Got that winter itch?

Nothing is worse than that dry, itchy skin to cause your horse to rub his tail out during the winter. But you can use the “Scrub” to stop the “Rub” for a fuller and longer tail with Big & Sexy Tail Scrub by Aloe Advantage. This highly exfoliating and moisturizing sea salt “scrub” with essential oils gently lifts that dry winter dandruff from the base to the dock of the horse’s tail leaving rich essential moisture to aid in the optimum growth of beautiful manes and tails. Not only is this product all natural and highly effective at exfoliating the skin to stimulate healthy and enhanced hair growth its also pleasant for the groomer with its outrageous Lemon Grass aroma! Your hands will feel like you just came from the spa….everyone benefits with Big & Sexy Tail Scrub! And it is easy to use in the winter just take a warm bucket of water to rinse the tail in after you give it a good rubbin’ scrubbin’ with Big & Sexy Tail Scrub…no shampooing required!

Be sure to ask for Durvet’s Aloe Advantage products at your local feed, farm and tack stores. www.AloeAdvantage.com or www.Durvet.com 1-800-821-5570.

Omega Fields names Jeremy Lewis Director of Sales – West

Newton, WI, November 30, 2009 -- Omega Fields®, retail division of ENRECO®, Inc., is proud to announce the hiring of Jeremy Lewis as Director of Sales – West. Complementing Allison Kellogg, Director of Sales – East, he will be responsible for new business development to improve the availability of Omega Fields’ products throughout the western United States, managing existing customer accounts, and representing Omega Fields at equine and canine trade shows.

“This is an exciting opportunity – to work for the company that sets the standards for quality animal food products and excellent customer service,” stated Lewis. “I feel as though my previous experiences in sales, human resources, and organizational development were valuable stepping stones to this position.”

Prior to accepting this position, Lewis was the National Sales Manager for a manufacturer and distributor of ranch and farm pest control products. Responsible for the development and implementation of sales plans, policies, and procedures, he expanded sales into 14 new states generating new sales highs. Additionally, while leading the sales team, he was a reserve and active member of the U.S. Navy, serving in Afghanistan and stateside.

“Omega Fields is pleased to have such a qualified person in this key role,” said Sean Moriarty, President of Omega Fields and ENRECO, Inc. “His organizational and team-building knowledge, enthusiasm, and sales abilities will help improve Omega Fields’ position as the destination point for equine and canine health.”

To contact Jeremy directly or to inquire about becoming an Omega Fields distributor or retailer, call (800) 962-9536 X120 or email jeremy.lewis@omegafields.com.

About Omega Fields –

Omega Fields® provides premium, nutritional products, made from human-grade, stabilized ground flaxseed, rich with antioxidants and optimum ratios of the full spectrum of natural Omega fatty acids for equine, canine, swine, poultry and human nutrition via online and traditional distribution models. Online-based consumer distribution includes OmegaFields.com and OmegaFieldsHealth.com. Retail delivery includes distributor and retail dealer programs providing nation-wide and international distribution. Omega Fields is recognized as a minority owned business. Omega Fields’ mission is to offer the finest quality, most nutritious products at fair prices and provide outstanding customer service. We want our customers to have exceptional experiences with our products, our staff, our websites and our retailers. For further information, contact Patrick Young, Omega Fields Director of Communications, toll free at 1-800-962-9536 or 920-550-4061, ext. 118, email pat.young@enreco.com, or visit www.omegafields.com or www.omegafieldshealth.com.

Good Hoof Care will Save You Money

Blue Springs MO — November 30, 2009 — An old adage, "Shoeing is a necessary evil," has been prevalent throughout the history of horse owners. Though this aged saying has been accepted at face value for decades, closer assessment will disclose the error in this line of thought. Shoeing is not always necessary; neither is it always evil. Multiple factors with the help of an accredited professional will determine if, why and how a horse should be shod. Some of these factors are (1) the proposed use of the horse, (2) the condition of the feet and legs, (3) the tasks to be performed, (4) the environment in which the horse is to perform, and (5) the surface upon which the horse will be working.

Another adage frequently heard is "No hoof, no horse." This is as true today as when the expression was first coined. Good hoof care is good economy and there is no substitute but there are economical products from Durvet to make your job easy; www.Durvet.com .

It's best to have your horse trimmed or shod every four to eight weeks, in addition to picking your horse's hooves daily to remove dirt and debris. Feed your horse a biotin supplement like Biotin DAILY by Durvet to promote healthy hoof growth. Keep your horse away from wet footing or bedding to prevent soft hooves and thrush, a stinky fungus that eats away at the frog and sole of the hoof. A good and economical treatment for thrush is D-Thrush™, another competitively priced product offered by Durvet and available at most farm, feed and tack stores. Another tip to keep in mind is that dry hooves may be caused by a lack of exercise and allowing your horse to stand in mud can damage their hooves and legs so keep up an adequate exercise program and good stable management practices.

What is Thrush? It is a common ailment of horses’ hooves (frog degeneration) caused by a secondary anaerobic bacterial infection. What are the most notable signs of thrush? A very offensive odor may radiate from the underside of the hooves, a very dark, thick, liquid may be discharged from the hooves and possible lameness may occur in severe cases. What are the causes of thrush? Poor management practices, wet conditions and failure to clean hooves regularly are major causes. How is thrush treated? After thoroughly removing debris and necrotic material from the infected hoof, apply a Copper Naphthenate product, such as D-Thrush™ (an economical equivalent to Kopertox® -a registered trade mark of Ft Dodge) as directed on the label to the affected area. Repeat daily. How can thrush be prevented? Provide dry, clean standing areas free of urine-soaked bedding and manure, regular exercise, and good farrier care will also help prevent this disease.

Scholarship Established in Honor of Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi

A scholarship in honor of Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa Niemi has been established by the Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF), based in Denver, Colorado. Swayze and Niemi have had close ties to the Arabian horse breed and owned Arabian horses for many years. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), also based in Denver.

Announcement of the scholarship was made at the association’s annual convention in Reno, Nev., November 19-21. The scholarship will be awarded annually in the spring to a youth who is involved with Arabian horses and aspires to a career in the performing arts. Scholarship applications are available online. The scholarship was launched with an initial pledge by Iron Horse Farms and Trisha Phelan of Canton, Georgia.

“The establishment of the Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi Scholarship was a natural fit for the foundation and the association,” explained AHF President, Larry Kinneer, who made the announcement before approximately 400 delegates and alternates. “Establishment of the scholarship creates a lasting testimony to their careers in dancing, theatre and movies, love of the Arabian breed and contributions over the years to AHA youth programs.”

A highlight and emotion-filled moment at the convention was the showing of a video that captured special times in the life of the late film star and performer who died in September after a lengthy battle with cancer.

The Arabian Horse Foundation has several categories to which donations can be directed: Youth Scholarships, Horse Rescue and Rehoming and Equine Research. In the past two years, the foundation has given over $60,000 in grants in these particular areas. “Having options for people to decide how they want their donations used is a great benefit and incentive for the donor,” Kinneer explained.

“Now, we have established a very special scholarship for people to direct their contribution to. Donations are needed to assure the scholarship will be there for deserving students in the future.”

Kinneer added, “We are looking, not only at the Arabian horse community to lend financial support to this scholarship, but to the public who admired the work of both Patrick and Lisa over the years and want to honor them in a special way. A generous amount of funding will assure the scholarship’s longevity and could lead to more than one youth being awarded the scholarship per year.”

Both Patrick and Lisa competed for many years in Arabian horse shows, often drawing spectators and fans to watch them perform. “Several years ago, Patrick Swayze had a beautiful poster produced picturing him with his champion Arabian stallion, “Tammen,” Kinneer said. “The poster was sold and continues to be sold with profits going to youth programming for AHA. It has become a collector’s item with inquiries from all over the world about how one can obtain one of the posters.” The posters are available by phoning AHA, (303) 696-4500.

Donations to the Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi Scholarship can be made by sending a check to the Arabian Horse Foundation, 10805 E. Bethany Rd., Aurora, CO., 80014-2605. Be sure to indicate the donation is for the Swayze/Niemi Scholarship. It is also possible to make a donation online by visiting www.arabianhorsefoundation.org.

The Arabian Horse Association is a major equine association serving 32,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $4 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 400 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org

The Humane Society of the United States Assists in Rescue of More Than 80 Neglected Tenn. Horses

BRADYVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 24, 2009) — The Humane Society of the United States and the Cannon County Sheriff's Department joined forces to rescue 84 horses from a Cannon County property. The horses were seized by the Cannon County Sheriff's Department due to signs of neglect and poor health. Rescuers also removed seven dogs, two goats and fourteen chickens from the property. The animals were all in poor condition.

"This rescue came not a moment too soon for the animals, including 84 horses struggling to survive," said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of Emergency Services at The HSUS. "There's no excuse for starving or neglecting an animal. It is the responsibility of every horse owner to provide humane, responsible care for their horses at all stages of their life."

When rescuers arrived on the 100-acre Bradyville property, they found many Tennessee Walking Horses and Spotted Saddle Horses, as well as quarter horses. Many of the horses were extremely emaciated and suffering from a variety of medical ailments including overgrown, infected hooves and parasite infestation. Rescuers also found several dead horses on the scene.

Local law enforcement was alerted to this critical situation by citizens concerned for the health of the horses. The sheriff's department called in The HSUS to act as the lead animal welfare organization in the case. The HSUS then called in United Animal Nations to provide sheltering support and Volunteer Equine Advocates to assist in animal handling and transport. Invaluable assistance was also provided by officials from the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, who provided a stable to be used as an emergency shelter.

Rescuers are removing all of the horses from the property and transporting them to a temporary shelter. Once the horses reach the shelter they will be checked by a team of veterinarians and given any necessary immediate medical care. The horses will be cared for at the shelter until their custody is determined.

Horse owners who can no longer care for their horses have many humane options available to them:
Sell the horse to a properly vetted, private owner
Lease the horse to another horse enthusiast
Donate the horse to a therapeutic riding center, park police unit or similar program
Relinquish the horse to a horse rescue or sanctuary
Consider humane euthanasia.

Bay Area Equestrian Network Presents: The Horse Lover’s 2 Minute How-To Video "How To Empower A Child"

Ride To Walk is a therapeutic horseback riding program located in Lincoln, CA. Its mission is to enhance the lives of children and young adults with neurological disabilities by providing innovative therapeutic horseback riding activities that are recreational in nature and adapted to the individual's needs and disabilities. They serve children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, attention deficit disorder, head trauma and sensory processing challenges.

Sadly, Ride To Walk is facing a severe financial challenge. They recently lost a major source of funding through Alta - a private nonprofit corporation working under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services; however, the California legislature has stated that the funding for such programs as Ride To Walk is being eliminated for at least a year because of state budget cuts. Without funding from Alta, Ride To Walk is having a very difficult time continuing to serve children with special needs. If you can donate either money or time, please contact Kris at ridetowalk@sbcglobal.net.

Also featured in this video is Kyla Vittek and her mother, Lisa, who founded "Cure for Kyla" (CureForKayla.com) and the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. To help or get more info, contact Lisa at http://www.Myotonic.org.

Bay Area Equestrian Network (BAEN) launched its informational video series in 2008 and now has over 73 videos in its archives covering Horsemanship, Health Care, Training, Tack & Equipment, and Barn & Stable. A new high-definition video is uploaded every 1-2 weeks. The Horse Lover’s 2 Minute How-To Videos are produced exclusively for BAEN by Padma Video, a Bay Area video production company specializing in equestrian video.

To view this and other Horse Lover’s 2-Minute How-To Videos, please visit http://results.bayequest.info/2minvideo/. To learn more about BAEN’s video services for web sites, please visit http://www.bayequest.info/static/advertop-padma-video.htm or write to video@bayequest.com.


About Bay Area Equestrian Network http://www.bayequest.com

Bay Area Equestrian Network (BAEN) is an on-line community where California equine businesses, organizations and consumers meet to buy, sell and exchange information. BAEN was created in 1997 to promote the horse industry in Northern California and statewide, and to help horse enthusiasts find horses, products and services in their area

STATEMENT BY THE UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION ON THE PASSAGE OF THE “PROGRESSIVE LIST” OF PERMITTED MEDICATIONS AT THE FEI GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN

The USEF is supportive of the rule change allowing certain non-steroidal medications included on the “Progressive List” passed at the FEI General Assembly in Copenhagen earlier this month. The list includes medications that would be allowed in FEI competitions and which are already permitted in USEF competitions.

These medications are not considered by WADA to be performance enhancing in human athletes and because of this distinction, they are not prohibited. While it is the human athlete that is solely responsible in making the decision to use these non-performance enhancing medications, it is the responsibility of the FEI to protect and ensure the welfare of our equine partners. By placing restrictions on the use of the NSAIDs to include low level administrations and continuing a rigorous program of veterinary examinations and inspections, the FEI is providing for equine welfare while still prohibiting the non-judicious use of these and other medications consistent with the Clean Sport initiative.

While fully supportive of this change the USEF believes that the implementation of the rule on January 1, 2010 may be problematic.

The addition of certain NASIDs to the permitted medication list will be new to many NFs and an education and communication plan needs to be implemented before the rule takes effect. FEI laboratories need to adopt standard identical protocols for testing so as to assure a level playing field for all athletes throughout the world.

The USEF is also concerned that the premature implementation of this new rule may impact team participation at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010. Without a carefully prepared education and communication program, a premature implementation of this rule is risky and has high potential of causing a series of unintended consequences.

The USEF believe the passage of the “Progressive List” is a step forward in a commitment to horse welfare. The General Assembly of the FEI has made its decision but, we strongly encourage the FEI to delay implementation until such time that the laboratory procedures are in place and a communication and education plan has been launched.

For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org.

The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation® is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its human and equine athletes.

2009 $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby Announces Donation to Children's Memorial Hospital

Antioch, IL - November 30, 2009 - The inaugural $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby was a huge success this year, bringing top-notch hunter competition to the Midwest for a special one day event that raised more than $60,000 for the Children's Memorial Hospital. The Chicago Hunter Derby was hosted by Chicago Equestrians for a Cause (CEC) and was held on August 30, 2009, at Annali Farm in Antioch, IL.

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

Karen Lackenger, Chairman of Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, stated, "Chicago Equestrians for a Cause recently presented a check to Children's Memorial Hospital for more than $60,000. We are so grateful for the generosity of our many sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the spectacular success of the Chicago Hunter Derby. We also would like to thank all of the talented riders who came to Chicago and made the class very competitive and exciting!"

Katie Spieth, the representative from the Children's Memorial Hospital said, "Children's Memorial Hospital is honored to be the beneficiary of the Chicago Equestrians for a Cause Hunter Derby event. The significant funds they have been able to generate through this event will provide current use support to the Hospital's Department of Family Services. Staff and programs of Family Services are funded almost solely by philanthropy, which allows the Chicago Equestrians for a Cause to have an immediate impact on the patients and families we are privileged to serve."

Representatives from Chicago Equestrians for a Cause were on hand to donate the check to Children's Memorial Hospital. They included CEC board member Caroline Weeden, 2009 CEC Chairman Karen Lackenger, CEC board member and USHJA Foundation President Lynn Jayne, and 2010 CEC Chairman Margaret Benjamin. Also attending the ceremony was Maureen Corcoran of the Corcoran Family Foundation, who generously added a $10,000 donation to bring the CEC's total donation to more than $60,000.

The title sponsor for the 2009 $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby was CN, the Canadian National Railway Company.

Chicago Equestrians for a Cause would like to thank all of their sponsors for their incredible support for this year's event. They made the 2009 $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby a very special and philanthropic event and helped benefit a very special cause in the Children's Memorial Hospital.

The Chicago Hunter Derby was a series event for the Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. Please visit the $25,000 Chicago Hunter Derby website for more details at www.chicagohunterderby.com.

Draper Equine Therapy Advisory Board Member Laura Noyes Wins At Region 1 Dressage Championships

Canton, MA (November 30, 2009) – Dressage rider Laura Noyes, a member of the Draper Equine Therapy Advisory Board, took home the Open Intermediaire I Championship during the Region 1 Dressage Championships in Lexington, Virginia. She was also fortunate enough to also come in third in the Open Intermediaire II Championships. Noyes, who trains with George Williams, rode her Trakehner gelding Syncro to the championship.

“We are so thrilled to have Laura on our Advisory Board and to support her as an athlete. She has been a role model in the horse industry and has been able to maintain her studies and be at the top of her sport,” said Kat Wojtylak, Product Manager at Draper Therapies. “We feel that what little we can contribute to Laura and her horses will pay off in the future for the sport of dressage and that is definitely worth celebrating.”

A native of Maine, Noyes now lives in Ohio where she is a student at Ohio Wesleyan University majoring in Zoology. While Noyes says she stays busy riding and juggling her school schedule, she is pleased to be a part of Draper Equine Therapies Advisory Board.

In addition to using Draper Equine Therapy products on her horses Syncro and Galveston, Noyes is also a big supporter of Draper’s Therapeutic Body Products including their Draper Home Therapy Sleep Liner. "I do have trouble sleeping some nights as I have a tough time getting comfortable after a long day on and off horses. Since using the Draper Sleep Liner, I have noticed that on a regular basis my back is not nearly as tired the next morning,” Noyes said.

Noyes is also a fan of the Draper Body Therapy Ladies Mesh Fitted T-Shirt. “When I wear the T-Shirt I have a lot less pain and soreness in my bum shoulder than I usually do,” Noyes said, adding that she will be having surgery on her shoulder over the holidays. “My horses are both going to Florida for the winter with George as I'm going to be in a sling for at least six weeks. It's going to be tough not riding and I'm going to miss my horses like crazy, but I am glad I have these great products for my recovery as well.”

Noyes is the 2009 winner of the prestigious Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy. The annual award recognizes a Junior/Young Rider who exemplifies the USET Foundation's ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship. “Everyone at Draper Equine Therapy is so proud of Laura,” Wojtylak said. “We are pleased to have her representing us and believing in our products.”

Draper products are made with an innovative smart fiber called Celliant™/Holofiber® which has been clinically proven in three double blind studies to help reduce pain, increase oxygen levels and help balance overall body temperature. “Increased circulation has been known to help heal faster, alleviate pain and bring more blood flow to the area which can additionally help bring medications and supplements more readily to the body,” Wojtylak said.

Products containing Celliant have no adverse effects as they work directly with the body to make it more efficient and can be used continually. For more information on Draper Equine Therapy, visit their website at www.draperequinetherapy.com.

THE DEFINITIVE RACING AND BREEDING RECORD OF AMERICA’S MOST IMPORTANT BROODMARES

Irvine, Calif., Nov. 30, 2009— Foundation Mares examines the racing and breeding records of more than 50 of the most important broodmares of the 20th century. Each meticulously researched chapter details the racing accomplishments of the mare and her offspring and includes numerous historical photographs that depict the mare’s exceptional racing career. Each chapter also features an easy-to-read chart that depicts the mare’s pedigree.
The book also documents the accomplishments of the breeders, plus all those who played a role in the development of the family. Foundation Mares provides a unique perspective on the history of the American Thoroughbred industry.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John P. Sparkman began his career in the Thoroughbred industry in 1972 at Windfields Farm in Maryland. He moved to Kentucky in 1974 as director of cataloging for Jockey Club Information Systems, and a few years later, he became the general manager of William DuPont III’s Pillar Stud, where he supervised the building of an international broodmare band and stallion operation. Sparkman became the bloodline/sales editor of Thoroughbred Times in 1994. Now semi-retired, he continues as the magazine’s bloodstock editor and still manages his private consulting firm, JPS Inc., serving clients in the Thoroughbred industry.

ABOUT THOROUGHBRED TIMES:
Thoroughbred Times produces the racing industry’s leading weekly publication, as well as the annual Original Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac. Tens of thousands of owners, breeders, trainers, and racing fans trust Thoroughbred Times Books to provide a treasure trove of authoritative racing information, unique historical perspective, and groundbreaking current topics.

ISBN: 978-1-933958-81-1
$79.95 ($88.95 Can.)
Hardcover, 480 pages
12 x 9
Full-color and vintage photographs

Farrier’s Formula’s Sponsorship of Team Weber Goes “Double Strength” for Countdown to World Equestrian Games

Ocala, FL (November 30, 2009) – Combined Driver Chester Weber, the seven-time United States National Four-In-Hand Driving Champion, has his sights set on an eighth national victory and the World Equestrian Games in 2010. Life Data Labs, Inc, makers of Farrier’s Formula® and Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength, has been a Team Weber sponsor since 1997 and will continue to support the high-profile team as they head into 2010.

“Chester is well respected throughout the equine industry for his horsemanship and driving skills as well as his genuine dedication to the sport. He has the ability to communicate well with fellow competitors, horse owners, and fans ... they listen to him!” said Linda Gravlee of Life Data Labs. “Above all, there is no 'hype' to Chester. He is honest, straightforward and uncommonly kind ... the perfect spokesman for our product. In our view, he is a true celebrity and we are honored to be associated with him.”

Weber’s horses, including his star 2008 USEF Horse of the Year Jamaica, rely on Life Data Lab’s Farrier’s Formula Double Strength to maintain healthy hooves. “Farriers Formula and Farrier's Formula Double Strength provide nutrients such as phospholipids, omega fatty acids, and important amino acid ‘protein building blocks’ that enable horses to build strong structural and connective tissue proteins,” Gravlee said. “Strong connective tissue is not only important for healthy hoof structure and growth, but is just as important for healthy joints and tendons. These and other internal benefits are harder to see than the new denser hoof growth, however the stronger connective tissue reduces the incidence of injury to Chester's horses and accelerate the recovery time if injury occurs.”

Weber, a 2008 USEF Equestrian of Honor and the first American to earn an individual medal at the Four-In-Hand World Championships in The Netherlands, is pleased to continue his partnership with Life Data Labs. “We have had tremendous success using Farrier’s Formula Double Strength on all of our horses over the years, and I am honored to continue such a long and prosperous partnership with Life Data Labs,” Weber said. “As I look toward 2010 it is important for me to have sponsors on board who believe in setting goals and accomplishing them, and I know Life Data Labs is such a company.”

During the 2010 World Equestrian Games, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, Weber will visit Life Data Lab booth to share his success with their products and sign autographs. Weber has made appearances at the Life Data booth over the years at different shows, including an appearance in Aachen, Germany following his win in the first phase of the CHIO Aachen.

For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com. For more information on Farrier’s Formula and Farrier’s Formula Double Strength, visit the Life Data Labs website at www.lifedatalabs.com.

USET Foundation Awards 2009

Whitney Stone Cup to McLain Ward


Gladstone, NJ - November 20, 2009 -The USET Foundation is pleased to announce that the Whitney Stone Cup has been awarded to McLain Ward of Brewster, NY. The Whitney Stone Cup is awarded annually by the USET Foundation Executive Committee to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition, high standards of sportsmanlike conduct, while also serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport.

The Whitney Stone Cup is given in honor of the late Whitney Stone, who served as President and Chairman of the Board of the USET. Whitney Stone led the USET from 1953 to 1973. He was instrumental in the creation of a civilian team when the Army retired from competitive horse sports after 1948.

USET Foundation President and CEO, Jane F. Clark, stated, "McLain is not only one of this country's top equestrian athletes, but one of the best international competitors in our sport. His great talent and representation of this country make him a very deserving recipient of the USET Foundation's prestigious Whitney Stone Cup."

McLain Ward has been at the top of the sport for many years and has accumulated two team Olympic gold medals. In 2009, he entered another level of winning with his amazingly consistent mount Sapphire, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, owned by Ward and Blue Chip Bloodstock.

The pair started out the year with wins in the $150,000 CN CSIO Grand Prix, the $200,000 CN Grand Prix, and $400,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Florida. On other horses, Ward won another four $25,000 grand prix events at WEF.

Ward and Sapphire continued on to the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas and put in five clear rounds to finish second in the championship. When they represented the United States in the Meydan FEI Nations Cup tour, they scored double clear rounds in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and in Aachen, Germany. Sapphire jumped clear in the Grand Prix of Aachen, one of the most prestigious classes in the world.

Sapphire and Ward returned to North America in the fall and took home two more huge wins in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show and the CN $1 Million Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in Calgary. Ward ranks his win in Calgary as the best individual finish of his career.

All in all, Ward won 23 USEF Computer List classes this year. Sapphire won just under $1 million, and Ward totaled just over $1.4 million in prize money this year.

For those achievements as an incredible representative of the U.S. show jumping team, he is awarded this year's Whitney Stone Cup. "It's a great honor," Ward said. "It's a very prestigious award at the highest level of the sport. It's humbling when you read the list of equestrians that have won it. You're a part of that select group for the rest of your life. At the end of the day, I owe this to having a great horse in Sapphire, the owners for all of my horses, and a great group of people behind me."

Ward was also honored that the award recognizes those who are an ambassador for the sport. "When you represent the United States, you try and conduct yourself in a professional manner, win or lose," he remarked. "You promote America at its best with our riding and our system and what made us successful."

Previous Whitney Stone Cup Winners:
1980 - Michael Matz
1981 - James C. Wofford
1982 - Norman Dello Joio
1983 - Melanie Smith
1984 - Carole Grant
1985 - Joe Fargis
1986 - Conrad Homfeld
1987 - Katie Monahan Prudent
1988 - Bruce O. Davidson
1989 - Gregory A. Best
1990 - William Long
1991 - Hap Hansen
1992 - Lana DuPont Wright
1993 - Carol Lavell
1994 - J. Michael Plumb
1995 - Robert Dover
1996 - Anne Kursinski
1997 - Leslie Burr Howard
1998 - David O'Connor
1999 - Valerie Kanavy
2000 - Karen O'Connor
2001 - Tucker Johnson
2002 - Gunter Seidel
2003 - Peter Wylde
2004 - Debbie McDonald
2005 - Chris Kappler
2006 - Elizabeth (Beezie) Madden
2007 - Elizabeth (Beezie) Madden
2008 - Steffen Peters
2009 - McLain Ward

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 an developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

A Horse Experience for Special Kids

At the Natural Horsemanship Center of Oregon kids with Attention Deficit, Turrets, Autism and even children with eating disorders such as Bulimia find a connection with horses that allows them to shine. Professional horse trainer and instructor Missy Wryn says “working with learning challenged kids is so awesome. My little ADHD kids are such shining stars as we bounce around together giggling while the horses tickle us with their fuzzy lips. My Turrets kids learn to be mindful of their bodies and shake out their building energy ticks before sending the wrong message to their horse. I love my super special kids – they rock!”

Missy works with these special needs children teaching them about healthy boundaries, body awareness and emotional awareness while they learn horsemanship in addition to riding. o their horse. I love my super special kids - they rock”Horses are a mirror” Missy says, “you can’t hide your feelings with a horse. You have to be honest and tell the horse if you are afraid because if you don’t and try to hide your true feelings the horse is not going to trust you. Do you trust a liar? That is what you are to a horse if you are not honest about your feelings. I encourage my kids to be authentic, in the moment and to be honest at all times. If we move too quickly or jerky towards a horse she’s going to pull back or away from us which gives us an idea of how our actions must feel to other people. Horses are a great indicator of the truth and once an ADHD child sees the reaction of the horse to their overly excited behavior the awareness of their impact on others is profound. Body awareness and mindfulness are key to having a loving safer experience with horses and for these kids it is an “Ah Ha” moment that carries into their every day lives”.

To learn more about Missy Wryn and the Natural Horsemanship Center of Oregon visit www.MissyWryn.com or call 503-630-3744.

Professional trainer Missy Wryn developed Training the Whole Horse® on the foundation of Do No Harm teaching SAFER trusting relationships with horses without the use of bits and spurs. Missy Wryn is the founder of Training the Whole Horse®, IRON FREE Riding, HorseMAREship and the Facebook group DO NO HARM for ALL Peoples & Creatures Great & Small, plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Training Halter Bitless Bridle. Check Missy’s schedule for appearances and lectures in your area at www.MissyWryn.com or call 503-630-3744.

Missy Wryn is also CEO and founder of Natures Balance Care™, LLC. Natures Balance Care™ manufacturers the only organic approved OMRI® listed flea, fly, tick & insect control and skin care products for dogs, horses and organic livestock that do not contain Pyrethrum, Resmethrin, DEET or Neuro-Toxic chemicals. Visit www.NaturesBalanceCare.com to find a reseller near you.

Weekly Horse Training Conference Calls with Pro Trainer Missy Wryn

Comprehensive and personable Missy Wryn’s weekly horse training conference calls are meeting the needs of horse lovers with questions ranging from natural care to advanced bitless riding. Missy’s extensive experience in bitless dressage and working with problem horses from the foundation of DO NO HARM has gained worldwide recognition for her Training the Whole Horse® program and DVD series. To participate in Missy’s weekly horse training conference calls register online at www.MissyWryn.com.

Professional trainer Missy Wryn developed Training the Whole Horse® on the foundation of Do No Harm teaching SAFER trusting relationships with horses without the use of bits or spurs. Missy Wryn is the founder of Training the Whole Horse®, IRON FREE Riding, HorseMAREship and the Facebook group DO NO HARM for ALL Peoples & Creatures Great & Small, plus inventor of the ALL-IN-ONE Training Halter Bitless Bridle. Check Missy’s schedule for appearances and lectures in your area at www.MissyWryn.com or call 503-630-3744.

Missy Wryn is also CEO and founder of Natures Balance Care™, LLC. Natures Balance Care™ manufacturers the only organic approved OMRI® listed flea, fly, tick & insect control and skin care products for dogs, horses and organic livestock that do not contain Pyrethrum, Resmethrin, DEET or Neuro-Toxic chemicals. Visit www.NaturesBalanceCare.com to find a reseller near you.

Consider the future of equine parasite control when treating today

With many horse owners puzzled by the thought of parasite resistance — and a number of different parasite control products available — it’s difficult to know which products will work for their horses.

“Of the three classes of dewormers, many experts believe that macrocyclic lactones are the only class of medications to which key equine parasites of adult horses have not developed resistance in the United States,”1,2 says Hoyt Cheramie, DVM, MS, manager, Merial Veterinary Services. “Within that class, there are different products for horse owners to choose from — the two most common being ivermectin and moxidectin — making the choice more difficult.”

Macrocyclic lactones, which are used for parasite control in cattle, sheep and horses, all have a similar mode of action but are different in their chemical properties.3 These differences may affect the likelihood of resistance occurring.3

“Equine parasite resistance is becoming more of a concern as we continue to investigate how well each anthelmintic class and product is currently working,” Dr. Cheramie says. “While we have seen resistance in other anthelmintic classes,4 we had not seen it pop up in macrocyclic lactones until recently. I and other equine veterinarians I’ve spoken with are particularly concerned with moxidectin resistance, which we’ve seen occur in other species and in horses in other countries.”3,5

A study that was conducted between 2001 and 2004 — published in 2006 — of Australian sheep farms that were using only a moxidectin drench for parasite control were found to be nearly three times more likely to have resistance to brown stomach worms than those using ivermectin.3 Additionally, prevalence of resistance was significantly higher — up to 77 percent — on the sheep farms where moxidectin had been used for more than two of the preceding five years.3

With reports of resistance to moxidectin in sheep3 and Brazilian horses,5 some experts in equine parasitology caution that moxidectin use in horses should also be limited.6 Based on theories of selection for resistance, some experts believe that regular use of moxidectin may increase the risk of producing macrocyclic lactone resistance.6

Even though ivermectin and moxidectin are both members of the same anthelmintic class, they do have differences. In horses, ivermectin is not labeled for control of encysted larval stages of small strongyles. Therefore, encysted small strongyles should be slow to develop resistance to ivermectin as a population that hasn’t had an opportunity to be exposed to the drug.5 However, while moxidectin is extremely effective in eliminating larval stages of small strongyles, that also may mean small strongyles may be more likely to develop resistance to moxidectin.5

“If macrocyclic lactone resistance were to develop in one product, it would most likely occur with all macrocyclic lactone products,”7-13 Dr. Cheramie says. “There are some differences in relative effectiveness of each macrocyclic lactone to different species of parasites, but all products would be adversely affected if resistance were to develop.”7-13

With no new parasite control products or classes on the horizon, adds Dr. Cheramie, it’s increasingly important to use all parasite control products carefully.

“One-size-fits-all parasite control programs no longer work to eliminate all parasites,” Dr. Cheramie says. “Instead, horse owners and veterinarians should work together to create a parasite control program that reduces transmission, keeps worm burdens low and treats clinically affected horses.”

Horse owners should work with their veterinarian to identify which horses on their property are shedding the most worm eggs by asking a veterinarian to complete quantitative fecal egg count tests. Once identified, deworming treatments can be directed at those animals.2

“Horse owners should talk to their veterinarian about products that will be best for each horse,” Dr. Cheramie says. “In addition, choosing effective products from a trusted manufacturer will allow horse owners to make sure any concerns will be addressed.”

Some products, like ZIMECTERIN® Gold (ivermectin/praziquantel), are backed by a

100 percent product satisfaction guarantee that can help make deworming decisions easier.* ZIMECTERIN Gold is a broad-spectrum dewormer that controls more species and stages of equine parasites — including the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata — than any other brand.14,15


“Merial continually works with internationally recognized parasitologists to be a part of the solution to parasite resistance,” Dr. Cheramie says. “By working together with horse owners and veterinarians, we can help keep our parasite control products as effective as possible.”

