage requirement in order to be eligible for the ride, and there is no 25-mile distance for this event.

Among the top endurance riders vying for the 100-mile championship is Joyce Sousa of Hydesville, California, who has placed in the top 5 of two previous National Championships. Sousa’s 16-year-old bay Arabian gelding, LV Integrity+ (“Ritz”), has already completed 24 100-mile rides in 10 years of competition.

“Ritz has done four one-day 100s this ride season,” said Sousa. “I have to be careful not to overtrain for this ride. I basically concentrate on giving him plenty of rest and recovery time.” On those four 100s, Ritz was first in two rides and second in two rides. His last competition was in mid-July so he should be rested and ready for a quick pace at the championship ride.

Participants in the 50-mile ride are probably breathing a sigh of relief that one of their top competitors is riding just for mileage and not to win. Two-time endurance world champion Becky Grand Hart, of San Juan Bautista, California, is bringing her new bay Arabian gelding, No Repeat, and will likely sponsor a junior rider through the ride.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Hart. “It looks like a beautiful trail.” With 20,485 AERC miles to her credit, Hart enjoys both going for wins and riding along the lines of AERC’s motto, “To finish is to win.”

“Don’t look for us in the winners’ circle,” said Hart. “We are still getting to know one another.”

Hart, who serves as the U.S. chef d’equipe (team manager) for the U.S. endurance team, noted she will try to practice what she preaches to team members: no over-racing and adherence to another endurance adage, “never hurry, never tarry.” “Mostly I am trying to make it through a 100 myself, enjoying the trail and the time with my horse.”

Awards will be given to the top three riders in each of five weight divisions in both distances. Saddles will be presented to the best-conditioned horses in both events and to the first-place finisher in the 100. The 50-mile winner will win a handmade cedar chest, to which a local artist will add the winning horse’s portrait. Winners of both rides will also receive a ton of feed, courtesy of Purina. Gail Hought of Hought Tack has donated a great many gift certificates.

The day between the rides will be filled with clinics and demonstrations, as well as the awards presentation for the 100-mile riders.

DiMaggio won’t get a chance to ride the trails while she is busy managing. What she’ll miss most is coming back down to base camp at night on the Manzanita Trail: “The single-track switchback winds around manzanita bushes, and it feels like you are on a roller coaster.”

For more information about the 2009 AERC National Championships, visit www.patriotsdayride.com.

For more information about AERC or endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, California, at 866-271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org

HITS Welcomes Accomplished Equestrian Francesca Mazella and Horse Show Veteran Robert Drennan to Its Team

Saugerties, NY - August 27, 2009 - HITS is pleased to announce that two new employees will be joining the HITS team. Francesca Mazella will be a part of the HITS corporate team, while Robert Drennan will join the HITS VIP team at the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA.

Francesca Mazella, who comes from Mount Kisco, NY, will make the move to the HITS corporate office in Saugerties, NY, where she will work with the marketing team on publicity and other special projects. She will also provide support to the HITS horse show office team from the corporate location.

Mazella has a wealth of equestrian experience in the hunter/jumper industry, including 16 years as a professional rider and trainer. An accomplished equestrian, Mazella was a double winner in 1984, topping both the AHSA Hunter Seat Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Finals. She was the professional rider for Lionshare Farm, owned by Olympic silver medalist Peter Leone. Her business experience comprises three years at Rolling Stone magazine, working in the Advertising Promotion department. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she has a degree in English Literature.

"I'm very excited to be joining the HITS team," Mazella stated. "This is a great opportunity to combine my equine and competition experience with the behind-the-scenes operations of the biggest horse show company in the world! I'm really thankful for this chance and very much looking forward to being a part of this great organization and working with Tom and his team."

"Francesca is not only an experienced horse person, she's a true professional," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. "Her knowledge and background will be a great asset to every project she's involved with. We are glad to have her aboard."

Mazella is in the process of relocating from Westchester to Saugerties and her first week with HITS will be during the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals in mid-September. "It's a great time to come on board," added Mazella. "I'll get a chance to see one last show for this season and then be a part of the preparations for the big winter circuits. I can't wait."

Robert Drennan has been on the horse show scene in various capacities for many years, including his regular post at the HITS Indio Circuit in the 1990s. He has a wealth of experience in horse show management, awards presentations, and VIP service. Drennan will be returning to California this winter to work with the HITS VIP team and Chris Pace at the HITS Desert Circuit.

"I'm a true Californian, and I've been going to California horse shows since I was 11," Drennan said. "I'm excited to rejoin the HITS family. It's close to home for me, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Thermal grounds. I truly enjoyed my many years working with Stadium Jumping in Palm Beach and Tampa, but I look forward to seeing all of my lifelong friends on a daily basis in California. It will be great to return to my VIP roots again and to be a part of making it a really fun place. Working a six week schedule again will be fabulous too!"

"We are very happy to welcome Bobby back," said Struzzieri. "He was part of the family for many years in Indio and I'm sure our West Coast exhibitors will be glad to see him back in California. He and Chris Pace will be a great team for our VIP services in Thermal, which includes not only the main VIP Oasis Club, but the Hunter VIP and the Box Club, which is our VIP product for the four World Cup Qualifiers."

The HITS Horse Shows has remaining 2009 shows at HITS Saugerties on August 26-30, September 2-6, and the Marshall & Sterling League Finals on September 10-13, and the USGPL Finals at HITS Culpeper on September 23-27.

The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit runs from January 26 to March 14, while the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will be on January 19 to March 21, and the HITS Arizona Winter Circuit will be held February 3 to March 14.

Announcements on special classes, judges, course designers, prize money, and more will be made regularly for all of the HITS Horse Show circuits. To learn of the latest news, please become a fan of HITS' page on Facebook and sign up to receive HITS' Twitter updates.

To keep on track with the updates or to request a copy of the winter circuit prize lists, please visit www.HitsShows.com.

2008 Open Futurity Winner Todd Bergen to Compete at 2009 High Roller Reining Classic

Las Vegas, NV - August 27, 2009 - The High Roller Reining Classic is pleased to announce that the 2008 High Roller Reining Classic Open Futurity winner, Todd Bergen, will be showing at this year's competition. The horse show will be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino, September 4 -12, 2009. Bergen is a $1 Million Elite Rider who claimed the Open Futurity victory during last year aboard Electrical Flash. The High Roller Reining Classic is the international "crown jewel" of western riding competition, and features over $200,000 in added money and prizes.

This year Bergen will compete again with Electrical Flash in the $50,000 4-Year-Old Derby event. "Last year's win during the Open Futurity was really good," noted Bergen. "I had high expectations for her and she performed well for me. I was more concerned about how she showed and looking towards the future, but it's always nice to win. I'll be showing her in the 4-Year-Old Derby this year and she's been feeling very good."

Bergen will also be showing three new horses for the first time in the $130,000 3-Year-Old Futurity. "I'm just trying to feel them out and see where I am at on them," he explained. "I've been training on them and riding them as often as possible. Right now I'm just looking to get them as consistent as possible."

"I'm not too worried about the competition," continued Bergen. "My focus is on how my horses perform, how they ride, and how they show. If they win something, great, but if not then I'm not too awfully concerned about it. I've got one horse that is pretty good but we'll have to wait and see."

Bergen is excited to be competing at the South Point Hotel and Casino again because it is a unique venue with a lot to offer exhibitors. "It's really great that you stay right there and you can just walk to the arena," he said. "It has a nice arena and nice stalls; it's a first class facility."

In 2004 Bergen earned the $1 Million Elite Rider status at the National Reining Breeders Classic. "It's an elite group, so I'm pretty proud that I made it there," he commented. "It took a lot of hard work and a lot of good horses to get to that point. It proves that you've stayed consistent over the years and you've accomplished a lot."

In addition to being a top reiner Bergen competes at reined cow horse events. His current focus is training young reining horses and reined cow horses. Bergen does not plan to try and qualify for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. "If reining becomes an Olympic sport I might change my mind; I would like to compete at the Olympics someday if reining ever gets there. For right now I'm just going to focus on younger horses and the reined cow horses."

Bergen enjoys the challenge of young horses, and for three of his horses the High Roller Reining Classic will be their first show. "It's the first time showing those three year olds so I don't know what to expect," said Bergen. "I want to see how these horses are and use this event as a stepping stone for the future."

The High Roller Reining Classic is a NRHA "AA" rated event and promises to be the best Las Vegas and West Coast Reining Event in history. This level of purse and quality venue draws entries from across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

For more information about the High Roller Reining Classic please visit http://www.highrollerreiningclassic.com/

Tracey Weinberg Sails to a Win Aboard Larone in $5,000 Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper Class at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 27, 2009-Tracey Weinberg and Larone closed the door early on the rest of the 26-horse field in the $5,000 Amateur-Owner 1.40m JumperClass at the 34th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show. Second to ride the course, the pair finished nearly three penalty points ahead of second-placed Philip Richter and Glasgow.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team.

Weinberg's smooth, fast ride resulted in a score of 62.838, followed by Richter's 65.681. Clara Lindner placed third with Quriel (66.637) and Katrina Woods was fourth on Copain (69.089). The class was sponsored by Sagamore Farm.

Weinberg, of Lovettsville, Va., was delighted with Larone's performance. While only 15.3 hands, the horse presents a powerful package over fences. Asked how he handled on the course, she said, "He was perfect! I can't say enough about this horse. He's all heart, a gift from God. This is a horse of a lifetime."

In their fourth season together, the pair trains with Olympian Joe Fargis, who Weinberg called a "consummate horseman." She credited Fargis with training and "preserving" the 16-year-old Dutch warmblood. A stunning black stallion, Larone is expecting his first foal from Weinberg's Holsteiner mare, Naomi 174 (by Contender).

Weinberg found the Conrad Homfeld-designed 1.40m course "brilliantly designed." She said Homfeld "gives you a lesson every time you jump one of his courses. He tests you in very subtle ways with placement and options. It has long been a goal of mine to finish one of Conrad's courses feeling that I had done it properly. Winning here today is for me a real accomplishment."

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

Olympic Rider Anne Kursinski and Market Street Farm Count on ThinLine© Saddle Pads

Durham, NC (August 27, 2009) – Olympic rider Anne Kursinski has proven that she knows what it takes to get to the top of the show jumping world. Kursinski, who operates out of her Market Street Farm in New Jersey, is a two-time Olympic Silver Medalist who has also represented the U.S. on Nations Cup Teams and at the World Equestrian Games.

Part of Kursinski’s winning ways includes counting on saddle pads from ThinLine© -- a company known for their technologically advanced shock absorbing saddle pads. “Our horses are better, stronger and more relaxed after using the ThinLine saddle pads,” Kursinski said, adding that her favorite pad is the Contender II by ThinLine and Back on Track. “We are extremely pleased with the technology and support.”

Top riders like Kursinski are thrilled to become “product partners” with ThinLine, a role they don’t take lightly. ThinLine riders are committed to ThinLine products and the benefits to their horse’s performance. This is not surprising as these select riders are an integral part of the ThinLine research and development team. Before a new ThinLine product is available on the market it is tested and perfected by the ThinLine Team riders. “I really believe in the ThinLine products for my horses,” Kursinski said.

ThinLine’s famous technology has riders lining up to use the products, which range from saddle pads and boots to a complete line of tack. ThinLine products, made in the USA, are supple, lightweight, breathable pressure distributing no slip foam that has multiple benefits and no drawbacks.

“It is wonderful when top international riders like Anne Kursinski count on ThinLine and recommend it. ThinLine products are known to benefit both the horse and rider and Anne and her riders at Market Street Farm are a testament to that,” said Elaine Lockhead, President of ThinLine. “The unique texture and suppleness of our ThinLine technology allows the product to conform to the horses body and when warmed to body temperature ThinLine products will form to the horses head, back, legs or girth area to create a custom fit and feel.”

Kursinski said all of the riders at Market Street have used the ThinLine saddle pads and have been very pleased with the results. “The ThinLine products offer great protection and shock absorption,” Kursinski said. “Our chiropractor endorses them and the saddle pads really do keep the saddles in place. Plus -- and this is always nice -- ThinLine offers great customer service.”

Kursinski’s long-running remarkable career includes being a member of 47 USET Nations Cup Teams, a member of five USET Olympic Teams and a member of three USET World Equestrian Games Teams. In addition, she has competed in 10 World Cup Finals and has achieved fame as an author and clinician. “Anne is an accomplished international rider and one of the most respected show jumping athletes of our time. She is certainly a rider who knows what works for her horses and I am thrilled that she believes in ThinLine,” Lockhead said. “In addition to the shock absorbing benefits of our products, the riders at Market Street have discovered our products are all anti-fungal. ThinLine is infused with USDA approved anti-fungal and anti-microbial agents to keep rain rot at bay.”

To find out why Kursinski trusts ThinLine saddle pads, visit the ThinLine website at www.thinlineinc.com.

Thrush Off Earns Horse Journal Editor’s Choice Seal & Tops Botanical-Ingredient Products in Treatment of Thrush

Well-Horse today announced that it received the 2009 Horse Journal Editors’ Choice award for Thrush Off – its’ new product for healthy hooves. The coveted Horse Journal Editors’ Choice award recognizes outstanding equine products. After a review of all natural Thrush treatment products, Thrush Off was chosen as the best available botanical choice for quality, performance, and effectiveness in the treatment of severe Thrush.

“If you’re determined to avoid chemicals (unless absolutely necessary, of course), Thrush Off is one of the only products in this trial free of chemical ingredients in both their base and active ingredients.” explained Horse Journal. Horse Journal further noted “For severe thrush, there’s only one choice: Thrush Off. It’s the only product free of potential sensitivity problems when used on raw, open tissues, and it’s effective”.

“We are very excited about this honor from Horse Journal as their Editors’ Choice award has become the hallmark of quality and innovation, and its logo is a symbol consumers know and trust,” said Coco Fernandez. “This is a huge achievement and we are proud to be recognized for our dedication and commitment to producing the highest quality products.”

Thrush Off is highly effective for the treatment of Thrush and kills it on contact. It does not burn sensitive or live tissue such as the coronet band or an open wound. Unlike other products, Thrush Off is natural and non-toxic. In addition, Thrush Off treats injuries and infections to the coronet band, cracked heels, abscesses, quarter cracks, white line and laminitis.

For further details or store locations to buy Well-Horse Thrush Off, please visit http://www.Well-Horse.com .

About Well-Horse

Well-Horse is a young company dedicated to the creation and development of equine organic products. The founder, Coco Fernandez, Master Farrier, operates a successful equine orthopedics farrier service on the Central Coast of California. Well-Horse Antibacterial Resin is the successful flagship product used to regenerate tissue on wounds by promoting the formation of new collagen. Well-Horse also kills fungal and bacterial micro-agents on contact, without burning or irritating the skin. It works well and fast on Scratches, Dew Poisoning, Rain Rot, Ring Worm, Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and more.

