Bring Your Tailgate Picnic to Florida Carriage Museum

You mean to say the tailgate picnic didn’t originate in the football parking lot? Yes, it’s true! The first tailgating party was served from the back of a horse-drawn carriage in a time when there were no fast food restaurants, no high definition TVs, and no American football. Rather, people entertained themselves with a picnic at a park, a relative’s home or a race meet where blooded race horses competed for the prize of the day. You’ll have your chance on January 16 at 1 PM to bring your best tailgate picnic party to compete for a prize, and to see the carriages promenade before you at the lakes of Florida Carriage Museum and Resort. 19th and 20th century polo matches also might witness large English style coaches parked beside the field with the rear boot (compartment) door lowered with crystal, silver bowls, linens and one’s best china ladened with the finest of culinary delights. The horses would have been removed so guests could sit atop these tall carriages to watch the competition. In 1835, this was called a grandstand. Yes, this term, too, originated many years ago when horses were put to fine carriages for transportation and seating at sporting events.

The tailgate picnic contest on January 16th at 1 PM at the Florida Carriage Museum at 3000 Marion County Road will offer the public an opportunity to present their special tailgate picnic to be judged on theme, presentation, and culinary quality. “Chef Danny” Petrosino of Red Sauce at Lake Sumter Landing and the famous Culinary Institute of America, and Linda Beaulieu, recognized judge and lecturer on tailgating, will act as proud inspectors of your talents at preparing and presenting your best effort at tailgating. Register your picnic and join the fun as carriages and horses promenade by your picnic just as would have happened in the last centuries. Pick a theme of comic or elegant persuasion. It is only $10 to register your special picnic. Reserve your tailgate spot by calling Rita at the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort 352-750-5500 x 248.

Dressage Legend Jessica Ransehousen Named 2009 USEF Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

By Brian Sosby

Lexington, KY—For more than five decades, the name of Jessica Newberry Ransehousen has been synonymous with the United States dressage program. And, after a lifetime spent as a high performance international medalist, lead dressage coach for the U.S. program, highly-skilled dressage judge and widely-respected ambassador for the sport of dressage, the United States Equestrian Federation is proud to announce that living legend Jessica Ransehousen has been selected to receive the USEF’s highest individual honor – the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and the Jimmy A. Williams Trophy.

From her start as a dressage rider, Ransehousen has known the taste of success. In 1956 and 1957, she earned the title of the United States Equestrian Team’s National Dressage Champion. But, this was only the beginning for this multi-talented equestrian.

To close out the 1950s, Ransehousen made her Pan American Games debut and assisted the U.S. team to a Silver medal in Chicago. The very next year, she made her Olympic Games debut in Rome, Italy, as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team. Four years later, she returned to Olympic competition in Tokyo, Japan.

Between decades of high performance competition, Ransehousen spent time sharing her incredible gifts as an instructor and trainer. Those who name themselves among her many students include her own daughter, Missy, who has become a successful event rider and trainer at Blue Hill Farm, the longtime family operation in Unionville, PA. Among others who have benefitted from Ransehousen’s expertise and experience are current Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Champion and Olympian Steffen Peters, 1976 Montreal Olympic Team Bronze medalist Dorothy Morkis, and former Young Rider Gold medalist and FEI-level trainer and rider Todd Flettrich. She also instructed event riders, including such U.S. standouts as Phillip Dutton and Darren Chiacchia.

However, the desire to compete and passion for competition was still present in Ransehousen, and in 1988, she was selected as a member of the 1988 Seoul Olympic team, an impressive 24 years after her second Olympic appearance. At her third and final Olympic appearance, she road Orpheus and secured herself a place in the Olympic record books and stands among a select group of women with the longest Olympic competitive careers – 28 years.

With success on the international stage and a reputation as one of the country’s most respected trainers, Ransehousen began tenure with the United States Equestrian Team as chef d’equipe for the U.S. dressage program. This collaboration would see ever-strengthening showings by the U.S. program at appearances in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, the 1990 and 1994 FEI World Equestrian Games, and at the 1991 and 1995 Pan American Games. Her teams were awarded the Bronze medal at both the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Ransehousen’s commitment to her sport was strongly felt on the field of play, as well as in the board room. In addition to her many years of work as an FEI “I” and USEF “S” judge, she was a member of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee, USET Vice-President for Dressage, and former Assistant Secretary of the former American Horse Shows Association (now USEF). And, in 2001, she was inducted into the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Hall of Fame.

The USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and the Jimmy A. Williams Trophy are given to the horseman or horsewoman whose “life experience and accomplishments exemplify uncommon devotion to the sport of competition with horses and whose equestrian career and horsemanship have continually elevated the sport’s excellence.” It is without a doubt that Jessica Ransehousen more than qualifies for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.

The USEF Lifetime Achievement Award will be formally presented to Ransehousen during the USEF’s 2010 Annual Meeting at the Louisville Downtown Marriott, January 16, at the Pegasus Awards dinner where she will be honored by fellow U.S. chef d’equipe and living legend, George Morris, as well as former team member and six-time Olympic dressage rider, Robert Dover.

Elizabeth McCall Remembers Legendary Hollywood Horse Trainer Corky Randall in Special Tribute for American Humane

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 31, 2009) -- As the decade comes to a close, Elizabeth Kaye McCall remembers her friend the legendary Hollywood horse trainer Buford “Corky” Randall who died in April 2009, in a special tribute written for American Humane about the two-time PATSY-award winner (the one-time Animal Trainer’s Oscar) who made his name on the feature film “The Black Stallion,” released in 1979.

An intimate portrayal of the son of Glenn Randall (who trained Roy Rogers’ Trigger) http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/programs/no-animals-were-harmed/ the tribute includes personal reflections from his wife and family, along with rare photos of Corky from the production set of “The Black Stallion” taken by Tim Farley (author Walter Farley’s son). “I got to know Corky while the horses were in training for “The Mask of Zorro,” the last film he traveled to on location,” reflects McCall, a journalist and author. “I will never forget the first day I went to his ranch and saw Friesians galloping through tar paper covering the end of the barn while they were prepping for a scene. Or, his story about going to Hungary to assess Antonio Banderas’ riding skills to play Zorro.” McCall adds, “Knowing Corky was an education and a friendship I will always cherish. Writing about Corky again through the stories of those I interviewed, was like again visiting again with the remarkable horseman, whom I hope will inspire horse trainers and filmmakers to come.”