--

*For more information about the 100 percent product satisfaction guarantee for ZIMECTERIN Gold, please go to www.zimecterin.com.

Warning: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. In horses, there have been rare reports of swelling and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue following administration of ZIMECTERIN Gold. These reactions have been transitory in nature. Do not use in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.


®ZIMECTERIN is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. ©2009 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUIZIM945 (9/09).

1Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Ionita M, Collins SS. Evaluation of parasiticidal activity of fenbendazole, ivermectin, oxibendazole and pyrantel pamoate in horse foals with emphasis on ascarids (Parascaris equorum) in field studies on five farms in central Kentucky in 2007. Parasitol Res 2008;104:569-574.

2Kaplan RM. These ain’t your father’s parasites: An evidence-based medical approach to equine parasite control. The Practitioner October 2008.

3Rendell DK, Rentsch TE, Smith JM, Chandler DS, Callinan APL. Evidence that moxidectin is a greater risk factor than ivermectin in the development of resistance to macrocyclic lactones by Ostertagia spp. in sheep in southeastern Australia. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 2006;54(6):313-317.

4Kaplan RM, et al. Prevalence of anthelmintic resistant cyathostomes on horse farms. JAVMA 2004;225(6):903-910.

5Schumacher J, Taintor J. A review of the use of moxidectin in horses. Equine Veterinary Education 2008;20(10):546-551.

6Coles GC, et al. Anthelmintic resistance and use of anthelmintics in horses. The Veterinary Record 2008;163:679.

7Shoop WL, Haines HW, Michael BF, Eary CH. Mutual resistance to avermectins and milbemycins: oral activity of ivermectin and moxidectin against ivermectin-resistant and susceptible nematodes. The Veterinary Record 1993;133:445-447.

8Craig TM, Miller DK. Resistance by Haemonchus contortus to ivermectin in Angora goats. The Veterinary Record 1990;126:560.

9Kieran PJ. Moxidectin against ivermectin-resistant nematodes – a global view. Australian Veterinary Journal 1994;71:18-20.

10Pomroy WE, Whelan NC. Efficacy of moxidectin against an ivermectin-resistant strain of Ostertagia circumcincta in young sheep. The Veterinary Record 1993;132:416.

11Conder GA, Thompson DP, Johnson SS. Demonstration of co-resistance of Haemonchus contortus to ivermectin and moxidectin. The Veterinary Record 1993;132:651-652.

12Le Jambre LF, Gill JH, Lenane IJ, Lacey E. Characterization of an avermectin-resistant strain of Australian Haemonchus contortus. International Journal for Parasitology 1995;25:691-698.

13Sangster NC, Dobson RJ. Anthelmintic resistance. In: Lee DL, Ed. The Biology of Nematodes. London: Taylor & Francis, 2002:531-567.

14Based on data provided in FDA Freedom of Information summaries.

15Based on data provided on the ZIMECTERIN Gold product label.

Equine Photographers Network Announces On Line Gift Shop

Shop for the Horse Lover on your list on line!

EPNet helps you make holiday shopping easier by offering a great variety of unique gifts direct from our talented members. Books, DVD’s, Fine Art Prints, Calendars and more, all celebrating the beautiful equine.

Visit the Shop here: http://www.equinephotographers.org/gift/

EPNet Announces 8th Annual Spring Photographer's Workshop and Horse Drive in Craig, Colorado

The Equine Photographers Network (EPNet) http://www.equinephotographers.org announces the 8h Annual Spring Equine Photography Workshop is planned for Craig, Colorado for May 2 – May 9, 2010. This area of Northwest Colorado is known for it’s remote high desert beauty, abundant wildlife, wild horses and working ranches and cowboys. This region is also home to the Outlaw Trail and stomping grounds of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

This year’s event features two exciting offerings: the Member’s Workshop at the Sombrero Ranch, and by special invitation, the opportunity to photograph the 800 horse, 60 mile Great American Horse Drive.

Scott Trees and Carien Schippers will lead the workshop session photographing working cowboys at the Sombrero Ranch for two full days followed by a day of photo and portfolio reviews and guest speakers.

NEW this year! By special invitation photographers may go for a two hour trail ride with the cowboys and wranglers on Wednesday afternoon at Sombrero Ranch and enjoy a meal at the ranch afterward. This is the perfect opportunity to see some of the vast back country surrounding the ranch from horseback!

The Sombrero Ranch Workshop will be followed by an extra special photo event. EPNet Members have been invited to photograph the annual Great American Horse Drive hosted by Sombrero Ranch. Photographers will have the chance to shoot this spectacular three day event and have once in a lifetime photo opportunities as over 800 horses are rounded up and driven 60 miles to the home ranch over two days. Transportation and all meals will be included.

Professional and amateur photographers, equine or otherwise, able to attend will want to mark their calendars for this great opportunity.

A complete overview of events is available at this link:
http://events.equinephotographers.net/col10/

Read about last year's event here:
http://www.equinephotographers.org/newsletter/09jun/

View a video of the Great American Horse Drive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9nyaLRo0ag

The verdict is in: Cavallo Saddle Pad Comfort for Horses and Riders

Last month we told you about the group of riders from 42 states and 8 countries whose 5-month journey on horseback took them from Mexico to the Canadian border. Now we'd like to share some feedback about Cavallo Saddle Pads which were used on the ride.

Tom Seay, host of the American television show "The Best of America by Horseback", led the 2,200 mile trek. Tom told us that "the Cavallo Saddle Pad was the pad of choice on the ride. When riders tried it, they continued to use it over any other pad. In fact, many riders were asking to borrow them from others when their horses got sore backs. The Cavallo pads really helped with any discomfort. Funnily, some of them mysteriously disappeared, only to be discovered under saddles. We were wishing we had Cavallo pads for every horse on the ride - so they could be as comfortable as the lucky ones. Many people commented on the increased comfort they experienced as riders, since the shock absorbing features of Cavallo pads are second to none. Our epic ride was an amazing experience thanks to the comfort provided by Cavallo pads."

Cavallo saddle pads are receiving accolades not only from pleasure and working riders, but also from equine experts including Mary Ann Simonds, M.A., Equine Behaviorist and Horse-Rider Coach: "I have tried every pad on the market to help relieve stress from bad-fitting saddles. Aside from a custom fit saddle, using two 1-inch thick wool felt pads was the best solution until we tried the Cavallo pad. Sore backs in the middle of the spine is common in jumpers upon landing when the saddle gives and the rider's weight comes down in the middle of the horse's back. The Cavallo pad performed equally or better than the wool pads we had been using to reduce saddle pressure on the spine of several Grand Prix jumpers. The horses stopped getting "strong" after the fences when their backs no longer hurt on landing. I am recommending my clients try this pad first to determine if the saddle is indeed causing the behavioral issues such as "teeth grinding", "pulling", "hurrying" or "bucking" which is so commonly linked to sore back in horses. Thank you for sharing your vision of making horse's lives more comfortable for competition and making an affordable pad that works!"

Whether you're a Western or an English rider, Cavallo has the right saddle pad to ensure a great fit for you and your horse. Total Comfort System saddle pads have a unique memory foam design which improves saddle fit, helps move the weight off the spine and allows the scapula to move freely. They are lightweight, reversible, aerated for comfort, and are easy to clean and care for. Visit http://www.cavallo-inc.com/saddlepads/features.html to learn more about how you too can have a comfortable ride ... your horse will thank you!


About Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc.
Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc. is home to the most popular hoof boots in the world. Here you will find the most economical alternative to metal shoes, as well as technologically advanced saddle pads, and much more! Cavallo is committed to developing and distributing innovative products of excellent quality that provide comfort, protection, support and value for money for both horse and rider. Please call us toll-free at 1-877-818-0037 or visit us online at http://www.cavallo-inc.com

Eriksson beats Exell on home soil in Stockholm

Stockholm (Swe), 29 November 2009

Sweden’s Tomas Eriksson beat Boyd Exell on home soil by winning the third leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Stockholm, Sweden. Exell, who has won the previous World Cup competitions in Hannover and Stuttgart, was last to go in the World Cup competition in Sweden’s capital city, but knocked three balls down and came fifth. Switzerland’s Werner Ulrich ended the second place, followed by his compatriot Daniel Würgler.

Hesitation
It was clear that double World Champion Tomas Eriksson felt at home in the Ericsson Globen Arena. Many fans cheered the multiple Swedish Champion during the World Cup competition, which was presented by Länsförsäkringar, a Swedish national insurance company. With only one round to drive, the competitors had to put everything at stake. Eriksson decided last minute to change his route in one of the marathon obstacles and hesitated a fraction of a second, which caused a ball to fall. His time was fast enough though to beat Werner Ulrich, who had been in the lead until that moment. It is the second time that Eriksson wins the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Stockholm; in 2002 he was also crowned as winner.

Swiss driving force
Both Swiss drivers Werner Ulrich and Daniel Würgler started their World Cup season in Stockholm, which was awarded Best Indoor Driving Event 2008 by l’Année Hippique. Werner Ulrich used a mixed team with a Lusitano mare from his outdoor team, two Swiss Warm blood geldings from his old team and a new 8-year-old trotter mare. Although the 1998 World Champion did not set the fastest time, he passed the finish line with the only double clear round and herewith secured his second place. Daniel Würgler was very happy with his third place, using the 7-year-old Éclair DW, an Andalusian cross Camargue in the lead of his team, next to the trotter mare Suleika and the pair of Kladruber geldings from Würgler’s former team, the 17-year-old Favory Pastora and the 14-year-old Generale Erga.

Wild card
Wild card driver Fredrik Persson was competing with the same team of horses he competed with in the FEI World Cup season 2008/2009, including the outdoor team horse, the 15-year-old trotter Grand Balthazar: “Other than last year, I haven’t trained so much for the show in Stockholm because this is my only World Cup start this season. I competed in a small indoor event in Kiel several weeks ago, but the level there cannot be compared to the high level here in Stockholm.”

Driving mistake
Boyd Exell is in the lead of the standings after three competitions and if he ends on the fourth place or higher in Budapest next weekend, he can drop his Stockholm score. But he is already certain of a ticket for the Final in Geneva in April 2010. Exell admitted a driving mistake in today’s course, but had to watch the video to see that the two other balls were knocked down as well.

The Netherlands Partnerland
The Netherlands was partnerland this year at the Stockholm Horse Show, which was expressed in shows of the KWPN, the Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook, and the Friesian Studbook of the Netherlands. The Dutch dressage and show jumping riders in Stockholm all performed very well with KWPN horses and despite the fact that there was no Dutch four-in-hand driver present in Stockholm, there was some Dutch influence in the Driving competitions.

Germany’s Christoph Sandmann competed with two KWPN ‘tuigpaarden’ in his team; the 8-year-old Cash (by Gelviro) and the 9-year-old Joy (by Joviaal). Cash, who came to Sandmann’s stables last summer, had his first indoor experience in Stockholm. Together with the experienced outdoor horses, French trotter Haut marnais and Oldenburger Attention Please, Sandmann ended on the 6th place in his first World Cup event of this season.

Difficult course
In contrary to the previous FEI World Cup competitions in Stockholm where the courses were very open and fast, Swedish course designer Dan Henriksson had designed a very technical course this year to challenge the drivers: “I wanted to try something new and decided to make a combination between fast and technical parts in the course. The disadvantage we have in Stockholm is that it is the smallest indoor arena used for World Cup competitions, so there is not much space to really try something new,” comments 54-year old Henriksson, who has been responsible for the courses in Stockholm since the start of the FEI World Cup in 2001. “The standard of the drivers in Stockholm is very good, although they are all very different,” concludes Henriksson, who is not influenced by the starting field when he designs his courses.

Chardon switches to Lipizzaner horses
Although both IJsbrand Chardon and Jozsef Dobrovitz did not compete in Stockholm, the news that Chardon bought three Lipizzaner horses of Dobrovitz’ team in Stuttgart last weekend was much talked about. Chardon explained his spectacular purchase: “I have competed in two World Cup competitions in which I came third and fourth. The current level is so high and my horses, amongst which one 19-year old gelding, have trouble keeping up with the rising speed. I had already planned to start looking for a different solution next April because I cannot make it to the top with my current horses. I got the chance to buy these experienced horses from Jozsef Dobrovitz. I rather invest time in these horses now in order to be able to compete competitively again next season. Boyd Exell is currently in such good form, that I do not have the illusion to beat him this season. I don not mind losing, but I don’t like to loose when I don’t have a fair chance!”

Quotes
Tomas Eriksson (Swe): “I am very pleased with my horses and with my victory. I had very good rounds in the warm up and World Cup competition. I pushed my horses a little harder in the World Cup competition and made a few mistakes, but luckily Boyd did the same.”

Werner Ulrich (Sui): “It is the first time that I use two small horse sin the lead of my team. The team did not do so well on the first day, but they went much better in the World Cup competition. I am happy that I am not so far behind on my fellow competitors. The small horses really make a difference in the obstacles, it is much easier to turn them.”

Daniel Würgler: “I have Eclair in my stables since this spring. He is very inexperienced, the first night I could hardly enter the arena, he was very insecure. He has taken the place of Attila, the leader horse I used last season but who is now injured. Once we were in the arena, Eclair did his very best and kept going for it, so I am very pleased with my performance, although I was a little slow with my hands sometimes.”

Results CAI-W Stockholm:
1. Tomas Eriksson (Swe) 123.23 (5)
2. Werner Ulrich (Sui) 124.43 (0)
3. Daniel Würgler (Sui) 126.19 (5)
4. Fredrik Persson (Swe) 128.65
5. Boyd Exell (Aus) 129.34 (15)
6. Christoph Sandmann (Ger) 130.41 (5)


Classification after 3 of 7 events:
1 Boyd EXELL AUS 23
2 Tomas ERIKSSON SWE 15
3 Koos DE RONDE NED 14
4 IJsbrand CHARDON NED 8
5 Werner ULRICH SUI 7
6 Jozsef DOBROVITZ HUN 5
6 Daniel WURGLER SUI 5
8 Theo TIMMERMAN NED 2
8 Christoph SANDMANN GER 2

Website: www.stockholmhorseshow.com.

The next FEI World Cup driving event takes place in Budapest, Hungary, on 5 and 6 December 2009. Press Officer is Csaba Péterfi, phone +36 20 3479 443, e-mail cs.peterfi@gmail.com Website: www.budapesthorseshow.com.

More information: www.feiworldcup.org

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC Announces 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Prize list now OnLine!

Wellington, FL. Nov 29th 2009. 2010 FTI WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL PRIZELIST ONLINE

Equestrian Sport Productions announces the online publication of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival prizelist at www.equestriansport.com.

Next year's circuit promises to be the best ever with over $5.5 million dollars in prize money and awards and exciting classes every week. Following are the Highlights of the circuit;
FTI $500,000 Finale Grand Prix - Week 11
FTI $100,000 Rider Challenge
CN $200,000 CN World Cup in Week 9.
Spycoast Farm $150,000 World Cup in Week 5
CN $75,000 Nations Cup in Week 8
Equine Couture $75,000 Grand Prix on the Stadium grass field in Week 10
$50,000 AHJF/Hunter Spectacular in Week 6
CN $50,000 Derby in Week 6
$50,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA Hunter Derby in Week 12.
George Morris Excellence in Equitation in Week 11.
The USEF WEG Trials will run over 5 days during WEF 7 and 8
Junior/Amateur team event in Week 12
2 Young Rider Grand Prix's in Week 5 and Week 9
Hunters will be pleased with the addition of the "Pink" footing to their premier rings the Rost and the Mische rings. All in all it promises to be a great year and we look forward to welcoming the world to Wellington in 2010.
For more information please contact Equestrian Sport Productions at www.equestriansport.com or call 561-795-0783.


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

NEWS FROM THE FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE

Stockholm (SWE), 29 November 2009


CORNELISSEN AND PARZIVAL ARE IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

Double European gold medallists, Adelinde Cornelissen and Parzival, swept the opposition aside with a convincing victory in the third leg of the 2009/2010 FEI Dressage World Cup™ series in Stockholm, Sweden this afternoon. Pipping runners-up Matthias Alexander Rath and Triviant from Germany by more than a nine-point margin, the crowd-pleasing Dutch partnership firmly declared their intention to make their mark on this indoor season with a performance that put them in a class of their own. It was a triumph over the first-day nerves that gripped the 12 year chestnut horse in yesterday's Grand Prix. "Parzival was terrified by the hundreds of flashlights that went off during his test and he didn't do himself justice yesterday" commented Ground Jury president Gustaf Svalling afterwards. "It's a big problem for the very popular horses, but today he was way ahead on marks, they did a great job" he added.

Third place went to the home side's Minna Telde and Don Charly who, like the winners, were also making their World Cup seasonal debut while The Netherlands Aat Van Essen rode Premier into fourth ahead of Germany's Hubertus Schmidt and Hinnerk in fifth.

WITHDRAWALS
Just 13 of the 15 qualified horses competed in today's competition following the withdrawal of Tinne Wilhelmson Silfven's great old campaigner Solox Carex who became lame during the warm-up while Holland's Christa Laarakkers and Ovation, third in the Grand Prix yesterday, also suffered an injury. Sweden's Emma Karlsson and Feradera set the early standard today when earning a mark of 69.20% from judges Kjell Myhre, Peter Holler, Isabelle Judet, Gustaf Svalling and Bo Ahman but it was 50 year old Olympic, World and European team gold medallist Hubertus Schmidt who held the lead at the halfway stage with a score of 72.30%.

That left the German out in front until Minna Telde and Don Charly raised the bar when putting a mark of 73.60% on the board. The softness of Don Charly's movements were complimented by his rider's subtle aids but Minna admitted to some mistakes afterwards. In fact she had to think quickly when a change of plan was suddenly required. "After the extended i should have done the two-tempis but I forgot, so I quickly decided to do the half-pass instead - I was hoping nobody noticed!" she explained. She intended to bring out the 12 year old horse which she has been riding for the last seven years for the opening leg of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage season at Odense in October but Don Charly wasn't ready - "so today I consider that we did a really good job because he's not at top level at the moment and he was much better today than he was yesterday when we finished fifth" pointed out the rider who will celebrate her 35th birthday in three weeks time.

DISMISSED
Her leading score was immediately dismissed however by a sparkling performance from Cornelissen and Parzival. The partnership who followed their team gold medal winning result at this summer's Alltech FEI European Championships at Windsor with a new world record in the Grand Prix Special and then individual silver in the Freestyle re-set the parameters with a test that earned first place from all five judges for a score of 83.50%. "After Windsor Parzival had a good rest - he deserved it - and since then I've just been building him up slowly again. He's getting more and more supple all the time, even more than he was at Windsor, and last week was the first time we did any proper exercises - they are just peanuts to him, he finds them so easy!" said the delighted rider. She admitted her powerful chestnut had been tense during yesterday's Grand Prix "he was strong and spooky, he finds it much more difficult indoors when the spectators are so close" but he settled well today "and we've only just started back indoors so I'm very happy" Adelinde said.

There seemed little chance that any of the remaining three would come anywhere near that target score but Holland's Aat van Essen and Premier, who were second in the Grand Prix yesterday, scored 73.05% and that was good enough for fourth place today while Rath and Triviant snatched runner-up position with a mark of 74.35%. Rath was well-pleased with his result. "Yesterday I was very disappointed with myself - I was a bit passive and didn't get everything out of my horse but today was a lot better" said the 25 year old. Gustav Svalling backed up those comments - "there was a huge difference between yesterday and today for Matthias, he was too laid back yesterday and much more forward today - that's the difference between fourth yesterday and second today" he explained.

Having shot up to second in the 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage rankings behind leader Anky Van Grunsven, Rath now heads for the German leg of the series in his home town of Frankfurt next month while today's victors, Cornelissen and Parzival, join a star-studded cast for the fourth leg of the series at London's Olympia in just under three weeks time.

RESULT: 1, Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) Ned 83.85%; 2, Triviant (Mathias Alexander Rath) Ger 74.35%; 3, Don Charly (Minna Telde) Swe 73.60%; 4, Premier (Aat Van Esssen) Ned 73.05%; 5, Hinnerk TSF (Hubertus Schmidt) Ger 72.40?; 6, Lydianus (Charlotte Haid-Bondergaard) Swe 70.70%; 7, Faradera (Emma Karlsson) Swe 69.20%; 8, Le Beau (Philippe Jorissen) Bel 68.70%; 9, Normandie JB (Anette Christensson) Swe 68.65%; 10, Leo of Magnushoj (Nina Hoffmann) Swe 68.05%; 11, Ajaz 11 (Nina Bengtsson) Swe 66.95%; 12, Orlando (Cathrine Rasmussen) Nor 65.45%; 13, Nasty Boy (Esther Scholte Albers-Fleury) Ned 62.90%.

FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE 2009/2010 - STANDINGS AFTER THIRD LEG AT STOCKHOLM: (Provisional)
1. Anky Van Grunsven - 34
2. Matthias Alexander Rath - 27
3. Jeanette Haazen, Monica Theodorescu - 24
5. Hubertus Schmidt - 23
6. Adelinde Cornelissen, Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven, Peter Gmoser - 20
9. Hans Peter Minderhoud - 19
10. Pierluigi Sangiorgi, Edward Gal - 17


FACTS AND FIGURES:
Only 13 of the 15 qualified riders started in today's FEI Grand Prix Freestyle

Two horses were withdrawn, Sweden's Tinne vilhelmson Silfven and Solos Carex did not compete and Holland's Christa Laarakkers and Ovation also withdrew

Riders from five nations competed - 6 from Sweden, 3 from The Netherlands, 2 from Germany, and 1 from both Belgium and Norway.

There was an emotional retirement ceremony during the show for former Swedish team dressage horse Briar, who was ridden to great success by Jan Brink.

Stockholm International Horse Show rose to fame as the biggest indoor equestrian event in the world when, in 2003, it attracted 77,000 spectators over three days,

QUOTES:
Adelinde Cornelissen "Now I go to London, Mechelen and of course Amsterdam - I'm looking forward to the final in Den Bosch!"

Matthias Alexander Rath "This is a great result for Triviant, he is only 9 years old and did his first World Cup qualifier in Odense".

Minna Telde "I'm hoping to go to Frankfurt but I have a very busy time over the next few weeks because we just bought a farm and we are renovating it. We have moved into the house but the horses are not there yet - I hope we will have them moved in by Christmas. The farm is 20 minutes from Lund and 30 minutes from Malmo - in the south of Sweden".

WEBSITE: www.stockholmhorseshow.com

Western European League Calendar 2009/2010:
1 Odense (DEN), 17 – 18 October
2 Lyon (FRA), 29 – 30 October
3 Stockholm (SWE), 28-29 November
4 London Olympia (GBR), 15-16 December
5 Frankfurt (GER), 19-20 December
6 Mechelen (BEL), 26-27 December
7 Amsterdam (NED), 22-23 January
8 Neumünster (GER), 20-21 February
9 Göteborg (SWE), 26-27 February

FINAL 's-Hertogenbosch (NED), 25-27 March
FEI World Cup™ Dressage, the only worldwide series in this discipline, has entered its 25th season. The series, created in 1985, comprises four leagues: Western European, Central European, North American (including Canada) and Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Asia). Each FEI World Cup™ Dressage qualifier consists of a Grand Prix test, which in turn is a qualification for the Freestyle to music competition, where league points are accumulated towards places in the Final. Judged on both technical and artistic merit, the FEI World Cup™ Dressage combines art, sport and partnership between horse and rider at the highest level and consistently proves a winning formula with audiences all over the world.

Technical Note: The FEI World Cup Dressage™ Champion does not earn points in his/her starts but is automatically qualified to the next Final with two FEI World Cup™ Dressage qualifiers completed. Riders not belonging to the Western European League (WEL) or Central European League (CEL) cannot earn points in the WEL unless they have declared to compete in the WEL 2009/2010. These riders may however transfer the results from a maximum of three (3) WEL qualifiers to their own League. Points earned by CEL riders will be transferred to the CEL standings.


THE COMPLETE RULES CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM www.feiworldcup.org

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and includes 133 National Federations. Equestrian sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1912 with three disciplines - Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. It is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms. It is also the only sport which involves two athletes - horse and rider. The FEI has relentlessly concerned itself with the welfare of the horse, which is paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.

NRHA FUTURITY & ADEQUAN® NORTH AMERICAN AFFILIATE CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW

Open Leader Unchanged - Non Pro and NAAC Begin

Oklahoma City, OK – November 29, 2009 – The competition at the 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) Show went into full force on Sunday with Reining competition in two arenas. The first go-round of the $190,000 added NRHA Open Futurity came to a close while the go-round of the $120,000 added Cinch / NRHA Non Pro Futurity and first classes of the Adequan ® NAAC Show got underway.

Now, in the $100,000 added NRHA Open Futurity, 80% of the highest-scoring riders in the first go will advance to the second go-round which begins Monday morning. All riders have set their sights on the same thing; the Open Futurity Finals for a chance to win the check for $125,000 awarded to the Open Futurity Champion.

Lil Magnum Jessie and Casey Hinton hung on to the lead in the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Division and the Open Gelding Incentive with a 225.5. Gunnatrashya and Shawn Flarida scored a 225 for owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA on Thursday and remain second in the Level 4 Open Futurity division.

The leader in the Level 3 Intermediate Open and Level 2 Limited Open divisions remains unchanged. Mike Boyle and Hick A Shine, owned by Janiene Borror, lead the two divisions as well as the Prime Time Open. The duo is second in the Open Gelding Incentive.

The Sather Family Partnership’s Julgun and Abigail Mixon have the high score in the Level 1 Open division and second in the Level 2 Limited Open.

The go-round’s first section of the Cinch / NRHA Non Pro Futurity hit the Coliseum arena this afternoon. The competition was hot starting with the first run of the day. Sheza Shiney Chic and Ginger Schmersal marked a 215.5 to lead until draw 22 when Starstruck Cowgirl and Mandy McCutcheon nosed ahead with a 216. However by the end of the go, A Gal With A Gun and Jana Simons made their mark with a 216.5. The Aubrey, Texas non pro owns the Gunner mare and leads all four divisions of the Non Pro Futurity.

Whitesboro, Texas’ Ronald Thompson and the Jacs Electric Spark gelding Roo D Electrick lead the Non Pro Gelding Incentive with a 215.5. The pair is tied for third in the Level 4 Non Pro division and is second in the Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro and Level 2 Limited Non Pro divisions.

The first classes of the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show kicked off with some of the most avid reiners from the U.S., Canada and Mexico battling head-to-head. The NAAC is the culmination of a year of grueling competition for these riders who trekked many miles down the road to qualify for the Championships. The top five riders, plus ties, in each division at the Regional Affiliate Finals were invited to compete in the NAAC to see who the best reiners on the continent are.

The first two classes of the NAAC, the $500 added Rookie Professional and $500 added Limited Open classes, were held today. Northeast Region representatives Brandon Brant and Derby Day Cielo outpaced the competition with a 215.5 to take the championship title in the NAAC Limited Open class. Robert Rosenfeld of Columbus, Ohio owns the five-year-old.

Luiz Barros and Lil Buf Boy, owned by Deborah Strahman of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; took the win in the NAAC Rookie Professional with a 214. The pair qualified at the Southeast Regional Affiliate Finals earlier this year.

Watch the live webcast, videos of the top five runs each day, keep tabs on the leaders and find out the latest news at nrhafuturity.com, facebook.com/nrhareining or twitter.com/nrha.

The 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show runs until December 5 at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

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, Cimarron Trailers; Classic Equine; Horse&Rider; 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; SmartPak and Wimpys Little Step.

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 of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit www.nrha.com or call (405) 946-7400.


Level 4 Open - 1st Go
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 263 / Hinton, Casey / Lil Magnum Jessie / 225.5 / Hinton, Casey / Whitesboro TX
2 / 180 / Flarida, Shawn / Gunnatrashya / 225 / Arcese Quarter Horses USA / Weatherford TX
3 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
3/ 422 / Flarida, Shawn / Wimpys Show Stopper / 224.5 / Vaughan, Charles / Lafayette IN

Level 3 Intermediate Open - 1st Go
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
2 / 386 / Mills, Matt / Rhodes To Riminic / 223 / RVR Performance Horses, LLC / Scottsdale AZ
3 / 281 / Ricotta, Marco / Smoking Sundown / 222.5 / Day Creek Ranch LLC / Simi Valley CA

Level 2 Limited Open - 1st Go
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
2 / 391 / Hendrickson, Adam / Oakies Red Berry / 221 / Roberts, Jacque / Abilene TX
3 / 239 / Mixon, Abigail / Julgun / 220 / Sather Family Partnership / Manson WA

Level 1 Open - 1st Go
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 391 / Hendrickson, Adam / Oakies Red Berry / 221 / Roberts, Jacque / Abilene TX
2 / 239 / Mixon, Abigail / Julgun / 220 / Sather Family Partnership / Manson WA
3 / 221 / Sugar, Yoav / Nic Tuck / 219 / Kempel, Koby / Boston MA
3 / 257 / Petroll, Sebastian / Paps Starbuck / 219 / Stinner, Robert / Aubrey TX

Open Gelding Incentive - 1st Go
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 263 / Hinton, Casey / Lil Magnum Jessie / 225.5 / Hinton, Casey / Whitesboro TX
2 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
3 / 441 / Schmersal, Craig / Tivitos Whiz Kid / 223 / Paboojian, Diana / Oakdale CA


Open Prime Time - 1st Go (With Handicaps Reflected)
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 227.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
2 / 405 / Smith, S / Eyed Be A Royal Chic / 221 / Snyder, L / Franklin PA
3 / 299 / Pace, B / Paid Up Front / 220 / Stoneman, C / Fries VA
3 / 437 / Eppers, K / Catomic Boom / 220 / Eppers, N / Crossroads TX


Level 4 Non Pro - 1st Go, 1st Section
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 629 / Simons, Jana / A Gal With A Gun / 216.5 / Simons, Jana / Aubrey TX
2 / 622 / Mc Cutcheon, Mandy / Starstruck Girl / 216 / Mc Quay Stables Inc / Tioga TX
3 / 504 / Schmersal, Ginger / Sheza Shiney Chic / 215.5 / Schmersal, C - Schmersal, G / Overbrook OK
3 / 639 / Thompson, Ronald / Roo D Electrick / 215.5 / Thompson, Ronald / Whitesboro TX

Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro - 1st Go, 1st Section
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 629 / Simons, Jana / A Gal With A Gun / 216.5 / Simons, Jana / Aubrey TX
2 / 639 / Thompson, Ronald / Roo D Electrick / 215.5 / Thompson, Ronald / Whitesboro TX
3 / 637 / Bradley, Gloria / Roses For Wrangler / 214 / Bradley, Bill / Mt. Sterling KY


Level 2 Limited Non Pro – 1st Go, 1st Section
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 629 / Simons, Jana / A Gal With A Gun / 216.5 / Simons, Jana / Aubrey TX
2 / 639 / Thompson, Ronald / Roo D Electrick / 215.5 / Thompson, Ronald / Whitesboro TX
3 / 637 / Bradley, Gloria / Roses For Wrangler / 214 / Bradley, Bill / Mt. Sterling KY

Level 1 Non Pro - 1st Go, 1st Section
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 629 / Simons, Jana / A Gal With A Gun / 216.5 / Simons, Jana / Aubrey TX
2 / 637 / Bradley, Gloria / Roses For Wrangler / 214 / Bradley, Bill / Mt. Sterling KY
3 / 610 / Gattuso, Robert / West Coast Oakie / 212 / Jackspar Enterprises, LLC / Aubrey TX


Non Pro Gelding Incentive - 1st Go, 1st Section
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 639 / Thompson, Ronald / Roo D Electrick / 215.5 / Thompson, Ronald / Whitesboro TX
2 / 604 / Morgan, DVM, Jim / A Reining Spook / 214 / Morgan, DVM, Jim / Pilot Point TX
3 / 610 / Gattuso, Robert / West Coast Oakie / 212 / Jackspar Enterprises, LLC / Aubrey TX
3 / 619 / Fappani, Tish / So Electric / 212 / Fappani, Tish / San Marcos CA

NAAC Limited Open
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown / Money
1 / 1041 / Brant, Brandon / Derby Day Cielo / 215.5 / Rosenfeld, Robert / Columbus OH / $320.66
2 / 1194 / Barral, Roger / The Ultimate Magnum / 213 / Piper, J / Madisonville TX / $220.46
3 / 1081 / Dos Santos Gomez, Lorinaldo / Cable Commander / 212.5 / Anderson, Robert / Flanders NJ / $190.39


NAAC Rookie Professional
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown / Money
1 / 1233 / Barros, Luiz / Lil Buf Boy / 214 / Strahman, Deborah / New Smyrna Beach FL / $250.27
2 / 1223 / Wedel, Dallas / Bee A Gangster / 213 / Barnier, Dawn / Phoenix AZ / $198.74
3 / 1226 / Cook, Stacey / Dunit With An Indian / 211.5 / Van Hoosen, Gary / Sanger CA / $147.22


Limited Open Ancillary
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown / Money
1 / 1230 / Almeida, Marcelo / Walla Walla Dun It / 216.5 / Deleu, Laurie / Collinsville TX / $404.51
2 / 1041 / Brant, Brandon / Derby Day Cielo / 215.5 / Rosenfeld, Robert / Columbus OH / $263.81
3 / 1072 / Boughan, Tamara / West Coast Colonel / 214 / Boughan, Tamara / Lima OH / $171.48
3 / 1233 / Barros, Luiz / Lil Buf Boy / 214 / Strahman, D / New Smyrna Beach FL / $171.48

Rookie Professional Ancillary
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown / Money
1 / 1233 / Barros, Luiz / Lil Buf Boy / 214 / Strahman, Deborah / New Smyrna Beach FL / $333.78
2 / 1223 / Wedel, Dallas / Bee A Gangster / 213 / Barnier, Dawn / Phoenix AZ / $205.40
2 / 1329 / Eichorn, Eric / Whoawhiz / 213 / W.T. Waggoner Estate / Vernon TX / $205.40

CELEBRITIES TO LET THE DIRT FLY IN CELEBRITY SLIDE

LINE UP FINALIZED - ORDER OF COMPETITION ANNOUNCED


Oklahoma City, OK – November 29, 2009 – Celebrities and bull riders are gearing up to let the dirt fly as they pilot champion reining horses in the 4R Performance Horses Celebrity Slide benefitting Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma on December 4 at the Oklahoma State Fair Arena at 6 pm! The Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) brings this event to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show for the third year. The newest edition to the line up is Sgt. Danny New, a member of the Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. RHSF is honored to have a member of the military represent the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protect our country.

