FROM TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH with Zephyr’s Garden HEALING SALVE I

Zephyr’s Garden Healing Salve I Put To The Ultimate Test on Zephyr!

SANTA BARBARA, CA – October 27, 2009 – In early October, Zephyr (the company owners’ horse and inspiration for Zephyr’s Garden all natural equine products) was found in the morning with both hind legs badly scraped. He had cast himself overnight in his outdoor paddock, but fortunately had extracted his legs without any assistance. Only his back legs were affected and they were badly skinned, bloody, and very raw.

Once his legs were cleaned and the injuries were carefully checked over, it was determined a veterinarian was not needed, and a regime of cleaning the wounds, applying Healing Salve I, and wrapping the legs began. Zephyr never showed any indication of lameness, but there was swelling and it was obvious his legs were painful to the touch.

Over the past three weeks the healing of his legs has been carefully documented with photographs that are posted on the Zephyr’s Garden Facebook Page. Each week a new set of photos were taken and strong healing and new hair growth was clearly evident. Though Zephyr’s Garden Healing Salve I has been used for years by horse owners all over the country, the owner of the company and Zephyr had never had such a great need for their own product.

“I have been using my Healing Salve I for years for all cuts and scrapes”, stated Georgette Topakas, owner of Zephyr and Zephyr’s Garden, “but I’ve never encountered such a large injury to any of my horses and I’m thrilled with the performance of this product. His wounds healed quickly, there was no infection or proud flesh, and the hair is growing back brown on this body, black on his legs, and white on his socks! Being my horse and my daughters show horse as well, the quick, solid healing got them back in the ring sooner than anticipated and met my requirements of only using natural products on the horses.”

Healing Salve I is an all natural salve with an herbal and essential oil composition that is anti-infective, anti-bacterial, stimulates strong healing and hair regrowth. In a base of pure Olive Oil and unrefined beeswax, this product proves that herbs can be safely used as powerful healing agents. In addition, the beeswax forms a water and dirt proof “seal” over the wounds. Unedited photos documenting the healing of the injuries at one week intervals are available.

Zephyr’s Garden develops and produces all natural equine products in Santa Barbara, CA. Their full line of topical products treats ailments such as Scratches, Sweet Itch, Rain Rot, sore muscles, Thrush, and Bug Bites. In addition, they offer calmatives, massage oils, all-natural fly sprays, and are coming out with oil-free spray versions of their two top selling salves, Stop The Itch and Anti-Fungal. These two new sprays will be launched in November, 2009.

For more information on Zephyr’s Garden visit www.ZephyrsGarden.com, call 805-448-0390 or e-mail Georgette Topakas at gtopakas@zephyrsgarden.com.

Horseless Clinic Sponsored by TheHorseStudio.com "International Equine Transport"

TheHorseStudio.com is proud to sponsor this unique clinic on International Horse Transport which will be held December 2nd, 2009 in Millbrook, New York. Its aim is to help the international competitor, horse breeder, importer/exporter of horses. Hosted by veteran international freight forwarder, Paul Alvin-Smith, the attendees will learn how to save money, save time and avoid critical mistakes when organizing international travel for their horses.

"As a lifelong horseman I was especially thrilled when the international firm I worked for decided to expand their business from general freight into horses. Through the years before we'd handled everything from charters full of chicks to Saudi Arabia, to dolphins to Europe and many dogs and cats and general livestock. But horses are close to my heart, so I jumped at the opportunity to head up the team at the Equine Division. We handled direct charters around the world as well as working with scheduled airlines like Federal Express, Lufthansa, KLM and many others on both export and import to points throughout the USA. Travel with horses for competition across Europe used to require major documentation including very complicated carnets just to handle customs issues. The EU has improved things in that region of the world, but many areas still provide logistical challenges. Keeping a handle on unnecessary delays for your horse, unnecessary additional expenses and most of all minimizing risks, are an important part of the skill set you need to have to work effectively in international freight. After more than 26 years of experience in the intricacies of this field and I welcome the opportunity to share that insider information with the horse owner," stated Paul Alvin-Smith.

The seminar will include video footage of basics like how to pack, what to pack and how to prepare your horse for travel, plus a wide range of topics in depth; how to obtain the best quote, which questions to ask, the pitfalls and joys of traveling with your horse yourself where allowed, the best hub points for different countries, tackling worldwide 'difficult' destinations, financial aspects of prepayment, exchange rates, customs clearance, overland transport, pep talks for your team, and documentation, insurance and medical requirements for both horse and rider/grooms. A question and answer session will conclude each topic.

A gourmet lunch with an international theme will be provided courtesy of TheHorseStudio.com. In the afternoon there will be a video of actual travel events, including highlights of personal trips Paul Alvin-Smith has made over the years buying horses from Europe and exporting a few horses of his own.

A light hearted 'quiz' session will be held for all attendees at the end of the afternoon. Gift prizes have been donated by TheHorseStudio.com. Prizes include shipping boots, high tech riding apparel that is light to pack and multi functional, plus a selection of books and DVDs on horse health care and rider health care.

"We have many new products including many DVD titles just added to our site and the prizes we have donated to this event ran the gamut from the new high tech Endura jacket to the latest import titles from horse masters around the world," states Kathy Collins, Sales Manager for TheHorseStudio.com.

"Paul has a wonderful quiet approach and a world of experience in international trade. I've seen some of the video footage and there is lots of fun there as well as the serious hands on info. TheHorseStudio.com is very proud to sponsor this special event. It'll be a treat and we hope that this will pay forward for the attendees by saving them and their horses lots of heartache. "

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.

Manufacturers, authors, publishers and production houses are welcome to submit their products for review and should forward free samples and/or catalogs to the address detailed below and/or email purchasing@TheHorseStudio.com.

YouTube “Toast” with Frédéric Pignon, Magali Delgado, Linda Tellington-Jones and Gabriele Boiselle Hits Mark as Gallop to Freedom Soars to Amazon’s #1

AHP Affiliate Member Elizabeth McCall’s Book Party Brainstorm Becomes Internet Celebration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNd4I_UvSvA

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 30, 2009) -- “When I heard that Linda Tellington Jones and Gabriele Boiselle were planning to visit Magali Delgado and Frédéric Pignon on their farm in France, I knew there was a book party waiting to happen,” says affiliate member Elizabeth McCall, who did the next best thing to being there. She got the famous four friends to bring out the horses, pop some champagne, and have a backyard party to celebrate the release of Gallop to Freedom ($29.95 hc) from Trafalgar Square Books in a way their friends and fans around the world could virtually enjoy--on YouTube--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNd4I_UvSvA. Little did she know the casual barn-side affair would coincide with news that Gallop to Freedom has soared to the #1 horse book on Amazon.com in all major categories, during its first week of release.

“Emceed” by their dear friend Linda Tellington-Jones (Tellington TTouch creator) who delightfully shares her favorite excerpts between toasts to Magali and Frédéric, the founding stars of Cavalia, a pair of the couple’s famous Lusitano stallions join the party -- between bites of grass in the back yard. “It’s the goal of our life, work with pleasure!” laughs Magali in the video, standing next to longtime pal and renowned equine photographer Gabriele Boiselle. “I feel very honored that I’m allowed to make pictures of Frédéric and Magali and their horses. Their relationship is so unique and my biggest goal is to capture this in pictures,” says Gabriele, whose work is featured in Gallop to Freedom. Don’t miss Gabriele’s new photos of them at the end of the YouTube video credits--there’s a shot she took of the former Cavalia stars together on horseback that will take your breath away.

Gallop to Freedom is available at major bookstores, www.Amazon.com and www.horseandriderbooks.com. Members of the media can download a pdf of the press kit by clicking on http://horseandriderbooks.com/pdf/GTF-Media-Kit-PRESS.pdf.

Time’s Running Out to Own a Piece of America’s Horse in Art

America’s Horse, October 30, 2009 – The America’s Horse in Art show and sale started with more than 50 paintings, sketches and sculptures. Nearly half of the pieces have been spoken for, but there are still plenty of pieces to choose from and purchase.

The exhibit, located in the Scharbauer Gallery in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas, features art from nearly 25 artists including Greg Kelsey, Mark Kohler, Mikel Donahue, Buck Taylor, Bruce Graham, Teal Blake and Mehl Lawson (see below for a complete list of artists). Each piece of art has a price tag and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis through November 14. Proceeds from the sale of the art will go to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame to help preserve American Quarter Horse history. You can view the art at www.aqhhalloffame.com.

Telephone (806-376-5181) and e-mail (artshow@aqha.org) sales of the art are also available. The purchased artwork will remain on exhibit through November 14.

The following artists contributed to America’s Horse in Art:
Wayne Baize
Teal Blake
Steve Devenyns
Mikel Donahue
Dyrk Godby
Bruce Graham
Don Hambrick
Harold (H.) Holden
Rick Jackson
Greg Kelsey
T.D. Kelsey
Mark Kohler
Earl Kuhn
Mehl Lawson
Jan Mapes
Lisa Perry
Tom Ryan III
Jason Scull
Jack Sorenson
Edgar Sotelo
Buck Taylor
K.W. Whitley

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.

They’ll ask for it by Neigh!

Blue Springs, MO — October 30th, 2009 — To children, what is worse than a being sick with a stomach ache? The nasty medicine their parents force them to take! Children don’t care if it will make them feel better in the long run; they only care how it tastes going down. It’s the same with horses. Horses do not always care about the nutritional value in their food; they eat when they’re hungry and what tastes good to them. So, why would they welcome the bitter taste that comes with the traditional medicine tasting dewormers?

Horses, to a lot of us, are like our kids; we want them to be healthy and happy. This is why Durvet developed Apple Flavored Ivermectin and Pyrantel paste dewormers. Why force your horses to endure the bitter taste of other dewormers, when you can give them apple flavored wormer instead?

Durvet’s Apple Flavored Ivermectin and Pyrantel Paste come in easy-to-use oral syringes and provide the same parasite control that other dewormers advertise. Allow your horse to reach their full potential by providing safe, effective parasite protection with the apple flavored dewormer that horses love!

For more information on the Apple Flavored goodness of Durvet’s Ivermectin or Pyrantel Paste, go to www.AppleWormer.com.

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

XTO Energy Adds its Brand to NCHA Triple Crown Series

Fort Worth, TX, October 30, 2009

XTO Energy, Inc., a leading independent U.S. oil and gas producer, has signed on as a title sponsor for the National Cutting Horse Association, according to NCHA executive director Jeff Hooper.

“We are extremely proud to christen one of our major events in Fort Worth the XTO Energy/NCHA Super Stakes,” said Hooper. “With its high standards of business, XTO exemplifies the famous ‘Cowboy Code’ of ethics that is the bedrock of the National Cutting Horse Association.”

Louis Baldwin, XTO Energy executive vice president and chief financial officer, views the sponsorship as a benefit for the Fort Worth-based energy giant.

“The sport of cutting is such a great American sport with roots back to the Old West,” Baldwin said. “This sponsorship is a great way for us to be involved with the legacy of the ranching and cattle business. It also allows us to support Fort Worth because with the impact of its three Fort Worth shows, NCHA has done so much for the Fort Worth economy.”

XTO Energy, Inc. has grown from its inception in 1986 to become an industry leader with a stock price increase, since going public in 1993, of 4500%, and a compound annual growth rate of about 24% and 29%, respectively. The company has built a domestic reserve base with more than two billion barrels of oil equivalent and a track record of increasing production and reserves.

The XTO Energy/NCHA Super Stakes, with a purse of more than $3.5 million, is the middle jewel of the famous Triple Crown of Cutting, which begins with the $4 million Borden Milk/NCHA Futurity, scheduled this year from Nov. 21 through Dec. 13, at Will Rogers Equestrian Center, Fort Worth, TX.

The 2010 XTO Energy/NCHA Super Stakes will run from March 29 through April 18; and the $3 million 2010 NCHA Summer Spectacular – Presented by Great American Insurance, third leg of the Triple Crown, will be held July 12 through August 1.

For more information about NCHA and the Triple Crown of Cutting, call 817-244-6188 or visit www.nchacutting.com.

126th National Horse Show Awards Final Two Grand Hunter Championships

Safari and Ziegler Ride to Grand Junior Hunter Championship, Toben and Nijinski Are Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champions

Syracuse, NY - October 30, 2009 - The 126th National Horse Show had a full morning of hunter competition, and they awarded special prizes and trophies to the winners. Caitlin Ziegler of Mequon, WI, rode Safari to the Grand Junior Hunter Championship, while Darby Toben of Princeton, NJ, and Nijinski were the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champions.

The National Horse Show finished their hunter competition today, but their highlight event, the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, will be held on Saturday, October 31. The 126th National Horse Show is featured at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, which holds jumpers classes through Sunday, November 1 in the War Memorial at the Oncenter Complex in Syracuse, NY.

Ziegler and Safari competed in the Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter division, where they were fifth over fences, second under saddle, won the handy hunter, and finished with a win in the stake class today to be named champions. Their top ribbons also gave them the grand championship for the junior hunters. They were presented with the "Blue By You" Memorial Challenge Trophy, donated by Miss Elyse Novick, for their division championship. For the grand champion award, they were presented with the "Theodorus Van Wyck Cushny" Memorial Challenge Trophy, donated by Cora C. Cushny and Family. The reserve champion in the division was Genuine, ridden by Lillie Keenan and owned by Chansonette Farms LLC.

Ziegler said of her seven-year-old gelding, "He's pretty good for being so young. This is his first year doing any of the indoor shows. A lot of people here had some trouble getting down the lines, and he had a huge stride actually, at all of the indoor shows."

Safari and Ziegler have been paired for two years, and Safari has improved and taught Ziegler along the way. "I've learned a lot from riding him. He's come along so far. You can see the difference when you're riding him, especially in places like this where it can be spooky. He handled it so well," she explained. "My riding has developed a lot from him. This is the first year that I've qualified for most of the indoor shows. I just did one horse last year at Harrisburg, so to be able to do all of the indoor shows and end so well means a lot to me. You can see there's a big improvement over last year."

Ziegler was very excited to win the championship at the National Horse Show in her first year of showing Safari indoors. "The grand championship was kind of a surprise, and we weren't really expecting that. It's really important and exciting. This is probably one of the biggest things I've ever won," she expressed. "It's big enough just to qualify, and I was excited just to be coming here, so to win is really great."

In the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunter division, Lillie Keenan of New York, NY, stepped up to the championship spot on North Country, owned by Blantyre Farm. They placed first and second over fences during the week. They were presented with the "Nevertheless and Pappy Clifford" Challenge Trophy, donated by Turtle Lane Farm. The reserve champion was Quality Time, ridden by Hasbrouck Donovan for Don Stewart Jr.

Keenan leases North Country, and this was their last show together. "This is my first time showing here. I didn't really expect it, and since it's the last indoor show of the year, I was really happy," Keenan expressed.

North Country was the first large junior hunter that Keenan showed, and the talented gelding taught her a "new way of riding." She explained, "He taught me how to always be ready, to ride forward but be aware of what's going on. He's always been a really nice horse, and he's a good teacher."

Jennifer Waxman of Chagrin Falls, OH, finished out her last show as a junior rider with plenty of success in the hunters. She rode Red Panda for John Ingram to the championship in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters and Vida Blue for Elm Rock LLC to the top tricolor in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters, which was presented by Suzanne Marquard.

Waxman and Red Panda were awarded the "Follow Me" Challenge Trophy, donated by Miss Carrie Lane. Vida Blue and Waxman were presented with the "Canitoe Farm" Challenge Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Sokoloff.

Amalfi and Danielle Cooper were reserve champions in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter division, while Saer Coulter rode Positano to the reserve championship in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters. For winning the stake class today, Positano and Coulter were presented with the "Whiskey Before Breakfast" Memorial Challenge Trophy, donated by Turtle Lane Farm.

Waxman and Red Panda have been paired for two years, and Waxman thinks they have a special relationship. That was put to the test for the indoor season when Red Panda injured his eye this summer. After three months off from showing, he returned to compete at the PA National Horse Show. Waxman felt that the time off helped him come back to the show ring even better.

"It was kind of good for him because it wasn't a leg injury or anything, so he really felt good when we brought him back," she said. "He didn't start jumping until two weeks before Harrisburg. The first day here he was not quite into it, and yesterday he felt like his old self again." This week, Red Panda finished third over fences on the first day, second in the under saddle, he won the handy hunter class, and was third in the stake.

She added, "I'm so thankful to Tom Wright, the Ingrams, and Ken and Emily Smith because there are only so many horses like that. I was pleasantly surprised here. He had as many excuses to do whatever he wanted, but he didn't. He went right in here and clocked right around."

Vida Blue is a new ride for Waxman, but she has made the most out of her time with the pretty grey mare. They were champions at the PA National Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, and here at the National Horse Show. Their ribbons this week included a third in the stake class and the blue ribbon in the over fences and the handy classes.

"Vida is so nice. This weekend, I was really just starting to get to know her," she pointed out. "I've only been showing her, so at Harrisburg and Washington you just warm up in a small schooling area, and you don't really know a horse that way. This week, showing over three days, she felt like she trusted me more."

Waxman thanked Vida Blue's new owners, the DeMartinis, as well as Vida Blue's new trainers, Andrew Lustig and Susie Humes. This is Waxman's last show as a junior rider, and she feels "bittersweet" about it. Waxman will miss being a junior, but she looks forward to attending college and focusing on her jumpers.

Darby Toben and Nijinski have been on a roll this fall and picked up their second Grand Champion title here, thanks to their championship in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters, presented in part by Virginia Fout in honor of Paul and Eve Fout. They won the same titles at the PA National Horse Show two weeks earlier. This week, they won all three over fences classes and finished second under saddle.

Nijinski and Toben were awarded the "Scot To Do" Challenge Trophy, donated by Ellen Van Dyke, for their division championship and the "Ruxton & Scot To Do" Challenge Trophy, also donated by Ellen Van Dyke, for the grand championship. The reserve champion in the division was Londeur, ridden and owned by Elizabeth Perry.

Toben had full confidence in her horse, who she said "has been the same since day one and been perfect." She continued, "He's pretty simple and always the same every day. He's not spooky or anything."

Toben has owned Nijinski, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, for five years and this was one of their biggest wins together. "I was a little nervous going into today," Toben admitted. "I've never swept the jumping classes at an indoor show, and this was our first championship here." After a break from showing this summer, Nijinski returned at Capital Challenge and went on to have his best fall indoor season.

In the Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunters, Ellen Toon of South Salem, NY, repeated her championship performance from last year on Invincible. They won the opening class, were second in the handy, fifth in the under saddle, and finished fourth today for the championship in the division, which is presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare. The reserve champion was Fine Kiss, ridden and owned by Betty Oare.

Toon was happy to be showing here after a health issue with Invincible before the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Although Invincible recovered quickly, Toon was unsure of how he would be. They competed in Harrisburg, and after a few days off, Toon said that Invincible was "back to his old self."

She described, "You don't have to worry about him. He's always on your side. I wasn't perfect, but he was."

Toon was thrilled to be back in the winner's circle at the National Horse Show. "They make a huge effort here. The courses were great, and the jumps were big and full. My horse jumps great here. The NHS definitely means something to me," she expressed.

Francesca's success in the Regular Conformation Hunters with Maggie Jayne in the irons gave them the title of National Horse Show Grand Hunter Champion. Francesca, owned by Pony Lane Farm, won all four classes and the model. They were presented with the "Overdressed" Challenge Trophy, donated by David H. Clarke Family in memory of Robert Lee Henry.

The 126th National Horse Show concludes tomorrow with the ASPCA Maclay National Championship. The first round begins at 6:30 a.m., and the second round will run in the afternoon. Last year's winner, Jessica Springsteen, will be on hand for the presentation to this year's winner, who will have their name noted on the ASPCA Horsemanship Trophy, along with the historical list of famous past winners.

For more information on the National Horse Show, please visit www.nhs.org. For more information on the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, please visit www.syracuseinvitational.com.

2009 Suncast Palm Beach Steeplechase set for Thanksgiving weekend - Saturday November 28, 2009

Wellington, Oct 30th 2009. Equestrian Sport Productions announced today that Suncast Corporation has signed on as the two-year title sponsor of the Palm Beach Steeplechase. Suncast Corporation, a Chicago based company, is one of the nation's leading suppliers of wood and resin products for home and garden and will also be a major sponsor at the 2010 Winter Equestrian Festival. Suncast CEO Tom Tisbo, added, "We are honored to support these unique equestrian events. The Steeplechase will provide a great kickoff to the Wellington winter season." In addition to the sponsorship, Suncast will be providing high end shade structures throughout the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

This year's Steeplechase event boasts a wide range of fun-filled entertainment and activities for all ages. Tickets for the Second Annual Palm Beach Steeplechase are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.palmbeachsteeplechase.com or calling 561-793-5867.

Many viewing options are available ranging from general admission, car tailgating, tent tailgating to VIP Gourmet dining. This year's event will introduce a limited number of premium seating options on three two -story decks which will enhance the race viewing experience; please ask for either the Player's Club Tables, the Tiki Hut located on the finish line, or the Palm Club with its 360 degree view of the race course. The Palm Club is centrally located near the finish line and overlooking the terrier races. As with last year's event, the Steeplechase will hold a Tailgate Contest, judged and awarded by Whole Foods as well as a Hat Contest. The overwhelmingly popular terrier races will return as well as the Children's Fair which includes Pony Rides, Face Painting, a Petting Zoo, a Bounce House and activities at the Palm Beach Riding Academy. An expanded Wine and Beer Garden will return and The White Horse Tavern will provide delicious food and beverage. There will be the traditional Running of the Palm Beach Hounds and a new event, the Police versus Firefighter Tug '0 War. Finally, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce will be running its Business Exposition. Also included in the holiday weekend is the Holiday and Horses AA Competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The "AA" horse show will take place November 26-29th and include an FEI World Cup Grand Prix Qualifier during Friday evening at 7:00 PM under the lights in the International Arena. During that evening a Welcome Party will take place in the International Club overlooking the International Arena serving cocktails and a dinner buffet ($75), for reservations please contact ESP at 561-753-5867.

The Steeplechase activities will begin on Saturday, November 28th at l0am. The first race begins at 1pm. The Stadium is located on the comer of South Shore and Pierson Road, Wellington. For more information and tickets visit www.palmbeachsteeplechase.com or call 561-793-5867. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington - "Equestrian Sport Lives Here!"

ESP announces 2009 Holiday and Horses AA Horse Show Prize List

The Official Prize List for Equestrian Sport Productions Holiday & Horses AA rated Horse Show CSI W is now available both online and in hard copy. The cover of the Program was designed by Mette Olesen Phillips one of the winners of the Winter Equestrian Festival Poster Contest.

The Holiday and Horses show will run from Wednesday November 25th through Sunday, November 29, 2009. In addition to the AA USEF rated class schedule, the show will include a Friday evening $50,000 FEI World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix and on Sunday a $20,000 The Chronicle of the Horse/ USHJA International Hunter Derby both held in the International Arena. There will also be Medal, Maclay, Washington, and USET equitation classes whose blue ribbon winners will be the first to qualify for the George Morris Excellence in Equitation Class during the Winter Equestrian Festival. Finally, this is the last horse show week of the year to acquire 2009 points for National, Zone, and Local awards. The International Club will host a gourmet dinner buffet ($75pp) during the Friday evening Grand Prix. Efforts are being made to conclude Saturday's competition in an early manner so that competitors can partake in the Suncast Palm Beach Steeplechase held at The Stadium that day.

The Holiday and Horses show starting November 25th kicks off ESP's Holiday circuit that includes (7) seven shows concluding with the AT- Benefit show concluding on January 10th with presentations to our Holiday Circuit Champions. To view the Official Holiday & Horses Prize List visit www.equestriansport.com or call Equestrian Sport Productions to have a copy mailed at 561-795-0783. Please also contact ESP directly to purchase tickets for the World Cup Qualifier dinner at the International Club.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington - "Equestrian Sport Lives Here!"

WORKMASTER™ TRACTORS FEATURE TRUSTED NAME AND SIMPLE, DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE AT THE RIGHT PRICE

New Holland, PA (October 30, 2009) — New Holland’s new WORKMASTER™ tractors bear a trusted name, and the same important qualities that made the original WORKMASTER tractors so popular in the 1960s. True to the original models, New Holland’s new WORKMASTER tractors are dependable, basic workhorses that are simple to operate and easy on the wallet.

The 45-hp WORKMASTER 45 and 55-hp
WORKMASTER 55, which replace New Holland’s popular TT45A and TT50A tractors, are powered by proven, fuel-efficient, four-cylinder New Holland engines. The engines are Tier III emissions compliant and can be operated with diesel or B5 biodiesel fuel. They deliver quiet start-ups and smooth, quiet operation.

Just like the originals, the new WORKMASTER tractors are built to work hard and last long. Their strong, cast iron axles effortlessly handle the stress and strain of heavy loader work. Big three-point hitch lift capacity (more than 2,500 lbs. on the WORKMASTER 55) means the tractor can manage larger implements. And for added traction and better performance in tough, slippery conditions, WORKMASTER tractors are available with a front-wheel-drive axle option.

Simple and reliable
With an 8x8 transmission with four constant mesh gears in two ranges, WORKMASTER tractors provide speeds to match any task, from mowing to loader work. Gears are set up in a simple H pattern, and shuttling between forward and reverse is easy. A synchronized mechanical shuttle lever, conveniently located to the left of the steering wheel, makes controlling the loader a cinch.


The comfortable, open operator station is designed for operator convenience with plenty of foot and leg room. Controls are easily accessible right next to the seat, and bright, clear, analog instrument gauges are easy to read. The suspension on the deluxe, contoured seat adjusts for operator comfort. The sloped hood and rounded fenders provides outstanding visibility, another big plus for loader work. And the vertical exhaust directs noise, heat and fumes away from the operator.


New Holland’s WORKMASTER tractors are expected to be available at New Holland dealerships in early 2010. MSRP for these tractors starts at approximately $15,600 (C$21,000).


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.

Help Fund Equine Research While Shopping with Horseman’s Card®

Lexington, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2009) – Since its creation in 1992, The Horseman’s Card® has been the VISAÒ card of choice for horse owners and enthusiasts. Each time The Horseman’s Card is used, a contribution is made to the world-renowned Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, located in Lexington, Ky., at no additional cost to the cardholder,

In addition to raising funds for equine research, The Horseman’s Card provides exclusive savings for cardholders through its VIP benefits program. With the holiday season upon us, what better way to give gifts and support the health of the horse than to use The Horseman’s Card. Several well-known companies that specialize in gifts – making them the perfect source for holiday shopping – and participate in The Horseman’s Card V.I.P. Benefits Program are:

Dark Horse Chocolates® are inspired by the magical partnership between horse and rider. Each chocolate is made by hand from the finest ingredients and sports a unique equine design. These exquisite chocolates make elegant gifts at affordable prices. Dark Horse Chocolates introduces NEW Trail Mix, an irresistible treat of dark chocolate-covered almond butter crunch, almonds, pecans, and dried cranberries. The Horseman’s Card members receive 10% off their total order. Call (800) 243-2115 or visit www.harborsweets.com to place your order.

The Horse Lover’s Gift Guide carries unique gifts for the horse lovers in your life. Receive FREE shipping on your first order using The Horseman’s Card. Call (800) 767-1452 to request a free color catalog or visit www.horseloversgifts.com.

Exclusively Equine, a division of Blood-Horse Publications, is a major catalog and online retailer of books, DVDs, photos and gift items for the entire equine community. The Horseman’s Card members save an additional 10% on their order every time they shop at Exclusively Equine. Call (800) 582-5604 for a free catalog or visit www.ExclusivelyEquine.com to place your order.

Shandell's, a working lampshade and vintage lighting studio, is always transforming a bit of the past into something new. Using sporting art images, vintage wallpaper and bits of nature, Shandell’s specializes in nightlights, lampshades, lamps, tissue box covers and more. To view Shandell’s creations, visit www.shandells.com. The Horseman’s Card members receive a 15% discount on orders over $100. For more information call (518) 789-6603.

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 and mention code UAAQA2 or apply online at www.horsemanscard.com.

World's Wildest Entertainer Returns to Amaze Road to the Horse Fans

John Payne, a.k.a the One Arm Bandit, will be dropping jaws once again with his wildly entertaining and daring acts at the World Championship of Colt-Starting in Murfreesboro, TN on March 6-7, 2010. Performing with a wide variety of animals from buffalo to mules to mustangs, this Oklahoma cowboy is always adding new and adventurous stunts to his already awe-inspiring performance.

“The Road to the Horse fans have asked for it and they're getting it! The Bandit will be back to thrill and amaze us all at Road to the Horse 2010,” exclaims Tootie Bland, owner and producer of Road to the Horse.

Back by popular demand, Payne says, “If you don't think my show alone is worth the price of your Road to the Horse ticket and can convince my momma of that, then I'll give you your money back!”

Although his momma is his biggest fan, she is not the only one who thinks that he is a spectacular entertainer. Earning his name because of an electrical accident that claimed his right arm, the One Arm Bandit is a nine-time winner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association's (PRCA) “Specialty Act of the Year” award.

Born into a ranching family, Payne has been involved in rodeo for almost 25 years. Both his son, Lynn, and his daugter, Amanda, have joined his rodeo act which usually includes walking buffalo and horses on top of a horse trailer. Traveling across the nation performing at rodeos, the One Arm Bandit & Co. is on the equine industry's most wanted list.

“John Payne is the wildest man on the planet,” says Tootie Bland. “If you tell someone that you know a guy that has one arm, chases buffalo while riding wide open and cracking a bull whip and then runs the buffalo on top of his trailer hot on their heels while spinning and wheeling his horse 15 feet in the air, they'll laugh and tell you that you’re crazy. But we’re not crazy, it is John Payne, one of the greatest entertainers ever...period.”

Road to the Horse
Road to the Horse is unlike any other event in the equine or entertainment industry. It is the “World Championship of Colt-Starting”. The two-day sold out event matches three of the country's best horse trainers and clinicians of today against one another as they train unbroken colts to ride in just a few short hours in front of a packed live audience and television cameras. By combining education, edge-of-your-seat suspense, entertainment and the love of the horse, Road to the Horse has been responsible for solidifying the position of today’s horsemanship heroes and launching the careers of tomorrow’s hottest new stars. In the process, the event itself has become a catalyst for the advancement of natural horsemanship. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, spectators are guaranteed not only to have a good time, but also to walk away with training knowledge that will improve their relationship with horses.

Road to the Horse is proud to partner with many outstanding companies across the equine industry including Road to the Horse presenting sponsor, Western Horseman, along with Nutrena, Quarter Horse News, Horses Magazine, Martin Saddlery, John's Ariat Country, Rockin' J Horse Stalls, Horsecity.com, WW Livestock, Wick Buildings, Hoofbeats Magazine, Horse South Magazine and Horsemen's Roundup. For sponsorship opportunities and more information on the 2010 Road to the Horse visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325-736-5000.

James Hensen and Castlewellan Sweep Green Conformation Hunters at Dallas Harvest Horse Show

Tyler, TX - October 29, 2009 - The professional hunter divisions and the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions completed their second day of competition at the Dallas Harvest Horse Show. Held at the scenic Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas, the show benefits Habitat for Horses, and runs through November 1, 2009. The top finisher today was James Hensen and Castlewellan, who had a clean sweep during the Green Conformation Hunter division and claimed the championship tricolor. Later in the day the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions showed in the Main Hunter Ring, and it was Emily Woodall and Fun One that took home the Overall Amateur-Owner Championship trophy.

The Green Conformation Hunters were the second division to compete today at the Dallas Harvest Hose Show. Hensen and Castlewellan, owned by Dr. Susan Bradley of Dallas, TX, claimed all of the division's blue ribbons and earned the championship award for their excellent performance. The reserve championship honors were presented to Robert Allison for his ride aboard Ascot, owned by Monica Algarra of Dallas, TX.

"He was very good here," noted Hensen. "I think he has progressed all year and he's only gotten better as we go along. I thought he jumped very well this week, and there were things that have been rough spots all week that smoothed out. He just wants you to be confident; I think he would do anything a person would want."

Castlewellan is six-year-old Mecklenburg, and his owner shows him in the Adult Amateur Hunter divisions. Next year, Hensen will continue showing him in the Green Conformation Hunters as a Second Year horse, and he also hopes to show him in the Hunter Derby classes.

"He is a very correct horse and he moves very well," explained Hensen. "I was a little afraid to start him in the derbies this year as a first year horse. I know there are horses that can do that, but I just didn't think he was ready this year. We're hoping for a good year next year."

The next division of the day was the Regular Working Hunters, where the championship award went to Martien Van Der Hoeven and Celano, owned by Cassandra Ship of Guelph, ON. Also earning top ribbons was Courtney Calcagnini and Curtain Call, owned by Shannon Reid of Pilot Point, TX, who earned the reserve championship prize.

Celano is 14 years old and competes in the Amateur-Owner Hunters with his owner, who could not be here this weekend. Van Der Hoeven competed this week in the Regular Working Hunters, and will show in tomorrow's $10,000 2009/2010 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby.

"I think he feels good," said Van Der Hoeven. "He's shown here all summer and he likes the ring and the footing. Patrick always does a nice job and tries to put on a really nice derby, so I think tomorrow will go very well."

The first division to compete today was the Green Hunters. Will Roberts and Dubari, owned by Gayle Cox of Adkins, TX, were the winners of the championship prize, while Tracy Fenney and Clooney, owned by Tope Line Sporthorse of Cypress, TX, followed with the reserve championship honors.

The Amateur-Owner 36 and Over Hunters competed after the completion of the professional hunter divisions. The top honors and the championship tricolor were awarded to Jana Rodes, of Argyle, TX, and Dress Up. The reserve championship prize went to Gayle Cox of Adkins, TX, for her ride aboard Dubari.

Rodes has owned Dress Up since she was four months old, and has worked hard to bring her along. "She is eight years old now, so this is a very special win," she expressed. "Dress Up is pretty simple. Her lead changes have been a bit slow over the years, so we have sacrificed some classes due to that, but when we're on she is great and she loves her job."

Rodes hopes to compete with Dress Up for many more years, and she also owns her three-year-old sister. Rodes is going to take her time getting her started, because she knows that the filly will have a bright future ahead of her if she follows Dress Up's path.

The final division of the day was the Amateur-Owner 3'3'' Hunters. Emily Woodall, of New Caney, TX, and Fun One walked away with the championship prize, and also claimed the Overall Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship trophy. The Amateur-Owner 3'3'' Hunter Reserve Championship went to Erin Walker, of San Antonio, TX, and Sahalee.

"Fun One has done nothing but take care of me and win for me during the two years that I have owned him," smiled Woodall. "He's kind of timid and so am I, but he's wonderful. He's a delightful horse to ride and I will own him forever."

During the last two years Woodall competed in the Adult Amateur Hunter division, but she was excited to step-up to the Amateur-Owner 3'3'' Hunter division when it became available. "This is a wonderful division for him," she explained. "I'm not really interested in doing the 3'6'", but in this division he jumps much better. The jumps are big enough to be real jumps and he loves it. I hope it really catches on and stays really popular."

Woodall enjoys competing at the Texas Rose Horse Park each year during the Dallas Harvest Horse Show. "I love that it is horse friendly," she said. "The facility is beautiful, the barns are wonderful, the rings hold up well, and Patrick Rhodes always builds beautiful jumps. I love it here and I always look forward to coming here."

Tomorrow, the Dallas Harvest Horse Show will feature the $10,000 2009/2010 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby in the Main Hunter Ring, beginning at 4 p.m. This week's highlight event is the $25,000 Harvest Grand Prix held on November 1, 2009.

For more information on the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show and to view the prizelist, please visit www.southboundsshows.com.

For more information on Habitat for Horses please visit www.habitatforhorses.org.

Chris Nelson and Inside Out Win $3,000 Nordic Lights Welcome Stake at the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show

Tyler, TX - October 29, 2009 - Jumper competition at the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show kicked off today with the $3,000 Nordic Lights Welcome Stake at the Texas Rose Horse Park. The most prestigious 'AA' rated horse show in Texas, The Dallas Harvest Horse Show features three star jumper competition. The show is a very active supporter and contributor for Habitat for Horses, one of the largest equine protection organizations in the country, and will feature some of the top horses and riders in the country in competition through November 1.

Conrad Homfeld is the course designer for the week and set a challenging track in the jumper ring for today's classes. In the $3,000 Nordic Lights Welcome Stake, four entries jumped clear over the first round course to jump-off, and it was Chris Nelson and Inside Out who cleared the shortened course in the fastest time of 40.694 seconds for the win. Kari Martin rode Solinus to second place with double clear rounds and a jump-off time of 41.987 seconds. Frank Owens rode Lucio 18, owned by DS Holdings LLC, to third place with the only other double clear in 42.838 seconds. Chris Nelson also took the fourth place honors after riding Argentina, owned by Hays Investment Corp., to an eight-fault jump-off round in 39.574 seconds.

Welcome Stake winner Chris Nelson is a 19-year-old rider and trainer from Flower Mound, Texas. Nelson's mount in the class, Inside Out, is an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Lazy Creek Ranch Holdings, LLC.

Nelson explained that Inside Out began competing at the grand prix level as a five-year old, and has since won six grand prix, all with Nelson in the irons. "He is a little bit of a German ride because he is a big horse and you have to collect him, but he has such a big stride that it helps you out in the turns," Nelson stated. "With this horse I had to be careful at the verticals because he can get kind of flat, but luckily I had a turn to all of the verticals to slow me down. He can be a little bit of a freight train sometimes, but other than that it was pretty good and it was a great course for him."