Combined Driver Chester Weber Ends Year By Helping To Raise Money For USET

Ocala, FL (December 31, 2009) – Chester Weber is well known for supporting the equestrian industry, and the seven-time United States National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion finished up 2009 by donating time to the SUCCEED® USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser in Wellington. Weber drove a four-in-hand matching team of Miniature Horses into the ring during the gala, bringing in USEF President David O’Connor who was dressed as Santa Clause.

“I believe in supporting the USET and the USEF and am always happy to do my part,” said Weber, 2008 USEF Equestrian of Honor. “The gala was a wonderful event and a lot of money was raised which will help equestrians in a variety of disciplines.”

During the gala, Weber also offered a “day of training with Chester Weber” that was auctioned off to raise money for the USET Foundation. Bruce Ekstrom, a world champion driver of Hackney Horses, Hackney Ponies and American Shetland Ponies, bought the package for $2,000.

“Bruce is also an avid supporter of the equestrian community and I am sure we will have a great day training together,” Weber said. “Bruce has a lot of small equines which are really fun to drive, just like the team I drove at the gala that belong to Linda Kern of Caribbean Dreams Miniature Horses.”

The goal-oriented Weber is now looking toward 2010, and has his sights set on winning an unprecedented eight U. S. National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving title as well as participating in the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. A veteran of two prestigious World Equestrian Games, Weber is ranked Number One on the USEF Selectors Committee WEG Four-In-Hand list. “I feel honored to be at the top of the ranking list. I interpret the pole position as us being on the right track with regards to the selectors opinion,” Weber said.

Despite his ranking, Weber’s goal is to turn Team Weber into a stronger more competitive team in the New Year. “Our goals are to try to win two medals at WEG and in order to realize those goals we will have to continue to step our game up,” he said. “We have added two new horses in the stable, two new staff members and several sponsoring partners that all show encouraging potential to make us stronger as a team than we have ever been.”

For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com.

Mystery Writer and Dressage Rider Tami Hoag Kicks Off Book Tour For Newest Novel

Wellington, FL (December 31, 2009) – New York Times bestselling mystery writer and accomplished dressage rider Tami Hoag is kicking off a book tour for her newest novel Deeper Than The Dead, which will be released December 29. Hoag’s 11-city tour will include an additional stop in Wellington on Monday, January 11, where Hoag will sign books at Sho Clothes’ dressage boutique’s “Shop Talk,” a monthly gathering for dressage enthusiasts.

“I love speaking to fellow dressage riders. Even though I make my living as a writer, riding and showing is what I look forward to,” Hoag said. “After the book tour I will return to Wellington and start showing.”

Hoag’s tour will include stops in: Rochester, Minnesota on December 29; Scottsdale, Arizona on January 4; Houston, Texas on January 5; Winnetyka, Illinois on January 6; Beaverscreek, Ohio on January 8; Wellington, Florida on January 9; Delray Beach, Florida on January 12; Plantation, Florida on January 13; and Naples, Florida on January 14. Hoag will appear at “Shop Talk” at the Sho Clothes dressage boutique on January 11 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Sho Clothes is located at 3220 Fairlane Farms Road in Wellington.

In Deeper Than The Dead, Hoag features a character named Jane Thomas, based on a real life person of the same name – Jane Thomas, daughter of Peggy and E. Parry Thomas, owners of Olympic dressage horse Brentina. Thomas earned the unique opportunity to become part of a Hoag novel when she bid $20,000 and won the chance at a fundraiser last year at a United States Equestrian Team Foundation auction.

Fourteen of Hoag’s spine-tingling mysteries have appeared on the New York Times bestselling list, including Dark Horse and Alibi Man which are set in the equestrian show world in Wellington. “After the book tour I will be excited to finally get into the show ring with Bacchus de Light, my top Grand Prix horse who has been out for a year rehabbing an injury. He's coming back into great form,” Hoag said.

Hoag’s fans have eagerly been waiting for dressage’s top mystery writer to deliver a new thriller and Hoag isn’t disappointing her fans. Deeper Than The Dead is set in 1985 in an idyllic California college town and opens with four children running through the woods and literally falling upon the body of a murder victim. The investigation is headed by hotshot young detective Tony Mendez, and joined by one of the FBI's pioneers of criminal profiling, still a fledgling science at the time. Also drawn into the investigation is the children's fifth grade teacher, Anne Navarre, who must protect her students and at the same time try to delve through family secrets that run Deeper Than The Dead.

Hoag fans are in for an even bigger treat, as Hoag is already hard at work on the sequel to Deeper Than The Dead called Secrets To The Grave. For more information about Tami Hoag, or her upcoming book tour, visit her website at www.tamihoag.com.

De Ronde in top form in Mechelen

He did it. Finally! After having come second three times behind Boyd Exell, Dutch driver Koos de Ronde managed to beat the unbeatable Australian at the fifth leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Mechelen, Belgium, sponsored by Willy Naessens Industrie-en Zwembadbouw. De Ronde’s compatriot IJsbrand Chardon is making his way back to the top with his new Lipizzaner team and came second, ahead of Stockholm winner Tomas Eriksson.

Unlucky start
Koos de Ronde had an unlucky start in Mechelen when he drove a wrong gate in one of the marathon type obstacles on the first day. This not only cost him 20 penalty seconds, but he also became the first starter in the World Cup competition, which is always a disadvantage. But the 2008 golden team member of Beesd showed his skills and set a very fast time which allowed him to start last in the winning round. After Sweden’s Tomas Eriksson and IJsbrand Chardon both had knock downs, De Ronde drove his wonderful team to victory for the second consecutive time in Mechelen.

Lipizzaner team
Ijsbrand Chardon made his World Cup debut with the three grey Lipizzaner horses he recently bought from his colleague Jozsef Dobrobitz from Hungary. Completed with one of his experienced bay KWPN horses, Chardon finally managed to claim a Top Two placing again. After his fourth and third place in Hannover and Stuttgart, Chardon realized he had to make a move in order to be able to beat De Ronde and Exell next season.