“I am proud to support this fund raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® because childhood is a sacred and blessed time that should be filled with fantasy and dreams. Children facing life-threatening illnesses face reality and adulthood much too soon. I admire how the foundation is brings joy and the fulfillment of dreams back into their lives allows them to regain some of their childhood,” Sgt. New commented after joining the list of celebrities.

The composition of team and the order of competition are set for Friday’s event. Each child is paired with an NRHA Professional who will assist in coaching their celebrity team mate. The teams and order of go are shown below.


Celebrity / NRHA Professional / Make-A-Wish Child
1. JW Hart / Brian Bell / Chason Andrew
2. Mike Lee / Pete Kyle / Luke Good
3. Christi Proctor / Terry Thompson / Tucker Nelson
4. Lyle Lovett / Tim McQuay / Asha Gasper
5. William Shatner / Mike Flarida / Laura Bell & Isaac Newberry
6. Cody Lambert / Casey Hinton / Lane Decker
7. Adriano Moraes / Marco Ricotta / Dakota Ratzloff
8. Kristen Dickerson / Jared Leclair / Austin Abbitt
9. David Yurman / John Rosi / Kylie Outcalt
10. Sgt. Danny New / Bryant Pace / Davin Arrasmith


MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND GET TICKETS
Tickets for the Celebrity Slide are $8 and can be purchased in advance at www.nrha.com. Avid fans who want a chance to meet their favorite celebrities “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.

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 website at www.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 www.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 www.4rperformancehorses.com.

NRHA FUTURITY - FIRST GO OF OPEN FUTURITY NEARS END

Oklahoma City, OK – November 28, 2009 – Only 32 runs remain in the first go of the 2009 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Open Futurity in Oklahoma City. The scores have been impressive so far with 25 runs of 220 or higher. At the completion of today’s section, the leader board remained unchanged except for in the Level 1 Open Division. Jacque Roberts’ Oakies Red Berry (Country Bay Berry x Wb Miss Docs Oak) and Adam Hendrickson moved to the lead in the go with a score of 221. Oakies Red Berry was a finalist in the Rocky Mountain Summer Slide Stallion Stakes and SWHRA Futurity.

The 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show runs until December 5 at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

Lil Magnum Jessie and Casey Hinton remain at the top of the leader board with a 225.5. Hinton owns the Magnum Chic Dream gelding who won the Rocky Mountain Summer Slide Open Futurity earlier this year. They lead the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Division and the Open Gelding Incentive.

Mike Boyle and Hick A Shine, owned by Janiene Borror, lead the Level 3 Intermediate Open and Level 2 Limited Open divisions.

Watch the live webcast, videos of the top five runs each day, keep tabs on the leaders and find out the latest news at nrhafuturity.com, facebook.com/nrhareining or twitter.com/nrha.

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, Cimarron Trailers; Classic Equine; Horse&Rider; 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; SmartPak and Wimpys Little Step.

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 of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition.

For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit www.nrha.com or call (405) 946-7400.


Level 4 Open - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 263 / Hinton, Casey / Lil Magnum Jessie / 225.5 / Hinton, Casey / Whitesboro TX
2 / 180 / Flarida, Shawn / Gunnatrashya / 225 / Arcese Quarter Horses USA / Weatherford TX
3 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA


Level 3 Intermediate Open - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
2 / 386 / Mills, Matt / Rhodes To Riminic / 223 / RVR Performance Horses, LLC / Scottsdale AZ
3 / 281 / Ricotta, Marco / Smoking Sundown / 222.5 / Day Creek Ranch LLC / Simi Valley CA

Level 2 Limited Open - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
2 / 391 / Hendrickson, Adam / Oakies Red Berry / 221 / Roberts, Jacque / Abilene TX
3 / 239 / Mixon, Abigail / Julgun / 220 / Sather Family Partnership / Manson WA

Level 1 Open - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 391 / Hendrickson, Adam / Oakies Red Berry / 221 / Roberts, Jacque / Abilene TX
2 / 239 / Mixon, Abigail / Julgun / 220 / Sather Family Partnership / Manson WA
3 / 221 / Sugar, Yoav / Nic Tuck / 219 / Kempel, Koby / Boston MA
3 / 257 / Petroll, Sebastian / Paps Starbuck / 219 / Stinner, Robert / Aubrey TX

Open Gelding Incentive - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 263 / Hinton, Casey / Lil Magnum Jessie / 225.5 / Hinton, Casey / Whitesboro TX
2 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
3 / 441 / Schmersal, Craig / Tivitos Whiz Kid / 223 / Paboojian, Diana / Oakdale CA

Winners of 9th Annual Celebration of Horses Photo Contest Announced

Sidney, BC — Canadian Horse Journal is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Celebration of Horses Photo Contest. Entrants from across Canada sent photos depicting adorable foals, the bond between a mare and her offspring, the connection between man and horse, exciting action, and hilarious moments. Our judges had a difficult time choosing the winners with such a variety of great photos!

Horse Community Journals, Inc., publishers of Canadian Horse Journal, would like to thank everyone who entered for making the 9th annual contest a huge success, and congratulate the following winners:
Category 1A: Foals of 2009 — Leanne Hopkins of Owen Sound, Ontario.
Category 1B: Mare and Foal —Marg Armfelt of Athabasca, Alberta.
Category 2A: The Love of Horses — Anne Pearse of Toronto, Ontario.
Category 2B: Horses in Action — Karen Abel of Leduc, Alberta.
Category 2C: Personality and Humour — Michele Gioia of Victoria, BC.

Winning photos along with two runners-up in each category can be found in the “Gallery of Winners” in the November/December issue of Canadian Horse Journal, or by visiting www.horsejournals.com/contest/chj.

Thank you to Jonathan Field, one of Canada’s most sought-after clinicians, for joining us as our Official First Place Prize sponsor for 2009. Each winner in all five categories was awarded a set of two DVDs from the Natural Foundation Program, plus his new DVD Inspired by Horses (total value of each prize…$150!) Visit www.jonathanfieldstore.net to learn more.

Horse Community Journals Inc was also honoured to have Creekside Studio as our official Runner-Up sponsor for 2009. For the fifth year in a row, the elegant equestrian art of Joan Larson has supported this amateur contest. All 20 runner-up winners (two for each category, 20 all together) received an official reproduction print of Elegance (value $35), a latest in the broad collection of Larson work…visit www.joanlarson.com to take a look.

Submissions for the 2010 Celebration of Horses Photo Contest will be accepted beginning in May 2010. Winners are announced each November.

HORSE COMMUNITY JOURNALS INC. publishes quality Canadian equine magazines:

Canadian Horse Journal — Canada’s favourite magazine for all breeds and disciplines, published eight times per year.

Pacific & Prairie Horse Journal — Western Canada’s leading equine publication since 1991, and the official publication of Horse Council BC, published monthly.

Equine Consumers’ Guide — Annual Consumers’ Guide for Canada’s horse industry – Published Annually, Used Daily.

For more information about Horse Community Journals Inc. and the magazines we publish, please contact Kathy Smith, Editor and Publisher, at editor@horsejournals.com, phone 1-800-299-3799, or visit: www.HORSEJournals.com.

NRHA FUTURITY - SECOND DAY LEADER BOARD

Oklahoma City, OK – November 27, 2009 – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) rolled into the second day of competition at the 2009 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show being held now through December 5 at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. Friday’s runs consisted of the first go, second section of the $190,000 added NRHA Open Futurity in all four divisions, Prime Time and Gelding Incentive. Lil Magnum Jessie and Casey Hinton jumped to the top of the leader board in the go with a 225.5. Hinton owns the Magnum Chic Dream gelding who won the Rocky Mountain Summer Slide Open Futurity earlier this year. They currently lead the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Division and the Open Gelding Incentive.

Gunnatrashya and Shawn Flarida were moved to second place with a 225 for owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA in the Level 4 Open Futurity division. Janiene Borror’s Hick A Shine and Mike Boyle marked a 224.5 on the last run of the day to make several changes among the leaders. The duo is first in the Level 3 Intermediate Open, first in the Level 2 Limited Open and second in the Open Gelding Incentive. Currently, the Shine With A Twist gelding has over $23,000 in NRHA earnings.

Smoking Sundown and Marco Ricotta racked up a score of 222.5 for owner Day Creek Ranch LLC for the second place position in the Level 3 Intermediate Open. The Sather Family Partnership’s Julgun and Abigail Mixon are first in the Level 1 Open division and second in the Level 2 Limited Open.

The $1.9 Million show features the Open Futurity Finals on Saturday, December 5 when one entry is guaranteed a check for $125,000 as well as incredible prizes from NRHA Corporate Partners and award sponsors. The NRHA / Cinch Non Pro Futurity offers an additional $120,000 in added money for non pro reiners.

Watch the live webcast, keep tabs on the leaders and find out the latest news at nrhafuturity.com, facebook.com/nrhareining or twitter.com/nrha. The webcast had more than 22,000 hits during the first day of competition on Thursday.

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, Cimarron Trailers; Classic Equine; Horse&Rider; 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; SmartPak and Wimpys Little Step.

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 of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition.

For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit nrha.com or call (405) 946-7400.


Level 4 Open - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 263 / Hinton, Casey / Lil Magnum Jessie / 225.5 / Hinton, Casey / Whitesboro TX
2 / 180 / Flarida, Shawn / Gunnatrashya / 225 / Arcese Quarter Horses USA / Weatherford TX
3 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA


Level 3 Intermediate Open - 1st go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
2 / 281 / Ricotta, Marco / Smoking Sundown / 222.5 / Day Creek Ranch LLC / Simi Valley CA
3 / 127 / Diercks, Kim / Lost In Tinseltown / 222 / Anderson, Tim / Milbank SD

Level 2 Limited Open - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
2 / 239 / Mixon, Abigail / Julgun / 220 / Sather Family Partnership / Manson WA
3 / 198 / Metcalf, Carol / Whatta Royal Prince / 219 / Curran Farm / Whitesboro TX
3 / 221 / Sugar, Yoav / Nic Tuck / 219 / Kempel, Koby / Boston MA
3 / 257 / Petroll, Sebastian / Paps Starbuck / 219 / Stinner, Robert / Aubrey TX

Level 1 Open - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 239 / Mixon, Abigail / Julgun / 220 / Sather Family Partnership / Manson WA
2 / 221 / Sugar, Yoav / Nic Tuck / 219 / Kempel, Koby / Boston MA
2 / 257 / Petroll, Sebastian / Paps Starbuck / 219 / Stinner, Robert / Aubrey TX

Open Gelding Incentive - 1st Go, Current Leaders
Place / Back # / Rider / Horse / Score / Owner / Hometown
1 / 263 / Hinton, Casey / Lil Magnum Jessie / 225.5 / Hinton, Casey / Whitesboro TX
2 / 344 / Boyle, Mike / Hick A Shine / 224.5 / Borror, Janiene / Springville CA
3 / 183 / Bell, Brian / Pistol Packn Rooster / 219 / The Swell Syndicate / Marietta OK

Equilite Booth Proves To Be A Crowded Success at Equine Affaire

West Springfield, MA (November 24, 2009) – Thanks to the Equilite visiting Veterinarians and Ambassadors, as well as some hot new Equilite products, the Equilite booth at the Equine Affaire in Massachusetts turned into a hot spot and the place to be. Leslie Desmond and Equilite Ambassadors Dr. Bill Ormston and Dr. Madalyn Ward and Live to Ride’s Jenny Lance and Angelia Robinette-Dublin all visited the booth and gave Equine Affaire attendees the chance to ask questions.

“Dr. Madalyn Ward brought a stream of people back to the Equilite booth with a trail like the pied piper,” said Equilite’s Stacey Small. “Everyone wanted a signed copy of her book and wanted to learn more about how her five element personality typing and supplement program could help their horse.”

Equilite, makers of award-winning holistic animal health and herbal blends including Sore No More®, proudly partners with Dr. Ward, who also spent time answering questions while at the Equilite booth and Dr. Ormston, who discussed topics including chiropractic issues, Sore No More and proper saddle fit.

Equilite’s new Sore No More Sports Salve also drew a great deal of attention. “Our new Sports Salve combines the successful Sore No More liniment with a Tamanu Butter and Aloe Vera blend to create a creamy butter base that is silky smooth, non-irritating and helps soften rough itchy dry skin or cracking hooves and can be used over cuts and scrapes,” Small said. “Everyone who stopped by our booth was really excited to learn that our Sore No More Sports Salve can be used preventatively as part of a daily training regime and not just for post trauma or injuries.”

Small said Equilite’s Flowering Essences were also a big hit during Equine Affaire. “Flower Essences have historically been used to balance and harmonize any emotional, psychological and spiritual states, and Equilite’s Botanical Animal Flower Essences have been specifically formulated to deal with issues that large and small animals deal with,” Small said.

For more information on the wide range of Equilite products available, visit their website at www.equilite.com.

About Equilite
Equilite is part of the Arenus family of products. Arenus is a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses. A growing division within Novus Nutrition Brands LLC., a global company dedicated to animal performance, health and longevity.

Enjoy Exclusive Discounts on Holiday Shopping through USRider Program

Lexington, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2009) – USRider, America’s premier motor plan created to provide roadside assistance to equestrians traveling with their horses, is pleased to recognize a number of outstanding gift, art, apparel, and home accessory companies. These companies participate in USRider’s ever-growing member benefits program – Winner’s Circle Advantage.

USRider provides its Members with roadside assistance and towing services through the Equestrian Motor Plan. Standard features include flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, plus towing up to 100 miles and roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more.

In addition, USRider provides traveling equestrians access to substantial savings through the Winner’s Circle Advantage. This exclusive program counts as benefit partners a wide variety of companies and vendors that provide items and services ranging from equine apparel and accessories, farm and stable equipment and supplies, gifts, and art and collectibles to equine health care, equine publications, tack and equipment, trailers and trailer accessories, training, and horse transportation, as well as many hotels, motels and rental car companies.

During this holiday season, shopping for gifts will be easily accomplished with these four benefit partners of Winner’s Circle Advantage:

Small in the Saddle – The Baby Western Store & More offers Western apparel and accessories, including boots, hats, chaps and belts for infants and children; fun cowboy gifts, toys and books; Western-themed nursery and juvenile bedding; and cowboy decor. Shop online at www.smallinthesaddle.com or call toll free (877) 691-5576. USRider members receive 15% off your order.

Online since 1998, SunglassSales.com is a store you can trust. SunglassSales.com stocks more than 20,000 sunglasses and is an authorized dealer for Maui Jim, Martini, Versace, Adidas, Bolle, Serengeti, H2Optix and many more. To view the selection, visit www.SunglassSales.com. Satisfaction guaranteed – send anything back within 10 days for a full refund (minus shipping costs). To order, call (800) 840-2492, 7 days a week, 8am to 10pm PST. Shipping charges vary and are FREE for many brands inside the United States. USRider Members receive a 10% discount.

A unique gift that can be personalized and is individually crafted by local artisans in the heart of horse country, each authentic horseshoe wine rack from the Bluegrass Wine Rack Company is composed of steel horseshoes, solid brass and finely tooled leather. The wine racks are designed to hold up to six bottles and can be personalized with a solid brass nameplate, like those found on halters. Each authentic horseshoe wine rack is distinctively packaged in boxes of fine bedding straw and makes a handsome presentation for any occasion, including weddings, housewarmings and corporate gestures. USRider Members receive a 10% discount. Call toll-free (888) 423-7751 or at www.bluegrasswinerack.com.

Nothing decorates a home or office better than classic equine art. For over 30 years Collectors Gallery has supplied classic equine art to national and international clientele. As a benefit of USRider membership, you can purchase a wide variety of equine-themed original art, prints, and more directly from Collectors Gallery and save 20% off their already-low prices. For a free brochure, call 800-MANOWAR (626-6927) or visit their website, www.horseartgallery.com. With your first order over $100, receive a FREE print, “The Horse,” commemorating the 2010 World Equestrian Games, by James L. Crow ($35 value).

For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan benefits program or to inquire about becoming an enhancement partner, call Linda Lee, promotions manager, at (800) 844-1409, ext. 103.

Fund Equine Research by Shopping with the Horseman’s Card®

Lexington, Ky. (Nov. 25, 2009) – The Horseman’s Card®, established in 1992, is the VISAÒ card with horse power! At no additional cost to the cardholder, 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.

Highlights of current research being conducted at the Gluck Center include finding alternatives to current dewormers, certifying reference standards for therapeutic medication, developing new vaccines for various infectious diseases, generating tests for genetic diseases, understanding tendon and ligament damage and cartilage maturation repair, and identifying causes of early embryonic losses in mares.

You can support this phenomenal equine research by using your Horseman’s Card. In addition to raising funds for equine research, The Horseman’s Card provides exclusive savings for cardholders through its VIP benefits program. Companies who carry many of the vaccines researched and created by the Gluck Center – and provide discounts through The Horseman’s Card VIP benefits program – include the following:

JeffersEquine.com offers over 25,000 horse-related items, including wormers, vaccines, supplements, tack, and much, much more. Stop paying too much elsewhere! The lowest prices and your satisfaction guaranteed. For a free catalog or to save an additional 10% off your first order using The Horseman’s Card, call 800-533-3377 or visit www.jeffersequine.com. Not available to dealers or wholesalers.

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

Horse Health USA offers 3,000+ horse health and related products, Super Saver Prices and Free Shipping on many items (non-FOB). PLUS, as a Horseman’s Cardholder you save an additional 5% (excluding dewormers) off your total order of $99+. For a free catalog or to place an order, call (800) 321-0235. Shop 24/7 at www.horsehealthusa.com.

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

FarmVet.com proudly serves equine athletes. With access to over 50,000 animal health products and supplies, an extensive equine pharmacy, the highest level of customer service, and fast shipments, FarmVet.com is confident they can provide what you need, when you need it. Horseman’s cardholders receive a 5% discount* when shopping online at www.FarmVet.com. *Discount does not apply to sale items or prescriptions.

For more information about the rates, fees, and 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.

INTEGRITY Omega-3-F Supplies Critical Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA and EPA) Lacking in the Majority of Equine Diets

Lebanon, PA, USA – (November 25, 2009) Kauffman’s Animal Health, a leader in the animal health industry for over 30 years, has combined flaxseed, fish oil and fenugreek into a highly palatable, balanced source of omega-3 fatty acids for high performance equine athletes, as well as horses provided hay and grain without significant access to pasture. The proprietary blend in INTEGRITY Omega-3-F has been field-tested and will encourage even the most finicky eaters to consume all of their feed and lick the tub clean. INTEGRITY Omega-3-F is a moist granule product and will eliminate the messy clean up of your horse’s feed bucket that oils may cause.

Both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids and must be supplied to horses through their diet. Horses on hay and grain rations will not receive the same quantity and profile of omega-3 fatty acids as horses allowed to graze pasture. Grains and vegetable oils are high in Omega-6 fatty acids, whereas pasture is exactly the opposite being high in omega-3 fatty acids. The old reliable stand-by ingredient supplying omega-3 fatty acids to horses is ground stabilized flax or cold-pressed flaxseed oil. Recent research in fat supplementation of horses favors fish oil for three reasons: 1) reduces glycemic response to grain meals; 2) provides a concentrated source of highly digestible energy for performance athletes; and 3) contains a favorable omega-3:omega-6 ratio.

Flaxseed is an excellent source of energy for horses due to its high fat content (about 41%) with a significant portion of the fatty acids being omega-3. It also has the potential to stabilize blood glucose levels and may benefit horses experiencing insulin resistance and Cushing’s disease. Fish Oil is a significant source of DHA and EPA, precursors for eicosanoids that reduce inflammatory responses in several mammalian tissues. As well as provide a higher energy density without the risk of hyperglycemic response compared with traditional grain mixtures. Fenugreek is an herb that is a highly preferred flavor of horses. It is also a significant source of galactomannans that increase water binding capacity.

INTEGRITY Omega-3-F is available in three convenient sizes: 4, 8 and 16 lb. pails.

INTEGRITY Omega-3-F 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.

For more information on INTEGRITY Omega-3-F or any of our other products, please visit our website at www.KA-HI.com or call 1 800-332-5244.

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.

Exquis World Dressage Masters 2010 Schedule Announced

The 2010 schedule of the Exquis World Dressage Masters, the globe's richest line up of competitions each with €100,000 (US$149,850) in prize money, was announced Monday.

A WDM Rider Ranking award of €25,000 (US$37,000) is also offered by Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe at WDM in Munich in 2010. Munich will also be the venue for a WDM gala celebration.

The 2010 schedule of confirmed competitions of the Exquis World Dressage Masters, founded by Exquis and also sponsored by Moorland Stables and Moorland Investments and Nürnberger Versicherungsgruppe, is:
* Feb. 4-6 - Palm Beach, Florida, USA
* May 13-16 - Munich, Germany
* July 29-Aug. 1, Hickstead, England

Mark Bellissimo, Chief Executive of Equestrian Sport Productions, organizer of the Palm Beach WDM, said: "We look forward to WDM returning in 2010 to even greater success than we enjoyed at the 2009 inaugural event here in Palm Beach. We are prepared to welcome fans from across the Americas and around the world to the finest dressage competition at one of the most beautiful lifestyle destinations."

Dr. Erich Herrgen, president of Pferd International at Munich, said: "We are excited to have the World Dressage Masters return to this historic Olympic stadium in 2010. The investment in new competition arenas and other facilities for such a prestigious event was appreciated by the large crowds in 2009 and we are working to make it even better in 2010."

Dane Rawlins, founder of Dressage at Hickstead, said: "We have no doubt that the 2010 WDM will exceed the tremendous success we enjoyed at the 2009 competition. The top horses and riders from both sides of the Atlantic created an event with a very special atmosphere that is now ranked among the top three dressage shows in the world."

Anthony M. Kies, founder of Exquis World Dressage Masters, said: "The World Dressage Masters in 2010 promises to raise the sport to even higher levels of quality and participation in Europe and North America. We could not be happier that Exquis and our partners and sponsors have achieved so much in such a short time. The future is, indeed, very bright."

Kees Visser, whose Moorland Stables and Moorland Investments is a major sponsor, said: "As sponsor, we are pleased that within one year of starting the WDM the fixtures are already highlights among the dressage community. The formula has produced world records and brings in the best riders in the world such as Isabell Werth and Anky van Grunsven, both gold medalist of the last Olympics, and Edward Gal, European Champion in team and freestyle."

The 2010 WDM events all have been designated with the highest rating of CDI5* by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

All three venues hosted an Exquis World Dressage Masters in its inaugural year in 2009.

The City of Cannes, on the French Riviera, was also among the 2009 shows. As the date in 2010 places it amidst the national championships in both The Netherlands and Germany, participation in 2010 is being reviewed.

Discussions are also being held with organizers of other premier horse shows to host a World Dressage Masters event next year.

Each competition consists of a Grand Prix with prize money of €10,000 (US$14,980) of up to 20 riders from the top of the FEI Rider Rankings List, qualifying through a CDI3* or by special invitation.

Up to eight, and a minimum of six, advance to the Grand Prix Freestyle with prize money of €60,000 (US$89,740) and the remaining 12 to the Grand Prix Special with a purse of €30,000 (US$44,875).

The Dutch stable Exquis, owned by Anthony M.Kies that owns top horses in the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, jumping and eventing, founded World Dressage Masters.

Moorland Stables and Moorland Investments of The Netherlands, headed up by Tosca and Kees Visser and owners of Moorlands Totilas, were founding sponsors.

Nürnberger Versicherunggruppe, the sponsor of the world famous Nürnberger Burg-Pokal high performance horse development series in Germany, created the WDM Rider Rankings offering a bonus of €25,000 (US$37,000).

The Rider Rankings award takes into account the results of Cannes and Hickstead in 2009 and Palm Beach and Munich in 2010. The Munich Final promises extra excitement as double points are offered for the award. Prior to the final, Munich will present a gala celebration.

In 2009, nine of the world's top 10 riders and horses competed in at least one Exquis World Dressage Masters.

Included were 2009 World Cup champion Steffen Peters and Ravel of the United States, European Championships team and musical freestyle gold medalists Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas, European Championships team and individual Grand Prix Special gold medalist Adelinde Cornelissen, multiple Olympic gold medalist Anky van Grunsven and Salinero, Olympic silver medalist Hans Peter Minderhoud and Exquis Nadine, all of The Netherlands, multiple Olympic gold medalist Isabell Werth and Satchmo of Germany, Great Britain's Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris, Finland's Kyra Kyrklund and Max and Ashley Holzer and Pop Art of Canada.


NÜRNBERGER Versicherungsgruppe WDM Rider Ranking (after WDM, Hickstead 2009)

Rank Rider Nation # Events Points
1. Edward Gal NED 1 1020
2. Marc Boblet FRA 2 945
3. Adelinde Cornelissen NED 1 870
4. Laura Bechtolsheimer GBR 1 855
5. Catherine Haddad USA 2 855
6. Daniel Pinto POR 2 855
7. Imke Schellekens-Bartels NED 1 780
8. Anky van Grunsven NED 1 750
9. Ashley Holzer CAN 1 750
10. Hans Peter Minderhoud NED 1 615
11. Kyra Kyrklund FIN 1 615
12. Nathalie zu Sayn Wittgenstein DEN 1 585
13. Leslie Morse USA 1 585
14. Fiona Bigwood GBR 1 570
15. Jordi Domingo ESP 1 558
16. Jeroen Devroe BEL 1 540
17. Anders Dahl DEN 1 510
18. Maria Eilberg GBR 1 495
19. Anja Plönzke GER 1 495
20. Michal Rapcewicz POL 1 470
21. Stefan van Ingelgem BEL 1 450
22. Judy Harvey GBR 1 435
23. Anne van Uytert NED 1 420
24. Evi Strasser CAN 1 405
25. Sarah Jane Elmslie GBR 1 405
26. Jane Gregory GBR 1 390
27. Constance Menard ISR 1 375
28. Dane Rawlins GBR 1 375
29. Marc Peter Spahn BEL 1 360
30. Remy Issartel FRA 1 360

Note: In the case of tied points, the best individual result in Grand Prix will be decisive

Iron Spring Farm's Rampal Passes On

Coatesville, PA----Iron Spring Farm's important KWPN stallion Rampal passed away last week, November 11, 2009 due to the infirmities of old age. The 26-year-old stallion was known not only for his incredible competition record, which included being short listed for the United States Equestrian Team, but also for his contributions to the sport horse world as a sire. His offspring have been competitive through the international levels of both show jumping and dressage. His son Ovation ISF won at such shows as CSIO Rome with World Cup Finals winner Marcus Fuchs in the saddle.

"Rampal was an incredible partner," remembers his rider and owner Mary Alice Malone. "He was a gifted athlete and we were able to share some memorable experiences together." The pair had 14 wins at the Grand Prix level, including the NEDA CDI-W, USET Festival of Champions, AHSA Region 1 Championships, CBLM Championships and Royal Dressage CDI. Their success resulted in being short-listed for the United States Equestrian Team.

Rampal was born in 1983 and imported to the United States by Five Star Farm as a four-year-old. In 1987 he was presented at the KWPN keuring where he was licensed. His score of 93 on his IBOP is still among the highest scores recorded. Among the impressive numbers: a 9 on his walk; 8 on trot; 8.5 canter; 9 rideability and a 9 on character and temperament. Rampal arrived at Iron Spring Farm in 1991 and began his competition career with Mary Alice. He was awarded the prestigious Crown predicate for dressage performance in 1999.

Rampal's athletic ability can be attributed to his impressive international bloodlines. He is a son of the legendary Ramiro Z, who has produced more than 50 world-ranked jumpers and dressage horses. Rampal's mother, the Preferent, Prestatie mare Terika, not only produced Rampal, but also the international Grand Prix mare Miss Holland, the Preferent mare Cantira and Prix St. Georges horses Elios and Flair.

Rampal has produced 40 1st Premium offspring, 25 Star sons and daughters and three Keur mares. Among the highlights:

Ovation ISF, CSIO Rome, 1st place, Puissance, multiple Grand Prix placings

Beaumont ISF Star, 2008 and 2006 Colt and Gelding Champion, Dressage at Devon; #3 ranked KWPN-NA Top Five Award, Dressage Gelding, 2009

Peso, aka Quaker, Multiple Champion or Reserve Champion in First Year and Second Year Green Hunter at shows such as HITS Saugerties, Vermont Summer Festival, The Pines, Westbrook Hunt Club, etc.

J' ySuis, Champion Mare, Dressage at Devon

Lanita, Grand Champion, Dressage at Devon

Rossignol ISF, Region VIII Champion 4th Level, JR/YR

Roulette, Kudra and Luninarc, Grand Prix dressage horses

Malachi, Notre Jean Valjean, Rossignol ISF, Guardian, Notorious, Prix St. Georges/Intermediaire I horses

Malone continues, "I'm very proud of the horses that Rampal produced. They have inherited his athletic ability, his heart and his great temperament. He's the type of horse that breeders want to have in their breeding program. I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to ride, show and know such an amazing horse."

For more information about Rampal and to view photo galleries of him and his offspring, visit www.ironspringfarm.com. Frozen semen available.

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.

BEST ADVICE: BREED TO LINGH EARLY IN THE BREEDING SEASON

Fresh Semen Available at Flyinge Export Station

Karin Offield and her internationally celebrated dressage competition and breeding stallion Lingh announce their intention to stay at Flyinge, the National Stud of Sweden, for a second season of breeding. Karin talks about Lingh and the New News.

"I was thrilled when I was asked if Lingh could stay for another season of breeding at Flyinge. Lingh will clearly benefit from their newly expanded, export qualified breeding station. It's a modern accommodation that will enable Flyinge to ship fresh semen to neighboring countries in the EU. Additionally, at Flyinge's new collection facilities, they have the capacity to produce frozen semen under quarantine conditions to meet various countries' import requirements. Frozen semen has become more mainstream with many vets and breeders-good news not only for expanding a stallion's market internationally but also especially for those stallions who come under heavy demand with their local markets. We have strong international interest for Lingh's services and are delighted to begin to meet that market. Lingh is currently in the breeding shed producing frozen semen for New Zealand and Australia."

"To put Lingh's 2009 breeding performance in clear perspective: he produced an excellent 87.5% pregnancy rate! Only a few mares of the whole group he covered did not get pregnant as expected. Exciting and encouraging too for Lingh breeders is the fact that many of the mares that are now in foal are older dressage mares that were never bred before. It's nice to be able to say that Lingh made a lot of breeders very happy this year!"

"Amidst the chatter about Lingh's semen quality last season, I'd like to share the details to separate out fact from rumor. When Lingh arrived at Flyinge last season we began freezing him for the USA market, Holland and Finland. His semen was excellent and the breeders were very pleased with the results, with confirmed pregnancies using that frozen semen. When he got a cold and his motility dropped to a level that Flyinge reported was no longer acceptable to ship to his large number of booked mares, Flyinge asked mare owners to ship their mares in to Flyinge for breeding. At this time, nine mares were bred at Flyinge and 9 got pregnant at Flyinge. Flyinge also managed to ship off a few doses of cooled semen to 10 mares in Sweden during this time and of those 10 mares, 8 are pregnant. We lost most of the April and May bookings to these circumstances. I can say that the teams of reproduction experts at Flyinge are excellent, the transport is well executed and they will continue to manage Lingh to top results, hopefully producing an even better pregnancy rate than 87.5% this season."