"I thought it was a very nice course," Nelson continued. "It was very flowing. I thought it was great that we had just a couple clear in the jump-off and he (Homfeld) did a great job of making it comfortable for all of the horses."

Nelson competes all over the country throughout the year including California, New York, and Florida, but noted that he enjoys having a great horse show in his home state of Texas. "I have shown here a lot; I am here just about every horse show," he said. "I like the facility. I like that it is big and it has lots of places to ride. They have nice barns and they take good care of us here."

Earlier in the afternoon, the 1.25m Jumpers competed with the top honors going to Martien Van Der Hoeven and his mount Rosaria, owned by Cassandra Shipp of Guelph, Ontario. Four of the original entries went clear over the first round course to jump-off, and Van Der Hoeven and Rosaria went double clear in the fastest time of 41.697 seconds to win the class. Van Der Hoeven also took home the second place honors riding Uno, owned by Maggie Hines of Wichita Falls, Texas, to a double clear in 46.164 seconds. Jordan Seigel had the only other clear jump-off round in 47.152 seconds riding Thomas 12, owned by Nicole Stufflebeme of Colleyville, Texas, to earn third place. Russell Frey and CR Aryenne, owned by Gage Brett of Dallas, Texas, finished in fourth.

Class winner Martien Van Der Hoeven has shown in Tyler several times this year and has already had a great start to the Dallas Harvest show. "I think this is our fourth show here this year and it is a great place to be," he smiled. "It is horse friendly, Patrick (Rodes) does a great job, everything seems to run well, and the horses like it."

Van Der Hoeven explained that he got the ride on eight-year-old Rosaria when her owner, Shipp, began college this fall. Shipp showed Rosaria in the Amateur-Owner Jumpers all summer, and Van Der Hoeven noted that today's course was perfect for the mare, describing her as "a fun speed horse to have in the barn."

"Conrad is one of the best," he added. "His courses are always good. He always looks out for the horse's welfare and his courses always seem to improve throughout the week. He was at Fleur de Lis for their grand prix last week and he is always a joy to get here in Texas."

Competition will continue tomorrow at the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show with the beginning of the Junior/Amateur-Owner and Adult Amateur Jumper competition. A $5,000 1.25m Jumper Classic will be the feature class of the afternoon. For more information on the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show, please visit www.southboundsshows.com.

For more information on Habitat for Horses please visit www.habitatforhorses.org.

Justin Boot Company® Launches Stampede Collection™

New product category appeals to retailers and consumers searching for great value

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Oct. 29, 2009) – Justin Boot Company®, a recognized leader in western and equine footwear, today announced the launch of a new line of western boots and workboots with “best in class” durability at a price point increasingly sought after by today’s consumer.

With the introduction of the Justin Boots Stampede™ Collection, the company with more than 130 years of boot-making experience offers the ultimate value: the right styles and the right features at the right price. The new boot collection combines performance-based quality and affordability, and caters to men and women ages 17 to 40. The collection will hit retail shelves in December and January.

No matter the wearing occasion – from the workday to the weekend – the Stampede Collection delivers superior quality and value to the consumer while providing strong sales potential to the retailer through increased margins. Closing a current retail gap, the Justin Boots Stampede Collection will retail from $99 to $159 and offers superior comfort, quality and value from a brand name known and trusted by retailers and shoppers alike.

“We are committed to becoming the western consumer’s complete footwear solution by providing a well-rounded selection of products from a brand name they love. Through extensive market research we’ve identified key price points that best fit today’s consumers’ needs,” said Randy Watson, president and CEO, Justin Brands, Inc. “With a focus on providing superior value, the Stampede Collection meets key function and comfort demands, offers innovative styling features, and is aimed to exceed our consumers’ and retail partners’ expectations.”

With five affordable product categories – Western, Punchy, Cattlemen, Tekno Crepe®, and Workboots – the Stampede Collection caters to a range of consumer performance needs by incorporating industry leading product features, functions and technologies. The comfort package of the Western, Punchy and Cattlemen styles includes perforated breathable cushion covers, sculptured EVA comfort footbed, bootmaker welt stitching, and high-density rubber performance outsoles. The Tekno Crepe series offers a flex-slotted lightweight midsole and authentic patented Justin Tekno Crepe® outsole. Available in both steel and non-steel toe, the Workboots provide extended safety and durability with multi-density inserts, enhanced performance storm welts, shock absorbing gel heel pads and slip and abrasion-resistant outsoles. Finally, the Justin Stabilization Technology™ and the J-Flex Flexible Comfort System® with triple-density insoles are present in every Stampede style.

Justin Boot Company is staged to implement a strategic marketing campaign focused on in-store point-of-sale, print advertising, advertising support materials, online communication via the Web site and a social media platform, brand-to-consumer e-newsletters and an opt-in segmented e-mailing system, and public relations outreach to support the launch. With a sound communications strategy the Stampede Collection will tout a long-lasting comfort and stability package alongside performance-based function, and above all else – value.

About Justin Boots®
Justin Brands, Inc., a recognized leader in western footwear, is a Berkshire-Hathaway corporation (NYSE: BRKa) and its divisions include Justin Boot Company, Tony Lama Company, Nocona Boot Company, Chippewa Boot Company and Justin Original Workboots.

Citizens call for immediate moratorium on wild horse round-ups

CHICAGO, (EWA) - The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA), an umbrella organization comprising over 60 member organizations, announced today it is joining the growing chorus calling for an immediate moratorium on the gathering of wild horses and burros by all government agencies. Already calling for a moratorium are The Cloud Foundation, The Animal Law Coalition and noted expert, wildlife ecologist, Craig Downer and Mustang author Deanne Stillman.

On October 7, Ken Salazar, head of the Department of Interior (DOI) and Bob Abbey, head of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), publicly admitted the deficiencies in the current management of the Wild Horse and Burro Program in announcing the development of a new plan. "The Salazar plan would simply throw the herds off of their historical Western lands set aside for them in the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act and put them into long term holding facilities which it renames "refuges" explains EWA's Vicki Tobin.

In an August letter to Bob Abbey, Congressmen Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) outlined the deficiencies in the current program over the past several years. To date, none of the deficiencies have been corrected and until range studies can be completed, there is no scientific evidence justifying the removal of wild horses and burros from the land. Following a GAO report in 2008 that found that the BLM did not have adequate funding to support the estimated 37,000 horses they had in holding pens, Congress generously increased their budget.

Instead of using the funding for its intended purpose, the BLM has intensified round-ups and has zeroed out many herds while leaving the remaining herds genetically unviable as a result of reduced numbers and mares that were given birth control. The increased round-ups are coming at time when there are more wild horses in holding pens than on the open range at a cost of millions of dollars to tax payers. "The huge number of horses being gathered is effectively guaranteeing a new and worse budget crisis in the immediate future" says EWA's John Holland.

As long suspected by many, the DOI/BLM is on a course to exterminate America's wild horses and burros. Cameron Bryce, a BLM ecologist was quoted in a recent follow up to George Knapp's KLAS-TV investigative report, Stampede to Oblivion as stating "Wild horses do not belong in western ecosystems," and that "The 1971 Horse and Burro Act was based on emotions, not science."

In a comparative analysis of free-roaming wild horses and burros in relation to habitat, wildlife and livestock populations, wild horses and burros populations pale in comparison. In most cases, the wild horses and burros are being removed in record numbers with no scientific evidence justifying the need for these removals. According to the BLM schedule, another 12,000 wild horses and burros are targeted for removal in 2010.

The cries of Americans to their elected officials, the White House and the DOI/BLM remain unanswered. Removing horses without scientific justification is in violation of the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act. The 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act is a law and Americans are demanding that instead of ignoring the law, the BLM enforce it. An immediate moratorium on round-ups must be issued until the range studies are completed and the discrepancies are resolved.
www.equinewelfarealliance.org
www.ahdf.org

Apply now to be APHA’s 2010 World Show artist

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Can you create an image of an American Paint Horse that captures the emotion that Paint enthusiasts feel for their breed? Or is your innovative use of color and technique one breath away from leaping off the canvas?

Then you may be a perfect fit for APHA’s next official World Championship Paint Horse Show Series artist. The Series consists of two premier horse shows held in Fort Worth, Texas. The Summer World Championship Show is set for June 23–July 3, 2010, and the Fall World Championship Show will be held November 4–13. The winning artist will receive $1,000 and a free booth at the Show their work is chosen for, plus the original work will be reproduced as a commemorative fine art print and appear on the cover of the official World Show Program.

Cindy Price of Bellaire, Michigan, won the inaugural competition in 2008 with a pastel drawing of 1987 palomino over stallion Robins Jag of Gold. Linda Massey, of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, won the 2009 art challenge. Her finished artwork consisted of a two-part mural featuring Paint Horses competing in different disciplines.

“Understanding equine body language can speak volumes, and I believe that in becoming a horseman to these great creatures, we have to learn to listen,” said APHA Art Director Art Vasquez. “We need an artist who can convey the communication we share with the American Paint Horse in their art—from the alert eyes and ears of a proud stallion to the calm and willing demeanor of a show horse.

“A old horseman’s saying goes, ‘A good rider can hear his horse speak to him, a great rider can hear his horse whisper, but a bad rider won't hear his horse even if it screams at him.’ We need an artist who not only knows the subtle cues that comprise equine communication, but also how to capture them in an artistic medium.”

To enter artwork or a portfolio into the contest to become APHA’s newest official World Show artist, provide the artist’s name and contact information, including e-mail, the art media used and the dimensions of the final artwork. The deadline for all submissions is January 22, 2010. Questions and digital submissions smaller than 3MB may be e-mailed to Patricia Hellam at phellam@apha.com. Larger or non-digital submissions may be mailed to:

American Paint Horse AssociationAttn: Patricia Hellam P.O. Box 961023 Fort Worth, Texas 76161

APHA will notify the winning artist and other entrants on February 5, and all mailed submissions will be returned shortly thereafter. The final World Show artwork is due April 16.

About APHA Since APHA was founded 47 years ago, it has registered nearly 1 million American Paint Horses at a rate of around 30,000 horses per year. The Association currently serves approximately 83,000 active members in 40 nations and territories. APHA works not only to record Paint Horse pedigrees, but also to preserve and promote the history, breeding, training, racing, showing, sales and enjoyment of American Paint Horses. For more information, visit apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.

Francesca and Maggie Jayne Claim Grand Champion Open Hunter Title at 126th National Horse Show

Syracuse, NY - October 29, 2009 - The 126th National Horse Show wrapped up the professional hunter divisions today in Syracuse, NY. Four championships were awarded, along with the Grand Champion Open Hunter and Leading Hunter Rider titles. Francesca, owned by Pony Lane Farm of Bluffdale, UT, and ridden by Maggie Jayne of Elgin, IL, were the Grand Hunter Champions after they won two hunter division championships. Jayne was named the Leading Hunter Rider.

The National Horse Show holds classes for hunters through Friday, October 30, and their highlight event, the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, will be held on Saturday, October 31. The 126th National Horse Show is featured at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, which holds jumpers classes through Sunday, November 1 in the War Memorial at the Oncenter Complex.

Jayne had an incredible two days with her hunters at the 126th National Horse Show. She and Francesca, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, finished as the Green Conformation and Regular Conformation Hunter champions. For their Green Conformation Hunter championship, they were presented with the "Call You Raise You" Challenge Trophy, donated by Mrs. Stephen Clark and Cismont Manor Farm. The reserve champion in the division was South Beach, ridden by Jennifer Alfano for Bright Star 158 LLC.

Francesca and Jayne swept the Regular Conformation Hunter division ribbons and won the Regular Conformation championship, for which they were presented with the German Challenge Trophy, donated by The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany. The sweep of all five blue ribbons easily gave them the Grand Champion Open Hunter title, and they were presented the "Isglide" Challenge Trophy, donated by Mr. and the late Mrs. Kenneth Wheeler.

Jayne said that Francesca has improved since two summers ago when her father Alex found the mare in Europe. "She's gotten better and quieter because she used to do a little bit of jumpers. I think she's in the routine. It's all about the program, and she's definitely got a nice, easy program. She doesn't take a lot of prep. We show her in a couple of divisions, and it's easy and nice."

Jayne was reserve champion in the Regular Conformation Hunters on Early Applause, also owned by Pony Lane Farm. Jayne noted, "It's great. The horses have been really solid. I'm excited for the owners, and for the horses to go this well."

This is Jayne's first hunter championship at the National Horse Show and feels that her wins here are "very special." She continued, "All the horses went great. I think to be leading rider you have to have a lot of horses, and they all consistently have to be to on your side or it's never going to happen."

Jayne was named the Leading Hunter Rider and won the Leading Hunter Rider Challenge Trophy, donated by Scott Stewart in memory of Mrs. Kenneth Wheeler - originally donated by Mr. and the late Mrs. Kenneth Wheeler.

Jennifer Alfano of Buffalo, NY, also had a great day in the hunter divisions. Starting out, she won the Green Working Hunter championship on Kid Rock, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC. They were presented with the "S. Craig Lindner Family" Challenge Trophy, donated by Craig and Frances Lindner, for their win in the stake class today. For the championship, they were awarded the "Ashford Castle" Challenge Trophy, donated by Craig and Frances Lindner. The reserve champion was Bengale, ridden by Jeffrey Ayers for Gerald A. Camera.

"I was thrilled with him," Alfano said of Kid Rock. "He started making a name for himself this summer, and he's just gotten better and better and better. I thought he was just incredible here, every class. He just went in every time as good as he could be. This summer, I said he was going to be one to keep your eye on and I think he's turning into that."

Alfano was most pleased about Kid Rock's maturity and development this year. "He's always had the ability, and he's incredibly scopey. He was just inconsistent and a little baby-ish," she explained. "This summer he has really grown up and sort of all of a sudden this light bulb when on, and he was like 'I want to win all the classes.' I'd like to say it was something I did, but it was on his own."

Alfano picked up the Regular Working Hunter championship on Kid Rock's "big brother," Rock Star, who is also owned by Bright Star 158 LLC. They finished the week with a win in the stake class. The reserve champion was Overseas, ridden by Hunt Tosh for Laura Wasserman.

"He just felt so great in the stake today," Alfano said. "I'm happy to have him, since a little over a year ago he had colic surgery and it was pretty bad. It's great just to have him back showing, and it's really special for me. He's always been a special horse, but to have him come back and be champion here is just amazing."

The 126th National Horse Show continues tomorrow with the conclusion of the amateur-owner hunter divisions and two championship presentations. The four junior hunter divisions wrap up on Friday. The ASPCA Maclay National Championship will run on Saturday, October 31.

For more information on the National Horse Show, please visit www.nhs.org. For more information on the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse tournament, please visit www.syracuseinvitational.com.

Kentucky Horse Park and World Games 2010 Foundation Unveil Equine Village Participants

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the Kentucky Horse Park today announced the first participants of the Equine Village, an exhibit area showcasing the equine industry through education, demonstrations and entertainment.

This major exhibition area will be a main spectator attraction during the 2010 Games, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October 10, 2010.

To date, 53 organizations and presenters have been selected for the Equine Village. Eighteen breed organizations are set to showcase their breeds and disciplines, including the American Paint Horse Association, which will have a special performance by Lynn Palm and Rugged Painted Lark.

Featured educational speakers include John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, Craig Cameron and others. They will demonstrate and discuss natural horsemanship, groundwork, and riding tips.

On the list to provide entertainment is Tomas Garcilazo, Tommy Turvey-Equine Extremest, the California Cowgirls Drill Team and several others. Entertainers will perform stunts, dances, tricks and other exciting demonstrations.

The Equestrian Federation of India, the Federation International Horse Ball and the United States Mounted Games Association will also present. For a full list of organizations and presenters, click here.

The Equine Village will be located in heart of the Kentucky Horse Park, in the outdoor show grounds, the Breeds Arena, and barns in the permanent exhibit areas of the park, and will include live horses and a hands-on activity center for children and families.

Initial plans for the Equine Village were conceived by the World Games 2010 Foundation staff. In an effort to provide the best range of educational and entertainment opportunities for spectators, planning has become a partnership, and the actual coordination of the Equine Village will now be handled by Kentucky Horse Park staff.

“We were overwhelmed with the number of responses we received from equine organizations that wanted to participate in educating Games’ spectators about the horse industry and all it comprises,” said Kathy Hopkins, Equine Operations Director at the Kentucky Horse Park and Equine Village Director for the 2010 Games. “We are thrilled to have such a wide representation of the industry in the Equine Village.”

All information regarding the Equine Village is available on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Web site at www.alltechfeigames.com. Equine organizations seeking involvement in the Equine Village can contact Layson Griffin at layson.griffin@ky.gov or at 859-948-5919

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 Bint Al Hussein of Jordan 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.

QuarterFest Dates Announced for 2010

Save the date to be part of the only equine expo that welcomes horses and their riders.

America’s Horse, October 29, 2009 – The 2010 QuarterFest has something for you and your horse April 30-May 2 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. QuarterFest isn’t your typical equine expo. At no other equine event can you bring your horse and participate in multiple clinics in a span of three days. So, gather your friends and load up your horses for the 2010 QuarterFest: A Celebration of the American Quarter Horse.

We’ll have clinics all weekend long, with AQHA professional horsemen and horsewomen who include Ken McNabb of Cody, Wyoming; Tammy Pate of Helena, Montana; Jeff Griffith of Bozeman, Montana; Christy Landwehr of Aurora, Colorado; Julie Goodnight of Poncha Springs, Colorado; and Bo Winslow of Estes Park, Colorado.

There will be a limited number of spots available for people to participate in clinics with their horses.

But you don’t have to have a horse to participate in all the activities. Equine enthusiasts, horseless spouses and kids are also welcome! There will be unlimited opportunities to attend clinics, seminars, demonstrations and contests, plus there’s a dedicated youth area to make it fun for everyone.

AQHA’s conservation section is also back. Many of you helped us build a bridge at the inaugural QuarterFest. Taking an active role in preserving access to places to ride, upholding the traditions of horse ownership and enjoyment in America, and educating horsemen on building, preserving and behaving properly on trails is critical to our breed and members. The conservation section will give our members leadership tools from AQHA in this crucial area.

If you missed QuarterFest 2009, check out the coverage on the Web at americashorsedaily.com/quarterfest-day-1/.

Come to learn. Come to make friends. Come for the entertainment. But most of all, come to honor your horse. Details will be available online soon at www.aqha.com/QuarterFest, and tickets go on sale January 4, 2010. If you’re an AQHA member, you’ll be eligible for reduced admission at QuarterFest. So save the date – April 30-May 2 – and make sure your AQHA membership is up to date.

QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, April 30-May 2 for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – Tractor Supply Co., B&W Trailer Hitches, John Deere, Justin Boots, Merial, Nutrena, Professional’s Choice, Bank of America, Montana Silversmiths, Farnam and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.

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.

Famous Shock Absorbing ThinLine® Products Now Available World Wide

Durham, NC (October 29, 2009) – Equestrians in the United States have come to rely on products from ThinLine© -- a company known for their technologically advanced shock absorbing saddle pads that give both horse and rider a better ride. Now available throughout the world, equestrians can benefit from ThinLine’s famous technology, as ThinLine distributors are available in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden, United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, and Singapore. More countries in central Europe will be carrying ThinLine products every month.

“It’s been an exciting process to watch ThinLine develop an international clientele,” said Elaine Lockhead, President of ThinLine. “We now have distributors in New Zealand and Australia and we have recently obtained exclusive shops in countries such as France and the Czech Republic. And we have more European countries soon to sign on.”

ThinLine, which began with their well-known saddle pads, has expanded to include products that range from saddle pads and boots to a complete line of tack. The ThinLine foam is made in the United States and is supple, lightweight, and breathable. The foam features no slip, pressure distributing properties and has multiple benefits and no drawbacks.

Lockhead, an equestrian who spent her early career in advertising, came across ThinLine by accident after she left the corporate world and started riding Lipizzaners. “I was riding these wonderful baroque horses, but was having a horrible time with saddle slippage and had resorted to using foregirths and cruppers, which the horses hated,” Lockhead said. “I was riding at a barn where I came across an old piece of ThinLine so I tried it. Voila! No more saddle slippage.”

As it turns out this was just one of many benefits. “As I continued to use the product I noticed how much better my horse was going and how much it easier it was to sit the trot. I discovered that ThinLine was no longer available, I have been a rider most of my life and had never seen a product do so much as a ThinLine saddle pad could do, and all without any negatives.” Lockhead added.

Lockhead contacted the former owners and arranged to buy ThinLine Inc. “The response from riders was immediate and so overwhelmingly positive,” Lockhead said. “ThinLine pads are different from other pads because they incorporate a unique, open cell technology that moves shock, weight and heat laterally along the pad without compressing. The result is 95% shock absorption in a wafer thin product.”

Lockhead added that the technology of the product encourages your horse to move through his back. “We get calls and emails literally everyday with stories of how ThinLine saddle pads have improved their horse’s movement or their ability to sit their horse’s gaits. These riders tell us they have little or no back pain and that their horses are working better and happier. Communication between horse and rider greatly improves with ThinLine. It’s exciting to think riders all over the world will now be able to drop by their own tack store and buy ThinLine products.”

Five years later the data is in and what drove Lockhead to commit everything to this product is no longer a gut instinct. “With or without saddle fitting shims ThinLine creates a better saddle fit, reduces rider impact, and increases performance in every breed and discipline of horses.” Lockhead said.

For more information on ThinLine and their products, visit their website at www.thinlineinc.com or call 1-888-401-9101.

SALES OF PATRIOTIC DOG TOY FROM MY GOOD DOG GENERATE SIGNIFICANT DONATION TO PROVIDE SERVICE DOGS TO VETERANS

Red, white and blue Chewy Shoe rubber dog toy’s sales helping fund “Dog Tags” program to serve Iraq and Afghanistan vets

NORTH BROOKFIELD, Mass. – September 14, 2009 – My Good Dog, designer and manufacturer of Vibram® Pet Products, announces that the five months of sales of its Chewy Shoe dog toy, a red, white and blue Vibram® natural rubber shoe sole, have generated more than $36,000 in donations to “Dog Tags: Service dogs for those who’ve served us,” a program to train and provide service dogs to injured U.S. veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Chewy Shoe was first launched in early May of 2009 in partnership with online dog product retailer FetchDog. Two dollars from every Chewy Shoe purchase are donated to the Dog Tags program. Service dogs provided through the Dog Tags program, started in 2006, are trained by inmates in New York City-area correctional institutions as part of the Puppies Behind Bars initiative.

“The proceeds from sales of the Chewy Shoe are helping us continue the important work of supporting our veterans,” said Gloria Gilbert Stoga, founder and president of Puppies Behind Bars. “I have learned a lot about dogs and even more about the human spirit through our program. The joy that comes from working with these dogs – both for the inmate trainers and the eventual companions – has been incredible to witness.”

The specially trained golden and Labrador retrievers can perform tasks such as opening and closing doors, assisting with grocery shopping and retrieving food from the refrigerator. For veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the dogs are trained to remind their companions to take medications and to help them cope with anxiety as they proceed through their daily routines.

“It is a privilege to support the Dog Tags program to honor the sacrifices that our military veterans have made,” said Luke Pfeifle, vice president of sales for My Good Dog. “Every sale of our red, white and blue Chewy Shoe toy is a thank-you from us and from pet owners to our courageous men and women in the military. We look forward to continuing our support for Dog Tags and our veterans.”

The Chewy Shoe, made from the same molds used to make the soles of military boots, features all natural, non-toxic rubber and has a sturdy mountaineering rope lanyard for tugging and throwing fun. The Chewy Shoe has a suggested retail price of $16.00.

About My Good Dog, LLC


My Good Dog partners with forward-thinking companies to produce innovative products that make training and playing with pets a fun and enjoyable experience – for both the owner and the pet. These include Vibram® balls, sticks, discs and the Shooey Chewie sole, which are all molded in the USA. The rubber used is compliant with California’s stringent Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 better known as California Prop 65. The company is based in North Brookfield, Mass. and sells its products nationally and internationally through a network of selected distributors and authorized dealers. It was founded in 2005 by Luke Pfeifle and Alan DiSoto, whose experience in the shoe industry enables them to incorporate high performance components and technology into pet products that are safety-certified with customer satisfaction guaranteed. In 2008, My Good Dog became a division of Quabaug Corporation with Luke Pfeifle named Vice President of Sales for the division. Quabaug Corporation is a manufacturer of Vibram soles and other high quality rubber products. For more information, visit www.mygooddog.com or call 207-221-2929.

Christy Scotch and Kontessa Win Equilite Sponsored Intermediaire I At Wellington Challenge of Champions

West Palm Beach, FL (October 29, 2009) – Christy Scotch and her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Kontessa rode away the winners of the Intermediaire I class at the at Wellington Classic Dressage’s Autumn Challenge of Champions, held in conjunction with the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships. The Intermediaire I class was sponsored by Equilite and Scotch took home a giant tote bag filled with Equilite products, including the award-winning Sore No More products and Botanical Animal Flower Essences.

Scotch, who is from Birmingham, Alabama, has done most of Kontessa’s training on her own. “I started off as a cowgirl and then got Kontessa when she was four years old. My farrier helped me at my first show and we rode training level. We won the high score at that first show and decided we might like this,” Scotch said.

While Scotch works hard on her own, she said she has been fortunate to take lessons over the years with Jason Canton and Conrad Schumacher. “This was my second time to ride in the Intermediaire I and it was a solid ride,” she said.

Scotch, who is already a big fan of Sore No More, said she is looking forward to trying the other Equilite products she won. “It’s exciting that Christy already uses Sore No More,” said Stacey Small of Equilite. “She will love trying out the other products in our Sore No More family as well as our line of herbal supplement blends.”

Sore No More, which has twice been voted Product of the Year by the Horse Journal, is an all-natural arnica herbal horse liniment which features a blend of Witch Hazel, Arnica and other herbs developed to reduce muscle fatigue, bruising, swelling and related soreness. Equilite’s Sore No More family of products includes Sore No More Liniment, Gelotion, Cooling Clay Poultice, Massage Shampoo, The Sauce and Sports Salve.

Equilite also prides itself on its Herbal Blends which include Ani-Motion, Bleeders Blend, Garlic+C, Fly Away Garlic, Equinacea, Four Hoofs, RelaxBlend, RelaxHer Blend, Relax Blend Valerian Free, PrePro and Sow Your Seeds Pasture Blend. Equilite also produces Botanical Animal Flower Essences which are a favorite among riders all across the country.

For more information on Equilite products, which are part of the Arenus family of products, visit their website at www.equilite.com or call 1-800-942-5483

Sandy Osborne and Plato Carlos Win Sho Clothes Sponsored Intermediaire II at Wellington Classic Autumn Challenge of Champions Show

West Palm Beach, FL (October 29, 2009) – Sandy Osborne and her Dutch gelding Plato Carlos won the Intermediaire II class, sponsored by Sho Clothes, at the Wellington Classic Dressage’s Autumn Challenge of Champions show, held in conjunction with the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships. Thanks to a solid ride, Osborne rode away with a Sho Clothes embroidered fly scrim featuring the Sho Clothes Wonderful Walden logo.

Osborne is a rider, trainer, instructor, judge and writer based out of After the Fox Farm in Madison, Georgia. A USEF “R” judge, as well as a USDF Gold and Silver medalist, Osborne was happy with her ride on the 12-year-old Plato Carlos.

“I was pleased with the fact that it had no mistakes,” Osborne said. “It was a little on the conservative side so we will need to create more power and brilliance to get higher scores, but we had positive comments form the judges, so I am pleased.”

Osborne said she is already a fan of Sho Clothes boutique, and thanked them for sponsoring the class. “I went shopping and bought something at Sho Clothes before my class,” Osborne said, adding that the embroidered scrim will be put to good use on Plato Carlos.

Sho Clothes, an upscale dressage boutique in Wellington, specializes in the latest and most fashionable dressage apparel for show and play. Co-owned by Betsy Rebar Sell and Michele Hundt, Sho Clothes has served the dressage community since 2001. They feature a fashionable and fun boutique in Wellington and a mobile boutique that attends the horse shows.

Hundt, an accomplished art director, designed the Sho Clothes logo after Rebar Sell’s horse Wonderful Walden. Rebar Sell and Wonderful Walden were Gold Medalists at the Pan Am Games. Both Rebar Sell and Hundt are committed to providing top quality merchandise, uncompromising customer service and making a difference in the dressage community by sponsoring events and shows, such as the Intermediaire II class.

The Sho Clothes Sho Room, located at 3220 Fairlane Farms Road in Wellington, boasts a wide variety of the finest dressage riding clothes, apparel, jewelry and dressage accessories available. Sho Clothes also hosts a monthly get together for dressage riders called “Shop Talk,” which has become a hot spot for riders to gather to learn from top professionals in the equine industry.

For more information on Sho Clothes call 561-319-2121 or visit their website at www.shoclothes.com.

Kerensa Muller Wins Trilogy Saddle “Best Seat” Award at Dressage Challenge of Champions

Wellington, FL (October 27, 2009) – Kerensa Muller rode away the winner of the Trilogy Dressage Saddle “Best Seat” Award at Wellington Classic Dressage’s Autumn Challenge of Champions, held in conjunction with the USDF Region 3 Championships, thanks to an impressive ride on her mare Fantassia. Muller and the gray 18.1 hand, seven-year-old Hanoverian mare drew the attention of the Trilogy selection committee during the show held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center to take home the “Best Seat” Award.

“What an exciting experience to win this award,” Muller said. “I ride one of my horses in training in a Trilogy saddle. The Trilogy is very supportive of my leg and gives my leg a nice grip on the saddle and the horse.”

Muller, a renowned dressage trainer based in Wellington, Florida, was born and raised in Holland where she trained under the tutelage of Sjef Janssen for three years. Muller said she believes her strong seat developed during her early days on the back of a pony. “For seven years I rode my pony bareback and it helped develop my seat and balance,” she said.

The Trilogy “Best Seat” Award is presented to the rider that best fits the following three criteria: effective secure seat; well-fitting saddle that enhances performance for horse and rider; and overall performance on the horse. Debbie Witty, President of Trilogy Dressage Saddles, said she looks forward to presenting the award during the winter dressage season in Wellington, Florida. “It is an opportunity to recognize riders and the importance of well-fitting equipment,” she said.

Witty, a qualified saddle fitter from the Society of Master Saddlers of England, has spent years helping top riders such as Debbie McDonald, Shannon Peters, Courtney King-Dye, George Williams and Guenter Seidel with their saddle fitting needs. Trilogy Dressage Saddles are built in England by some of the most experienced craftsmen in the world. They feature a British tree made of laminated Beechwood, and a specially tanned hide from England that offers the rider an elastic broken-in feel. For more information on Trilogy Saddles or their sponsored riders, visit their website at www.trilogysaddles.com.

HITS Purchases Machine to Help Create Unique and New Jumps for Horse Shows

Saugerties, NY - October 28, 2009 - HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that they have recently purchased a machine that will help them create new and unique jumps for their show facilities. Their winter show facilities include the HITS Desert Horse Park, which is home to the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA, for six weeks of competition from January 26 to March 14, and the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, FL, where the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will run from January 19 to March 21.

HITS is constantly making improvements to their show facilities, and their new Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Router, a computer controlled wood-cutting machine, will enable HITS to make new designs for their jumps, including precision die-cuts for all sorts of shapes and even logos. The machine can cut any image or shape loaded into the computer, and it will also save templates so that a file can be opened and made easily from a previously used design. The precision cuts and intricate designs will help HITS make new, creative, and custom-made jumps for both the jumper and hunter rings starting with the circuits in Ocala, FL, Culpeper, VA and Saugerties, NY.
HITS is excited that their new machine will enable them to do more jump design in-house and help them repair jumps more easily. This will be a great addition to the jumps that HITS already has and will complement what HITS receives from their loyal suppliers.
Sponsors who support the HITS show circuits will have more options on jump designs, and HITS will now be able to offer custom-made jumps in sponsor packages to offer them more exposure.
The CNC Router will be housed at the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, FL, and a team of HITS employees will be trained in how to use it. That team is led by HITS Ocala Winter Circuit manager Jerry Dougherty.
"The new machine gives a lot more variety to what we can build for jumps, so that we'll be able to have some different looks for different rings," Dougherty explained. "It's an upgrade and allows us more freedom in design. We're not reinventing jumps, but we're just trying to expand our horizons beyond what we've done in the past. It's a customer service business, and every little upgrade we can have helps out a bit to make sure we're doing our best for our customers."

At the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, there are eight weeks of competition, and many exhibitors have noted that it would be nice to have a change in jumps during the circuit. This is a request that HITS is addressing this year. Dougherty expressed, "We have 12 rings in Ocala, so that's a tremendous amount of jumps at one facility. We want to make it a more interesting environment for everybody, especially with a longer circuit like Ocala. Adding new jumps to change out later in the circuit is one way that we can do that."
In addition to HITS Ocala, new jumps will be brought to other HITS circuits. "All of this will take a while," Dougherty pointed out. "You won't see a 100 percent change at every show this year, and we're going to have to learn on the fly. Eventually, we'll have different sets of jumps at hopefully every facility, and more jumps that are unique to that facility. It won't look exactly like it did last year."

Two classes sure to get some of these newly designed jumps in 2010 are the new $10,000 HITS 3'3" Hunter Derbies, which will take place in both Thermal and Ocala, and the big $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix, which will take place on September 12 in Saugerties, NY.

"In addition to being able to provide an overall facelift to our courses, this machine will enable us to do some really special things for our new 3'3" Hunter Derby and, of course, the $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO.

He continued, "These are both exciting new events, and we plan to treat them that way. The $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix, and even some of the Qualifying Grand Prix classes leading up to that class, will have some very distinctive jumps. The course designer for the $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix, Steve Stephens, is especially excited about the machine. In fact, he's already working on the course design for that class. We plan to unveil a pretty unique set for that event."

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.

HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS will take the industry to new heights when it hosts the $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.

BILL FARISH JOINS LENNY SHULMAN AND STEVE HASKIN ON “AND THEY’RE OFF” ON BLOODHORSE.COM

General Manager of Lane’s End has harsh words for his fellow Republicans who are members of the Kentucky state legislature.

Lexington, Ky. — The Oct. 28 edition of “And They’re Off” features an in-depth interview with Lane’s End Farm general manager Bill Farish, who is helping lead the drive to get expanded gambling approved in Kentucky. On the video, Farish details the losses being experienced by Kentucky due to surrounding states augmenting their racing purses and breeders and owners incentives with revenue from video lottery terminals and slot machines. He also calls out members of the state legislature who he feels have dug in against passing legislation that would help one of the state’s signature industries compete on a level playing field. Don’t miss this straight-shooting and frank interview on “And They’re Off.” This edition will be available on BloodHorse.com later this evening.

“And They’re Off” is a bi-monthly online video series produced by Blood-Horse Publications, hosted by veteran Blood-Horse turf writers Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin and is sponsored by Darby Dan Farm.

To view this video on BloodHorse.com, look for “And They’re Off” in the featured videos bar on the BloodHorse.com home page or click on “Videos” in the left-hand navigation menu and go to the “And They’re Off” section in the video portal.

About BloodHorse.com:
BloodHorse.com was voted the #1 horse industry Web site in 2007, 2005, and 2002 by the American Horse Publications Association, and was previously selected as a Top Seven Equestrian Web site by Forbes magazine. It is the preferred choice of industry professionals and racing enthusiasts alike for up-to-the-minute racing news and information. From award-winning, comprehensive editorial to fan-favorite Breeders’ Cup and Triple Crown Mania channels and the engaging BloodHorse.com “Talkin’ Horses” weekly feature, there is something for all Thoroughbred racing professionals and enthusiasts. BloodHorse.com is operated by Blood-Horse Publications, the Thoroughbred industry’s foremost publishing company. Blood-Horse Publications also publishes The Blood-Horse, the leading weekly Thoroughbred racing and breeding news and information magazine; the award-winning The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care, a monthly equine health care magazine; The Blood-Horse Marketwatch, a newsletter for Thoroughbred investors; the official Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup magazines; Auction Edge; and the award-winning Keeneland magazine. In addition, Blood-Horse Publications also publishes equine-related books and videos under the Eclipse Press banner, and operates a family of award-winning Web sites including TheHorse.com, StallionRegister.com, ExclusivelyEquine.com, the official store of Blood-Horse Publications, and TrueNicks.com.

Trainers Needed for Northwest Extreme Mustang Makeover! $10,000 purse!

YIKES! We are getting down to the wire for trainers to apply for the 2010 Northwest Extreme Mustang Makeover.

WE NEED 40 TRAINERS TO APPLY to be considered a viable event... so far we have fewer than 12. WHOA. We have a long way to go here folks!!!!

Please consider being a trainer for this year's EMM in Albany, Oregon. It is a fabulous opportunity to get your name out there as a horse trainer, and to showcase the mustang....

Trainers will pick up their mustangs (geldings, between 3-5 years of age) at the Corral Facility in Hines the first week of December.... then compete for $10,000 in cash at the March 19-12 Northwest Horse Fair and Expo in Albany. For those of you who joined us last year, it was a WONDERFUL event...

TO APPLY, GO TO: http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com/northwestmakeover.php

THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST! GO MUSTANGS!

p.s. just for fun...since emails with pictures are just plain better...here's a glimpse at a handsome strawberry roan from the Beatys Butte heard that I just posted on the internet. ENJOY!