White handkerchiefs
Former World Cup competitor and wild card driver Gert Schrijvers came fourth in the strong competitors field in Mechelen. Schrijvers is known for driving Arabo Friesian sport horses, but is gradually switching to Dutch warm blood horses since last summer. The multiple Belgian Champion and World Championship medal winner drove a mix of KWPN and Arabo Friesian horses in the Nekkerhal, where he was cheered by a very enthusiastic audience, who were waving at the competitors with white handkerchiefs, which created a special atmosphere.

Losing touch
The second wild card went to Boyd Exell, who has been in the lead of the standings since the start of the season. Exell nearly made the same mistake as De Ronde on the first day, taking a wrong gate, but could pull his team back and avoid 20 penalty seconds. After that incident however, Exell lost touch with his team and knocked five balls down, which dropped him to the last place. This did not affect his leading position however, since a wild card driver does not get any points. Exell has now finished his World Cup season and will enjoy a long holiday in his home country Australia before the Final in Geneva in April.

The standings
After five competitions, it is clear that Boyd Exell, Koos de Ronde, Tomas Erikson and IJsbrand Chardon are certain of a starting place for the FEI World Cup™ Driving Final. With two more competitions to go in Leipizg, Germany and Bordeaux, France, the fifth and sixth driver will present themselves. Both Swiss drivers Ulrich and Wurgler will have a chance to represent their home country in Geneva, as well as Jozsef Dobrovitz who will have to win in Leipzig to be able to book his tickets for Switzerland.

Quotes
Koos de Ronde (Ned): “Finally first again! It went really well for me and when Exell made the mistake in the first round, I took it as a gift.” “I nearly made the same mistake in the winning round as on the first day, but I was extra alert and was able to drive my horses in the right direction straight away again.” “My horses will now go on holiday until the Final. I use three horses of my father’s outdoor team and they haven’t had a break since the summer season. I owe my good results to them and they deserve time off.”

IJsbrand Chardon (Ned): “I am very pleased with my new Lipizzaner horses. They have a lot of quality and they get better every time. I competed with them for the first time in a national indoor show in the Netherlands two weeks ago and I am happy with the second place in Mechelen. I notice that I get more control every time, but I still have a lot of work to do. I will use the next months before the Final to make them even better.”

Tomas Eriksson (Swe): “I was maybe too happy that I made it to the winning round! I drove a good first round, but I thought I would not qualify for the winning round because Exell had to start after me. So I was a little unprepared, but I still knew that I was certain of my third place, so I really went for it. It was a very nice course, which I told Dutch course designer Johan Jacobs. It was good for the public to watch and included fast and technical elements.”


Results CAI-W Mechelen:
1. Koos de Ronde (Ned) 239.22
2. IJsbrand Chardon (Ned) 244.92
3. Tomas Eriksson (Swe) 255.79
4. Gert Schrijvers (Bel) 133.89 wild card
5. Christoph Sandmann (Ger) 135.30
6. Theo Timmerman (Ned) 138.54
7. Boyd Exell (Aus) 148.09 wild card


Classification after 5 of 7 events:
1 Boyd EXELL AUS 30
2 Koos DE RONDE NED 24
3 Tomas ERIKSSON SWE 20
4 IJsbrand CHARDON NED 15
5 Werner ULRICH SUI 12
6 Daniel WURGLER SUI 8
7 Jozsef DOBROVITZ HUN 5
7 Christoph SANDMANN GER 5
9 Theo TIMMERMAN NED 4
10 Jiri Nesvacil CZE 2

More information: www.feiworldcup.org

You are cordially invited to join the Alliance!

In March of 2009, a group of dedicated amateur and professional horsemen and horsewomen had the first of many discussions that would lead to the formation of a new and exciting not for profit organization dedicated solely to the purpose of promoting the breeding, training and showing of the Andalusian and Lusitano and their Part Bred horses in America.

Why is the Alliance called a “show horse alliance?” Because we believe that the best way to promote the breed is to show these beautiful horses to the public, whether it is at all-breed shows or exhibitions, or at breed-specific shows and demonstrations.

The Alliance is not a Registry. We will endeavor at all times to be welcoming to all registries of the Iberian Horse and whenever possible be as inclusive as the rules of specific competitions and associations will allow.

The Alliance will promote the great Iberian Horse regardless of bloodlines, country of origin or specific aptitude or discipline. All disciplines will be treated equally and will be given as much respect, promotion, and exposure as possible.

The Andalusian-Lusitano Alliance US Grand National Championships will take place September 29-October 3, 2010 in St. Louis Missouri. We are excited about this opportunity to present another venue for showing these magnificent horses. We plan a full range of classes, including English, Western, Hunter, Driving, Doma Vaquera, Dressage, Dancing Horses, PRE, PSL, SP, and also classes for Part Breds.

If you are as in love with these horses as we are, we invite you to join our group. You can download a Membership Form from our website, www.andalusian-lusitano-alliance.com

The Board of Directors
The All American Andalusian and Lusitano Show Horse Alliance

USRider Provides Special Access to Discounts for its Members

Lexington, KY (Dec. 30, 2009) – With temperatures falling and weather conditions worsening around the country, USRider reminds equestrians to take extra precautions when traveling with horses.

USRider, the nationwide roadside assistance program for equestrians, provides emergency road service to its Members in all 48 states as well as Canada and Alaska. One of the favorite benefits among USRider Members is Winner’s Circle Advantage. Through this exclusive program, USRider Members have direct access to exclusive benefits. Six companies that participate in the benefits program are among the best in the country for horse trailer and vehicle accessories to use in preparing for this winter travel season.

DuraSafe designs and manufactures towing devices and locks for recreational adventures. Their products solve challenges and prevent frustrations, helping you enjoy hassle-free travels. For example, DuraSafe’s Couple-Mate® is the perfect solution for hassles associated with hooking up a trailer. The product aligns the coupler directly over the tow ball, providing an easy hookup every time. The Couple-Mate can be used in daylight or dark and with any type of vehicle. For more information and to view a demonstration video, visit www.durasafelocks.com, or call (866) 544-5615. USRider Members receive a 10% discount on all DuraSafe products.