"I have been pleased with the ongoing care and consideration of Lingh's best interests at Flyinge." He had recovered nicely from his stable injury that occurred during the winter of the USA selection trials. Rest and rehab took place while Karin was training at Anky's in Holland. In late fall, Lingh arrived in Sweden and Edward Gal gave Lingh a super ride for Swedish audiences during the Flyinge Stallion Show. That was quite a night! Over the winter Swedish rider Mattias Jansson was keeping Lingh fantastically fit, spending many hours riding in the woods and tracks and trails around the stables. Mattias and Lingh traveled through Sweden last spring with the Flyinge Stallion Show, meeting breeders and performing for the big crowds that came to watch and learn about the famous stallions in the Flyinge program. Then, late this summer, Lingh hurt his foot so I said, 'let's turn him out, pull his shoes and give him a long rest'. He now enjoys his time in a big paddock everyday. His overall health and his stallion duty all seem to agree with him. He loves his time outside and for a stallion whose competition career has always come first - he is now enjoying the best life at Flyinge"

"Flyinge has done a lot for me. As a stallion owner, there are many choices and decisions of directions to take. The management of Lingh at Flyinge has been simple, clear and profitable. I am encouraging mare owners to pay attention to Lingh, what his young offspring are achieving and to use Lingh now during these prime years of his life for breeding! The common thread I hear in my conversations with the Lingh breeders is how special, easy going and nice it is to handle his foals. The offspring have long legs; they appear well balanced with good front ends. They also have a lot of elasticity and an engine in their movements - all qualities we want for dressage horses and sport horses." Karl Henrik-Heimdahl, Flyinge's Breeding Director responds saying, "Lingh is suitable for most kind of mares."

"The best advice I can give for mare owners outside the Scandic area is to breed to Lingh early in the spring season. The new Export Station can accommodate those early requests easily. I want very much to see new Dutch foals in 2011!" Karin concludes.

You can go on www.lingh.nl or www.offieldfarms.com and find lots of pictures of his mares, the foals, and their achievements at http://www.hasslerdressage.com/stallions/lingh-offspring.htmland information and videos of his career. The link to the Lingh Video Library is http://www.offieldfarms.com/Offield/videos

We are available to answer any questions for Sweden, Scandia and the EU at www.flyinge.se, in the USA at www.hasslerdressage.com, in Finland at www.tallilaukat.com, in Holland at info@dalhoeve.nl, and in New Zealand at www.equibreed.co.nz.

US Department of Justice postpones wild horse round-up

CHICAGO, (EWA) - The Equine Welfare Alliance (EWA) applauds the decision by the US Department of Justice to postpone the December 1 scheduled round-up of wild horses in the Calico Complex of Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has received in excess of 10,000 public comments on this round-up alone. The announcement of the postponement was reported this morning in a press release from In Defense of Animals (IDA) and EWA adviser Craig Downer;

"The U.S. Department of Justice announced tonight that the massive roundup and removal of thousands of horses from public land in northwestern Nevada will be delayed until December 28 as a direct result of the filing of a lawsuit by In Defense of Animals and renowned ecologist Craig Downer on November 23."

The release continued, "Tomorrow, IDA and Mr. Downer plan to file a motion for a permanent injunction, with supporting affidavits from horse experts and eyewitnesses to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) roundups. The motion will ask Judge Paul L. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to stop the roundup altogether."

EWA president, John Holland said today, "We view this action as a positive step toward a full moratorium on wild horse and burro round-ups that would provide an opportunity for a much needed assessment of the situation. We are profoundly grateful to IDA and the law firm of Buchanan, Ingersoll and Rooney for taking on this essential action on a pro bono basis."

The news of the postponement comes in the wake of growing support for a moratorium on all round-ups. The Western Watersheds Project (WWP) and actors, Mariana Tosca, Viggo Mortensen and Kevin Nealon were among the recent voices adding their support. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) added their concerns on the current management of wild horses and burros in a statement issued November 24.

Additional information on the unified call for a moratorium is available on the Equine Welfare Alliance and The Cloud Foundation websites.

www.equinewelfarealliance.org

AQHA to Host English Riders Forum at Judges Workshop

AQHA and USEF to discuss promoting English riding Wednesday, December 16.

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 25, 2009 – AQHA Professional Horsemen Association members who compete in English events or train English riders are invited to attend an AQHA open forum to be held during the AQHA judges workshop in December.

The English forum will be Wednesday, December 16 at 8:30 a.m. The forum will inform members about AQHA’s alliance with the United States Equestrian Federation and discuss ways to cross-promote the American Quarter Horse in over-fences and flat classes outside of traditional AQHA show events.

“We look forward to drawing from the knowledge of AQHA professionals and other interested people involved with the English division to improve AQHA classes and increase participation,” said AQHA Executive Director of Judges Alex Ross. “The discussion will include all over-fences and flat classes, consideration of equipment and attire regarding show rules, eligibility rules and establishing a defined purpose for each class.”



There has been a high level of interest in over-fences/hunter under saddle competition in recent months, and AQHA is hoping to make strides to improve those classes and provide consistency for people who compete in English events.

The English forum will be at the Sheraton Grand DFW in Irving, Texas. Please RSVP for the forum by notifying Shelly Spears at (806) 378-4712 or sspears@aqha.org before December 9.

AQHA has a special room rate at the Sheraton, but reservations must be made by the December 9 deadline.

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.

Terri Miller Wins Third Offield Farms Shoot to Win Photo Contest

Harbor Springs, MI-World-renowned equine photographer Terri Miller was chosen as the winner of the third Offield Farms Shoot to Win Photo Contest held at the Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Finals. Miller's winning photo, titled "Dressage Dream", of Elizabeth Ball on Iris Eckstein's Orion, was selected from dozens of photos submitted. The panel of judges was charged with the task of identifying an image that best captured the excitement of dressage and Miller's photo was determined to best meet the criteria of the contest.

"Our third photo contest was difficult to judge," explained Karin Reid Offield, who created and has sponsored the World Cup Dressage Finals Shoot to Win Photo Contest for the past three World Cup Finals held in the United States. "It was important that the winning photo showcase the excitement and energy of our sport. I had hoped that I would find a photograph that captured the audience's moment of excitement during Steffen's wonderful rides, as the creative banners and American flags showed the spectators' enthusiasm. However, when I saw Terri's photo I thought, 'Wow, now there is a shot!'"

For Offield, Miller's photo, "had an advantage of being taken in a spot where no one else had ever been. That's really the goal of the contest-showcasing images that break free from the norm and deliver the excitement of dressage. We wanted an image that makes people stop and stare. Terri's photograph does that for me and it's worthy of a magazine cover. Congratulations to Terri and all of the photographers that entered our contest."

Terri Miller, of Lake San Marcos, California, commented, " I am thrilled to have won the Offield Farms World Cup photo contest, especially with this particular photo." "Dressage Dream" was taken during the pas de deux competition held during the World Cup Finals. Ball and Orion were paired with Olympic medalist Guenter Seidel on Marie Meyer's Fandango. The duo rode a costumed Phantom of the Opera piece that brought the house down.

"I have always loved the vantage point of being up high, whether in a tree, helicopter, or in this instance, in my 'secret aerie' at the Thomas & Mack Arena," Miller explained. "This was the very last shot that I got of Beth and Orion as they rode out of the arena with their ribbons. I just loved the gestural feeling of the moment, from Orion's pointed ears and softly reaching leg, to Beth's rustling dress, flying hair and the sweep of her arm with her rose corsage. I chose to treat this image as an art piece, rather than a straight photograph because the entire performance felt dreamy and surreal. Hence my choice of the blue tones and the edges that fade to a soft-focus black."

For her efforts Miller received $500 in prize money, along with a matching $500 donation to the equine charity of her choosing, the Monterey Horse Park in California. She explained her choice, " I chose the Monterey Horse Park because in general we're losing so much land to development, and as riders we're losing access to so much recreational land. This is a great chance to not only save a little piece [of land] for equine use, but also to create a world class show facility as well."

This is Miller's second Shoot to Win victory; she claimed the inaugural prize in 2005. Her photos and painting have graced the covers of dozens of magazines, calendars and catalogs. Her work is frequently juried selections for museums, galleries and exhibitions, including the 2009 American Academy of Equine Art show at the Museum of the Horse. A graduate of New York's acclaimed School of Visual Arts, Miller sees through the lens with the eyes of a painter. As a student of equine movement, Miller has a keen eye for finding the very best moments of energy, harmony and brilliance.

"Terri's photo is amazing, but a visit to our website shows that the judges had their work cut out for them in choosing the winning entry," Offield stated. "I want to thank all the photographers that took the time to enter this year. It is appreciated and fun. " To view the winning photograph and a gallery of many other entries, visit www.OffieldFarms.com. To learn more about Miller's equine charity of choice, log on to www.montereyhorsepark.org.

About Offield Farms
Offield Farms' mission is to serve as a significant catalyst for the advancement and promotion of the sport of dressage through special events, educational programs, corporate entertainment, media projects and through personal interaction between horse lovers and horses. Visit www.offieldfarms.com now combined with www.lingh.nl for more information about dressage, Lingh and the passion for our sport.

Jason Marx, Jeff Terlep Join Parts Division, AGCO Corp., North America

Batavia, IL, November 25, 2009 — AGCO, Your Agriculture Company, today announced that Jason Marx has been named Vice President, Parts Division, North America for AGCO, (NYSE:AGCO), a leading manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment.

Marx brings to AGCO a broad range of managerial experience with an emphasis on corporate financial results and operational performance from DaimlerChrysler and most recently AlixPartners LLP, a global consulting firm. Marx also served as director/vice president for AlixPartners and led large business engagements with major corporations including AGCO, where during the past 13 months he played a key role in the strategic planning, execution, and coordination of the North America Sales, Marketing & Distribution “New Way to Work” initiative.

His background includes a Masters of Business Administration from Brigham Young University and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Utah State University.

Marx will be based in Batavia, Ill., and assumes overall general management responsibility for the Parts Division in North America.

Jeff Terlep is the new director of sales with the Parts Division of AGCO Corporation North America. Terlep joins AGCO after a 17-year career with the Ford Motor Company. During his tenure with Ford, Terlep held various roles of increasing responsibility and accountability. He has extensive experience with field sales, marketing, franchising and export operations. His most recent position was regional general sales and marketing manager for the Chicago Region. He brings to AGCO Parts a wealth of knowledge about the dealer distribution network coupled with fresh ideas for sales and marketing.

Terlep earned his Bachelor of Science in Management at the Krannert School of Management, Purdue University.

AGCO Parts Division is the original equipment parts and service division of AGCO Corporation. AGCO Parts supports a network of dealers in the United States and Canada with over a million part numbers carried in eight Parts Distribution Centers. Each AGCO dealer offers a complete line of quality replacement parts and accessories supporting all of the AGCO brands, as well as most competitive makes of farm equipment. On-line parts information may be found at www.AGCOparts.com.

For more information about AGCO, its products and services visit www.AGCOcorp.com.

Charles “Chuck” Smith Named 2009 USDF Volunteer of the Year

Lexington, KY (November 25, 2009) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Charles “Chuck” Smith has received the 2009 USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery. This award recognizes a USDF member who, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities, has demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF’s mission. As the winner, Chuck will be presented with a perpetual trophy, which is permanently on display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, will be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection, and receive a “keeper” trophy and $500 gift certificate from The Paddock Saddlery.

Chuck, of Richwood, OH, played a leading role in one of the greatest accomplishments in USDF’s history, the very successful capital campaign for the USDF National Education Center. From 2004-2007, Chuck served as the national chairman of the capital campaign and with his down-to-earth leadership and inspiration, the campaign achieved its fundraising objective with more than 4.2 million dollars committed. Chuck also continues to work with staff on follow-through on pledges, in an effort to achieve the ultimate goal of debt-free home ownership and the establishment of a base of one million dollars for the National Education Endowment Fund. In addition to his work on the capital campaign, Chuck has also been a member of the USDF Audit Committee since its inception last year, and has served with distinction on the USDF Sport Horse Committee since 2004.

Apart from his outstanding volunteer work, Chuck and his wife Joann are also the proud owners of their very popular, crowd-pleasing, Westfalian mare, Rocher. She and her rider, USDF Vice President George Williams, had a fabulous competition career, including a fifth place finish in the 2003 FEI World Cup Freestyle Final in Goteborg, Sweden, being named 2003 USDF Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year, and being named The Chronicle of the Horse Horse of the Year in 2003. Together, they also won the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Dressage at Devon CDI*** an unprecedented three times with record scores, and took home the USEF Grand Prix Championship in 2005.

“Chuck’s leadership of and tireless devotion to the capital campaign helped in a major way to make the USDF National Education Center a reality. We are very pleased to honor him as the USDF Volunteer of the Year,” said USDF President Sam Barish.

For more information on the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery, visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org or contact the USDF office at voyaward@usdf.org.

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

Cowboys in Florida?

Florida and Louisiana cowboys to share unique occupational traditions with western counterparts at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada

Elko, Nevada—Few would argue that the cowboy is the iconic image of the American West. Yet, Florida cattle ranching is a far older tradition, beginning in the 16th century when Ponce de Leon first introduced Spanish cattle to the area. Now, Florida has more than one million cattle and eclipses some western states in beef production, including Nevada and Wyoming. Many Florida cowboys are known as "Crackers," a moniker that refers to the pioneer descendents of the state as well as to the sound of the cow whip he (or she) traditionally uses to help move cattle through the Florida terrain. Cowboys from the Seminole Tribe also figure prominently in Florida's cattle history and culture. In Louisiana the swamp or marsh cowboys like to brag that "anyone can herd cows on dry land."

These southeastern cowboys will join their western counterparts at the nation's largest annual celebration of cowboy culture—the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering—in Elko, Nevada, January 23-30, 2010. For eight days the small community of Elko will be host to thousands of cowboys and cowgirls, poets and musicians, artisans and scholars, rural and city people—all of whom share a love of the American West. Tickets can be purchased online at www.westernfolklife.org or by calling 888-880-5885.

"Exploring and sharing cowboy cultures from around the world has become a unique and important part of the Elko Gathering over its 26-year history," explains Charlie Seemann, executive director of the Western Folklife Center, the regional nonprofit that produces the event. "This year we are sticking closer to home and showcasing other American cowboy cultures that are often overlooked. Florida and Louisiana cowboys have adapted to their landscape with tools that are well-suited to their jobs, but are quite different from what the cowboys of the American West use."

The special guests from Florida and Louisiana will participate in storytelling and poetry sessions, discussions about cow dogs, whip-making demonstrations, and workshops where they'll cook swamp cabbage and traditional Creole dishes. Grammy-nominated musician Geno Delafose and his band French Rockin' Boogie will perform their zydeco music and play one of two dances during the Gathering. The Western Folklife Center's Wiegand Gallery will host the exhibition: Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition. Nick Spitzer, the host of the public radio program, American Routes, will give the annual Humanities Lecture, "Zydeco Trail Ride: Louisiana and Texas Creole Cowboys at Work and Play." The featured poets, musicians, storytellers and traditional artists from the southeast include:

Billy Davis of Kenansville, Florida, has spent his life working cattle in south-central Florida, and is a skilled spur-maker and master storyteller.

Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie are a Grammy-nominated zydeco band from southwest Louisiana. Geno divides his time between touring and operating his Double D Ranch outside of Eunice, Louisiana.

Willie Johns is a Seminole historian and a respected expert in the history and presentation of Seminole cattle ranching. Willie is also a cattleman and a rodeo team roper.

Calvin "Buddy" Mills, from Okeechobee, Florida, learned to make buckskin whips from his father, the venerated Cracker cowman George "Junior" Mills. Buddy is also known for harvesting and preparing swamp cabbage.

Doyle Rigdon works as a cowboy for the Lykes Brothers' cattle operation, Florida's second largest beef producer. Doyle's poems express the excitement, humor and frustrations of the Florida cowboy.

Carl Sharp is known as "Florida's Cracker Cowboy Poet." In 1998 the Florida Legislature proclaimed him a "cultural treasure." He lives in LaBelle, Florida.

Iris Wall is the owner of the High Horse Ranch near Indiantown, Florida, and is known for her tales of Cracker life and her traditional cooking, including the preparation of swamp cabbage.

Nick Spitzer is the producer and host of American Routes, a weekly two-hour public radio program produced in New Orleans. Nick is a folklorist and a professor of American studies and communication at Tulane University. Nick specializes in American music and the cultures of the Gulf South, and received a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Texas in 1986 with his dissertation on zydeco music and Afro-French Louisiana culture and identities.

For more information about the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, please visit our website at www.westernfolklife.org. If you are interested in applying for press credentials, complete the online Media Credential Application Form. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Darcy Minter at dminter@westernfolklife.org or 775-340-4240.

The mission of the Western Folklife Center is to enhance the vitality of American life through the experience, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse cultural heritage of the American West.

Back On Track® Product Giveaways Featured for USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser Presented by SUCCEED® & Wellington Classic Dressage

Wellington, FL - November 25, 2009 - December's USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser has many surprises in store for exhibitors and spectators alike with exciting equestrian performances, product giveaways and high-end auction items that have been donated to the event. SUCCEED® and Wellington Classic Dressage will be hosting the Holiday Gala Fundraiser at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, on December 11 & 12, 2009. The event will be a benefit to raise money for the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation.

The USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser is pleased to announce that the two evenings of holiday fun will include product giveaways and auction items from Back on Track®. Back on Track® is a unique brand of pain-relief products for horses, dogs, and people. The company has generously donated approximately $10,000 worth of products to be given away to the audience throughout the performances along with $5,000 worth of products that will be up for bid during the auction.

Bo Lofvander, CEO Back on Track®, is proud to be able to contribute to a good cause with his company and looks forward to the exciting event. "The fundraiser is to support a good cause and it is important for us to support the USET Foundation and all of the equestrian groups as much as we can," he stated.

Lofvander explained that Back on Track® is donating leg wraps to be given away to the audience as well as blankets and saddle pads to be bid on during the auction. "Our products help the well-being of the horse," he said. "They increase the blood circulation of the horse, they help horses that have problems with their backs or legs, and they even help the riders themselves. A lot of the top dressage riders use our products - Steffen Peters, Michelle Gibson, Courtney King-Dye, Debbie McDonald, Ashley Holzer - they all endorse our products, plus a lot of the show jumpers. It is not a miracle, but the products work very well and that is why a lot of people use them."

Lofvander plans to attend the fundraiser and looks forward to the selection of performances that he will have the opportunity to see. "I think it is great that they have so many top riders attending the event and all of the different disciplines and different horses," he acknowledged. "I think all of the disciplines have their own unique qualities, especially with the top riders and their horses. I am really looking forward to it, and I think it will be very interesting and fun."

Other new items that have been generously donated for the auction include: certificates for one Grand Prix Soft Shell Riding Jacket, one pair of Pikeur Breeches, and one GPA Titium Pro Helmet all donated by Frantisi USA Inc; one breeding to Contester II, a 2002 imported Holsteiner stallion by Contender x Lancetto donated by Josie Walsh (JW Sporthorses); two Charles Owen helmets; ten cases of SUCCEED® Digestive Conditioning Program donated by Freedom Health; a 50th anniversary USEA Mountain Horse Jacket and baseball cap, and many more items. Please visit the fundraiser website auction page for full details.

In addition to the detailed list of auction items, the USET Foundation Fundraiser event website now also features rider commentaries from The Horse Radio Network's 2010 Radio Show. The SUCCEED® 2010 Radio Show is the weekly radio show podcast that brings all the news and interviews about the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, Kentucky. The 2010 Radio Show's host Glenn Hebert has spoken with several of the country's top riders that will be participating in the USET Foundation event including Gina Miles, Monty Roberts, and Templeton Thompson, and anyone can visit the event website at www.succeedevent.com (quotes page) to listen to those interviews and learn more about the riders.

Equine Sports Psychologist, Jeanne Lambrecht, who will give a presentation at the fundraiser in conjunction with the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, is donating a percentage of all sales of her equine bracelets between now and Christmas to the USET Foundation. The bracelets are only $3.00 each and can be purchased at her website: www.jeannelambrecht.com/index.php/shop/.

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. VIP Tickets must be purchased in advance of the event in order to accommodate catering and seating requirements.

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 contact 561-227-1525 or email tickets@wellingtonclassicdressage.com. Inquiries to this email address should include "USET Fundraiser" in the subject line. Tickets are also now available to be purchased at the event website via PayPal. 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.

World's Smartest Horse to Appear at International Equestrian Festival

Lexington, KY - Best known for his unique training and communication methods with horses and his work on the popular History Channel show "MonsterQuest," wildlife behaviorist and horse trainer Mark Peterson will be providing attendees of the International Equestrian Festivalwith a truly special form of entertainment and education.

Peterson, along with his one-of-a-kind horse Dusty , will hold demonstrations at the International Equestrian Festival, daily taking place from September 25-October 10, 2010 at the Lexington Convention Center. Horse Capital Productions, a Lexington-based company, is producing the International Equestrian Festival.


Dusty has been called "the smartest horse in the equine industry today." A special horse with the ability to learn by demonstration, Dusty can learn a new skill "on the spot." Dusty has appeared with Peterson in shows across the country, giving demonstrations that have included bartending and retrieving items on command. He particularly enjoys giving kisses to children and signing autographs.

Along with his work on "MonsterQuest," Peterson is also known for teaching equestrians a new way to communicate with their horses. He hosts his "Adventure Clinics" throughout the United States, with topics such as "Breaking the Language Barrier" and "Extreme Trail Riding."

"Mark and Dusty are a wonderful addition to the growing list of attractions at the International Equestrian Festival," said Kimberly E. Brown, Horse Capital Productions' Founder and Managing Partner. "Their demonstrations are highly valuable and entertaining, and perfect for equestrians of all ages."

Peterson and Dusty will be performing twice a day during the 16-day festival.

"I'm thrilled to be attending the International Equestrian Festival," said Peterson. "The venue is going to be the largest to date in the U.S. and I'm very excited about presenting to these folks."

To see Peterson and Dusty in action, please visit www.dustypromotions.com.

Bobby Murphy Produces USEF Showcase at AQHA World Championship Show

Oklahoma City, OK- November 25, 2009 - This weekend the USEF highlighted its new National Affiliation with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) during a presentation of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) disciplines at the AQHA World Championship Show. Bobby Murphy of Kentucky Horse Shows LLC was brought in as the producing director for the USEF showcase, which was held on Friday, November 20. The event showcased the disciplines of eventing, show jumping, endurance, reining, dressage, combined driving, and para-equestrian.

Top riders were flown in from across the country to represent each discipline. Phillip Dutton has been a member of two Olympic Gold Medal teams and four world championship teams in eventing; Will Simpson was a member of the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal in show jumping; Valerie Kanavy has participated in five World Championships and won Individual Gold twice in endurance; Pete Kyle was part of the 2008 Silver Medal Reining team at the World Championships; Holly Bergay is vying for a spot on the 2010 WEG Para-Equestrian Dressage team; and Mike McLennan is ranked 5th in the nation and is also vying for a 2010 team spot in Combined Driving.

The event featured an exciting twist at the end, when Kyle re-entered the arena during the show jumping demonstration to the Toby Keith song, "Should've Been a Cowboy." Kyle offered his cowboy hat and challenged Simpson to ride his top reining horse, Gimme More Bucks.

The cowboy was evident in Simpson, and reining seemed to come naturally to him. The riders then all came back into the arena and spread the importance of the World Equestrian Games on American soil by throwing autographed prizes into the crowd. On the way out the ring, the AQHA presented the riders with gifts and a proud handshake for what had been accomplished for the horse industry in this partnership.

"There was a lot of symbolic meaning when putting this production together," said Murphy. "The moment that Will got on that reining horse a feeling came over every person in that coliseum, a feeling that we are the generations that decide the future meaning of the horse in this country, and it didn't matter what discipline you represented - a passion for our equine partners is universally the same."

Later that evening, the riders went on to sign countless autographed pictures at the USEF display, and the AQHA raffled off 2 tickets to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Another great moment took place when Joanie Morris, Director of Communications - International High Performance for the USEF, and Brad Ettleman, the Reining Discipline Manager for the 2010 WEG, exchanged coats, with Morris sporting one from the AQHA World Show and Ettleman wearing a new red and blue USEF coat.

"As more and more equestrian organizations come together, we can develop a unified force to show the world that America has grown into one of leaders at International Equestrian Sport," said Morris. "During those 16 days at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, we will all get the opportunity to prove what these horses mean to America."

The AQHA is located in Amarillo, Texas, and has registered more than 5 million American Quarter Horses and serves more than 350,000 worldwide members. AQHA functions as the official governing body of the American Quarter Horse industry. This newly formed partnership is a giant leap forward in the progression of horse sport in the United States.

This new partnership is perfectly timed with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) coming to the America in less than a year. On September 25th, 2010, history will be made when the first WEG held outside of Europe makes landfall in Lexington, KY, at The Kentucky Horse Park, which has recently taken on the brand identity as the number one equestrian facility in the world, and also the home of the USEF.

Kathy Meyer, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the USEF described it best when she said, "Whether we're talking about today, tomorrow, 2010, or beyond, its when we are all working a unified force that we can truly see the potential of our horse sports."

Free Horses: All-Breed Adoption Service Launched on TheHorse.com.

Lexington, Ky. – November 24, 2009— In honor of this Thanksgiving season, TheHorse.com is proud to announce it has opened a no-cost listing service for any breed of horse that is free to a good home. Horses of any age, breed, or sex are eligible to be placed on the new database of free horses.

TheHorse.com launched an online bulletin board listing free Thoroughbreds to good homes in November 2008, in conjunction with sponsor Gainesway Farm. In early June 2009 TheHorse.com and the U.S. Trotting Association teamed up to create a listing of free Standardbreds available to good homes. Since the inception of the Adoption Services on TheHorse.com, 232 horses have found new homes.

“In these tough economic times there are good horses that need to find other homes and careers,” said Kimberly S. Brown, Publisher/Editor of The Horse brand. “This database allows owners, breeders, and trainers to place a description of a horse in front of horse industry participants with the objective of finding a good home for that horse.

“I would encourage those placing horses on this listing service to include a link to photos or videos of the horses,” continued Brown. “In the spring we will be launching a revised database that will include the ability to have images of these free horses, but we didn't want to wait any longer to use our technology to be a conduit to helping horses. If just one more horse gets a forever home, it is worth all the work and effort.”

Any transactions will be the responsibility of the owner of the horse, who will be contacted directly by interested horse owners.

If you—or someone you know—has a horse in need of a new home, please visit TheHorse.com. Links to the database are on the home page, or you can visit TheHorse.com/Horses/Add.aspx to add a horse or TheHorse.com/Horses/Available.aspx to view horses of all breeds seeking new homes.

“Please help us spread the word about this free service to find homes for horses at-risk,” said Brown.

We recommend anyone giving away a horse, whether to a private individual or a welfare/rescue organization, learn as much as possible about that person or group prior to giving the horse away. There have been unscrupulous individuals and groups who take horses under the pretense of giving them good homes, then sell them for slaughter. (See article “Rescue Highlights Danger of Free Horses.”)

The article “Horse Rescue Organizations: Questions to Ask” offers some tips on making sure the person or group who takes your horse will, indeed, have good intentions.

There also are some very good organizations that are recognized throughout the horse industry as being legitimate places to donate your horses, especially the sound horses looking for other careers. For example, the article “Options for Ex-Racehorses” will give you the names and contact information for some of these groups whether you are interested in donating or adopting a Thoroughbred. The Unwanted Horse Coalition also maintains a list of rescue and welfare organizations.

About The Horse:
The Horse is an all-breed, all-discipline equine education provider for hands-on participants in the horse industry. The Horse brand disseminates the latest and most reliable news and information on the health, care, management, and welfare of equids through print and electronic means. TheHorse.com is operated by Blood-Horse Publications, publisher of The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care.

Readers are cautioned to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.

April 8–11, 2010—Equine Affaire: Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH

Equine Affaire, the nation’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering, will return to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on April 8th through the 11th. The event’s legendary educational program will include an unparalleled schedule of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations by nationally and internationally recognized trainers, competitors, and coaches including Chris Cox (General Training & Horsemanship), Craig Cameron (General Training & Horsemanship), John Lyons (General Training & Horsemanship), Ken McNabb (Discovering the Horseman Within), Tommy Garland (C.P.R. Horsemanship), Stacy Westfall (Reining & General Training), Richard Winters (Colt Starting, Reined Cow Horse & General Training), Jeremy Steinberg (Dressage), Sharon Camarillo (Barrel Racing), Linda Allen (Hunter/Jumpers), Scot Hansen (Trail Riding & Mounted Police Horse Training), Caroline Rider (Tao of Horsemanship), and Colleen Kelly (Rider Biomechanics). Clinics will also be presented on dressage, team penning/sorting, driving, jumping, draft horse training, English and hunter pleasure, roping, hunter under saddle, western pleasure, and the training of easy gaited horses.

More than 450 of the nation’s finest equine-related retailers and manufacturers will fill four buildings at the Ohio Expo Center, creating the largest equine-related trade show in the nation. Other highlights of the 2010 Equine Affaire will include an extensive Breed Pavilion and Horse & Farm Exhibits area; a fun and informative Youth Pavilion; a new Trail Riding Pavilion, and the Extreme Cowboy Race™ on Thursday and Friday afternoons and Sunday morning in the coliseum.

Equine Affaire will take place Thursday through Saturday from 9:00am to 7:30pm and Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. General admission for adults will be $14/day or $48/four-day pass; children 7–10 will be $8/day or $28/four-day pass; children six and under will be admitted free. General admission includes entry to the trade show and theme pavilions, the Extreme Cowboy Race, and all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. Adult admission also includes a free event program. The Ohio Expo Center will charge for parking.

Discount room rates are available at dozens of Equine Affaire host hotels near the facility, and camping will be available at the Ohio Expo Center. For continuously-updated information, consult www.equineaffaire.com, or call (740) 845-0085 weekdays, 9:00am–5:00pm ET.

April 9–10, 2010—The Pfizer Fantasia: Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH

Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse, the Pfizer Fantasia, will take place at 8:00pm on Friday and Saturday, April 9th and 10th, in the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. This special equine musical revue will feature a star-studded line up of professional equestrian performers and exceptional horses choreographed to a wide assortment of musical styles. Enjoy the beauty and diversity of horse breeds from miniatures to drafts as well as the excitement of equestrian sports ranging from reining, dressage, and driving to drill team, vaulting, liberty, and comedy acts. The 2010 Pfizer Fantasia promises to be an evening of extraordinary entertainment you will not want to miss.

Tickets for the Pfizer Fantasia range in price from $12 to $25 each plus a shipping/handling/seat selection fee. Advance tickets will be sold from January 11th through March 31st. To order tickets, visit www.equineaffaire.com or call (740) 845-0085 weekdays from 9:00am–5:00pm Eastern. Pfizer Fantasia tickets not sold in advance will be available at Equine Affaire beginning at 9:00am on Thursday, April 8th, at the Information Booth in the Bricker Building.

April 8, 9 & 11, 2010—The Extreme Cowboy Race™ at Equine Affaire, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH

Equine Affaire is once again teaming up with Craig Cameron to present his trademarked Extreme Cowboy Race® at the 2010 Equine Affaire in Columbus, OH. The Extreme Cowboy Race®—as seen on RFD-TV—is an exciting competition in which horse and rider teams work through an obstacle course while being timed and judged on horsemanship criteria. The race will be held on Thursday and Friday afternoons and Sunday morning in the Ohio Expo Center coliseum where thousands of attendees will be able to enjoy the excitement of this high-action race and cheer on their favorite contestants. Pre-selected horse and rider teams will compete for $4,250 in cash as well as the title of Extreme Cowboy Race Champion. For details on the race, prizes, and how to apply to compete, consult www.equineaffaire.com or www.craigcameron.com or contact Paula Woodward at (740) 845-0085 ext. 109 Monday–Friday from 9:00am–5:00pm Eastern or at program@equineaffaire.com.

2009 AQHA World Show Sends Home Champions

The American Quarter Horse Journal, November 24, 2009 – The 2009 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show came to a close in Oklahoma City November 21, following 16 full days of competition. As the dust settled in Jim Norick State Fair Arena, 100 world champion trophies had been distributed among 3,464 entries, which came from 46 states, six Canadian provinces, Brazil, France, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Exhibitors and owners competed for more than $2.7 million in cash and awards.

Among the world champions, many other star exhibitors and horses were recognized with special awards. The Featherlite All-Around Amateur was again a highly contested race with 72 horse-and-rider pairs vying for the title. When Bank of America Amateur week concluded November 13, Jessica Johnson of Pickerington, Ohio, and her horse Royality In Blue emerged the winners.

Johnson and Royality In Blue earned 58 points, competing in five classes. They won world championships in hunt seat equitation and equitation over fences. They also won a reserve world championship in hunter hack and had top-10 finishes in working hunter and pleasure driving. Featherlite presents the All-Around Amateur winner with a $25,000 voucher for a Featherlite custom award trailer. The All-Around Amateur also receives a WeatherBeeta embroidered blanket, specially commissioned bronze by Lisa Perry and a rose bouquet.

Coming in reserve for the All-Around Amateur title and taking home $2,500 was Elizabeth Borders of Wichita Falls, Texas, and her horse Finely Principled. Rounding out the top five were Meghan O’Malley, Medina, Ohio, and A Chanceof Blueskies, third; Sharnai Thompson, Cornelius, North Carolina, and Sleepin In The Rain, fourth; and Stefanie Pullin, Conroe, Texas, and Suddenly A Good Time, fifth. Third- through fifth-place finishers each received $1,000 from AQHA.

During FedEx Open week, the most prestigious title is the Featherlite Superhorse award. This year’s contest had 54 contenders, but by the end of the week, one horse stood out among the rest. The Krymsun Kruzer owned by Gerri Leigh Pratt of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, took the Superhorse win by a landslide, earning 48.5 points.