SWISS GET OFF TO A FLYING START

Windsor (GBR), Wednesday 26 August

Swiss riders Pius Schwizer and Steve Guerdat filled the top two places in tonight's first jumping competition at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor, Great Britain. Schwizer steered the 12 year old bay gelding Ulysse home and clear in the quickest time when 13th of the 77 starters to take on the 13-fence Speed and Handiness track designed by Bob Ellis. And Guerdat slotted in behind him when going sixth from the end of the class with the super-speedy French-bred mare Jalisca Solier.

The Swiss head the team rankings going into Friday's Nations Cup competition thanks to a further solid result from Clarissa Crotta and West Side v. Meerputhoeve, but with scores calculated into points they have only a marginal lead over the defending title-holders from The Netherlands, while France lies third ahead of Ireland in fourth place.

FASTER

"I thought I could have gone faster" 47 year old Schwizer commented afterwards. "Normally the first day is the worst day for my horse!" he added.

The 13-fence track created just enough difficulty and two eliminations - the most spectacular being that of Belgium's Peter Postelmans who enjoyed an early bath when his chestnut gelding, Top Gun, decanted him at the open water where several other horses also lodged a variety of objections. The triple combination at fence 10 also claimed a number of victims, while those taking the vertical three from home on a sharp angle often suffered the consequences and the penultimate oxer was also consistently lowered throughout the competition.

Holland's Harrie Smolders (Exquis Walnut de Muze) and Angelique Hoorn (Blauwendraad's O'Brien) claimed third and fourth places respectively, Hoorn displaying particularly impressive determination when only second into the ring. Austria's Stefan Eder and Chilli Van Dijk were next in line ahead of the best of the French - Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize - while the surprise placing in the top 10 came from Estonia's Rein Pill who steered the athletic stallion son of Kannan, the 9 year old A Big Boy, to a copybook tour of the track to finish seventh.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Ireland's Darragh Kerins was second-last to go with the diminutive Night Train and knew that he needed to do something special to keep his country in the frame. And the 158cms chestnut gelding didn't let him down, bouncing home to finish eighth ahead of the best of the British - Ben Maher and Robin Hood W - in ninth place.

True to their sudden burst of recent form, the re-born Italians completed four solid rounds to slot into fifth in the team rankings ahead of Germany in sixth. Germany's defending individual champion, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, is a long way off the leaders however, lying 32nd with Checkmate who was fast but left both the first element of the triple combination and the penultimate oxer on the floor for an expensive additional eight faults.

Just over a fence separates the first three teams going into Friday's nations cup challenge and the Irish, Italians and Germans are less than two fences behind. The host country lies seventh ahead of Sweden. A total of 17 teams lined out tonight.

FACTS AND FIGURES

77 horse and rider combinations competed in this opening leg

A total of 17 teams lined out

There were 13 fences on the course and the bogey fences included the open water at fence 5 and the penultimate oxer at fence 12

Tonight's winner was Pius Schwizer of Switzerland who collected the top prize of €12,500. He was riding the 12 year old bay gelding Ulysse.

There were two eliminations - Belgium's Peter Postelmans and Top Gun and Portugal's Francisco Rocha with Quick VD Breemeersen.

Full results available on http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/421/421zeitplanENG.htm

$25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby to Benefit from USHJA and Kentucky Horse Shows LLC

Antioch, IL - August 26, 2009 - The inaugural $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby will be the beneficiary of many people this year, and credit goes to the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and Kentucky Horse Shows LLC. The $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby will be held on August 30, 2009, at Annali Farm in Antioch, IL, and is hosted by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause. The title sponsor of the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby is CN.

The derby is managed by Bobby Murphy, who will also be the course designer. Chicago trainers Caroline Weeden and Lynn Jayne are on the advisory board of Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, and the Board Chairman is Karen Lackinger.

The Chicago Hunter Derby is very thankful for the many people that will help make this such a special event. Special recognition goes to the USHJA for their support of the event. Last weekend's $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals was a groundbreaking class and was held in conjunction with Kentucky Horse Shows LLC. The USHJA is donating more than 100 plants used at the finals, as well as decorations and the custom-made USHJA jump that was used in the course.

Ron Danta, Chairman of the USHJA High Performance Hunter Committee, stated, "I am so proud of how the derbies have developed so much dimension. We are seeing many management teams, course designers, and horse shows, along with the USHJA, wanting to share jumps, plants, brush, trees, logs and even ideas, as a means of making the next venue's derby a success. Our horse community has come together sharing in a dream while raising the artwork of hunters to the highest standards ever!"

Kentucky Horse Shows LLC is sending two trailers full of equipment to the Chicago Hunter Derby. This will include brush, flowers, fencing, ferns, flags, radios, and more. Kentucky Horse Shows LLC manager Hugh Kincannon thought that the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals was "one of the best things I've ever seen in the equestrian world for a one-time event."

He added, "A good bit of credit goes to the USHJA and the High Performance Hunter Committee. This was their concept, and it really worked. It was special. I've never heard so many people say they've had goosebumps watching hunters before. It was an awful lot of work by the USHJA, our staff, and everyone, but it was worth it. That was a universal opinion of it. The riders had fun too, and it was a great evening."

Kincannon also gave credit to the course designers for their inventive design and use of the jumps. Some of these unique jumps that were made for the derby finals will be sent to the Chicago Hunter Derby as donations and will help make the course stand out among series events this year. "We let them use what they needed, and they got a great selection," Kincannon mentioned.

Kincannon is happy to help the Chicago Hunter Derby, and hopes that the success of the derby finals in Kentucky will continue on through the various derbies held around the country. "There was no point in letting things go to waste," he pointed out. "We sent supplies because we think it will make the event nicer. It's nice to be able to pass that on. We need to share as much as we can in this sport."

Bobby Murphy stated, "It's amazing that people are coming together to make events like the Chicago Hunter Derby successful. The finals in Kentucky showed how magnificent the hunter derby class can be. It's a different concept for horse shows to share, but it will help make the sport better and stronger. We owe a huge thanks to Hugh Kincannon and the USHJA."

The Chicago Hunter Derby will be held to raise money for Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, and the net proceeds will benefit The Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.

Children's Memorial Hospital is one of Chicago's most precious civic assets. As Illinois' only freestanding hospital exclusively for children, Children's Memorial currently cares for more than 126,000 young people annually. The hospital is consistently recognized as one of the top pediatric institutions in North America, and many of its physicians and researchers are among the world's top experts in their areas of specialty. In today's challenging health care environment, the hospital relies on philanthropic support to help ensure that all children have access to the highest quality care.

The Chicago Hunter Derby is a series event for the Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. The Chronicle of the Horse is the title sponsor for the 2009-2010 USHJA International Hunter Derby Series, and it is presented by Dietrich Insurance. Major sponsors for the series include Charles Owen & Co. and Dover Saddlery. Award sponsors for series are Essex Classics and The Clothes Horse.

The judges for the derby include USEF Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George H. Morris, Louise Serio, Geoff Teall, and Scott Williamson.

The link to the prize list PDF can be found here.

For more information on the 2009 $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby, please contact Bobby Murphy by emailing bobbymurphy1@gmail.com or calling 859-229-7323.

Please visit the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby website for more details at www.chicagohunterderby.com.

Immune Power Boost

Blue Springs, MO — August 25th, 2009 — Fall is just around the corner, and winter just a leap away. Taking a nutritional supplement can help get you through fall and winter with ease. Studies have reported that Aloe Vera may have powerful immune boosting power, and may help keep the immune system in-check during those tough fall and winter months.

Aloe Plus with Herbs from Durvet, Inc. is a natural supplement designed for horse and rider. This delicious, well-balanced nutritional supplement contains 50% Aloe Vera, acemannan and other aloe polysaccharides, to give you the immune boosting power you’ll need this season. Aloe Plus with Herbs, contains many trace minerals and purifying ingredients that help keep you hydrated, and reduce water retention. Providing your body with a sufficient amount of hydration can aid in digestion and avoid digestion related problems; making these fall months comfortable and easy to enjoy.

This season take the time to get an early start on boosting your immune system. Aloe Plus with Herbs is an easy way to help maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cold Hard Facts: How Apple Flavored Wormer Can Get Your Horse Through the Colder Months

Blue Springs, MO — August 25th, 2009 — Are you slacking on your horse worming because temperatures have dropped and you’ve heard that re-infection rates are lower? Though, this may be true for some parasites, this isn’t a cold hard fact.

Research shows there are some types of worms that can survive in the winter, including; Stronglyes, Ascarids, and Pinworms. In fact; studies show that strongyles can survive in freezing temperatures, and their larvae can survive up to 30 weeks in these conditions.

So, don’t be caught off guard this spring with new infestations. Take control of your horse’s health with a tactical rotational deworming schedule.

My Horse Doesn’t Like the Taste of Wormer

Typically horses are reluctant to take their dewormer. The taste and smell isn’t always mouth watering. However, Durvet’s Apple Flavored Wormer seems to be the solution. Positive feedback and testimonials have shown these apple flavored wormers to be a hit.

They’re safe, effective and tasty dewormers that help you keep on track with your horse’s rotational deworming. Durvet’s apple flavored Ivermectin and Pyrantel Paste Dewormers can be found in your local feed, farm and tack stores nationwide.

In Need for a Tactical Rotational Deworming Schedule?

Go to www.Applewormer.com and download a free PDF Annual Rotational Deworming Chart, and to get more information on Durvet’s line of equine products.

Apple Wormer - They’ll ask for it by neigh!

Funders’ Forum Offered at 2009 NARHA National Conference in Fort Worth

Denver—“Tough” is the word that best describes the competition among nonprofit equine programs to secure funding for their equine assisted activities and therapies. In fact, in the current economy most nonprofit organizations are facing funding challenges.

Recent data show that foundation grantmaking comprises nearly 13 % of charitable contributions, so on Thursday, November 19, 2009, NARHA presents a Funder’s Forum to provide an opportunity for attendees to learn from several funding organizations how best to apply successfully for financial support.

This face-to-face forum will present foundation representatives from the American Quarter Horse Foundation, the Meadows Foundation and the Hutton Foundation. These foundation professionals will reveal how they think, how an applicant can learn about a particular foundation’s priorities, and which application practices will have the greatest chance of leading to success. In addition it is an excellent opportunity to get answers to the most important questions about securing foundation funds.

For added value, NARHA offers a session on Friday, November 20 about how to use the Foundation Directory Online—a NARHA member benefit—to match program needs with the right grantmaker.

Early registration is currently offered online on the conference page at www.narha.org, as well as more information about conference sessions, the conference hotel, the conference travel deals and fun things to do in Fort Worth. The funding sessions are expected to fill up quickly and the cost of registration will increase October 8.

Largest Regional Association in Spain signs agreement to use P.R.E. Mundial Registry

ASOCAMAN-PRE, (P.R.E. Breeders Association of Castile and La Mancha), the largest regional Association in Spain and the second largest association overall, has signed an agreement with The Foundation to offer registrations with the P.R.E. Mundial Registry for their breeders and their top horses.

Registrations are being handled through a system cooperatively developed by MELPI, retired Cria Caballar expert judges, and The Foundation. This system adheres to fair but strict requirements for revision and inscription, which insures that the horses are of exceptional quality and that their parentage is verified. The rigorous system reflects the commitment of all organizations involved to maintain the quality and stand ards of the breed that some feel have lately been compromised.

The Mundial Registry, in its short time of existence has become known as the “Authority20You Can Trust” for the P.R.E. Breed.

ASOCAMAN-PRE was formed in 2007 when the two associations in the region, the Association of P.R.E. breeders of Castilla-LaMancha and the Castilla-La Mancha Association of P.R.E. Horses, merged. The combined association has nearly 300 member stud farms, which represent more than 7,000 P.R.E. horses. They assist breeders in all aspects of breeding P.R.E. Horses including marketing, registration, showing, and even have a center of artificial insemination. If you are interested in finding out more about ASOCAMAN-PRE please visit their website at: www.asocaman-pre.com. They can be reached by email at: asocaman-pre@asocamanpre.com. and have many wonderful horses for sale on their website. A link to the breeders of ASOCAMAN-PRE is also on The Foundation’s website www.preh orse.org.

The Foundation and its members would like to welcome the members of ASOCAMAN-PRE to the Mundial Registry! We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship for the sake of the=2 0breed we all love.

The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse is a not for profit public benefit corporation whose mission is to preserve, protect, develop, pertetuate and foster and appreciation and understnading of the Pure Spanish Horse (P.R.E.) in the USA. PREA, its subsidiary manages the P.R.E. Mundial Registry (P.R.E. World Wide Registry).

PVDA Ride for Life Brings In $85,000 for Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center

Dover Saddlery donates $500 shopping spree for raffle and partners; Nutrena donates 1,000 pounds of feed and partners with Dover Saddlery to award the High Pledge winners

Upper Marlboro, MD--The Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) announced that their annual Ride for Life dressage show and Jill Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge raised more than $85,000 in donations to benefit breast cancer research. The event has raised over $250,000 in its six years for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. The charity dressage show, with a Saturday evening Challenge performance, was held June 27-28, 2009 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

The PVDA also announced the raffle winners for the weekend donated by the event’s Platinum Sponsors. Dover Saddlery donated a $500 shopping spree (won by Lindy Blythe) and Nutrena donated 1,000 pounds of feed (won by McKenna Oxenden). The sponsors also donated awards for the individual High Pledge winners.

High pledge winners for the weekend were as follows:

Individual winners in each category: Open division winners - High Pledge - Vanessa Swartz; Runner Up - Alison Thompson; Second Runner Up - Nanci Lindroth. Junior division winners - High Pledge - Julia Van Steenberg; Runner Up - Anne Matthews; Second Runner Up - Erica Greenwald. Amateur division winners - High Pledge - Tanya Horning; Runner Up - Jeannette Bair; Second Runner Up - Shari Glickman. Phantom horse (non-at-show-rider) winners - High Pledge - Carolyn Del Grosso; Runner Up - Cherie Chauvin; Second Runner Up - Jennifer Tingley.

Group winners: “The North Carolina Caravan for the Cure” broke records and raised over $20,000 for this year’s show through pre-event fundraising activities, including a schooling show and t-shirt sales.

The 2010 PVDA Ride for Life will be held June 26-27 at the same venue.

For more information about the PVDA Ride for Life, visit www.pvdarideforlife.org or marketing@pvdarideforlife.org. Visit www.pvda.org to learn about the PVDA.

Safergrass Online Magazine and Discussion Group

Katy Watts of Rocky Mountain Research & Consulting, Inc., author of www.safergrass.org announces formation of an Online Magazine and Discussion Group at Yahoo Groups to continue in-depth dialogue for clients that understand the background material supplied in the narrated Safergrass Power Point lectures on CD. This is a select group of dedicated, informed horse owners, veterinarians, nutritionists and hoofcare professionals willing to take the time for in-depth, science based discussion. Download new articles on all aspects of pasture management written by Katy Watts in the file section. Ask questions of The Grass Lady, and join in discussions on all aspects of sustainable pasture management and managing horses with various forms of carbohydrate intolerance. Get preliminary results of ongoing research projects on sugar in grass and hay, reports on what is being presented at conferences on laminitis and equine metabolic disease, and learn from each other how to best manage horses with laminitis and other metabolic conditions. Get links to journal articles on these topics so you can stay informed of new research findings.