Nuera Transport knows that when you travel you can’t always count on good luck. With over 10,000 towing and trailer parts and accessories, Nuera Transport is among the nation’s leading supplier of trailer and towing parts and accessories, including Dexter axles, couplers and jacks, lighting, cargo control, braking systems and much more. USRider Members receive a 10% discount when ordering parts from Nuera Transport. Visit their e-com website at www.enueratransport.com. For those “hard to find parts,” call their Customer Success Department at (877) 294-7343 and tell them you are a USRider Member.

Have you ever had issues with your horse trailer’s lights or brakes? With its innovative electrical connection system for towing, EZ Connector saves you time and money while keeping you and your horses safely on the road. EZ Connector’s patented waterproof and corrosion-free design along with superior face-to-face spring-loaded brass contacts ensures a reliable, trouble-free connection. As a USRider Member, receive a free adapter ($30 value) for your trailer with the purchase of an adapter for your truck from EZ Connector. For more information, visit www.ezconnector.com or call (559) 686-5889.

Never worry about braking in hazardous conditions again. Pacbrake’s PRXB exhaust brake will improve the stopping power of your diesel truck and give you peace of mind while towing your precious cargo. The PRXB provides braking assistance by creating backpressure from the vehicle’s exhaust. The resulting backpressure safely slows the vehicle without damaging the engine and prevents wear on the service brakes. USRider Members receive $50 off the purchase of a PRXB kit. Call (800) 663-0096 for more product information or visit www.pacbrake.com.

If you’re looking for parts and service for your trailer, Trailer Marketing Inc. (TMI) can meet your needs. TMI provides horse and stock trailer parts, truck chrome, lights and accessories, towing equipment and accessories, load securement and cargo control and semi-trailer parts for aluminum and steel trailers. USRider Members receive a 5% discount on parts and labor for trailer service. Call (800) 637-1149 or visit www.TrailerMarketingInc.com.

USRider provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its Members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. It includes standard features such as flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, plus towing up to 100 miles plus roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.

For additional safety tips, visit the Equine Travel Safety Area on the USRider website at www.usrider.org.

Lukas to Make His First 2010 Appearance to Benefit TROTT and the C.T.B.A.

Walnut, CA., December 30,2009 - Lukas and owner/trainer Karen Murdock are scheduled to appear at the great HITS (Horses in the Sun) Desert Show Circuit in Thermal on January 31, 2010. This will mark the beginning of a very busy year for the 16 year old internet sensation, who is now listed on both Yahoo and Google as "The World's Smartest Horse"", and is also known world-wide for his phenomenal liberty tricks and movements.

His appearance will herald the debut of TROTT (Training Racehorses Off The Track), the newly re-named Southern California Canter division, headed up by the inimitable Bonnie Adams. Lukas, a rescued off-the-track Thoroughbred, will be lending his support to TROTT to assist fellow equines that are most at risk and needing immediate help. The California Thoroughbred Breeder's Association - dedicated to securing second careers for their athletes - will also be on hand to provide information about Thoroughbred awareness and ownership.

Wishing you all the happiest New Year ever!

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it - Helen Keller

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, Denver: Participants Encouraged!

Plans are a-foot (or shall we say, a-hoof?) for the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver, March 12-14, 2010, with fresh new programs and a line-up with appeal for a wide range of horse interests. And among other new features this year, we’re inviting riders into the arenas, for first-hand learning opportunities.

Clinicians offer valuable insights…
Ryan Gingerich – Connect through “The Behavior Zone”
Curt Pate – Effective Stockmanship
Tammy Pate – Balanced and Intuitive Horsemanship
Karen Scholl – Horsemanship for Women
Charles Wilhelm – Success Through Knowledge Ultimate Foundation Training
Moses Woodson – Secrets of the Gaited Horse

Also featured in and out of the arenas…
Rick Lamb, of TV and radio’s “The Horse Show”
Jeff and Gerrie Barnes – Skills for Ranch Versatility Competition
Jason Patrick – “New Beginnings” for a dozen rescued colts, all learning together

Entertainment and education add up to enjoyment…
The Mane Event—A two hours of excitement every evening, featuring equine acts, competitions, novelties and more. Everyone will enjoy this family-oriented show.
“Ride with the Experts”—Participants invited! Equestrians can opt to ride with their choice of clinicians in one or more arena sessions.
Stallion Row—Presenting the region’s elite stallions available for the 2010 breeding season.
The Eco-Horse—seminars and demonstrations on all aspects of “green” horse-keeping.

Everywhere at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, horses are the star attractions. In fact, horses will greeting visitors near the front doors and on the busy trade show floor, loafing in hospitable barns open during Expo hours, and of course, showing off in all the arenas. New for 2010, there will be an arena right in the stalling area, where you can catch clinicians and shows and enjoy refreshments at the same time. Rest assured—you won’t go far without encountering a horse, or many of them, at the Expo.

Find all the information you need about our presenters, schedule updates, details on Stallion Row, Mane Event and “Ride with the Experts” programs and more at www.RockyMountainHorseExpo.com. Vendor booths and exhibitor stalls available at attractive rates. Prefer to talk to someone directly? Call (303) 292-4981; the Colorado Horse Council is proud to produce the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, and will be happy to answer your questions.

Appaloosa News-LEADING RACING APPALOOSAS MAKE THEIR MARK IN 2009

MOSCOW, Idaho— The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is pleased to announce the top 10 Appaloosas that were ahead of the curve in the 2009 racing season. The following Appaloosas were the 2009 leading starters based on dollars earned:

Moon Bully (Man With The Power x TB Fancy Moon, AQHA) was the leading Appaloosa starter, earning $37,283 to end the year with a lifetime total of $114,019. The 5-year-old gelding is owned by Dub Seely of Sallisaw, Okla.

Texas Royal Snow (This Snow Is Royal, AQHA x Texas Union) earned $33,828, completing the year with a lifetime total of $186,948. The 5-year-old gelding is owned by Jimmy Maddux of Weatherford, Texas.

Cash For Casey (Takin On The Cash, AQHA x Kisses For Casey) earned $25,566 in his first year of racing. The 2-year-old gelding is owned by Ronna Pauley of Ramona, Okla.