The Krymsun Kruzer competed in seven classes. He won a world championship in junior working hunter, a reserve world championship in junior hunter hack, third place in junior pleasure driving, fourth in junior hunter under saddle and fifth in performance halter stallions. For owning the Featherlite Superhorse, Pratt received a $25,000 voucher for a Featherlite custom award trailer, a WeatherBeeta embroidered blanket, a bronze by Lisa Perry and a rose bouquet.

Several other horses competing in open classes received special recognition at the show for being named Most Valuable Horse. The MVH award goes to the horse earning the most points in six divisions. Each MVH winner receives a $5,000 check from AQHA. Below are the MVH winners for 2009.

Speed (barrel racing, pole bending) – Gotta Another Gear, owned by Doug Smith, Ward, Arkansas

Timed (team penning, ranch sorting) – Playin With Oaks Leo, owned by Jordan Lesh, Perry, Oklahoma

Western (western pleasure, western riding, trail) – Vital Signs Are Good, owned by Joe and Karen Moran, Laguna Hills, California

English (hunter under saddle, hunter hack, working hunter, pleasure driving, jumping) – The Krymsun Kruzer, owned by Gerri Leigh Pratt, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Roping (heading, heeling, tie-down) – Chex This Dually, owned by Donald Tisdall, Castle Rock, Colorado

Pattern/Cow (cutting, reining, working cow horse) – Luckys Starlight, owned by Joan Cain, Vero Beach, Florida

Top owners of American Quarter Horses competing at the World Show also were commended for their achievements. Each year, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce recognizes the leading owner at the show. This year’s winner for the sixth year in a row was Rita Crundwell of Dixon, Illinois. Crundwell had 38 entries at the show, and took home seven world championships and five reserve world championships along with 11 top-10 finishes. For being named the Oklahoma City Leading Owner, Crundwell received a specially commissioned bronze presented by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

The reserve leading owner was Dr. Gigi Wood Davis of Savannah, Tennessee. Her horses earned two world championships, four reserve world championships and 17 top-10 finishes. The American Quarter Horse Journal presented her with a commemorative silver cup.

For complete coverage from the World Show, including results and interviews with the champions and award winners, please visit www.aqha.com. Also, be looking for features from the World Show to be on America’s Horse TV, americashorse.tv.

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.

European Partners Unite in Final Countdown to Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™

[Dublin, IRELAND] – Animal Health and Nutrition Partners of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™ from all across Europe convened in Austria today for a special partner meeting hosted by the title sponsor of the Games, Alltech. More than 19 representatives from 14 partner companies met in Vienna to celebrate the final run-up to the momentous equestrian event taking place in Kentucky in September and October of 2010.

“With less than 304 days to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the countdown has truly begun and the momentum is building. We are delighted with our European Feed Partners’ leadership and action in each of their own countries,” said Catherine Keogh, Alltech’s global marketing director.

During the course of the meeting, which involved sharing the latest ideas, exchanging stories and looking at innovative and exciting ways of promoting the Games, Professor of Marketing at University College Dublin’s Michael Smurfit Graduate School, Damien P. McLoughlin,discussed equine sports sponsorship with attendees.

John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, and Dr. Pearse Lyons, president of Alltech, also updated the partners on final preparations for the Games.

The purpose of the Alltech Animal Health and Nutrition Partnership Program is to identify key players who can serve as multipliers of the message of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This strategic partnership with Alltech includes collaborative sales, marketing, and advertising activities as well as hospitality opportunities in the build-up to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the most prestigious and celebrated equestrian competition in the world.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held in Lexington, KY, USA from September 25 – October 10, 2010, are the world championships of the eight disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Held outside of Europe for the first time, the 16-day competition involving 600 riding competitors and 700 horses from more than 60 countries is expected to be attended by as many as 600,000 spectators and viewed on television by an international audience exceeding 460 million people.

‘GUNSMOKE’ ENTERS THE MODERN AGE & GOES GREEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CHANDLER, AZ (November 24, 2009) – The exciting 50-year history of Gunsmoke, television’s finest western show – including bios, background stories and hundreds of photos of Miss Kitty, Marshall Matt Dillon, Doc Adams and all the Gunsmoke characters – is now available on an easy-to-mail, simple-to-view CD just in time for holiday gift giving.

Western and television history buffs can now conveniently enjoy a “greener” version of all 620 pages of Gunsmoke: An American Institute by Ben Costello on their computer screens, where they can zoom in on photos or enlarge the print for their reading pleasure.

“Gunsmoke is one of our most popular gift books, and we were just about sold out of the large coffee table book,” says Linda Radke, president of Five Star Publications. “We were going to reprint it, but had a better, greener, idea. The hardcover book contains about 5 pounds of paper. So, we decided to publish Gunsmoke on CD to save trees and make it less expensive and more convenient for people to send to their friends and family. Just think, 635 episodes and millions of memories on a 2-ounce CD. Talk about a great stocking stuffer!”

Gunsmoke: An American Institute CD (ISBN: 978-158985-166-6) retails for $45; however, in celebration of Five Star Publication’s 24th year in business, if the CD is purchased directly from the publisher at www.50yearsofgunsmoke.com or by calling 480-940-8182 or 866-471-0777, buyers will receive a 24 percent discount off the retail price.

Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List Guidelines Now Available Online

From the USEF Show Jumping Department

Lexington, KY- The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made changes to the following High Performance Show Jumping initiatives:

Appendix A of the former Selection Procedure for CSIO/CSI Competitions has been renamed the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List Guidelines and has been overhauled to make it easier for all interested parties to use. The Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Ranking List Guidelines can be found at: http://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/showJumping/RankingListGuidelines11_6_2009.pdf.

In addition to the “new look”, the following important changes should be noted:

The published Rolex Show Jumping Ranking List will now only include U.S. riders

There are no longer “High Cap” and “Low Cap” classes

Placing points will be awarded four placings further to 16th place

Classes to Count:
- Specifications: Derby classes utilizing a jump-off provided they are held at a minimum of 1.45 meters in height will be included; Derby classes scored on time in the first round are not included
- The additional prize money minimums will apply:
§ Classes in Canada – offer CAN $25,000 or more

The additional information in the former Selection Procedures is now included in the following three documents:

Selection Procedures for CSIOs and CSIs included in the Show Jumping High Performance Programs - http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/jumper/SJHP_CSIO_and_CSI_Selection_Proc.pdf.

Protocols to be Followed by US Riders Wishing to Compete Abroad - http://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/showJumping/ProtocolsForCompetingAbroad11_6_2009.pdf.

Criteria to Compete in Foreign CSIOs and CSIs for CH-P-J-Y Show Jumping - http://www.usef.org/documents/highPerformance/showJumping/CHJYCriteriatoCompeteAbroad11_4_2009.pdf.

Competitors are encouraged to review this material if they have any intention of competing overseas after December 1, 2009.

Diane Carney and Telluride Farm Complete Fantastic 2009 Show Season

Telluride Farm Hosts George H. Morris Clinic on Thanksgiving Weekend

Hampshire, IL - November 24, 2009 - Diane Carney and the horses and riders of Telluride Farm had an excellent 2009 season competing at many of the top horse shows throughout the country. A renowned trainer who focuses on learning and consistency with her students, Carney coached several of her top riders to big wins throughout the year and had an exceptional fall season to conclude the year.

Caitie Hope of Barrington Hills, IL, has been one of Diane Carney's top students for several years now and continued to prove her talent in 2009. Highlights include competing in the George H. Morris Excellence in Equitation Championship class in Wellington, top ten finishes in several grand prix classes throughout the year, and finishing fourth in the Illinois Hunter Jumper Association (IHJA) Junior Equitation Medal Finals. Hope had a strong finish in the ASCPA Maclay Horsemanship Regionals (placing sixth for Region 4), and also finished seventh overall in the IHJA Equitation 15-17 Year-End Championship.

Along with her excellent year-end placings, Hope got started with a brand new grand prix horse towards the end of the summer and has great expectations for the talented new jumper. Total Touch is a nine-year-old gelding that Hope has already had great results with, and the pair looks forward to a wonderful upcoming year.

Samantha Oliva of Kildeer, IL, is a young student that just began training with Carney this summer and has already had exceptional results. Oliva received back to back victories in both the IHJA Junior Equitation Medal Finals and the Marshall & Sterling Central Equine Junior Medal Finals aboard her horse SS Couture in September. Oliva also earned a place in the top 15 for the Region 4 ASCPA Maclay Horsemanship Regional competition.

"I am pleased that Sam has joined us," Carney stated. "Clearly from the get-go we have a winning combination. She is a good rider and has had good training. We are a team at Telluride, and I am glad that she has become a part of that."

Another young student that Carney coached to top finishes this year is Alex Carlins. 2009 was Carlins' first year of showing, and he quickly progressed to take home ribbons in several divisions for the IHJA year-end standings. Carlins rode Carney's horse That'll Do to the reserve championship honors in the Novice Children's Working Hunters, a fifth place finish in the Modified Children's Hunters, and a seventh place finish in the Children's Working Hunter 14 and Under. Along with his success in the hunters, Carlins finished in twelfth place in the Equitation 12-14.

Carlins also competed on Diabella, owned by Kathleen Hope, throughout the year. "Diabella is a great teacher and helps the young riders get a feel for good riding and winning," Carney acknowledged. Carlins will move on in the equitation and jumper divisions in 2010.

Hope, Oliva, and Carlins were Carney's most consistent riders for the 2009 show season and she is excited to now also be working with rider Emily Reynolds. "I have some excellent riders and with those kids, wherever we show, they will be competitors," Carney noted.

As a successful year comes to a close, Carney is looking to the future and working towards another great season in 2010. Carney plans to compete in the local Chicago area early in the season before heading to Ocala and Wellington for Florida's competitive winter show circuits. Horses and students will return to the Midwest through the spring, and then plan to compete at Spruce Meadows in June at the Canada One and North American Tournaments in Calgary, Alberta, CAN.

Carney's main focus in her training is on the basics for horse and rider, and she therefore plans to host as well as teach many clinics throughout the year. Carney teaches and helps organize clinics throughout the country on a monthly schedule. The first clinic that she will host will be this coming weekend, November 27-29, 2009 at Canterbury Farm in Hampshire, IL.

The Chicago George H. Morris clinic features three riding sections, which will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Jumping will span from 1.10m to grand prix heights, and the clinic will be open to auditors for $75 per person per day. For more information or directions, please contact Diane Carney at 847-922-6167.

LOCAL WOMEN HOCK GOLD JEWELRY TO HELP RAISE MONEY AND SUPPORT THE EQUINE PROTECTION OF NORTH AMERICA (E.P.O.N.A) FACILITY AND RESCUED

HORSES Epping, NH – November 24, 2009 – E.P.O.N.A. (Equine Protection of North America), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) rescue and rehabilitation facility for abused and neglected horses, held a “Party of Gold” fundraising event on Thursday, November 19th at a local residence to raise money to use in caring for E.P.O.N.A.’s horses through the upcoming New England winter months. The “Party of Gold” fundraiser provided the attendees with the opportunity to sell their old gold jewelry that they no longer wanted. Twenty percent of what was sold at the event will go to helping E.P.O.N.A. and its animals. E.P.O.N.A. is home to 14 horses rescued from slaughter, euthanasia, foreclosure or abuse.

“I have never seen such generosity from complete strangers,” said Catherine Blake, E.P.O.N.A. Board of Directors President. “These women went though their jewelry boxes and selflessly gave to save the homeless, abused and neglected horses that E.P.O.N.A. has created a safe haven for. Fundraising is tough right now. We have a barn of 14 animals that need to be fed through the winter, and the community has stepped up to help. We are overwhelmed the spirit of love and generosity the community has shown.”

The “Party of Gold,” affectionately dubbed “Karats for Carrots,” was the brainchild of Fundraising Chair and Hostess Laura Ladd. Twenty-five people attended, including neighbors, E.P.O.N.A. volunteers, board members, the executive director and friends. The successful event raised several thousand dollars that will go toward paying medical bills, feed and hay.

E.P.O.N.A. depends on the community support to help aid in the care and feeding of its 14 horses and needs the community’s financial support as well. E.P.O.N.A. also needs volunteers and their families to help at the barn with the general care and maintenance of the facility and its horses. To find out how to volunteer at E.P.O.N.A., please visit our online volunteer page for more information.

Help E.P.O.N.A. further their goal of rescuing and rehabilitating horses by clicking here to find a wish list of the most needed items by the barn.

For more information on E.P.O.N.A., or how to make a donation, visit http://www.eponarescue.org/index.html.

About E.P.O.N.A.:
E.P.O.N.A. is a State Certified Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Facility. E.P.O.N.A. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization dedicated to the betterment and welfare of horses that have been abused and neglected. E.P.O.N.A. is based in Epping, NH and relies on the generous and heartfelt support from its volunteers, sponsors and donors to provide care and comfort to the equine residents until they can be adopted out to loving families. http://www.eponarescue.org/index.html

Alvarado Biography Screenplay Rights Optioned

The screenplay rights to 2009 Thoroughbred horse racing’s Book of the Year, The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita, by Rudolph Valier Alvarado, have been optioned by Thoroughbred columnist and essayist, Marion E. Altieri. To celebrate the occasion and in time for the Christmas Holidays, the price of Alvarado’s award-winning biography, which includes a CD of Joe’s timeless race calls, has been lowered 25%. The book can be purchased online at www.voiceofsantaanita.com.

Altieri became interested in writing the screenplay for the award-winning biography after reviewing a copy of the Special Edition for her Saratoga.com column, “Mairzy Doats.” In her review of Alvarado’s book Altieri wrote, “The author has crafted a work of art that stands on its own: It cannot be compared with any other biography (racing or otherwise) because it is the only member of its species.”

Shortly after her review of the Hernandez biography was published, Altieri contacted Alvarado in an effort to secure the rights to pen the screenplay. In discussing his decision to sell Altieri the screenplay rights, Alvarado stated, “I was struck by the passion with which she spoke to me about the piece, as well as the clear vision she had for the screenplay. Of course, I was well aware of her reputation as a Thoroughbred essayist and was pleasantly surprised to discover that she also had a background in screenplaywriting and drama.”

Altieri has written several screenplays and seven plays for the stage. In college, she earned a Minor in Technical Theatre from Mount Holyoke College. In explaining her interest in the story, Alitieri shared that she “was moved to write the screenplay because the book was honest, and did not avoid the hard stuff of Truth.”

“Not everyone grows up in a privileged household, with a perfect family,” Altieri added, “In fact, I am suspicious of people who claim that their lives have always been perfect. Perfection happens only in Heaven--and we're not there yet. Rudy showed Joe Hernandez' life, warts and all, as they say--and it is precisely these bumps and bruises of Joe's life journey that makes this a story that will compel potential audience members to buy that ticket to the theatre and then buy the DVD after the film's theatre run.”

Altieri’s interest in adapting Alvarado’s biography is timely. There are currently two major motion pictures related to Thoroughbred horse racing slated for production in the coming year. One of them is the life story of Julie Krone, the hall of fame jockey. The movie is based on her autobiography titled, Riding for My Life. The second is a Disney-backed period film about the iconic race horse Secretariat starring Oscar-nominated actress Diane Lane.

Altieri sees the primary audience for her adaptation of Alvarado’s biography as being composed of race horse fans. However, she believes that, “because Joe's story speaks to the entire spectrum of human emotion and experience, it, too, will bring in audience members who relate to the role of a man who was very human, and who lived life fully to the best of his ability.”

Commenting on Hernandez’s Latino heritage, Altieri stated that, “The Latino community, has a genuine hero in Joe Hernandez! He was named Santa Anita's race announcer from Day One (Christmas Day, 1934)--in a time when many Latinos were being repatriated to Mexico by an ignorant American government. Latinos have always had a long, hard road in America--the fact that Joe was recognized for his great talents 75 years ago, when it was even harder than now to be Latino in America--well, that's perhaps the most amazing testimony to his universal appeal and tremendous gifts.”

Once the screenplay is completed, Altieri will first offer close friends in Hollywood an opportunity to produce and direct the piece. However, if it is not a story they feel fits in well with their studio, she plans to speak with other friends in the movie industry.

Caballo Press of Ann Arbor’s The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita won the 2009 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, an award that recognizes Thoroughbred horse racing’s Book of the Year. The prestgoius prize comes with a $10,000 cash prize, which makes it one of the richest book awards in the world. The contest is sponsored by Thoroughbred Times and Castleton Lyons. Alvarado’s biography was also named a finalist for an additional six national book awards.

Prime Performance Team Members Take Rodeo Circuit Finals Championships

Three Prime Performance Nutrition Team Members took home a championship from the ProRodeo Great Lakes Circuit Finals in Louisville, KY on November 12-14, 2009. Barrel racer Tammy Whyte and team roping pair Cody Graham and Gabe Gwaltney were the highest money earners in their circuit, winning them a Circuit Finals Championship title.

Turning in a winning time of 15.85 in the first go, Whyte of Eau Claire, WI, earned $1,292.81 to make her 2009 earnings a total of $22,286.50. With her total earnings almost double that of the Great Lakes Reserve Champion, Whyte has clearly found how to unbridle the potential of her barrel horses using products by Prime Performance Nutrition.

Forming a team of their own, PPN team members header Cody Graham and heeler Gabe Gwaltney also earned over double what the reserve champion team ropers earned in 2009. Turning in an excellent time of 5.5 seconds, Graham of Everton, MO and Gwaltney of Carthage, MO, missed winning the first go by a tenth of a second. Earning $21,419.94 in 2009 team roping money, this pair has worked together with each other, their horses and Prime Performance Nutrition to achieve a winning combination.

Taking two out of seven events at the ProRodeo Dodge Great Lakes Circuit Finals, Prime Performance team members Whyte, Graham and Gwaltney proved they've got what it takes and with the help of PPN's full line of performance, joint, digestive and electrolyte-restoring products, they've captured the titles of Barrel Racing and Team Roping DNCFR Champion.

“It's been a dream year,” says Cody Graham. “Both my partner and I have been using Maxum HA for about a year and it's working wonderfully. Prime Performance Nutrition has helped so much with our horses performance. They wouldn't work near as well without it. My horse, Rusty, is a little bit older and it's really helped with his soreness; He's like a different horse!”

About Prime Performance Nutrition
With PPN you’ll provide your performance horses with the best nutrition possible. Plus, with the company’s continuing research, you can feel confident that your horses are receiving quality, technologically-advanced equine supplements. PPN uses only certified ingredients and rigorously tests its products. The products are tested in worldwide markets to make sure horse owners can easily use the products and see results. In addition to guaranteeing ingredients and testing, PPN is committed to working with international government agencies and organizations such as the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) to follow new supplement regulations. For more information on PPN and their products, visit www.primeperformancenutrition.com.

“Country Lifestyle Experience” Second Annual Small Farm Expo – Expanded for 2010!

Organizers of the second annual Country Lifestyle Experience have announced an expanded schedule for the one-of-a-kind expo designed especially for consumers, producers and residents of small farms. The 2010 event will expand from 2 days to a 3 day weekend, running from April 16 through the 18th, at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany, Oregon. This unique expo attracts people who live on small farms, and features a variety of workshops, demonstrations, lectures, live animal exhibits and a trade show. According to John Cloe, Event Manager, “The Country Lifestyle Experience is a family event, designed for people who live in the country on land ranging from one to 100 acres. We’ll offer instruction and education for those wanting to improve small farming knowledge, profit and enjoyment, as well as learn more about ways to save energy, save money, and ‘go green’.”

Mr. Cloe continued, “For those wanting to extend the enjoyment of their farm produce, we’ll offer seminars on food preservation with Janice Gregg. You’ll learn ways to preserve garden fresh vegetables, or how to make those homemade jams and jellies you loved as a kid!” The expo will also offer a variety of other seminars including Wells & Septic Systems & Nitrate Testing, presented by Crissy Lucas; Poultry seminars with Jim Hermes; and Using Native Plants in Rural Gardens & Farms taught by Linda McMahan. Additional seminars are planned and will be announced as they’re confirmed.

The trade show portion of the event offers the perfect place to visit with industry experts and shop for specialty items. Just a few of the products for shoppers may include tractors, feed, energy saving products, farm information and services, quilting and quilts, toys, honey, handmade clothing, candles and skincare products. Trade show booth space is still available, with a special discount for products handcrafted in the USA.

Those with a competitive spirit won’t want to miss the Country Chore Challenge, a family fun event with a chance to win prizes! The Challenge will test contestant’s ability to perform farm chores, including such activities as stacking feed bags, driving fence posts and other farm related duties. And there’s excitement tailor-made for the youngsters, in the Straw Scramble – as children are invited to dig through loose straw for candy and prizes. “These are events the whole family can enjoy, promising as much fun for the audience as the competitors!” said Mr. Cloe.

The Country Lifestyle Experience is taking applications now for animal exhibits at the expo. Exhibits could include the diverse breeds and rare varieties of goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs, chickens, miniature horses, cattle, alpacas, or other animals. Expo attendees will be interested in seeing and learning about the benefits of the different breeds of animals, as well as learning how to raise and care for them.

Hours for the event will be Friday April 16 noon to 7pm; Saturday April 17 from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday April 18 from 11am to 5pm.

For more information about the Country Lifestyle Experience, go to http://www.equinepromotions.net/CLE/ , email info@equinepromotions.net or call 765-655-2107, or check us out on Facebook.

The Country Lifestyle Experience is owned and managed by Equine Promotions, Inc. who presents this unique exposition for consumers and producers on small farms.

Showplace Productions 2009-2010 Ledges Winter Classic Challenge Series

Prize List Now Available Online

Roscoe, IL - November 24, 2009 - Showplace Productions is pleased to announce that their prize list for the 2009-2010 Ledges Winter Classic Challenge Series is now available. It can be found online, and prize lists have been mailed out. The Challenge Series, managed by Showplace Productions President Pat Boyle, are "A" rated shows and are held at the Ledges Sporting Horses indoor facility in Roscoe, IL.

The Challenge Series has 10 events on the following dates: December 3-6 & 10-13, 2009, January 7-10 & 14-17, 2010, February 4-7 & 11-14, 2010, March 11-14 & 18-21, 2010, April 8-11 & 15-18, 2010.

The show schedule for each event runs Thursday through Sunday and features a full schedule of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes. Special classes include the $1,500 NAL Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic on Friday evening and the $2,500 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper class on Saturday evening. Hunter classics will be held for juniors, ponies, open hunters, and Short Stirrup. There will be WIHS and Marshall & Sterling classics for adult and children's hunters and a NAL Children's Hunter Classic.

About the Ledges Sporting Horses facility: Ledges Sporting Horses is the home of the Ledges Winter Series of indoor shows. Located two hours northwest of Chicago in Roscoe, Illinois, Ledges boasts a spacious indoor facility and numerous outdoor arenas for hosting events in the summer.

From December to April, the indoor arena is host to the Ledges Winter Series of 10 U.S. Equestrian Federation "A"-rated shows. The shows offer Marshall & Sterling, WIHS, and NAL points in all eligible divisions. During the winter there are also several IHJA and WHJA "B" rated hunter jumper shows.

During the winter series, the focus of activity is the fully heated 72,000 square foot indoor facility. Ledges has a 200' by 86' competition arena with an attached 100' by 86' warm up ring. Adjacent to the arena is a 300' sky deck with enclosed viewing areas, office space, and vendor areas.

The fully heated stabling area has 275 oak sided 10' by 10' stalls with wash racks and restrooms in each wing. The entire structure shares a common roof; during winter competitions horses are outside only for loading and unloading.

In 2004 the Ledges facility was upgraded and many improvements were added. To start, the complex received the most thorough cleaning it has had in over 20 years with many tons of dirt removed from the indoor ring and stabling. A new entrance was added and all public areas were repainted. New and efficient furnaces now heat the whole complex to a comfortable temperature. All of the wash racks were replaced. They are brightly lit and have abundant hot water.

A new roof covers brand new footing in the arena, and fresh limestone screenings are in all stalls. And last but not least the horse show office was completely rebuilt. In 2006 many additional improvements were added, including a trailer parking lot, renovated concessions, and hundreds of trees and landscaping.

Ledges Sporting Horses
12250 Love Road
Roscoe, Illinois 61073
Phone 815/623-2700 (Show Office)


More information and new announcements will follow on Showplace Productions' horse shows. For further information on Showplace Productions, please visit www.showplaceproductions.com.

A Miniature Horse Brings Maximum Happiness For One "Driving For Surviving" Participant

FAR HILLS, NJ-November 24, 2009- It was through a mixture of determination, persistence and generosity on behalf of the equestrian community that one participant of sharingVillage's Driving for Surviving program was given one of the largest gifts of happiness in one of its smallest packages - a miniature horse named Ranger.

The story unfolded when six-time Olympic dressage rider Robert Dover befriended seventeen-year Driving for Surviving participant Gary Johnson at the National Dressage Championships in Gladstone, NJ.

Inclement weather forced the cancelation of a Driving for Surviving exhibition drill at the Championships, in which Gary was to participate. In lieu of performing, the participants were invited to the USET trophy room to watch the day's dressage competition. It was there that Johnson and Dover stuck up a conversation that would forever change each of their lives. It was Johnson's enthusiasm, wisdom and overall positive attitude that ultimately won-over Dover's heart.

"The minute you meet him and learn his story, you see that he's all smiles and thankful for what he has and for having horses in his life. You have to help a person like that," said Dover, who was reunited with Johnson at sharingVillage'sThe Pediatric Oncology Equestrian Carriage Driving Program's annual Human Spirit Award Luncheon in Gladstone, NJ, in October.

After hearing of the loss of Johnson's beloved driving pony, Boxcar Willie, who had been donated by international four-in-hand driver Jimmy Fairclough and his family, Dover spearheaded a mission to find Johnson a new partner.

Dover was helped by several members of the equestrian community including Mary Phelps of DressageDaily.com, Maureen Pethick and the United States Equestrian Federation, and Johnny Robb and the American Miniature Horse Registry/American Shetland Pony Club who donated Johnson's new pony Ranger, to the Driving for Surviving program.

"Without the immense help and support that the equestrian community showed toward Driving for Surviving and toward Gary himself, this would not have been possible," said Shelley Zlotkin of sharingVillage. "This is a perfect example of all the great work that can be done when people come together and unite for a cause."

Such is the mission of sharingVillage, a 501c3 not-for-profit New Jersey corporation dedicated to helping child and adult survivors of life threatening illness and their families by providing the tools needed to understand and cope with the challenges of living with illness. Driving for Surviving is a program designed for children who have been diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening illness. All services are provided free of charge.

Today, Johnson and Ranger are driving together and looking forward to the years to come. Johnson is excited to continue his showing career with Ranger, and is especially grateful to all those who helped unite him with his new partner.

"We are so thankful to everyone who helped make this dream come true for Gary," said Zlotkin. "With the holiday season approaching we hope that others will consider the dreams of our young terminally ill participants and help them through gifts to sharingVillage.

"We could never accomplish what we do without our small community supporters like Tewksbury Trail Association and our large supporters such as Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri- State Area and WineLibrary.com."

Further information on sharingVillage and the opportunity to donate ponies or miniature horses to the Driving for Surviving program is available on line at www.sharingVillage.org, by email at office@sharingVillage.org or by calling 908-234-0334.

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center to Host Volunteer Orientation December 5, 2009

Loxahatchee, FL- November 24, 2009 - The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) would like to announce that it will be hosting a volunteer orientation on Saturday, December 5, from 1-3 p.m. at their farm in Loxahatchee, FL. Volunteers are needed to assist with barn chores in the morning, and in January will be needed to assist with school groups attending sessions on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The volunteer program is the backbone of VTRC, which includes 17 horses and 100 riders each week, and without those people that generously give of their time the VTRC would cease to exist.

"Our volunteer Erica always comments on how rewarding it is to help, saying that she never leaves without a smile," noted VTRC Founder and Executive Director Ruth Menor.

The VTRC consists of over 100 volunteers and each day about 20 volunteers are on site. The Center currently serves clients Monday through Saturday. The VTRC asks that each volunteer be available for one hour per week, but if a volunteer cannot commit to a weekly schedule they are welcome to help with special events such as the Special Olympics, horse shows, and fundraisers.

Prior horse knowledge is not required to be a volunteer, but it is valuable. The riding sessions are divided into 10-week sessions that coordinate with the public school system. The VTRC depends on volunteers to help groom and tack horses, lead and sidewalk during lessons, help with basic barn work and horse care, and office work.

During the orientation session volunteers will receive a copy of the Volunteer Manual, learn about the VTRC, what the volunteers do and take a tour. They will also learn about issues that are particularly important to the VTRC such as fire drills and confidentiality. Finally, the VTRC sets up different stations for volunteers to learn hands on how to groom, tack, and lead the horses and how to help mount riders.

Anyone may volunteer, but a volunteering parent or guardian must accompany volunteers under the age of 12. One mother commented, "I've seen a huge change in my teenage daughter's behavior since she started volunteering at VTRC. Before it was difficult to get her motivated to help with chores and now she helps clean the house without being asked."

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.

Color your world for 2010

FORT WORTH, TEXAS— To commemorate the new decade, the American Paint Horse Association has published a new calendar for 2010 that celebrates the beauty, athleticism and talents of the American Paint Horse.

Each month features a beautiful example of the Paint Horse breed along with a large format calendar, offering plenty of room to keep track of appointments and special occasions. The calendar also features the phases of the moon, as well as holidays and important APHA deadlines.

“For 2010, we aimed our photographic spotlight directly on the American Paint Horse with human subjects taking a lesser role,” said Laura Jesberg, APHA’s special projects manager. “Paint Horses are the real stars of our association and we wanted to re-focus the calendar solely on them.”

Also included in the 2010 Calendar is a stylish poster insert highlighting the many programs and events APHA offers to its members.

More About APHA

Currently, American Paint Horses are being registered at APHA’s Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters at a rate of more than 35,000 horses each year. APHA has registered more than 958,000 horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded 47 years ago, and now serves approximately 85,000 active members around the world. APHA, a non-profit organization, prides itself on community involvement and educating the public about the beauty and talent of the breed. Among its many activities, APHA works to preserve bloodlines and maintain the outstanding characteristics of Paint Horses. For more information, visit the Association’s Web site at apha.com or call (817) 834-2742.

Mariana Tosca, Viggo Mortensen and Kevin Nealon join the unified call for an immediate moratorium on wild horse and burro round-ups.

"Without a single dissenting vote, the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act was passed by Congress guaranteeing these animals protection from "capture, branding, harassment and death." - Mariana Tosca

CHICAGO, (EWA) - Acclaimed Actors Mariana Tosca, Christmas in the Clouds, Viggo Mortensen, Lord of the Rings, Appaloosa and Hidalgo and Kevin Nealon, Weeds have added their voice to a growing 150 organizations and dignitaries from America, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa asking President Obama and Secretary Salazar to halt the round-ups of America's wild horses and burros.

The assault on America's wild horses and burros must be halted until range studies can be performed and a solid plan is established for the management of these magnificent animals that represent our American heritage.

Actor and Social Activist, Mariana Tosca, joined the unified call with the following statement issued to John Holland, President of the Equine Welfare Alliance.

"With virtually no oversight, the BLM's maneuvers are methodically cleansing the land of these animals who have become an inconvenience and impediment to the goals of the ranching, gas and oil industries.

It is the action of arrogance and the lowest instincts of man to place greed above the rights of others and to shape policy to fit private agendas. Millions of head of cattle are grazing on public ranges - public ranges that were designated for these wild horses and burros on land that belongs to American taxpayers, not to private entities.

These horses are connected to this land; their ancestors roamed unfettered on it over a million years ago. They represent the basic principal that our nation was founded on: FREEDOM. These animals are the physical embodiment of all that we as people and as a nation aspire to... liberty and self-determination. And at some level that resonates with each and every one of us. With every BLM round up that is allowed to happen, our heritage is under siege."

Viggo Mortensen adds, "Thanks to all who have contacted their government representatives on behalf of mustangs, those unique animals that are living symbols of the nation's heritage and character. Your efforts have paid off, prompting Congress to strengthen the protections afforded to wild horses and burros in the United States of America [with the passage of HR 1018].

Mariana Tosca continues, "We have to stop eroding the law that ensures their protection, simply to cater to and placate private entities. America faces a very real risk that the wild horse will go the way of the buffalo, wiped out by a zealous hunt to make room for commercial interests.

Since the BLM is a government agency, with perceived mismanagement and conflict of interest issues, the public has a right to call for an independent audit of the horses in BLM managed short and long term holding facilities, as well as an independent count of the horses remaining on the ranges. The management of our remaining wild horses should be moved to another agency."

A lawsuit was filed by IDA (In Defense of Animals) on November 23 aimed at halting the removal of over 2,700 horses in the Nevada Calico Complex which is scheduled to start on December 1.

Additional information on the unified call for a moratorium is available on the Equine Welfare Alliance and The Cloud Foundation websites. www.equinewelfarealliance.org

Pet Acoustics Announces Pet Jingles Relaxation Music for the Holidays Supporting the American Humane Association

Innovative iPhone and iPod Touch application provides soothing holiday music for two and four legged family members


Washington Depot, Connecticut - (November 24, 2009) – Pet Acoustics Inc, a company dedicated to bringing products to market that provide specialized environments for pets and their people, releases the Pet Jingles Application for iPhone and iPod Touch. This special collection of themed holiday music will bring a joyous atmosphere to your home, a veterinarian office, an animal shelter or anywhere people and pets are gathered throughout the holiday season. Pet Jingles is a unique gift for pet lovers to enjoy while gift shopping, walks with the dog, while entertaining family and friends or to play for pets while they are home alone.