Francesca Takes the Blue Ribbon in Eight Classes for Opening Day of 126th National Horse Show

Syracuse, NY - October 28, 2009 - The 126th National Horse Show opened up competition today at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament in Syracuse, NY. The National Horse Show holds classes for hunters through Friday, October 30, and their highlight event, the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, will be held on Saturday, October 31. The Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament holds jumpers classes through Sunday, November 1 in the War Memorial at the Oncenter Complex.

"We are very excited to start competition for the 126th National Horse Show," said National Horse Show Association of America President, Mason Phelps Jr. "We have a fantastic roster of top hunters here this year, and we look forward to watching the rest of the week."

Francesca, owned by Pony Lane Farm of Bluffdale, UT, was the big winner today in the hunter classes. Francesca and Maggie Jayne of Our Day Farm in Elgin, IL, won seven classes, including the Green Conformation and Regular Conformation Model, under saddle, and over fences classes, and were presented with the "Yvonne Schulthess" Memorial Challenge Trophy, donated by Miss Lynn Schulthess and Mrs. Lane Schultess Douglas for the over fences class and the "Eleanora R. Sears" Memorial Challenge Trophy, donated by Madame Marie V. Gendron.

For their win in the Regular Conformation Model, they were presented with the "Stocking Stuffer" Challenge Trophy, donated by the late Mr. August A. Busch, Jr. They also led the jog in the Regular Conformation Handy Hunter class. The Regular Conformation Hunter division is presented by Kenneth Wheeler and Family. With junior rider Samantha Schaefer, Francesca was second over fences and won the under saddle in the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters. Jayne won the remaining Green Conformation Hunter Handy class on Early Applause, another Pony Lane Farm entry.

Other winners in the professional hunter divisions include Bright Star 158 LLC's Kid Rock and Jennifer Alfano, who triumphed in both Green Working Hunter over fences classes in the division presented by Kermit and Jenny Sutton and Neopolitan Holding. Alfano also won both Regular Working Hunter over fences classes in the division presented by Brookway Stables: the first class on Rock Star, who won the "Captain Flash" Challenge Trophy, donated by Mr. E.S. Kardon and the late Mrs. Kardon. She won the Regular Working handy class on Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms, and was presented with the "Edyth B. Lindner" Challenge Trophy, donated by Craig and Frances Lindner. Chapman, ridden by Peter Lombardo and owned by Jane Fraze, won the Regular Working Hunter under saddle and was presented with the "Bararia" Challenge Trophy, donated by Stoney Hill.

In the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters, presented in part by Virginia Fout in honor of Paul and Eve Fout, Nijinski and Darby Toben were victorious over fences, and Lauren Vogel on Fidelity won the under saddle.

In a repeat from last year, Ellen Toon and Invincible won the Amateur-Owner Over 35 Hunter jumping class in the division presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare. Their top performance earned them the "Automation-Model Cadet" Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mrs. Stephen C. Clark, Jr. and the late Mr. Clark, Jr.

Ferngully and Taylor Ann Adams won the over fences and Shawn Casady on Epic took the blue ribbon under saddle in the Small Junior 15 & Under Hunters. In the Small Junior 16-17 Hunters, Danielle Cooper with Amalfi topped the over fences class, while Amber Henter and Pringle won the under saddle. In the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters, presented by Suzanne Marquard, Jennifer Waxman and Vida Blue won over fences, while Laura King with Pharrell captured the blue under saddle.

The four professional hunter divisions will finish competition tomorrow with their stake classes and will be awarded championships, while the junior and amateur-owner hunters continue competition and finish on Friday.

For more information on the National Horse Show, please visit www.nhs.org. For more information on the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse tournament, please visit www.syracuseinvitational.com.

Versatile Outerwear from Ariat Offers More Ways To Extend Your Winter Wardrobe

Get More Bang for Your Buck with Reversible Vests and Combination Jackets

Union City, Calif. October 28, 2009 – Get twice as many compliments with Ariat’s new outerwear options for fall and winter.

“Riders’ need for versatility has inspired us to create these multi-use pieces, which we have engineered for easy care, all-day comfort and true value,” said Megan Iwersen, Ariat’s vice president of apparel. “Our 2009 collection focuses on the essential building blocks for a well-performing winter wardrobe.”

Featured multiple-use items from Ariat’s outerwear collection include:
· The women’s Nord 3-in-1 Jacket, which features a durable waterproof breathable nylon shell over a removable fleece liner for three combinations of protection against the elements
· The reversible women’s Norwood Vest, constructed of a light polyester shell that is quilted with insulation to a snuggly fleece interior for coverage that is twice as nice; reverses to a contrast color for two different looks in one!
· The multitasking Creekside Vest, the men’s reversible version of the Norwood, which also features contrast colors in a polyester shell quilted with insulation and a cozy fleece liner for double the wardrobe options


“Our combination outerwear pieces give you more options with which to extend your wardrobe without straining your wallet this season,” said Iwersen. “It is important that we give our consumers pieces like these that are high quality, trend-right and versatile.”


About Ariat International, Inc.
Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com.

Official Apparel Supplier of the U.S. Equestrian Federation

Official Boot of the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR)

Official Apparel and Footwear Sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Bitless Starter KIT for the Practical Horseman

Bitless riding can be a safer more fun experience for horse and rider with the right equipment and techniques. Missy Wryn has put together a Bitless Riding KIT for the Practical Horseman which includes her innovative All-In-One Training Halter Bitless Bridle and Training the Whole Horse® DVD Series for only $79.95 which is a savings of over $19!!! Available exclusively online at www.MissyWryn.com or call (503) 630-3744 for a FREE catalog.

Missy Wryn is the founder of Training the Whole Horse®, IRON FREE Riding, and HorseMAREship plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Training Halter Bitless Bridle. Professional trainer Missy Wryn developed Training the Whole Horse® on the foundation of Do No Harm creating instinct based SAFER trusting relationships with horses. Check Missy’s schedule for appearances and lectures in your area at www.MissyWryn.com or call 503-630-3744.

Judgement ISF's Career to be Celebrated During the Syracuse Invitational

Coatesville, PA---For more than a decade, Judgement ISF has thrilled the show jumping world, amassing nearly $1.5 million in prize money. Bred in the United States at Iron Spring Farm, Judgement ISF is the winningest North American-bred showjumper in history. During his career, he represented the U.S.A. on many winning Nations Cup teams and won Grand Prix at the world's most prestigious horse shows. Now 18 years old, a celebration of Judgement's career is planned at the Syracuse Invitational on Sunday, November 1, 2009 during the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup. Judgement's many fans will have the opportunity to reflect on his accomplishments as an athlete, as well as what his success signifies for American breeders.

"Judgement has been a horse of a lifetime," says breeder and owner Mary Alice Malone. "I'm incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful horse. It's the combination of having the right horse, recognizing the talent and putting him with people that have nurtured that talent."

Malone realized early on that Judgement was more than the average horse. "When I saw him jumping in preparation for a keuring, I knew he had more talent than any horse I had ever seen," she recalls. The decision was made to send the stallion for further training with Olympian Michael Matz. "I liked Michael very much as a person and knew he'd be fair to the horse," Malone explains. "I knew he would take his time and let Judgement develop at his own speed." The pair was very successful; what came next made Judgement a horse for the record books.

When Matz retired from showjumping, Beezie and John Madden continued Judgement's career with great success. Among the more than 20 international victories:

$65,000 Esso Challenge, 2009

$100,000 Encana Cup, 2008

$175,000 Nexen Cup Derby, 2008, 2007

Samsung Super League Hickstead Nations Cup, 2007

$175,000 Shell Cup Derby, 2006

$50,000 Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup, 2008, 2006

$1,000,000 CN International, 2005

$60,000 Budweiser Prix de Penn National, 2002

Judgement ISF was awarded the National Champion title at Spruce Meadows on four separate occasions and received the coveted Showjumper of the Year award from The Chronicle of the Horse in 2005.


For Malone, the entire experience has been extraordinary. "Winning the $1,000,000 CN International was a thrilling moment. All of his wins have been amazing, but it is the magical connection between Judgement and Beezie that has made the experience special for me."

Beezie and Judgement's success built a fan base around the world. In September the pair were honored at Spruce Meadows in a heartfelt tribute to one of the most decorated horses ever to compete at the venue.

Now Judgement ISF will be honored at the Syracuse Invitational, where he has led the victory gallop on numerous occasions. A tribute video and a look back at his career are among the planned festivities. The impressive stallion is also being honored with the creation of the Judgement ISF Perpetual Trophy, which will be awarded to the best horse in the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup, a three-round competition that was one of Judgement's favorite competitions. Round One is a speed round. Round Two is a Four-Bar competition, in which Judgment set the 6'3" record in 2007. Round Three is a traditional Grand Prix. The horse with most points after all three phases will win the Judgement ISF Perpetual Trophy.

"We are happy to create this award in Judgement's honor," Malone says. "He's an incredible horse and this trophy recognizes other equine athletes."

For more information on Judgement ISF, visit www.ironspringfarm.com.

About Iron Spring Farm
For more than 30 years, Iron Spring Farm has been importing and breeding high quality sport horses. Iron Spring stands nearly a dozen warmblood and Friesian stallions and offers programs to help breeders produce, raise and market exceptional athletes of their own. Visit www.ironspringfarm.com for complete information.

Dallas Harvest Horse Show Features Course Designs by Conrad Homfeld

Tyler, TX - October 28, 2009 - The Dallas Harvest Horse Show got underway today with hunter and jumper action at the beautiful Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas. This year's competition will feature a $5,000 Jumper Classic and the $25,000 Harvest Grand Prix. Riders showing in this year's events will have the opportunity to compete over courses designed by Olympic medalist Conrad Homfeld. The Dallas Harvest Horse Show benefits Habitat for Horses, and will run through November 1, 2009.

Homfeld is one of the most distinguished riders of the 1980s, having won two World Cup Finals, and earning the Individual Silver and Team Gold during the 1984 Olympics. Since retiring from riding and training, Homfeld has become a world-renowned course designer. He has designed for the FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, NV, twice and next year he will be designing the courses at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with Richard Jefferies.

"Designing courses gives me a connection to the horse world that I would not have otherwise," noted Homfeld. "After I stopped riding this sort of took over for me. It gives me the chance to exercise myself as a horseman, without actually having a horse or a stable. It's a huge responsibility because you must create a fair and appropriate test, while at the same time considering the safety of the horse and rider."

Homfeld is a Texas native, and he was thrilled to have the opportunity to design courses at the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show. "I have never been to this facility before," he explained. "I've been wanting to do it for awhile, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity. The countryside is beautiful here, and this is an excellent facility."

For this week's course Homfeld has a plan, but he admits that it will change as the week progresses. "One of the things I like about this is that you can have a plan, but everything is very fluid," he said. "You have the course that you think you are going to do, but then you size up the competition and react to changes in weather, so your plan has to be open to change."

"Course designers all have our version of the standard, classic riding tests, and we all execute the tests in different ways," continued Homfeld. "During the sizing up process I'm trying to think about how I am going to apply these tests, to what extent, and at what point, and a lot of that requires judgment at the moment."

Each year the Dallas Harvest Horse Show benefits Habitat for Horses, an equine protection organization. Habitat for Horses has been in operation for the past 11 years fulfilling its mission to assist distressed horses and provide a safe and secure home while rehabilitating them for adoption.

Homfeld supports the mission of Habitat for Horses and enjoys seeing a horse show benefit an excellent cause. "I think that it is a very nice thing," he expressed. "I think it is good to help horses that are in distress and it is nice to be involved with a horse show that supports such a dedicated organization."

The Dallas Harvest Horse Show will continue tomorrow with the completion of the professional hunter divisions and the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions. The Grand Prix Ring will feature the $3,000 Nordic Lights Welcome Stake. This week's highlights events are the $10,000 2009/2010 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $5,000 Jumper Classic held on October 30, as well as the $25,000 Harvest Grand Prix held on November 1, 2009.

For more information on the 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show and to view the prizelist, please visit www.southboundsshows.com.

For more information on Habitat for Horses please visit www.habitatforhorses.org.

Event Program Announced for USET Foundation Fundraiser

Wellington, FL - October 28, 2009 - The program for the USET Foundation Holiday Gala Fundraiser is shaping up to be big as many of the country's top riders have now signed on to participate. A pioneer among women in the equine industry, Lynn Palm Pittion-Rossillon, has announced that she will perform her famous Bridleless Musical Exhibition during the weekend's events. German vaulter Kai Vorberg has also been added to the list of participants and will perform an exciting vaulting demonstration. SUCCEED® and Wellington Classic Dressage will be hosting the Holiday Gala Fundraiser on December 11 & 12, 2009, to benefit the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. The venue for the fundraiser will be the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

AQHA champion and trainer Lynn Palm has built an immensely successful career with a wide spectrum of abilities and experiences. While perhaps best known for her work with the two-time Superhorse champion, Rugged Lark, Lynn has created a legacy of training and showing an unmatchable cadre of outstanding performance horses. Breaking the mold of the age-old adage, "those who can't do, teach" Lynn Palm is an all-around western and English horsewoman and a legend in her own time.

Palm has an outstanding list of achievements to her name, the most notable of which include: 34 Reserve and World Championships; Four Superhorse Championships; AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year; over 50 special bridleless exhibitions with the legendary Rugged Lark at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, National Horse Show, The Washington International Horse Show and the International World Cup; 2003 Equine Affaire Exceptional Equestrian Educator Award Winner; 2006 AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year; and Named 2000 AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation.

Palm and Rugged Painted Lark, by the world-famous Rugged Lark, have been chosen to perform their Bridleless Musical Exhibition at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on October 2-9, 2010 in Lexington, KY, and will be previewing that performance at the USET Foundation Holiday Gala Fundraiser. Within a 12-minute performance, Palm includes elements of dressage, reining and jumping to showcase the beauty, amazing athleticism and outstanding ability of this young horse.

"We do one song in the western saddle with reining and dressage movements, then switch to the hunt seat saddle and do dressage and jumping movements without the bridle," she explained. "It is very unique and we are very proud to showcase the unique abilities of western, dressage, and jumping as well as demonstrate dressage principles that apply to all disciplines. Most of all we are very proud to show a happy horse while performing!"

"I am proud to be a part of a very special event to support our finest horse and rider teams in their gold medal quest at the World Equestrian Games," Palm added.

Along with her unique performance, Palm will also be donating an autographed 2007 Breyerfest Celebration Horse Limited Edition Rugged Painted Lark model to the auction.

The two newest additions to the Holiday Gala roster are Kai Vorberg and Templeton Thompson. Vorberg is a German vaulter who also has many great accomplishments to his name. Vorberg is a two-time World Champion (2004 and 2006), two-time European Champion (2005 and 2007), seven-time German champion (2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009), four-time Vice Champion, Vice World Champion in 2008, has a total of 11 medals at World and European championships, and has led the world rankings for three years. Singer/songwriter Templeton Thompson is one of Nashville's most sought-after session vocalists and she has performed on stage for audiences across the US, in Europe and in Japan. Her love for horses along with her passion for music has made Templeton a favorite at major horse expos as well as National and International horse events. Templeton will be performing songs from her "Girls & Horses" CD as well as her new and soon to be released "Life on Planet Cowgirl" CD.

Other events on the fundraiser program include: Pony Club Mounted Games featuring Gina Miles, Cathy Wieschhoff, Hawley Bennett, Karen O'Connor and Jeanne Lambrecht and more; a Dressage Pas de Deux featuring Monty Roberts (the man who listens to horses) and Courtney King Dye (2008 Dressage Olympian); a Freestyle Dressage to Music presentation by Pierre St. Jacques riding Lucky Tiger; a showcase of reining and Join-up from the saddle featuring Monty Roberts; dressage Commentary by Rolex World Cup Dressage winner and 2008 Olympian Steffen Peters, featuring demonstration riders Kim Gentry and Stephan Kiesewetter, a Showjumping Pas de Deux featuring Kate Levy and 2008 Olympian Samantha St. Jacques; a book signing by renowned bestselling suspense author Tami Hoag; a Small World Showcase featuring miniature horses and Shetland ponies; "Finding the Courage Within" presented by Jeanne Lambrecht; a Grand Finale featuring four-in-hand champion Chester Weber, driving the surprise celebrity equestrian Santa into the arena. Who could Santa be?

Along with the exciting equestrian performances, the Holiday Gala will feature a catered VIP dinner and bar along with a fundraising auction featuring many one-of-a-kind high dollar items. Monty Roberts will be the guest auctioneer. The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center will also host a special shopping village, which will be perfect for last minute holiday shopping.

Tickets for the USET Foundation Holiday Gala Fundraiser are on sale now. Ticket pricing will be $30 for preferred seating (per night) and $175 for VIP seating per night (if VIP seating is purchased for both nights the price will be $275 for the ticket). There will be no discount for purchasing preferred seating for two nights.

For further information on the fundraiser or if you are interested in being a vendor at this event, please visit the fundraiser website www.succeedevent.com for details. To purchase tickets, please see the ticket page on the event website or contact 561-227-1525 or email tickets@wellingtonclassicdressage.com. Inquiries to this email address should include "USET Fundraiser" in the subject line. Please note that participants and events are subject to change.

SUCCEED®, is a daily nutrient program that supports total equine digestive health for optimal appearance, temperament and performance. Thousands of horse owners and trainers feed their horses SUCCEED®, every day, including top equestrians in nearly every breed and every performance discipline. SUCCEED®, is the official digestive conditioning product of USEF, USEA and USDF. For more information, call 330-562-0888 or visit www.succeed-equine.com. Freedom Health, the manufacturers of SUCCEED®, are dedicated to finding, perfecting and delivering superior, innovative products that address real and significant health-related issues for animals and the people who care for them.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America's elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on Wellington Classic Dressage, please visit www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com.

Pony Lane Farm's Francesca Finishes On Top at the Washington International Horse Show

Washington, D.C. - October 28, 2009 - Pony Lane Farm's Francesca continued her winning streak in the Regular Conformation Hunters, earning the championship tricolor at the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS). Seventeen-year-old Kelsey Thatcher and 13-year-old Madeline Thatcher ride out of their family's Pony Lane Farm, which has locations in South Jordan, UT, and Wellington, FL, and both girls train with Maggie Jayne of Our Day Farm in Elgin, IL.

Maggie Jayne has ridden Francesca in the Regular Conformation Hunter division for Pony Lane Farm since the beginning of the season, and has had increasing success with the talented mare. The pair has earned championship tricolors at the top horse shows throughout the year, including the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. This week Francesca earned two first place ribbons over fences and was first in the under saddle of the Regular Conformation Hunters, along with a second place ribbon in the model to earn her tenth consecutive championship of the year.

Maggie also qualified to ride Francesca in the $15,000 WIHS Hunter Derby Classic that was held on Saturday. The champions of the professional, junior and amateur-owner hunter divisions from the week were invited to compete in this special two-round class, and the top six from the first round were invited back to compete over the second round handy course. Maggie and Francesca scored high through both rounds of competition and finished in fourth place overall.

Francesca is an eight-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Madeline Thatcher of Pony Lane Farm. Madeline competes the mare in the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under division and has done very well with her throughout the year. This was Madeline's first time competing at the WIHS and she earned a second place ribbon under saddle and a fifth place ribbon over fences.

Madeline's sister Kelsey had another great week competing in the hunters as well, earning top ribbons with her Small Junior Hunter Mirasol and her Large Junior Hunter Gianni. Kelsey and Mirasol earned the reserve championship in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 after they place first and third over fences. Kelsey also placed sixth under saddle and was seventh and ninth over fences riding Gianni in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17.

Pony Lane Farm had continued success in the jumper divisions at the WIHS this week. Kelsey rode her mare Carlotta to a fifth place finish in the $10,000 Senator's Cup Junior Jumper Stake following a very exciting jump-off against the top horses and riders.

Charlie Jayne has been riding Pony Lane Farm's Carentina III to top ribbons in the Open Jumpers and did very well with the mare in Washington. The pair finished sixth in the $20,000 Open Jumper Faults Converted class on Friday, and then went on to compete in the $25,000 Open Jumper Puissance class. Charlie and Carentina II finished in fourth place after clearing an impressive 6'1" (1.85m) and choosing to retire following the second round.

Charlie and Carentina III then showed in the $15,000 Open Jumper Pair Relay on Saturday night, winning the first place prize along with partners Shane Sweetnam and UnaDonja, owned by Spy Coast Farm.

Other top hunter finishes for Pony Lane Farm include Maggie's rides on Milous de Fontaine, Early Applause, Gianni and Bella Blue in the professional Hunter divisions. Maggie and Milous placed sixth in the model and were second, third and fourth over fences in the Regular Conformation Hunters. Maggie and Early Applause place eighth in the model and were third, fifth and seventh in the Green Conformation Hunters. Maggie and Gianni placed second under saddle and were then fifth and sixth over fences in the Second Year Green Hunters. Maggie also rode Pony Lane Farm's newest hunter Bella Blue to a sixth place finish in the stake class for the First Year Green Hunters.

Madeline showed in the pony hunter divisions as well, placing ninth in the Medium Pony Hunters with Hillcrest Blue Cwilt and tenth in the Large Pony Hunter Stake with Beau Rivage, owned by Casey Green.

Pony Lane Farm will compete next the 126th National Horse Show and Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament in Syracuse, NY. The show runs from October 28-November 1, 2009, and will be the culmination of an exciting 2009 show season as the fall indoor circuit concludes.

Equine Support and Research Group Celebrates Ten Year History and 8000+ Members

Health, longevity and quality of life for horses is an ever increasing concern among owners. Whether acting proactively or trying to help an animal with a history of chronic health conditions, public awareness of equine metabolic syndromes and diseases is on the rise. An all volunteer, non-profit group rising to support horses and their owners, the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group is a beacon on the internet to reach that awareness.

The EC and IR Group is formed to sort myth from reality....

In the late 1990’s, a young scientist, Robin Siskel, was seeking information to help her life long companion and Cushing’s mare, Night Flight, and became dissatisfied with the knowledge available. Little was known then about Equine Cushing’s Syndrome now more accurately described as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).

“Horse Owners were drowning in bad or no advice. Insulin Resistance wasn’t even recognized back then,” said Siskel in a recent interview. She established a small internet bulletin board to trade information and experience among horse owners that was scientific, specific and medically oriented.

A BS in Biochemistry and a Masters in Health Physics from Texas A&M helped keep Siskel on the path she set for the EC and IR Group. Experiences of horses owners were shared, digging into the details with a scientific medical look. Protocols and marketing claims were required to be backed by evidence. The human owner part of the equation was also key and emotional support for owners was included, but Siskel insisted on digging out the information to fully address any issue.

In December of 1999 Siskel moved the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group to Yahoo. For some time she had been communicating with noted author and veterinarian, Eleanor M. Kellon, VMD. Siskel knew Dr. Kellon as a leader in the fields of nutrition and nutraceuticals. She was also fascinated by Dr. Kellon’s sensible and effective approach using the concepts of Linus Pauling’s Orthomolecular Biology. (http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/) Robin wanted to get Dr. Kellon on board with the EC and IR Group.

Siskel adds, “Eleanor did say I could run any of the hardest veterinary issues or toughest problems past her within reason. And after a while of me teasing and tempting her with the most interesting ones, she gave in and joined the group as a full member in 2001.”

Dr. Kellon became co-owner of the group with Siskel in 2004.

How the EC and IR Group works and what makes it different...

In the ten years since it’s inception, the EC and IR Group has become the largest field trial of it’s kind with current membership of over 8200 horse owners, vets, nutritionists, feed companies, farriers and trimmers.

A clearing house for clinical information and formal study results, most of the leading veterinary Universities also have members on the EC and IR Group who keep their finger on the pulse of what horse owners in the trenches are doing. Grants for formal research have been written based on the anecdotal findings of the group. Researchers who are on the forefront of equine metabolic issues in turn inform the group with the deep background of their findings.

Historical milestones include discovery that soaked hay reduced sugar content beneficial to IR horses, early recognition of PPID/Cushing’s seasonal rise, establishment of the Diagnosis, Diet, Trim and Exercise protocol, FDA approval of compounded pergolide as a veterinary drug, early concern of efficacy of some forms of pergolide, early recognition of high insulin and the compromised hoof, use of herbal and nutraceutical treatments with documented positive outcome, and most importantly, thousands of better informed owners with healthy horses leading productive lives.

The EC and IR group now manages four additional sister groups, ECPhotos, ECHoof, ECHistory and ECHistory2. As of today group archives contain 135,000 messages with over 1000 Case Histories. New members arrive at the rate of 30-50 per week.

Dr. Kellon explains, “The EC and IR Group is an example of the internet working like it should. By collecting histories and laboratory data from thousands of horses with PPID and IR, we have been able to carefully monitor responses to treatment and management changes, both good and bad. This is real life, in the barn research at its best. There are no fees charged or products being sold - it's all about the horses and the dedicated people who own them.”

A new Web Site to celebrate the work of ten years past and into the future...

The EC and IR Group has formed extensive libraries of files, photos, data and archived messages. It can be a daunting exercise for members to get through and understand the material, especially if the owner has the added worry of a horse in crisis. With the help of a dedicated support team, a new or existing member is guided through potential diagnosis and diet issues, trim and exercise suggestions. To simplify the learning curve, in October 2009 the EC and IR Group launched a new intensive and well-organized web site www.ecirhorse.com

“This is really to help all the new members just coming on board and all the old members seeking new information. It's about providing organized access to information. It’s a place for people to send vets that doesn't require joining anything. I wanted information that was simple enough for the new member who needs to breathe deeply and be armed with enough information to clearly interact with their local professionals,” notes volunteer web designer Amberlee Ficociello of Canada.

EC and IR Group’s new web site explains in detail the signs, symptoms and physiology of Cushing’s/PPID and Insulin Resistance. Detailed information on various testing procedures and treatment is available. For equine professionals and for owners wishing to learn all they can, detailed supporting studies and back up data are also given.

Says Ficociello, “We’ve really just scratched the surface for the potential help this site can offer to owners and their horses. We expect to have much more information up in the coming months.”

A Success Stories section on the new web site illustrates with photos, narrative and data the rehabilitation of several horses through various stages of PPID/Cushing's, IR, laminitis episodes, founder and other health issues.

“The format is the same for all EC and IR Group Case Histories and Success Stories. We stick to sound nutritional and physiological equine science and factual, measurable responses. We’re following Robin’s original tradition of taking apart the confounding factors of the most difficult cases and sharing the info freely,” says volunteer Nancy Collins of New Hampshire, who formats the Success Stories. “There are six Success Stories with updates now posted on the site and many more on deck to be organized and shared. After ten years and a library of thousands of case histories, it's really easy to find them,” Collins continues.

A complete approach to getting results....

“Today people use the term holistic but don't realize that in the truest sense of the word the EC and IR group is probably the most holistic of any horse or nutrition group around,” says long time volunteer member and equine nutritionist, Patti Kuvik of Arizona.

“The group looks at the whole horse. His head, his feet, his insides, his urine and manure, his diet, his environment, the weather. We have a basic healthy diet that addresses all of the horses' requirements. There are modifications available for when the horse is no longer in crisis mode and for return to work,” says Kuvik.

Volunteer Web Master Ficociello concludes, “We look forward to the EC and IR Group’s new site getting lots of use and hope visitors will make ample use of our feedback email address.”

The feedback address is ecirhorse@gmail.com

For more information about PPID/Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance on the web go to www.ecirhorse.com and http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/

Melissa Jackson and Wellington Capture Grand Prix Win Sponsored By The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center at Autumn Challenge of

West Palm Beach, FL (October 28, 2009) – Melissa Jackson and her 12-year-old Hanoverian Wellington captured the win in the Grand Prix at the Wellington Classic Dressage’s Autumn Challenge of Champions show, held in conjunction with the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships. The Grand Prix was sponsored by The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center and Jackson won a beautiful Sanctuary signature orange embroidered polar fleece cooler and a $250 gift certificate for services at The Sanctuary.

“Wellington was really good and he was right there for me,” Jackson said, following her win. “We started him in Prix St. Georges and then took him to Europe for a while and he has been back about a year.”

Jackson, who is a trainer out of Bradenton, Florida, said Wellington is in a different place after returning from Europe. “He’s really solid in the Grand Prix now so I have to figure out how to ride him to get him to peak in the ring as opposed to just doing the movements,” Jackson said, adding that she was really excited about her win.

Jackson was also pleased with her orange cooler from The Sanctuary and the $250 gift certificate. “Orange is our signature color at The Sanctuary as it is associated with the sun, health, healing and is a vibrant color that represents energy,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary. “The Sanctuary is always pleased to support the horse community and we want to congratulate Melissa and Wellington on their win.”

The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, located on 30 pristine acres in Ocala, Florida, is a world-class, multi-million dollar facility dedicated to the healing, conditioning and well being of all equine athletes. The Sanctuary features some of the most advanced conditioning and rehab equipment in the world and their staff is committed to excellence.

High performance competitors, including top dressage horses, are using The Sanctuary’s facilities for rehab, post-surgery rehab, conditioning, fitness and training. “The Sanctuary is well-suited for treating medical conditions that often face dressage horses,” McDuffee said. “The conditions we have seen the most in dressage horses have been hind end problems or weaknesses and suspensory injuries and The Sanctuary has many therapies that address these injuries and targets specific problems.”

For more information on The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, visit their website at www.sanctuaryequinerehab.com.

Draper Equine Therapy To Sponsor 2010 Dressage Season In Wellington

West Palm Beach, FL (October 28, 2009) – Draper Equine Therapy, makers of therapeutic horse and rider products featuring the innovative “smart fiber” textile Celliant™/Holofiber®, will be sponsoring the 2010 dressage season in Wellington. Draper Equine Therapy will sponsor classes at the Gold Coast Dressage Association and the Wellington Classic Dressage shows, held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

“We’re excited to be a sponsor of the Wellington Dressage shows,” said Kat Wojtylak, Product Manager of Draper Equine Therapy. “South Florida is the place to be during the winter months, and Draper is thrilled to be supporting the amazing talents that attend the shows this upcoming season. We know it takes a lot to prepare horses for competing in the dressage ring. Our products have been known to break past barriers to allow the horse and rider to work at maximum efficacy.”

The Wellington dressage shows, which begin in November and run through May, attract top competitors from around the world and feature USEF/USDF recognized dressage shows. Held at the Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, the 111-acre world-class equestrian facility features a lighted covered arena as well as several outdoor show and schooling rings.

Draper Equine Therapy produces products for horses including saddle pads, indoor and outdoor blankets, bandages and wraps. Products for riders include T-shirts, socks, blankets, joint support sleeves/wraps, and back belts. In addition, they offer a line of home therapy and spa products including bedding, eye pillows, shoulder wraps and blankets.

“Draper products have been on the sidelines helping horses and riders achieve awesome results, “Wojtylak said. “We've had feedback ranging from blankets and saddle pads lessening warm up time, which can be extremely important in the dressage ring, to helping horses look their best by keeping swelling and inflammation down while keeping horses loose and limber.”

Draper products are made of Celliant™/Holofiber® which is a polyester based fiber that contains a blend of microscopic optically responsive particles. These inorganic natural minerals work with the energy released from the body and are designed to recycle this energy back to the body to improve health and overall well being of the wearer. The natural minerals that make up the composition of Celliant are extruded into polyester when the fiber itself is being made. This process allows the properties of Celliant to last with the life of the product, and as such can never wash or wear out.

Holofiber/Celliant has been clinically proven in three double blind studies to help reduce pain, increase oxygen levels and help balance overall body temperature. The benefits of increased oxygenation have been known to reduce swelling and fatigue, increase strength and build endurance, aid in healing and faster recovery from physical exertion. Products containing Celliant have no adverse effects as they work directly with the body to make it more efficient and can be used continually.

Draper Equine Therapy products help horses achieve their best and recover faster from exertion and injury. The line includes everything from leg wraps and blankets to quarter sheets and anti-sweat sheets. It also offers a complementary line of products for riders to ensure that the entire team is at their best. All products are made in the USA. For more information on Draper Equine Therapy, visit their website at www.draperequinetherapy.com.

RHSF WELCOMES CELEBRITIES FOR THIRD YEAR

LOVETT, YURMAN, PROCTOR AND DICKERSON TO RIDE FOR MAKE-A-WISH

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – October 28, 2009 – Since 2007, the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) has hosted a unique, entertaining event to help the children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma – the 4R Performance Horses Celebrity Slide. The location is Oklahoma City; the venue is the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show; and the date is Friday, December 4. Competing will be some of the world’s greatest bull riders and celebrities who’ve taken time from their busy schedules to help some of their most ardent fans and the local chapter of the largest wish-granting organization for children. Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Lyle Lovett, founder of one of America’s leading fine jewelry companies David Yurman, TLC’s Trading Spaces star Christi Proctor and Tulsa Morning Anchor Kristin Dickerson have thrown their hats into the ring as the first confirmed celebrity Reiners.

CELEBRITIES TRY THEIR HAND AT REINING
Lovett has recorded his own brand of music, a unique mix of blues, R&B, jazz, gospel and country, since 1980 with more than a dozen albums to date. He has earned four Grammy Awards including Best Country Album and Best Male Country Vocal Performance. His 2007 release, It’s Not Big, It’s Large, once again showcases his talents as an American musical artist. Look for his latest album, “Natural Forces,” which was just released on October 20 of this year. Visit Lovett’s web site and learn more about his music at lylelovett.com.

Yurman is the founder of the David Yurman Jewelry Company, which is internationally recognized for its “cable” designs created from sterling silver twisted ropes. Major retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus proudly carry his collections. In his own words he seeks to create designs that “fuse art, fashion and fine jewelry.” Get more information at davidyurman.com.

Designer Christi Proctor brings a Texas-size imagination and a winning personality to TLC’s Trading Spaces. While Trading Spaces is her national television debut, Christi also has a background in performance, having been a singer her entire life. Proctor’s design work displays a mix of charm from varied Texas cultures, the old west, and Europe. Find out more about Proctor’s work and background at christiproctor.com.

Local news celebrity Kristin Dickerson wakes up Oklahoma’s Green Country as a Tulsa News Channel 8 Morning anchor. Dickerson came to the Sooner State from Las Cruces, New Mexico on an athletic scholarship to ride for the Oklahoma State University's Women's Equestrian Team where she earned an individual national championship. Visit ktul.com to find Dickerson’s biography in the “News Team” area.

These celebrities will swap the familiar tools of their trade for the best reiner finery along with other celebrities and famous Bull Riders to test their skills on some of the premier athletes of the equine world – reining horses.


TOP NAMES, YOUNG FRIENDS
Last year, Lovett marked the highest score in the field of celebrities including Bull Riders Matt Bohon, J.W. Hart, Cody Lambert, Justin McBride, Cord McCoy, McKennon Wimberley, plus five-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Billy Etbauer and Oklahoma City’s own Emmy-nominated and national award-winning journalist Robin Marsh.

Moving out-of-their-comfort-zone, the celebrity competitors will get a crash course in the sport from some of the best reiners in the world. Last year’s coaches included – NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Tim McQuay; Million Dollar Riders Dell Hendricks, Craig Schmersal, and Tom and Mandy McCutcheon; and NRHA Professional Casey Hinton. Assisting will be their young friends from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma, serving as honorary coaches.


MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND GET TICKETS
Tickets for the Celebrity Slide are $8 and can be purchased in advance at nrha.com. Avid bull-riding fans who want a chance to meet their favorite bull rider “up close and personal” can attend a VIP Reception at the conclusion of the competition. Tickets to the VIP event may be purchased from the Foundation through RHSF Coordinator Krissy Colbath for $100 each (limited tickets available).

So, get ready for a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat event and join us for an evening of excitement and help make some worthy youngsters’ “wishes come true”. Mark your calendar for Friday, December 4 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds beginning at 6 pm! There’ll be opportunities for autographs and photographs, so come prepared. General admission tickets will be available online in November.

RHSF
The Reining Horse Sports Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and enhancing the sport of Reining worldwide. The RHSF accomplishes this through their five core programs: NRHA Hall of Fame, Crisis Fund, Research, Development & Education, Youth Programs and International Development. For further information about the Foundation, contact rhsf@nrha.com or 405-946-7400, ext. 137, or visit the RHSF web site at reininghorsesportsfoundation.com.

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma serves children ages 2 ½ to 18 living throughout Oklahoma and has granted more than 1,600 wishes since its inception in 1987. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma please visit oklahoma.wish.org or contact Whitney Moss at 405-286-4000 to find out how you can share the power of a wish®.

4R PERFORMANCE HORSES
The RHSF is grateful to event sponsor 4R Performance Horses and the many volunteers who’ve given so generously of their time and resources to make this “wish” come true. 4R Performance Horses is owned and operated by Dwaine & Judith Rivers, together with their two daughters. They are located just minutes north of San Antonio in Boerne, Texas and specialize in raising, showing & selling reining horses. They have paid special attention to selecting top quality broodmares, with each of them performing in the show pen, and stallions that are proven performers, with some of the best bloodlines the industry has to offer. 4R Performance Horses can be found on the web at 4rperformancehorses.com.

Great Granddaughter Revives Udder Ointment: Approved For Cows And Humans Alike

Dr. Hess’s Udder Ointment has been around for over a hundred years, which is no wonder with its therapeutic recipe and positive results. Perfect for tired hands working with animals or just weather worn .... anytime you need some TLC.

Udder Ointment got its start in 1893 when Dr. Gilbert Hess and business man J.L. Clark teamed up to market their product. Through free samples and word of mouth their ointment began turning a more then modest profit. By 1897, their factory had become one of the biggest factories in Ohio and allowed the two partners to give something back to their community. Through their newfound wealth they were able to donate money for building a hospital, starting a student endowment, and supporting the County Children's Home, the American Red Cross, and several other local charities.