Katies Perks (Man With The Power x It’s Cash’s Perks) completed her first year in racing with $23,459 in purse money. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Jim Limbaugh of Sallisaw, Okla.

G I Jana (Brisco County Jr, AQHA x Sure Nuff Fast) earned $23,380 to bring her lifetime total to $74,070. The 4-year-old mare is owned by Jana Harrison of Stonewall, Okla.

Audaciously (Hotdoggin, AQHA x Won A Queen) completed her first racing year with a total of $21,092. The 2-year-old filly is owned by John McBride of Ogden, Utah.

A Day Before (Dispensing Speed x It’s Cash’s Perks) finished the year with $17,539 to bring his lifetime total to $40,022. The 4-year-old gelding is owned by Jim Limbaugh of Sallisaw, Okla.

Oak Kid (Oak Tree Special, AQHA x Kiddles) earned $14,156, with a lifetime total of $29,111. The 3-year-old stallion is owned by Jimmy Guest of Strawn, Texas.

Willies Chick (I Love Willie x Lavish Moon, AQHA) earned $14,105 in her first year racing. The 2-year-old filly is owned by Ronnie Ennis of Kingston, Okla.

Divo (R Limited Edition x Lucks Beduino, AQHA) earned $12,781 in his maiden year of racing. The 2-year-old colt is owned by Dr. John V. White Jr., DVM, of Fort Collins, Colo.

For a complete list of top 10 honors in Appaloosa racing, visit www.appaloosa.com.

Appaloosa Racing
Appaloosas have long been an integral part of one of America’s most popular spectator sports—horse racing. The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) officially recognized the sport in 1962, beginning Appaloosa racing history with four races and 23 starters competing for $12,000 in total purses. In 2008, 186 Appaloosas competed in 399 races for $3.1 million in total purses.

Racing fans can find Appaloosas crossing the finish line in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

For more information on Appaloosa racing, contact Alexcia Livingstone, Racing Coordinator, at (208) 882-5578 ext. 280 or racing@appaloosa.com.

The New Year is upon us, and we’ve got a brand new addition to our Fatbaby family – the Ranchbaby!

The Ranchybaby is an essential performance riding boot with full-grain leather foot and suede shaft, plus ProCrepe Light sole and Duratread heel for longer wear. We’re all getting back to basics, and this is a terrific all-around boot at a great price point ($99.95) for the New Year. See more details below, and low-res images attached.

Ariat’s New Ranchbaby!
Wide square toe
8” height

Comes in three colors:
10005911 – Brown Bomber
10005912 – Black Deertan
10005913 – Brown Rebel

SATO SPRINGS A BIG SURPRISE AT MECHELEN

Japan's Eiken Sato sprung a massive surprise when scooping the honours in the seventh leg of the 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series in Mechelen, Belgium today. With his 10 year old stallion BV Project Cartoon Z the relatively unknown 23 year old from Nagano produced one of eight first-round clears over the massive track built by Lucien Somers and with youthful enthusiasm then devastated the opposition with a daredevil ride against the clock. Ireland's Jessica Kuerten had to settle for second with her great mare Castle Forbes Libertina while the host country's Patrick McEntee and Ever Mury Marais Z slotted into third.

Sato looked as cool as a cucumber while executing his historic victory, but with a great tremble in his voice he said afterwards "I have this most wonderful horse, and I am so lucky. He's not just my horse - he is my friend!".

BIG AND BOLD
During the course-walk, Kuerten described the track as "big and ugly", and that was how it certainly must have seemed to the early starters, many of whom found it too great a challenge. It was not particularly technical and the time-allowed was generous, but it demanded scope from the horses and strength from the riders, and 13 partnerships came into the ring before the first clear round was recorded by the home side's Yves Vanderhasselt and Adamo Van'T Steenputje. By then there had already been four retirements and one elimination as proof of just how difficult it could be.

The short-strided double at fence seven was the bogey fence of the day, catching out many of the favourites including the Dutch duo of Albert Zoer and Oki Doki, Belgium's World Champion Jos Lansink with Valentia van 'T Heike, Germany's Daniel Deusser (Hooligan de Rosyl), Switzerland's Christina Liebherr (LB Lilas de la Chaise) and Great Britain's Ellen Whitaker (Equimax Ocolado) amongst others. However it was the triple combination three fences later that kept Natale Chiaudani and SNAI Seldana di Campalto out of the jump-off when the mare hit the first of the two yawning oxers on entry, and the Italian joined 11 others with an irritating four-fault first round tally.

CELEBRATED
Vanderhasselt had celebrated his first-round clear as if he had won an Olympic medal, and understandably so as the 30 year old, who is a former European Pony Champion, is not a full-time professional rider but spends his days managing the family transport business. With two fences on the floor second time out however he left the door wide open for the remaining seven who followed him, and next to go was fellow-countryman Dirk Demeersman with his handsome nine year old stallion Cicero Van Paemel. In an emotional retirement ceremony, Demeersman's former top ride, Clinton, said his goodbyes the previous evening but even though Cicero hit the front element of the dreaded double this time out it is clear the Belgian rider has found himself a replacement with potential.

Germany's Christian Ahlmann and Taloubet Z had made it all look very elementary first time out but they fell foul of the new oxer at fence 15 this time, so it was Spain's Pilar Cordon who set the first target with a very nice clear from Herald in 42.21 seconds. Sato blasted that into oblivion however when following with a thrilling round in which he threw caution to the wind and galloped home in 38.82 seconds and when Frenchwoman, Penelope Leprevost, also fell prey to the double with Mylord Carthago the young man from Japan still held the advantage.

The final two looked threatening however, particularly the penultimate partnership of Jessica Kuerten and Castle Forbes Libertina whose speed is legendary. But the Irish rider said before the competition began that she might be cautious because today was Libertina's first time back at top level following a seven-month layoff due to a leg injury. In the first round the mare was full of fire and pulling hard, and although Kuerten did take off the handbrake in round two the Irish partnership were not flat to the boards as they broke the beam, clear once again, a second short of the target time in 30.31 seconds. Last into the ring was McEntee for Belgium, and he carefully calculated the risks before he started. "I had to make a choice between going for the win, and maximum points, or going for a place with good points - I need points so I decided to be a bit careful" he explained. And it paid off as his clear round with Ever Mury Marais Z left him in third place, and with today's 17 points added to the 11 earned in Lyon last month he is making steady progress on the road to the final in Geneva next April.