In addition to Pet Jingles, Pet Acoustics presents Four Legged Angels. Inspired by the holiday spirit, this music video celebrates the rescue and adoption of animals by loving people.

Features:
- Multiple timers to set music to play at designated times
- Works with iPhone and iPod Touch
- Designed for the hearing comfort of dogs and cats
- Thematic holiday music for relaxation
- Portions of the Pet Jingles sales go to support the American Humane Association

1. Home Together
2. Family and Friends
3. Candles
4. Treats
5. Winter Walk
6. Stuffed toys
7. Dreams of Olde
8. Crystal Evening
9. A Favorite Place
10. Good Company
11. Peace on Earth

For relaxing music for pets and their people any day of the year you can download our original Pet Acoustics App; Music designed specifically for dogs, cats and horses. Don’t forget to checkout Janet Marlow’s CD, DVD, and book box kit, Zen Dog: Music & Massage for a Stress-Free Pet, available at Barnes & Noble. All Pet Jingles App purchases benefit the American Humane Association and Green Chimneys, a nationally renowned, non-profit, organization that provides animal-assisted therapy and activities as residential treatment for children and special education schools.

"With all the activity of the holidays, we at Pet Acoustics, hope that you and your family, two legged and four, play Pet Jingles for moments of relaxation during the holiday season. We are pleased to be able to support the American Humane Association through the sales of Pet Jingles and we thank you for your support, Happy Holidays!” from the Pet Acoustics Team.

Pet Jingles Application is available for $2.99 (portion donated to American Humane) through iTunes or by visiting www.PetAcoustics.com.

To request additional information about Pet Jingles, please contact PR Representative Brad Hobbs at (305) 576-1171 x19 or by e-mail at bradhobbs@maxborgesagency.com. To learn more about Pet Acoustics, go to www.PetAcoustics.com.

About Pet Acoustics
Pet Acoustics is dedicated to creating products that help animals and their humans in their environment. As an author, researcher and composer, Pet Acoustics Co-founder, Janet Marlow is an international expert in the pet field. Her Relaxation Music for Dogs, Cats and Horses has proven success of putting animals at ease acoustically and scientifically. Janet's innovative approach for animals has been featured on Animal Planet, Everyday with Rachel Ray, Women’s World, WNPR with Faith Middleton, Dog Fancy, Animal Wellness Magazines and she is the author of Barnes & Nobles' Zen Dog Box Kit. For more information visit www.PetAcoustics.com.

Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Hosts Successful George H. Morris Clinic Teaching Clinic/USHJA Trainer's Symposium

Buffalo, NY - November 24, 2009 -The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center hosted a very successful teaching clinic recently with George H. Morris, world renowned trainer, rider, and U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe. The clinic was also a USHJA Trainer's Symposium.

The clinic, held November 6-8, 2009, was scheduled and organized by Susie Schoellkopf, Executive Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and head trainer of SBS Farms, Inc. at the Buffalo Equestrian Center.

The clinic was held over three days and hosted 18 riders in three different groups: Intermediate (3'3"), Advanced (3'6"), and Jumpers (3'6"-4'3"). Riders in the clinic included Jennifer Alfano, rider and trainer at SBS Farms, U.S. Show Jumping team member Callan Solem, and up-and-coming professional Chris Ewanouski.

In addition to the valuable learning experience for the riders, 180 auditors each day gained knowledge and insight at the clinic. Auditors included Susie Schoellkopf, USHJA President Bill Moroney, USHJA Director Geoff Teall, and trainers Mindy Darst, Angela Moore, and Charlie Moorcroft.

During the clinic, George Morris focused on the "basics of riding, good riding habits, and good horsemanship," said Schoellkopf. "The clinic was amazing. George did it so well, and he is an amazing teacher. Each group built on the next. I thought it was a wonderful Trainers' Symposium as well."

In addition to the Morris clinic, there were seminars on Friday and Saturday evening that explained how to apply for the USHJA Trainer's Certification Program, which was given by Moroney and USHJA Director of Programs and Education Melanie Fransen.

George H. Morris is often referred to as a founding father of hunter seat equitation. He is a legend in the sport, and his clinics are a rare and unique opportunity for riders of all levels and ages to learn from the best. Morris's most recent accomplishment was leading the United States to a team gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Buffalo Equestrian Center, originally called the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, was built in 1921 and is now a historic landmark. In addition to having a riding school, the facility includes the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit organization. They provide vital services to differently-abled youth riders.

In its eleventh year, the George H. Morris clinic at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center continued to teach young and old alike about proper horsemanship, correct riding, and the foundations of equitation. Beyond being a learning experience for riders, the clinic helps BTRC give local Buffalo youth the unforgettable gift of horses.

For more information on the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center and SBS Farms, Inc., please visit www.btrc.org.

Rebecca and Jerome Broussard and Cassandra and Carl Segal Selected as Recipients of PRO's 2009 As You Like It Owners Award

NOTTINGHAM, PA - November 24, 2009 - Their names are well known in the world of Eventing and today the Professional Riders Organization has chosen to honor two couples who have made exceptional contributions to the career of individual riders and the sport of Eventing through their ownership of horses and personal investment in our sport. Each of who are humble patrons of the sport of Eventing who rarely put themselves in the limelight.

Rebecca and Jerome Broussard, nominated by US Olympic Team Member Amy Tryon, have long demonstrated their commitment to the sport through their ownership of many top international horses for a variety of riders, including Phillip Dutton, Amy Tryon, Karen O'Connor and Ralph Hill.

The Broussards have been longtime supporters of the USEF's High Performance Programs and critical in garnering financial contributions for grants given to US Riders wishing to compete internationally. Their vision led to the creation of Rebecca Farm, a world-class facility, which has grown into one of the most prestigious events in the west.

Cassandra and Carl Segal's horses have excelled under the stewardship of Buck Davidson. My Boy Bobby finished 3rd at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, won the CIC*** at the Fork and Wit's End and had two advanced wins at Rocking Horse and Southern Pines. The pair also competed at the HSBC World Cup Final in Poland, finishing in 13th Place.

Ballynoecastle RM and Davidson were named as alternates to the 2008 US Olympic Three Day Event Team. In 2009, the pair had one advanced win at Rocking Horse, finished 2nd in the advanced division at Southern Pines and finished 2nd at both Maui Jim CIC*** and Wit's End CIC*** in Canada. The pair also finished 11th at Burghley. The Segals also own May I Tell Ya and Titanium who are both talented and promising advanced level horses also competed by Davidson.

PRO board member and award donor, Sara Dierks spoke on behalf of the selection committee:

"We received a great group of nominations this year, all of which are very deserving candidates and we would like to thank everyone for sending in their nominations. This year, we unanimously decided to select both the Segals and the Broussards as the committee felt these owners had demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the sport and were overdue for such recognition."

The Segals and the Broussards will be honored on Friday, December 4th at the USEA's Annual Convention awards luncheon. They will receive an engraved Waterford Crystal perpetual trophy and $5,000 to be donated, in their name, as prize money to any PRO Event of their choice.

Castleton Lyons and Thoroughbred Times Sponsor 4th Annual Book Award

Lexington, KY — Castleton Lyons and Thoroughbred Times announced today that they will be co-sponsoring the Fourth Annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award and are now taking entries for the prestigious prize. Presented to the author of the best book about Thoroughbred racing published in 2009, the award comes with a $10,000 cash prize, making it one of the richest book awards in the world.

“We are proud to again co-sponsor the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award,” said Shane Ryan, president of Castleton Lyons. “This gives us an opportunity to both recognize great writing and help promote the sport of racing we love so much. I know we will have some outstanding works entered this year.”

Named for the late founder of Castleton Lyons who conceived the award in 2006 to reward literary excellence, the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award is presented annually to the author of the best book published about an aspect of Thoroughbred racing.

“This is a tribute to Dr. Ryan’s vision,” said Mark Simon, president of the Lexington-based publication company Thoroughbred Times. “This award is unique in racing in that it is the only one that recognizes authors of books. This is their Eclipse Award competition, so to speak.”

The deadline for submissions for the 2009 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award is December 31, 2009. The semi-finalists will be announced in February and the three finalists will be named in March.

The announcement of the winner of the 2009 Book Award will be made in April 2010. The winner also receives a crystal trophy. The runners-up will each receive a trophy and a check for $1,000.

Nominees for the Book Award can be in any category: fiction, non-fiction, handicapping, training, children’s, health care, photography, etc., as long as it pertains to an aspect dealing with Thoroughbreds. Judges selected by Thoroughbred Times will critique books on content, plus design, layout, and artwork, when relevant, to select the 2009 winner.

To submit nominees to the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, authors or publishing companies should send seven (7) copies of the book, along with the nomination form (available on the Thoroughbred Times website at: www.thoroughbredtimes.com), to: Book Award, Thoroughbred Times, 2008 Mercer Rd, Lexington, KY 40511. Entries must be received by December 31, 2009.

The 2008 Dr. Tony Ryan Award winner was Rudy Alvarado for The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita. The runners-up were Vic Zast, author of The History and Art of 25 Travers, and Dick Francis and Felix Francis, authors of Silks.

Past winners of Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award:
2008 — Rudy Alvarado, The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita.
2007 — T. D. Thornton, Not By A Long Shot: A Season at a Hard-Luck Horse Track.
2006 — Joe Drape, Black Maestro.

For more information, contact:
Mark Simon, President and Editor in Chief, Thoroughbred Times (859) 260-9800 or msimon@thoroughbredtimes.com

About Castleton Lyons:
Castleton Lyons, whose president is Shane Ryan, is a full-service Thoroughbred farm in Lexington that is situated on land with a distinguished history with horses dating back more than 200 years. The 1,200-acre farm stands the stallions Bernstein, Action This Day, and Toccet, and in 2009 campaigned one of the year’s best horses, homebred stakes winner Gio Ponti.

Castleton Lyons, 2469 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 455-9222

About Thoroughbred Times:
Thoroughbred Times Company publishes the THOROUGHBRED TIMES, a weekly newsmagazine for owners, breeders, trainers, and racing enthusiasts worldwide. Thoroughbred Times also publishes an annual Stallion Directory, the Buyer’s Guides for auctions, an annual Auction Review, the daily electronic newsletter THOROUGHBRED TIMES TODAY, and maintains a comprehensive website at http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com.

Thoroughbred Times, 2008 Mercer Rd., Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 260-9800

Finally, there’s a convenient way to practice show braiding skills at home

There are plenty of products equestrians can use to help braids look great and to go faster, but where are they going to develop the hand skills associated with show quality braiding? Many equestrians do not have their own horse or easy access to a barn, so they are limited in their options if they want to develop better hand skills.

Now, there’s a much easier way. Now, there's Mane-a-kins™.

Each kit contains a Mane-a-kin™, braiding elastics, colored ribbon, yarn, yarn needle, comb and detachable base.

Each Mane-a-kin™ is completely hand crafted with a mix of genuine and synthetic hair to replicate both the fullness and slippery nature of horse hair. The hand skills gained from using a Mane-a-kin™ are transferable to those needed to work on a live horse.

Mane-a-kins™ are perfect for:
• A teaching tool in large barns
• Equestrian Camps
• Braiding/Product Demo’s
• Holiday or birthday gifts
• Decor
• Young Adults, ages 15-20 to teach themselves
(Some learn to braid for income at shows)
• Adults, ages 30-40 who teach or show regularly
• Adults, ages 50 or above to give as gifts
• Tweens & Children, ages 6-15 as toys


Look for these and other exciting gifts and products on The Gifted Pony website! http://thegiftedpony.com , or contact Robin at rmorris@thegiftedpony.com .

DAVID YURMAN TO REIN IN 4R PERFORMANCE HORSES CELEBRITY SLIDE

Oklahoma City, OK – November 23, 2009 - On December 4th, internationally recognized American luxury jewelry and timepiece designer, David Yurman, will trade his precious gemstones and metals for spurs and chaps while he tries his skills in the sport of Reining. David will compete in the 4R Performance Horses Celebrity Slide in Oklahoma City benefitting Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma. He will join actor William Shatner, singer/songwriter Lyle Lovett, design show star Christi Proctor, and Tulsa Morning Anchor Kristin Dickerson as they compete in front of judges for the highest score. For the third consecutive year, the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) proudly brings this event to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show to benefit the worthy cause. David, along with the other celebrity Reiners, will be competing against some of the world’s greatest bull riding celebrities, including Cody Ford, JW Hart, Cody Lambert, Adriano Moraes and Mike Lee.

At the age of nine, David Yurman was first introduced to the world of horses by his father who would take him riding every Saturday until he was 17. It was a way for them to connect. For many years thereafter David did not have the opportunity to ride but in 1985, David was re-introduced to riding by a group of friends who now, after 25 years of riding together, refer to themselves as the “Kosmic Kowboys.” Included in the group are NRHA Professional, World Champion, and NRHA Judge John Rosi, and NRHA Non Pro competitors Bob Racich and Mike Hancock. It was John who introduced David to Reining, opening the door of horsemanship to him. Since then, David has competed in a variety of events including the Florida Reining Horse Association Make-A-Wish Celebrity Reining event held in Jacksonville, Florida.

The David Yurman brand was founded in 1980 by David and his wife, Sybil, and is inspired by creative exploration in the classic tradition. The brand stems from a coupling of David’s twenty-year background in sculpture and Sybil’s, a painter, natural inclination for marketing and inherent sensibility of color and art. Evan Yurman, David and Sybil’s son, joined the brand in 2004 and now oversees the company’s Mens, Timepiece, Bridal and High Jewelry collections. The brand offers a variety of collections, many of which were inspired by David’s passion for riding and horses including the Buckle, Thoroughbred and Belmont collections.

Both David and Sybil have always held a commitment to giving back. This unwavering dedication was formalized in 2001 with the establishment of The David and Sybil Yurman Humanitarian Foundation. David’s passion for horses and philanthropy has led to the brand’s support of many equine charities. Organizations including the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Palm Beach County, Florida and the Equicenter in Mendon, NY both of which provide individuals with mental and/or physical challenge the opportunity to enjoy horse therapy and recreation to enhance their lives. The physical activity involved in riding horses has proven to be a very effective tool for improving muscle stimulation, strength, coordination, flexibility, posture and balance. Additionally, the Yurman's have supported Bedford Riding Lanes Association that maintains and develops the historic system of trails and dirt roads in upstate New York used for trail riding.

Today, riding has become an essential part of David Yurman’s life whose career as an artist, designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist has been further enriched by his experience riding horses. Twice a week, David takes time out to ride with his ex-reining, now trail horse, Scooter. David Yurman lives and works in the New York City neighborhood of Tribeca with his wife Sybil and around the corner from his son, Evan, and his family.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND GET TICKETS
Tickets for the Celebrity Slide are $8 and can be purchased in advance at nrha.com. Avid fans who want a chance to meet their favorite celebrities “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.

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.

Watch FREE Missy Wryn’s Horse Training Clinic Highlights Video

Comprehensive and personable Missy’s Clinic Highlights video demonstrates her renowned alternative to round penning her Wholistic Joining along with Three Foundations for a Safer Horse and the quick and easy Five Fundamentals that Translate Under Saddle for a Safer Ride all the while developing and deepening an affectionate relationship between you and your horse. Instinct and relationship based, Missy’s Training the Whole Horse® methods and techniques are uniquely captured and highlighted during clinics and is now available for FREE viewing online as the Clinic Highlights video. Visit www.MissyWryn.com to watch FREE the Clinic Highlights video.

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. Specializing in problem and dangerous horses Missy has developed a unique approach to training horses and riding Iron Free (no bits- no spurs). Training the Whole Horse® is the foundation to Missy’s innovative and simpler approach to training your horse using effective communication that your horse will understand, honor and respect while having fun and being safer. Check Missy’s schedule for appearances and lectures in your area at www.MissyWryn.com or schedule an Intensive for you and your horse by calling 503-630-3744.

Missy Wryn is also CEO and founder of Natures Balance Care, LLC. Natures Balance Care is the manufacturer of organic approved (OMRI) flea, fly, tick & insect control plus skin care products for dogs, horses and organic livestock. Visit www.NaturesBalanceCare.com

DAN LIEBMAN RECEIVES THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY’S OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS AWARD

LEXINGTON, Ky. – November 23, 2009 –Blood-Horse Publications announces that Blood-Horse editor Dan Liebman received the University of Kentucky College of Communications Outstanding Alumnus Award on Friday, Nov. 20, during the 2009-2010 College Awards and Recognition Ceremony at the Hilary J. Boone Center on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. The annual award is presented to an outstanding alumnus of the University of Kentucky College of Communications and Information Studies and recognizes the recipient’s many contributions to the community.

The University of Kentucky College of Communications and Information Studies held its first College Recognition Ceremony and Awards Dinner in September 2000. The college awards program was designed to publicly recognize and honor the accomplishments of University of Kentucky faculty, staff, students, distinguished alumni and friends.

A Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in journalism, Liebman taught a class titled “Writing for the Equine Industry” in the journalism school. He has served on the school’s advisory board and sponsored the school’s annual Bid For Brains fund raiser. The Blood-Horse has hired two winners of the school’s Joe Hirsch Scholarship to work as editorial interns.

Liebman, 50, joined Blood-Horse Publications in 1993 as research director and became executive editor in 1998. Prior to joining Blood-Horse Publications, Liebman was the Midwest deputy editor for The Racing Times from 1991-1993, and was a columnist for the Kentucky bureau of Daily Racing Form from 1984-1991. He formerly served as a member of the Leadership Council for the American Diabetes Association, and a member of the Board of Trustees for Temple Adath Israel. He is a former officer of the National Turf Writers Association (NTWA). A resident of Frankfort, Ky., Liebman has four children, Jennie, Joe, David, and Ben.

About Blood-Horse Publications:
Blood-Horse Publications is a multimedia publishing company that traces its roots to 1916. Its flagship publication, The Blood-Horse, is the leading weekly Thoroughbred racing and breeding news and information magazine. In addition, Blood-Horse Publications also publishes the award-winning The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care, a monthly equine health care magazine; the official Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup World Championships souvenir magazines; and Keeneland magazine. 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 BloodHorse.com, TheHorse.com, StallionRegister.com, ExclusivelyEquine.com, the official store of Blood-Horse Publications, and TrueNicks.com.

Boehringer Ingelheim Introduces New Vetera West Nile Virus Vaccines

Novel vaccines for horses are designed with veterinarians in mind, combining cutting-edge safety, efficacy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (November 23, 2009) – Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), announces the introduction of its Vetera™ West Nile virus family of vaccines, the only vaccines containing the North American Equine E159™ 2005 horse isolate representative of the virus that is most likely to infect horses today. The Vetera family of vaccines includes protection against West Nile virus; Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis; and tetanus, in a variety of combinations.

Vetera vaccines provide protection against the most contemporary strain of West Nile virus currently circulating in the United States and are the only West Nile virus vaccines to use both the intrathecal challenge model and a heterologous challenge isolate to demonstrate a proven, high level of efficacy for licensure.

Dr. Rob Keene, BIVI equine professional services veterinarian, says the Vetera vaccines incorporate the contemporary West Nile horse isolate along with the Eastern, Western, Venezuelan and tetanus antigens, and use a cutting-edge patent-pending purification process to eliminate the majority of the extraneous proteins from the vaccine antigens. This allows for an optimal antigen load in a single 1 mL volume dose that’s more readily tolerated by the horse’s immune system.

“The Vetera West Nile virus vaccines incorporate the Carbimmune™ adjuvant, which has been proven safe and highly effective in amplifying a rapid and sustained immune response in vaccinated horses,” says Keene. “And the vaccine does not contain mercury-based preservatives. The combination of the novel purification process and adjuvant in the Vetera vaccines has shown to virtually eliminate site reactions and other negative systemic responses to vaccination.”

Keene adds that as part of the Vetera West Nile Virus Assurance Program, horses are protected against West Nile virus for one full year when the vaccines are administered by a licensed veterinarian according to label directions. This will provide peace of mind to veterinarians and horse owners that horses are protected against this deadly disease. “Vaccination is the foundation of every equine health program and we believe the veterinarian is central to that process. That’s why we sell our equine vaccines only to veterinarians. It’s in the best interests of the horse and horse owners to make sure their animals are examined and vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian.”

Vetera West Nile virus vaccines are killed-virus vaccines that do not need to be reconstituted for use. They are available alone as Vetera WNV or in combination as Vetera EWT+WNV and Vetera VEWT+WNV, packaged in 1 mL ready-to-use pre-filled syringes or in 10-dose color-coded vials.

For more information on Vetera West Nile virus vaccines, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica at 800-325-9167, or visit www.Vetera-Vaccines.com.

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

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 US $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.

For more information, please visit: www.bi-vetmedica.com.

Wuesthofen Completes the Saddle Seat “Triple Crown” at the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final

By Brian Sosby

In what many are describing as a historic event, the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Saddle Seat Medal Final came down to a workout of the top two riders—Faye Wuesthofen and Ellen Medley Wright—on exchanged horses. Add to that the fact the top two riders shared the same trainer, DeLovely’s Lillian Shively, and it was one for the record books. The arena erupted with excitement and anticipation of the workout of these two extraordinary riders and their horses. As one of the events held during the United Professional Horsemen’s Association American Royal National Championships in Kansas City, MO, it was a hard-fought battle for the medal. In the end, Wisconsin’s Faye Wuesthofen was crowned champion.

Wuesthofen rode Michelle Werry’s Kiss of the Zodiac (trained by Shively and DeLovely Farm) to the winner’s circle. Ellen Medley Wright aboard Soli Deo Glori (owned by Fish Creek Stables, LLC, and trained by Lillian Shively) was named the reserve champion.

One thing that makes this win particularly special is that with this win, Wuesthofen secured the “Saddle Seat Triple Crown,” which includes the National Horse Show Good Hands Final, UPHA Challenge Cup and the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final. She also won the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship at the 2009 Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show.

“It was so exciting, and I put so much work into trying to win the Triple Crown this year,” said Wuesthofen. “I was very excited when they said that we had to switch horses because I have spent my whole life riding all sorts of different horses. I knew that it was something that I could do very well. All of the competitors had excellent rail and pattern work. This has been a dream come true for me. And it has taught me that hard work pays off.”

Shively was in this same situation some 12 years ago as the trainer of the champion and reserve champion. She stated, “When they lined up, I knew it was too close to call. Both are outstanding horsewomen, and as the trainer of both of them I was so excited, overwhelmed and very proud to be in that position. These were wonderful horses and riders.”

Shively was also impressed by the response from the audience when the riders were called for the workout.
“There is a need for more excitement in this division,” said Shively. “These children have a passion for it, and if people could see what the children gain from it, it’s truly preparation for life. Being able to be a part of it made me want to do cartwheels.”

In addition, the Breyer Award was presented to 12-year-old Margaret McCool of Newburyport, MA. The prize, donated by Breyer Creations, is given to the youngest rider to compete in the competition.

The top 10 placings in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Finals were:

CH Faye Wuesthofen aboard Kiss of the Zodiac (owned by Michelle Werry)
RC Ellen Medley Wright aboard Soli Deo Glori (owned by Fish Creek Stables, LLC)
3 Angela Darrow aboard Tango Till Dawn (owned by Mara and Russ Darrow)
4 Belle Owen aboard Chanti’s Prayer (owned by Belle Owen)
5 Deanna Lanigan aboard Oh What A Feeling (owned by Margaret Lanigan)
6 Eleanor Watkins aboard Worthy Am I (owned by Samuel and Eleanor Watkins)
7 Nick Maupin aboard Coco Mojo (owned by Melissa and Nick Maupin)
8 Rachel Machamer aboard All About Charm (owned by Rachel Machamer)
9 Sarah Lawson aboard Feng Shui (owned by James Williams)
10 Cori O’Brien aboard Steel’n A Dream (owned by G.P. Rom, LLC)

For more information about the Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

Brian Sosby

Kentucky Horse Park Announces Cost, Energy Savings Projects

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 23, 2009) - Today, with the help of First Lady Jane Beshear and executive cabinet members, the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) announced plans for several new permanent greening initiatives that will be ready by the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, being held at the park Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010.

The park has been approved for a combination of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds and low-interest loans, totaling nearly $5.7 million that will be repaid by the cost savings in energy and maintenance resulting from the projects.

"By taking these aggressive efficiency measures, the Kentucky Horse Park is demonstrating the value of energy conservation and how it has a positive impact on our environment now and in the future," said Mrs. Beshear. "As a World Equestrian Games (WEG) board member and as a Kentuckian, I am confident that when our international guests arrive for the Games, they will be impressed with our world class facility in the Kentucky Horse Park."

She added, "I am a firm believer in leading by example, and over the last couple of years, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has made great strides to make state-owned facilities more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly."

The energy conversation measures range from renewable energy solutions to innovative and traditional Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) and cost savings. Once the cost of the design, installation and maintenance of the energy conversation measures are paid, all further savings will generate revenue for the park indefinitely.

"It is imperative that we protect and improve the integrity of our land, water and air, which have had fundamental roles in making Kentucky the Horse Capital of the World," said John Nicholson, executive director of KHP. "I'm very proud that the Kentucky Horse Park will be a flagship in the movement toward better stewardship of these treasures, while operating the park more efficiently. In addition to being the right thing to do at this time, the progressive measures we're taking now will benefit the people, animals and environment of our great commonwealth for many years to come."

The park secured funding from two sources: an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) and an ARRA grant, administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority's Clean Water State Revolving Fund. The $1.95 million ARRA award will be structured as 50 percent low interest and 50 percent principal forgiveness loans.

An ESPC is an agreement between a state government facility and an Energy Services Company (ESCO) in which energy-efficiency improvement projects are financed through the savings these projects are guaranteed to produce. The ESCO for this project is Ameresco Inc., the largest independent energy services provider in North America. Ameresco has an office in Louisville.

Kentucky's Energy and Environment receives the federal funding for the ESPC program, which is administered by the Finance and Administration Cabinet.

"ESPC's are a great resource for government buildings to conserve energy and money through facility improvements and upgrades that will pay for themselves and eventually earn revenue," said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet. "Energy reduction measures that may seem futuristic to us now will become more routine in daily life and in new construction as we learn more ways to reduce our carbon footprint."

An extensive inflow and infiltration project at KHP will benefit the park and also the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) sewer district. The existing antiquated KHP sanitary sewer system has historically been impacted by the infiltration and inflow when it rains. This has caused the sewer bills to rise for this facility disproportionally when compared to the potable water consumption.

This ESPC project includes repair of the sanitary sewer manholes and repair or replacement of the sewer piping, resulting in an approximate $149,000 annual savings on the sewer bill. Preventing the infiltration of rain water into the system will eliminate approximately 26 million gallons of waste water from going to the LFUCG sewer plant for treatment.

Another project that will provide multiple cost-saving benefits to the park is the Energy From Waste facility, funded by the ARRA award. It will use a biomass gasification process for the disposal of horse manure. In the gasification process, horse manure will be gasified to produce so called ´producer gas´ for electricity generation.

Based on historic and projected muck generation at the park, there is an opportunity to produce approximately 1.6 Megawatts of electricity annually from KHP's muck production. This will offset the park's electrical needs, reducing the annual cost for electricity by approximately $84,000. It will also eliminate the cost of much disposal, saving the park $133,899 annually. The Energy from Waste facility will produce less greenhouse gases than the continued transport of muck to a landfill.

The total estimated annual cost savings for all of the efficiency measure announced today will be $582,000.

Additional greening initiatives:
• Solar tracking skylights- The installation of 44 solar skylight tracking systems at the park's existing covered arena. Solar Tracking Skylights consist of highly reflective mirror panels within a clear plastic enclosure, which move continuously to follow the sun's position in the sky, eliminating the need for electric lighting of the arena during daylight hours.
• Upgrade to existing swimming pool- Ameresco will install one Dolphin Ozonate Pool Purification System for the Campground's 160,000 gallon swimming pool. The Dolphin Ozonate Pool Purification System will keep the swimming pool clean and save over 90 percent on chemical costs and 50 percent on pump running cost. The system does not use salt or produce any corrosive chemicals or agents.
• Solar powered trash compactor- KHP's trash removal charges are based on volume and the frequency of pick up. A new Marathon Solar Powered VIP trash compactor will be installed to reduce the volume of waste by a fourth and generate electrical power through a solar panel.
• Solar domestic water- The installation of two solar domestic water heating systems will be installed at the campground bathhouses. The systems will provide warm water without the use of electricity.

QuitKick’s revolutionary anti-kicking device launches in the USA, making troublesome stall door kicking a thing of the past

Following successful trials and sales in the UK and Europe, QuitKick is now available in the USA

Louisville, KY, 23rd November 2009 – QuitKick USA, a newly-formed manufacturer of equine products, announces the launch of its anti-kicking devices for the US market.

Kicking doors is one of the most widespread problems associated with stalled horses – it is an annoying, dangerous and potentially fatal habit that has been around since horses were first domesticated.

The launch of QuitKick gives American horse owners the ability to tackle this destructive and harmful behavior through the use of this revolutionary device.

In trials, QuitKick has proven to be a totally effective, humane and reliable method for stopping horses kicking their doors. QuitKick is a negative enforcement device attached to the front of stall doors that trains horses to stop kicking through the use of controlled, harmless water jets. It has proved to have no detrimental effect on the relationship between a horse and its owner, giving owners peace of mind, lower veterinary and farrier bills and creating a more peaceful stable atmosphere.

QuitKick has been developed in the United Kingdom by Owen Evans, a former steeplechase jockey. A lifelong horseman, Evans was well aware of the damage, injury and nuisance created by stall door kicking, and developed QuitKick specifically to tackle the problem.

Speaking about the launch of the device in the US, Evans said: “We have trialed the device on approximately 200 horses in the UK that were problem kickers – we now have 200 horses that no longer kick their stall doors. The device has been totally effective and in certain cases horses that were lifelong kickers have stopped the habit within hours.”

QuitKick USA Managing Director Andrew Dewson added: “The response to QuitKick from retailers and horse owners has been overwhelmingly positive. I am certain that American horse owners will want to find out more about this unique device. If you are one of the many horse owners whose horses suffer from this dangerous habit, QuitKick will effectively and humanely put a stop to it.”

QuitKick will be available after the August trade show directly through the website www.quitkickusa.com or regionally through selected agents and tack shops.

For further information and images please contact Andrew Dewson, Managing Director, QuitKick USA: andrew@quitkickusa.com (502) 2908269

Sugar Run Farm Offers Unique Training Program for Horses and Riders

Plain City, OH - November 23, 2009 - Sugar Run Farm, a full service hunter/jumper facility located in Plain City, offers a unique training program for horses and riders, focusing on the philosophy that a "happy" horse is a successful horse. Owner and head trainer Jennifer Nadalin, with the help of her partner, Chris Eadline, developed this successful program that has led to many great achievements in the show ring.

At Sugar Run Farm, close attention is paid to each horse's heath, fitness, and rideability. Nadalin believes it is important that both the horse and rider are having fun, while paying close attention to detail so that the pair can be successful. She understands that each rider has a unique set of goals to achieve, and believes that by focusing on fundamentals and details they can quickly achieve these goals while enjoying the journey.

The excellent training program at Sugar Run Farm allows riders to successfully compete at the top horse shows across the country. Nadalin recently traveled to Brownland Autum Classic in Nashville, Tennessee to compete. There she rode Cornelius and Lazzara in the Regular Working Hunter division, earning the championship tricolor aboard Cornelius and the reserve championship honors with Lazzara.

Sugar Run Farm is a 25-acre facility located just west of Columbus, Ohio, which features a 14-stall main barn, as well as a separate 8-stall pony barn. Nadalin trains riders from the short-stirrup level all the way through the grand prix level, and Sugar Run Farm offers amenities for all levels of riders. There is an indoor ring, three outdoor rings, a grand prix field, and a riding area for beginners attached to the pony barn. Sugar Run Farm offers many horses for sale and lease that their riders can consider. For older horses there is a retirement barn that offers ample turnout, taking care of the horses that took care of their riders.

Nadalin has over 35 years of experience as a rider, and began catch riding and training during her junior years. Over the years Nadalin has worked with top trainers such as Geroge Morris, Ann Kursenski, Andre Dignelli, and Judy Richter. She has sold several top hunters and jumpers during her career, and has won numerous awards and championships all over the country. In addition to her coaching duties, Nadalin rides a variety of training and sales mounts, from ponies to grand prix horses.

Eadline is the co-owner of Sugar Run Farm and also assists with coaching students at the farm and at shows. She has been in the equestrian industry for over 30 years as well, and was the hunt seat coach and instructor at Otterbein College. She had the opportunity to take students to national finals and acted as a regional president of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Eadline has worked and traveled abroad with top riders Leslie Howard and Anne Kursinski, as well as former USEF president Jane Clark. She currently runs the beginner rider and pony program at Sugar Run Farm, which has several wonderful starter ponies available to ride and show.

Sugar Run Farm is pleased to announce the addition of Alex Shokat as the new assistant trainer. Shokat grew up in Clearwater, Florida, riding with Paddy Downing, and graduated from the University of Florida in 2004. He has successfully competed at horse shows across the country, including the Winter Equestrian Festival, Devon, and the USEF Pony Finals. Shokat is looking forward to using his skill and experience to help students reach their goals.