What started as just an ointment for dairy cow’s chapped udders, was soon being recognized for its healing abilities on human hands. Farmers were noticing that both their cow’s and their own cuts and dry skin were healing much more rapidly. Across the country people were using it as a veterinary and home remedy. Through the years, Udder Ointment came under varying ownerships until finally returning to the family with great granddaughter of J.L. Clark, Polly Clark Tribe and her husband Tyler of N. Salt lake City. She listened to people’s rave reviews and sadness after its disappearance from the market, and decided to resurrect Dr. Hess’s line of Udder Ointment.

Their claim to fame is the original Dr. Hess Udder Ointment. It’s perfect for smearing on all parts of the body that could use a little smoothing and polishing. Its hydrating nature leaves skin utterly quenched.

Everyone knows the uncomfortable and unhappy screams of a baby suffering from diaper rash. Dr. Hess Udder Ointment for Baby Butts is here to ease them rough spots and soothe the burning - offering some relief for mom and baby.


The Dr. Hess Udder Stick works wonders on chapped and cracking lips. It leaves lips looking healthy and plump when before they looked dry and damaged. Based on the original recipe, the chapstick includes sunscreen to protect against those harmful rays.


Udder Ointment is a pharmacist recommended skin cream for dry skin, chapped lips, cracked heels, diaper rash, athletic chafing, eczema, burns, abrasions, and more. To carry on the founder’s humanitarian spirit, the Tribe’s have donated Udder Ointment overseas to those stationed in Afghanistan, in the hopes it will help soothe their dry skin and bring some relief after missions.

Visit www.udderointment.com

USRider Teams with EKU to Offer Animal Rescue Training

Lexington, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2009) – Registration is now open for one of the finest annual training opportunities in the U.S. for first responders, emergency medical technicians, veterinarians, firefighters, and other emergency/rescue personnel – the Technical Large-Animal Emergency Rescue Training provided cooperatively by USRider and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU).

Two rescue training seminars have been scheduled for March 2010. The first course, scheduled for March 22-24, 2010, is open to the public, with emphasis on recruiting fire and EMT responders, veterinarians and others. This seminar will also include a separate session on HAZMAT Decontamination of Large Animals on the morning of March 25. The HAZMAT session will cover issues related to rescuing large animals that have encountered chemical, biological or radiological contamination. In addition to training participants, local and state emergency preparedness officials are encouraged to attend. The second large-animal rescue training seminar, scheduled for March 26-28, 2010, is reserved for EKU students. These classes fill quickly, so those interested in attending are encouraged to enroll now.

The large-animal rescue training educates fire/rescue personnel, first responders, veterinarians and horse enthusiasts about techniques and procedures to assist large animals involved in transportation accidents and other emergencies. Instruction covers the use of sedatives and tranquilizers, chemical restraint, rescue ropes and knots, rescue from horse barn fires, mud rescue, helicopter rescue and water rescue, among other situations. Specially trained demonstration animals brought in to help provide realistic hands-on training during the seminars. The training, which consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on training, qualifies each student to receive FSE 489 credit for the class.

Through its Equestrian Motor Plan, USRider offers a nationwide roadside assistance program designed especially for equestrians. Since its establishment in January 2002, the company has endeavored to raise awareness of the need for training in large-animal emergency rescue.

“We’ve found that while emergency responders are trained experts in human rescue and extrication, they usually have no training in large-animal rescue,” said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider. “Because of this lack of training, responders are being put at great risk. Moreover, in many accidents and disasters, animals without life-threatening injuries are being injured further or even killed by use of incorrect rescue techniques.”

Conducted annually for the past six years, the LAR training is funded through the Large-Animal Rescue Endowment Fund, administered by USRider. Through its Leg-Up Fund, USRider has provided backing for numerous large-animal rescue initiatives, including equine ambulances and individual responder training. In 2005, the company took its efforts in a new direction by creating the first Large-Animal Rescue Endowment Fund at Eastern Kentucky University. The unique endowment fund was established to promote large-animal-rescue training efforts and support related training programs.

“We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with EKU through their College of Justice and Safety to provide this valuable training,” said Cole. “These seminars have continued to be very well received, drawing both national and international participants.”

Due to the hands-on nature of the training, each large-animal emergency rescue seminar is limited to 30 participants. Be sure to call and reserve your space today. For more information about the seminars and to register, contact the EKU Safety, Security & Emergency Department at (859) 622-1051, e-mail beth.mccoy@eku.edu.

Contributions to the Large-Animal Rescue Endowment Fund may be sent to the Division of University Development, CPO 19A, Jones 324, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, Ky., 40475-3102. The Development office may be reached at (859) 622-1583.

USRider Equestrian Motor Plan is a nationwide member-based organization providing roadside trailering assistance, including towing and roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information, visit www.usrider.org or call (800) 844-1409.

The Originals

Twenty years ago, these American Quarter Horses received the first rodeo horse of the year awards from AQHA.

America’s Horse, October 27, 2009 -- Back in the glory days of the American cowboy, the days of the open range prior to barbed wire, American Quarter Horses were the standard mode of transportation. No mechanical contrivance worked cattle as cheaply or easily as American Quarter Horses, then called “Steeldusts,” due to the influence of the famous stallion in the mid-1800s. Their level-headed disposition, lightning quickness and hardiness were ideally suited to the rugged lifestyle of the plains.

Little has changed on the ranches of America since the late 1800s as cowboys still ride American Quarter Horses when working cattle. But another breed of cowboy also rides American Quarter Horses to work each day – the cowboys and cowgirls of professional rodeo.

AQHA recognized this fact, and in 1989, set out to identify and reward the outstanding American Quarter Horses competing in professional rodeo timed events. The result was the American Quarter Horse Association-Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Horse of the Year program, which continues today. In the beginning, AQHA presented the owners of the winning horses with $1,000 and a Suzann Fiedler bronze during the PRCA awards banquet at the 1989 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

An award was given in each of the timed events in professional rodeo: calf roping (now called tie-down roping), steer wrestling, team roping (heading and heeling), steer roping and barrel racing. The job of selecting these outstanding horses went to the cowboys and cowgirls in the respective events. Sixty-eight horses originally received 250 votes, and the top three horses in each category were then voted on by the top 25 cowboys (or cowgirls) in that particular event.

Learn more about the first winners of this award – “The Originals,” we call them – in the November issue of America’s Horse, AQHA’s official member publication, and on the People and Horses channel of America’s Horse TV (americashorse.tv).

The 2009 AQHA-PRCA Horses of the Year will be featured in the December issue of America’s Horse.

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.

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Receives Quality of Life Grant From Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

Loxahatchee, FL - October, 27, 2009 - Each year the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals living with paralysis. This year the Foundation is proud to announce Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center's Horses for Heroes Program as one of the 145 recipients, receiving $5,000 in aid.

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will use the grant to help those living with paralysis become active members in everyday life. Cinderella is an elegant seven-year-old Quarter Horse, and she was purchased for the VTRC programs though a grant provided by the Christopher Reeve Foundation.

"After receiving the grant we looked high and low for the perfect horse and finally the proverbial glass "horse" shoe fit," noted VTRC Founder and Executive Director Ruth Menor. "Cinderella (we call her Cinder for short) stepped on to VTRC property with inquisitive yet accepting eyes, and quickly made friends with her new equine family. At 14.2 hands, she is the perfect size for both kids and many adults and is currently being used for a handful of lead line and independent lessons."

"Conceived by the late Dana Reeve, the Quality of Life grants have helped non-profits throughout the world improve the lives of people living with paralysis," said Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation. "The program also provides assistance for family members and caregivers, offering services such as counseling, support groups and educational conferences."

The Quality of Life grants are awarded in 3 categories; Actively Achieving, Bridging Barriers and Caring and Coping. Each category is designed to promote active and fulfilling lives for those living with spinal cord injuries and other paralysis causing conditions. Individuals are encouraged to participate in sports, train for a job, operate specially-adapted computer technology, modify homes for wheelchair accessibility, access public transportation, participate in the arts, proactively maintain their health, and much more.

Since inception of the Quality of Life grants program in 1999, the Foundation has awarded more than 1,500 grants, totaling nearly $12 million. Some grants are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recipients of these include nonprofits that address the needs of people living with paralysis caused by spinal cord and other injuries, diseases and birth conditions, including (but not limited to) stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral scleroses (ALS).

"Ten years have passed since Dana Reeve created the Quality of Life program," said Peter Wilderotter, "It is our hope that, in the years to come, we can continue to support programs that enable children and adults living with and affected by paralysis and their families the full range of activities that many of us take for granted."

About the Reeve Foundation
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, and to review the entire list of Quality of Life grant recipients, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

About the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center
The VTRC is a nonprofit organization based in Loxahatchee, FL, that provides recreational and therapeutic riding instruction to people of all ages with varying developmental, physical, and psychological disabilities. The organization, founded in 1982, assists more than 350 adults and children every year, helping them gain a sense of accomplishment, greater independence, and a higher quality of life. The VTRC has received a "Premier Accreditation" rating from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).

For more information on the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.vinceremos.com.

Phelps Media Group, Inc. and PhelpsSports.com Continue Major Sponsorship at Dallas Harvest Horse Show

Wellington, FL - October 27, 2009 - For the second year in a row Phelps Media Group, Inc. and PhelpsSports.com have provided generous sponsorship and donations to the Dallas Harvest Horse Show. The 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show will be held at the beautiful Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, TX, and runs October 28-November 1, 2009. The show benefits Habitat for Horses and is one of the largest fundraisers for the program.

Phelps Media Group, Inc. and PhelpsSports.com have made large contributions to the horse show and fundraising events for Habitat for Horses. Phelps Media Group, Inc. is one of the foremost equestrian public relations firms in the country; PhelpsSports.com is a leading equestrian news website that offers up to the minute equestrian happenings, results and information.

"We are proud to be supporting such a great horse show and worthy organization," said Phelps. "We are excited to be a part of one of the most prestigious horse shows in Texas, and we look forward to contributing to the aid, protection and recovery of the animals that give so much to our community."

Dallas Harvest Horse Show is known for its great hospitality, friendly ambiance and top competition. In addition to great classes there will be many exhibitor parties, including the Hunter Derby Benefit Reception, Saturday Evening Dinner and "Team Calcutta", Sunday Grand Prix Brunch, and a silent auction.

All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Habitat for Horses, and Phelps Media Group, Inc. has generously donated a three month Public Relations package for the months of January, February, and March. In addition to donations from Phelps Media Group, Inc., PhelpsSports.com will also be making major contributions to the horse show. With every championship awarded, PhelpsSports.com has generously donated a limited-time free subscription to the website.

The 2009 Dallas Harvest Horse Show competition highlights include Thursday's $3,000 Nordic Lights Welcome Stake; Friday's $5,000 Jumper Classic and $10,000 2009/2010 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby beginning at 4:00 p.m.; Saturday's Halloween Spooktacular featuring Horse & Rider Costume Contest & Parade, Spookiest Barn Contest & Trick or Treat Extravaganza, Habitat Horse Decorating Contest & Parade; and Sunday's EMO Equitation Cup Year-End Final, $25,000 Harvest Grand Prix benefiting Habitat for Horses, and $2,500 Children's/Adult Jumper Classic.

For more information on the Dallas Harvest Horse Show, please visit www.southboundshows.com.

For more information on Habitat for Horses, please visit www.habitatforhorses.org.

Washington International Horse Show Wrap-Up, October 20-25, 2009

Washington, D.C. - October 27, 2009 - In an exciting three horse jump-off, Todd Minikus (USA) and Alaska were the fastest clear round to win the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix World Cup qualifier on Saturday presented by The Boeing Company. Kate Levy (USA) and Lirving du Volsin finished second, while Mario Deslauriers (USA) and Vicomte D were third. Earlier in the evening, Samantha Schaefer was victorious in the WIHS Equitation Classic Finals.

The week's courses were designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, and out of the 29 entries in the class, only three could find the path to the jump-off. Ken Berkley (USA) and Carlos Boy, owned by Alexa and Krista Weisman, just missed the jump-off by accumulating one time fault in 78.84 seconds to finish fourth. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) kicked up his speed after having a rail down to finish as the fastest four-faulter in 67.17 seconds on Night Train, owned by Double H Farm.

The first to return in the jump-off was Levy and Lirvin du Volsin, owned by LA Horsepower and Kate Levy. She went for the safe clear round, but was very efficient with her speed. She finished clear in 36.32 seconds and would have to wait and see how the riders chased her time.

Levy noted, "I was really happy with my jump-off. This is definitely the biggest grand prix that I have had to do with that horse. I was not expecting much with these two behind me, so I just really wanted to jump a clear round and be as neat as possible because my horse is so game, but I didn't want to take too many risks and have a rail."

New U.S. Equestrian Team rider Mario Deslauriers (formerly of Canada) piloted Vicomte D, owned by Jane F. Clark, next in the jump-off. Deslauriers turned up the speed and galloped down to the final oxer, but they had the front rail down for four faults in 34.48 seconds.

"The last two big classes that I have done with him in the jump-off I have had the last fence down," Deslauriers said of Vicomte D, an 11-year-old Belgian gelding. "He has been jumping great and tonight he really put on a good show. It is just a matter of keeping at it, and the luck will come back because he is a very quick horse and he wins a lot of classes."

It all came down to Minikus as the final rider in the ring on Alaska, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Callie Seaman. Minikus made a very tight turn from the first vertical back to the next oxer and then continued that speed through the rest of the shortened course. He galloped over the final oxer and stopped the timers in 34.55 seconds for the win.

"It looked like Kate did her jump-off just right. Not crazy, but prompt, and then it put the pressure on Mario and myself to have to go a bit," Minikus explained. "I got to the gate just to watch the end of Mario's and in typical Mario form he looked like he was going pretty quick and had a little bad luck at the last jump. I thought my turn from one to two was maybe a little quicker and then I did the same number of strides to the third jump and just tried to stay inside of the footprints."

Minikus had kind words for Alaska, who won multiple grand prix events this year including the grand prix qualifier in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. "He has a lot of quality. He is a careful horse, and he is very good with his technique. He doesn't have enough mileage really at this point, but he always gives it a good effort. When he guesses, he usually guesses with the right answer, so he is a very enjoyable horse, and I am very glad I have him to ride."

It has been 19 years since Minikus last won the President's Cup Grand Prix, and he was happy to receive once again the President of the United States Perpetual Cup. "There is history behind the President's Cup; it is for sure one of our most prestigious grand prix. It starts off the indoor circuit, so any win is a good win for sure."

Minikus won the Leading Jumper Rider Award sponsored by the Blundon Family, and was awarded the Margaret Chovnick Memorial Trophy. Andres Rodriguez of Venezuela was named the Leading International Rider.

Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD, was the top junior rider in the WIHS Equitation Classic finals. She led from the beginning with a top score of 87.92 in the hunter phase, and added a jumper phase score of 86.92. She was the last to return in the Top 10 work-off and was feeling the pressure from Chase Boggio, of Canton, GA, who had a high score in the work-off of 89.67. The top 10 riders switched horses, and Boggio masterfully rode Molly Braswell's The General to increase the leading point total to 261.999.

Although Boggio and Braswell both train with Bob Braswell and Christina Schlusemeyer, Boggio had never ridden The General before. "He is in the same barn as I am, but I had actually never ridden him before today. I don't think I could have been any luckier with the draw though," he said. "I have seen him go enough to know what he is like. He was sort of similar to my horse. You just have to ride him forward like a hunter a little bit, so it wasn't too big of a difference."

Boggio won the equitation championships at Capital Challenge Horse Show and was seventh in the USEF Medal Finals. He said of his mount Graphiq, "I just feel like I really click with him. I have just gone in with really no expectations, and it has all just sort of come together all at once."

Schaefer returned on Lucy Davis' mount Patrick as the last to go. She had a smooth round and a bold final line. The judges rewarded her with a score of 91.67 for the work-off and a total of 266.498 for the win. Schaefer trains with Andre Dignelli, Kim Stewart, Kirsten Coe, Patricia Griffith, and Don Stewart.

"It went really well. I thought I stayed pretty consistent through all three phases, and I got pretty lucky. I got a really nice horse to ride in the final phase too," Schaefer said of Patrick. "I didn't know anything about the horse. I have never seen it go, but they told me a lot about it and it rode just like they said. He was really easy. I think it is a young horse, but he has a really big stride and he doesn't really move you over the jumps."

This was only the third time that Schaefer has shown Travino. "I have never shown my horse in the jumper phase," she remarked. "He is young. He did the First Years earlier in the week. He is really sweet to ride, he is easy, and he has a nice rhythm. He is fun; I like him a lot."

Tina DiLandri of La Jolla, CA, had scores of 82.33 and 86 with her mount Cadeau and a score of 76 in the work-off on Boggio's Graphiq for a total of 244.330 and third place. Lucy Davis of Los Angeles, CA, finished fourth with a total of 243.582, while Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY, was fifth with 240.999 points.

For her win tonight, Schaefer was awarded the WIHS Equitation Classic Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. G. Ralph Ours III. Schaefer's mount Travino, owned by Heritage Farm, won the Lugano Memorial Trophy donated by Stone Hill.

The $10,000 Senator's Cup Junior Jumper Stake kicked off the jumper competition Saturday with a class of 20 entries. Eight of the original entries jumped clear over the first round course, and six of those jump-off rounds went clean to race against the clock. The horses and riders laid down rounds with increasing speed as they maneuvered the shortened course, and it was 16-year-old Samantha Harrison of La Canada, CA, and her ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Santika, who came out on top. Harrison and Santika jumped clear in a very fast time of 30.911 seconds to win the class. Laura Pfeiffer rode Thorstin, owned by Fox Meadow Farm of Temperance, MI, to the second place honors with their clear round in 31.391 seconds. Alexandra Thornton and Naomi, owned by Dunwalke LLC, finished in third with the final clear round of the jump-off in 31.400 seconds.

Harrison and Santika were awarded The Swan Lake Perpetual Trophy, which was donated by Beagle Brook Farm in honor of the 1992 class winner Swan Lake, ridden by Jennifer F. Miller.

Along with her win in the class today, Harrison was also awarded the reserve championship in the Junior Jumper division for her success in the classes throughout the week. Friday's winners Reed Kessler and Flight were awarded the championship tricolor for their great week of competition. Kessler and Flight were awarded The Greenberg Challenge Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Greenberg.

Following the championship presentations, two riders were presented with special awards. Laura Pfeiffer was presented with the Shalanno Style of Riding Award, sponsored by Shalanno Farms. The award is presented each year to the Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation and the respectful, dignified manner of a true sportsman.

Hasbrouck Donovan was then presented with the award for Best Child Rider on a Horse, sponsored by Georgina Bloomberg. The DiVecchia Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick DiVecchia, was awarded to Donovan for demonstrating the highest quality in horsemanship and sportsmanship combined with good appearance and courtesy. Donovan rode Confidential, owned by Don Stewart, to the Grand Junior Hunter Championship earlier in the week.

The $15,000 Open Jumper Pairs Relay was held next with the win going to Shane Sweetnam aboard UnaDonja and Charlie Jayne aboard Carentina III. Marilyn Little-Meredith and Calmar 3 paired up with Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Pamina L for the second place finish.

For more information and full results, please visit www.wihs.org.

Jumpers - Wednesday through Friday

The 2009 Washington International Horse Show continued on Wednesday with the best horses and riders in the country competing in jumper championships. There were three jumper classes in total, and the first class victory went to Spencer Smith and Markies in the $10,000 Children's Jumper Championship. Alissa Kinsey guided Grisset to first place in the $10,000 Adult Jumper Championship. Opening up the Amateur-Owner Jumper competition, Susan Knoblauch and Carneval won the $2,500 Time First Jump-Off class.

In the $10,000 Children's Jumper Championship, 13 horse and rider combinations were clear from the first round to advance to the jump-off. The early lead was held by Lauren Tyree on Eurocommerce Rome, who was clear in the jump-off in 28.123 seconds. The lead changed hands when Rachel Brodsky and Elliot 92 lowered the winning time to 27.671 seconds.

But it was eventually Spencer Smith and Markies, who went second to last in the jump-off, that would find the winning ride in 25.935 seconds. For their win, they were awarded the H. Fenwick kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Friends of Fen.

Smith and Markies, a 24-year-old veteran show jumper, were quick in the jump-off and left out strides where possible. Twelve-year-old Smith of Wellington, FL, trains with his parents, Emily and Ken Smith. He has been riding Markies for two years and said that the seasoned horse has taught him everything he knows about the jumpers.

The last proved to be the best in the $10,000 Adult Jumper Championship. Alissa Kinsey of Ft. Myers, FL, and her 12-year-old Hanoverian mare Grisset scorched the jump-off course with a clear round and winning time of 24.709 seconds over 26 other competitors in the class. They were chasing another fast time set by Kenzie Donovan and Max (last year's Championship winners), who finished in 25.369 seconds. Donovan was the early leader and finished third with her horse Oyster, who crossed the timers in 25.501 seconds.

Kinsey and Grisset were awarded the Dorothy Foote "Goodie" Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ashton Hill and Miss Linden Joan Hill.

Grisset has had a very successful year, including a Winter Equestrian Festival circuit championship, and multiple wins at the Vermont Summer Festival, Showplace Spring Spectacular, and the Devon Horse Show. After an uncharacteristic rail last week at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Kinsey was a little worried going into the class, which led to a careful first round. In the jump-off however, she knew that she could go for the time and not worry about her horse.

The final class of the day was the first class of the competition for the Amateur-Owner Jumpers. Twelve entries went to post, but only two found a way clear to the jump-off. Both had trouble in the jump-off round, but the win went to Susan Knoblauch of Huntersville, NC, on Carneval, who finished with 11 faults in 48.028 seconds. Clara Lindner and Seraldo were second with 12 faults in 40.470 seconds. The fastest four-faulter from the first round was Lillian Hahn on Lucky One, who had a time of 57.023 seconds.

Knoblauch and Carneval won the "Footloose" Perpetual Trophy in remembrance of Ruth Ellen Wilmot and donated by The Curtin Family in honor of the 1990 winner "Footloose," ridden by Caroline Curtin.

It was another exciting day of competition on Thursday at the 2009 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), as the schedule featured four jumper classes for amateur-owner, junior, and open jumpers. The highlight class of the day was the $30,000 Open Jumper Time First Jump-off class, and Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) took the top prize on Couletto K James. Andres Rodriguez (VEN) and Da Vinci were victorious in the $20,000 Open Jumper Gambler's Choice Costume class, presented by Honeywell International, Inc.

Earlier in the day, Lillian Hahn won the Amateur-Owner Time First Round on Lucky One, and Navona Gallegos on Drossana took first place in the opening Junior Jumper Time First Jump-off class.

In the $30,000 Open Jumper class, 30 horses went to post in the first round. There were six clear rounds that returned for the jump-off, with the first horse in the ring setting the pace. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) and new mount Night Train, owned by Double H Farm, were double clear and stopped the timers in the jump-off in 30.45 seconds.

Next in, Hillary Dobbs (USA) and Quincy B had a fast time of 31.17 seconds, but a rail put them into fourth place at the end of the class. Jill Henselwood of Canada's silver medal Olympic team followed with Bottom Line, owned by Bradon Construction. They were clear in 32.44 seconds to finish third. Ireland's Shane Sweetnam on Zamiro, owned by Spy Coast Farm LLC, had eight faults in 32.00 seconds for sixth place.

The eventual winner, Ward and Couletto K James, owned by Katie Dinan LLC, were able to leave strides out, thanks to the horse's large stride, and a sharp turn to the final vertical helped them bring the winning time down to 29.42 seconds for the win.

The final pair in the class, Marilyn Little-Meredith and Raylyn Farms Inc.'s Ragrusa H, had eight faults in 30.48 seconds for fifth place.

Ward was given the ride on Couletto K James for the WIHS and next week at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, but the horse has been showing recently with his owner, junior rider Katie Dinan.

Although it has been seven years, Ward has had the ride on Couletto K James before. He rode the talented gelding for three years and said that now he is "a little more experienced, a little more clever." Ward added, "He has had a few miles under the hood now. He has always been a great, great horse, and it's very exciting for Katie's future. It is a pleasure to get to ride a great horse again."

For his win, Ward was presented with the Ben O'Meara Memorial Challenge Trophy.

The last class of the night was the entertaining costume class for the $20,000 Open Jumper Gambler's Choice. While quite a few riders had a chance to catch the winning point total, it was Andres Rodriguez dressed as Sherlock Holmes and the seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding Da Vinci that scored the highest amount of points with the fastest time. Their clear jump over the Joker fence raised their total to 1400 points, and their time of 56.31 seconds gave them the win. Margie Engle (USA) and Hidden Creek's Pamina L (57.60 seconds) and Todd Minikus (USA) on Olinda (59.43 seconds) finished second and third.

Rodriguez, a 25-year-old from Venezuela, competed for five years in Europe with the Pessoa family before moving to the United States three years ago. This is his first time competing at the WIHS.

As the winning rider, Rodriguez was given the Crown Royal Trophy, donated by Crown Royal, and the Sue Ann Geisler Memorial Trophy, donated by the WIHS, for his winning horse.

A $2,500 Amateur-Owner Jumper class began the jumper competition this afternoon with the win going to Lillian Hahn and Lucky One. The class was held in a Timed First Round format, and Hahn and Lucky One had the fastest of only three clear rounds to take top honors with a time of 59.400 seconds. Benjamin Simpkins and Astro Z earned second place after jumping clear in 64.404 seconds. The third place award went to Marley Goodman and U-2 with the only other clear round in a time of 70.736 seconds.

Hahn is a 23-year-old rider from Tryon, NC, and has trained with Vick Russell for ten years. Lucky One is a ten-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding from Denmark. This is Hahn's second year showing Lucky One at the Washington International Horse Show and the day's victory followed a solid third place finish in the first class of the Amateur-Owner Jumper division last night. Hahn was honored as well, with the Cover Story Perpetual Trophy, donated by Rolling Acres Farm.

The next class of the afternoon was the $2,500 Junior Jumpers with the winning round going to Navona Gallegos and Drossana. Six of the original 20 entries in the class went clear to jump-off, and Gallegos and Drossana had the faster of two clear jump-off rounds in a time of 39.072 seconds for the victory. Reed Kessler and Flight earned the second place honors with their clear jump-off round in 39.805 seconds. Third place was awarded to Samantha Harrison and Santika with the fastest four-fault round in 39.424 seconds.

Class winner Navona Gallegos is 18 years old and from Santa Fe, NM. She rides with California trainer Karen Healey. Gallegos leases Drossana, a 12-year-old Westphalian mare, from owner John Huggins. Gallegos was presented with the Eleanor White O'Leary Memorial Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ashton Hill and Miss Linden Joan Hill.

The 2009 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is one of the most exciting equestrian competitions in the country, and it is one of only two shows in North America that offer a puissance, or "high jump" class. Friday night's $25,000 Puissance presented by Chevron Corporation saw a very familiar face for the awards presentation. Seven-time winner McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, was the winner of the class on Vancouver. David Beisel of Cincinnati, OH, finished second with Patoile, owned by Harlow Investment Enterprises Inc.

Ward and Beisel were the only two riders out of a starting field of seven to reach the third jump-off round. The first round started with Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on Spy Coast Farm LLC's Little Emir and Jonathan McCrea (IRL) on Promised Land, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables, having rails on earlier fences on the course, although they both cleared the puissance wall that was set at 5'10" (1.78m). This eliminated them from the competition. Also eliminated for a fault at the wall was Andres Rodriguez (VEN) on Tornado.

Along with Ward and Beisel, two other riders were clear in the first round to move on to the second round, where the wall was raised to 6'1" (1.85m). Charlie Jayne and Pony Lane Farm's Carentina III were clear, but chose to retire after this round. Irishman Darragh Kenny and Missy Clark/North Run's Gael Force were also clear to move on to the third round.

In the third round, the wall was moved up to 6'7" (2.01m), and the first rider to attempt the jump was Ward on Vancouver. They easily cleared the wall to move on to the final round. Beisel and the very game Patoile were also clear. The luck of the Irish was not with Kenny, however, who had a very unfortunate fault at the wall when Gael Force cleared it, but kicked out the top block with his hind legs as he was landing.

The wall in the final round was raised to 6'10" (2.09m), but neither Ward nor Beisel were able to clear it. Ward had trouble when Vancouver shifted right over the wall, and he took the top blocks down. Beisel, who had been galloping to the wall in previous rounds, took a more conservative approach and Patoile refused. When he tried again, Patoile refused and Beisel fell off. Horse and rider were okay, but due to the fall, Beisel would have to take second place.

For his win tonight, Ward was given the Congressman's Challenge Trophy, donated by the Late Honorable Rogers C.B. Morton and the Late Honorable F. Robert Watkins, of Pennsylvania. Ward retired the trophy before in 2002 after he won three years in a row on Achat 6, and he also was the winner in 1994 and in 2006 and 2007 on EquiFit Pozitano.

Amazingly enough, this was Ward's first class showing with Vancouver, an 11-year-old New Zealand-bred Dutch horse.

This is Beisel's second time at the WIHS, and it was his and his horse's first ever Puissance class. He and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare have been together for three years and they compete in the grand prix classes usually. At last year's WIHS, Beisel saw the class and wanted to compete in it this year.

The first class of the night was the $20,000 Open Jumper 1.50m Faults Converted class. In a blaze of speed, Todd Minikus and Olinda, owned by Houlihan Lawrence, were the winners in a time of 49.52 seconds. Just behind them were Hillary Dobbs and Marengo in 50.99 seconds. Third place went to Christine McCrea on Romantovich Take One in 53.46 seconds.

The $15,000 Open Jumper Faults Converted was won by Kent Farrington and R.C.G. Farm's Samar this afternoon after the pair had the fastest of five clear rounds in 51.45 seconds. Last year's winners Hillary Dobbs and Marengo, owned by The Dobbs Group, earned the second place honors in 53.98 seconds. Jonathan McCrea and Victor E, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables, came in third in 55.29 seconds.

Class winners Kent Farrington and Samar were presented with The General Dwight E. Eisenhower Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by the late Arthur J. Morris, and the pair took the victory gallop following their winning round.

The $10,000 Ambassador's Cup Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was held with an exciting victory for Paige Johnson of The Plains, VA. With her ride in the class, Johnson won the prestigious Ambassador's Cup Perpetual Trophy for the second year in a row, thanks to the generous donation of Ambassador and Mrs. Marion H. Smoak. Last year Johnson won the class with La Martinee, and this year with she rode Chiron S to the victory. Both horses are owned by Salamander Farm.

Johnson and Chiron S were one of three pairs to clear the first round course and continue to the jump-off. Erin Stewart and Devito jumped off first but had 12 faults in 35.948 seconds to finish in third place. Marley Goodman and U-2 jumped next and laid down a clear round in 37.660 seconds to finish in second. Johnson and Chiron S were the last to attempt the jump-off and the pair cleared the course in an impressive 35.420 seconds to earn top honors.

Following the Ambassador's Cup class, the Amateur-Owner Jumpers awarded their division championship to Lillian Hahn and Lucky One after their successful week of competition. The pair was presented with The Foxbrook Perpetual Trophy in honor of Space Citation and donated by Joy Slater. Carneval and Susan Knoblauch earned the division's reserve championship.

The junior jumpers also showed at Verizon Center today in a $2,500 timed first round class. The intricate course proved difficult for the horses and riders, as just two of the original 20 entries were able to jump without fault. Topping the class were Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY, and her 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Flight.

The pair jumped clear in a time of 57.829 seconds to take top honors. The only other clear round was completed by Alexandra Thornton and Dunwalke LLC's Silvana, with their time of 64.169 seconds. Hayley Barnhill and Callie Schott's Toucan Tango had the fastest four-fault round in 53.230 seconds to earn third place. Reed Kessler and Flight were awarded the Beagle Brook Farm Perpetual Trophy for their win in this afternoon's class.

Hunters - Tuesday through Sunday

The opening day of the 2009 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) ended with an evening session for Children's and Adult Hunters. The two divisions each had a two-round $10,000 championship. Sienna Sumavielle rode Lexington to the win in the Children's Hunter Championship, while Ainsley Sadlo and Vermilion took first place in the Adult Hunter Championship.

In the $10,000 Children's Hunter Championship, Sumavielle and Lexington started out the first round with a combined score from three judges of 232. They were consistent with their scores and were awarded a 237 in the second round for a total of 469 for the win. Dani DiPietro and Davenport came in second with a score of 466, while At Last and Leigh Anne Kline were third with 451 points. For their win, Sumavielle and Lexington were awarded the H. Fenwick Kollock Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by Friends of Fen.

Lexington, owned by Margaret Horowitz, is a 16-year-old gelding, and Sumavielle (14), of Ridgewood, NJ, has been riding him for two years. This was Sumavielle's first time showing at the WIHS and it was her goal to qualify for this year.

Ainsley Sadlo of Atlanta, GA, made it worth her while to take time off of work to compete at the WIHS. She and Vermilion led from the first round with a score of 252, and kept the lead in the second round with a score of 246 for a total of 498 points. They beat Keep the Faith and Katie Meagher (481.25) and Kathryn Clapp on Donnerkind (457.5).

Sadlo has been riding Vermilion, a nine-year-old Westphalian gelding, for a year and a half. They worked on qualifying for the WIHS all year and this was their final goal.

The professional hunter divisions and the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions wrapped-up their second day of competition today at the Washington International Horse Show with the presentation of Grand Championship awards. Scott Stewart and Declaration led the way, earning the Green Conformation Hunter Championship, and going on to win the Grand Green Working Hunter Award, as well as the Grand Champion Hunter Award. After his excellent performance, Stewart also received the Leading Hunter Rider Award, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare.

Stewart, of Wellington, FL swept the over fences classes with Declaration, owned by Fashion Farms of New York, NY, during the Green Conformation Hunter division, sponsored by Penelope Ayers and Ravens Wood Farm. The pair took home the championship prize and The Valiant Hawk Memorial Challenge Trophy. Shelley Campf and Costar, were victorious in the under saddle class and earned this year's reserve championship honors. Stewart's excellent performance with Declaration won him Grand Green Working Hunter Award and the Grand Champion Hunter Rave Review Challenge Trophy.

Stewart's winning streak continued when he was named First Year Green Working Hunter Champion for his ride aboard Way Cool. The Pryde Family sponsored the division. Stewart and Way Cool earned two first place ribbons over fences during Tuesday's competition. The reserve championship prize was presented to John French and Small Affair, owned by Iwasaki & Reilly of Pacific Palisades, CA, who won the day's stakes class, as well as the under saddle class.

During the Regular Conformation Hunter division, sponsored by Mrs. Stephen C. Clark, Jr., it was Maggie Jayne and Francesca, owned by Pony Lane Farm of Bluffdale, UT, who claimed The Marry Farren Perpetual Trophy and the championship ribbon after winning three blue ribbons. Stewart and Declaration scored another tricolor victory by earning the reserve championship honors.

This is the second Regular Conformation Hunter Championship win for Jayne and Francesca, who also scored the championship prize at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

Hunt Tosh also had an excellent day, claiming two championship ribbons. He scored a hat trick with Lone Star, owned by Douglas Wheeler of Keswick, VA, winning the Regular Working Hunter Championship at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and now the Washington International Horse Show. The pair were presented with The "NOT ALWAYS" Challenge Trophy for their victory. The reserve championship ribbon was awarded to Jennifer Alfano for her ride aboard Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms Inc., of Buffalo, NY.

Tosh also won today's Second Year Green Working Hunter Championship with Rosalynn, owned by Ernest Oare of Warrenton, VA. The Wasserman Foundation sponsored the division. Tosh and Rosalynn were the winners of the today's Stake class and had the best trip for the second year in a row to win The Windy Acres Challenge Trophy. Jack Hammond and Sanmorino, owned by Ann Lindwall of Duncan, B.C., was the winner of this year's reserve championship prize.

The Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions competed next, and there was a tie for the Grand Champion Amateur-Owner Hunter Award. Erin Stewart was the winner of this year's Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunter Championship with Confidential, while Teri Kessler and Pavarotti took home the Amateur-Owner 36 and Over Hunter Championship. The pair had an equal number of points for their performances and tied for the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship.

Stewart, of Ocala, FL, and Confidential were the winners of the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunter Championship after earning the top ribbon in the under saddle and today's first over fences class. She was also awarded the Leading Amateur-Owner Rider Award for her excellent performance. The reserve championship prize was presented to Jessica Van Brocklin, of Alexandria, VA, and Second Hand News.

Kessler, of Armonk, NY, had the win during the stake class and under saddle with Pavarotti to score the Amateur-Owner 36 and Over Hunter Championship, as well the co-Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship. Brad Wolf, of Memphis, TN, and Andiamo also performed well and earned the reserve championship honors.

Last week Kessler and Pavarotti won the Amateur-Owner 36 and Over Hunter Championship at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and she could not be more thrilled with her horse's performance. "I'm walking on air," she smiled. "I'm really excited, and I think the world of my horse, but right now I'm a little bit in awe of him."

For the second time this week the Grand Champion cooler was awarded to Confidential at the Washington International Horse Show. Hasbrouck Donovan and Confidential were the winners of this year's Grand Champion Junior Hunter prize, after winning three first place ribbons and claiming the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter Championship. This was Confidential's second Grand Championship win this week, after earning the co-Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship title with Erin Stewart in the irons.

The Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter division was the first to conclude Thursday. Donovan and Confidential won Wednesday's first over fences class, as well as Thursday's stakes class with The Joan Robinson Hill Memorial Trophy and the under saddle class with The Rhea Gardere Robinson Memorial Perpetual Trophy. The pair was awarded the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter Championship, and Confidential was named Grand Champion Junior Hunter, winning The Ides of March Perpetual Trophy. The Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter reserve championship honors were awarded to Genuine, owned by the Chansonette Farm LLC of New York, NY, with Lillie Keenan in the irons.

Don Stewart of Ocala, FL, Confidential's owner, has been watching the eight-year-old gelding by Baloubet du Rouet very closely for the last two years. Stewart chose Donovan as a rider for Confidential because her style is very similar to his daughter Erin's, who rides Confidential in the Amateur-Owner Hunters.

The Large Junior 15 and Under Hunter division was next, and the championship tricolor was presented to Samantha Schaefer and Bishonen, owned by Marianna Bishop Wade of Louisa, VA. The pair was the winner of the stakes class and under saddle class. Donovan took home the reserve championship prize for her ride aboard her second mount, Quality Time, also owned by Stewart.

The Small Junior 16-17 Hunter Championship was awarded to Lyle, owned by Stephanie Keen of Ocala, FL, for the second year in row, this time with Abby O'Mara holding the reins. O'Mara and Lyle had blue ribbon rounds during the handy class and the day's stakes class to earn the top award. The reserve championship ribbon was presented to Kelsey Thatcher, of Bluffdale, UT and Mirasol, who won Wednesday's first over fences class.

Lyle was recently named Grand Champion Junior Hunter at the Pennsylvania National Horse, and O'Mara was excited to continue the winning streak. Don Stewart found Lyle when he was six years old and he is thrilled to be part of such a legacy.

O'Mara will continue showing Lyle next year during her final junior year. She is excited to compete at Indoors again, and admits she will be less nervous because she's already been successful once.

The final division to compete was the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters. The championship prize was presented to Jennifer Waxman, who was aboard Vida Blue, owned by Laura King of Irvington, NY. The pair received The Chance Step Perpetual Trophy for their excellent performance. Jacqueline Lubrano and Charade, owned by Mahala Rummell of Jacksonville, FL, were the winners of this year's reserve championship honors.

On Saturday, the best horses and riders from the hunter divisions competed for the top prize in the $15,000 WIHS Hunter Classic Derby at the Washington International Horse Show. After two rounds of competition it was Scott Stewart, of Ocala, FL, and Way Cool that led the victory gallop after they earned a total score of 170.9. Earlier in the day the Washington Pony Equitation Classic Finals were held, with Madeyln Keck and Tango receiving the top call and earning the blue ribbon.

The champions from each of the hunter divisions were invited to compete in Saturday's $15,000 WIHS Hunter Classic Derby. The six horse and rider combinations that received the highest scores during the first round were invited to compete during the second round over a handy course.

Following the first round, Stewart was in the lead with his second mount, Declaration, owned by Fashion Farm of New York, NY, after the pair received a score of 91.3. Stewart and Declaration had a difficult time at the trot jump during the handy round to receive a score of 78.3, for a two round total of 169.3 and drop into the second place position. Samantha Schaefer originally held the second place position after the first round, but she had a costly rub at the trot jump with Bishonen, owned by Marianna Bishop Wade of Louisa, VA, and her original score of 88.3 combined with her second round score of 70.6 created a total of 158.9 and dropped her into fifth place.

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms of Buffalo, NY, had a very strong handy round. They returned to the second round in the fourth place position with a score of 84.3. Alfano and Jersey Boy easily made the inside turns during the handy round and earned a score of 82.3, for a total of 166.6, which held up for the third place honors.

After the first round Stewart and Way Cool were ranked third in the order, having received a score of 86.3. Stewart knew he would have a second chance with Declaration as the first ranked horse, so we went all out with Way Cool. The pair took all the harder options and the gamble paid off. Stewart and Way Cool earned a second round score of 84.6 for a two round total of 170.9, garnering Stewart the victory for the second year in a row.

The Washington Pony Equitation Classic Finals were also held earlier in the day, with the 25 junior pony riders from the year invited to compete. Riders began by completing an equitation course, and the 12 riders that received the highest scores returned for an under saddle portion.

This year's top finisher was Madelyn Keck, who was aboard Tango, owned by Porter Allen of Boerne, TX. The pair returned for the under saddle with the highest score of the day, an 87. Keck and Tango were presented with The Jane Marshall Dillon Memorial Perpetual Trophy for their excellent effort today. Allison Toffolon, of Bronxville, NY, earned the second place prize with Neverland after earning a score of 84. Meredith Darst and Tuscany, owned by the West End Stables of Los Angeles, CA, took home the third place honors with a score of 83.

Sunday marked the conclusion of the Washington International Horse Show at Verizon Center, as the Pony Hunter divisions wrapped up their second day of competition. Meredith Darst had a banner day, claiming two of the championship tricolors, and going on to win the Grand Champion Pony Hunter trophy with Elation. She was also presented with the award for Best Child Rider on a Pony, sponsored by the Arute Family, for her excellent performance.

Darst and Elation, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, began the day dominating Small Pony Hunter division. The pair earned three first place ribbons and a second place ribbon to garner The Stombock Saddlery Challenge Trophy and the championship title. Aleece Jarman of Pace, FL, followed with the reserve championship prize for her ride aboard Rico Suave. Darst and Elation were later awarded The Miles River Moonglow Perpetual Trophy, after they were named Grand Champion Pony Hunter.

Later in the day, Darst continued her winning streak with Tuscany, owned by the West End Stables of Los Angeles, CA, in the Medium Pony Hunter division, sponsored by Bob Foosaner and Kris Gali. The duo took home The Shenandoah Sundowner Perpetual Trophy and the championship prize for their outstanding performance. The reserve championship honors went to Victoria Colvin and Promise Too, owned by Scott Stewart of Ocala, FL.

The Large Pony Hunters competed next, and it was Victoria Colvin with All The Best, also owned by Stewart, took home the championship title. The pair won two blue ribbons to claim The Pegasus Stables Perpetual Trophy. Sydney Shulman and Center Field, owned by Grand Central Inc of North Salem, NY, won the under saddle class to earn the reserve championship award.

The final event of the day was the WIHS Local Hunter Finals. The WIHS Local Hunter Finals Competition for Ponies, sponsored by The Wilder Family, was held first, with the top prize going to Alexis Sicher and Seastar, owned by Harriet Notzen. The pair also took home The Liseter Clever Star Perpetual Trophy and the Local Pony Hunter Champion tricolor. The reserve championship prize went to Kirklen Petersen and Severn Foxtrot. Next was the WIHS Local Hunter Finals Competition for Horses, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Keshishian. This year's winner was Angee Quattro-Kerns riding Gran Turismo, owned by Blaire Kinglsey & Glenn Ridge Farm. The pair was also named the Local Hunter Grand Champion, and received The Black, Starr & Frost Perpetual Trophy. The reserve championship honors went to Kirklen Petersen and Severn Foxtrot.

Birdsall and Parrish Top East Conference Standings In The 2009 Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series

Tampa, FL-October 27, 2009-Victoria Birdsall and Alex Parrish emerged as East Conference champions in the regular season of the 2009 Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series.

The Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series conducted its 2009 series with classes at more than 100 horse shows across the nation, giving competitors an abundance of opportunities to accumulate points throughout the year. The Series featured separate divisions for amateur-owner and junior riders with standings kept separately for East and West Conferences.

For the second year in a row, Victoria Birdsall of Topsfield, MA, and Jerremy, took top honors in the East Conference's junior division. The pair ended the season with an impressive 935 points. Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY, who had been in a close race for first place with Birdsall for a majority of the season, ultimately finished in second place aboard Ice D'Ancoeur with 755 points. Third place resulted in a tie between Catherine Pasmore, of Whitehall, VA, with Callabonna Z and Jessica Springsteen, of Colts Neck, NJ, with Vornado Van Den Hoendrik, each with 605 points.

In the amateur-owner division, top honors went to Alex Parrish, of Midway, KY, aboard Kadorijke. The pair ended the season with 630 points. Second place went to Denise Wilson of Oconomowoc, WI, and For Elenor, who had 515 points. Marley Goodman of Wellington, FL, and U-2 were third with 510 points.

The Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series culminates with the Year-End Championships at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 126th National Horse Show in Syracuse, NY. The West Conference concludes its regular season at the LA National Horse Show in November.

"We would like to congratulate Victoria and Alex on their victories in the 2009 Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series," said Philippe Collard, President of Cavalor, Inc. "It was a very successful year for the Series and we congratulate everyone who participated."

The Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series is designed to give amateur-owner and junior riders an opportunity to compete at higher levels and serves as a proving ground for many riders who aspire to someday represent the United States in international competition.

The Show Jumping Hall of Fame was organized to promote the sport of show jumping and to immortalize the legends of the men, women and horses who have made great contributions to the sport. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame conducts the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, held under Grand Prix rules and specifications. The Show Jumping Hall of Fame has moved from its long-time home at Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL. An announcement about the Museum's new home will be made later this year.

Cavalor Inc. is the exclusive North American licensee of the Cavalor brand and the Cavalor products from Nutriquine NV. Cavalor Inc.'s mission is to organize and manage the distribution of Cavalor products, promote the brand, and establish partnerships to locally manufacture the Cavalor products, all in North America.

For over 20 years, Nutriquine NV (a Belgian company) has been a pioneer in equine nutrition. In close cooperation with veterinarians, scientists and specialists of equestrian sports, Nutriquine 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 by many champions in 45 countries around the world. Please visit the Cavalor website at www.cavalor.com.

Any horse show offering a class that meets all the criteria set forth in the 2010 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series specifications and has prize money of at least $1,000 is eligible to be part of the Series.

For more information about the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, please visit the Show Jumping Hall of Fame website at www.showjumpinghalloffame.net.

THE EQUESTRIAN VAGABOND - MERRI MELDE, HOSTS RECEPTION IN KENTUCKY ART GALLERY

October 25, 2009, Paducah, Kentucky, USA: The renowned equine photographer and writer Merri Melde, The Equestrian Vagabond, welcomed visitors and horse people to Judeen's Art Studio and Gallery in Paducah, Kentucky, for an exhibition of her equine photography on October 10, 2009.

Merri's vivid and eclectic photographs and stories reflect the diverse equine jobs she has held, and the extraordinary places, people, and horses she has encountered in her equine travels around the world. With one root in southern Idaho, and one root on the road, she continues to document her horse world, at home and on her travels.

Her photographs will remain in the gallery, and her continued work and wanderings can be followed at:

www.TheEquestrianVagabond.com
http://theequestrianvagabond.blogspot.com/

STEADFAST Supported Horse Wins NRHA Affiliate Finals

St. Louis, MO-October 26, 2009 - - STEADFAST® supporter Keith Ceddia, Sunbury, OH, and 4 year old gelding, A Custom To Please (Chic Please x Custom Mahogany x Custom Crome) claimed the Limited Open and Rookie Professional Affiliate Championships at the National Reining Horse Association Northeast Affiliate Finals held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington in September.

Ceddia attributes much of his horse’s exceptional performance to supplementing with STEADFAST® EQUINE.

“Using STEADFAST® EQUINE in 2009 has kept the horse sound for shows every weekend. His overall condition has improved significantly,” said Ceddia.

Keith, son of Joe and Susan Ceddia, and recent graduate of the Ohio State University, is currently an assistant trainer for NRHA Director Ollie Griffith’s, Autumn Rose Farm, Plain City, OH.

Keith has had continued success in 2009 as National Intercollegiate Reining Champion for Ohio State University, co leader in the NRHA’s Limited Open Division and a top 10 ranked rider in NRHA’s Rookie Professional Division.

STEADFAST® EQUINE is a patent-pending joint health product specifically designed for horses with a high-demand lifestyle to support total joint integrity. Featuring the exclusive ingredients NEM® and TêlaFIRM®, STEADFAST® EQUINE provides relief from occasional joint discomfort due to normal daily activity while promoting normal mobility and healthy connective tissues, to support healthy joints, bones, tendons and ligaments. STEADFAST® EQUINE is available in boxes of 30 and 60 convenient easy-to-use packets.

“Arenus is pleased to see success happening across the country for NRHA members like Keith,” said Celeste Mohatt, Marketing Manager for Arenus. “Talented horse and rider teams supported by science driven products like STEADFAST® EQUINE are a win-win combination. We at Arenus applaud Keith’s accomplishments.”

For more information on STEADFAST®, comprehensive bone, joint, tendon and ligament supplement, visit www.arenus.com or call 866-791-3344.

KPP Unveils Contribute™

a Scientifically Formulated Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement

Versailles, Ky. – Kentucky Performance Products (KPP) has recently unveiled Contribute to the equine marketplace. Unlike other omega-3 supplements, Contribute contains both plant and marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It provides alpha-linolenic acid and EPA and DHA at effective levels and is very palatable. Contribute offers horse owners, breeders and trainers an affordable way to provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids to their horses. It is recommended for young horses, horses in training, stallions, broodmares and seniors. Contribute is a liquid that is easily top-dressed onto feed. It is available in a 1-gallon jug.

“The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids support virtually every system in the horse’s body, including the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, bone development, cardiovascular system and the inflammatory process,” said KPP Vice President Delia Nash. “We know that the ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids is important. Many modern diets contain an overabundance of omega-6 and not enough omega-3. Contribute can help bring that ratio back into balance.”

In addition to Contribute, KPP markets a complete line of research-proven equine supplements, including Neigh-Lox® and Equi-Jewel®. For more information on Contribute or any other KPP product, visit www.KPPusa.com or call 1-800-772-1988.

Carol Cohen’s Mare Wins TailRx “Best Tail Award” At Autumn Challenge of Champions

West Palm Beach, FL (October 27, 2009) – Thanks to her long and luxurious black tail, an elegant Westphalian mare owned by Carol Cohen won the TailRx “Best Tail Award” at the Wellington Classic Dressage’s Autumn Challenge of Champions show. Cohen and her mare, Sam’t Und Seide, were awarded a TailRx prize basket at the show, which was held in conjunction with the USDF Region 3 Dressage Championship, and took place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Cohen, who owns Two Swans Farm in Wellington, was thrilled to win the award from TailRx, a revolutionary new mane and tail restoration system designed for horses. John Zopatti rode Cohen’s mare, whose name means “silk and velvet,” and the pair also won the third level championship during the show. Zopatti was equally pleased that the mare won the TailRx award, as he uses the product with great success on all of the horses in his barn.

“Our tail regimen up till now has been to just keep her tail clean and not brush it,” Cohen said, after winning the TailRx basket. “I guess that will change now.”

Mary Brunetti, founder of TailRx, said Cohen would definitely be able to brush Sam’t Und Seide’s tail in the future. “TailRx adds volume and makes the tail three times as strong within the first use, just like it does with humans,” Brunetti said. “TailRx also keeps the scalp in such tip top shape and so healthy that it can’t help but grow good hair because it starts at the follicle first.”

Cohen will join hundreds of other riders who have discovered TailRx, a professional hair care system for horses. Following an article in Lucky magazine that touted the product’s benefits for humans, Brunetti said TailRx has been hard to keep on the shelves. “TailRx works on humans as well because we are all mammals and share the same hair follicle structure,” she said.

Brunetti, an award-winning celebrity hair stylist, developed TailRx and the product has revolutionized how horse owner’s care for their horse’s manes and tails. “TailRx is an easy to administer three-step treatment and all horse owners need to do is follow the simple 5-minute application routine,” Brunetti said. “Horse owners they can expect noticeable improvements from TailRx in the first week and then expect thicker, stronger and longer hair in just a few months.”

For more information on TailRx, visit www.tailrx.com.

Kerensa Muller Wins Trilogy Saddle “Best Seat” Award at Dressage Challenge of Champions

Wellington, FL (October 27, 2009) – Kerensa Muller rode away the winner of the Trilogy Dressage Saddle “Best Seat” Award at Wellington Classic Dressage’s Autumn Challenge of Champions, held in conjunction with the USDF Region 3 Championships, thanks to an impressive ride on her mare Fantassia. Muller and the gray 18.1 hand, seven-year-old Hanoverian mare drew the attention of the Trilogy selection committee during the show held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center to take home the “Best Seat” Award.

“What an exciting experience to win this award,” Muller said. “I ride one of my horses in training in a Trilogy saddle. The Trilogy is very supportive of my leg and gives my leg a nice grip on the saddle and the horse.”

Muller, a renowned dressage trainer based in Wellington, Florida, was born and raised in Holland where she trained under the tutelage of Sjef Janssen for three years. Muller said she believes her strong seat developed during her early days on the back of a pony. “For seven years I rode my pony bareback and it helped develop my seat and balance,” she said.

The Trilogy “Best Seat” Award is presented to the rider that best fits the following three criteria: effective secure seat; well-fitting saddle that enhances performance for horse and rider; and overall performance on the horse. Debbie Witty, President of Trilogy Dressage Saddles, said she looks forward to presenting the award during the winter dressage season in Wellington, Florida. “It is an opportunity to recognize riders and the importance of well-fitting equipment,” she said.

Witty, a qualified saddle fitter from the Society of Master Saddlers of England, has spent years helping top riders such as Debbie McDonald, Shannon Peters, Courtney King-Dye, George Williams and Guenter Seidel with their saddle fitting needs. Trilogy Dressage Saddles are built in England by some of the most experienced craftsmen in the world. They feature a British tree made of laminated Beechwood, and a specially tanned hide from England that offers the rider an elastic broken-in feel. For more information on Trilogy Saddles or their sponsored riders, visit their website at www.trilogysaddles.com.

Megan Eisenfelder Wins Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic Sponsored By The Wellington Collection Two Weeks In A Row at ESP Fall Circuit

Wellington, FL (October 27, 2009) – Megan Eisenfelder is the rider to beat in the $1,500 Low Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic at the Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) 2009 Fall Series. The 11-year-old sixth grader has now won the classic, sponsored by The Wellington Collection -- a line of high quality affordably priced hunt jackets -- two weeks in a row aboard her 17-year-old Thoroughbred mare Roxanne.

Eisenfelder won a new hunt jacket from The Wellington Collection during the ESP Fall II show, and returned to the show ring during the ESP Fall III show wearing her new jacket. “Megan was wearing her jacket when she won the classic the second time,” said Jessica Eisenfelder, Megan’s mother. “She loves her new jacket because it is comfortable, and she especially likes how the lining is sparkly. And I love it because I can wash it instead of taking it to the dry cleaners. Plus it fits Megan great.”

Eisenfelder started showing in the jumpers a year ago and trains with Ali Sweetnam at Sweet Oak Farm in Wellington. “We are so proud of Megan,” Jessica said.

Cindy Screnci, President of The Wellington Collection, was excited that Eisenfelder won the $1,500 Low Children’s/Adult Classic again. “Megan is a great young rider and of course it was thrilling to see her in the winner’s circle wearing her new jacket from The Wellington Collection,” Screnci said. “With her second win she can now have a jacket in a different color – a girl can never have too many jackets!”

Eisenfelder’s mother agreed, saying, “The advantage of having two jackets is that kids don’t like to ride in the same jacket two weeks in a row. Now Megan can have a new look each week and I still won’t have to take either jacket to the dry cleaners.”

Jackets from The Wellington Collection are not only machine washable, but they are also affordably priced and well made. Equitation trainer Frank Madden is endorsing the jackets, saying Screnci has “produced a classic hunt coat that is very affordable without sacrificing quality.”

Youth jackets in The Wellington Collection are $99 while adult jackets range from $149 to $289. The jackets are made with fabrics that look great, are lightweight and feature wicking properties that wick the sweat away from the rider. The fact that dry cleaning bills are eliminated is just one extra reason that jackets from The Wellington Collection are filling rider’s closets all across the country.

For more information about The Wellington Collection, visit their website at www.thewellingtoncollection.smugmug.com.

Author to Sign Copies of Award-Winning Book at Borders to Celebrate

Breeders' Cup, November 6th and 7th in Arcadia, California

26 October, 2009, Ann Arbor, Michigan—Rudolph Valier Alvarado, author of the book that's taken Thoroughbred racing by storm and won the most prestigious award in equine publishing—the 2009 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award—will be in Arcadia, California during Breeders' Cup weekend to sign Special Edition copies his lauded book, "The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita."

Dr. Alvarado's frank, beautifully-penned and thoroughly-researched biography of the great race announcer has been widely received by critics and audience members, alike. Alvarado received the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award in April, at the fete hosted by Castleton Lyons Farm and Thoroughbred Times. Garnering accolades in every corner of publishing, the tome was a finalist in several other competitions, including the National Best Books 2009 Awards; National Indie Excellence Awards; New York Book Festival Book Awards; Premier Book Awards; Eric Hoffer Book Awards and Next Generation Indie Books Awards.

The author, who committed six years to the research and writing of the book, began his journey when he was encouraged to read Laura Hillenbrand's "Seabiscuit: An American Legend." Alvarado came across Hernandez’s name in the book. He was intrigued by the question of how Hernandez was able to reach such a prominent position in horse racing during a time when a great number of Mexicans and Mexican Americans were being repatriated to Mexico due to America’s Great Depression. He was further inspired when he discovered that Hernandez had millions of fans in an era long before the Internet and mass media. As the project was taking shape in his mind, Alvarado soon recognized that he was destined to be the author who brought Joe Hernandez's untold tale to the world.

Alvarado is eager to meet fans of Joe Hernandez and of the sport at the Borders in Arcadia—a horseshoe's throw from Santa Anita, the racetrack where Hernandez made history. >From the very first race at the track on Opening Day (Christmas, 1934) until his last call on January 27, 1972, Hernandez called an incredible 15,587 races in a row. It is a singular honour then that Alvarado should sign copies of his work of a lifetime on Hernandez's old stomping grounds, the track where Hernandez held court for nearly four decades.

The Special Edition of the book, beautifully-bound and including a bonus CD of 30 of Hernandez's race calls, makes an extraordinary gift for fans of racing and those who embrace a great biography. The signings will take place at the Borders in the mall at 400 South Baldwin in Arcadia on Friday, November 6th and Saturday, November 7th, from 10:30AM – 1PM both days. To pre-order or reserve copies of the Special Edition, contact Borders at (646) 445-1320. Media and fans alike are invited to contact Caballo Press to arrange interviews, to pose questions or to inquire about the upcoming screenplay based on the book. To learn more about “The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita,” please refer to www.voiceofsantaanita.com.

CIRCLE OF CHAMPIONS 2010: A JOHN LYONS SYMPOSIUM

The Kentucky Horse Park and the Center for Women in Racing Partner with "America's Most Trusted Horseman" in January

LEXINGTON, KY (October 27, 2009) The Kentucky Horse Park and the Center for Women in Racing announced today that they are partnering to bring world-renowned horse trainer, John Lyons, to a symposium extravaganza weekend in the new state-of-the-art Indoor Arena January 16-17, 2010.

"Circle of Champions 2010: A John Lyons Symposium" will be the first major event and trade show in the Indoor Arena in 2010, and will serve as a flagship event at the Kentucky Horse Park in anticipation of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in the fall. John Lyons will be working his magic as a horse whisperer with a variety of horses throughout the weekend representing the multi-breed, multi-discipline theme of the year.

"We are delighted to welcome John Lyons at our opening event in the new Indoor Arena next year," said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. "I have admired Mr. Lyons for years, and have marveled at his ability to work miracles with everything from backyard ponies to racing Thoroughbreds."

The weekend will include demonstrations from locally owned horses within the disciplines of reining, eventing, vaulting, jumping, driving and dressage. A demonstration of Thoroughbreds in transition from the racetrack will also be included under the direction of the co-sponsor, the Center for Women in Racing , a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women in the racing industry with retired racehorses in an aftercare facility in Paris, Kentucky.

"John Lyons has been a faithful supporter of the Center and its parent organization, Bethlehem Farm, Inc., for more than 10 years," said Sandra L. White, Founder. "He has distributed thousands of copies of our DVD 'Loveletter to a Horsewoman' at his symposiums nationwide. We are so happy to finally have John and his wife, Jody, visit us and share their love and knowledge of the horse with the people of Kentucky."

The schedule for the weekend includes:

Saturday, January 16 - Trade show and exhibits in the new Expo Center open at 8:00am. Symposium sessions with horses and owners, 8:30am - 4:30pm. Winners Circle Gala Dinner benefitting the Center for Women in Racing, 6:30 - 9:30pm.

Sunday, January 17 - Trade show opens at the Expo Center at 8:00am. Heaven on Horseback, a special prayer breakfast with John Lyons and Sandra White, 8:00-9:00am. Symposium sessions with horses and owners from 9:30am-3:30pm. Closing ceremony at 4:00pm.

"I am excited about coming to the Bluegrass," said John Lyons. "It is an important opportunity to work with Kentuckians and their horses at the Kentucky Horse Park to begin this special year. It is also an honor to support the work of Bethlehem Farm and the Center for Women in Racing at a critical time in the history of this great sport."

Ticket information will be available on the Kentucky Horse Park website, www.KyHorsePark.com November 1.

For more information on "Circle of Champions 2010: A John Lyons Symposium" please contact Nicole Rivera, 859-259-4219 or Nicole.Rivera@ky.gov. For information on Bethlehem Farm and the Center for Women in Racing, contact Sandra White at 859-987-2258, bethlehemfarmky@bellsouth.net or www.centerforwomeninracing.org. For information on John Lyons, go to www.johnlyons.com.

Improve Your Horsemanship With Julie Goodnight on America’s Horse TV

America’s Horse, October 26, 2009 -- Establish the kind of relationship with your horse in which you are the captain of the ship and he is the follower that looks up to you. AQHA Professional Horseman Julie Goodnight helps give riders the horsemanship skills to create such a relationship in her clinics. Earlier this year, Julie presented three clinics at the first-ever QuarterFest in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. One of her clinics focused on common equitation problems.

If you missed Julie at QuarterFest, a video series of her QuarterFest clinic launches this week on americashorse.tv, the American Quarter Horse Association’s free online television network.

Julie, who is also the international spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association, believes that horseback riding is a true balance sport and has been compared to both ballet dancing and downhill skiing as activities that require an extreme amount of balance.

All America’s Horse TV videos use Flash technology, like YouTube, allowing viewers to instantly watch without waiting for a download. America’s Horse TV is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no need for a special cable provider or subscription. All that’s needed is a computer and Internet access.

America’s Horse TV features six channels:
America’s Horse – sponsored by Tractor Supply Co.; flagship channel containing AQHA’s anchor program. It features new and classic episodes/segments for all horse enthusiasts.

How-To – sponsored by Tractor Supply Co.; provides important information and instruction for horse owners on everything from learning how to lead your horse, to picking out tack and perfecting your horse’s gaits. AQHA’s Team Wrangler participates in these segments.

People & Horses – sponsored by John Deere; profiles American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame inductees and well-known American Quarter Horses.

Health – sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health; educational programming dedicated to the health and welfare of American Quarter Horses. It includes features on vaccinating, breeding, general care and product spotlights.

Ranches – sponsored by FedEx; features award-winning ranches and remudas.
Events – sponsored by Bank of America; spotlights AQHA and alliance partner competitions and signature events.

America’s Horse TV is free, thanks to AQHA’s corporate partners. Be sure to check out special offers from the generous supporters. To learn more about America’s Horse TV, visit americashorse.tv/about.html.

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.

2010 Clinic Tour: buy-one-get-one-free spectator tickets; early-bird riding discounts!

Big savings with early registration

See television horse training host Julie Goodnight as she travels across America to work with horses and riders during her intimate, 2-day clinics. Goodnight's 2010 Clinic Tour stops in Colorado, Massachusetts, California, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Arizona, Florida, Montana, Ohio, Hawaii, and Virginia.

Save with early registration: buy-one-get-one free spectator tickets ($20 per day), $80 off a riding spot when you pay in full, or get a $25 gift certificate when you pay for a ride-spot deposit. Get your discount now through January 1, 2010 at: http://juliegoodnight.com/clinics or call (800) 225-8827.

"I love doing clinics because it is my chance to work with individual riders and their horses, spending as much time as needed to help them achieve their goals," Goodnight says. "It's very satisfying to me to see the horses and riders finish the weekend on the right track and with a great sense of confidence and accomplishment.."

At the Clinic Tour Stops
Each of Goodnight's two-day Clinic Tours provides an opportunity for horse owners to ride with Goodnight and learn her "Classic Skills for a Natural Ride" techniques (improving classic horsemanship skills and learning to be their horses' leaders through natural horsemanship techniques). Audiences are also invited-to watch and learn in a friendly environment for a nominal cost. Clinics are open to 10-15 riders ($400 per horse and rider pair) and unlimited audiences ($20 per day pre-order or $25 adult tickets at the door; $10 for youths 18 and under at the door). Group rates available. Day 1: Groundwork and relationship building; analysis of riding position and training issues; Day 2: Advanced ground work; refinement of riding skills, cueing and advanced maneuvers

Ride with Goodnight
Clinics are informative and personal. At each clinic, you'll have the opportunity to work with your horse under Goodnight's close supervision. You'll get the one-on-one attention you want to help you achieve your riding goals or overcome obstacles. Pre-registration is required. Bring your horse and work with Goodnight to improve your horsemanship. Stabling is available for a nominal fee; school horses are available at some clinic locales. Register to Ride with Goodnight now at http://juliegoodnight.com/clinics or call (800) 225-8827 for more information and advice.

Be in the Audience
This is the best way to gain valuable, see-it-for-yourself training skills at an affordable cost. Don't have a horse? Spectators get the same personal attention and are included in the clinic. You'll be welcome to ask questions and get clarification then take the new info home to work with your horse. Come to watch, learn and network. Clinics run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Bring a chair, a notebook and all your questions. Lunch is available on site. http://juliegoodnight.com/clinics


The Dates
16 weekends with stops in: CO, MA, CA, KS, TN, WI, SD, AZ, FL, MT, OH, HI, VA

March 6-7 Phoenix, AZ
March 27-28 St Cloud, FL
April 10-11 Ramona, CA
April 30-May 2 Murfreesboro, TN (as part of Quarterfest, http://www.aqha.com/quarterfest where all horse lovers are invited to watch, shop or ride with top clinicians.)
May 15-16 Topeka, KS
June 5-6 Cincinnati, OH
June 19-20 Sacramento, CA
June 26-27 Parker, CO
July 24-25 Kauai HI
Aug. 7-8 Madison, WI
Aug. 14-15 Whitefish, MT
Aug. 21-22 Richmond, MA
Aug. 28-29 Rapid City, SD
Sept. 11-12 Manassas, VA

Plus, two special event retreats at the 5-star C Lazy U Guest Ranch (http://clazyu.com) in Granby, CO:
May 21-24 C Lazy U Guest Ranch, Granby CO** Special Event, Special Pricing
Oct 15-18 C Lazy U Guest Ranch, Granby CO** Special Event, Special Pricing

About Goodnight
Goodnight is now best known for her award-winning television show airing weekly on RFD-TV-Horse Master with Julie Goodnight. Through the show, Goodnight hopes to help all riders master their equestrian dreams and skills. As "The Horse Master," Goodnight shares the wisdom she's gained by reaching her master-level CHA status and encourages all horse people to become the leaders/masters their horses want and deserve. Natural horsemanship is founded on understanding horse behavior and the idea that horses look for leadership, direction and assurance that they're safe and acting appropriately. Goodnight strives to teach you how to master that ideal and emphasizes the importance of life-long learning. She recently won Equine Affaire's Exceptional Equestrian Educator award-an award only presented three times in the well-known trade show's 15-year history.

RHSF ANNOUNCES ONE HUNDRED GRAND PROGRAM

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – October 26, 2009 - The Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) mission is to develop and enhance the sport of Reining worldwide through its five core programs: NRHA Hall of Fame, Crisis Fund, Research, Development & Education, Youth Programs and International Development. With the 2010 Alltech® FEI World Equestrian Games approaching next September, RHSF has a unique opportunity for you to champion its involvement in the Games and aid its efforts to bring Reining to an unprecedented audience. Contribute to the RHSF One Hundred Grand Program, join the road to the Games and enjoy special benefits and recognition.

Your donation will help make possible a comprehensive equine research program that will strengthen our industry, propel us toward the Olympic dream, help provide more than $50,000 annually in NRHyA scholarships and grow the RHSF endowment to $2 million. Finally, the success of the Crisis Fund depends on the generosity of donors.

RHSF is ready to lead the way to the 2010 Games with you as an One Hundred Grand Donor. Donate prior to the 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show and receive many fringe benefits such as reserved parking at the 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show, special recognition during one of the NRHA Futurity finals performances and in the NRHA Reiner, and entry into the prestigious One Hundred Grand Lounge. And most importantly, you will receive the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the sport of Reining worldwide! Contact Krissy Colbath at 405-946-7400 or rhsf@nrha com to get involved today!


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 showcases its best athletes during the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show. It’s the most elite reining event in the world and includes three NRHA/Markel Insurance Horse Sales, the FEI World Reining Masters, the 4R Performance Horses Celebrity Slide benefiting Make-A-Wish of Oklahoma®, an Intercollegiate Judging Contest, a western trade show and much more. During its 10-day run, the show contributes more than $44 million to the overall Oklahoma City economy. Get more information on this event and NRHA at nrha.com.

The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners for their support of the 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show: Adequan®; Arenus, Century Investment Group; Cimarron Trailers; Classic Equine; John Deere; Kiser Arena Specialists; Purina Mills; Markel Insurance Company; MD Barns; Montana Silversmiths; Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau; Pard’s Western Shop; Platinum Performance; Quarter Horse News; Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company; Rocky Mountain Clothing Company and SmartPak.

WEST POINT THOROUGHBREDS TO HAVE DRAWING FOR HORSE OWNERSHIP AT THE WOMEN'S HORSE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 3-4, 2009 IN LOUISVILLE, KY

The Women's Horse Industry Association is very pleased to announce that West Point Thoroughbreds will be giving away a 1% interest in one of their outstanding thoroughbreds. The partial ownership will be in an unraced two-year-old bay colt by Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones out of the Seattle Slew mare Sunrise Slew named Sunrise Smarty.

West Point Thoroughbreds currently manages equine portfolios for nearly 500 partners and a stable of over 80 horses. In 2008 West Point Thoroughbreds Horses competed in over 40 stakes races and raced for more than $23 million dollars in purses, with runners in such prestigious events as The Preakness and Bemont Stakes. In 2009 West Point Thoroughbred runners have been entered in the Kentucky Oaks, Stephen Foster, Whitney, Woodward, Hawthorne Gold Cup, and Breeder's Cup.

"This is a tremendous give-a-way. West Point Thoroughbreds has set the standard for racing syndicates and we are pretty excited about this drawing. Their horses perform exceptionally well and I know that everyone at the conference will want to have the winning ticket for this prize," states Executive Director, Catherine Masters.

"West Point Thoroughbreds is pleased to be involved in the conference. We are always looking for avenues to provide support to those already working hard in the industry while also hoping to foster interest in those curious about horse racing," says Shannon Castagnola, Client Services for West Point Thoroughbreds.

For additional information on West Point Thoroughbreds, please contact Shannon Castagnola at (859) 351-2736 or visit their website at www.westpointtb.com

For additional information on the Women's Horse Industry or the upcoming conference, please call (615) 730-7833 or visit our website at www.womenshorseindustry.com.

$251,000 Added NRHA European Futurity

Europe’s Top Four-Year-Old Reiners Meet in Kreuth

Kreuth (Germany), March 7-13, 2010

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – October 26, 2009 - The largest National Reining Horse Association show, in terms of entries, ever to be held outside of the United States is coming soon - the $251,000 added NRHA European Futurity is scheduled for March 7 - 13, 2010 at the beautiful Kreuth facility in Germany. The best four-year-old reining horses will compete for added money plus awards with the $125,000 added Level 4 Open Futurity division offering the largest purse. The first edition of this top-notch event attracted 300 horses and riders from 16 nations offering total purses and awards of $379,000 – one of the largest purses worldwide in 2009.

The NRHA European Futurity is divided into four levels in both the Open and Non Pro Futurity divisions according to the qualification of the riders. For detailed information on the different levels of competition, please refer to the 2010 NRHA European Futurity conditions at nrha-european-futurity.com. In addition to the NRHA European Futurity, the show offers a full slate of NRHA Ancillary Classes. Deadline for Futurity entries is January 15, 2010 and the deadline for ancillary entries is February 1, 2010.


International Attention
The 2009 NRHA European Futurity not only attracted competitors from 16 nations, but also visitors and media. More than 10,000 visitors watched go round competition, as well as the exciting finals. In addition, nearly 23,600 visitors per day from 32 countries visited the show’s web site, nrha-european-futurity.com.

The first NRHA European Futurity Level 4 Open Champion was Bernard Fonck riding Sail On Top Whizard. The Belgian trainer scored a 228.5 to win this division and more than $45,000. Canadian Duane Latimer and Spark N Whiz placed second scoring a 220.5. The Level 4 Non Pro Futurity division was won by Claudio Risso (Italy) with RS Linkwood Jac (216.5). Matteo Bendusi and At Toriwin (211) placed second.


2011 and 2012 NRHA European Futurities Return to Kreuth

The dates of the 2011 and 2012 NRHA European Futurity have been confirmed in a three-year deal signed by NRHA and the Kreuth facility. The 2011 NRHA European Futurity is scheduled for March 6 - 12, with the 2012 edition slated for March 4 - 10.