SPECIAL
Sato could hardly believe what he had achieved. Based for the past five years in Grobbendonk, Belgium with horse dealer Axel Verlooy who regularly trains Japanese riders, he has been learning his trade but only began to really make his mark after the purchase of Cartoon from the Zangersheide Stud 12 months ago. "A lot of people had seen him, but nobody thought he was special - I know he's a very special horse" the riders said. They have developed a remarkable bond which is evident in the way they respond to each other - "Cartoon gets very excited when he sees Eiken - he can't wait for him to come into the stable and talk to him" said Patrick McEntee's groom.

Asked what his plans were going into the ring with speed-merchant Jessica Kuerten following behind him Sato said "I just thought I'd give it a try and go as fast as I could because I knew Jessica wouldn't be jumping out of a trot!". Kuerten was very happy with Libertina's runner-up result. "This is her first 5-Star show after her injury, we have done three little shows and then did one jump-off class here and she was clear but there were too many in the jump-off so I decided not to go in the second round that day" she explained. And did she hold back in the jump-off this afternoon? "I didn't think I'd be clear when I saw the course but when I was I decided I'd have a go against the clock" she pointed out.

Today however was all about a talented young man and a horse that only he and his trainer could see had the makings of a champion. "I rode at the WEG in Aachen in 1996 and went to Hong Kong Olympic Games last year but I never before had a horse like this" he said this evening. And his plan now? "Kentucky - I want to go to the WEG in Kentucky and when we get there we will see what we can do....."

The next leg of the 2009/2010 Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series takes place in Leipzig, Germany in three weeks time.

Result: 1, BV Project Cartoon Z (Eiken Sato) JPN 0/0 38.82; 2, Castle Forbes Libertina (Jessica Kuerten) Irl 0/0 39.31; 3, Ever Mury Marais Z (Patrick McEntee) Bel 0/0 39.78; 4, Herald (Pilar Cordon) Esp 0/0 42.21; 5, Taloubet Z (Christian Ahlmann) Ger 0/4 39.39; 6, Mylors Carthago (Penelope Leprevost) Fra 0/4 40.50; 7, Cicero Van Paemel (Dirk Demeersman) Bel 0/4 43.41; 8, Adamo Van'T Steenputje (Yves Vanderhasselt) Bel 0/8 45.76; 9, Silvana (Kevin Staut) Fra 4/67.55; 10, Quarco de Kerambars (Rik Hemeryck) Bel 4/67.66. Full results at http://www.scg-nl.nl/

ROLEX FEI WORLD CUP™ JUMPING - Standings after Round 7 at Mechelen, Belgium:
1. Eric Van der Vleuten - 57
2. Pius Schwizer - 48
3. Kevin Staut - 45
4. Natale Chiaudani - 43
5. Rodrigo Pessoa - 41
6. Daniel Etter - 40
7. Michael Whitaker - 39
8. Ludger Beerbaum - 34
9. Marco Kutscher - 34
10. Penelope Leprevost - 32
11. Marcus Ehning - 31
12. Patrice Deleveau - 29
13. Philipp Weishaupt - 29
14. Jessica Kuerten - 28
15. Zoer - 28
16. Dermott Lennon, Ben Maher - 28
18. Patrick McEntee - 26
19. Svante Johansson - 22
20. Daniel Deusser - 22
21. Beat Mandli - 21
22. Eiken Sato - 20

Facts and Figures:
40 starters in the competition
1 elimination - Germany's Andreas Knippling with Chaman
4 retired including Finland's Nina Fagerstrom (Wivina), Denmark's Tina Lund (Zamiro), and Belgium's Niels Bruynseels (Aluna) and Christophe Vanderhasselt (Ultra Top Van T Paradus).
12 finished the first round with just four faults
This was the 29th annual indoor show at Mechelen which is dedicated to the memory of Belgian show jumping legend, the late Eric Wauters.
The bogey fence on the course was the double at fence seven.

Quotes:
Eiken Sato, today's winner : "I knew that Jessica and Libertina could beat us, so I thought I had to be very fast in the jump-off".

Patrick McEntee, who finished third : "Today there were many big stars who had fences down in the first round - it was a tough course"

Website: www.jumping-mechelen.com

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) 15-22 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.

Broadcast Schedule can be downloaded from www.feiworldcup.org

Phelps Media Group, Inc. Welcomes New Account Executive Jessica Nemzoff

Wellington, FL - December 30, 2009 - Phelps Media Group, Inc. International, an equestrian public relations company in Wellington, FL, is pleased to announced that Jessica Nemzoff of New Hope, PA, will join the PMG team as an account executive.

Mason Phelps, President of Phelps Media Group, said, "As a University of Miami graduate with extensive experience in the equestrian industry, Jessica will provide a fresh, knowledgeable outlook for our clients, and we are thrilled to have her aboard."

Beginning her riding career at the age of six, Nemzoff has competed on the "AA" circuit as both a junior and an amateur. Riding with Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley of Rivers Edge for the vast majority of the last ten years, she has added multiple victories and awards at the Winter Equestrian Festival to her list of equestrian accomplishments.

Prior to her time at Rivers Edge, Nemzoff rode with Sharyn Cole and Martha Sifton, and spent her pony days riding at Brownland Farm. Brownland provided Nemzoff with an invaluable riding foundation, one that she attributes to being able to ride numerous different horses. She recalled, "There was a field of mares, and a field of geldings. You never knew exactly what you were getting on, but that was the fun of it-it's what taught us how to ride."

Outside of her time at the horse shows, she has also spent time galloping Thoroughbreds at the racetrack. "I had ridden and shown hunters and jumpers my entire life, and thought the racehorses would be an exciting change," Nemzoff explained. Thus, she couldn't resist when the opportunity came to gallop racehorses with Michael Matz, Olympic Gold Medalist and trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro.