Customers that purchase at least one Safergrass educational CD are invited to join as a $20 per year subscriber. Purchase CD’s and subscriptions at http://www.safergrass.org/cdsales.html

Free Subscription: Purchase all 3 CDs and automatically receive a one year subscription at no cost.

To Customers that have not been invited:

If you have purchased a Safergrass CD and were not invited to participate in the discussion group due to a change in email address, please contact grassinfo@safergrass.org and give your name and address from the time you ordered, and your new email address. If you purchased all 3 CDs, please let me know so I can sign you up for your free one year subscription to the Online Magazine.

Trail Blazing for Thoroughbreds’ Second Careers

Together, the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, the Equine Land Conservation Resource, and the Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen are developing a trail training course at the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in the Kentucky Horse Park over which off-the track thoroughbreds can be re-schooled. The new training course will include wooded trails, natural obstacles, and stream crossings.

The first Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center Trail Blazer Day will be Saturday, August 29, beginning at ten o’clock a.m. at the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center in the Kentucky Horse Park. Volunteers are needed for trail clearing, limb lopping, and garbage removal. Tools will be provided or you can bring your own. Trail volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, wear long pants and shirt sleeves.

Opened in 2004, the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center is operated by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The Center is home to 10-15 thoroughbreds ready for retraining and adoption. The addition of a trail training course adds diversity to the training facility and improves the re-education opportunity for the horses.

Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen, formed in 2007, is a service organization that is providing volunteers and their “tool trailer” for the event. CKyBCH advocates for horse use on public lands, promotes Leave No Trace land stewardship principles, and through its members, participates in sustainable trail building and maintenance projects.

“We are very pleased to be working with Marker’s Mark Secretariat Center and Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen on this project,” said ELCR CEO, Deb Balliet. “The Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center is a wonderful facility and the addition of this trail training course will help develop the retired thoroughbreds to be more well-rounded horses ready for sport horse competition or as a pleasure horse.”

If you would like to volunteer, contact Susanna Thomas at 859-246-3080.

About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR)

The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. If you want to know more about ELCR, visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

Georgina Bloomberg Celebrates Return Home With Victory in $7,500 Dreaming Creek 1.45m Open Jumper Class

Bridgehampton, NY-August 26, 2009-It was a home court advantage for Georgina Bloomberg of New YorkCity, who galloped to victory aboard Fiedi 3 in the $7,500 Dreaming Creek 1.45m Open Jumper Class at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team.

Bloomberg, who has competed for the United States on eight Nations Cup teams, is fresh off a European summer tour in which she competed in shows in Germany, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Back barely two weeks on U.S. soil, she said her win at the Hampton Classic meant a lot to her, calling the event "my hometown show."

Fiedi is a new mount for Bloomberg, who said the 11-year-old bay gelding tends to be "a very nervous horse." His temperament-packaged in 17-plus hands with a tremendous stride-can make him difficult to ride, she said, "but it also makes him careful" in negotiating fences.

Fiedi clearly exhibited that talent at the Classic, where an enthralled crowd watched Bloomberg channel his ground-covering stride over the challenging course. By nature, she said, "Fiedi goes quick and can leave strides out. That gives you a lot of options, and I took advantage of them. I left out a couple of strides in each line [of fences] that smaller horses couldn't."

Bloomberg led the field with 66.805 penalty points. Finishing a close second was Hillary Dobbs, the Hampton Classic's defending Grand Prix champion, on Marlo (66.950). Ireland's Darragh Kenny placed third with Obelix (67.804), followed by Jeffery Welles on RMW New Day in fourth (69.246).

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship on Thursday, August 27 (Phase I) and Saturday, August 29 (Phase II)

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

Joe Fargis Cruises to Capture $7,500 Cavalor 1.35m Open Jumper Class at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 26, 2009- Olympian Joe Fargis of Middleburg, Virginia, cruised to a win aboard Diams III in the $7,500 Cavalor 1.35m Open Jumper Class at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Fargis also finished fourth with Ingaletta.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Chris Kappler, members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic show jumping team.

His win at the Hampton Classic clearly meant a lot to Fargis, who lived in Southampton for 15 years before relocating to Virginia in 2007. "I've been a part of this show for a long time. I just love it, always have," said Fargis, who won the Hampton Classic Grand Prix in 1991 and 2005. Last year he won the 1.45m Open Jumper class at the Classic aboard Kimber.

One of the most accomplished and respected riders in US show jumping history, Fargis was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame last year. He is best known for his double gold medal performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Four years later, he picked up his third Olympic medal when he helped the U.S. win the team silver at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul and also placed seventh individually.

Call him what you will--"Jumping Joe" or "the Legend," as many do--but if you ask Fargis, he just calls himself lucky. When asked about his winning strategy on the 1.35m course at the Hampton Classic, he smiled and shook his head.

"There is no strategy," he said. "You just go out there, do the best you can and hope luck is with you. If your horse responds, you can get it done. Both of my horses did exactly what I asked them to."

Fargis won with 56.566 penalty points and also finished fourth (59.763). Andres Rodriguez placed second with Da Vinci (57.721), followed by Brianne Goutal and What Ever in third (58.927).

Presenting a Cavalor horse cooler to Fargis were Philippe Collard, president of Cavalor, Inc., and Grand Prix competitor Hillary Dobbs, a Hampton Classic veteran. Collard announced Dobbs' selection as Cavalor's first "Young Champion." Dobbs joins a select group of top international competitors sponsored by Cavalor, the Official Feed of the Hampton Classic.

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship on Thursday, August 27 (Phase I) and Saturday, August 29 (Phase II)

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

A few more tidbits about MUSTANG HAPPENINGS in Oregon!

Don't forget....September 2, 2009 is MUSTANG DAY at the Oregon State Fair in Salem.

** We are hoping to promote Trainer Incentive Program [TIP] horses at our National Wild Horse Adoption Day events....

If you're interested in getting a TIP horse and having it gentled/halter broke and available for adoption by the end of September, contact Patti at 541/573-4424 ASAP!

[Don't forget...TIP trainers get $700 if they find an adopter for their gentled mustang!]

*** We have another fantastic National Wild Horse Adoption Day event to promote:

Sponsor: Fitzgerald Farms

Contact: Erica Knight

503-702-5359

Location: Fitzgerald Farms

8490 NW Moores Valley Road

Yamhill, Oregon

Date: Saturday, September 5

Time: 10:00 a.m

Activities: 15 teens showing 15 yearlings they've been training for 98 days!! Competition classes include in-hand trail, showmanship, and body conditioning.

Showmanship begins at 10:00 a.m. with in-hand trail to follow. The adoption for these gentled yearlings will take place immediately following the competition; adoption will be by oral competitive bid with a $25.00 minimum. YES - only a $25.00 minimum for a trained yearling MUSTANG. My goodness! What a treat!

Any funds raised over the minimum bid will go directly to the trainer(s). What an AWESOME event!

For more information, contact Erica Knight at 503/702-5359.

Come out and support Oregon Teens, Oregon Mustangs, and National Wild Horse Adoption Day (a few weeks early)!!!!!!

**** Don't forget our next internet adoption starts September 2 - visit www.blm.gov/adoptahorse and click "online gallery"

USDF Announces 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees

Lexington, KY (August 26, 2009) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) will induct Linda Zang and Brentina into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame (HOF) at the Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet, on December 4, 2009, during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in Austin, TX. Induction into the HOF is an honor bestowed on horses and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the sport of dressage in the US.

Linda Zang has played a critical role in the growth of dressage in the United States and has helped US dressage gain prominence in the international arena. Her career has spanned over 30 years and has made a significant impact on many facets of the sport. As an international rider, Linda competed with her horse, Fellow Traveller, at the 1978 World Championships and the 1979 Pan American Games, the latter in which the US dressage team won the gold medal. As one of the top judges in the world, USEF “S” and FEI “O,” she has officiated at over 32 World Cup Qualifiers, numerous World Cup League Finals, and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Linda has been one of the top leaders and promoters of US dressage in the international arena. She is also a highly-respected clinician, instructor, show organizer, and FEI Technical Delegate. She has played a leadership role on many committees of USDF, USEF, and the FEI.

Brentina, an 18-year-old, chestnut, Hanoverian mare, has been one of the most outstanding horses in international competition in US history with rider, Debbie McDonald. Purchased by Parry and Peggy Thomas at the 1994 October Elite Auction in Verden, Germany, Brentina quickly progressed through the levels stacking up awards and amassing a huge fan club. In the 1999 Pan American Games, Brentina and Debbie were the individual gold medal winners, as well as members of the gold medal US team. At the 2003 FEI World Cup Dressage Final, they were the first American pair to win the World Cup Championship. In 2003, Brentina became a Breyer Limited Edition model and in 2005 she was named the Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year. Brentina, with Debbie, also represented the US during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where the US team brought home a bronze medal, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

For more information about the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, visit the USDF Web site or contact the USDF office at halloffame@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.

Dressage at Devon Tickets are Available Online

Devon, PA---Dressage at Devon, one of the most prestigious dressage and sport horse breeding shows in North America, now offers online ticket sales for general admission, reserved seating and special events like the Forum with George Williams. With more than $50,000 in prize money and awards over six days of competition, the event features world-class horses and riders, shopping and fun for the entire family. This year's show will be held September 22-27, 2009 at the historic Devon Horse Show Grounds.

"We are excited to offer online ticket sales this year," says Lori Kaminski, President and CEO of Dressage at Devon. "Our goal is to always improve the event and hopefully this new feature will streamline the ticketing process for our visitors." Visitors are treated to great competitors, which have included Olympians Carol Lavell, Lars Petersen, Ashley Holzer, Robert Dover and others. However, it is more than big-name riders and horses that attract 35,000 spectators each year to the charming venue. The Festival Area shops with equestrian-themed shopping, educational programs and activities like the Ladies Hat Contest make Dressage at Devon a must-do on everyone's calendar.

Three days of sport horse breeding classes showcase horses of all breeds, from Thoroughbred and Oldenburg to Gypsy Vanners and Friesians. Winners at the breed show have gone on to the Olympics, the World Championships and the World Cup Finals. Three days of performance classes are highlighted by the Grand Prix Freestyle on Saturday night, in which horses and riders dance to music as diverse as The Beatles and Mozart.

"Competitors and spectators alike seem enjoy the unique atmosphere of this show," Kaminski continues. "It's a real tradition to attend Dressage at Devon, as either a rider or a visitor."

Attendees will notice the improvements that have been made to the showgrounds this year. Updates to the stabling, hospitality center and more have been completed with additional renovations scheduled for the coming year.

For more information on Dressage at Devon please visit www.dressageatdevon.org.

About Dressage at Devon

Dressage at Devon is a 501 (c) (3) PA non-profit organization. Founded by the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association in 1975, Dressage at Devon became a separate organization in 2006. The six-day event attracts more than 700 horses and 35,000 spectators each year. Dressage at Devon benefits Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding Inc., the oldest and largest therapeutic riding program in the nation.

DUTCH DO THE DOUBLE, AND GAL SETS NEW WORLD RECORD

Windsor (GBR), 26 August 2009

Audio links:

Edward Gal (NED) http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros_Edward_Gal_team.mp3

Emma Hindle (GBR) http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Reax_Emma_Hindle_Silver.mp3

David Holmes (FEI Executive Director, Sport) http://www.mixbroadcast.com/users/lloydbell/access/client_zone/Euros_David_Holmes.mp3

See it LIVE on FEI TV:

Thursday, 27 August 2009 (no geo-restrictions apply)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Special (Individual): 10:30 - 13:10 CEST (08:30 - 11:10 GMT)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Special (Individual): 14:15 - 16:55 CEST (12:15 - 14:55 GMT)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Special (Individual): 17:15 - 18:00 CEST (15:15 - 16:00 GMT)

On another record-breaking day of dressage, the Dutch secured their second successive team title and their final rider, Edward Gal, set a new world record in the Grand Prix at the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships at Windsor, Great Britain today.

Already leading after the first two team members completed their tests yesterday, gold was secured when third-line rider, Olympic champion Anky Van Grunsven, added a score of 73.872% to the Dutch tally this morning. And Gal then put the icing on the cake when wowing the crowd with another sensational performance from the fabulous stallion Moorlands Totilas who is taking this sport by storm.

The home crowd had plenty to celebrate when Great Britain claimed silver ahead of Germany - Laura Bechtolsheimer's excellent score of 76.638% opening the door and Emma Hindle sealing it when last in for the host country. Germany had to settle for bronze, but it was a significant achievement for the once-dominant nation that struggled so hard during the selection process due to absence and injuries.

NERVOUS

Van Grunsven said that Salinero was nervous going into the ring "and he doesn't like the weather, he likes it hot but it's cold and windy here!" she added. She admitted they made "too many mistakes" - the 15 year old gelding breaking during the second canter changes and unwilling to halt properly on either entry or completion of the test. "I'm not depressed" she said however, "I hope now he will settle down and tomorrow we will be much better".

Bechtsolheimer's personal-best result seriously strengthened Britain's chances, her 14 year old chestnut gelding, Mistral Hojris, earning consistently good marks in passage and awarded three 9's for his final piaffe. "This has been his best-ever season" said the 24 year old from Gloucestershire who graduated from Bristol University two years ago with degrees in Philosophy and Politics and whose father, Wilfried, was also a British dressage team member. "This is the most honest horse I've ever ridden and I've worked hard with our Sports Psychologist, Joss Brooks, since returning from Hong Kong last year. I've learned that there is only so much you can do and after that its up to your horse and yourself to do your very best on the day - don't get hung up on the mistakes" she pointed out. And she is really looking forward to tomorrow's Grand Prix Special and Saturday's Freestyle - "I've done my bit for the team, so now I can take all the risks I want and really go for it!" she pointed out.

CLOSING STAGES

When Hindle came into the ring in the closing stages it was clear that a score of over 70.512% would clinch silver for the home team. Matthias -Alexander Rath and Stertaler-Unicef had kept the pressure on when returning a mark of 75.617%, but it was not quite enough to tilt the balance when the final German representatives, Monika Theodorescu and Whisper, registered 72.340%. Hindle kept a clear head and with strong scores for passage and pirouette she exceeeded the percentage required when registering 72.936% with Lancet.

So the British edged the Germans into bronze by a margin of just 2.425% to take their second-ever team silver finishing spot, the last recorded in 1993 when Emile Faurie also claimed individual bronze.