New Nomination Program Begins with 2009 Foals

The NRHA European Futurity is open to all four-year-olds until the 2013 event at which time only horses nominated to the European Futurity Nomination Program can enter. This new nomination program starts with 2009 foals with the 230€ nomination fee being due by March 31, 2010. Horses nominated to the NRHA European Nomination Program also are eligible to enter the NRHA Futurity and Derby held in the United States as well. In addition, the program includes a Nominator Incentive in which the person or entity that nominates the foal will receive five percent of that horse’s winnings in any division of the Futurity or Derby whether they still own the horse or not.


About NRHA
Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about NRHA, programs like Entry Level “Green, Ride and Slide” Reining, or its family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.

Heavy Rains Couldn't Wash Away The Spirit Of Horsemanship At The Dansko Fair Hill International Festival In The Country

Fair Hill, MD-October 26, 2009-For many riders, the thought of competing in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) CCI three-star championship would be a dream come true. Take that dream and add in heavy rains, blistering winds and a sea of mud, and you have conditions at this year's Dansko Fair Hill International, which took place at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, October 15 - 18.

Somehow, through the dedication of untold numbers of staff members and volunteers, the folks at Fair Hill managed to turn what could have been a recipe for disaster into yet another successful year for one of America's favorite three-day events.

This year's Dansko Fair Hill International was home to the (USEF) CCI***, USEF CCI** and Young Event Horse Championships. Some of the world's best horses and riders came prepared to battle for top honors in all three of these championships. The foul weather only further proved to test the stamina, bravery, and athleticism needed to compete - and win - at Fair Hill.

Boyd Martin prevailed in the USEF CCI*** Fall Championship aboard Neville Bardos. The victory served as Martin's first CCI*** win as well as his first major win while riding for the U.S., as he previously represented Australia. The Dansko Fair Hill CCI*** is one of the most prestigious three-day events in the United States. In fact, it is one of only two eventing competitions of such high caliber in the country. Martin also finished sixth overall riding Ron and Densey Juvonen's Dutch Warmblood gelding, Remington XXV. The win earned Martin the Fair Hill Bronze, the USEF Guy V. Henry Memorial Trophy, and the Gladstone Trophy for the highest placed U.S. horse, presented by the USET Foundation.

"For me personally I have come second a number of times in CCI three-star events, and finally I have won one," said Martin. "I've won a one-star, two-star and four-star before and it was eating away at me a little bit. I've come close and just couldn't quite do it so I put a little pressure on myself because it was a mark in my life."

Four-time Olympic veteran and two-time Fair Hill Champion, Karen O'Connor of The Plains, VA, rode Joan Goswell's 9-year-old thoroughbred gelding Mandiba to a second place finish in the CCI***. O'Connor also earned the Beale Wright Morris Memorial Trophy for the Leading Lady Rider award. Kelly Sult of Erie, PA, finished behind O'Connor with Hollywood. Sult also won the USEF National Under 25 Championship and the USEF National Owner/Rider Championship, as well as the Edward Johnson Memorial Trophy for the highest placed Adult Amateur at Fair Hill. In fourth place was two-time Olympic team Gold Medalist and four-time Fair Hill Champion, Phillip Dutton on Kheops Du Quesnay.

Thirteen was a lucky number for Olivia Loiacono of Bonsall, CA, who won The Markham Trophy for the highest-placed Young Rider. Loiacono finished in thirteenth place overall with her 13-year-old thoroughbred gelding Subway. The top placing foreign rider in the CCI*** was Canadian Rebecca Howard, who finished in ninth place with Riddle Master

Hannah Sue Burnett, of Ocala, FL, and Dick Thompson's 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding St. Barths won the CCI**. Thompson, whose wife Vita passed away last year, created the Sea Horse Farm Perpetual Trophy to go to the owner of the winning horse of the CCI**, so Mr. Thompson stepped forward to award himself the trophy in his wife's memory.

Finishing second in the CCI** was American Doug Payne and Running Order, and in third was Canadian Rebecca Howard and The Fork Stables' Dutch Warmblood/Thoroughbred cross, Roquefort.

The Spalding Labs/USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships showcased an exceptional group of four- and five-year old upcoming event horses. In the Four-year old Division, the Swedish warmblood/Thoroughbred Stallion Accolade had the top combined score for the three sections: Conformation and Type, Dressage, and Jumping Suitability and Potential. Owner Hope Thomas and co-owner and rider Dr. Kim Keeton, DVM, were "just tickled" about the stallion's performance. Placing second in the Four-year old division was Sharon Will and Buck Davidson's Oldenburg gelding, No More Rocks. Third place honors went to Tim and Cheryl Holekamp's Trakehner mare, Kalamata, who received the highest score in the conformation section of the competition.

In the Five-year old division, Matt Flynn rode the Dutch warmblood, BreakThrough, owned by his parents, Patrick and Kathleen Flynn, to first place honors. Second place went to Star Dazzler, owned by Courtney Cooper and Neal Camens, and ridden by Cooper. Kurt Martin rode Charlotte Hogg's Irish Sport Horse, Master Frisky to third place.

In addition to the world-class equestrian action at the Dansko Fair Hill International, there were also plenty of fun activities for all to enjoy - though some were cut short due to the weather.

Master Falconer Mike Dupuy didn't let the rain slow him, or his birds, down. He performed his show, The Art and Sport of Falconry With Live Birds of Prey, and brought the audience up close and personal with his magnificent birds while providing an unforgettable and educational experience.

Though only open for a short while, the famed Kids' Corner featured arts & crafts and activities for the younger set, while adults enjoyed shopping the many wonderful vendors at the Country Shops.

Members of the United States Pony Club participated in the President's Cup Invitational Games. During the Games, riders competed in teams of five in a variety of challenging and relay races. Awards were presented to the winning teams on Sunday. Pony Club members also served as volunteers during the event, helping in every area from running warm-up rings to directing traffic.

The popular Dog Agility Trials also returned. The Agility Trials are a favorite tradition at Fair Hill, attracting nearly 400 canine competitors each year!

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, Dansko shoes, boots, and sandals are now sold in over 2,500 premium retailer locations across North America. Dansko is the leader in all-day comfort footwear.

For more information on the Dansko Fair Hill International, please call (410) 398-2111 or visit www.fairhillinternational.com.

WOMEN'S HORSE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS TO EXHIBIT AT CHURCHILL DOWNS

NOVEMBER 5, 2009

The Women's Horse Industry Association is pleased to announce that some of the members from the association will be exhibiting at Churchill Downs November 5, 2009. The women will be in town for the annual Women's Horse Industry Association conference and will stay an extra day to exhibit at Churchill Downs.

The members who will exhibiting are: Marla Moore, Owner of Independent Equine Agents, Joyce Jackson, owner of Animal Therapy Systems, Jodi Bray, owner of Cowgirl Rose Jewelry, Kate Richards Wilt, Director of My Racing Heart, Inc. a nonprofit rescue organization, Suzanne Mock, Owner of Feed Smart, Inc. a brand new product, Janet DelCastillo, author of the Backyard Racehorse (has sold more than 24,000 copies), Donna Shifflette, Owner of Equine Monitors and Sandra L. White, Director for the Center for Women in Racing, a non profit organization devoted to both horse and trainers/riders.

"We are very happy that Churchill Downs is providing this opportunity and showing their support for women in the horse industry. I know that the fans attending the races that day will enjoy meeting the women and finding out about their companies. " states WHIA Executive Director.

"Churchill Downs is excited to host the Women's Horse Industry Association on Thursday, November 5, 2009. There are so many opportunities for women in the horse racing industry and Churchill Downs is proud to have female trainers, jockeys, owners and employees working at our track." states Jill Reading, Director of Marketing for Churchill Downs.

The Women's Horse Industry Association has hundreds of members worldwide. For additional information please visit www.womenshorseindustry.com

MERIAL JOINS AAEP EDUCATIONAL PARTNER PROGRAM

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) today announced the addition of Merial as an Educational Partner. The Educational Partner program is a group of now 11 corporations dedicated to providing resources and support for education programs to AAEP member veterinarians and horse owners to improve the health and welfare of the horse.

"We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to excellence in equine health care," says Frank Hurtig, DVM, MBA, director, veterinary services for Merial. "Many of us at Merial are long-time members of the AAEP, and we know firsthand what valuable resources the organization brings to the entire equine industry. We¿re excited to work with the AAEP to help veterinarians, horses and horse owners across the country."

As a committed partner to equine practitioners and their clients, Merial has been active in supporting the AAEP previously through the sponsorship of key events In addition, Merial has annually supported the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (AAEVT) as sponsor of their convention, held in conjunction with the AAEP Annual Convention.

"It is rewarding to have a company like Merial, a long-time exhibitor and supporter, who has proven excellence in promoting the importance of equine health care, partner with our organization," said Harry Werner, VMD, AAEP president. "We look forward to working together to benefit the continuing education of equine practitioners and horse owners for the health of the horse."

Merial offers veterinarians and horse owners leading equine brands such as EQUIOXX® (firocoxib), ULCERGARD® (omeprazole), GASTROGARD® (omeprazole), RECOMBITEK® equine vaccines, IMRAB® rabies vaccine, POTOMAVAC¿, EQVALAN® (ivermectin) and ZIMECTERIN® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel).

The 10 other AAEP Educational Partners include: Bayer HealthCare Animal Health Division, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., Fort Dodge Animal Health, IDEXX Laboratories, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Nutrena, Platinum Performance, Pfizer Animal Health and Purina.

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,700 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2008 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial is a separate subsidiary of sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

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

Chester Weber’s Famous Equines Raise Money For Charity by Painting “Moneighs®”

Ocala, FL (October 26, 2009) – Jamaica, the 2008 USEF Horse of the Year and member of Chester Weber’s seven-time National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving team, has taken his role as an equine ambassador seriously throughout the past year. Jamaica recently received his most colorful request ever, when the ReRun Thoroughbred charity asked Jamaica and his teammate Rolex to help raise money for charity by painting masterpieces known as “Moneighs®.”

Never ones to say neigh, Jamaica and Rolex painted their works of art for ReRun’s Moneigh collection, which will be auctioned off on eBay to raise money for ReRun. The name Moneigh is derived from the name of the famous artist and the sound a horse makes.

ReRun’s Mary Simons visited Live Oak Stud in Ocala to assist Jamaica and Rolex with their paintings and was thrilled with the beautiful bay Dutch Warmbloods. “They were stunning animals and my favorites so far,” Simons said. “I had heard that sometimes Jamaica wasn’t so friendly, but he was very warm, kind and professional. He and Rolex both did their paintings with red and white paint and signed them with a black hoof print.”

Jamaica and Rolex join a lineup of famous equine painters including some of the greatest Thoroughbreds in racing history such as Funny Cide, Cigar, John Henry, Smarty Jones and dozens more. Since 2001, over 400 masterpieces have been created and auctioned off. “With Jamaica and Rolex I put the paint on a paper plate and then got them to touch their muzzles to the plate,” Simons said. “Once the paint is on their muzzles or chins I get them to touch the paper and then they get a carrot or treat. Once they figure out they are getting treats they want to do it again and again.”

Simons said the Moneigh project has been successful due to the combined efforts of all the horse farm managers, owners, trainers, grooms, volunteers and bidders. “ReRun has an auction of Moneighs on eBay twice a year. Anyone can look at the paintings by going to eBay and using Moneigh as the search word. An eBay account is needed to bid on a painting and in the past bids have ranged from $150 for a lesser known horse up to $5,000 for a painting by John Henry autographed by jockey Chris McCarron. The next auction will be November 29 to December 6,” she said.

Simons is excited that Weber’s National Champion Combined Driving horses have joined the ranks of equine artists, especially with the World Equestrian Games right around the corner. ReRun has chapters in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Kentucky, the home of the 2010 WEG. Weber is a veteran of two prestigious World Equestrian Games and his current goal is to compete his team at the 2010 WEG at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit his website at www.chesterweber.com. For more information on the Moneigh paintings, visit their website at www.rerun.org or go to eBay.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Closes Deal to Acquire a Significant Portion of the Fort Dodge Animal Health Business from Pfizer

Acquisition positions Boehringer Ingelheim among the world’s top animal health companies.

Ingelheim, Germany and St. Joseph, MO (October 26, 2009) – Boehringer Ingelheim, a global pharmaceutical group of companies, together with its U.S. animal health business Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., announced today that it has closed its deal with Pfizer to acquire a significant portion of the Fort Dodge Animal Health business. The acquisition, which includes products in the U.S., Australia, Canada and South Africa, as well as two manufacturing and research facilities located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, significantly increases the size of Boehringer Ingelheim’s companion animal and cattle portfolios and strengthens the company’s position as a leading vaccine supplier. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Products being acquired in Europe are still subject to approval by European anti-trust authorities.

“Boehringer Ingelheim and Fort Dodge share a strong commitment to innovation and this will continue to be the imperative basis of all our activities as we move forward,” said Hubertus von Baumbach, Member of the Board of Managing Directors of Boehringer Ingelheim responsible for Finance and Animal Health. “With the closing of this deal, our attention now turns to ensuring a seamless integration of the highly committed teams of people as well as the transition of the product portfolio. We aim to jointly execute a robust business strategy that ensures the continued growth of our animal health business in the U.S. and globally by continuously providing innovation to our customers."

As part of the deal, Boehringer Ingelheim will acquire the Duramune® line of vaccines for dogs, the Fel-O-Vax® line of vaccines for cats, and the Rabvac® line of rabies vaccines manufactured and sold in the U.S., Canada and Australia. In addition, a portfolio of pet and equine pharmaceutical products currently sold in the U.S. is also included in the deal. The company will also acquire cattle vaccines in the U.S. and Canada including the Triangle®, Pyramid®, and Presponse® vaccine lines. Pharmaceutical products being acquired include Cydectin® (moxidectin) for cattle and sheep as well as Polyflex® (ampicillin sodium). The dairy portfolio includes the key brands Today® and Tomorrow®. Several Canadian swine vaccines are included in the acquisition as are some cattle vaccines sold in Europe and South Africa.

“The products included in this acquisition complement our already strong product lines and help to broaden our innovation base across more species and boost our global pipeline,” said Prof. Andreas Barner, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of Boehringer Ingelheim. “We look forward to applying our innovative culture to the products included in this acquisition as well as to the research and discovery of new products that will continue to bring value to our customers and our business.”

About Boehringer Ingelheim
The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 138 affiliates in 47 countries and approximately 41,300 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel products of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

In 2008, Boehringer Ingelheim posted net sales of U.S. $17 billion (11.6 billion euro) while spending approximately one-fifth of net sales in its largest business segment, Prescription Medicines, on research and development.

www.boehringer-ingelheim.com

About Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (St. Joseph, MO), is a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation based in Ridgefield, CT and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

For more information, please visit http://us.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

INTEGRITY Hoof – Editor’s Choice for Hoof Supplements, Horse Journal, 2009

Lebanon, PA, USA – (October 21, 2009) Horse JournalTM has chosen INTEGRITY Hoof as the number 1 recommended hoof supplement in 2009. “INTEGRITY Hoof’s Hat Trick – All three test horses showed improved hoof quality while on this supplement,” read the Horse JournalTM headline.

INTEGRITY Hoof is a premium pelleted protein, vitamin, mineral and amino acid supplement formulated to support the ‘integrity’ of healthy hooves; the foundation of any equine athlete. Manufactured in state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility using only the highest quality ingredients guarantees a premium product.

INTEGRITY Hoof features all of the key nutrients, in the proper amounts and ratios, required to support development and maintenance of strong, healthy hooves.

In addition to the traditional proven ingredients found in hoof supplements (biotin, methionine, lysine, etc.), INTEGRITY Hoof has been balanced for micro-minerals, especially copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) with minimal interference from iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn). INTEGRITY Hoof has no supplemental iron or manganese. The ideal ratio of copper:zinc should fall between 1:3 and 1:5. Nutrient Requirements of Horses, sixth edition, 2007, lists the daily requirements of 100 mg copper and 400 mg zinc (a ratio of 1:4) for a 1,100 pound horse. Specifically, INTEGRITY Hoof has 94 mg of copper and 373 mg of zinc, a ratio of approximately 1:4, and they are supplied as proteinated micro-minerals to improve bioavailability and utilization.

The yeast culture component has been scientifically shown to support enhanced digestion and digestive efficiency, particularly the digestibility of important macro- and micro-minerals (Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mg), integral to healthy bones and hooves.

Methionine and Cystine are the two sulfur-containing proteinogenic essential amino acids. As such, they contribute sulfur for crosslinking of other proteins, especially those necessary for optimal hoof growth.

Glycine is the smallest of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins, and due to its unique non-chiral structure, it makes up approximately 35% of collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals. Collagen is integral to the structural integrity, growth and development of bones, joints and hooves.

INTEGRITY Hoof is available in three convenient sizes: 18.75 lb. pail (100 day supply for one horse), 28.125 lb. pail (150 day supply for one horse), and 50 lb. bag (66 day supply for four horses).

INTEGRITY Hoof and all INTEGRITY products are manufactured in Kauffman’s Animal Health, Inc. facility certified in the American Feed Industry Association’s Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification Program; for details go to: www.safefeedsafefood.org.

About us:
Founded in 1978 by Leon J. Kauffman, Kauffman's Animal Health, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business that manufactures, packages, and markets a complete line of nutritional supplements, feed premixes, and specialty nutrition products for the equine, canine, poultry, and livestock (beef cattle, sheep, swine, goat, deer, etc.) industries. Initially focused on protein, vitamin, and mineral supplements for horses, the business has expanded to include electrolyte, hoof, joint, and digestion supplements for horses; a variety of direct-fed microbials (DFM or probiotics) for livestock; and nutritional supplements for dogs. To learn more about Kauffman’s products, log on to: www.ka-hi.com or call 1-800-332-5244.

MARK THE DATE!

The American Royal will present the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show and webcast November 17-21. All shows will be broadcast on the webcast. This year’s webcast is enhanced with commentary for at least one show per day from Railside Reports. Closer to the time of the event, please go to www.americanroyal.com and click on “horseshows” on the black bar at the top. Then, click on Saddlebred/UPHA. You can sign up there. PLEASE PASS THE WORD by forwarding this e-mail to your friends or subscribers. See you at the Royal!

Frank Ordner Tops Intermediate Non Pro on Dunitinbrightlight

Kathleen Armenta Wins SWRHA NRHA Non Pro on Custom Twister

Friday, October 23, held a day full of Ancillary Classes at the 2009 Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and Horse Show. Held at the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the classes saw substantial growth in entries for 2009.

In the Non Pro Ancillary class, Kathleen Armenta snuck past a three-way tie to win the class with a 147.5 on her horse, Custom Twister. Armenta, of Whitesboro, Texas, not only earned a check for $875, she also had a very pleasant surprise. “I didn’t know I had won. I was shocked that I had won a saddle – I was needing to get a new one,” she laughed. “It’s awesome that the SWRHA worked to get such great prizes, and I’m thankful to the sponsors of all these great awards.”

Armenta admitted she doesn’t normally show hard at the SWRHA Futurity Horse Show, but her plans changed for 2009. “I’m usually preparing for the World Show, and I don’t show as tough. It was part of my plan to prepare for the World Show to ride harder, and it worked!”

Jordan Donnelly and Chexable, Dave Silva and My Hollywood Girl, and Kathleen’s son Matthew Armenta and The Great West, all tied for Reserve with a score of 147. Each collected a check for $511.

The Intermediate Non Pro Championship went to Frank Ordner, who marked a smoking 148.5 on Dunitinbrightlight and pocketed $597.

Dunitinbrightlight is owned by Ordner’s father-in-law, David Silva. Ordner began riding the horse last April, and showed for the first time at the SWRHA in 2008. “It’s great to come back and win a class here,” he said.

Ordner had a good idea of how his horse might perform this year at Ardmore. At the Ariat Tulsa Reining Futurity and Horse Show in August, he showed Dunitinbrightlight twice, and won four trophies! “This is a special horse, because he’s actually a full-brother to Dave’s stallion, Hollywoodstinseltown,” he explained. Hollywoodstinseltown recently won the National Reining Breeders Classic Intermediate Open Championship with Marco Ricotta.

Dee Dee Boeckman rode her horse, Peppy San Whiz, to the Intermediate Non Pro Reserve Championship. Her score of 145.5 garnered a check for $505.

Built in 1937, the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum has been a mainstay as an Ardmore tourist attraction. Primarily designed to host horse and livestock shows, recent renovations to the facility have given it the flexibility to host even more events. Along with the space upgrades that allow the facility to stall 500 horses, the addition of air conditioning provides Hardy Murphy with the competitive ability to attract national and regional events. The renovations have resulted in a premier competitive equine facility.

For more information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, or to inquire about the SWRHA, please call 580-759-2572, or visit www.swrha.com.

Mandy McCutcheon Wins 2009 SWRHA WinStar World Casino Non Pro Futurity on West Coast Mizzen

For the third year in a row, Mandy McCutcheon earned the Southwest Reining Horse Association Non Pro Futurity Championship. She won the 2009 Futurity on West Coast Mizzen, the horse with whom she had also topped the preliminary round.

“She was actually a lot better today,” McCutcheon said. “I showed my other horse earlier and I feel like I tried to overshow that one. I made some too-quick moves and it made her uncomfortable, so I just started over for Mizzen (West Coast Mizzen). I always try to shake off the run before if it doesn’t work out the way I wanted it to.”

Because McCutcheon was third to last in the Non Pro Finals, she had the opportunity to watch many other Non Pros show, including her good friend and great competitor, Kelle Smith. Smith, riding Rufanicki, had taken over the lead at draw 26 with a score of 220. “It helped that Kelle marked that 220. I know how good she is, and that she runs a precise pattern. I knew I didn’t need to go crazy, but that I needed to do everything right,” McCutcheon said.

Her strategy paid off with a score of 225! With family and friends by her side, McCutcheon posed for the win picture with the signature Golf Cart that has become a tradition of the SWRHA Futurity. Along with a CR Morrison Bronze, she collected a check for $5,250.

Mandy and her husband Tom purchased West Coast Mizzen (West Coast Whiz x Mizzen Shine) from Howard Mann in April of 2008, and Mandy has big plans for the mare. “We bought a bunch from him, and she’s the only one we have left. She’s steadily become my best horse. If everything works out I want to keep her for a broodmare. I think she’d cross well with our stallion.”

Kelle Smith, of Marietta, Oklahoma, took Reserve honors on Rufanicki, by Lil Ruf Peppy out of Chexanicki, with a 220. The reserve title garnered $3,196 and a pair of Anderson Bean Boots.

In the Intermediate Non Pro competition, Ron Thompson rode Roo D Electrick to a 219, and five horses later, Charlie Wiederholt tied that score on Mr Stylish Montana. Both men opted out of a run-off, choosing to save the horses for the impending National Reining Horse Association Futurity in December.

Along with being Co-Champions, they both tied for third in the Non Pro division. Each collected checks for $3,723, and divvied up the prizes.

Wiederholt, of Hastings, Minnesota, acquired Mr Stylish Montana in a trade with Craig Schmersal. “I tried him in June, and really liked him. I liked how he was a big stopper. He was real cute going around,” he said.

The pair didn’t have the best preliminary run, and necessitated a bit change. “I think I had a little too much bit in the prelims. But today he felt good everywhere. He felt like he usually does,” he said.

Along with the Co-Championship, Thompson and Roo D Elecktric also won the Non Pro Prime Time, collecting an additional $705. “He was great today. I couldn’t ask for anything more, and any time I’m in the same category as Charlie I’m very happy,” said Thompson, of Whitesboro, Texas.

Thompson purchased the gelding, by Jacs Electric Spark, from a customer of David Zimmerman, and then consigned him to the National Reining Horse Association Futurity Sale. “I passed him out, and he’s been really good ever since,” he explained. “He’s real bright in the show pen, and just a happy, happy horse. I have never had one that feels as good as he does in the show pen.”

Unfortunately, Ron broke his back just two months before the SWRHA Futurity. When asked how he was feeling, he replied, “I have my moments. Yesterday I was thinking I just didn’t want to be here – and now I feel great!” He laughed and said “The doctors say next month I can start riding – I’m looking forward to that!”

Lance Griffin took Reserve honors in the Non Pro Prime Time on A Bright Tag (Whiz N Tag Chex x Genuine Starbright) with a score of 215.5. Griffin collected $548 for Reserve.

Winning the Limited Non Pro and the Non Pro Level 1 was Scott Fisher, who rode his horse, Smart Little Spooker, to a 216. “It took a community effort to get me here. I don’t know who to start with, but I thank Marco Formentin, Bill Norwood, Brad Giesbrecht, the people at the Sterling Ranch for letting me use their facility, and Andy Johnson. They are all great friends of mine, and I couldn’t do this without them,” he said immediately following the awards ceremony.

Between the two titles, Fisher pocketed more than $1,140. He purchased Smart Little Spooker (Smart Spook x Sugar Bars Twister) as a late yearling, and explained that the training process has been a fun challenge. “He was really, really good today. I was a 203.5 in the preliminary round, and I got some help, and we did much better today. He’s still in a progression, and that’s real encouraging to me.”

Craig Sutter and Steppin Up Wimpy finished right behind Fisher in both divisions, collecting $794. Sutter and Steppin Up Wimpy (Wimpys Little Step x Berrys Enola Gay) marked a 213 in the Finals competition.

Built in 1937, the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum has been a mainstay as an Ardmore tourist attraction. Primarily designed to host horse and livestock shows, recent renovations to the facility have given it the flexibility to host even more events. Along with the space upgrades that allow the facility to stall 500 horses, the addition of air conditioning provides Hardy Murphy with the competitive ability to attract national and regional events. The renovations have resulted in a premier competitive equine facility.

For more information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, or to inquire about the SWRHA, please call 580-759-2572, or visit www.swrha.com.

Brownshadel Tops Intermediate Open/Barko Wins Limited Open and Rookie Professional

Casey Hinton Wins SWRHA NRHA Open on Paid By Corona

When Carlie Thompson of Whitesboro, Texas, couldn’t show her horse, Paid By Corona, due to college classes, her trainer, Casey Hinton, decided to late enter the stallion in the Southwest Reining Horse Association $2,500 Added Open.

The decision proved to be worth $1,342. Hinton, on Paid By Corona, a 6-year-old by Paid By Chic, came in as the first entry in the 9-horse class, and his score of 150.5 held strong.

“He’s normally very consistent and has been that way his whole career,” noted Hinton, who trained and rode the stallion to finalists finishes at the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic. “He’s probably won about $50,000. He’s been there for me. He’s a lot of horse in a little package. You wouldn’t know he was a stallion – he’s like a pet.”

Although Thompson wasn’t able to show Paid By Corona in the Non Pro divisions earlier in the day, she was able to make it in time to see her horse go, and hold the Morrison bronze in the win photo. Thanks to sponsorship from Jordan Larson, she also received a Bob’s Custom Saddle.

Just a scant half-point behind Hinton was Jordan Larson and Strike Em Out, earning a pay check for $1,007. Strike Em Out, by Rowdy Yankee, is owned by Tom Lange and Leslie Vagneur, both of Greeley, Colorado.

Twenty-two entries competed in the Intermediate Open division, and it was Patty Brownshadel of Hempstead, Texas, who took the title and accompanying check for $627. Her partner for the class was her home-bred stallion, Im The Chic Magnet. “I asked him to go hard, and he said ‘Let’s go!’” she said. “He’s a happy horse, extremely good natured, and he wants to please. He’s definitely a big baby.”

Patty might have had a good idea of her horse’s training program before it even began, because she trained and showed his sire, Magnum Chic Dream. “He’s a lot like his dad. They both have the same great attitude and both are very athletic,” she explained.

Intermediate Open Reserve honors went to Todd Arvidson, who marked a 147.5 on Cracker Jac Whiz. Owned by Bowling Arvidson Ventures of Purcell, Oklahoma, Cracker Jac Whiz earned a check for $431.

Bobby Barko not only nabbed his first win at the SWRHA – he also claimed his second, winning both the Limited Open and the Rookie Professional on Mr Tivio Whiz. Their score of 147.5 resulted in a $462 payday. “He felt amazing today,” Barko noted of Mr Tivio Whiz, nicknamed Rudy. “He warmed up good, felt good, and I was just praying he’d show as well as he warmed up.”

Barko, who works for Griffin Quarter Horses in Oklahoma, has been riding Rudy for two months. “He’s a really nice little horse. I really appreciate Geri Greenall for letting me show him,” he said. “Geri is in Canada and couldn’t be here, but she watched the run on the webcast and was thrilled. She loves her horse!”

Barko also thanked Lance, Samantha, and Terry Griffin, along with his boss, accomplished trainer Cody Sapergia.

The SWRHA Futurity and Horse Show, held in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, has become a must-attend for those competitors preparing for the National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Horse Show.

Built in 1937, the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum has been a mainstay as an Ardmore tourist attraction. Primarily designed to host horse and livestock shows, recent renovations to the facility have given it the flexibility to host even more events. Along with the space upgrades that allow the facility to stall 500 horses, the addition of air conditioning provides Hardy Murphy with the competitive ability to attract national and regional events. The renovations have resulted in a premier competitive equine facility.

For more information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, or to inquire about the SWRHA, please call 580-759-2572, or visit www.swrha.com.

Sapergia/Hendricks Tie for SWRHA Open Futurity Championship

It’s known as “Where the Finest Go First,” and on October 24, the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity lived up to its reputation as one of the best previews for future stars.

Thirty-one entries qualified for the Billingsley Ford Open Finals, which featured added money of $52,000. Of those, twenty managed to score a 221 or higher! Draw 17, All In Wrangler, was piloted to an early lead with a score of 228.5 by National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Rider Dell Hendricks.

The very next entry was Cody Sapergia and Leonard Tag, to whom the judges awarded a 227.5. As horse after horse came close, it looked like Hendricks would win, and Sapergia would settle for Reserve.

But the requisite check of the judge’s score sheets revealed a corrected score for Sapergia, bringing his score to a 228.5! The two riders opted to remain Co-Champions, instead of deciding the Champion in a run-off. It worked out well, as the Open Champion receives a Golf Cart from the SWRHA, as does the owner of the sire of the highest placing Open entry. Since Dell owns Starlights Wrangler with Sally Broten, All In Wrangler’s sire, and Lance Griffin, who owns Leonard Tag also owns his sire, Whiz N Tag Chex, the two Champions were each able to leave with one of the SWRHA’s signature golf carts. The Co-Championship also came with a check for $13,889.

Sapergia noted he had resigned himself to a tie for Reserve with Gunny Mathison and Shine On Line. “I had heard Shawn’s score and Dell’s score and I was just hoping to be in the top five at the end of the day. Then, the show was over, and I found out that I had tied to win it,” he explained. “I feel for Dell, but I’m really happy for me! We didn’t run it off because it’s late in the year and the NRHA Futurity is coming up. Both of our horses were good today, and we didn’t need to run them off.”

Leonard Tag is owned by Lance Griffin, and is by Griffin’s stallion, Whiz N Tag Chex. “He was ranch raised, and kind of a gangly colt. He wasn’t one of my favorites, but we started riding him, and he did his job every day. He just got better and better, and he is still improving,” Sapergia, who works at Griffin Quarter Horses in Ardmore, Oklahoma, noted.

For Hendricks, winning on All In Wrangler feels like coming full circle. He trained and rode his sire, Starlights Wrangler, to win the 2001 SWRHA Open Futurity. That win was followed by numerous others, including the National Reining Breeders Classic Open Championship.

“He’s special to me, because he is one I raised out of my stallion and one of my mares, and I was able to bring him to this event and win,” Dell said. “I have to give a lot of credit to his owner, Glen Reed, who did most of his training. I have only been riding him since the end of July.”

Although Hendricks raised All In Wrangler (Starlights Wrangler x Docs Miss Ace), he consigned him to the Legacy Sale, where he sold to Carlos Deleu, and was then sold to Reed. “I met Glen at the NRHA Derby, and he said he wanted to ride with me. He brought All In (All In Wrangler) and asked if I wanted to get on. I told him I didn’t because I wouldn’t want to get off. When I did, I knew he wanted to be an Open horse, and I told Glen I really, really wanted to ride him.”

Riding Shine On Line (Shining Spark x Oaks Little Diamond), the horse he owns with Mary Jansma, Gunny Mathison won the Intermediate Open Futurity and placed third in the Open division. The charismatic trainer who resides in Tioga, Texas, piloted his horse to a 227.5, winning $8,384 for the Intermediate Open and $7,883 for his third place in the Open.

Mathison, who was the fifth from last to go, admitted it was a little tough to handle the waiting. “I heard all those great scores, and it’s really hard to not go completely crazy. My old mentor and friend Tom McCutcheon told me to stay clean and to not get in the penalty box. My horse was good and I just tried to stay with him and not over-show him,” he said.

That is, of course, until the final part of the run –the three stops that complete pattern 10. “Every other time I have shown him I’ve been weak to the stops. I told myself to chase him down and that he’d stop. He definitely did tonight – the stopping is very easy for him.”

Matt Mills and Abigayle Mixon tied for the Reserve title in the Intermediate Open with scores of 225.5. Mills rode Dunit For Sugar (Reminic N Dunit x Ready Sugar Surprise) for Brian Westbrook, and Abigayle competed on Julgun for the Sather Family Partnership. Both collected $4,465, and collected an additional $4,504 for a sixth-place tie in the Open Division.

Abigayle and Julgun were actually entered in all four divisions, and won the Limited Open and Level 1 Open, taking home an additional $3,771. It has been a fairy tale week for Mixon and Julgun. The pair gained many new fans when they topped the first go-round of competition with a 224.5.

“I wasn’t really nervous after the preliminaries. I know that he’s the same every day, and I have a whole lot of confidence in him,” Mixon said of the Playgun stallion that she broke and trained as a 2-year-old. “He’s been good to me. I knew he was really nice, but I didn’t know that he’d be this consistent.”

Mixon is looking ahead to the NRHA Futurity in December. “I’m just hoping he continues to do as well as he has. I’m crossing my fingers,” she said.

Zane Haverty and Whodini (Who Whiz It x Sugar Pop Gun 1998), earned the Reserve Championship in the Limited Open and Open Level 1 with a 223. Haverty, who was riding for his father, Clint Haverty, collected $2,174.

Built in 1937, the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum has been a mainstay as an Ardmore tourist attraction. Primarily designed to host horse and livestock shows, recent renovations to the facility have given it the flexibility to host even more events. Along with the space upgrades that allow the facility to stall 500 horses, the addition of air conditioning provides Hardy Murphy with the competitive ability to attract national and regional events. The renovations have resulted in a premier competitive equine facility.

For more information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, or to inquire about the SWRHA, please call 580-759-2572, or visit www.swrha.com.

Boots Made for Winning at Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede

Tennessee trainer to donate earnings to local hippotherapy program

OCTOBER 25, 2009, FORT WORTH, TEXAS - Boots Burro's life was probably on the losing track as he stood in a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) holding facility in June, but that all changed when trainer Gary Stanfill drew him as his mount for the Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede and the pair took the win October 24 in the $15,000 Legends division.

The four-year-old sorrel gelding didn't even have a name, just a number that identified him as one of 30,000 wild horses under the care of the BLM, that provides wild horses to the Mustang Heritage Foundation for adoption through its Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions around the country.

Stanfill, of Lexington, Tenn., said the gelding surprised him. "I was very surprised at how athletic he turned out to be and how quickly he came around," said the trainer, who has been involved with American Quarter Horses most of his life. "This has been a great experience for me; a fun experience."

Stanfill's win didn't come easy, though, as he bested a field of 28 in the Legends division. In a rare tie for first place, Stanfill had to go up against Dillinger and Hank Hepperly of Walland, Tenn., in a "mustang smackdown" to determine the winner after both had performed and received the same score for their freestyle performance. With music selections by management and two minutes to perform, Boots Burro repeated his ease of movement and lead changes, not to mention his clear connection to the rider, to take the win over Dillinger, whose sliding stops were a crowd favorite.

Stanfill earned $5,000 for the triumph, which he plans to donate along with funding raised through Lexington businesses to a local hippotherapy program. Boots had a strong following at the show, having already raised a fan base in Lexington when Stanfill made front page news for riding Boots into the mayor's office, as well into a local bank lobby to make a deposit.

The more than 90 horses in the competition were scored on body condition, which measures the overall health and condition of the animal; an in hand course, which requires the trainer to demonstrate their ability to handle the Mustang on foot, including moving through an obstacle course, picking up the horse's feet and loading it into a trailer; and a "horse course," which requires the trainer to ride the horse through a series of obstacles and complete basic maneuvers, such as walk, trot and lope, stop and back.

Three levels of competition were presented during the Extreme Mustang Makeover, including Idols and Legends, featuring three and four year old geldings, as well as Mission 008, featuring yearlings with trainers age 18 and under. Idol and Legend levels are determined by the trainers own assessment of the horse's progress and level of ability. A total of $30,000 was offered in the competition, with a $5,000 prize going to the Legends champion, while the Idol champion will take home $3,000 and the youth champion taking home $1,500.

After 100 days of work, on October 23, Jessica Davis and her four-year-old American Mustang Rock'n Red traveled from Janesville, WI to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede where they were named the champions in the Idols Division.

Performing to the tune "Puttin' on the Ritz," it was hard to imagine the sorrel gelding as a wild horse with moves that included great extension at the trot and a classical frame worthy of any dressage arena. The pair bested a field of 34 contenders and earned $3,000 of the $10,000 purse and a championship Gist Silversmith buckle for the win.

A total of 22 youth returned to Murfreesboro with their young charges and inspired the audience with their dedication and effort. Taking the Mission 008 championship was 18-year-old Diane Ward of Brandon, Miss. Bringing her dance experience to the arena, Diane and her palomino gelding Docs Golden Allegro wowed the crowd with a performance the incorporated flame and finesse. The pair earned $1,500 of the $5,000 purse.