This winter Sugar Run Farm will be traveling to Gulfport, Mississippi to compete during the Gulf Coast Winter Classics. Throughout the winter there will always be a trainer in Ohio to assist clients who do not travel south.

For more information about Sugar Run Farm please visit www.sugarrunfarm.com.

Online Charity Auction Benefiting Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility Continues.

The Second Couture ‘Kentucky Derby Hat’ Goes On the Block December 1.

GEORGETOWN, KY–NOVEMBER 23, 2009–“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online charity auction produced by Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Central Kentucky, and custom millinery Maggie Mae Designs®, continues on December 1st with another stunning handcrafted ‘Kentucky Derby Hat’ hitting the block.

On December 1st, 2009 Old Friends will open bidding on “The Commentator,” a beautiful chapeau honoring the two-time Whitney Handicap-winning star recently donated to Old Friends by owners Tracy and Carol Farmer. Bidding will be conducted for 10 days only on the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

The hat can be viewed now by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

This is the second of six unique creations by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® that will be auctioned. Each of the six Steinmann pieces will be inspired by one of the pensioned racehorses at Old Friends’s Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, KY.

“Hats off to the Horses” will offer a new creation for bid each month, with all of the high-fashion action leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports. Ms Steinmann is donating each hat, and 100 percent of the online proceeds will go to Old Friends, the 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

This unparalleled online shopping experience began on November 1st with “The Black Tie Affair,” a hat commemorating the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and 1991 Horse of the Year. The Black Tie Affair was auctioned for over $700 to winning bidder Mr. Bruce Dutton of Alabama.

“After choosing Black Tie Affair to launch “Hats Off to the Horses,” I went over and over and over in my mind about which horse to choose for the next hat,” said Steinmann. “I wanted this selection to feel as right as it did for Black Tie Affair.

“Then, I heard the news of Commentator’s arrival. And suddenly there were no more questions–only this surge of creative ideas for the next hat.”

Campaigned for six seasons by the Farmers and Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito, Commentator ended his career in August 2009 having won 14 of 24 starts and a bankroll of well over $2 million. In addition to double victories in the GR 1Whitney at Saratoga, he captured the GR 2 Richter Scale and the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap, which he won by a remarkable 14 lengths.

The 8-year-old gelding arrived at Old Friends on Oct. 4.

This elegant new design stunningly reflects the qualities of the athlete. To symbolize Commentator’s chestnut coat, Steinmann chose a rich cinnamon dupioni silk as her base. To convey his muscular build, she added a sturdy, upturned brim that is a dramatic 22 inches across.

This beautiful hat is adorned with what Steinmann calls her exclusive ‘Dozen Roses’ design: Twelve hand-rolled red silk organza and chiffon rose curls nestled into a soft bed of black silk organza leaves. Wispy red tulle sprays accent the luscious bouquet and add a touch of ‘Derby’ magic.

Trims of black silk with white rhinestone diamonds add the finishing touch and reflect the colors and design of the Farmer’s racing silks.

Similar custom-crafted hats have sold for over $1,000.

The Commentator will be up for bidding beginning Dec. 1; the auction will last 10 days. To view the hat and to read more about Maggie Mae Designs® go to www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

Steinmann has been making hats for Derby and many other racing events since 1998. Her designs were seen in the winner’s circle in 2008 when Big Brown captured the Run for the Roses. Her life-long love affair with horses has inspired her to create this matchless collection of Derby Hats to benefit Old Friends.

“For me, it's such a privilege to be creating these hats for these athletes,” Steinmann said, “but it's also been hard to select just one at a time from the glorious array of choices at Old Friends.”

The third hat in the series will be available January 1st, but Steinmann declines to say which horse will be so honored. “I think I need to approach each month of our auction this way,” said Steinmann, “let things happen as they will and let the horses speak to me. I've always been such a believer that if you put your passion and your heart first, you will find your way.”

To bid, go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and click the appropriate link.Each new hat will be made available on the first day of the month through April 2010.

Free Shipping for Veterinarian-Formulated MeliHeal All Purpose Healing Salve™

Give the gift of horse health this holiday season

Nov. 24, 2009 -- MeliHeal All Purpose Healing Salve™ has officially kicked off the holiday shopping season by giving customers the gift of free shipping for any online order at www.MeliHeal.com through Dec. 31.

This free shipping offer comes just in time for horse owners searching for the perfect gift for fellow riders or barn friends. From skin infections and allergic reactions to serious wounds and thrush, MeliHeal is a must-have for any horse owner’s first-aid kit. One of the most valuable gifts you can give any equestrian this holiday season is peace of mind, and the assurance that when certain emergencies and conditions arise, they’ll be prepared.

MeliHeal is particularly effective against common injuries and conditions that afflict horses during the fall and winter months, including:
• Rain rot (“rain scald”), one of the most common skin infections seen in horses, particularly in periods of wet, cloudy weather during fall or a mild winter

• Highly contagious fungal infection ringworm, also common during the winter months, when animals are stabled

• The scrapes and scratches that go hand-in-hand with wintry conditions

• Frostbite, which can cause tissue loss and scarring

“When I acquired my foal as a rescue, she was three weeks old. Both of her ears had been frostbitten and were quite sore. Applying MeliHeal once every evening encouraged the ears to heal and hair to grow back. Now, five months later, her ears are completely healed and there are no scars,” says Kim Myers of Frederick County, VA.

MeliHeal is made up of three primary ingredients—natural lanolin, honey and a proprietary blend of essential oils. Used since ancient times to treat open wounds, honey (“Meli” in Greek) is a natural anti-bacterial. The lanolin softens tissue, keeping it supple and moist to promote healthy healing, and is important for the re-growth of hair. The essential oils increase circulation to the wound, reduce swelling and contain vitamin E, vital in promoting healthy tissue re-growth—not brittle scar tissue or “proud flesh.”

To take advantage of the holiday offer, enter the coupon code “HOL” during checkout at www.MeliHeal.com and get free Priority Mail shipping to any address in the U.S.

About the MeliHeal Inventor
Cheryl L. Detamore, DVM, has practiced equine medicine for over 10 years, including a stint specializing in Thoroughbred horses in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country. A graduate of the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Detamore now practices in Virginia and West Virginia. She has written about equine health for Western Horseman magazine.

ROLEX FEI WORLD CUP™ JUMPING 2009/2010

Stuttgart (GER), 22 November 2009

LUDGER SHINES IN STUTTGART
Ludger Beerbaum kept the home crowd very happy indeed when racing to victory in the fifth leg of the 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series in Stuttgart, Germany this afternoon. Riding the eight year old Gotha he grabbed the advantage with a determined run in the nine-horse jump-off and withstood a fierce challenge from the on-form Frenchman Michel Robert who had to settle for runner-up spot with Kellemoi de Pepita. Today's glittering line-up also included Alltech FEI European individual silver medallists Carsten-Otto Nagel and Corradina who took third for Germany ahead of Olympic silver medallist Rolf-Goran Bengtsson from Sweden in fourth and reigning individual European Champion, Kevin Staut, in fifth.

This result now moves Beerbaum into fourth position on the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping leaderboard which continues to be led by Switzerland's Daniel Etter.

DEMANDING
There was no place to hide on Uliano Vezzani's demanding 12-fence track. By the half-way point of the first round a pole had been dislodged from almost every obstacle on the course, but in the latter stages it was the triple combination - vertical to a double of oxers - that claimed the largest number of victims. Three riders retired - Thomas Velin (Den) when Grim St Clair had three consecutive fences down, Steve Guerdat (Sui) when Tresor hit all three elements of the treble and Gianni Govoni (Ita) when Joyau d'Opal refused at the third, an oxer with water-tray. Unluckiest of all were Finland's Mikael Forsten (Isaac du Jonquet), Spain's Sergio Alvarez Moya (Wisconsin) and Holland's Albert Zoer (Sam), who were clear to the very last fence only to leave that on the floor.

There were nine into the jump-off, and with four representing the host country a German victory seemed very much on the cards. However Michel Robert and Kellemoi de Pepita have been on fire over the last couple of weeks, winning the Global Champions Tour Final in Doha eight days ago and then helping to secure a French rout in the German Masters at Stuttgart yesterday when second behind winning fellow-countryman Patrice Deleveau with Katchina Mail. And anyone who thought the French partnership's chances might have been compromised by that hectic schedule were about to be proven very wrong...

SET THE STANDARD
Germany's Philipp Weishaupt was first to go against the clock with Catoki who set the standard with four faults in 39.98 seconds, the penultimate oxer hitting the dirt, and when team-mate Christian Ahlmann's nine year old Taloubet Z had two down the result was still wide open. Third into the ring was America's Lauren Hough and, as usual, the 32 year old Californian meant business with Quick Study who, however, returned with four faults in 40.25 seconds after clipping the first element of the double - formerly the treble - at the half-way point on the track.

Carsten-Otto Nagel and Corradina then showed the qualities that earned them that coveted silver medal in Windsor this summer with a copybook clear to re-set the target at 39.19 seconds and while Bengtsson was equally stylish he was a little more cautious when slotting temporarily into runner-up spot with a fault-free ride from Casall la Silla in 41.13. Beerbaum's Gotha was like a guided missile however, shaving almost a second off Nagel's target to take the lead and although Staut was clear he could only steer his championship-winning partner Kraque Boom Bois Margot into fourth place at this point. He remained there when Switzerland's Pius Schwizer and Carlina were fractionally slower through the finish after dislodging the first element of the double but last man in, Staut's compatriot Robert, would demote him to fifth.

AUTHORITY
When it comes to horsemen, there are few to match the skill of this French rider who has long been an authority on the art of equitation. And today he gave another lesson in just how it should be done although, despite his best efforts, he had to stand in Beerbaum's shadow when his fast round in 39.09 seconds was still almost three-quarters of a second shy of the winning time. Robert will celebrate his 61st birthday next month and as he continues to wrestle with the best of them he commented this afternoon "I think I'm getting faster as I'm getting older!".

But the man of the moment was 46 year old Beerbaum who, 16 years ago, secured the World Cup title with the great Ratina Z at Gothenburg. The multiple champion was delighted, although not entirely surprised, about the result achieved with his talented young mare today. "Gotha has a lot of experience for her age, she's done a few Grand Prix classes but this is another step up for her and I'm really pleased with the win. She's very consistent" he said. Commenting on the course he pointed out that "the course designer did a good job because this was a world-class field and he managed to create a track which brought faults everywhere - not just at one fence". He plans to give Gotha a rest now - "she's finished for the season and may start again in Leipzig (21-24 January 2010) but I haven't finally decided yet what she will do next" he explained.

The 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series now moves on to Olympia in London in four weeks time.

Result:
1, Gotha (Ludger Beerbaum) Ger 0/0 38.25; 2, Kellemoi de Pepita (Michel Robert) Fra 0/0 39.09; 3, Corradina (Carsten-Otto Nagel) Ger 0/0 39.19; 4, Casall la Silla (Rolf-Goran Bengtsson) Swe 0/0 41.13; 5, Kraque Boom Bois Margot (Kevin Staut) Fra 0/0 41.90; 6, Catoki (Philipp Weishaupt) Ger 0/4 39.98; 7, Quick Study (Lauren Hough) USA 0/4 42.28; 8, Carlina (Pius Schwizer) Sui 0/4 42.28; 9, Taloubet Z (C Ahlmann) Ger 0/8 40.55; 10, Sam (Albert Zoer) Ned 4 flts 68.40. Full result at http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/450/450zeitplanDEU.htm?style=hippo

Standings after 5th leg in Stuttgart:
1. Daniel Etter - 40
2. Eric van der Vleuten - 37
3. Pius Schwizer - 36
4. Ludger Beerbaum - 34
5. Marco Kutscher - 34
6. Rodrigo Pessoa - 33 (pending additional calculations)
7. Marcus Ehning - 31
8. Kevin Staut - 30
9. Patrice Deleveau - 29
10. Philipp Weishaupt - 29
11. Natale Chiaudani - 27
12. Albert Zoer - 25
13. Daniel Deusser - 22
14. Beat Mandli - 21
15. Michael Whitaker - 20
16. Gilbert Bockmann, Michel Robert - 17
18. Ben Maher, Carsten-Otto Nagel - 16
20. Edwina Alexander - 15.

Facts and Figures:
This was the 25th anniversary Stuttgart German Masters
Course designer was Uliano Vezzani
A total of 60,000 spectators attended this major German fixture
7,500 spectators watched the fifth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series
Youngest horses competing today - both 8 year olds, Ludger Beerbaum's Gotha (Ger) and Pius Schwizer's Carlina (Sui)
Oldest horse competing today - Sandro Boy ridden by World No. 1 Marcus Ehning (Ger).
This was the fifth of 13 qualifying legs in the 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping season.
The next leg takes place at Olympia in London 15-21 December.
A total of 15 riders completed with four faults.
Three retired - Thomas Velin (Den) when Grim St Clair had three consecutive fences down, Steve Guerdat (Sui) when Tresor hit all three elements of the triple combination and Gianni Govoni (Ita) when Joyau d'Opal refused at fence three, the oxer with water-tray.

Quotes:
Winning rider Michel Robert (Fra) - "I think I'm getting faster as I'm getting older!".

Sweden's Rolf-Goran Bengtsson who finished fourth with Casall La Silla - "my horse is in the first season at this level so I'm very happy with the result today. Oslo was our first Grand Prix together and we won there".

Website: www.stuttgartgermanmasters.de

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR WESTERN EUROPEAN LEAGUE: 1, Oslo (Norway) 9-11 October; 2, Helsinki (Finland) 15-18 October; 3, Lyon (FRA) 28 Oct-1 November; 4, Verona (Italy) 5-8 November; 5, Stuttgart (Germany) 15-21 November; 6, London-Olympia (Great Britain) 15-21 December; 7, Mechelen (Belgium) 26-30 December; 8, Leipzig (Germany) 21-24 January; 9, Zurich (SUI) 28-31 January; 10, Bordeaux (France) 5-7 February; 11, Vigo (Spain) 11-14 February; 12, Gothenburg (Sweden) 25-28 February; 13, s'Hertogenbosch (The Netherlands) 25-28 March; FINAL - Geneva (Switzerland) 14-18 April.

Special Bulletin: Win a Brand New Dodge Truck!

Win a truck at the National Finals Rodeo and help the horse problem!

The wheels have been turning folks! A couple weeks ago a fund raising idea transpired and it has become a reality. The United Horsemen's Front, (our 501(c)(3) nonprofit), is raffling off a truck at the National Finals Rodeo in two weeks!

Thanks to Chapman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Las Vegas, a 2009 Dodge 4WD 2500SLT Short Bed pickup will be at the rodeo.


See it for yourself during the NFR!
The truck will be on display at Michael Gaughan's South Point Casino.

A group of us plan to be there to help promote the raffle and our mission. No more than 2,000 tickets will be sold. At $100 per raffle ticket, we should be able to raise some substantial funds. The United Horsemen's Front has already seen a great response. In fact, people who will not be attending the NFR have been contacting us to purchase tickets.

Click here to view the pickup and ticket purchase form on their website.

Please help us promote the raffle or fill out a ticket purchase form to get your own chance to win the truck and help our cause.

Sign Up Today!
Become a Founding Member and Actively Participate in Your Future!
http://www.UnitedOrgsoftheHorse.org

FEI WORLD CUP™ DRIVING REPORT

Stuttgart - 21-11-2009

"Mr. XL" simply the best in Stuttgart
Boyd Exell from Australia is the new German Master in Stuttgart. The Great Britain based Australian four-in-hand driver was simply the best at the second competition of the 2009/2010 FEI World CupTM Driving season in the Schlelyer Halle. Dutch drivers Koos de Ronde and IJsbrand Chardon tried their best but were unable to prevent Exell from having an impressive win.

Taking the level up
After two amazing victories in Hannover and Stuttgart, title defender Boyd Exell seems virtually untouchable. Dutch national champion of 2008 Koos de Ronde is momentarily the only driver who has a chance to get close to Exell. Both drivers are taking the current level of the FEI World Cup? Driving up and are opening the gap between them and their fellow competitors. In Stuttgart, Exell and De Ronde were by far the drivers with the steadiest horses, which allowed them to drive full speed throughout the course. Their teams go fluently through the course and while watching their performance you only realize their speed when they pass the finish line in an amazing time.

Fantastic atmosphere
The atmosphere in the Schleyer Halle was fantastic with the many enthusiastic spectators cheering the competitors while they were supported by very good music in a theme that fitted their turnout.

Arrow shaped obstacle
German course designer Falk Böhnisch, who was responsible for the driving courses in Stuttgart for the 17th time, had designed something special for the 25th anniversary of the Stuttgart German Masters. The 65-year-old driving specialist in heart and soul designed one of the marathon obstacles in the shape of an arrow, which allowed the competitors to drive even faster. The second marathon obstacle had a more technical design and demanded the drivers to slow down and to drive more precisely.

Freund as coach
Michael Freund, multiple winner of the Stuttgart German Masters, coached one of the former students of his ‘Perspektivgruppe’ Michael Brauchle, who started with a wild card. The 19-year-old amateur, who is in his third year of his metalworker education, recently passed his lorry driver’s license. Brauchle was pleased to compete in Stuttgart but did not have time to train his horses properly because he has given his education his highest priority at the moment. Brauchle became sixth, behind Theo Timmerman from the Netherlands in fifth place and 2008 German Master Jozsef Dobrovitz in fourth position.

Six-in-Hand
The FEI World Cup Driving in Stuttgart was not the only driving show in the Schleyer Halle. Between the show jumping and dressage classes, the spectators were treated to a spectacular show of four six-in-hands of grey horses. World Cup drivers Daniel Würgler from Switzerland, Jozsef Dobrovitz from Hungary and Mark Osztertag, Dobrovitz’ cousin who is an international pair driver, and Wurgler’s compatriot Martin Wagner, performed with a mix of grey Kladruber, Lipizzaner, Lusitano, Polish and Andalusian horses. Spectacular fireworks on the carriages formed a beautiful Grande Finale of this wonderful show. Jozsef Dobrovitz brought no les than 16 horses to Stuttgart for this occasion (12 for the two six-in-hands of himself and Osztertag and 4 for the World Cup competitions).

Quotes
Boyd Exell (Aus): “The key to my success really is that I have experienced and careful horses. With the new experienced horse Spitfire, which I bought from German four-in-hand driver Max Dangel and Bill, the former horse of Christoph Sandmann and Michael Freund, I have a perfect set of leader horses. My wheelers however are the real heroes of my team, they are even more careful and powerful.”

“My horses need to be worked well before I start the competition, the more tired they are, the better they go. And when I don’t push them and just let them run, they open their strides out and go even faster. I also owe this victory to my groom Michelle, who saved my bacon when I wanted to go the wrong way in the course. We form a very good team.”

Koos de Ronde (Ned): “I changed one leader horse after Hannover and it was his first big event this season. Although the first round did not go exactly the way I wanted, I am happy with my result. My goal was to qualify for the winning round. It was a shame I had one knock down, but Boyd was too far in the lead anyway to be able to beat him. I will keep on chasing him however!”

IJsbrand Chardon (Ned): “My horses currently lack the speed that is necessary to ensure a high placing. They already went better in the World Cup competition. They still need some fine tuning, but I notice that they are getting better every time. The current level of the World Cup Driving is extremely high and I need to train even more to stay at the top. I was happy several years ago that multiple World Cup Champion Michael Freund retired from driving, but now I got Boyd Exell in return to give me a hard time,” said a smiling Chardon.

Results CAI-W Stuttgart:
1. Boyd Exell (Aus) 213,88
2. Koos de Ronde (Ned) 227,97
3. IJsbrand Chardon (Ned) 231,22
4. Jozsef Dobrovitz (Hun) 128,40
5. Theo Timmerman (Ned) 129,82
6. Michael Brauchle (Ger) 134,10

Classification after 2 of 7 events:
Place Driver NF Total
1 Boyd EXELL AUS 20
2 Koos DE RONDE NED 14
3 IJsbrand CHARDON NED 8
4 Tomas ERIKSSON SWE 5
4 Jozsef DOBROVITZ HUN 5
6 Theo TIMMERMAN NED 2


More information: www.feiworldcup.org

All Country Tack ‘n More Grand Opening Weekend!!

On Dec 4th All Country Tack ‘n More is having their Grand Opening Event with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the afternoon hosted by the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce and Open House and invite everyone to come down and see what’s new in Arlington. On Saturday Dec 5th in celebration of the Holidays and Grand Opening, bring the family and do something different for family holiday photos this year. Take a step back into time and dress up and have your Holiday Old Fashion Western Photos taken in the store from 10am to 5pm. You can also come and enjoy the Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade at 12 noon and covered wagon rides through town from 1-5 followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Who knows, it may be the start of a tradition in Arlington and with All Country Tack ‘n More!

All Country Tack ‘n More is locally owned and operated and specializes in quality, affordable used tack, clothing and gifts for the equine lovers community. The store opened in August 21st 2009 because of the need for a tack store in the Snohomish county area.

“We realized there was a need for this type of store in this economy as we had rescued a Thoroughbred named JJ early spring of 2009 and needed to buy affordable tack for him. Unfortunately JJ passed away on November 1st 2009 but his memory will live on forever in the store, as he is the reason we opened the store and have dedicated it to him. Since we have opened, the store has been a fabulous success and has helped a lot of people in the equine community and it’s all because of you all! Thank you and keep the consignments coming and together we can help lots of horses and their families!!” -- Jessica Krogstadt & Mark Cline/Owners

New from The Trail of Painted Ponies

Painted Ponies Merchandise
*“Dashing Through the Snow” Holiday CD
Wholesale cost: $4.99
Suggested Retail: $9.99

This is simply the most beautiful Holiday CD we have ever heard! Pianist Michael John Hall captures the magic of Christmas and makes Holiday Classics such as “Dashing Through the Snow,” “Christmas Time is Here,” and “Silent Night” sparkle with his soft piano style.

*“Dashing Through the Snow” Holiday Candles
Suggested Retail: $15.

“Dashing Through the Snow” Candles feature the custom blended scent of Cinnamon and Vanilla. These handcrafted candles will light up the Holidays and they are perfect for Holiday gift-giving.

*The Trail of Painted Ponies Books
From Fine Art to Collectibles/Anniversary Edition
Suggested Retail: $19.95

The Anniversary Edition Book tells the amazing story of how the Painted Ponies began as a successful public art project that has evolved into one of the most beloved collectibles in America. Stunning historic photographs of the first horse painters, the Native Americans, puts this tradition in a historic context. Prized by collectors.

*The Trail of Painted Ponies Charity Wrist Bands
Suggested Retail: $2.00

Feature Painted Ponies Charity Wrist Bands in your store this Holiday Season and donate the profits to the local non-profit organization of your choice. Support your community this Holiday Season and they will Special Events

*Painted Ponies Holiday Parties
Become a “Retail Super Star.” Host Painted Ponies Holiday Parties in your store and partner with the local non-profit of your choice. Donate a portion of the proceeds to your non-profit partner and The Trail will match your donation.* Support your community this Holiday Season and they will support you! We look forward to working with you to increase sales this Holiday Season.

As we approach the New Year, we are overjoyed to be working with Enesco to create the finest collectibles and gifts in the world from The Trail of Painted Ponies.

Keep in touch with The Trail this Holiday Season...
To order The Trail of Painted Ponies Merchandise and to learn more about
Painted Ponies Holiday Parties, please:
Phone Toll Free 1 877 459-5700
Email: info@trailofpaintedponies.com
Visit: www.paintedponiesretailers.com
Happy Holidays, Happy Trails
The Trail of Painted Ponies, Inc.

USDF Announces 2009 Youth Volunteer of the Year

Lexington, KY (November 20, 2009) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Kariel Swanfeldt of Ayer, MA, has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by The Paddock Saddlery and sponsored by the USDF Youth Executive Board. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed on a national and local basis to USDF and dressage.

As the recipient of this award, Kariel’s name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy, housed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, which was donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray. Kariel will also receive a $500 scholarship provided from funds raised through the Youth Executive Board Silent Auction, held annually at the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention, and a $250 gift certificate donated by The Paddock Saddlery.

In 2008-2009, Kariel volunteered over 200 hours at numerous events, including the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) Fall Festival, the NEDA Year End Awards Committee, The Equine Affaire, the NEDA Spring Dressage Show and several NEDA symposiums. Sue McKeown, on behalf of the NEDA board, nominated Kariel for the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, based on her phenomenal “work ethic and sense of duty.” Kariel has been a great asset to NEDA and a role model to her peers, and as Sue explains, “The type of work that she volunteers for is not necessarily the face in front of the crowd, or the job that will get her noticed by the clinician; however, it is critical work that needs to be done and Kariel performs it consistently with a pleasant personality and a willing heart to help.”

For more information about the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award or the USDF Youth Executive Board Silent Auction, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at youth@usdf.org.

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

Dressage News Network (DNN) - Online and On Time

Announcing Dressage News Network (DNN) - an innovative online news channel dedicated to covering the world of international dressage. The first episode aired on November 19, 2009 and featured reports on the Global Dressage Forum, the Dressage Task Force including exclusive video interviews with Robert Dover, Steffen Peters, Hubertus Schmidt and Ashley Holzer, to name a few. A new episode of the magazine-styled news show will air once a month and remain online until the release of the next segment. In conjunction with each episode, a realtime stream of breaking news headlines, FEI rider standings, as well as upcoming events will be available 24/7 on the front page.

DNN has positioned professional equine journalists around the world to contribute to this exciting venture. Although there is a definitive international flair to the coverage, both local and regional events will also be covered.

"Our goal is to provide a centralized source for accurate, first-hand reports on the pressing topics facing the dressage world," says News Editor, CeCe Maddlone. "DNN aims to provide riders and enthusiasts with an unbiased, trusted and balanced perspective on all things dressage."

DNN will be offering commercial airtime to selected advertisers. The ads will reach an established network while benefitting from ongoing exposure one month at a time.

http://www.dressagenewsnetwork.com/

Sheryl Crow Asks President Obama & Secretary Salazar to Stop the Assault on America's Wild Horses and Burros

Actors Ed Harris, Wendie Malick and Over 100 Organizations Demand Roundup Moratorium, Protesting Nevada's Calico Complex Roundup to begin December 1.

CHICAGO, (EWA) - Sheryl Crow speaks out for the wild horses and burros on America's public lands in the west. The multi-GRAMMY®-winning singer-songwriter and mustang owner joins The Cloud Foundation, over 130 organizations, scientists, authors and celebrity supporters calling on President Obama, Members of Congress and the Department of Interior to place an immediate moratorium on all wild horse and burro roundups until a long-term and humane policy to manage the animals is developed.

"With one voice we are insisting that our government stop managing these beautiful and important animals to extinction" -Sheryl Crow

The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) removal plan for Nevada's Calico Complex wild mustangs is fueling outrage across the country and internationally. In a unified sign-on letter, wild horse supporters outline their opposition to the Obama Administration's October 7, 2009 announcement regarding the management of wild horses and burros. Groups oppose moving 26,000 wild horses to purchased lands in the east and the current government practice of removing entire wild horse and burros herds from public lands specifically designated for the animals by Congress in 1971.

"We ask that President Obama or Secretary Salazar cease all BLM roundups as of this date to prevent further suffering. We request that the government and BLM begin to work in good faith with wild horse advocates for a sustainable solution. The Calico Roundup, scheduled to begin in December and continue through the dead of winter, is inhumane and must be stopped!" -Sheryl Crow

Upon hearing about the BLM's plans for the large-scale removal of 2,500 horses in northwest Nevada near the Black Rock Desert, more than seven thousand citizens submitted public comments to the BLM opposing the Calico Mountain Complex Round Up, scheduled to begin on December 1, 2009. Public comment has been extended through November 22, 2009 according to the BLM.

Currently more than 33,000 wild horses are stockpiled in government holding facilities at a cost to taxpayers of $100,000 a day. The scheduled removal of 2,500 from Nevada will bring that total to more than 35,000.

"We already have enough wild horses in pens. Adding more horses to those already held in confinement, when they are much safer on the range is shortsighted, inhumane and fiscally irresponsible." -Ginger Kathrens, Emmy Award Filmmaker & Volunteer Executive Director of the Cloud Foundation.

The BLM will pay the private contractor $610 per horse rounded up for an estimated total of nearly $2 million for the Calico roundup alone according to BLM spokesperson, Tom Gorey. Branding, vaccinating, sterilizing and processing of horses to be placed in government holding will cost several million more. The BLM hired the same contractor for the controversial roundup of the famous stallion, Cloud, and his Pryor Mountain herd in September, 2009. Bands including two-month-old foals were chased down off the mountaintop by helicopter for 10-15 miles in more than 90 degree heat resulting in trauma and lameness.

"The government is acting in defiance of the spirit and intent of the 1971 Free Roaming Wild Horses and Burros Act (1971 Act) which Congress passed unanimously -Julianne French, wild horse advocate.

The 1971 Act preserves wild horses and burros in over 300 areas of publicly owned rangeland in the west, forbidding their exploitation, harassment and removal. Regardless, only 30 million acres remain of the 54 million acres designated primarily for wild horse use in 1971. Over 100 herds have been completely removed by the BLM and most remaining herds are too small to insure their long-term survival. The BLM's current policy of eradicating these herds is a betrayal of the wishes of the American public.

Sheryl Crow, with wild mustang and burro supporters, calls the public to action urging all to write, e-mail, fax and phone Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar, their congressional representatives and President Obama. The list of contact phones, e-mails, faxes and mailing addresses is online here.

"It's time for all of us to speak up for our Wild Horses and Burros so we do not lose these living legends and inspiring symbols of our freedom in America." -Sheryl Crow

www.equinewelfarealliance.org

The Fete Cheval Carnivale is coming back to Wellington on February 26, 2010

Save the Date!

WESTPORT, CT - November 20, 2009 - Some of the world's top Grand Prix Riders and Trainers will battle it out in fun and games at the February 26, 2010 Fete Cheval Carnivale sponsored by Spy Coast Farm to benefit The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.

"We are so grateful to Spy Coast Farm and the Lourie Family for their generosity and for helping us bring back this very entertaining event to Wellington", said co-chairs Gray Fadden and Visse Wedell.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, a carnival-themed dinner, and carnival games in the Marquee Tent at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, but the highlight of the evening will surely be the internationally known Grand Prix riders and trainers who will demonstrate not only their unique equestrian talent but also great sportsmanship in the gymkhana games performed following dinner.

The riders include Hillary Dobbs, Kent Farrington, Sandy Ferrell, Brianne Goutal, Patricia Griffith, Todd Minikus, Bert Mutch, Rodrigo Pessoa, Peter Pletcher, Havens Schatt, Louise Serio, Shane Sweetnam, Jimmy Torano, and McLain Ward. Ralph Caristo and Susie Schoellkopf will be on hand to "judge" the competitors in a round of Musical Stalls and a "Power & Speed Relay, concluding with a Surprise Ride-Off among the game winners. Joining them as a judge for the evening will be a member of the audience. Karen Flynn of the University of Miami Intercollegiate Equestrian Team will be generously donating the horses for the event.

The Fete Cheval was last held in 2005 and 2006 with Frank Madden claiming victory in 2005 and Timmy Kees emerging victorious in 2006. The audiences were up on their feet roaring and rooting throughout, but the final Ride-Off surpassed everyone's expectations when in 2006 Todd Minikus rode his horse bareback backwards matching the amazing feat performed by McLain Ward in 2005 riding his mount standing up.

The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. raises its funds almost entirely from event attendance and awarded grants to 49 equestrian and horse-related charities in 2009, bringing the total awards to over $1.3 million since its first awards in 2003.

Individual seats for the Equestrian Idol event are $150 per person. Tables of eight are available as follows: Super Fan (Front Row): $5,000 and Fan: $2,500.

For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, telephone (203) 259-1550, email to equus@equusfoundation.org.

About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.
The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, seeks to raise public awareness of the value of the horse in society through education and the awarding of grants to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote the health and welfare of horses, and elevate the equestrian sport as a whole.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for the selection of the grant recipients. The Board includes: Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman, Catherine Herman, Vice Chairman, David T. Goodwin, Secretary/Treasurer, Lynn Coakley, President, David Distler, Gray Fadden, Richard Mitchell DVM, Clea Newman Soderlund, and Visse Wedell.

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Over $1.3 million in grants have been awarded since the first awards in 2003. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: equus@equusfoundation.org, website: www.equusfoundation.org.

EQUINE PROTECTION OF NORTH AMERICA (E.P.O.N.A) HOSTS BLESSING OF ITS FACILITY BY REV. ECONOMOS ANGELO PAPPAS TO WRAP UP A PRODUCTIVE 2009

Epping, NH – November 20, 2009 – E.P.O.N.A. (Equine Protection of North America), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) rescue and rehabilitation facility for abused and neglected horses, held a blessing of its newly renovated E.P.O.N.A. facility by Rev. Economos Angelo Pappas of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, located in Portsmouth, NH on Wednesday, November 18th. A gathering of approximately 25 people, 14 horses, 3 dogs and 2 cats came to witness the blessing. Pappas blessed the barn, the horses, the E.P.O.N.A. program, the volunteers and the community effort. E.P.O.N.A. is home to 14 horses rescued from slaughter, euthanasia, foreclosure or abuse.