Gal brought the afternoon to the perfect conclusion with another breath-taking test from Moorlands Totilas. The black stallion moves so freely he almost tips his nose with his knees as he fires his forelegs into action in extended trot and lifts them high in passage and piaffe. He is already creating an awestruck atmosphere every time he strides into the arena, and you could hear a pin drop, and sighs of delight from the crowd, as he executed so many of his rider's instructions to near-perfection. The judges clearly loved him, and the crowd gave this exciting partnership a rousing reception as they took their bow after picking up 9's and 10's all over the place to shoot to the top of the individual scoreboard with 84.085% - a new record-breaking Grand Prix dressage score. He pushed his team-mate, first-day leader Adelinde Cornelissen, into individual second spot with Parzival while Bechtolsheimer claimed third.

FEELS SO GOOD

Asked how it feels to ride a horse with such exquisite movement Gal said afterwards "it feels so good, but you have to be careful how much pressure you put on him because when it goes wrong it goes REALLY wrong!". And he believes that despite his already exceptional talent Totilas has even more to give "there is still some room for improvement" he said. He recalled the first time he sat on the stallion because it was a bit scarey. "I didn't like him at all, he had so much power and I wasn't convinced I could control it" so the next time he went back to try him he took a friend who sat up on the horse first. Of course it's a different story now and he wouldn't part with him for the world. "We've had lots of offers for him but he's not for sale - as long as I want to ride him he will not be sold and I want to ride him until we score 100%!" he added. Somehow with Totilas, that doesn't seem altogether impossible....

Sweden finished fourth, just over four percentage points behind the Germans in bronze medal position and just over one percentage point ahead of Denmark in fifth place. Tomorrow the top-30 go into the Grand Prix Special and the best 15 then go forward to Saturday's Freestyle.

QUOTES

Monica Theordorescu, German team member "it's been a great week for us so far, we've pulled together very well as a team. Before we came people said we had a weak team but we are very happy with our bronze medals. And this is only the first international competition ever for Mathias his very best score".

David Holmes, FEI Executive Sports Director when asked about the absence of horses from the medal ceremony - "the decision to have only the riders in the ring was taken following concerns expressed about the welfare of some horses before the prize-giving. The most important thing is the welfare of the horse".

Edward Gal, Dutch team member "my horse doesn't know he's a star - he doesn't feel arrogant or anything, he just does what he does because he can".

Edward Gal, Dutch team member "if Totilas has a weakness then the only thing is his age"

Anky Van Grunsven, talking about entering the ring with Salinero while the crowd were cheering Laura Bechtolsheimer's performance "I did it on purpose, it's good for him to hear that, Salinero should be old enough to do that now".

Russian rider, Alexandra Korelova, who was a little disappointed when finishing individually 22nd with Balagur "If he wants he can do anything - today he wanted it too much I think. He was in a bit of a hurry!".

FACTS AND FIGURES

12 teams started the competition but only 11 completed when Marc Boblet and Whitni Star had to withdraw when the horse was unsound in the warm-up ring.

The judges were:

At E: Katrina Wuest (Ger), At H: Francis Verbeek-Van Rooy (Ned), At C: Eric Lette (Swe), At M: Dr Wojetc Markowski (Pol), At B: Stephen Clarke (GBR).

RESULT:

1 - GOLD : The Netherlands - Hunter Douglas Sunrise (Imke Schellekens-Bartels) 73.149%, Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) 80.638%, Salinero (Anky Van Grunsven) 73.872%, Moorlands Totilas (Edward Gal) 84.085%.

2 - SILVER : Great Britain - Two Sox (Maria Eilberg) 67.915%, Liebling 11 (Carl Hester) 72.085%, Mistral Hojris (Laura Bechtolsheimer) 76.638%, Lancet (Emma Hindle) 72.936%.

3 - BRONZE : Germany - Potomac (Susanne Lebek) 71.277%, Donatha S (Ellen Schulten-Baumer) 70.638%, Sterntaler-Unicef (Matthias-Alexander Rath) 75.617%, Whisper (Monica Theodorescu) 72.340%.

4 - Sweden - Galliano (Maria Eriksson) 66.936%, Don Charly (Minna Telde) 69.957%, Watermill Scandic HBC (Patrick Kittel) 72.255%, Favourit (Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven) 72.340%.

5 - Denmark - Gredstedgards Casmir (Sune Hansen) 68.043%, Exquis Clearwater (Anne Van Olst) 69.404%, Tannenhof's Carabas (Andreas Helgstrand) 70.809%, Digby (Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein) 72.894%.

Full results available on http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/421/docs/R_01.pdf

New Opti-CleanseTM Psyllium-Based Supplement from Manna Pro Removes Sand from Horses’ GI Tract

Innovative product combines psyllium fiber with Diamond V XPC™ yeast culture for added benefits.

Chesterfield, Mo. – Trusted livestock feed manufacturer Manna Pro has just introduced a new, psyllium-based horse supplement to aid in the removal of sand from the digestive tract. Opti-Cleanse™ helps support normal GI health and function in horses of all ages, and it is the only psyllium-based supplement enriched with Diamond V XPC™ yeast culture for added palatability.

Dr. Rob McCoy, Manna Pro’s Vice President of Nutrition, says horses that are fed on the ground or consume pasture grasses and hays may ingest dirt and sand, which accumulate in the GI tract. “Over time, the dirt and sand will build up in the intestines and eventually cause discomfort,” Dr. McCoy says, “and some adult horses may carry 30-60 pounds before showing signs of pain.”

Although horses naturally rid their system of sand and dirt in their feces, the amount of sand is often too great to be eliminated naturally. “Psyllium-based supplements are widely regarded as the most safe and effective way to eliminate excess sand,” Dr. McCoy says. Psyllium works by forming a gel-like substance in the intestines, which increases bulk, softens stools and keeps things moving through the intestinal tract.

Manna Pro’s line of Equine Health supplements was developed by PhD Nutritionists and is backed by Manna Pro’s satisfaction guarantee. Manna Pro is affiliated with the National Animal Supplements Council (NASC), and Opti-Cleanse carries the NASC Seal on its label. Only NASC member companies operating under the stringent guidelines of NASC for manufacturing, labeling and adverse event reporting, and demonstrating responsible participation are permitted to use the NASC Quality Seal.

Diamond V XPC™ yeast culture is a concentrated version of Diamond V Mills’ yeast culture products. Research has shown that horses fed diets supplemented with yeast culture digest more of the dry matter and fiber than horses that are not supplemented. The digestion of fiber in the horse results in the production of volatile fatty acids which the horse uses as a source of energy. Yeast also appears to improve feed palatability, which may help overcome the negative effects of less palatable feeds.

Opti-Cleanse offers a great value in the marketplace. It is sold in 3-pound re-sealable poly bags, which represent a one-month treatment regimen. It is available through most retail locations that sell other Manna Pro products, including the company’s flagship product, Calf-Manna®. The suggested retail price for a one-month supply of Opti-Cleanse is $18.99 to $20.99, which is less than many competitive products, including those that lack the yeast culture additive. For more information about Opti-Cleanse or any of the fine products offered by Manna Pro, please visit www.mannapro.com.

About Manna Pro Products

Manna Pro has long been a trusted name in the animal nutrition industry. Respected products, such as Calf-Manna®, the company’s signature brand, the Super Horse® line of feeds, and Apple Wafers, have been used by discriminating horse owners for decades. Our family of equine supplements has earned its reputation by using only the finest quality ingredients; over the years, we have steadfastly refused to substitute lesser ingredients to lower costs, ensuring the quality and consistency horse owners have come to expect in every bag.

LEGENDARY HORSEMEN MIKE HENAGHAN & OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST PETER LEONE JOIN FORCES AT LIONSHARE FARM IN GREENWICH, CT

Greenwich, CT - August 26, 2009 - Mike Henaghan, the much respected horseman and nationally renown instructor, has combined forces with Olympic silver medalist Peter Leone at Lionshare Farm. Henaghan, who counts internationally acclaimed riders like Beezie Madden, Greg Best, Ray Texel and Allison Firestone among his list of past students, has partnered with the Grand Prix show jumping veteran at the full service equestrian facility in Greenwich, CT. The partnership officially launched during the 34th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.

"I'm very excited to be able to put this type of individualized, unique program into play," stated Henaghan in between teaching at top notch stables one quiet afternoon in August. "The balance that is possible at Lionshare, working with Peter, allows every client, and each horse, the optimum attention and individual care. It is great to be back on the East Coast," added Henaghan, who has been been on the road over the past year teaching clinics as well as working with his children at their California based stable. "I couldn't have chosen a better partner than Peter or a finer facility to call home. It is a pleasure each day to be able to work with our clients and horses and see them progress and grow as both riders and horsemen!"

Balancing the training responsibilities, Henaghan will take the lead teaching the equitation and hunters, as well as handling the jumpers when needed. Leone will primarily focus on his upper-level jumper clientele as well as competing himself on his Grand Prix show jumping mounts.

"Mike is the marquis partner I've always wanted since I started Lionshare in the early 90¹s," stated Leone. "We share the same principles of horsemanship and riding that of DeNemethy, Morris, and Pessoa. He is one of the best riding teachers I have ever known and communicates with patient, knowledgeable commitment," continued Leone. "Being teamed up with someone of his caliber allows each and every rider at Lionshare more than they imagine possible - in both the coaching and show experience!"

This new partnership allows Lionshare Farm's horses and clients to literally be in two places at the same time. The first collaborations between the two have proved successful, with Henaghan handling coaching duties at horse shows in Old Salem, Lake Placid and Vermont, while Leone both trained and competed in Kentucky, Spruce Meadows, Calgary and Bromont.

The dynamic duo will culminate their union with their first official appearance working together at a show at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY beginning August 23rd. Leone will take on a third role, leaving his riding helmet and horses back at the tents as he acts as the on air commentator for WVVT-TV's live broadcast for the show's exciting Grand Prix on Sunday, August 30th.

"Because there are two of us at the top level of our sport," concluded Leone, "no horse or rider will ever be compromised, each will receive the individualized attention and support they deserve. The best part of Mike being at Lionshare is that we get to have fun doing our job - producing riders and horses that win in junior equitation, all levels of hunters, and as far as you want to go in the jumper ring."

Throughout the year, both trainers will divvy up responsibilities a true force to be reckoned in the competitive world of horse shows. For further information go to www.lionsharefarm.com.

Over 700 Horse Professionals from around the world to attend “Re-Thinking the Horse Business – Succeeding in a Changed World” a horse business seminar

Lewisburg, TN, August 26, 2009 - Equestrian Professional.com, a website that provides business education to horse professionals is hosting a free Tele-seminar/Webinar for horse business owners on September 1, 2009 at 6:00 pm (Pacific Time.)

The seminar will address how the economy, horse industry demographics, and the internet are affecting the horse business. Attendees will gain important insights and strategies to help their horse businesses survive and thrive in the current business climate and beyond.

The seminar has been met with excellent support and has attracted horse business owners from nearly all 50 states, Canada, the U.K., Italy, Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.

Attendees have been encouraged to submit their questions and business challenges prior to the event and the response has been tremendous. Equestrian Professional.com will be responding to questions from a wide variety of equine professionals, representing nearly every discipline, both those who are new to the business and those who have spent a lifetime with horses. The Q&A portion of the event should prove to be very interesting to say the least!

Attendees may participate via their phone or computer. Registration for this event will close on Monday August 31, 2009 at 5pm.

This seminar is free and is open to both non-members and members of Equestrian Professional.com. Please go to www.equestrianprofessional.com to learn more or to go directly to the free seminar sign up page at http://www.equestrianprofessional.com/public/444.cfm

About Equestrian Professional.com: Equestrian Professional.com is a subscription website that provides information, resources and support to horse business owners and professional riders.

USRider Provides Tips for Safe Horse Transport during Hot Weather

Lexington, KY (Aug 26, 2009) – Hot weather can pose serious health problems for animals both two-legged and four-legged, including dehydration, heat stroke and exhaustion. USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians, encourages horse owners to take steps to prevent these ailments when traveling with horses.

“In addition to providing a reliable and valuable roadside assistance program,” said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, “it is also our mission is to continually educate horse owners about trailering safety.”

During these days of summer, it is important that horse owners take precautions to safeguard their horses against heat-related ailments. USRider – in cooperation with Dr. Tomas Gimenez, noted expert in large-animal emergency rescue – provides these hot-weather safety tips:

· Avoid trailering during the warmest hours of the day.

· Make sure that all trailer vents are open and unobstructed to create good airflow in the trailer. However, do not allow horses to stick their heads out windows – this could lead to serious eye injuries from bugs and debris.

· Always carry a bucket and 2-3 gallons of drinking water per horse. The horses may not drink, but offer them water when stopping for fuel or at a rest area. The capillary refill time is a good indicator of the state of hydration of a horse. This can be checked easily through a trailer window.

· When parking, try to find shaded areas and/or areas with some air movement.

· If stuck in traffic on the interstate, provide as much ventilation in the trailer as possible without unloading the horses.

· Make certain that your vehicle is in top running order. A properly tuned engine runs cooler. To avoid blowouts, check air pressure in all tires – including spares – while tires are cool, before you travel. Be sure to have a good spare that is properly inflated. With a good spare, if you do have a breakdown, you can get back on the road quickly. Having seen a high incidence of two flat tires on horse trailers, USRider recommends carrying two spares for your horse trailer.

Dr. Gimenez also advises horse owners to “expect the unexpected. A traffic accident could cause you to spend many hours trapped on the interstate.” To help avoid getting stuck in traffic, he suggests listening to a CB. This could alert you of possible accidents on the road ahead and allow you to take an alternate route around the accident.

USRider provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. It includes standard features such as flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, plus towing up to 100 miles and roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.

For additional safety tips, visit the Equine Travel Safety Area on the USRider website at www.usrider.org.

Can Horses Peel Your Onion? Reconnecting With Your True Self With Horse As Teacher

The Horse As Teacher Teleseminar Series starts on the 30th of September and examines what humans can learn from horses and how they can help us live more authentic and happier lives.

The series will be held on 4 consecutive Wednesdays and will feature all the authors from the first Horse as Teacher book. To listen in to the calls, all people require is a telephone or computer with internet connection.

In a world that is quick to criticize, horses make no judgements in their dealings with each other or with people. Being creatures of prey, they are sensitive to the incongruency of other animals they come into contact with, including humans. They seek only truth and honesty and so in order to connect with them, people are forced to peel back the layers of falsehood to reveal their true selves.

The Horse as Teacher Book Series is dedicated to providing thought-provoking books for individuals who love horses and want to experience the special relationship possible between species and for those who are seeking a way to reconnect with their true self with the horse as teacher. The Series founders Kathy Pike and Marilyn Schwader believe horses have the capacity to teach us key life lessons. Kathy says:

“To experience this higher level of connection and communication, humans must accept the horse as a partner and be open and willing to receive their wisdom. Horses enable us to connect with our soul because that's what horses can do when you are willing to embrace what they naturally reveal to you.”