About the Mustang Heritage Foundation
The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the goal of the Extreme Mustang Makeover is to increase the adoption of mustangs across the country. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to showcase the recognized value of mustangs through a national training competition.

About the Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing 258 million acres of public lands, located mostly in the West. Wild horses and burros roaming public rangelands are managed in a manner consistent with BLM's overall multiple-use mission, as set forth in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 220,000 horses and burros into private care through adoption. For more information, visit wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call 866-4MUSTANGS.

Meredith Darst and Elation Crowned Grand Champion Pony Hunter at Washington International Horse Show

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2009 - Today marked the conclusion of the Washington International Horse Show at Verizon Center, as the Pony Hunter divisions wrapped up their second day of competition. Meredith Darst had a banner day, claiming two of the championship tricolors, and going on to win the Grand Champion Pony Hunter trophy with Elation. She was also presented with the award for Best Child Rider on a Pony, sponsored by the Arute Family, for her excellent performance.

Darst and Elation, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, VA, began the day dominating Small Pony Hunter division. The pair earned three first place ribbons and a second place ribbon to garner The Stombock Saddlery Challenge Trophy and the championship title. Aleece Jarman of Pace, FL, followed with the reserve championship prize for her ride aboard Rico Suave. Darst and Elation were later awarded The Miles River Moonglow Perpetual Trophy, after they were named Grand Champion Pony Hunter.

"I'm really happy, it's so exciting," smiled Darst after receiving her prizes. "Elation was really good. The handy today wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, so it rode really smooth. Elation moves well, and sometimes she needs a lot of leg but she's always good."

Darst's mother Mindy helps train her, and was very proud of her daughter's performance today. "Elation is a relatively new ride for Meredith," she explained. "She rode her for the first time at Capital Challenge and they were champion. She kind of figured her out there and they've been a great match ever since."

Later in the day, Darst continued her winning streak with Tuscany, owned by the West End Stables of Los Angeles, CA, in the Medium Pony Hunter division, sponsored by Bob Foosaner and Kris Gali. The duo took home The Shenandoah Sundowner Perpetual Trophy and the championship prize for their outstanding performance. The reserve championship honors went to Victoria Colvin and Promise Too, owned by Scott Stewart of Ocala, FL.

"Tuscany jumped well, especially yesterday," noted 11-year-old Darst. "He's a lot of fun."

Darst began riding Tuscany this summer, and the pair was Grand Champion Pony Hunter at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show last week. "She absolutely loves him," said Mindy. "He's a wonderful pony and Harrisburg last week was a nice finish, and I'm very proud of what Meredith had accomplished here."

This is the fourth year that Darst has earned a championship tricolor at the Washington International Horse Show. "I love Washington, it's my favorite horse show," she commented. "Waking up early is hard but I like the show. Yesterday we got to the spy museum and that was fun."

The Large Pony Hunters competed next, and it was Victoria Colvin with All The Best, also owned by Stewart, took home the championship title. The pair won two blue ribbons to claim The Pegasus Stables Perpetual Trophy. Sydney Shulman and Center Field, owned by Grand Central Inc of North Salem, NY, won yesterday's under saddle class to earn the reserve championship award.

Colvin has been riding All The Best for two years and she was very happy with his performance. "He felt good, he felt like he was jumping really high," she said. "He can have a loop in the rein and you can just sit down. He has a fantastic canter, it's like a couch!"

Now Colvin will travel to Florida to compete during the ESP Fall Circuit, and she is looking forward to catching up on sleep during the long drive.

The final event of the day was the WIHS Local Hunter Finals. The WIHS Local Hunter Finals Competition for Ponies, sponsored by The Wilder Family, was held first, with the top prize going to Alexis Sicher and Seastar, owned by Harriet Notzen. The pair also took home The Liseter Clever Star Perpetual Trophy and the Local Pony Hunter Champion tricolor. The reserve championship prize went to Kirklen Petersen and Severn Foxtrot. Next was the WIHS Local Hunter Finals Competition for Horses, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Keshishian. This year's winner was Angee Quattro-Kerns riding Gran Turismo, owned by Blaire Kinglsey & Glenn Ridge Farm. The pair was also named the Local Hunter Grand Champion, and received The Black, Starr & Frost Perpetual Trophy. The reserve championship honors went to Kirklen Petersen and Severn Foxtrot.

The 51st anniversary of the Washington International Horse Show concluded today. The top horses and riders from across the nation competed at this year's event with excellent results. For more information about the 2009 Washington International Horse and a complete list of results please visit www.wihs.org.

EXELL CLASS OF ITS OWN IN HANNOVER

Hannover (GER), 25 October

FEI World Cup™ Driving title defender Boyd Exell from Australia was a class of its own at the first leg of the 2009/2010 season. Exell drove an impeccable fast round and stayed 10 seconds ahead of Koos de Ronde from the Netherlands and Tomas Eriksson from Sweden.


With four out of the six 2008/2009 World Cup finalists present, the drivers considered the first World Cup competition in Hannover as the leg with the strongest field of competitors. World Cup winner Boyd Exell, Dutch drivers Ijsbrand Chardon and Koos de Ronde, Jozsef Dobrovitz from Hungary, Tomas Eriksson and wild card driver Rainer Duen performed two days at in the Messehalle in Hannover where they were cheered by many enthusiastic visitors of the German Classics horse show.

Exell had some bad luck on the first day when his spare horse Pascal was declared not fit to compete by the veterinarians. After his fourth place in the warm up competition, Exell did some fine-tuning on his horses and this resulted in two very fast rounds in the World Cup competition. Unlike his fellow competitors who all drove the same horses as last season, Exell used a new leader horse in his team in Hannover. Spitfire, a 16-year-old gelding who was formerly owned by the German four-in-hand-driver Max Dangel, moved to Exell’s stables several weeks ago and the 2008 bronze medallist at the World Championships in Beesd is very pleased with this new horse.

Exell drove a clear and fast first round which none of his fellow competitors were able to beat. Koos de Ronde and Tomas Eriksson qualified for the winning round, while reigning World Champion IJsbrand Chardon had to miss this after he knocked a ball down. Chardon’s team lost speed in the marathon obstacles, where they normally are the fastest. Chardon however took his fourth place as a good sportsman and is determined to make up for it in Stuttgart. The Lipizzaner horses of Jozsef Dobrovitz lacked speed and teamwork in Hannover, which made the organizer of the international competition in Vecses come fifth, ahead of home driver Rainer Duen who had received the wild card.

After Tomas Eriksson had knocked two balls down, Koos de Ronde knew he had to drive as fast as possible to put the pressure on Exell, who was only 5 seconds ahead of him. De Ronde drove his special indoor team very fast through the much-praised course, designed by the German World Championship course designer Dr. Wolfgang Asendorf and set a very fast time in a clear round. Exell felt the pressure, but went full throttle, drove a clear round and secured his victory for the first time in Hannover.

Quotes:
Boyd Exell (Aus):

“On the first night I was ring rusty, but after I did some fine-tuning, the horses went much better the second day. Especially my new horse Spitfire did not know what to expect. I decided to trust him more and just let him go and he understood. I will keep driving this team the next shows, but I always have a good spare horse at home as well if necessary. The real heroes in my team are the wheeler horses; they are extremely fast and intelligent. I feel that this team cannot go much faster, but I will try to drive smoother and neater.”

Koos de Ronde (Ned)
“I knew I had to drive as fast as possible. I unfortunately had a miscommunication with my leader horses during the course. It cost me several seconds before I was back in the right rhythm and had full control again. I liked the course very much, it was a true World Cup course.”

Tomas Eriksson (Swe)
“I was happy to have made it to the winning round since I did not have a very good performance on the first day. I had nothing to loose and although I had two knock downs, I am pleased with my result.”

Results CAI-W Hannover:
1. Boyd Exell (Aus) 216.31
2. Koos de Ronde (Ned) 226.69
3. Tomas Eriksson (Swe) 247.34
4. IJsbrand Chardon (Ned) 125.89
5. Jozsef Dobrovitz (Hun) 127.56
6. Rainer Duen (Ger) 138.58


Classification after 1 of 7 events:
1. Boyd Exell (Aus) 10
2. Koos de Ronde (Ned) 7
3. Tomas Eriksson (Swe) 5
4. IJsbrand Chardon (Ned) 3
5. Jozsef Dobrovitz (Hun) 2

SCHRADE EMERGES BRILLIANT WINNER OF LES ETOILES DE PAU

Dirk Schrade (GER) jumped a beautiful clear round on King Arthus to score the first 4* win of his career in the most sensational style at Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA).

The overnight Cross-Country leader, Oliver Townend (GBR) suffered the kind of misfortune which is the stuff of riders’ nightmares. Townend had already secured the HSBC FEI Classics™ in emphatic style and had a Jumping fence in hand to win Pau, but his mount, the 14-year-old Carousel Quest, who had given his all across country the day before, hit 7 fences and incurred time faults, collecting a cricket score of 31 which dropped him to 8th place.

The Jumping course seemed fairly straightforward, with only two related distances, but there were only four clear rounds. Two of those came from Germany, back at the head of affairs after a disastrous European Championship, and Andreas Dibowski (GER) made it a German one-two when going clear also, on Euroridings Butts Leon.

The home side had plenty to cheer about when Pascal Leroy (FRA) and the exciting prospect Minos de Petra finished 3rd and Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) was best of the British contingent in 4th on the equally promising youngster Granntevka Prince.

The achievements of the two German riders propelled them up the order of the HSBC FEI Classics™, with Shrade taking 2nd place and Dibowski 3rd. William Fox-Pitt (GBR), last year’s winner, slipped to 4th place with 17th place at Pau on Macchiato. Sam Griffiths (AUS), who was not competing at Pau, moved down to 5th place.

GREAT DEBUT
Gwendolen Fer (FRA), 23, the only rider to achieve the optimum Cross-Country time of 10min 37sec, finished 7th and won the HSBC Training Bursary for the highest-placed 4* debutant. Fer, who represented France as a Junior, is based near Toulouse and is taking a correspondence university course in business studies at Grenoble. She is trained by Bruno Bouvier (FRA). Her mother bought her Leria du Ter from Koris Vieules 4 years ago.

“My mare loves Cross-Country and is really fast,” explains Fer, “and I have really enjoyed my weekend as well.”

The 4 other bursary winners this year, who will have training with FEI accredited trainers, are: Jolie Sexson (USA), Elisabeth Power (IRL), Michael Jung (GER) and Kai Rüder (GER).

COMPETITION STATISTICS
25 horses started the Jumping
4 clear rounds
1 horse eliminated at final Horse Inspection (Gang de Forgerie, ridden by Clement Faivre, FRA)
1 horse not presented at final Horse Inspection (Willow Fairgreen Attraction, ridden by Mark Kyle, IRL)

QUOTES
Dirk Schrade: “I had hoped to do well here, but to win is beyond my dreams. I was a little disappointed with my Dressage, because King Arthus is a good mover, and the cross-country was difficult for him because it was twisty and he is a big-striding horse, but he jumped so well today and I am very pleased with him. It’s the biggest win of my career and I hope now that I will get on to the German team for next year.”

Oliver Townend: “I’ve had an amazing season. Obviously this is a bit of a disappointment, but it doesn’t take away from the horse’s achievements this year, and to win the HSBC FEI Classics™ means a lot to me.”

RESULTS
1 Dirk Schrade/King Artus (GER) 46.7 + 0.8 + 1 = 48.5
2 Andreas Dibowski/Euroridings Butts Leon (GER) 43.8 + 4.8 + 0 = 48.6
3 Pascal Leroy/Minos de Petra (FRA) 49.7 + 0.4 + 12 = 62.1
4 Lucy Wiegersma/Granntevka Prince (GBR) 47.5 + 8.4 + 8 = 63.9
5 Jean Teulere/Matelot du Grand Val (FRA) 54.8 + 1.6 + 8 = 64.4
6 Rodolphe Scherer/Fairfax (FRA) 53.8 + 9.2 + 4 = 67.0
7 Gwendolen Fer/Leria du Ter (FRA) 64.2 + 0 + 4 = 68.2
8 Oliver Townend/Carousel Quest (GBR) 42.5 + 0.8 + 28 = 74.3
9 Gianluca Gardini/Lion Dancer (ITA) 59.5 + 12.4 + 4 = 75.9
10 Susanna Bordone/Ava (ITA) 47.5 + 17.2 + 8/6 = 78.7

Follow results on www.event-pau.fr

2009 HSBC FEI CLASSICS™ Final Standings (after 5 of 5 events):
1 Oliver Townend (GBR) 36 points
2 Dirk Schrade (GER) 25
3 Andreas Dibowski (GER) 24
4 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 21
5 Sam Griffiths (AUS) 20
6 Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) 19
7 Lucinda Fredericks (AUS) 15
8 Michael Jung (GER) 15
9 Bettina Hoy (GER) 12
10 Phillip Dutton (USA) 12

Todd Minikus and Alaska Are Cool Under Pressure to Win $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix at the 2009 WIHS, CSI 4*-W

Samantha Schaefer Leads Through Three Rounds for Win in WIHS Equitation Classic Finals

Washington, D.C. - October 24, 2009 - In an exciting three horse jump-off, Todd Minikus (USA) and Alaska were the fastest clear round to win the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix World Cup qualifier presented by The Boeing Company. Kate Levy (USA) and Lirving du Volsin finished second, while Mario Deslauriers (USA) and Vicomte D were third. Earlier in the evening, Samantha Schaefer was victorious in the WIHS Equitation Classic Finals.

Tonight's courses were designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil, and out of the 29 entries in the class, only three could find the path to the jump-off. Ken Berkley (USA) and Carlos Boy, owned by Alexa and Krista Weisman, just missed the jump-off by accumulating one time fault in 78.84 seconds to finish fourth. Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) kicked up his speed after having a rail down to finish as the fastest four-faulter in 67.17 seconds on Night Train, owned by Double H Farm.

The first to return in the jump-off was Levy and Lirvin du Volsin, owned by LA Horsepower and Kate Levy. She went for the safe clear round, but was very efficient with her speed. She finished clear in 36.32 seconds and would have to wait and see how the riders chased her time.

Levy noted, "I was really happy with my jump-off. This is definitely the biggest grand prix that I have had to do with that horse. I was not expecting much with these two behind me, so I just really wanted to jump a clear round and be as neat as possible because my horse is so game, but I didn't want to take too many risks and have a rail."

New U.S. Equestrian Team rider Mario Deslauriers (formerly of Canada) piloted Vicomte D, owned by Jane F. Clark, next in the jump-off. Deslauriers turned up the speed and galloped down to the final oxer, but they had the front rail down for four faults in 34.48 seconds.

"The last two big classes that I have done with him in the jump-off I have had the last fence down," Deslauriers said of Vicomte D, an 11-year-old Belgian gelding. "He has been jumping great and tonight he really put on a good show. It is just a matter of keeping at it, and the luck will come back because he is a very quick horse and he wins a lot of classes."

It all came down to Minikus as the final rider in the ring on Alaska, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Callie Seaman. Minikus made a very tight turn from the first vertical back to the next oxer and then continued that speed through the rest of the shortened course. He galloped over the final oxer and stopped the timers in 34.55 seconds for the win.

"It looked like Kate did her jump-off just right. Not crazy, but prompt, and then it put the pressure on Mario and myself to have to go a bit," Minikus explained. "I got to the gate just to watch the end of Mario's and in typical Mario form he looked like he was going pretty quick and had a little bad luck at the last jump. I thought my turn from one to two was maybe a little quicker and then I did the same number of strides to the third jump and just tried to stay inside of the footprints."

Minikus had kind words for Alaska, who won multiple grand prix events this year including the grand prix qualifier in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. "He has a lot of quality. He is a careful horse, and he is very good with his technique. He doesn't have enough mileage really at this point, but he always gives it a good effort. When he guesses, he usually guesses with the right answer, so he is a very enjoyable horse, and I am very glad I have him to ride."

It has been 19 years since Minikus last won the President's Cup Grand Prix, and he was happy to receive once again the President of the United States Perpetual Cup. "There is history behind the President's Cup; it is for sure one of our most prestigious grand prix. It starts off the indoor circuit, so any win is a good win for sure."

Minikus won the Leading Jumper Rider Award sponsored by the Blundon Family, and was awarded the Margaret Chovnick Memorial Trophy. Andres Rodriguez of Venezuela was named the Leading International Rider.

Samantha Schaefer of Westminster, MD, was the top junior rider in the WIHS Equitation Classic finals. She led from the beginning with a top score of 87.92 in the hunter phase, and added a jumper phase score of 86.92. She was the last to return in the Top 10 work-off and was feeling the pressure from Chase Boggio, of Canton, GA, who had a high score in the work-off of 89.67. The top 10 riders switched horses, and Boggio masterfully rode Molly Braswell's The General to increase the leading point total to 261.999.

Although Boggio and Braswell both train with Bob Braswell and Christina Schlusemeyer, Boggio had never ridden The General before. "He is in the same barn as I am, but I had actually never ridden him before today. I don't think I could have been any luckier with the draw though," he said. "I have seen him go enough to know what he is like. He was sort of similar to my horse. You just have to ride him forward like a hunter a little bit, so it wasn't too big of a difference."

Boggio won the equitation championships at Capital Challenge Horse Show and was seventh in the USEF Medal Finals. He said of his mount Graphiq, "I just feel like I really click with him. I have just gone in with really no expectations, and it has all just sort of come together all at once."

Schaefer returned on Lucy Davis' mount Patrick as the last to go. She had a smooth round and a bold final line. The judges rewarded her with a score of 91.67 for the work-off and a total of 266.498 for the win. Schaefer trains with Andre Dignelli, Kim Stewart, Kirsten Coe, Patricia Griffith, and Don Stewart.

"It went really well. I thought I stayed pretty consistent through all three phases, and I got pretty lucky. I got a really nice horse to ride in the final phase too," Schaefer said of Patrick. "I didn't know anything about the horse. I have never seen it go, but they told me a lot about it and it rode just like they said. He was really easy. I think it is a young horse, but he has a really big stride and he doesn't really move you over the jumps."

This was only the third time that Schaefer has shown Travino. "I have never shown my horse in the jumper phase," she remarked. "He is young. He did the First Years earlier in the week. He is really sweet to ride, he is easy, and he has a nice rhythm. He is fun; I like him a lot."

Tina DiLandri of La Jolla, CA, had scores of 82.33 and 86 with her mount Cadeau and a score of 76 in the work-off on Boggio's Graphiq for a total of 244.330 and third place. Lucy Davis of Los Angeles, CA, finished fourth with a total of 243.582, while Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY, was fifth with 240.999 points.

For her win tonight, Schaefer was awarded the WIHS Equitation Classic Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. G. Ralph Ours III. Schaefer's mount Travino, owned by Heritage Farm, won the Lugano Memorial Trophy donated by Stone Hill.

The $10,000 Senator's Cup Junior Jumper Stake kicked off the jumper competition today with a class of 20 entries. Eight of the original entries jumped clear over the first round course, and six of those jump-off rounds went clean to race against the clock. The horses and riders laid down rounds with increasing speed as they maneuvered the shortened course, and it was 16-year-old Samantha Harrison of La Canada, CA, and her ten-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Santika, who came out on top. Harrison and Santika jumped clear in a very fast time of 30.911 seconds to win the class. Laura Pfeiffer rode Thorstin, owned by Fox Meadow Farm of Temperance, MI, to the second place honors with their clear round in 31.391 seconds. Alexandra Thornton and Naomi, owned by Dunwalke LLC, finished in third with the final clear round of the jump-off in 31.400 seconds.

Harrison and Santika were awarded The Swan Lake Perpetual Trophy, which was donated by Beagle Brook Farm in honor of the 1992 class winner Swan Lake, ridden by Jennifer F. Miller.

Along with her win in the class today, Harrison was also awarded the reserve championship in the Junior Jumper division for her success in the classes throughout the week. Yesterday's winners Reed Kessler and Flight were awarded the championship tricolor for their great week of competition. Kessler and Flight were awarded The Greenberg Challenge Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Greenberg.

Following the championship presentations, two riders were presented with special awards. Laura Pfeiffer was presented with the Shalanno Style of Riding Award, sponsored by Shalanno Farms. The award is presented each year to the Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation and the respectful, dignified manner of a true sportsman.

Hasbrouck Donovan was then presented with the award for Best Child Rider on a Horse, sponsored by Georgina Bloomberg. The DiVecchia Perpetual Trophy, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick DiVecchia, was awarded to Donovan for demonstrating the highest quality in horsemanship and sportsmanship combined with good appearance and courtesy. Donovan rode Confidential, owned by Don Stewart, to the Grand Junior Hunter Championship earlier in the week.

The $15,000 Open Jumper Pairs Relay was held next with the win going to Shane Sweetnam aboard UnaDonja and Charlie Jayne aboard Carentina III. Marilyn Little-Meredith and Calmar 3 paired up with Margie Engle and Hidden Creek's Pamina L for the second place finish.

The 2009 Washington International Horse Show finishes tomorrow with hunter competition, including championships for the pony and local hunters. The World of the Horse special exhibition will conclude the show.

For more information and full results, please visit www.wihs.org.

Final Results: $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, CSI-W
T/A: 77.00 T/A: 45.00
1 42 ALASKA TODD MINIKUS USA 0.00 73.72 0.00 34.55
CALLIE SEAMAN

2 32 LIRVING DU VOLSIN KATE LEVY USA 0.00 76.50 0.00 36.32
LA HORSEPOWER & KATE LEVY

3 6 VICOMTE D MARIO DESLAURIERS USA 0.00 70.69 4.00 34.48
JANE F. CLARK

4 4 CARLOS-BOY KEN BERKLEY USA 1.00 78.84
KRISTA AND ALEXA WEISMAN

5 63 NIGHT TRAIN RODRIGO PESSOA BRA 4.00 67.17
DOUBLE H FARM

6 98 COULETTO K. JAMES McLAIN WARD USA 4.00 72.58
KATIE DINAN LLC.

7 59 CAPITANO DANIELLE TORANO USA 4.00 73.27
SIR RULY

T8 11 UP CHIQUI KENT FARRINGTON USA 4.00 73.42
BOONE/DOOBS/FARRINGTON

T8 45 VIA VOLO ALISON ROBITAILLE USA 4.00 73.42
M/M BERTRAM FIRESTONE

10 30 GREAT AMERICAN MARK LEONE USA 4.00 75.23
RI-ARM FARM & ALL SEASONS

11 2 STREET OF DIAMONDS GEORGINA BLOOMBERG USA 4.00 76.23
GOTHAM ENTERPRIZES

12 60 OLIVER JUDY GAROFALO TORRES USA 5.00 77.20
HIGHER GROUND FARMS

Final Results: WIHS Equitation Classic Finals
RIDER, HORSE, JUMPER PHASE, HUNTER PHASE, WORK-OFF, TOTAL
1. SAMANTHA SCHAEFER, TRAVINO: 86.92, 87.92, 91.67= 266.498
2. CHASE BOGGIO, GRAPHIQ: 89.33, 85, 89.67= 261.999
3. TINA DILANDRI, CADEAU: 86, 82.33, 76= 244.330
4. LUCY DAVIS, PATRICK: 79.67, 82.92, 81= 243.582
5. REED KESSLER, RICHOCHET: 79.33, 82.33, 79.33= 240.999
6. LILLIE KEENAN, LOGAN: 73.67, 85, 79.33= 237.999
7. ALEXANDRA ARUTE, SANDER: 83, 77.67, 74.33= 234.999
8. ZAZOU HOFFMAN, IVY: 81.67, 77.70, 75.33= 234.699
9. TAYLOR KAIN, SPOCK: 80.17, 79.17, 68.67= 227.998
10. MOLLY BRASWELL, THE GENERAL: 86.33, 86.92, 40= 213.249

Final Results: $10,000 Junior Jumper Senators Cup
T/A: 73.00 T/A: 42.00
1 375 SANTIKA SAMANTHA HARRISON 0.00 69.796 0.00 30.911
HARRISON FARMS

2 399 THORSTIN LAURA PFEIFFER 0.00 67.854 0.00 31.391
FOX MEADOW FARM

3 281 NAOMI ALEXANDRA THORNTON 0.00 65.280 0.00 31.400
DUNWALKE

4 261 FLIGHT REED KESSLER 0.00 69.963 0.00 32.127
REED KESSLER

5 414 CARLOTTA KELSEY THATCHER 0.00 68.957 0.00 32.380
PONY LANE FARM

6 507 EL REGRESO CONGA JACQUELINE LUBRANO 0.00 67.605 0.00 32.631
CLOVERLEAF FARM

7 282 SILVANA ALEXANDRA THORNTON 0.00 67.411 4.00 32.425
DUNWALKE

8 202 KARTOUCHE VD WATERING CHARLOTTE JACOBS 0.00 70.830 4.00 32.450
CHARLOTTE JACOBS

9 260 LIGIST REED KESSLER 4.00 66.845
REED KESSLER

10 598 PERFEKT CHASE BOGGIO 4.00 67.020
CHASE BOGGIO

Final Results: $15,000 Open Jumper Pairs Relay
T/A: 240.00
RANK NUM HORSE NAME NAT JUMP FAULTS TIME FAULTS TIME SCORE

1 5 SHANE SWEETNAM CHARLIE JAYNE 0.00 0.00 69.53 69.53
2 1 MARILYN LITTLE- MEREDITH MARGIE ENGLE 0.00 0.00 73.98 73.98
3 3 KENT FARRINGTON RODRIGO PESSOA 8.00 0.00 76.40 84.40
4 4 TODD MINIKUS GEORGINA BLOOMBERG 12.00 0.00 77.13 89.13
5 2 SLOAN COLES JIMMY TORANO 12.00 0.00 91.67 103.67

The First Scientific Study of Saddle Fit is Underway at New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM (October 21, 2009) The Agricultural Marketing group at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has undertaken the first scientific saddle fit study of Western Performance Saddles. Using a force sensor array (FSA) pressure pad, which shows exactly how the saddle applies contact to the horse, different levels of pressure are shown in different colors and in three dimensions.

The focus of the study is on barrel and roping saddles, but the results are applicable to all types of western saddle users.

Using this latest innovation in saddle fit diagnosis, the computer pressure pad, the students are examining all aspects of saddle fit, including how both movement and padding effect saddle fit.

Several hundred horse and rider combinations are being scanned and catalogued. The results will be tabulated and released sometime later this fall and promise to provide new insights into horse and rider comfort and health, as well as challenge some traditional ideas on ways to improve saddle fit.

Kentucky Equestrian Center and the Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol Are Pleased to Offer A Equine Sensitivity “Play Day” The Mounted Patrol Way

The Kentucky Equestrian Center and the Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol, Kentucky’s mounted search and rescue team, is please to offer this equine sensitivity “Play Day” in a beautiful learning environment where horse people can come and learn, the Mounted Patrol Way.

This Search and Rescue Mounted Patrol offers a variety of obstacles based on “experiential education” because we believe that people learn best by doing. Bring your horse for some left brain stimulation and practice sessions.

Using the Mounted Patrol Equine Challenge Course, participants learn lifelong lessons such as respect, responsibility, communication, and teamwork. The patrol works hard to customize each Play Day based on participant needs and strive to Engage, Educate, and Enpower each individual that comes out to play and work with their horses. Small fee applies and discounts available for Mounted Search and Rescue Teams.

850 Kiddville Road
Winchester, Ky. 40391

All breeds welcome – All Riders and Non-Riders, youth and adults, English or Western

Horse Soccer @ 3 p.m. (Free admission to watch hoof ball demo only)

Would YOU get a speeding ticket if you were riding on the road? We will also have our local police department out there with a speed gun for those of you who would like to find out how fast your horse can go.

No Trailer? Can’t make it? Other training sessions available year-round. Call for info.

Buffalo Trace Mounted Patrol
106 Windridge Road
Winchester, Ky. 40391
CALL 606-407-5677
For information, registration and /or membership
VolunteerMountedPatrol@Yahoo.com
http://www.kyequestriancenter.org
www.BuffaloTraceMountedPatrol.com

Scott Stewart and Way Cool Cruise to Victory in $15,000 WIHS Hunter Classic Derby

Washington, D.C. - October 24, 2009 - Today, the best horses and riders from the hunter divisions competed for the top prize in the $15,000 WIHS Hunter Classic Derby at the Washington International Horse Show. After two rounds of competition it was Scott Stewart, of Ocala, FL, and Way Cool that led the victory gallop after they earned a total score of 170.9. Earlier in the day the Washington Pony Equitation Classic Finals were held, with Madeyln Keck and Tango receiving the top call and earning the blue ribbon.

The champions from each of the hunter divisions were invited to compete in today's $15,000 WIHS Hunter Classic Derby. The six horse and rider combinations that received the highest scores during the first round were invited to compete during the second round over a handy course.

Following the first round, Stewart was in the lead with his second mount, Declaration, owned by Fashion Farm of New York, NY, after the pair received a score of 91.3. Stewart and Declaration had a difficult time at the trot jump during the handy round to receive a score of 78.3, for a two round total of 169.3 and drop into the second place position. Samantha Schaefer originally held the second place position after the first round, but she had a costly rub at the trot jump with Bishonen, owned by Marianna Bishop Wade of Louisa, VA, and her original score of 88.3 combined with her second round score of 70.6 created a total of 158.9 and dropped her into fifth place.

Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy, owned by SBS Farms of Buffalo, NY, had a very strong handy round. They returned to the second round in the fourth place position with a score of 84.3. Alfano and Jersey Boy easily made the inside turns during the handy round and earned a score of 82.3, for a total of 166.6, which held up for the third place honors.

After the first round Stewart and Way Cool were ranked third in the order, having received a score of 86.3. Stewart knew he would have a second chance with Declaration as the first ranked horse, so we went all out with Way Cool. The pair took all the harder options and the gamble paid off. Stewart and Way Cool earned a second round score of 84.6 for a two round total of 170.9, garnering Stewart the victory for the second year in a row.

"It feels great, it was a valiant effort," noted Stewart. "They were both so good. I almost thought 'Send them home and be done,' because sometimes you want to quit while you're ahead. They are both very green, so I didn't want to leave on a bad note. We went for it and it was good, so it was worth it."

Way Cool is seven-year-old First Year Hunter, so Stewart happy that he handled today's competition so well. "During the handy round I went for it," he explained. "He rode great for never having done anything like this before. I was thrilled because he's really green, but he's a really good jumper and really careful. I didn't know how he would feel about all the bushes against the side, but he was perfect."

Stewart decided to send his horses home for a day to get turned out after they finished competing in the professional divisions, and after finishing first and second during today's class it proved to be a plan that worked. "I think it helped that they got to go out in a paddock," noted Stewart. "They felt exactly the way they did all week. I don't think Way Cool came close to even touching a jump all week."

The Washington Pony Equitation Classic Finals were also held today, with the 25 junior pony riders from the year invited to compete. Riders began by completing an equitation course, and the 12 riders that received the highest scores returned for an under saddle portion.

This year's top finisher was Madelyn Keck, who was aboard Tango, owned by Porter Allen of Boerne, TX. The pair returned for the under saddle with the highest score of the day, an 87. Keck and Tango were presented with The Jane Marshall Dillon Memorial Perpetual Trophy for their excellent effort today. Allison Toffolon, of Bronxville, NY, earned the second place prize with Neverlan,d after earning a score of 84. Meredith Darst and Tuscany, owned by the West End Stables of Los Angeles, CA, took home the third place honors with a score of 83.

"I knew Tango would be good because he always is," smiled Keck. "I had a lot of my friends in the class, so I wanted everyone to do well."

Keck chose a difficult route over today's course, but she handled all the turns well and the judges rewarded her brilliant performance with the top score. "The was a little bit hard because they moved the lines out, so the inside turns were a little bit harder to make," she explained. "I knew Tango could do all the inside turns though, so I was pretty confident. A lot of people weren't doing them, so I sort of had to tell myself where to go."

Keck is a hard worker and that trains at Beacon Hill Show Stables. Today she was awake at 5:30 a.m. to start schooling the ponies that she had to ride, after also schooling at 11 p.m. Next year Keck will begin riding horses in the Junior Hunter divisions.

Tomorrow will mark the conclusion of the Washington International Horse Show. The Pony Hunter divisions will wrap-up their second day of competition with the presentation of the Grand Champion Pony Hunter prize and the Best Child Rider Award.

For more information about the Washington International Horse please visit www.wihs.org.

RESULTS:

WIHS PONY EQUITATION FINALS

1 515 TANGO PORTER ALLEN MADELYN KECK
2 268 NEVERLAND ALLISON TOFFOLON ALLISON TOFFOLON
3 640 TUSCANY WEST END STABLES, LLC MEREDITH DARST
4 674 PROMISE TOO SCOTT STEWART VICTORIA COLVIN
5 347 MOKOO JUMBEE DON STEWART DANA RIZZO
6 361 ELITE STORM FRONT PARADYSZ FARM LAUREN MARTIN
7 314 POSTER BOY MACKENZIE McGHEE ASHLEY FOSTER
8 820 PRECIOUS CARGO ELIZABETH CATHERINE GARCIA ALISON COONEY
9 173 HIGHLANDS BRIDGET JONES AVERY FINKEL AVERY FINKEL
10 589 MIDNIGHT HOUR PORTER ALLEN PORTER ALLEN

$15,000 WIHS HUNTER DERBY CLASSIC
1 665 WAY COOL SCOTT STEWART SCOTT STEWART 5000
2 669 DECLARATION FASHION FARM SCOTT STEWART 3000
3 604 JERSEY BOY SBS FARMS INC JENNIFER ALFANO 2500
4 417 FRANCESCA PONY LANE FARM MADELINE THATCHER 2000
5 395 CONFIDENTIAL DON STEWART HASBROUCK DONOVAN 1500
6 187 BISHONEN MARIANNA BISHOP WADE SAMANTHA SCHAEFER 1000

TOWNEND’S QUEST IN SIGHT AT THE HSBC FEI CLASSICS™ FINAL

Man of the moment Oliver Townend (GBR) continues to ride the crest of a wave, setting himself up for a third 4* victory this year, not to mention his longed for victory in the HSBC FEI Classics™.

Following a beautifully timed Cross-Country round at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI**** (FRA) on the genuine grey Thoroughbred Carousel Quest, he now has a Jumping fence in hand over Dirk Schrade (GER), who produced a classic performance on King Artus to rise three places to 2nd place going into the final phase.

Andreas Dibowski (GER) has slipped a place to 3rd with 4.8 Cross-Country time penalties on Euroridings Butts Leon, but Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) will be well satisfied with her rise of a place to 5th after a solid performance on her Blenheim CCI*** winner Granntevka Prince, a 9-year-old at his first 4*.

Both riders, plus Schrade, now face the exciting possibility of getting into the top 5 money prizes in the HSBC FEI Classics™.

CONCENTRATION
Townend admits that when he saw William Fox-Pitt (GBR), his rival for the HSBC FEI Classics™ title, crash out of the reckoning with a run-out on Macchiato, he had to force himself to concentrate, but that it did give him the leeway to take a long route at the narrow houses in the second water (Le gué des pistes, 20/21/22).

“I’m not rich, but I am richer!” he joked. “It was a very nice feeling to have the HSBC FEI Classics™ in the bag, but it was very difficult to concentrate and to ride sensibly, knowing I’d won. I had to tell myself to shut up and concentrate, because there’s still a long way to go before I add Pau to my list of wins.”

VIVE LA FRANCE
French riders seemed to put a disappointing HSBC FEI European Championship behind them with some superb Cross-Country riding, showing the rest of the world that Course-Designer Pierre Michelet’s accuracy testing routes were perfectly rideable as long as you showed commitment.

Pascal Leroy (FRA) was particularly noteworthy, rising 6 places to 4th on the 9-year-old Minos de Petra, while veteran hero Jean Teulere (FRA) is lying 6th on the magnificent big horse Matelot du Grand Val and Rodolphe Scherer (FRA) is 7th on the remarkable 19-year-old Fairfax, who will be retired amid great ceremony after the Jumping phase.

Gwendolen Fer (FRA), 24, was exceptional, producing the only round within the optimum time; she is now in 8th place on Leria du Ter and in line to win the HSBC FEI Training Bursary for the best 4* debut.

WHERE IT WENT WRONG
Andrew Nicholson (NZL), the rider representative and a regular and popular visitor to Pau, had a thoroughly bad day. He had a run-out at fence 17 (Le coffin), a spread on top of a steep slope to an arrowhead, when the exuberant Armada over jumped. However, their fast time of 2.4 penalties means they are still in 14th place.

Nicholson’s hopes were then placed on the 9-year-old Avebury, 4th after Dressage, but the young grey, who was going well and confidently, missed the jump out of the last water (fence 27) and tripped, firing his rider onto the ground. Nicholson had to have stitches for a cut lip.

Susanna Bordone (ITA) will be pleased with her first ride, Ava, who is in 9th place after accruing 17.2 time penalties, but she was eliminated for 3 refusals on Blue Moss, with which she was in 3rd place after Dressage.

Clea Phillipps (GBR) and Lead The Way ran out at the same spot as Armada, and Jan Bynny (USA) and Waterfront ran out at the narrow fences on a mound at 11 (Les triangles) and at the corner on a sharp turn at fence 26 (La trouée).

Fox-Pitt’s mishap occurred at the corner at 25 (La cour de ferme), while Austin O’Connor (IRL) had the gross misfortune to fall from The Pocket Rocket at the final combination, fence 30 (La butte aux palmiers).