In addition to riding, education has also taken a top spot on Nemzoff's priority list. She graduated cum laude from the University of Miami, with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance. Beyond her knowledge of finance exists a wealth of talent in both writing and photography. While she enjoys finance, Nemzoff says her "true passion has always been the horses," adding that "the Account Executive position is a dream come true as it allows me to draw on my equestrian knowledge as well as my experience in writing and photography."

Phelps looks forward to introducing Nemzoff to Phelps Media Group. As the Winter Equestrian Festival gears up, Nemzoff will be taking on a number of interesting projects, all of which he says "are right up her alley."

For more information on Phelps Media Group, Inc., please visit www.phelpsmediagroup.com.

Phelps Media Group, Inc. (PMG), based in Wellington, Florida, is a public relations firm primarily focused on promoting events and people in the equestrian world. The objective of Phelps Media Group, Inc.'s customized promotional plan for each client is to gain coverage in print, broadcast and televised media outlets. By delivering consistent international media attention to the people and events it represents, PMG creates public awareness of the client's message as well as a positive and recognizable image for the client. PMG's ultimate mission is to assure success for its clients' endeavors with the public.

INTEGRITY Hoof – Only Nutritional Supplement Among 2009 Horse Journal Products of the Year

Lebanon, PA, USA – (December 30, 2009) In May, 2009, Horse JournalTM selected INTEGRITY Hoof as the number 1 recommended hoof supplement. “INTEGRITY Hoof’s Hat Trick – All three test horses showed improved hoof quality while on this supplement,” read the Horse JournalTM headline.

Now, Horse JournalTM has recognized INTEGRITY Hoof as one of their 2009 Products of the Year. More specifically, among over 440 products evaluated during the past 12 months, INTEGRITY Hoof was the only nutritional supplement that was featured in the ‘Top 10 Products of the Year’.

As quoted from the December, 2009 issue of Horse JournalTM,”These items were in field trials during the past 12 months and ended up being products that we reached for repeatedly long after the actual field trial was completed.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FORTITUDETM DHF Supports Health of the Entire Digestive Tract of Equine Athletes Prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)

Lebanon, PA, USA – (December 30, 2009) Kauffman’s Animal Health, a leader in the animal health industry for over 30 years, has formulated FORTITUDETM DHF ‘Digestive Health Formula’, a premium blend of carefully selected forage and yeast products, direct-fed microbials, fish oil, amino acids and fenugreek designed to support health of the entire digestive tract of equine athletes prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Characterized by a variety of ulcerative conditions of the digestive system of horses at all stages of life, EGUS is caused by anatomy of the equine stomach, restricted and/or infrequent feed intake, diet, exercise and environmental stress. The incidence of EGUS appears to be widespread across a variety of ages, breeds and disciplines of equines, with the highest incidence among performance horses.

Effective treatment strategies for EGUS focus on increasing gastric pH by buffering or inhibiting gastric acid secretion, as well as long term environmental and dietary management. The long term goals of EGUS therapy should be to 1) relieve pain, 2) eliminate clinical signs, 3) promote healing, 4) prevent complications and 5) prevent recurrence. The specific combination of carefully selected ingredients in FORTITUDETM DHF has been shown to have beneficial effects on all five of the aforementioned long-term goals for EGUS therapy.

The proprietary blend of ingredients found in FORTITUDETM DHF includes:

- Flaxseed and fish oil which are significant sources of fat (soothing, satiety effect) and conditionally essential Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper maintenance of healthy plasma membranes and they have been shown to modulate inflammatory reactions in a variety of equine tissues. Most horses consuming typical high grain diets receive an overabundance of Omega-6 versus Omega-3 fatty acids. FORTITUDETM DHF helps to counteract this imbalance.

- Fermented soy powder has been used successfully in human and equine medicine in Europe to ease the discomfort associated with gastric ulcers. Furthermore, fermented soy powder has a strong buffering effect on stomach pH; therefore easing gastric pain, helping to reduce further gastric ulcer development, and minimizing the related problems of nervousness, loss of appetite and weight loss.

- Fenugreek seed is a rich source of galactomannan and mucilage, both of which aid digestion by providing protection to cells lining the digestive tract. Fenugreek is also the most highly preferred flavor by horses, thus encouraging appetite.

- Active dry cell yeast and yeast culture have been shown scientifically to support enhanced digestion and digestive efficiency, particularly the digestibility of important macro- and micro-minerals (Ca, P, Cu, Zn and Mg).

- Magnesium deficiency in horses may lead to nervousness; therefore, nervous, irritable horses may be more susceptible to EGUS likely exacerbating both conditions.

- L-Threonine (essential polar amino acid) and L-Glutamine (non-essential amino acid) have been linked to maintenance of gut barrier function and intestinal cell proliferation; therefore, contributing to overall gut health and immune function.

- Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) positively impact gut microflora; thereby aiding in digestive efficiency and helping to maintain a proper balance of beneficial bacteria.

- Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) serve as substrates for microflora in the large intestine and enhance calcium absorption.

- The beneficial bacteria (probiotic) component may competitively exclude Helicobacter, E. coli and Streptococcus sp., which have been implicated in equine gastric ulcer occurrence and healing.

FORTITUDETM DHF currently is available as a very palatable top-dress granule, and will be available in a positive-dose paste in early 2010.

FORTITUDETM DHF and all FORTITUDETM 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.

In addition to FORTITUDETM DHF, Kauffman’s Animal Health also offers a complete line of equine and canine supplements. For more information on FORTITUDETM DHF 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, our 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.

Equilite Sponsors Grooming & Conditioning Award at 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL (December 30, 2009) – Well groomed horses at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will all be in contention for a new award this year, the 2010 Equilite Grooming & Conditioning Award. Equilite, producers of award-winning herbal animal health products and supplement blends, including Sore No More®, will be sponsoring the award and each week throughout the world-class horse show, one horse and rider combination competing at WEF will be chosen by a team of Equilite judges to receive a prize basket filled with valuable Equilite products.

“We are really excited to be sponsoring the Grooming & Conditioning Award at the Winter Equestrian Festival. All of the horses will be well turned out and beautifully presented, so it will be a difficult decision each week to choose just one horse to award the prize to but we are looking forward to the challenge,” said Stacey Small, CEO of Equilite. “The winner will not only earn a coveted title but a prize basket filled with Equilite products. If they aren’t a fan of Equilite products before they win, after they start using them they certainly will be.”