During this equine teleseminar series, the authors from the book will reveal the impact horses have had in their own lives and how they were inspired to work with horses to help bring about change in the lives of others too. People can ask their questions in advance of the calls and if they use their telephone, they will also have the opportunity to talk live with the authors during the 4 calls.

The series is being produced by Mark Mottershead of HorseConscious, who was responsible earlier this year for the highly successful Path of the Horse Teleseminar Series, which featured such equine luminaries as Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, Alexander Nevzorov, Linda Kohanov & Carolyn Resnick and was listened to by people from over 40 countries.

Mark was quick to praise the co-operative efforts of the women that came together to write the Horse as Teacher book:

“The idea of a group of successful and respected teachers and clinicians from the same field coming together to collaborate on a project such as this would have been unthinkable 10 years ago. They have in effect become a human herd themselves, where the group mission is more important than any individual's message.”

The ability of horses to help with emotional healing and therapy is well known within it’s field. The aim of the teleseminar series though is to bring a much broader awareness of who horses are and what they have to offer. Mark says:

“Horses are highly intelligent and evolved creatures, perhaps more so than humans in some ways. The stories in the book tell us we need to re-evaluate our relationship with horses and take the time to really understand them. It’s becoming increasingly obvious too that controlling horses through force and even pressure is just not necessary.”

The teleseminar series starts on Wednesday 30th September at 12 noon Pacific / 3pm Eastern / 8pm GMT (daylight savings adjusted). The first call will feature the book’s founders Kathy Pike and Marilyn Schwader and this will be followed by calls at the same time on the 3 following Wednesdays with Stormy May, Mary Beth Meyers, Wendy Golding, Melisa Pearce, Karen Head, Anna Twinney, Lisa Dee, Holli Lyons and Susan Williams.

To find out more information, receive notication of the call details and to ask a question, visit: www.horseconscious.info

To find out more about the Horse As Teacher Book Series, visit: www.horseasteacher.com

Pony Lane Farm Excels Through ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals and KHJA Horse Show

Lexington, KY - August 26, 2009 - It was an exciting weekend for Pony Lane Farm of South Jordan, UT, as trainer Maggie Jayne showed three of the farm's horses in the 2009 ASG Software Solution/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Along with competing in the Hunter Derby Finals, Jayne, of Our Day Farm in Elgin, IL, and student Kelsey Thatcher of South Jordan, UT, each showed at the Kentucky Hunter Jumper Association (KHJA) Horse Show, which was taking place at the horse park throughout the weekend.

The $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Final was an elite event, with the top 75 horses and riders from all over the country qualifying throughout the year to compete. Maggie Jayne qualified three of Pony Lane Farm's horses including Early Applause, Francesca, and Milous de Fontaine. All three horses did very well in the first round of competition to qualify for round two, and Early Applause placed in second out of all of the horses in the first day of competition. All three horses scored high enough to come back in the top 25 for the second round of competition the following day, and Jayne and Early Applause then made it into the coveted top 12 to compete over the challenging handy course. Jayne and Early Applause finished the competition in fourth place overall after three very demanding rounds.

"I think everything went well," Jayne stated. "I thought the jumps were beautiful and the horses went really well in the big ring. I had a lot of fun and I thought they did a great job. It felt like a big deal for the hunters, which was really exciting and special."

"It was a really good experience for all three horses," Jayne continued. "All three made it into the second round and they are all so different. Early Applause is definitely the most experienced at derbies, Franny has only done a couple, and Milous has only done one and he usually does the jumpers, so they were all really great."

Jayne explained that she knew the leaders would be hard to beat going into the third round and she chose to give Early Applause a good round without pushing the young horse too far. "I kind of knew where I was going to end up because I was so far behind in points and he of course jumped amazing, so it was really fun," Jayne smiled. "I didn't go too fast or do anything too handy. I just wanted to be smooth and for him to have a good experience."

Early Applause, Francesca and Milous de Fontaine are all horses owned by Pony Lane Farm and junior riders Kelsey and Madeline Thatcher. Jayne has been showing the horses in preparation for the girls, and thinks that after this weekend's experience, either Kelsey or Madeline could certainly make it to the finals with the horses next year.

Before competing in the Hunter Derby Finals, Jayne showed Pony Lane Farm's horses in the professional hunter divisions of the KHJA Horse Show, which was also being held at the Kentucky Horse Park over the weekend. Jayne rode Francesca to the championship in the Regular Conformation Hunters, and earned the reserve championship in the Green Conformation Hunters with Early Applause.

Kelsey Thatcher showed her horse Gianni in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 over the weekend and earned the division's championship honors. She then went on to earn the reserve championship in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 with Enticer, owned by Helen Miner.

Pony Lane Farm will compete next at the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby, held on August 30, 2009, at Annali Farm in Antioch, IL. Hosted by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, the Chicago Hunter Derby will be held to raise money to benefit The Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.

TheHorseStudio.com is pleased to announce the Fall release of their new line of "Masters" bridlewear for the economy minded rider who wants to maintai

TheHorseStudio.com is truly "The International Equestrian Shop" drawing on its Managements world of experience in international trade to resource the best products and manufacturers at reasonable prices. Just in time for Fall and the holiday season TheHorseStudio.com Team are pleased to announce the release of a new line of bridlewear that provides the rider with an economic product price without compromises on quality.

"We've been doing a fair bit of travel to ensure product quality in this line. We have searched far and wide. Quality control is the name of the game when manufacturing products. We make sure we know the folks at our manufacturing bases personally. We visit them often. We resource new ideas from our customers and staff and we get busy," states Paul Alvin-Smith, President of The Horse Studio Inc.

The new "Masters " line of bridlewear will be released this Fall. It is made of imported harness leather and incorporates some bling as well as padded nosebands and traditional color preference lines of brown, and black and white. The line includes snaffle bridles as well as double/weymouth bridles.

"When you have a horse with dark coloring and few white markings, the black and white bridle adds some zest to the picture. It makes the horse 'pop' and customers have told us they want to see more of it available. We have found clients love the simple nature of the bridle, the very reasonable price and the inclusion of a set of reins in that price. With tough times for us all, it is wonderful to be able to offer a great price point like this," says Kathy Collins, Sales Manager at TheHorseStudio.com.

The new bridlewear line centerpiece is The Degas bridle. It retails for only $52.00. The added splash of color brings the buttery soft black leather to life.

"We expect this line to be one of our top sellers," says Paul Alvin-Smith, "Naturally we had to call the weymouth bridle The Rembrandt. The brown snaffle bridle with the extra gold line bling is The Renoir. Folks can also check out our online store for some special 'gift ' promotions and starter kits this Fall. We are brimming with new products and fresh ideas and new items are added each and every day to our site. It always pays to save time and shop online! If you are looking for coupons and ways to share with other riders remember to join our over 1000 fans at our facebook page TheHorseStudio.com and you'll receive some extra super savings as well as enjoy a few laughs and fresh ideas."

ABOUT WILLOWVIEW HILL FARM INTERNATIONAL:

Willowview Hill Farm International was established in the Hudson Valley of New York in 1993 and is an experienced producer of international calibre horses for the dressage arena. Through importation of elite performance horses from Germany, Spain, Portugal and Britain and from their own breeding operation of Hanoverian and Baroque mares, Willowview Hill Farm has produced many notable horses over the years. Horses such as the FEI Prix St Georg horse Willowview Hill Balou ( Borneo x Wendekreiss), first class foundation mares such as Willowview Hill GemmaMaria ( Graf Gotz x Gimli) dam of several premium status progeny as well as providing European competition opportunities for students through their operations in Jerez, Spain and in collaboration with Greta Kemmer, FEI coach based in Lausanne, Switzerland. In addition Willowview Hill Farm is a producer of high quality organically grown horse hay.

ABOUT THEHORSESTUDIO.COM:

TheHorseStudio.com is an online equestrian retail store that offers a wide selection of horse related products. Known as " The International Equestrian Shop," the store offers domestic & imported items including tack, artwork and collectibles, horse stationery and greeting cards, home decor and giftware as well as American and European Equestrian Couture Collections from the finest houses. In addition TheHorseStudio.com offers one of the widest selections of horse books and DVDs available online. Disciplines covered include dressage, driving, showjumping, eventing, polo, barrel racing, western pleasure, trail and endurance, vaulting, barrel racing, reining, cutting and horse racing. Since inception in April 2006, TheHorseStudio.com has offered frank reviews and extensive product testing of all items they market. The Horse Studio Team embraces experienced riders from many riding/driving disciplines who are well versed in the top levels of equestrian sport. In addition The Horse Studio Team encompasses personnel who are also published writers/authors plus executive management well versed in international trade.

Jeffery Welles Wins 1.40m Open Jumper Class at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 25, 2009-Jeffery Welles of Wellington, FL, cruised to a win aboard Armani in the $7,500 1.40m Open Jumper Class sponsored by Lisa Silverman at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

The 34th Hampton Classic, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are all four members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic team-Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Chris Kappler.

Armani went fast and clear over the course in a time of 64.884 to take the top honors. Ireland's Darragh Kenny piloted Bazooka de Muze around the track of fences in a time of 66.133 seconds to finish in second place. Kenny also placed fifth aboard Palona (66.133). Olympic veteran Norman Dello Joio claimed third place with Notre Star (65.954) and was also sixth with Scarface (66.854). Clementine Goutal finished fourth aboard Kelline Fonroy (65.964).

The course bested several odds-on favorites, among them Olympians and previous winners of the class. It seemed to be made for Armani, who showed his delight at being back in competition after a lengthy lay-off from an injury. The 16.3-hand Dutch warmblood gelding breezed over the jumps, making the challenging course designed by Conrad Homfeld look like a cakewalk.

"I like Conrad's sweeping, round courses," said Welles. "This is a great show for a horse that is bold and careful." He described Armani as "a very fresh, good-feeling horse," adding, "He's fit and ready to go. He was excited today to be back at a big show and was a little tense at first. I let go of the reins and let him cruise along in a gallop."

While that strategy served him well, Welles said he was not trying to win. "I'm happy that I won, but I was just trying to be as smooth as I could," he said. "The important thing has been to bring Armani back slowly."

Welles is a Hampton Classic veteran, having won the Grand Prix here in 1992 with his legendary Serengeti and in 1994 with Irish. Welles has represented the United States at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, where they won the Nation's Cup. He also won the Grand Prix of Donueshingen in Germany and the Grand Prix of Mondorf in Luxenburg as a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team.

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship on Thursday, August 27 (Phase I) and Saturday, August 29 (Phase II)

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

SBS Farms' Jersey Boy and Jennifer Alfano Finish Second in $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals

Jersey Boy Awarded The George H. Morris Hunter Derby Trophy

Lexington, KY - August 25, 2009 - SBS Farms wrapped up two more weeks of competition at the Kentucky Horse Park and finished with a bang at the $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. Jennifer Alfano, trainer and rider at SBS Farms, rode Jersey Boy to second place over 55 other competitors in three rounds of competition. SBS Farms is led by Susie Schoellkopf and based out of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center in Buffalo, NY.

In the qualifying round for the derby finals on Friday, Alfano and Jersey Boy put in a solid trip to put them into Saturday's first round. On Saturday, the top 25 horses returned with a clean slate. The pair put in a great trip to finish third in the first round. They returned for the handy round and were brilliant for the win. These top ribbons gave them second overall in the inaugural derby finals.

Alfano said that going into the first round on Saturday night under the lights, Jersey Boy took a breath by the third jump and settled into his stride. For the handy round, Jersey Boy was ready to go from the start. "Once I know he's on, then I can really count on him," Alfano remarked. "In the handy, I knew he'd be good. He picked up a gallop, and he was just awesome. There was a long gallop to the first jump, some tight rollbacks, and a narrow walk-through, which was my biggest worry. He handled everything perfectly."

The finals were held in the new main outdoor stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. Alfano felt that the setting was perfect for the prestigious event. "I thought they did an amazing job. It was a really fun class, and it was a beautiful course," she said. "Jersey Boy has a very big stride. The course rode so nicely and had a good flow, so you didn't get lost in the big ring."

Going into the derby finals, Jersey Boy led the nation in money won for the 2008-2009 season. He competed in nine hunter derbies and won three, including the 2009 $10,000 derby in Ocala, the 2009 $50,000 derby in Wellington, and the 2008 $10,000 derby at Chagrin. For his stellar record this past season, Jersey Boy was given the George H. Morris Hunter Derby Trophy.

Diane Carney donated a substantial bronze trophy, which was created by Harry Weber and stands about two and half feet high. The bronze is a hunter jumping over a split rail with hounds. "I donated the trophy to the USHJA on behalf of the hunter derbies and in honor of George H. Morris," commented Carney. "He has been such an influential horseman in our industry. I thought there should be a trophy in his name to recognize the years of endless dedication he has given our sport. I also wanted to honor the leading hunter derby horse and rider. As the derbies took off, it became clear that they would become nationally popular, changing the makeup of showing for years to come. I congratulate Jennifer Alfano and Susie Schoellkopf and hope they have continued success this year."

Finishing second in the finals and winning the trophy was very special for Alfano and Schoellkopf, who purchased Jersey Boy as a four-year-old. The talented chestnut Hanoverian gelding, who is now seven years old, has come into his own in the hunters and found his niche in the derby classes. Alfano was very excited to have the derby finals as a goal with a horse that she has developed over the years.

"It's really neat to do so well with a horse like him because I've brought him along. That really makes it special to have him compete at this level," Alfano revealed. "He's getting to be very consistent. It means a lot to have one like him. I was really excited for the finals, and it turned out great."

Competing at the derby finals in front of a packed stadium also meant a lot to Alfano. "To have a class like this with a huge crowd for the hunters is amazing," she noted. "In the handy round, the whole crowd got into it and were yelling and cheering us on to the last jump. I think it's great for the hunters to have this kind of event with this many spectators. It's taken off, and it's exciting to have competed in the first finals. It was really neat to be a part of it and was really special."

Earlier in the week at the KHJA Horse Show, Alfano rode in the professional hunter divisions. She and South Beach, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC, were champions in the Green Conformation Hunters. They were second in the model class, won two over fences class, were second in the handy class, and placed first under saddle.

On The Specialist, owned by Meredith Lipke, she won a class in the Second Year Green Hunters. Lipke and The Specialist were reserve champions in the Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunters. They received two seconds and two fourths in the division. Lipke also placed well in the division with Once and Again.

During the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show the week before, Alfano picked up two reserve championships. She and Bright Star's Kid Rock were reserve champions in the First Year Green Hunters, while Rock Star, also owned by Bright Star 158, was reserve champion in the Regular Working Hunters.

Sara Rimmler and Bravado, owned by the BTRC, won a Novice Children's Hunter class and received three third place ribbons in the division. They also competed in the Equitation 11 & Under division and placed first over fences and third on the flat.