Here, his compatriot Mark Kyle (IRL) made his only mistake of the day in 3 rides, when, last on course, he ran out at the narrow fence at the bottom of the steep slope and ran into the string on Step In Time. Kyle’s heroic effort – 3 Cross-Country rides in 2.5 hours - was, however, rewarded with 21st and 23rd places on Willow Fairgreen ATTR and Nitetime Cavalier respectively.

COMPETITION STATISTICS
34 horses started Cross-Country
27 completed
21 clear rounds
1 inside the optimum time of 10 min 37sec
6 horses eliminated (3 falls)
This year, Townend has won the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) on Flint Curtis and The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR) on Carousel Quest, in addition to an 8th place at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event (USA) on Carousel Quest

QUOTES
Oliver Townend: “Carousel Quest is in a different league to most other horses. My main worry was that he can jump so big that I was a little concerned about the spread to arrowhead at 17, but he is so obedient to ride that he will always get out of trouble. We nearly made a mess of the last combination, and had to do that on a hop, skip and jump, but again he is easy to correct. And the way he galloped home so well made me very happy.”

Pierre Michelet (FRA, Course Designer) “At first I thought it was too easy! But then I realised the time would be difficult. I planned to have two or three inside the time, so I am very pleased. Most people thought the second water would be difficult, and some riders took their time there. It is part of French riders’ culture to take the straight routes, but then the British and German riders followed suit, and did it very well.”

Rodolphe Scherer (FRA): “Fairfax is an amazing horse. When Heidi Antikazides gave him to me to ride, it was the best present I’d ever had. For the first time, I was nervous about riding him today, because I very much wanted him to retire on a good note. He is so well that people have said ‘why don’t you ride him next year, try to break a record,’ but the important thing to me is that I stop when people think he should go on.”

William Fox-Pitt: “It’s frustrating, but Macchiato gave me an encouraging ride. I don’t really know what went wrong; perhaps he just didn’t lock on to the fence and realise what he had to do. It’s where I went wrong with Stunning back in the 2004 World Cup final, so perhaps it’s me that has a problem with the fence!”

RESULTS
1 Oliver Townend/Carousel Quest (GBR) 42.5 + 0.8 = 43.3
2 Dirk Schrade/King Artus (GER) 46.7 + 0.8 = 47.5
3 Andreas Dibowski/Euroridings Butts Leon (GER) 43.8 + 4.8 = 48.6
4 Pascal Leroy/Minos de Petra (FRA) 49.7 + 0.4 = 50.1
5 Lucy Wiegersma/Granntevka Prince (GBR) 47.5 + 8.4 = 55.9
6 Jean Teulere/Matelot du Grand Val (FRA) 54.8 + 1.6 = 56.4
7 Rodolphe Scherer/Fairfax (FRA) 53.8 + 9.2 = 63
8 Gwendolen Fer/Leria du Ter (FRA) 64.2 + 0 = 64.2
9 Susanna Bordone/Ava (ITA) 47.5 + 17.2 = 64.7
10 Joe Meyer/Clifton Lush (NZL) 50 + 14.8 = 64.8

Follow results on www.event-pau.fr

2009 HSBC FEI CLASSICS™ Standings (after 4 of 5 events):
1 Oliver Townend (GBR) 33 points
2 William Fox-Pitt (GBR) 21
3 Sam Griffiths (AUS) 20
3 Lucinda Fredericks (AUS) 15
4 Michael Jung (GER) 15
5 Bettina Hoy (GER) 12
6 Andreas Dibowski (GER) 12
7 Lucy Wiegersma (GBR) 11
8 Bruce Davidson Jnr (USA) 10
9 Dirk Schrade (GER) 10
10 Polly Stockton (GBR) 10

HSBC FEI CLASSICS™ CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009
1. 22-26 April Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event (USA)
2. 7-10 May Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials (GBR)
3. 11-14 June Luhmühlen CCI**** presented by E.ON Avacon Vertrieb (GER)
4. 3-6 September The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (GBR)
5. 21-25 October Les Etoiles de Pau (FRA)

McLain Ward and Vancouver Reach Great Heights in $25,000 Puissance at 2009 WIHS, CSI 4*-W

Minikus, Farrington, Johnson, and Kessler in Winner's Circle for Jumpers

Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2009 - The 2009 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), CSI 4*-W is one of the most exciting equestrian competitions in the country, and it is one of only two shows in North America that offer a puissance, or "high jump" class. Tonight's $25,000 Puissance presented by Chevron Corporation saw a very familiar face for the awards presentation. Seven-time winner McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, was victorious in the class on Vancouver. David Beisel of Cincinnati, OH, finished second with Patoile, owned by Harlow Investment Enterprises Inc.

This year's WIHS jumper courses are designed by Guilherme Jorge of Brazil. Ward and Beisel were the only two riders out of a starting field of seven to reach the third jump-off round. The first round started with Shane Sweetnam (IRL) on Spy Coast Farm LLC's Little Emir and Jonathan McCrea (IRL) on Promised Land, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables, having rails on earlier fences on the course, although they both cleared the puissance wall that was set at 5'10" (1.78m). This eliminated them from the competition. Also eliminated for a fault at the wall was Andres Rodriguez (VEN) on Tornado.

Along with Ward and Beisel, two other riders were clear in the first round to move on to the second round, where the wall was raised to 6'1" (1.85m). Charlie Jayne and Pony Lane Farm's Carentina III were clear, but chose to retire after this round. Irishman Darragh Kenny and Missy Clark/North Run's Gael Force were also clear to move on to the third round.

In the third round, the wall was moved up to 6'7" (2.01m), and the first rider to attempt the jump was Ward on Vancouver. They easily cleared the wall to move on to the final round. Beisel and the very game Patoile were also clear. The luck of the Irish was not with Kenny, however, who had a very unfortunate fault at the wall when Gael Force cleared it, but kicked out the top block with his hind legs as he was landing.

The wall in the final round was raised to 6'10" (2.09m), but neither Ward nor Beisel were able to clear it. Ward had trouble when Vancouver shifted right over the wall, and he took the top blocks down. Beisel, who had been galloping to the wall in previous rounds, took a more conservative approach and Patoile refused. When he tried again, Patoile refused and Beisel fell off. Horse and rider were okay, but due to the fall, Beisel would have to take second place.

For his win tonight, Ward was given the Congressman's Challenge Trophy, donated by the Late Honorable Rogers C.B. Morton and the Late Honorable F. Robert Watkins, of Pennsylvania. Ward retired the trophy before in 2002 after he won three years in a row on Achat 6, and he also was the winner in 1994 and in 2006 and 2007 on EquiFit Pozitano.

Amazingly enough, this was Ward's first class showing with Vancouver, an 11-year-old New Zealand-bred Dutch horse. "We just got the horse about two or three weeks ago. He had jumped very successfully in New Zealand and done a few World Cup Leagues. He had a very good record before, and we brought him here because we knew he was very brave and thought he could go a couple of rounds in the Puissance," Ward explained. "It is a great event here at Washington and very good prize money, and we wanted to give it a try."

Ward said of his final round, "He performed great. I don't know him very well, and I don't think I rode him very well the last round. I actually thought I was coming in a bit slow to the wall and my thinking before the last round was to go with a little more rhythm and I think that was a mistake. I ended up being a bit too flat at it, but he really performed wonderfully and he is just a lovely horse."

This is Beisel's second time at the WIHS, and it was his and his horse's first ever Puissance class. He and the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare have been together for three years and they compete in the grand prix classes usually. At last year's WIHS, Beisel saw the class and wanted to compete in it this year.

"I have always wanted to do it. I watched McLain do it, and I thought it looked like fun," he remarked.

Afterwards he joked, "I did get slammed into the wall, but it was still fun. I think I got a little too slow. I got running the time before and she barely got her hind end out of the way, so I was trying to be patient and maybe got a little too patient there. She thought it looked awfully big."

Beisel is happy to compete in such a rare event like the Puissance. "I don't know if I would do them every weekend," he conceded, "but it is needed at big events like this where they have such a big crowd and all of the people out there. That makes it pretty special."

The first class of the night was the $20,000 Open Jumper 1.50m Faults Converted class. In a blaze of speed, Todd Minikus and Olinda (left), owned by Houlihan Lawrence, were the winners in a time of 49.52 seconds. Just behind them were Hillary Dobbs and Marengo in 50.99 seconds. Third place went to Christine McCrea on Romantovich Take One in 53.46 seconds.

"It looked like it was going to be a fast class to me," Minikus expressed. "So when I went Hillary had the lead and when I caught Hillary, I knew that really put the pressure on McLain and that he was gonna have to go."

Minikus felt that Olinda was right on target for the speed class. "Actually she is very good at that. As long as she doesn't start anticipating, she is very good. If she starts anticipating she can get a little ahead of herself. But that was fast, I don't care what anybody says!" he said.

He added, "This week I am showing Houlihan Lawrence's Olinda and Callie Seaman's horse Alaska. I would like to thank them and my Purina sponsorship, and I can't forget to thank Val Renihan who is the trainer of the horses."

The $15,000 Open Jumper Faults Converted was won by Kent Farrington and R.C.G. Farm's Samar this afternoon after the pair had the fastest of five clear rounds in 51.45 seconds. Last year's winners Hillary Dobbs and Marengo, owned by The Dobbs Group, earned the second place honors in 53.98 seconds. Jonathan McCrea and Victor E, owned by Candy Tribble and Windsor Show Stables, came in third in 55.29 seconds.

Class winners Kent Farrington and Samar were presented with The General Dwight E. Eisenhower Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by the late Arthur J. Morris, and the pair took the victory gallop following their winning round (right).

The $10,000 Ambassador's Cup Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic was held with an exciting victory for Paige Johnson of The Plains, VA. With her ride in today's class, Johnson won the prestigious Ambassador's Cup Perpetual Trophy for the second year in a row, thanks to the generous donation of Ambassador and Mrs. Marion H. Smoak. Last year Johnson won the class with La Martinee, and this year with she rode Chiron S to the victory. Both horses are owned by Salamander Farm.

Johnson and Chiron S were one of three pairs to clear the first round course and continue to the jump-off. Erin Stewart and Devito jumped off first but had 12 faults in 35.948 seconds to finish in third place. Marley Goodman and U-2 jumped next and laid down a clear round in 37.660 seconds to finish in second. Johnson and Chiron S were the last to attempt the jump-off and the pair cleared the course in an impressive 35.420 seconds to earn top honors.

Following the Ambassador's Cup class, the Amateur-Owner Jumpers awarded their division championship to Lillian Hahn and Lucky One after their successful week of competition. The pair was presented with The Foxbrook Perpetual Trophy in honor of Space Citation and donated by Joy Slater. Carneval and Susan Knoblauch earned the division's reserve championship.

The junior jumpers also showed at Verizon Center today in a $2,500 timed first round class. The intricate course proved difficult for the horses and riders, as just two of the original 20 entries were able to jump without fault. Topping the class were Reed Kessler of Armonk, NY, and her 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Flight.

The pair jumped clear in a time of 57.829 seconds to take top honors. The only other clear round was completed by Alexandra Thornton and Dunwalke LLC's Silvana, with their time of 64.169 seconds. Hayley Barnhill and Callie Schott's Toucan Tango had the fastest four-fault round in 53.230 seconds to earn third place. Reed Kessler and Flight were awarded the Beagle Brook Farm Perpetual Trophy for their win in this afternoon's class.

The highlight competition of the 2009 Washington International Horse Show, the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, CSI 4*-W, will run tomorrow, Saturday, October 24, in the evening session that starts at 7 p.m. The WIHS Equitation Final Work-off will begin the night, followed by the Caisson Presentation, Caroline Williams, a WIHS Hall of Fame Induction, and Ashley Holzer dressage competition. The grand prix competition kicks off around 9:30 p.m.

For more information and full results, please visit www.wihs.org.

Final Results: $25,000 International Open Jumper Puissance Presented by Chevron Corporation
1. MCLAIN WARD AND VANCOUVER (MCLAIN WARD)
2. DAVID BEISEL AND PATOILE (HARLOW INVESTMENT ENTERPRISES, LLC)
3. DARRAGH KENNY AND GAEL FORCE (MISSY CLARK/NORTH RUN)
4. CHARLIE JAYNE AND CARENTINA III (PONY LANE FARM)
5. ANDRES RODRIGUEZ AND TORNADO (ANDRES RODRIGUEZ)
5. JONATHAN MCCREA AND PROMISED LAND (CANDY TRIBBLE & WINDSOR SHOW STABLES)
5. SHANE SWEETNAM AND LITTLE EMIR (SPY COAST FARM, LLC)

Final Results: $20,000 Open Jumper 1.50m Faults Converted class
1 79 OLINDA TODD MINIKUS USA 0.00 0.00 49.52 49.52
HOULAHAN LAWRENCE

2 9 MARENGO HILLARY DOBBS USA 0.00 0.00 50.99 50.99
THE DOBBS GROUP

3 39 ROMANTOVICH TAKE ONE CHRISTINE McCREA USA 0.00 0.00 53.46 53.46
TRIBBLE/WINDSOR SHOW STAB

4 5 LOUISIANA SLOANE COLES USA 0.00 0.00 53.77 53.77
SLOANE COLES

5 62 GOLDIKA 559 McLAIN WARD USA 4.00 0.00 49.99 53.99
WARD/BLUE CHIP BLOODSTOCK

6 81 CARETINA III CHARLIE JAYNE USA 0.00 0.00 55.33 55.33
PONY LANE FARM

7 72 HC PAMINA L MARGIE ENGLE USA 4.00 0.00 55.25 59.25
HIDDEN CREEK FARM

8 33 STARLIGHT KATE LEVY USA 4.00 0.00 55.38 59.38
KATE LEVY LLC

9 80 ESQUILINO BAY MAGGIE JAYNE USA 4.00 0.00 56.18 60.18
PONY LANE FARM

10 25 SKARA GLEN'S NAIKY D'ELCA CANDICE KING USA 4.00 0.00 57.94 61.94
SKARA GLEN STABLES

Final Results: $15,000 Open Jumper 1.40m Faults Converted class
T/A: 120.00um Horse Name NAT Jump Faults Time Faults Time Score
1 73 SAMAR KENT FARRINGTON USA 0.00 0.00 51.45 51.45
R.C.G. FARM

2 9 MARENGO HILLARY DOBBS USA 0.00 0.00 53.98 53.98
THE DOBBS GROUP

3 40 VICTOR E JONATHAN McCREA IRL 0.00 0.00 55.29 55.29
CANDY TRIBBLE & WINDSOR S

4 56 UNADONJA SHANE SWEETNAM IRL 4.00 0.00 51.77 55.77
SPY COAST FARM

5 88 MAGIC CRUISE JIMMY TORANO USA 4.00 0.00 52.42 56.42
HORSESHOE TRAIL FARM

6 77 PATOILE DAVID BEISEL USA 8.00 0.00 49.72 57.72
HARLOW INVESTMENT ENTERPR

7 48 DA VINCI ANDRES RODRIGUEZ VEN 8.00 0.00 50.64 58.64
ANDRES RODRIGUEZ

8 14 WHAT EVER BRIANNE GOUTAL USA 4.00 0.00 56.12 60.12
CLOVERLEAF FARM

Final Results: $10,000 Amateur-Owner Jumper Ambassador's Cup
T/A: 75.00 T/A: 40.00
1 20 CHIRON S PAIGE JOHNSON 0.00 63.905 0.00 35.420
SALAMANDER FARM

2 576 U-2 MARLEY GOODMAN 0.00 65.504 0.00 37.660
TURTLE LANE FARM & MARLEY

3 822 DEVITO ERIN STEWART 0.00 65.645 12.00 35.948
ERIN STEWART

4 572 LUCKY ONE LILLIAN HAHN 4.00 63.910
LILLIAN HAHN

5 823 MADISON ALEXA PESSOA 4.00 65.378
ALEXA PESSOA

6 827 CONDOR JOELLE FROESE 4.00 68.389
JOELLE FROESE

7 768 CARNEVAL SUSAN KNOBLAUCH 8.00 63.909
SUSAN KNOBLAUCH

8 748 SERALDO CLARA LINDNER 8.00 64.374
ALL SEASONS FARM

9 547 ASTRO Z BENJAMIN SIMPKINS 8.00 66.160
BENJAMIN SIMPKINS

10 505 ALASKA NICOLE LAKIN 16.00 65.739
NICOLE LAKIN

Final Results: $2,500 Junior Jumpers Time First Round
T/A: 71.00
1 261 FLIGHT REED KESSLER 0.00 57.829
REED KESSLER

2 282 SILVANA ALEXANDRA THORNTON 0.00 64.169
DUNWALKE

3 545 TOUCAN TANGO HAYLEY BARNHILL 4.00 53.230
CALLIE SCHOTT

4 399 THORSTIN LAURA PFEIFFER 4.00 54.524
FOX MEADOW FARM

5 603 SAPPHIRA WADE AMBER HENTER 4.00 58.187
AMBER HENTER

6 281 NAOMI ALEXANDRA THORNTON 4.00 58.339
DUNWALKE

7 503 CACHETTE Z CHRISTY DISTEFANO 4.00 61.295
CHRISTY DISTEFANO

8 506 ISCARIOTE JESSICA SPRINGSTEEN 4.00 63.802
STONE HILL FARM

Hasbrouck Donovan and Confidential Win Grand Champion Junior Hunter Trophy at Washington International Horse Show

Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2009 - For the second time this week the Grand Champion cooler was awarded to Confidential at the Washington International Horse Show. Hasbrouck Donovan and Confidential were the winners of this year's Grand Champion Junior Hunter prize, after winning three first place ribbons and claiming the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter Championship. This is Confidential's second Grand Championship win this week, after earning the co-Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship title with Erin Stewart in the irons.

The Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter division was the first to conclude today. Donovan and Confidential won yesterday's first over fences class, as well as today's stakes class with The Joan Robinson Hill Memorial Trophy and the under saddle class with The Rhea Gardere Robinson Memorial Perpetual Trophy. The pair was awarded the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter Championship, and Confidential was named Grand Champion Junior Hunter, winning The Ides of March Perpetual Trophy. The Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter reserve championship honors were awarded to Genuine, owned by the Chansonette Farm LLC of New York, NY, with Lillie Keenan in the irons.

"It feels really good," smiled Donovan. "He went amazing and was unbelievable. I know he's going to jump all the jumps when I go in there, so I feel very comfortable on him. He's really fun and really smooth."

Don Stewart of Ocala, FL, Confidential's owner, has been watching the eight-year-old gelding by Baloubet du Rouet very closely for the last two years. "I knew that he had championship qualities because he's a mover and a jumper," explained Stewart. "He's a very top quality horse, I'm sure he could jump a huge course of fences, he's a wonderful athlete. He won the Junior Hunter Finals this summer with Hasbrouck, and my daughter has been champion almost every time she showed him. "

Stewart chose Donovan as a rider for Confidential because her style is very similar to his daughter Erin's, who rides Confidential in the Amateur-Owner Hunters. "Hasbrouck is very accurate and very passive," he noted. "She and Erin are both very soft riders with a nice feel and wonderful timing."

The Large Junior 15 and Under Hunter division was next, and the championship tricolor was presented to Samantha Schaefer and Bishonen, owned by Marianna Bishop Wade of Louisa, VA. The pair was the winner of today's stakes class and under saddle class. Donovan took home the reserve championship prize for her ride aboard her second mount, Quality Time, also owned by Stewart.

"I had a feeling he was going to be good," noted Schaefer. "'Bishonen is very brave and honest. He's only eight-years-old, so he's got a long road ahead of him, but he's very made for eight. I think that you could put anyone on him and they could get the job done. He's so fun to ride, because he's comfortable and he has a nice rhythm."

The Small Junior 16-17 Hunter Championship was awarded to Lyle, owned by Stephanie Keen of Ocala, FL, for the second year in row, this time with Abby O'Mara holding the reins. O'Mara and Lyle had blue ribbon rounds during yesterday's handy class and today's stakes class to earn the top award. The reserve championship ribbon was presented to Kelsey Thatcher, of Bluffdale, UT and Mirasol, who won yesterday's first over fences class.

Lyle was recently named Grand Champion Junior Hunter at the Pennsylvania National Horse, and O'Mara was excited to continue the winning streak. "I love riding him, and being champion at any of the finals is exciting," she expressed. "He was a little nervous the first day, but he was still good and we were fourth. Then it just got better the next round, and today he was perfect."

Don Stewart found Lyle when he was six years old and he is thrilled to be part of such a legacy. "As a young horse he was quite frisky, but as an older horse, he's 16 this year, he's very easy to get in the ring," he explained. "He's very consistent and careful, and he's got perfect scope and hunter style. He's the whole package, you put him in gear, find him a nice distance and you're pretty much good to go."

"You have to be careful though," continued Stewart. "Everybody says always says, 'Oh he's won with so many riders,' but it really takes a certain rider to ride that horse. It has to be an accurate rider with a good feel and smooth riding. He does not like a rough hand at all."

O'Mara will continue showing Lyle next year during her final junior year. She is excited to compete at Indoors again, and admits she will be less nervous because she's already been successful once.

The final division to compete was the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters. The championship prize was presented to Jennifer Waxman, who was aboard Vida Blue, owned by Laura King of Irvington, NY. The pair received The Chance Step Perpetual Trophy for their excellent performance. Jacqueline Lubrano and Charade, owned by Mahala Rummell of Jacksonville, FL, were the winners of this year's reserve championship honors.

"She's so talented," said Waxman. "Sometimes she picks one jump on course that she will jump as a perfect 10. There are only so many horses that can do that and she has a lot of natural ability. If I do my job, she does hers; she goes in there to win."

Tomorrow, the Pony Hunter divisions will get underway at the Washington International Horse Show. The WIHS Pony Equitation Classic and the WIHS Hunter Classic Derby will also be held. This week's highlight event, the $100,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, will be held during tomorrow's evening session, beginning at 9:30 p.m. The show runs through Sunday, October 25, and will conclude with the presentation of the Grand Champion Pony Hunter prize and the Best Child Rider Award.

For more information about the Washington International Horse please visit www.wihs.org.

Gypsy Soule is Spreading The Wealth

This loud and funky cowgirl-run company is using their influence and success of their rock n’roll products to give back to their fans… in a very fulfilling way!

Lorinda started Gypsy Soule® as seen at www.GypsySoule.com in order to live her own dream, and is now succeeding at a rapid pace. Success didn't happen overnight, though. Lorinda's experience began years ago as a youth on her family's ranch in California. She founded her first company at age 21, although her entrepreneurial spirit began at an even earlier age.

While the path of living her dream is extremely fulfilling, using her talents to help other women feel good about themselves, it has posed many obstacles and challenges along the way. Influential and encouraging people in Lorinda’s life have inspired her to pay it forward and she is now helping young kids pursue their dreams.

Gypsy Soule® & Gypsy Cowgirl® are auctioning off a one-of-a-kind saddle from Cowboy Classic Saddlery.

All the proceeds will go towards a scholarship that will be awarded to one special individual. Gypsy Soule & Gypsy Cowgirl hope that by providing someone with this special opportunity, they will inspire others to pay it forward as well.

You can view the saddle and information here: http://www.gypsysoule.com/catalog/saddle.php

The saddle is custom designed with a tattoo leatherworking, crystal embellishments, and a zebra sting ray seat. They will be having a live auction via eBay and all proceeds will go to one applicant for college or trade school. Applicants apply on Gypsy Soule's website and the top 10 will be picked by the owners. Customers will then be able to cast their own vote on who should win.

The goal of the scholarship is not only to encourage young kids to follow their dreams—it is also to help alleviate stress on a family or student who doesn't have money for college.

In times like these, it’s not enough to just encourage kids to follow their dreams. Sometimes they need a little extra help. The holiday season especially is a time when people band together to help their fellow man and show their humanitarian spirit.

Apply at: http://www.gypsysoule.com/catalog/scholarship.php

1st North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference

March 5-6, 2010
Santa Ynez Valley Marriott Hotel
Buellton, California

The UC Davis Center for Equine Health, in collaboration with the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center and the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, is pleased to announce the 1st North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference to be held March 5-6, 2010, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley just east of Santa Barbara, California.

The conference is intended to be a two-day working meeting consisting of scientific presentations, live demonstrations and discussion sessions on all aspects of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine in horses and other animals. According to Dr. Gregory Ferraro, Director of the Center for Equine Health, “As with any new area of medical research and clinical therapy, standardization of procedures and impartial methods
for evaluating results must be established if
outcomes are to be properly evaluated. This is a historic time, as we are now dealing with biological medicine rather than pharmacological therapy.”

Topics will include the latest research techniques regarding the harvesting, expansion and cryopreservation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). Additionally, the clinical applications, methodologies and manifestations of stem cells in orthopedics and various other medical specialties will be presented. Discussion sessions will include laboratory methodology and regulation, the design and implementation of clinical trials and the basic biological manipulation of stem cells.

Approximately 25 speakers will present on topics ranging from Clinical Applications of Stem Cells in Equine Joint Therapy to Gene Therapy in Regenerative Medicine. Prominent research scientists in the field of veterinary and human regenerative medicine and clinicians with substantial experience in the application of stem cell and related therapies will speak. Dr. Doug Herthel, founder of Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center and the Alamo Pintado Center for Biological Medicine, adds that “We are excited about the collaboration of researchers and practitioners and the new ideas from which innovative new therapies will be born. Our goal is to find more useful ways to employ stem cell therapy to heal animals.”

A special practitioner’s round-table will be featured to discuss where and how regenerative medicine fits in the practice of veterinary medicine. There will also be a live demonstration of stem cell collection techniques from bone marrow and fat and laboratory processing of bone marrow samples. For equine veterinary practitioners who want to learn and understand the basics of stem cell therapy and the principles of regenerative medicine, this is definitely the meeting to attend.

The conference is open to all practicing veterinarians, regenerative medicine researchers, and other interested professional medical personnel. To register for this conference or for more information regarding the conference schedule and hotel accommodations, visit the website www.alamopintado.com/veterinarians or telephone (888) 688-6510.

Background information on hosting organizations:

UC Davis Center for Equine Health recently established a collaborative 5-year research study to enhance understanding of the behavior of stem cells for repairing bone, tendon and ligament injuries in horses and facilitated the creation of a new Stem Cell Regenerative Medicine Laboratory at UC Davis. It is hoped that the experience gained through our current applications in horses will provide sufficient knowledge to establish scientifically verified treatment protocols as well as support the translation of this technology into the human field.

Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center was founded in 1972 by Dr. Doug Herthel in the Santa Ynez Valley of California. The veterinary team at Alamo Pintado has played a pioneering role in the advancement of veterinary medicine. They have strived to develop and refine many of today’s equine treatment procedures and techniques, including the use of autologous bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy, which was first used at the hospital in 1995. Since then, more than 4,000 horses have received stem cell therapy at Alamo Pintado. In June 2009, Alamo Pintado opened the first stem cell culture and cryopreservation laboratory in private equine practice.

Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital was founded in 1986 by Dr. Bill Rood and Dr. Tom Riddle when they recognized a need for an additional referral hospital in Lexington to handle the area’s ever-growing horse population. Since then, the practice has grown to include more than 50 veterinarians and a staff of over 200, all dedicated to do the best for the 10,000+ horses that are admitted to the hospital annually.

The Art of Layering Part 1:

When it comes to keeping warm, there is more to the story than just bulk...

Hood River, OR—Layering your clothing is the key to maintaining the proper body temperature while riding your horses. The beauty of this simple concept is that it allows you to make quick adjustments based on your ride and changes in the weather. Typically a three layer system is perfect to transition a rider through a variety of environments.

Each layer has a function: the base layer (against your skin) manages moisture; the middle layer insulates you from the cold; the outer layer shields you from wind and precipitation.

The base layer is your next-to-skin layer that helps regulate your body temperature. “We use fibers and fabrics designed for regulating body temperature that keep the rider from heating up or cooling down too quickly” explains Kerri Kent, owner and designer of Kerrits.

”If you've ever worn a cotton T-shirt under your raincoat while riding, you probably remember feeling wet and clammy, even though you weren't getting wet from the rain itself. Trapped inside your clothing, perspiration can leave you chilled or damp no matter how well your outer shell fends off rain and snow. “

Below are some of our favorite base layers Kerrits has to offer for Fall/Winter 2009. Look for The Art of Layering Part 2: Insulation Layers, coming later this month.

Tattoo LJ Top $49
· Ultra soft next to skin
· Constructed from a lightweight yarn that draws humidity and perspiration away from your skin

Tattoo LJ Bottom $49
· Lightweight and breathable
· Can be worn under tights and breeches without compromising motion
· Below-the-knee length eliminates doubling up of socks and tight layers in your boots

Ventilator Longsleeve $49
· Diffuses and dissipates moisture so you stay dry and comfortable
· Regulates body temps
· 10” front zip for ventilation

Klassic Performance Tight $64
· Brushed, four-way stretch Fabrisuede™ Tactel wicks moisture
· Flat seams are flattering and chafe-free

Tactel Mockneck $59

Fabrisuede™ Tactel is soft, breathable and moisture wicking

Perfect as a base layer or on its own

Flow Rise

Performance Tight $64
· Moisture-wicking and breathable
· Flow rise waist is cut anatomically correct, high in the back and slightly lover in the front to complement the riders position in the saddle

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.

America's Top Riders Lead Rich International Field At Syracuse Invitational

Who to watch? The line-up is a 'who's who' in show jumping!

Syracuse, NY - October 23, 2009 - The highest ranked U.S. riders and top riders from seven other countries will compete for hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money as well as valuable World Cup Qualifier points from October 28 - November 1, 2009 at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 126th National Horse Show.

The list includes two former World Champions, medalists from the most recent Olympics and previous World Cup Finals winners. Athletes will compete for prize money and qualifying points from Wednesday through Sunday, including the $100,000 Budweiser FEI World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse and the Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup, the grand finale at the Oncenter complex in downtown Syracuse.

McLain Ward, the top-ranked rider in the U.S. and the top American in international rankings, is clearly the one to watch coming in to Syracuse. Ward is having a red-hot fall circuit, including his notable victory at the $1 million CN International in Calgary. Former World Champion, World Cup Finals winner and Olympic Gold medalist, Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, returns to Syracuse with quick horses and a winning record, making him a contender in the World Cup Qualifier and in Syracuse's notoriously quick speed competitions.

Other key riders include Canada's Ian Millar, otherwise known as "Captain Canada" and proud bearer of a 2008 Team Silver Olympic medal. Millar is also a veteran of nine Olympiads. Former Canadian and newly minted U.S. citizen Mario Deslauriers is also a favorite. Some top European contenders include show jumping legend Michael Whitaker of Great Britain, former World Champion Dermott Lennon of Ireland, who will be competing in Syracuse for the first time, and Gerco Schroeder of the Netherlands, the reigning team Gold Medalist from the 2006 World Equestrian Games.

Christine McCrea, 2008 World Cup Qualifier of Syracuse winner, will be returning to the Tournament try to defend her title. For the first time, Cazenovia's Beezie Madden will not be competing at the Tournament as she recovers from shoulder surgery. Madden will be in attendance throughout, however, making public appearances and holding autograph sessions. She expects to be competing again in January in time for the trials for the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Riders who have confirmed their intention to compete in the international division are:
McLain Ward - USA Rodrigo Pessoa - BRA
Mario Deslauriers - USA Todd Minikus - USA
Ian Millar - CAN Hillary Dobbs - USA
Cara Raether - USA Margie Engle - USA
Christine McCrea - USA Leslie Howard - USA
Shane Sweetnam - IRL Brianne Goutal - USA
Charlie Jayne - USA Michelle Spadone - USA
Darragh Kenny - IRL Keean White - CAN
Danielle Torano - USA Kevin Babington - IRL
Allison Robitaille - USA Mac Cone - CAN
Jonathan McCrea - IRL Michael Whitaker - GBR
Gerco Schroder - NED John Anderson - CAN
Dermott Lennon - IRL Ljubov Kochetova - RUS
Katie Prudent - FRA Erynn Ballard - CAN

Tickets are available for all featured Tournament competitions (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7 PM; Saturday at 2PM and at 7PM; and Sunday at 2PM) range from $10.00 to $25.00 and are available through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com) and the Oncenter Box Office (315-435-2121). Competitions not listed above as ticketed are free.

In addition to elite international show jumping, the Tournament offers a free Equestrian Expo with shopping, dining, exhibits, children's activities, live entertainment, and a host of educational demonstrations and lectures.

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 the Vera House. For more information, please visit www.syracuseinvitational.com. For more information on the National Horse Show, please visit www.nhs.org.

Property Improvements and Schedule Enhancements Make 2010 HITS Winter Circuits Even Better!

Saugerties, NY - October 23, 2009 - HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce improvements to their winter circuit facilities and schedule enhancements for their shows in Ocala, FL, and Thermal, CA. The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA, will have six weeks of competition from January 26 to March 14, while the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will run from January 19 to March 21.

"We are ramping up for another great winter season with some exciting updates and enhancements for our shows in Thermal and Ocala," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. "In Thermal our main focus will be landscaping and dust control, while in Ocala we'll be concentrating on updating the Grand Prix footing to match the product we used in Saugerties this past season, which was very popular with our customers. We will also have updated jumps in both locations, and we are making plans for the increased use of scoreboards at each venue."

Property improvements have been made every year at HITS Thermal, and the 2010 season is no different. More landscaping will be added throughout the facility, including more artificial grass on the berms. Almost 750 new trees will be planted over the next few months, and steps have also been taken to control dust on the property. Black-top material has been added to the parking lots and to most of the roads leading to the show rings.

The indoor arena for World Cup qualifying grand prix events has been a very popular addition at HITS Thermal, and in 2010 a covered schooling ring will also be erected adjacent to the arena. This will enable riders to warm up in similar conditions for the indoor classes.

Enhancements to the schedule at HITS Thermal are another way that HITS is working to improve the show experience for their customers. A $10,000 HITS 3'3" Hunter Derby has been added in a dedicated ring on Weeks I, II, IV, V, and VI. HITS will host the $10,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby during Week III for the third consecutive year.

HITS Thermal will also host two selection trials for the Zone 10 North American Junior Young Rider Championship with the $3,500 Junior/Amateur-Owner Young Rider Qualifying class and $25,000 California Horsetrader Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic High during Week VI.

In addition to four World Cup qualifiers, the indoor arena will host the $5,000 HITS Team Championship on Friday, February 5, and the HITS Relay will take place on Friday, February 26.

"Classes in the indoor arena continue to be popular, so in addition to the medal classes we offered last year, we wanted to mix in some new events to give other riders a chance to compete in that setting," added Struzzieri. "This year's schedule will also include a Level 6 jumper and a $1,000 Children's/Adult Jumper Classic to be held in the indoor arena."

As always, the HITS Desert Circuit will feature popular favorites like the $5,000 PCHA Jimmy Williams Classic during Weeks I-V, which will once again be held in the Grand Prix ring on Saturday afternoons, and in Week VI the prize money increases with the$15,000 BerdgorfGoodman.com/PCHA Jimmy Williams Classic. The Junior/A-O Jumper Classics will be offered every week for both Medium and High divisions and the Ronnie R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship returns for its third season at HITS Thermal.

All 16 Grand Prix events are qualifiers for the $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix, including four FEI World Cup qualifiers and the Season Finale $300,000 Grand Prix of the Desert on Sunday, March 14. For a complete list of class offerings and the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit schedule, please visit www.HitsShows.com.

In preparation for the 2010 Ocala Winter Circuit, HITS will be updating the Grand Prix ring footing at Post Time Farm to match what was used in Saugerties this past summer. New mats will also be installed in Hunter 1 and Hunter 1 schooling rings for improved drainage.

"We outfitted the Grand Prix ring with mats a couple of years ago with great results. The mats will be a nice improvement for the Main Hunter and schooling rings," noted Struzzieri.

In the schedule, a $10,000 Marshall & Sterling 3'3" Hunter Derby has been added in a dedicated ring during Weeks I-IV, while the $10,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby will run during Week V.

Another significant difference for 2010 is the separation of the junior and amateur-owner jumper classics. HITS Ocala will now offer a Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic each week, while separating juniors and amateur-owners for both the Medium and High classics during Weeks I-V. Week VI will feature a combined Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic as well as a High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic. The schedule is as follows:
-$2,500 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic Low - Weeks I-VI
-$5,000 NAL Junior Jumper Classic Medium - Weeks I-V
-$5,000 NAL Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic Medium - Weeks I-V
-$10,000 U-DUMP Junior Jumper Classic High - Weeks I-V
-$10,000 U-DUMP Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic High - Weeks I-V
-$10,000 NAL Junior/A-O Jumper Classic Medium - Week VI
-$25,000 U-DUMP Junior/A-O Jumper Classic High - Week VI

"These clients, historically, drive the sport in Ocala and this year we are really happy to reward them with these new divisions. There's a significant increase in prize money for this audience over what we offered last year, about $50,000 more. Now, riders will be able to jump for great money at their own level and we expect this to be a very popular change," said Struzzieri.

Dana Waters is an amateur jumper rider out of Sparr, FL, and Valencia, PA. She rides with her husband, Chuck Waters, at their Waterworks Farm. The Waters' daughter, Hayley, will make the move up to the Junior Jumpers this winter in Ocala.

Waters has shown at the HITS Ocala Winter circuit since 1992 and looks forward to competing this year with her High division horse Vertigo and Biloxi, who will compete in the Medium division, a new addition to this year's jumper schedule.

"I think the Medium division is a tremendous addition to the schedule," Waters said. "In my experience, there's a pretty big gap between the Lows and the Highs. The High ho