Pappas has been around the world working to help those at Ground Zero, Hurricane Katrina, the fires in Greece and the military. He annually blesses the Portsmouth Police fleet, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and planes for the National Guard. E.P.O.N.A. was honored to have Rev. Economos Pappas take time out of his busy schedule to come bless its barn.

At the closing of the blessing, the E.P.O.N.A. community was surprised with a generous donation from Project Pawsitive, The Home Depot Foundation, Celtic Construction, Drew Davis Stonework, Wacky Jacky’s Consignment Clothing and Davis Landscaping. The donation items included a commercial lawnmower for its fields, a small tractor for moving and towing materials, fifteen bales of hay and several bales of shavings.

The blessing of the barn helped to close out a positive and productive 2009 for E.P.O.N.A., where they have recently undergone a barn make over courtesy of Project Pawsitive and The Home Depot Foundation. The organization has also elected a new Board of Directors and is currently holding a logo redesign contest for all New Hampshire graphic designers.

While 2009 has been a great year for E.P.O.N.A., the organization still depends on the community to support the care and feeding of its 14 horses and needs the community’s financial support. E.P.O.N.A. also needs volunteers and their families to help at the barn with the general care and maintenance of the facility and its horses. To find out how to volunteer at E.P.O.N.A., please visit our online volunteer page for more information.

Help E.P.O.N.A. further their goal of rescuing and rehabilitating horses by clicking here to find a wish list of the most needed items by the barn.

For more information on E.P.O.N.A., or how to make a donation, visit http://www.eponarescue.org/index.html.

Palm Partnership Training Announces 2010 Training Clinics

Ocala, Florida (November 20th ) Lynn Palm and Cyril Pittion-Rossillon announce 2010 Training Clinic dates at Fox Grove Farm in Ocala, Florida. They are thrilled to host passionate horse owners to train and have fun in sunny, warm Florida during the winter months! They are offering new training options for those who want to train a few days, a week or train for more then a month!

If it is not possible to bring your horse, Palm Partnership Training has several very well trained horses that are “school masters” available for lease during your stay. Lynn and Cyril ask riders leasing school horses to bring a video of riding their horses at home and/or a show so they can personalize the instruction to meet the needs of their horses. School horses are available on a limited basis, so reserve early!

Our 2010 clinic dates are:
January 18-20 Private and Semi-Private Lessons
January 21-24 Partnership Training Course 1
January 25-27 Private and Semi-Private Lessons
January 28-31 Partnership Training Course 2
February 1-3 Private and Semi-Private Lessons
February 4-7 Partnership Training Course 3
February 8-12 Women LUV Horses Riding, Spa, Health and Wellness
March 20-21 Outdoor Trail Challenge
March 22-26 Quarter Horses in Dressage
April 5-10 Affiliate Program

"Our Training Clinics are tailored to the needs of all levels of riders. If you're new to riding or just getting back into riding, we'll help develop your skills and have fun reaching your riding objectives. If you're an advanced rider and/or equestrian professional we're here to help you meet and exceed your competition goals and equestrian business goals," notes Palm. “Cyril and I love to share our knowledge, basing our training on Dressage Principles that are the foundation for all riding disciplines and the natural progression of training of a horse! We welcome you in our home and farm. We have as much fun as you will!” says Palm.

Fox Grove Farm, located on 38 beautiful acres complete with live oaks, lush green pastures, and rolling hills, is a world class equestrian education facility featuring exceptional instruction for the ultimate equestrian education vacation. Clinic facilities include new 90' x 120' covered arena, 13 new student stalls, wash rack, and student tack room. Two fully furnished homes are available for student lodging. Amenities include an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor grill and eating area, bonfire garden area, and private English Pub for fun and games called the "Red Fox Inn".

About Lynn Palm
Palm's career highlights include 2007 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsewoman of the Year, a record four AQHA Superhorse wins, AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women's Athletic Association, named one of the top United States clinicians by Horse & Rider magazine, over 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Champions, over 50 bridleless dressage exhibitions at events including the National Horse Show, 1989 World Cup and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and World Cup. Palm and Cyril Pittion-Rossillon are co-founders of three horse industry companies: Palm Partnership Training, Women LUV Horses, and Alliance Saddlery USA.

About Cyril Pittion-Rossillon
Pittion-Rossillon's career comes to Royal Palm Ranch from Paris, France, where he earned his Riding Master Degree from the French National Equestrian School. His extensive background and experience as a professional equestrian offers an effective and unequaled complement to the equestrian programs offered at Palm Partnership Training. Pittion-Rossillon's teaching accomplishments include: Instructor for six years at Brimborion Equestrian Center, the largest equestrian center in Paris, Co-Founder and Director of School for Training Young Professionals for the First Degree of Riding Instructor, Youth and Amateur coach for AQHA & AHSA competition.

To enroll in Palm Partnership Training Clinics or obtain a clinic brochure contact Palm Partnership Training, 9445 NW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL 34482, 352-629-3310, e-mail: generalinfo@lynnpalm.com, or enroll online at www.lynnpalm.com. Four day clinics include 4days instruction, 4 days lodging, 3 meals daily, and stall and bedding for one horse. School horses are available for lease, and clinic audit options are available.

FEI AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Copenhagen (DEN), 19 November 2009

At a glittering ceremony in Copenhagen on 19 November, five heroes of the equestrian world became the first recipients of the new FEI Awards.

Best Rider
Show jumper Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum of Germany received the Best Rider accolade.

“It’s a great honour for me to win this award, particularly as it’s the first time it’s been awarded. It’s an accomplishment every rider would consider very important, and it’s so nice to have my achievements recognised.” said the 39-year-old German rider, who has won the last two Rolex FEI World Cup™ finals on her superlative horse Shutterfly. Meredith was not present in Copenhagen.

Best Groom
Michelle Robson, a 25-year-old Australian, won the Best Groom award. Michelle has worked for Olympic event rider Shane Rose for six years, caring for his competition horses and also working with young racehorses.

Against All Odds Award
Darlene Milord from Haiti is the very worthy recipient of the Against All Odds prize. A severely handicapped orphan, Darlene’s love for horses and determination to succeed has led her to perform in Special Olympics events.

HSBC Rising Star
Known as “one in 1.3 billion” in the Chinese media in the lead-up to last year’s Olympic Games, 19-year-old Alex Hua Tin is China’s first ever international event rider — and the winner of the HSBC Rising Star award.

Alltech Development Award
Wendy Gidlow, who owns and manages Heritage Equestrian in South Africa’s Transvaal, receives the Alltech Development Award for her work with children from extremely underprivileged backgrounds, giving them opportunities to become involved with horses.

There were over 1200 nominations for the five awards — which have been designed to reward the fair play, team spirit, inspiration and prowess that equine competition espouses, as well as celebrating the outstanding achievements of our often-underrated athletes — from all over the globe.

The judging panel, headed by FEI President HRH Princess Haya, who herself show jumped at Olympic level, had a very hard job in deciding who should receive these inaugural awards — all of the short-listed nominees would have been worthy recipients. The judges also included eventing and show jumping Olympian and multiple medallist Mark Todd, Dominican Republic dressage rider and judge Diana Ramos, Italian show jumping organiser Eleonora Ottaviani and German vaulting champion Kai Vorberg, along with representatives from key FEI sponsors Alltech and HSBC.

The ceremony was hosted by the BBC’s Clare Balding, herself a former amateur jockey and event rider in Great Britain.

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 Association, Attn: 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.

Newly released horse book started from essay in The Texas Thoroughbred magazine

In August 2006, Lynn Reardon approached The Texas Thoroughbred magazine with a short article about Spider, a young Thoroughbred who had recently wrangled with a rattlesnake. Reardon was well known to the publication - her nonprofit racehorse adoption group, LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-racers), had placed many Texas racehorses into new homes after their racing careers were over. The Texas Thoroughbred Association had also sponsored LOPE for its charitable work with the horses.

Denis Blake, editor of The Texas Thoroughbred, liked the article and decided to run it in the magazine. "Spider's Bad Day" appeared in the November/December 2006 issue.

"Taking care of ex-racehorses has always been very important to the Texas Thoroughbred Association and its members, so we've run many stories about it but never had a reaction like we did after this article," said Blake.

Many readers contacted Reardon after the story ran - they wanted to know more about Spider and the other horses at LOPE. The strong response led Reardon to take on a surprising new project.

"People kept telling me how much they liked the article," she said. "Over and over, I heard 'Hey, you should write a book about the horses at the LOPE adoption ranch.' And that's what I finally did."

"Spider's Bad Day" became the first chapter of Reardon's newly released book, Beyond the Homestretch (ISBN: 978-1-57731-580-3). At the LOPE adoption ranch near Austin, Texas, Reardon encountered dozens of unruly racehorses, all with special needs and vivid personalities. As she helped them make the shift to new careers, they returned the favor - by becoming her most memorable mentors in horsemanship and life philosophy. The horses themselves are a central focus of the book, with their fascinating racing careers, spirited natures, and gripping veterinary needs. Reardon's own story, that of a stressed-out office worker turned capable ranch hand, is told through her experiences with the horses.

"Without the enthusiastic encouragement from The Texas Thoroughbred magazine and its readers, I never would have thought to write an entire book," said Reardon. "And the fact that I had been published in such a quality magazine really helped attract publishing industry interest in my book project."

For more information about LOPE, visit www.lopetx.org, and for more information about the book, visit www.beyondthehomestretch.com.

BLOOD-HORSE PUBLICATIONS ANNOUNCES ERIC MITCHELL APPOINTED EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

New structure positions company well to serve growing audience with quality content delivered via a wide variety of media platforms.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – November 19, 2009 –Blood-Horse Publications announces that Eric Mitchell has been appointed Editorial Director of The Blood-Horse business unit, as part of a reorganization undertaken to strengthen the development of the brand’s three distinct editorial initiatives. Mitchell, 47, joined Blood-Horse Publications in October 1999 as a senior staff writer for The Blood-Horse. Prior to that Mitchell was a reporter and columnist for Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal in Charlotte, N.C. He also spent more than eight years as a reporter and senior reporter for the Ocala Star-Banner, covering Florida's horse industry among other subjects.

Effective immediately with the reorganization, reporting to Mitchell are:

· Dan Liebman, who continues as editor of The Blood-Horse magazine. Liebman’s primary responsibilities will center on transforming the printed magazine to the changing needs and wants of the company’s core audience of Thoroughbred owners and breeders. He will continue to be the voice of the publication through the “What’s Going on Here” column and blog.
· Evan Hammonds, who assumes the responsibility as editor of BloodHorse.com and related digital media. Hammonds will be at the heart of the brand’s Mequoda development efforts, managing the positioning, growth and operation of the Web site and e-newsletters, and creating new digital business opportunities.
· Scot Gillies, who becomes editor of Professional Products. Gillies’ focus will be on serving the core audience of Thoroughbred owners and breeders with multi-media information products to guide intelligent decision making. He will work in partnership with Cindy Brice on projects such as TrueNicks, The Blood-Horse Stallion Register, The Blood-Horse MarketWatch, Auction Edge, and other tightly focused print and digital reference products.
· Tom LaMarra, who continues as news editor for The Blood-Horse family of products. LaMarra will assume some additional duties managing the company’s team of news reporters and correspondent corps. Under his direction, the news group will provide all Blood-Horse media with timely content ranging from breaking news alerts to in-depth analysis.

“The new structure gives each product group a champion and positions us well to serve our growing audience with quality content delivered via a wide variety of media platforms,” noted Stacy V. Bearse, President and CEO. “Under Eric’s leadership, the editorial reorganization will result in greater synergy, which is the keystone to multi-media publishing. For instance, subscriptions to The Blood-Horse magazine continue to grow, thanks to Thoroughbred enthusiasts who discover us through our digital media products.”

Eric Mitchell said, “The publishing industry and the Thoroughbred industry both face great challenges. The deep pool of talent at The Blood-Horse, however, has what it takes to conceive, develop, and deliver innovative products and services that will help our customers succeed and our industry grow. I look forward to working with this dedicated team to make it happen.”

The Blood-Horse editorial team produces a wide variety of media, including The Blood-Horse weekly magazine; Auction Edge, a hip-by-hip guide to public auctions; the quarterly National Stakes Conditions Books; BloodHorse.com, the industry’s leading Web site; The Blood-Horse Stallion Register, an annual guide to Thoroughbred stallions, published in print and on-line; The Blood-Horse Source, an annual industry directory; The Blood-Horse MarketWatch, a monthly newsletter focusing on bloodstock investment; and a wide variety of daily and weekly e-newsletters.

About Blood-Horse Publications:
Blood-Horse Publications is a multimedia publishing company that traces its roots to 1916. Its flagship publication, The Blood-Horse, is the leading weekly Thoroughbred racing and breeding news and information magazine. In addition, Blood-Horse Publications also publishes the award-winning The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care, a monthly equine health care magazine; the official Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup World Championships souvenir magazines; and Keeneland magazine. 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 BloodHorse.com, TheHorse.com, StallionRegister.com, ExclusivelyEquine.com, the official store of Blood-Horse Publications, and TrueNicks.com.

ENCOURAGING INCREASE IN ENTIRES

ENTRIES UP 30% IN ADEQUAN® NORTH AMERICAN AFFILIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Oklahoma City, OK – November 19, 2009 – The National Reining Horse Association Futurity will bring the best three-year-old reining horses to Oklahoma City starting Thanksgiving day, but to many NRHA members the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) is the final leg of their quest to proudly represent their region among riders from the U.S., Canada and Mexico; and battle for an NRHA North American Affiliate Championship title. This year’s Adequan® NAAC, held in conjunction with the NRHA Futurity, will see even more competitors giving it their all for international bragging rights. Entries in the Adequan® NAAC are up more than 30% with 354 entries received to date. Ancillary entries also are healthy with a 4% increase over last year.

What is the Adequan® NAAC?
The Adequan® NAAC runs Sunday, November 29 – Saturday, December 5 and is the culmination of a year of demanding competition for NRHA reiners across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Riders must first qualify at their affiliate circuit shows. The top ten in each division advance to one of ten Regional Affiliate Finals events. The top five riders, plus ties, in each division at the Regional Affiliate Finals are invited to compete in the NAAC to find the best reiners on the continent. Admission and parking are free to watch NAAC competition in the Adequan® Championship Arena.

Make plans to join us in Oklahoma City for the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show. Go to nrhafuturity.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

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, Cimarron Trailers; Classic Equine; Horse&Rider; 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; SmartPak and Wimpys Little Step.

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 of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition.

For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit www.nrha.com or call (405) 946-7400.

HITS Hosts Fall Conference Call with Desert Circuit Committee Members

Thermal, CA - November 19, 2009 - HITS, Inc. has been working closely with their West Coast Trainers' Committee and West Coast High Performance Committee since last year's HITS Desert Circuit to implement changes from the advice gathered during discussions with these well-respected industry professionals. On Wednesday, HITS hosted a conference call with its committee members to discuss plans for the upcoming circuit. The HITS Desert Circuit will be held in Thermal, CA, from January 26 to March 14, 2010. The world-class horse show will feature six weeks of competition for equitation, hunters, and jumpers.

On this HITS Desert Circuit Conference Call were HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri, HITS West Coast Management Team member Dale Harvey, Danette Kadlic for HITS Exhibitor Marketing, HITS West Coast High Performance Committee members Susie Hutchinson and Guilhermo Obligado, and HITS West Coast Trainer's Committee members Kathy Hobstetter and Rudy Leone.

A variety of topics were discussed on the conference call, including the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit prize list and schedule, HITS Desert Horse Park property updates, circuit pricing packages, the grand prix schedule, and the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix.

Management and Committee members reviewed the recent prize list change implemented for the Low Amateur Jumpers, which will now be open to Amateur riders and will not require the rider to own the horse. Struzzieri shared with the members that HITS had received feedback on this particular division early on and moved quickly to address the concerns from exhibitors. HITS also added a new division, Amateur-Owner Hunter (Low) 3'3", which was another popular update.

With horses at all levels of the jumper divisions, the committee members were also interested in the Course Designer schedule for the circuit.

"Once again, we have a fantastic line-up of Course Designers for the Desert Circuit," said Harvey. "In many cases, the main course designers stay on for the following week, so all of our jumpers will have an opportunity to compete on courses set by some of the best designers in the world in the secondary rings!"

The schedule for the Grand Prix Ring course designers for the 2010 HITS Desert Circuit is as follows:
DC I - Robert Ellis
DC II - Leopoldo Palacios
DC III - Olaf Petersen, Jr.
DC IV - Bernardo Cabral
DC V - Steve Stephens
DC VI - Olaf Petersen

Some of the top course designers in the world will also be setting the courses in the secondary arenas during the HITS Desert Circuit. They include:
DC I - Leopoldo Palacios
DC II - Robert Ellis
DC III - Florencio Hernandez
DC IV - Danny Foster
DC V - Bernardo Cabral
DC VI - Steve Stephens

Grand prix rider and trainer Susie Hutchinson was happy to report that the circuit pricing packages have allowed her to place all of her horses in permanent stabling for the 2010 circuit. She stated it was a direct consequence of HITS lowering their prices, and it was "a huge impact." She explained, "In the first two years of Thermal, I've had about five horses in the permanent barns and 12 to 15 in the portable stalls. I felt like I was spread out too much, and we didn't feel like we were a group. This will make it feel much better. The permanent barns there are lovely."

Hutchinson is happy to be a part of the West Coast High Performance Committee. She said, "The committees definitely help, and I do like being a part of it. It's a nice, diverse group where people are entitled to their own opinion. HITS has allowed us to have that diversity."

Grand prix rider Guilhermo Obligado joins Hutchinson on the High Performance Committee, and he agreed, "I think it's very good to be able to have communication with the managers and the riders. Everybody is trying to make this a better show. It's very, very positive."

Both riders were pleased with the news that new scoreboards from Ryegate will be used in the Grand Prix Ring and Main Hunter Ring. The scoreboards will also be in place in the indoor arena during the World Cup qualifying grand prix events. The boards are 16 feet wide and six and a half feet tall, and the jumper scoreboard will have video capability. Along with informing spectators who is showing in the ring, they will also produce stand-by lists and class standings.

"The scoreboard gets the crowds so much more into it; it'll be nice to have those," Hutchinson pointed out. "It helps people stay on track to where they are, and it's good for riders. They can look up and see immediate results." Obligado added, "It is very nice to have new scoreboards. It's a show, and the more you can do to dress them up and get the ambience going, the more people will come. It's also great to add more trees and different jumps, to make things more important, even if you don't show in the grand prix field. Then it becomes a show."

Lloyd Longenecker, President of Ryegate, stated, "This is the first year that Ryegate has provided scoreboards for HITS, and we will have two each in Thermal and Ocala. I think it's really important to have good quality scoreboards when they have spectators, so that you can see the running scores and times in the jumpers. It's a great way to keep everyone informed."

Longenecker also pointed out, "Riders like the scoreboards too because they highlight the owners' names, and they know their scores right away. It enhances the whole experience. It's also an opportunity to really showcase the sponsors, show their logos, and it lists the sponsors whenever the classes are on a break."

Obligado was also interested in the new Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, which will be held on September 12, 2010, in Saugerties, NY. "Tom always puts up a lot of money, and it's very nice for him to do it. In this economy, to get a ribbon in the grand prix you still get a nice check. I hope it works and pushes everybody to jump in it."

"The Committee calls have been an important part of our preparation for the circuit," said Struzzieri. "I appreciate the time and effort of the Committee members and their ideas on how we can continue to ensure Thermal is a success for everyone. In the past two years that we've been conducting these meetings, the 'to do' list has been considerably shortened, which is a great sign that we have addressed the most important aspects of the property and now we are moving into the fine-tuning stage of things."

HITS, Inc. welcomes feedback for all of its horse show circuits. To send suggestions, please e-mail info@hitsshows.com. For more information or to sign up to receive a prize list, please visit www.hitsshows.com.

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.

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 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.

Expert Animal Tracker, Wildlife Behaviorist Mark Peterson to Appear at the International Equestrian Festival

November 19, 2009

Lexington, KY – Best known for his unique training and communication methods with horses and his work on the popular History Channel show “MonsterQuest,” wildlife behaviorist and horse trainer Mark Peterson will be providing attendees of the International Equestrian Festival with a truly special form of entertainment and education.

Peterson, along with his one-of-a-kind horse Dusty, will hold demonstrations at the International Equestrian Festival, which will take place from September 25-October 10, 2010 at the Lexington Convention Center. Horse Capital Productions, a Lexington-based company, is producing the International Equestrian Festival.

Dusty has been called “the smartest horse in the equine industry today.” A special horse with the ability to learn by demonstration, Dusty can learn a new skill “on the spot.” Dusty has appeared with Peterson in shows across the country, giving demonstrations that have included bartending and retrieving items on command. He particularly enjoys giving kisses to children and signing autographs.

Along with his work on “MonsterQuest,” Peterson is also known for teaching equestrians a new way to communicate with their horses. He hosts his “Adventure Clinics” clinics throughout the United States, with topics such as “Breaking the Language Barrier” and “Extreme Trail Riding.”

“Mark and Dusty are a wonderful addition to the growing list of attractions at the International Equestrian Festival,” said Kimberly E. Brown, Horse Capital Productions’ Founder and Managing Partner. “Their demonstrations are highly valuable and entertaining, and perfect for equestrians of all ages.”

Peterson and Dusty will be performing twice a day during the 16-day festival.

“I’m thrilled to be attending the International Equestrian Festival,” said Peterson. “The venue is going to be the largest to date in the U.S. and I’m very excited about presenting to these folks.”

To see Peterson and Dusty in action, please visit www.dustypromotions.com.

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

2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games—a Once in a Lifetime Holiday Gift

Looking for the perfect Holiday gift?

Look no further than www.alltechfeigames.com. The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, held in Lexington, Ky. at the world-class Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October 10, 2010, offer the perfect opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime gift.

As the largest sporting event in America in 2010, and the second largest in North America only to the Vancouver Olympics, the 2010 Games mark several firsts in equestrian sport. This is the first time in history that the World Equestrian Games have been held outside of Europe and is also the first time the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines will compete in one location.

Be a part of the excitement. Visit the Equine Village and learn from world renowned clinicians and trainers. Roam the trade fair with vendors from around the world. Or explore the Kentucky Experience and plan a day trip to a bourbon distillery or a famous horse farm.

Join in the celebration of these spectacular athletes—two-legged and four-legged—as Kentucky, and the United States, welcomes the world in 2010.

For more information and to purchase this once-in-a-lifetime gift, visit www.alltechfeigames.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Anyone with special needs, including ADA seating, may call the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000.

Individual tickets for sessions of competition will be available for each of the eight world championships to be contested at the 2010 Games. Prices range from $25 - $150, providing a range of options for every spectator.

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. Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years, and this will be the first occurrence in the United States. The Games run for 16 days in 2010, Saturday, September 25 – Sunday, October 10.

The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Hoops And Horses At 2009 Pinto Congress

TULSA- The Pinto Congress horse show logged the second highest number of entries in the show's history as the five days of competition brought Pintos and their exhibitors from 25 states and one Canadian province to the Built Ford Livestock Complex in Tulsa, Okla.

During the week of Nov. 4-8, 300 exhibitors competed for medallions, embroidered pullover jackets and luggage sets that were among the more than $30,000 in cash and prizes awarded at the show. High point and reserve titles were given in 11 categories including youth, amateur and open competitors.

"Our exhibitors have such a great time at this show," said Darrell Bilke, show manager and PtHA executive vice president and chief operating officer. "They come to show their horse, but catching up with old friends and meeting new people are part of their agenda too."

Produced by the Pinto Horse Association of America Inc., the five-day competition showcases talented equines and exhibitors in a wide array of disciplines including jumping, reining, pleasure and halter.

New in 2009, the Color Breed Cash Challenge classes allowed Breeding Stock Pintos to compete alongside their color and also included other breeds. Almost 100 horses decided to ante up for the chance to win cash. Pintos were, of course, the largest group in attendance but Breeding Stock Pintos, Paints, Palominos and Appaloosas were represented as well. In addition to the cash, all participants received a free one-year subscription to the Pinto Horse magazine

PtHA provided seven National Snaffle Bit Association dual-approved classes that paid out more than $1,360 and awarded bronze trophies and ribbons to the champions.

In addition to equine performances, exhibitors were able to relax and meet new friends at the annual Congress Cookout sponsored by the Equine Chronicle and the Congress Carnival. More than 100 lucky exhibitors had the opportunity to show off their moves in the Equine Chronicle Hula Hoop Hoedown. The entrant that kept their hoop up the longest won a grooming bag, t-shirt and cap all donated by the Equine Chronicle. The contest was such a hit, it was not uncommon to see groups of people in the barns practicing their skills just in case their class got chosen for the competition!

Incorporated in 1956, the Pinto Horse Association of America was formed to encourage the promotion of quality horses, ponies and miniatures with color and to establish a registry for maintaining their pedigrees and records. Currently, the association serves approximately 14,000 members and boasts more than 136,000 registered Pintos.

For detailed results and more information about the 2009 Pinto Congress, please visit www.pintocongress.com. To learn more about the Association, visit www.pinto.org or call the PtHA Headquarters at (405) 491-0111.

Cesar Parra Follows Successful Dressage Season Giving Clinics and Working With Germany’s Hubertus Schmidt

Whitehouse Station, NJ (November 19, 2009) – International dressage rider Dr. Cesar Parra is staying busy following his phenomenal success at Dressage at Devon and the New England Dressage Association Fall shows by doing what he does best – training, teaching and riding. Parra, who owns Piaffe-Performance farm with locations in New Jersey and Florida, not only has a booked clinic schedule but recently spent time working with German dressage great Hubertus Schmidt.

“We were very blessed to welcome Hubertus Schmidt back to Performance farm,” Parra said. “It was an amazing couple of days, watching him ride and getting help from such a world class master. He helped me tremendously by riding Grandioso and then made a plan of how to go forward with him.”

Grandioso, a well-known Westfalen gelding formerly owned by Jason Canton, has been purchased by Piaffe-Performance rider Michael Davis with the hope of Parra representing the United States on the celebrated horse. Parra, who recently became a United States citizen, is looking forward to his new equine partnership.

“I am very excited and just in the last five weeks Grandioso has made a huge jump forward as we get to know each other better,” Parra said. “Hubertus helped me tremendously with Grandioso and I am so grateful to have his help as I truly believe he is the best in the world.”

As a highly sought-after clinician, Parra maintains a busy teaching schedule offering clinics both nationally and internationally. “I taught several clinics in Raleigh, North Carolina recently and also traveled to Colombia, South America to give a clinic,” Parra said. “I also enjoyed giving a clinic at the Savannah College of Art and Design and next month I will travel to Texas.”

For more information on Parra or Piaffe-Performance, visit Parra’s website at www.piaffe-performance.com.

American Shetland Pony Represents the United States Equestrian Federation at National FFA Convention

Indianapolis, IN (November 19, 2009) – He may have been small, but that didn’t keep an American Shetland Pony named Cornerstone’s Valiant Man from making a big impact when he attended the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. The Shetland Pony, owned by Sherri Jolliff, represented the American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and was a big hit with the horse enthusiasts attending the convention.

“We were proud to have the opportunity to support the FFA and share our small equines with them at their national convention, through our partnership with the USEF,” said Johnny Robb, Director of Marketing for the ASPC. “Our small equines are ideal for FFA projects.”

Amber Montgomery, of KM Stables in Alexandria, Indiana, brought Cornerstone’s Valiant Man to the convention, where the Shetland drew lots of attention in the USEF booth and introduced FFA horse lovers to the small but mighty breed. “The American Shetland Pony is a recognized breed through the USEF and we were pleased to have them represented at our booth,” said Lori Nelson of the USEF.

FFA attendees were able to spend some hands-on time with the pony, as well as learn more about the breed that is a favorite of children and adults. “As land resources dwindle the small equine’s popularity is back on the rise. American Shetland Ponies are easy to manage for horse lovers of all ages and many baby boomers that previously enjoyed large horses have found that small equines are a way to continue to enjoy horses regardless of age,” Robb said. “And in the current economy, the versatile American Shetland Pony is an affordable option for many equestrians who want to scale down their equine activities but stay involved.”

The American Shetland Pony Club was established in 1888 and recognizes four distinct types of ponies: the Classic Shetland Pony, the Modern Shetland Pony and two types of pony crosses, the American Show Pony and the National Show Pony. The Classic American Shetland Pony is a refined version of their Scottish ancestors. While Shetlands are popular as pets they are also loved in the show ring, and this year the ASPC celebrated its 121st Shetland Pony Congress Show in Indiana. More than 500 ponies competed at the show for National Championship titles in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, youth and costume classes while owners competed for “best groomed” pony and youth members wrote essays hoping to win a Shetland Pony of their own.

For more information on the American Shetland Pony Club visit their website at www.shetlandminiature.com or call (309) 263-4044.

Stolen Horse International’s NetPosse Crime Watch is here to help protect owners and their property.

Shelby, NC— Stolen Horse International, aka NetPosse.com, will launch its NetPosse Crime Watch pilot program to help form closer links with horse farm owners and the crimes committed on the farm.

The NetPosse Crime Watch team is working on setting up an early warning system so that owners and riders can be contacted with information about possible crimes in their area.

Sometimes information comes to the attention of Stolen Horse International which is not a crime but is suspicious. This information can be passed on to alert owners of possible threat. Also information about stolen horses, vehicles, equipment and other farm related crimes can be circulated quickly to members of the program.

“We have found that the people who steal horses and tack are involved in other farm crimes as well, such as cattle or tractor theft. A thief is a thief and in hard times theft increases. We hope this new program will help all of us raise our awareness when a farm crime happens around us, which may also help us protect our horses and equipment,” says Stolen Horse International founder, Debi Metcalfe.

NetPosse.com asks for your help in raising awareness about the new program.

If you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood or know of a crime committed on a farm that we do not know about, please let us know. This program will be successful if people join together to help one another. This has been the core of NetPosse.com for years. Now we are inviting the public to become active in protecting their own, together.

The program, which is open to all, will be posted through the NetPosse alert system using Twitter.com, in 140 characters or less. You can even receive these alerts on your cell phone! As soon as NetPosse hears, you will hear.

To join us go to twitter.com and follow NetPosse.

More information or to report a suspicion or farm crime situation contact, stolenhorse@netposse.com. Put FARM CRIME in the subject line for immediate attention.

The Art of Layering Part 2: Stay Warm and Dry with Insulating Mid-Layers

Hood River, OR—Staying warm and dry as the weather cools is the secret to comfort in the saddle. Using three layers of clothing will help you achieve this with the greatest of ease. 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. In Part 2 of our 3 part series, “The Art of Layering,” we will cover insulating mid-layers.

Riding is an aerobic sport where bursts of activity are followed by a period of standing still or waiting. Your insulating layer traps air close to your body to keep you warm while moving moisture away from your skin when you perspire so that you do not get cold during breaks in the activity. Fleece vests, jackets and Power Stretch® tights are classic examples of insulation ideal for cool weather equestrian pursuits. They not only trap air but are also made with moisture-wicking fibers to help keep you dry.

“At Kerrits we offer mid-layers designed for riding in a variety of conditions and climates,” explains Holly Tencer, Production Manager at Kerrits. “As a novice rider and avid skier, I like a progressive layering system with an ultra-lightweight layer under the Full Zip Cardigan and a waterproof outer layer.”

Below are some of our favorite mid-layers Kerrits has to offer for Fall/Winter 2009. Look for The Art of Layering Part 3: Outerwear, coming in November.

Fleece Half Zip Top $64
Buttery soft microfleece for warmth next to skin
4-way stretch for maximum mobility
Lightweight and breatheable

Full Zip Cardigan $79
Brushed fleece interior is cozy warm
Slenderizing shape with flattering seams
Machine washable

EQ Bomber Jacket $99
Wind resistant nylon shell
Insulating poly-fill with brushed fleece interior
Stands alone or zip into Kerrits outerwear

Power Stretch® Breech $99
Fleecy warm next to skin
4-way stretch
Flat chafe-free seams
Eco-suede extended kneepatches work well with paddock boots

Power Stretch® Full Leg Bootcut $109
Grip Stretch™ suede leg panels
Fleecy warm next to skin with 4-way stretch
Convenient side pocket
Flattering bootcut shape

Power Stretch® Breathe Tight $109
Grip Stretch™ suede panels through the inner leg
Fleecy warm next to skin with 4-way stretch
Convenient side pocket
Snag resistant and durable

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.

APPALOOSA HORSE CLUB CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH USEF

MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to continue its relationship with United States Equestrian Federation Inc. (USEF), the national governing body of equestrian sports, as an Affiliate Association. USEF boasts a membership of more than 90,000, and has relationships with 120 Affiliated Associations.

ApHC members are able to access insurance coverage at special affiliate association member-only rates. For more information, please contact Equisure at (800) 752-2472. ApHC members and events continue to be governed by ApHC rules.

As an official USEF Affiliate Association, the Appaloosa Horse Club receives the following benefits:
· Subscription to EQUESTRIAN Magazine
· Publication of ApHC’s contact information in EQUESTRIAN magazine
· Opportunity to submit news of our association’s activities for publication in EQUESTRIAN magazine
· Receipt of all USEF press releases, by mail or by e-mail

Visit USEF online at www.usef.org to learn more about t