SBS Farms and Alfano will compete next at the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby on Sunday, August 30, in Illinois. For more information on SBS Farms, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Parking Solutions for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Underway

DATE: 8/25/2009

The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced the University of Kentucky’s Coldstream Research Campus as a satellite parking location for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Shuttle transportation services will be provided to spectators at official 2010 Games satellite parking lots directly to the Kentucky Horse Park. Coldstream Research Campus is located five miles from the Kentucky Horse Park, and can hold 8,400 vehicles, providing a safe and efficient shuttle transport system to and from the grounds of the Games.

“We are very excited to be a part of the World Equestrian Games and work with the foundation staff to provide a major park and ride site for all of the visitors who will attend the Games,” said Tina Carpenter, UK Coldstream Research Campus executive director.

“The Coldstream Research Campus site provides an ideal location for satellite parking during the 2010 Games,” said Jamie Link, Foundation CEO. “The site will allow spectators to park as closely as possible to the Kentucky Horse Park, with easy and friendly transportation services to the Games.”

In addition to the primary parking location at Coldstream Research Campus, the World Games 2010 Foundation will be offering a limited number of premium spaces on the Kentucky Horse Park grounds for purchase online. More information about purchasing on-site parking will be available when tickets go on sale September 25, 2009.

More detailed information on parking and transportation systems for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be available in the spring of 2010.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc. and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

About the University of Kentucky Coldstream Research Campus

Business and research connect at the University of Kentucky Coldstream Research Campus, a premier location at the intersection of I-75/I-64 and just minutes from the University of Kentucky. Partnerships with UK feature strong R&D programs in ag biotech, equine research, biofuels and pharmaceutical development. Once a prominent Bluegrass horse farm, Coldstream is now the business home for more than 1,000 employees and 55 biotech, pharmaceutical and equine companies, IBM, HP, Embassy Suites Hotel and others. Contact: Coldstream@uky.edu, www.UKColdstream.com, 859.231.TECH (8324).

Cavallo Sponsors the American Competitive Trail Horse Association

The American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) has quickly become a national phenomenon, with rides hosted from one end of the USA to the other and spectacular destinations in between.

As a proud major sponsor, Cavallo Horse & Rider is helping ACTHA to achieve their higher cause: feeding starving horses, donating to horse rescues, and honoring the great American Trail Horse. Up to 50% of ACTHA's proceeds are directly donated to horse charities, and Cavallo provides coupons, discounts, free gifts and incentives to riders through ACTHA.

Cavallo's president, Carole Herder, states that "now, more than ever, it is important to give back. The truth is that there are more starving horses out there every day. While some of our horses are still comfortable and fit, others are starving, and it's up to individuals and companies who have to give to those who have not. When Cavallo discovered ACTHA's objectives, we immediately knew we would associate with them to achieve our mutual goals."

ACTHA's mission is threefold:

· To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American Trail Horses, granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.

· To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.

· To create and enable the humane treatment of horses in need.

Through its ACTHA sponsorship, Cavallo continues to give back. Please check out http://www.cavallo-inc.com for the most comfortable hoof boots and best saddle pads in the world today.

If you have a trail horse and would like to get involved with this dynamic new association, please go to http://www.actha.us

About Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc.

Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc. is home to the most comfortable hoof boots in the world. Here you will find the most economical alternative to metal shoes, as well as technologically advanced saddle pads, and much, much more! Cavallo is committed to developing and distributing innovative products of excellent quality that provide comfort, protection, support and value for money for both horse and rider. Please call us toll-free at 1-877-818-0037 or visit us online at http://www.cavallo-inc.com

Finding the Perfect Bit Just Got Easier: Partrade Introduces a Free Metalab Bit Selection Guide

August 25, 2009—A wide selection of bits means your perfect bit is out there, but how do you decide exactly which bit it is? That’s why Partrade is introducing the free, easy-to-use Metalab Bit Selection Guide.

The Metalab Bit Selection Guide includes more than 500 bits from engraved loose ring bits to stainless steel, sliding gag bits. And each bit is described in detail, grouped, and color coded according to its effect—from mild to strong.

Each of the five color-coded groups, or “levels,” features a detailed description of what horse and rider would most benefit from using that level of bits. And to further ensure that the perfect bit is chosen, each bit’s hang tag features a full-length product description and is color-coded by level.

How we choose our bits is as important as the bits themselves. That’s why the Metalab Bit Selection Guide can be seen at a Metalab retailer near you, or downloaded for free at: http://partrade.net/catalog.php.

Partrade is a proud distributor of Metalab Western and English bits.

About Partrade

Since our start in 1955, Partrade Trading Company has become a premier manufacturer and international retailer for world-class Western and English riding supplies. Partrade’s success is founded on an unrivaled dedication to our customers, supreme selection, and constant innovations in our product lines. As a manufacturer, we can promise you the highest quality; as a retailer, we can promise you exceptional value and superior service. Contact us at 800.223.2101 or visit www.Partrade.net.

ENHANCED LIVE STREAMS ON FEI TV NOW AVAILABLE FOR MAC USERS

FULL LIVE COVERAGE OF THE ALLTECH FEI EUROPEAN JUMPING AND DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Lausanne/Windsor, 25 August 2009

Very exciting news for all equestrian enthusiasts from FEI TV, the official video website of the Fédération Equestre Internationale launched earlier this year!

Your video viewing experience on www.feitv.org has just got better with the introduction today of flash technology. This exciting improvement enables horsesport fans using Mac software to get access to all the live broadcasts on the platform starting now. The many hours of highlights as well as the extensive video on demand archive from the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions will also be available in flash in the coming days. This switch will also significantly enhance the video quality for all viewers for both live and on demand streaming.

All FEI TV users will have the opportunity to enjoy the new service level this week as www.feitv.org will be covering the entire Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships LIVE (geo-restrictions may apply for selected territories on certain days).

The live broadcast schedule of FEI TV for the event in Windsor from this Wednesday onwards is as follows:

Wednesday, 26 August 2009 (no geo-restrictions apply)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix (Team & Individual): 10:30 - 13:10 CEST (08:30 – 11:10 GMT)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix (Team & Individual): 14:15 - 18:00 CEST (12:15 – 16:00 GMT)

Jumping: Individual Competition: 21:00 - 00:30 CEST(19:00 – 22:30 GMT)

Thursday, 27 August 2009 (no geo-restrictions apply)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Special (Individual): 10:30 - 13:10 CEST (08:30 – 11:10 GMT)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Special (Individual): 14:15 - 16:55 CEST (12:15 – 14:55 GMT)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Special (Individual): 17:15 - 18:00 CEST (15:15 – 16:00 GMT)

Friday, 28 August 2009 (no geo-restrictions apply)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 09:30 - 13:15 CEST (07:30 – 11:15 GMT)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 14:00 - 14:45 CEST (12:00 – 12:45 GMT)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 15:15 - 16:50 CEST (13:15 – 14:50 GMT)

Jumping: Team & Individual Competition: 17:15 - 18:00 CEST (15:15 – 16:00 GMT)

Saturday, 29 August 2009 (geo-restrictions may apply, details on www.feitv.org once confirmed)

Dressage: FEI Grand Prix Freestyle: 20:45 - 24:00 CEST (18:45 – 22:00 GMT)

Sunday, 30 August 2009 (geo-restrictions may apply, details on www.feitv.org once confirmed)

Jumping: Individual Final: 15:00 - 16:15 CEST (13:00 – 14:15 GMT)

Jumping: Individual Final: 17:10 - 19:00 CEST (15:10 – 17:00 GMT)

In addition to the live broadcasts, FEI TV will offer its users an extensive range of features such as interviews, press conferences, highlights, and behind the scenes footage.

Join www.feitv.org now and feel the excitement!

Victoria Birdsall and Jacqueline Lubrano Win Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 25, 2009-Junior riders Victoria Birdsall and Jacqueline Lubrano emerged victorious in the two sections of the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

The 34th Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are all four members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic team-Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Chris Kappler.

Jacqueline Lubrano of Glenmoore, Penn., rode Horizon Hill Farms' Lennox to win the A division. Her trainer, Stacia Madden, trains several other riders who pinned in that division, including Jessica Springsteen of Colt's Neck, NJ, who finished fourth on Uno.

Lubrano, 18, said the course rode well for Uno, the horse with which she won last year's $10,000 WölfferEstate Equitation Championship at the Hampton Classic. Previously her jumper, Uno can still be "a little hot," said Lubrano, who noted that the horse is steadily learning his new job.

Victoria Birdsall, 15, of Topsfield, Mass., rode Sierra to capture the B division. The 9-year-old warmblood mare is owned by Birdsall's trainer, Andre Dignelli. This was the first class in which Birdsall has shown Sierra, who is not her regular mount.

Dignelli described Birdsall as a "very competitive and accomplished rider and an all-around horseman." He lauded her and her family for their commitment to her riding career, which involves frequent commutes from their home base in New England to his Heritage Hill Farm in Katonah, NY.

In the A division, Matthew Metell rode Pioneer to place second of the 35 horse and rider combinations entered in the class, and Katie Robinson was third on Donovan. Both train with Dignelli, as does Quincy Hayes, who placed third in the 37-horse B division with Drumline. Kelly Tropin was second in that division on Turner.

Competitors were judged first on the flat and then over fences. Many commented that they found Michel Vaillancourt's jump course challenging but straightforward. It had 11 obstacles with 14 jumping efforts, including: verticals; oxers; double and triple combinations; and a liverpool (water jump).

For more than 51 years, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search program has reinforced the importance of supporting the "stars of tomorrow." A very demanding competition, the Talent Search Program attracts the nation's top young riders in head-to-head competition. The program has developing riders meet a more difficult set of standards than required in other competitions, which helps prepare them for later participation in high-level events and creates a pipeline for future show jumping talents.

The roster of graduates of the program is impressive, including many who have gone on to compete in the Olympic Games for the United States. Among them are: Greg Best, Chris Kappler, Peter Leone, Beezie Madden, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Katie Monahan Prudent, Richard Spooner and Mclain Ward.

The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, a test of the abilities of an individual as a show jumping rider, is open to junior/young riders who are members of the United States Equestrian Federation who are under the age of 21.

Competitors must use the same horse in both the flat and jumping phases. The jumping phase of the class shall be over a course of at least ten fences 3'6" to 3'9" in height with spreads to 5'. Time and jumping faults should be taken into consideration in the judge's evaluation of the rider.

In the flat phase, not more than 30 riders at one time will show as a group at the working walk, working trot sitting, working trot rising, as well as showing a lengthening of stride, working canter, and working canter showing a lengthening of stride.

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship on Thursday, August 27 (Phase I) and Saturday, August 29 (Phase II)

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

Veterinary students host public open house in expanded Western College of Veterinary Medicine

The diverse world of veterinary medicine and an expanded Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) will be on public display from October 1 to 4 during Vetavision, a four-day open house at the veterinary college on the University of Saskatchewan campus.

This year’s Vetavision offers a variety of educational displays, speakers, demonstrations and animals that will appeal to people of all ages, says Jasmine Dhillon, a fourth-year veterinary student and Vetavision’s co-ordinator.

Held every three years, the public exposition is entirely organized by veterinary students who are enrolled in the regional veterinary college’s four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. This is the 14th Vetavision since WCVM students hosted the very first event in 1970.

“Vetavision is the ideal chance for students to talk about the many different aspects of our profession with the public and how veterinarians play a part in everyone’s daily lives,” explains Dhillon. “Everybody knows that veterinarians provide health care for pets, horses and livestock. But many people are surprised to find out that veterinarians also play vital roles in food safety, public health and ecosystem health as well as animal and human health research.”

Visitors to this year’s Vetavision will also have the opportunity to see some of the WCVM’s expanded and renovated facilities. “The students’ last Vetavision took place at the height of construction. With most of our expansion now complete, some of the new space will now be used for Vetavision displays and demonstrations,” says WCVM Dean Dr. Charles Rhodes.

Since 2004, the veterinary college has added on to its Veterinary Teaching Hospital, diagnostics area and research laboratories. Renovations to its large and small animal clinics and lecture theatres, along with the addition of new technologies for medical imaging and research, have also helped to enhance the WCVM’s veterinary education, clinical and research programs.

For more details about Vetavision 2009, please visit www.vetavision.ca to view a list of displays, show schedule, admission fees and tour information.

The WCVM (www.wcvm.com) is a Canadian centre for veterinary education, expertise and research that’s located on the University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca) campus in Saskatoon, Sask. More than 400 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at the college that annually attracts more than $10 million in research funding from public and private sources.

KHC ANNOUNCES EQUINE EDUCATION FAIR FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN HORSE CAREERS

Lexington, KY, August 25, 2009 – Students and adults who are interested in a career with horses are being given a chance to learn more about their educational opportunities in the equine field. “Your Future with Horses: An Equine Education Fair” will be held in conjunction with the KHC annual conference on November 14, 2009 at the Scott County High School in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Your Future With Horses will feature speakers in 16 different equine careers who will speak about their fields, educational choices that led them to their careers, and will offer advice for those who are considering these careers. In addition, representatives from over 16 colleges, universities, and other educational programs which offer equine related programs from Kentucky and around the country will provide information on their programs.

“As an equine organization that is dedicated to education, we want to be sure to keep people aware of the many choices they have in regard to working with horses. Your Future With Horses will allow students to explore their educational choices and find a path to the equine career goal that best suits them.” explained Madelyn Millard, KHC Board President.

“It is very easy to forget about how many career possibilities there are in the equine industry. Many people limit their educational options because they are simply not aware of the numerous choices they have. This conference will present a wide variety of these options, thereby ensuring that the equine industry benefits from focused young professionals,” Millard continued.

“Your Future with Horses” is free and open to the public. The event runs from 9am to 6pm. To visit the Your Future With Horses website, please visit: http://www.kentuckyhorse.org/youth_future_2009/.

For more information or to become involved, visit www.kentuckyhorse.org or contact the Kentucky Horse Council at (859) 367-0509 or email info@kentuckyhorse.org.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education, to the protection, growth and development of the equine industry in Kentucky. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs, grants, scholarships, personal liability insurance, trail riding programs, and an annual statewide equine industry directory.

DUTCH DELIGHT ON FIRST DAY AT WINDSOR

Windsor (GBR), 25 August 2009

The firm favourites from The Netherlands got off to a flying start on the opening day of the Alltech FEI European Dressage and Jumping Championships at Windsor Castle, Great Britain, today when Adelinde Cornelissen steered Parzival into the lead in the FEI Dressage Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Imke Schellekens-Bartels and Hunter Douglas Sunrise. And Carl Hester's score of 72.080%, which left him in third place after 28 of the 54 starters came into the ring, is a big boost for the host country which lies third behind Germany at the halfway stage of the team competition.

Cornelissen was more than delighted with her result as Parzival can be ring-shy and was not entirely impressed on his first visit to the arena for yesterday's warm-up. But, as the 39 year old rider explained, when she gets his full attention "then I have a good hope". All her hopes were exceeded however when the powerful 12 year old chestnut earned a mark of 80.638% after a breath-taking performance that kept spectators gasping with delight all the way through.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

It was clear from the moment the Dutch partnership entered the arena that this was going to be something special - Parzival's halt was a real "look at me!" moment - and from there it just got better with 10's and 9's consistently rewarding the big-moving gelding whose long white hind-leg socks draw even more attention to his extravagance of movement.

Asked if he was impressed with Cornelissen's score, Dutch Chef d'Equipe Sjef Janssen said "over 80 is more than impressive" and he pointed out that this partnership had been "getting better and better by the end of last year" and obviously had huge potential. "I knew if he (the horse) could concentrate then he would be super because he has no weak points" Janssen said, "he's so strong, he's got like a turbo-engine behind" and Janssen added that he is "pretty happy with my team until now".

Cornelissen worked patiently with her veterinary surgeon and trainer following Parzival's sudden exit from the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final in Las Vegas in May to bring her super-horse back to full health. A check ligament injury seemed serious at first, but the horse responded really well and he came out in Hickstead last month to finish second behind Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas. "He was so relaxed there and actually the break probably did him a lot of good - and today - I'm so happy he showed what he can do!" she said.

SET THE STANDARD

Schellekens-Bartels set the early standard with a mark of 73.149% when second into the arena this morning and Hester lined up behind her when he took his turn in the final grouping of the day which also included the eventual leader.

Hester admitted however that although his 12 year old bay, Liebling, gave it everything he cannot produce the superbly athletic movements that come so much more easily to the Dutch-team horses. "My horse is a £10,000 show jumper bought at a sale - he tried his hardest today and I'm really happy with him" he commented. He has only been riding the horse for 10 months and this is just their fifth international show together. He took Liebling to Saumur just three weeks after the horse came to his yard and won there "but our form was a bit up and down" until they went to Aachen this summer where the partnership really began to gel. "I took three weeks out of my usual schedule before Aachen and went to Denmark to train with my friend, Anne Van Olst, and it really paid off" he explained.

He got into a bit of a training frenzy before these Championships at Windsor however - "I was so stressed, so I talked to our team manager Richard Davison and to my vet and they both told me the same thing - take a break!". He left Liebling off work for three days and then, today, came out and delivered their best ever result.

IN THE LEAD

The combined scores of the two Dutch riders leaves The Netherlands in the lead on a total of 153.787% at the halfway stage of the team Championship with Germany in second carrying 141.915% after Susanne Lebek and Potomac slotted into fourth place with a mark of 71.277% and Ellen Schulten-Baumer steered Donatha S into fifth with 70.638%. However the British are close behind with 140.000% after Hester's good score was added to the 67.915% recorded by ninth-placed Maria Eilberg and Two Sox.

Anky Van Grunsven and Salinero are expected into the ring just before the lunch-break tomorrow and the final Dutch contenders, Gal and Totilas, are included in the final grouping later in the day, after which the team medals will be awarded.

Fox Chase Farm to Host Final Horse Show in $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series

Middleburg, VA - August 25, 2009 - Fox Chase Farm, based in Middleburg, VA, will host the final horse show in its $20,000 Timothy C. Hanley (TCH) Fox Chase Show Series on September 12, 2009, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Held at Fox Chase Farm's spacious hunter/jumper facility in the heart of Virginia's hunt country, the show will be the final competition for the 2009 seriesand will feature year-end division awards.

The $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series is the first non-rated horse show series to be affiliated with the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), the national affiliate for hunters and jumpers. The final horse show on September 12 will be judged by USHJA President, Bill Moroney, and will feature awards and prizes for the top three riders. Additionally, the day will include presentations of the USHJA Affiliate and equitation winners and year-end division awards.

Fox Chase Farm would like to congratulate the winners of the Affiliate Sportsmanship Awards Program, which include Junior Rider Mandy Cassells, Adult Rider Heather Trujillo, Professional Denise Finch, and Coach/Trainer Judith DeMichele. These winners will be honored at the show on September 12 and will receive special recognition at the USHJA Convention in St. Petersburg, FL, in December.

Fox Chase Farm will host its next show on September 26, 2009, when the $20,000 TCH Fox Chase Show Series comes to a close with its final pony show for the 2009 season. The September 26 show will also host the series' year-end awards banquet where high-point competitors and the series' leading horses and riders will be awarded overall prize money up to $20,000.

Along with exciting horse shows, Fox Chase Farm now provides free online classifieds for local equestrians and businesses in the area. This free service is available on the farm's website. Members of the equestrian community can buy and sell horses and ponies, tack, farm equipment, cars, trucks, trailers, and post Help Wanted ads.

To advertise for free on the Fox Chase Farm website, please go to www.foxchasefarm.net and click on "Free Online Classifieds."

For more information on Fox Chase Farm, please go to www.foxchasefarm.net or call their main office at 540-687-5255.

Getting To Know EquiFit's Equine Athletes Second in a Series: Vegas

While we constantly hear about the lives and successes of top riders, less is known about their invaluable equine partners. Here is the second in a series to offer an inside look at the horses we are so proud to work with. We may know of classes they have won and titles they have been awarded, but their characters, quirks and traits are largely unknown to us, their adoring fans.

Christine McCrea and her top mount Vegas have become fixtures in the grand prix ring. McCrea has piloted the scopey Dutch bred stallion to wins across the country. In the fall of 2008 they won the $100,000 Budweiser FEI World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse, and recently competed at the 2009 FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas.

This lovely bay stallion was bred in the Netherlands at Stal Roelofs, and comes from a line of great showjumpers including Voltaire, Joost and Abgar. McCrea has had the now fourteen year old stallion since he was eight, and during their long relationship they've both grown immensely, according to McCrea: "he's super talented. I was at a point in my career when I got him that I really wanted to be doing grand prix and nations cups, but I wasn't sure I could do it because I hadn't before. He found me at a point in my life where I was ready to do whatever it took to move up. We met at the perfect moment."

McCrea and Vegas have just as strong a bond outside of the show ring as they do in it. "V", as he is affectionately known, has quite the personality, says McCrea. "I'd call him aloof. Sometimes he's really social and a lot of times he doesn't really bother with anyone. I think he's very secure with himself."

McCrea also describes Vegas as quite the picky eater: "sometimes he'll eat carrots and sometimes he won't. It's the same with peppermints. He's very finicky about food."Asked what it's like riding and training a stallion, McCrea says "he can be a little difficult to handle at shows. He screams a lot and puts on a show. But when I have him at home he's as quiet as a lamb and he's almost like a big pony."

We wish Christine McCrea and Vegas the best of luck and continued success in the grand prix ring.

A genuine commitment to horses and riders drives EquiFit to seek new and better ways to help them perform and succeed at all levels. We are honored to work with such amazing horses and to be part of these winning teams who represent EquiFit around the world. We wish them the best of luck and continued success both in and out of the show ring.

www.EquiFit.net

Bayer Select World Championship Show Returns to Amarillo August 31

The American Quarter Horse Journal, August 25, 2009 – The 2009 Bayer Select World Championship Show begins August 31 and continues through September 6 at the Amarillo National Center in Amarillo, Texas. Admission to the show is free. The Bayer Select World Show is the world’s largest, single-breed horse show open exclusively to amateur exhibitors age 50 and older.

Select exhibitors will be competing in 41 classes for champion prize packages that include a custom-designed trophy, Montana Silversmiths belt buckle, Tex Tan or WeatherBeeta products, a Cripple Creek jacket and prize money.

Entries for the 2009 Bayer Select World Championship Show showed gains over 2008 numbers with 1,217 for 2009 compared to 1,167 for 2008. Ranch sorting has the largest number of entries with 89 teams slated to compete.

The Sooner Trailer Bayer Select All-Around Amateur Award goes to the top Select amateur exhibitor-and-horse team that earns the most points in three or more events in two categories during the Bayer Select World Show. The winner of this award receives a $25,000 gift certificate for a Sooner Trailer, an original Lisa Perry bronze, an embroidered WeatherBeeta horse blanket and rose bouquet. The Reserve All-Around Amateur receives a Tex Tan saddle, silver bowl and $2,500; while third- through fifth-place finishers each receive $1,000 courtesy of AQHA. The All-Around Amateur awards will be presented on Sunday, September 6.

All the latest information on Bayer Select, including the list of judges, qualifiers’ handbook and schedule with preliminary working orders, can be found at http://www.aqha.com/showing/shows/selectshow/index.html.

The Bayer Select World Championship Show brings more than $2 million into the Amarillo economy. Local businesses such as restaurants and hotels feel a direct impact, but local residents also benefit from sales and hotel taxes generated from exhibitors, trainers and others attending the show.

If you can’t be in Amarillo, don’t miss any of the action. The American Quarter Horse Journal will be providing extensive online coverage including special feature stories, interviews and photos of the world champions and all the latest news from the show. Watch all the action in the arena through the Fort Dodge Webcam. A complete wrap-up of the show will be featured in the November issue of The American Quarter Horse Journal. America’s Horse TV, AQHA’s online television network, also will feature highlights from the Bayer Select. Be sure to visit americashorse.tv and check out all the channels and programs.

The Bayer Select World Championship Trade Show offers 32 unique vendors, featuring the finest in clothes, jewelry, saddles, trucks, trailers and AQHA merchandise. The trade show is free and is located in the Amarillo National Center concourse and outside to the east and south. The Trade Show opens each day at 8 a.m.

The Bayer Select World Championship Show is made possible by Bayer, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bank of America, Farnam, John Deere, Markel, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, Nutrena, SmartPak and Sooner.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

PROFESSIONAL RIDERS ORGANIZATION DOMINATES CIC*** AT RICHLAND PARK HORSE TRIALS

Richland, M.I.: Members of the Professional Riders Organization took top honors at the eighth annual Richland Park Horse Trials, with PRO riders taking the top five places in the CIC***. Leslie Law, a PRO board member who finished first in the CIC***, is currently ranked fourth in the nation.

Both Law and PRO founder Phillip Dutton competed strongly at Richland with strong showings in the CIC***, CIC** and Advanced divisions. Dutton is currently ranked second in the nation behind fellow PRO founder Buck Davidson. Overall, the top five American riders are either PRO founders or members of its board.

The Richland Park Horse Trials were recently added to the 2009 USEA Gold Cup Series, and more than 350 American and Canadian riders competed at this year's event. The event also featured the debut of Ian Stark's course designs at the Richland site.

PRO riders' finishes in Richland's CIC*** division included:

Leslie Law in first place with Fleeceworks Mystere du Val,

Jennie Brannigan in second place with Cooper,

Phillip Dutton in third place with Woodburn,

Boyd Martin in fourth place with Rock On Rose,

and Mara Dean in fifth place with High Patriot.

PRO riders' wins at Richland included:

Law's win in the CIC***,

Mara Dean with Nicki Henley in Open Intermediate,

and Andrea Leatherman with Desperado in Preliminary Horse A.

Other PRO members who competed at Richland included Kristen Bond, Nate Chambers, Sara Dierks, Will Faudree, Gina Fiore, Rebecca Howard, Callie Judy, Boyd Martin, Michelle Mercier, Katie Ruppel, Stephanie Shepherd, Jennifer Simmons, Sharon White and Arden Wildasin.

PRO was formed in 2009 by a group of leading professional riders who felt they had a special obligation to and interest in the strengthening the sport of eventing. In addition to representing the goals and objectives of professional riders, PRO is also dedicated to elevating the level of competition, contributing to ongoing rider education, improving the standards of competition and promoting safety while working to attract new fans, sponsors and participants.

Though formed with professional riders in mind, PRO plans to work with the eventing community to increase spectators' involvement. As eventing grows in popularity, PRO will work with both current and prospective fans to raise its profile to that of more mainstream, high profile sports. Through partnership with sponsors and spectators, PRO will work to make eventing more exciting and dynamic as it continues to evolve.

For more information on PRO, please visit www.professionalriders.org.

Horse Groups Call on CFIA for Answers on EU Equine Food Safety Requirements

CHICAGO, (EWA), WESTBANK, B.C. (CHDC) - Today, the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition (CHDC) and Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) are asking the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to respond regarding a European Commission requirements letter dated 17 April, 2009 from Paola Testori Coggi, deputy director-general of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection.

The letter notified affected "third" countries of requirements for equines (horses, donkeys and cross-breds) intended for food production, including the identification of horses intended for food production, a system of identity verification, a prohibition on the use of anabolic steroids and other prohibited drugs, and a minimum 6-month withdrawal period for veterinary medicinal products. The letter stipulates immediate steps required to implement a food safety program for countries supplying horse meat to the European Union.

To date, the CHDC and the EWA have not received a response to their inquiry letter previously sent to Dr. Claude Boissonneault of the CFIA's Red Meat Species Program. Also, the CFIA has yet to make public the news of this pivotal mandate that affects the entire multi-billion dollar horse industry, including horse racing, performance show horses, breeders, rodeo, and all horse owners.

In addition, countries affected must have submitted an Action Plan by this date, yet there has been no indication this has been done. "It is incredible that the CFIA has yet to inform Canadians and Americans alike, about this far-reaching program that will impact the entire horse industry", says Sinikka Crosland of the CHDC. "There are thousands of horses going to slaughter every week in Canada, from both Canada and the U.S. There is presently no tracking or passport system for horses, and many are routinely given a wide range of performance enhancing drugs throughout their lives", added John Holland of EWA. "We see a huge potential for horse welfare concerns, as horses will be held for more than 6 months at transfer stations, without basic care provided and they will not be allowed to administer worming or pain medications to these horses", explained Ms. Crosland.

Due to the immediate obligations affecting the entire horse community, the CHDC, the EWA and their affiliates request that the CFIA respond without delay, and communicate to all horse groups and people affected. Citizens are urged to write to the CFIA, asking for details about this critically important program.

The CHDC is a collective of people and groups working to protect equines from slaughter for human consumption, as well as the export of live horses to other countries for the same purpose.

The EWA is an umbrella organization representing equine welfare organizations, equine rescues and individuals involved in a grass roots effort dedicated to ending the slaughter of American horses.

www.defendhorsescanada.org

www.equinewelfarealliance.org

Showplace Fall Classic Championship Horse Show Fast Facts

EVENT: Showplace Fall Classic Championship Horse Show

WHAT: An "A" rated hunter and four-star jumper horse show produced by Showplace Productions.

WHERE: Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Ill., located 40 minutes west of Chicago.

WHEN: September 22-27, 2009

FEATURES:

� $60,000 Showplace Leading Rider Series Finals

� $25,000 Showplace Fall Classic Grand Prix Saturday, September 26

� $20,000 in prize money for all hunter classics

� $10,000 Open Welcome Stake Thursday, September 24

� $10,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic - Show Jumping Hall of Fame Member Event. Friday, September 25

� $5,000 Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Classic Thursday, September 24

� $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Children's Jumper Grand Prix and $2,500 Marshall & Sterling Adult Jumper Grand Prix, Part of the Marshall & Sterling Mid-West League Championships, Saturday, September 26

� $1,500 WIHS Child/Adult Jumper Classic Thursday, September 24

� $1,500 NAL Child/Adult Jumper Classic Friday, September 25

� $1,500 Low Children's and Low Adult Classics, Friday, September 25

� $1,000 Marshall & Sterling Children's Hunter Championships and $1,000 Marshall & Sterling Adult Hunter Championships Sunday, September 27

� Marshall & Sterling Medal Finals Saturday, September 26

� Illinois Hunter Jumper Association Medal Finals Sunday, September 27

HOURS: Tuesday through Sunday, from 7:30 a.m. to around 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: Complimentary during every day of showing.

PARKING: On-site, permits available

DIRECTIONS:

From Chicago

I-90 (Kennedy Expressway) West to Route 59 (Barrington, IL).

Route 59 South (Left Turn) to Stearns Road (West Bartlett, IL)

Stearns Road West (Right Turn) to end. (Dunham Road)

Left turn on Dunham Road.

1/8 mile-Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Right.

From Downtown St. Charles

Route 64 East to Dunham Road.

North (Left Turn) on Dunham Road.

Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Left approximately 1.5 miles after Army Trail Road.

From St. Charles Hotels

Route 64 to Kirk Road North.

Kirk Road runs into Dunham Road. Continue North.

Lamplight Equestrian Center is on Left approximately 1.5 miles after Army Trail Road.

HOTELS:

Connections Travel: 800-262-9974

www.equestriantravel.com

OFFICIAL HOTEL:

Courtyard by Marriott 800-321-2211 (2 miles)

ADDITIONAL HOTELS:

Best Western of St. Charles 800-528-1234 (2 miles)

Fairfield Inn & Suites 800-228-2800 (2 miles)

Hilton Garden Inn 800-445-8667 (2 miles)

Quality Inn 800-424-6423 (2 miles)

Holiday Inn Express 800-465-4329 (2 miles)

Super 8 Motel 800-800-8000 (2 miles)

Country Inn and Suites of St. Charles 800-456-4000 (3 miles)

Hotel Baker 800-284-0110 (3 miles)

Pheasant Run Resort 800-474-3272 (3 miles)

Comfort Inn of Geneva 630-208-8811 (5 miles)

The Herrington Inn 800-216-2466 (5 miles)

The Oscar Swan Inn of Geneva 630-232-0173 (7 miles)

SHOWPLACE PRODUCTIONS:

For information about the show, vendors, or sponsorship, please contact:

Pat Boyle, Competition Manager

(847) 274-6834

Showsno1@aol.com

www.showplaceproductions.com

Lamplight Equestrian Center- during horse show

6N940 Dunham Road

Wayne, IL 60184

(630) 497-1770

(630) 497-8075 FAX

Arenus Donates Joint Health Product to NARHA Horses

St. Louis, MO-August 24, 2009-Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses recently donated a supply of their joint health product, STEADFAST® EQUINE to NARHA centers nationwide. NARHA, headquartered in Denver, Colorado helps individuals with disabilities through equine assisted activities and therapies.

NARHA was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. At almost 800 member centers, a total of 42,000 children and adults find a sense of independence through involvement with horses. Member centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several certified instructors and licensed therapists. In addition to therapeutic riding, a center may offer any number of equine assisted activities including hippotherapy, equine facilitated mental health, driving, interactive vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work or stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association’s certified instructors and member centers start and maintain successful equine assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. There are more than 30,000 volunteers, 3,500 instructors, 6,300 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at NARHA centers.

“We were so excited to receive the donated STEADFAST® EQUINE supplement from Arenus,” said Lynn Peter, NARHA Region Five Representative. “It will allow us to provide much needed joint support to our hard working equine partners. Due to financial constraints, we often have to pick just the neediest animals to provide supplements but with this generous gift we are able to try it out on a few more and are starting to see results already! It is also very palatable so even those getting very little grain have no trouble eating it up.”

NARHA centers must sign member agreements and instructors must be certified which is accomplished by attending workshops, passing exams, and meeting standards.In addition, The Premier Accredited Center Program offers NARHA centers the chance to demonstrate their excellence in providing quality, professional equine assisted activities. This voluntary process recognizes NARHA centers that have met established industry standards. The accreditation process is a peer review system, in which trained volunteers visit and evaluate centers in accordance with NARHA standards.

“Arenus is well aware that NARHA centers are non-profit, operate on a volunteer basis and with a large population of mostly donated geriatric horses. These older horses experience joint and mobility issues due to age,” said Celeste Mohatt, Arenus marketing manager. “By donating STEADFAST® EQUINE, we are able to provide a supplement that many of these horses need, but the center is unable to afford.”

STEADFAST® EQUINE takes a holistic approach to supporting a horse’s entire joint system including bone, ligaments and tendons. STEADFAST® EQUINE contains the ingredient NEM®, the natural membrane from eggshells, and is a unique joint support matrix that provides relief from occasional joint discomfort associated with normal daily activity. NEM® supplies a holistic array of supportive components such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, desmosine, amino acids and peptides. The second ingredient, TêlaFIRM® is an advanced micro-ingredient system that helps to optimize the enzyme systems responsible for supporting healthy and normal bone remodeling along with the synthesis and cross-linking of important proteins.

NARHA’s equine activities demonstrate research that links improvements in individuals with disabilities to quality interaction with horses. “We are pleased to support NARHA. Science based health through nutrition is pivotal to ensuring sustained strength of pets and horses that give an extra dimension to the lives of disabled individuals,” said Dr. Joyce Cacho, Chief Sustainability Officer, Novus International, parent company of Arenus.

Many of the NARHA centers expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the donation.

“We are so grateful to Arenus for donating their joint supplement to the NARHA Region Four Conference,” said Cheryl Miller, NARHA State Chair for Indiana. “Since most of the horses that participate in NARHA centers are older horses, many are in need of joint supplements. This donation from Arenus will benefit the therapeutic riding horses and in turn benefit our riders with disabilities.”

About Arenus

Arenus is a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses. A growing division within Novus International, Inc., a global company dedicated to animal performance, health and longevity. To learn more about our products, or find an Arenus event near you, call (866) 791-3344, or visit arenus.com.

About NARHA

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, NARHA’s mission is to “change and enrich lives by promoting excellence in equine assisted activities.” To accomplish this mission, NARHA fosters safe, professional, ethical and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, research and standards. The association ensures its standards are met through an accreditation process for centers and a certification process for instructors.

Find out more at www.NARHA.org.

2009 AQHA World Championship Show Qualifiers Increase from 2008

The American Quarter Horse Journal, August 24, 2009 – In the face of a tough U.S. economy, total qualifiers for the Bank of America Amateur Week and the FedEx Open Week at the 2009 AQHA World Championship Show are up from 2008.

Total 2009 World Show qualifiers are at 6,222; the 2008 total was 5,886. The qualifying period for the World Show began August 1, 2008, and ended July 31, 2009. The qualifying points for all but five classes remained the same for 2009 as they were in 2008.

The largest increase is in the amateur division: Total amateur qualifiers are at 2,873, up from 2,551 in 2008. Amateur team penning had the biggest increase with 158, up from 118. Other classes with big increases include reining with 141 qualifiers and all-around classes such as trail, horsemanship and western pleasure. All amateur over fences classes saw increased qualifier numbers.

The open division total in 2008 was 3,335; it is at 3,349 for 2009. As in amateur competition, open team penning showed the biggest increase with 162, up from 122. Other classes with significant gains include performance halter geldings with 126 qualifiers, up from 100, and senior working cow horse, up to 111 from 88.

The world’s best American Quarter Horses will gather to compete in the 2009 World Show November 6-21 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. More than $2.7 million in cash and awards are up for grabs, including more than 80 world championship titles and honors such as the Featherlite All-Around Amateur and Featherlite Superhorse. The show pumps more than $31 million into the Oklahoma City-area economy.

Entry deadline for the 2009 World Show is September 15. No need to wait on the postal service to send in your entry – save time and the cost of a stamp by using the new online entry form at https://services2.aqha.com/worldshowentry/login.aspx. The secure online entry form will even be partially filled out for you when you enter your customer ID and password. Don’t have a password? Contact one of AQHA’s friendly customer service representatives at (806) 376-4811.

AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.

Horseability Riders Sweep Championships at Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders With Disabilities at Hampton Classic Horse Show

Bridgehampton, NY-August 24, 2009-Students from Horseability, a therapeutic riding center on Long Island, claimed the championships in all three divisions in the 4th Annual Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders With Disabilities Finals at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Coryn Villanti captured the Equitation With Aides division, Todd Pritscher took Independent Equitation, and Tara Smilowitz won Advanced Independent.

The 34th Hampton Classic Horse Show, one of the nation's premier show jumping competitions, continues through Sunday, August 30. The Classic hosts hunter/jumper competition for riders ranging from the youngest competitors in Leadline and Short Stirrup classes all the way up to Olympic veterans in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix. Entered in the show are all four members of the United States' 2004 Gold Medal Olympic team-Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Chris Kappler.

In welcoming comments, Sally Ike, Managing Director of Show Jumping for the United States Equestrian Federation, presented ribbons to all riders who qualified for this year's Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders With Disabilities Finals. She told the competitors: "I congratulate you all. You earned the right to be here."

Ike later commented: "The time I have spent with disabled athletes makes me feel like I am the disabled person, not them. They let nothing stand in their way. Today's competition is an extraordinary thing and so inspirational. These riders are all champions."

Villanti (riding Diamond), Pritscher (Blue) and Smilowitz (Daisy) proved they were champions, as did the rest of the field. Villanti, a special education teacher from Medford, was bursting with excitement. "We had some HorseAbility pride going on today," she said. "I've been riding and showing four years, and I've never placed like this. I'm so excited for all of us!"

Pritscher, who is from Yaphank, has been riding eight years. He said his favorite thing to do is canter Blue, a horse he described as "smooth to ride and easy to handle." What does he think of competing at the Hampton Classic, which he has done for four years? "I like being on a horse. It's fun here!"

Reserve champions included Selena Sibai on Dream Weaver (Advanced Independent Equitation) and Lauren Reischer on Debutante (Independent Equitation). There was a tie for reserve in the With Aides division between Kevin Attenburg of Melville on Dream Weaver and Victoria Natale of Bayville on Juliette.

Bridgehampton National Bank sponsored the championships and Kevin O'Connor, President and CEO, presented the awards.As he observed the classes, he said, "We support this event because Bridgehampton National Bank has a history of community involvement. For me personally, to be able to see the reactions on the winners' faces makes it a wonderful day."

The championships were the culmination of HorseAbility's eight-show series that took place at various horse shows on Long Island from last fall through this summer. Twenty-five riders competed in the series in hopes of qualifying for the Finals, but only the top competitors in each division qualified to ride at the Hampton Classic Finals. Riders competed in classes including walk, walk/trot, walk/trot/figure 8, and walk/trot/canter. Rankings are awarded based on points according to U.S. Equestrian Federation rules for equitation classes.

Tina Rocco of Melville, Managing Director of theLong Island Horse Show Series for Riders With Disabilities, has volunteered at HorseAbility since she was 10 years old, at one time functioning as director of its lesson program. Observing the championships at the Hampton Classic, she noted how remarkable it is that the riders in the disability classes "get to compete next to the top riders in the world" in an adjacent arena. "The Hampton Classic is the most exciting show of the season, and I love that the riders in our series get to experience the same excitement."

HorseAbility is a Long Island-based program offering therapeutic riding lessons and other programs for riders of all ages and disabilities. It was founded in 1993 by Kathleen (Katie) Kilcommons McGowan when she lent her horse to a friend and physical therapist who used therapeutic riding as a method of treatment for a child with cerebral palsy. When McGowan saw the child's physical and emotional connection with the animal and subsequent acceleration in his treatment, she knew she had found her calling. Combining her education, love of children and longstanding relationship with horses, she founded HorseAbility. More information on HorseAbility can be found at: www.horseability.org or by calling (631) 367-1646.

The Hampton Classic continues through the weekend. Exhibitors and spectators are sure to be excited to see the $50,000 increase in prize money in this year's FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup™ Qualifier. The $250,000 Grand Prix event serves as the horse show's feature attraction and takes place on Sunday, August 30.

Other upcoming highlights include:

· $10,000 Wölffer Estate Equitation Championship on Thursday, August 27 (Phase I) and Saturday, August 29 (Phase II)

· $15,000 Arcadia Aviation Speed Derby on Friday, August 28

· $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix Qualifier on Friday, August 28

· $30,000 FENDI Cup on Saturday, August 29

· $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby on Sunday, August 30

Those unable to attend the Hampton Classic will have ample opportunity to see it on television. WVVH-TV, the official Long Island television station of the Hampton Classic, will broadcast up to five hours of competition and highlights each day during the Classic. These broadcasts can also be seen online at www.wvvh.tv.

The Classic will also receive extensive coverage on WLIU 88.3 FM, the official radio station of the Hampton Classic. WLIU will broadcast updates daily throughout the Classic as well as live programs from the Classic on Thursday-Sunday, August 27-30.

For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please visit the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation.

SECOND HIGHEST ENTRIES IN NRHA FUTURITY HISTORY

Oklahoma City, OK – August 24, 2009 – As of the August 1 payment date for the 2009 National Reining Horse Association Futurity, entries in the prestigious event rank second among all-time entries for the show. A total of 799 horses have been entered, just nosing out 721 entries in the 2000 NRHA Futurity for the second place position.

The 2009 NRHA Futurity boasts the $190,000 added NRHA Open Futurity showcasing the $100,000 added Level 4 Open division guaranteeing the champion with a paycheck of $125,000. Non Pro competitors have great opportunities in the $120,000 added Non Pro Futurity including the $60,000 added Cinch/NRHA Level 4 Non Pro division, plus unique incentives for the 2009 event like the $10,000 Non Pro Gelding Incentive, First Time Non Pro Buckle and $5,000 Trainer’s Award. The 2009 NRHA Open Futurity also includes an incentive for geldings with $20,000 in added money.

For those who have not entered a horse and wish to do so, opportunities still remain with late payments as follows:

Open and Non Pro Futurity Payments Remaining

LATE ENTRY Sire & Dam entries received 8/1 through 8/31 = $500

LATE ENTRY Received 8/2 and before 10/1 = $3,420

LATE ENTRY Sire & Dam entries received 9/1 received on or before 10/1 = $570

Regular final payment due on or before 10/1 = $520

Regular final Sire & Dam payment due on or before 10/1 = $270

LATE ENTRY Received 10/2 until two days prior to 1st Go at 5 p.m. = $4,170

LATE Sire & Dam entries received 10/2 until two days prior to 1st Go at 5 p.m. = $920

To enter the 2009 NRHA Futurity, contact Susie Trimmer at strimmer@nrha.com or 405-946-7400, ext. 131.

The National Reining Horse Association, with its international headquarters in Oklahoma City, recognizes and promotes the sport of Reining. This western form of riding is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the world and showcas