The Winter Equestrian Festival runs January 13 through April 4 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida and features 5.5 million in total prize money. The show draws top competitors from all around the world and features a $500,000 FTI Final Grand Prix, Battle of the Sexes, $50,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA Hunter Derby, $25,000 Young Riders Grand Prix, USEF WEG Trials, AHJF/WCHR Hunter Spectacular and CN Nations Cup.

“WEF is the biggest show in the country and we are excited to be involved,” Small said. “Many of our clients head to Wellington for the entire show circuit to enjoy the top notch competition and the spectacular weather. We have lots of Equilite fans who show at WEF and are looking forward to meeting many more.”

Equilite produces a line of award-winning herbal animal health products and supplement blends that help manage a horse's attitude and natural lifestyle. Equilite's herbal horse liniments, supplement blends and botanical flower essences are non-irritating and safe for horses, horse owners and the environment. They contain no sugars, no fillers and no chemicals and are proudly made with human grade ingredients in the USA. Equilite is an environmentally conscious company.

For more information on Equilite products, visit their website at www.equilite.com or call 1-800-942-5483. For more information on the Winter Equestrian Festival, visit their website at www.equestriansport.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.

International Dressage Rider Marco Bernal Sponsored by National Colombian Coffee Federation

Wellington, FL (December 30, 2009) – International dressage rider Marco Bernal is the new Café de Colombia image for the dressage world. Bernal, a Colombian rider who says he can’t function until he’s had a cup of coffee every morning, is being sponsored by the National Colombian Coffee Federation, a federation well known for supplying coffee beans to many prominent coffee brands around the world.

“It’s a wonderful feeling being part of something that has such a great product,” Bernal said. “I start every day with a cup of Colombian coffee, and have for my whole life. I can’t function without my coffee in the morning.”

Bernal, who owns and operates Marco Bernal International Dressage in Wellington, grew up in Colombia where he learned to ride on his father’s farm. He was the first Latin American to graduate from the prestigious German riding school Warendorf, and has since gone on to make a name for himself as a top dressage rider, including winning a silver medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games and competing in the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup in Las Vegas.

Bernal will compete three of his horse’s under the National Colombian Coffee Federation sponsorship: Halbgott, a Trakehner stallion who qualified for the 2007 Pan Am Games; Farewell IV, a Westphalian stallion who earned the world record at WEF in 2005 with a score of 85.385%; and Maybach, a Westphalian stallion who earned the highest score at the National Horse Show in 2004.

“It is very exciting to have a national and well known brand as a sponsor,” Bernal said. “Since I am a life-long lover of coffee, it is a perfect fit.” Bernal also added, “The National Colombian Coffee Federation is dedicated to making a superior cup of 100% Colombian Coffee. The Federation guarantees to contain only the ‘richest coffee in the world’®.”

For more information on Bernal or his Marco Bernal International Dressage farm in Wellington, visit his website at www.marcobernaldressage.com. For more information on the National Federation of Colombian Coffee, visit their website at www.cafedecolumbia.com.

Qualifying Points Approved for the 2010 AQHA World Championship Show

The American Quarter Horse Journal, December 29, 2009 – The qualifying season for the 2010 Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open World Championship Show is under way, and the recommendations for qualifying points have been approved by the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee.

AQHA’s in-house World Show Committee uses a formula to determine the qualifying points that includes information on entries for the previous World Show. The committee then presents the recommendations to the Executive Committee for approval.

Qualifying points for the 2010 AQHA World Show will remain the same as in 2009, with the exception of progressive working hunter. For 2010, the progressive working hunter class will require four points to qualify to compete at the World Show compared to the six points needed for 2009. The qualifying period for the 2010 AQHA World Show began August 1, 2009, and will conclude July 31, 2010. To check your current points, visit www.aqhamembers.org.

The 2009 AQHA World Show had 3,464 entries, with open ranch sorting being the class with the largest number of entries (160 horses comprising 80 teams). Held for the 33rd time in Oklahoma City, the 2009 Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open World Show had an economic impact on the Oklahoma City area of $30.9 million.

The 2010 Bank of America Amateur and FedEx Open World Championship Show will return to Oklahoma City November 5-20.

Below is a complete list of classes and qualifying points for 2010.

CLASS
2010 PTS
OPEN DIVISION

Weanling Stallions
n/a

Yearling Stallions
4

2-Year-Old Stallions
5.5

3-Year-Old Stallions
7

Aged Stallions
5

Performance Halter Stallions
2

Weanling Mares
n/a

Yearling Mares
5

2-Year-Old Mares
11

3-Year-Old Mares
10

Aged Mares
13.5

Performance Halter Mares
3

Weanling Geldings
n/a

Yearling Geldings
5

2-Year-Old Geldings
9.5

3-Year-Old Geldings
7.5

Aged Geldings
20.5

Performance Halter Geldings
4

Junior Cutting
4.5

Senior Cutting
4.5

Junior Working Cow Horse
4

Senior Working Cow Horse
5

Junior Tie-Down Roping
10.5

Senior Tie-Down Roping
15.5

Junior Heading
18

Senior Heading
25

Junior Heeling
20.5

Senior Heeling
27

Junior Barrel Racing
4.5

Senior Barrel Racing
8.5

Junior Pole Bending
5.5

Senior Pole Bending
9

Junior Reining
13

Senior Reining
12.5

Junior Western Riding
4.5

Senior Western Riding
19

Junior Trail
18

Senior Trail
33

Junior Western Pleasure
19.5

Senior Western Pleasure
17.5

2-Year-Old Western Pleasure
n/a

Junior Hunter Under Saddle
16

Senior Hunter Under Saddle
10

Jumping
2

Junior Working Hunter
2

Senior Working Hunter
6

Progressive Working Hunter
4

Junior Hunter Hack
2

Senior Hunter Hack
5

Junior Pleasure Driving
2

Senior Pleasure Driving
2

Team Penning
10.5

Ranch Sorting
10

CLASS
2010 PTS
AMATEUR DIVISION

Weanling Stallions
n/a

Yearling Stallions
2

2-Year-Old Stallions
2

3-Year-Old Stallions
2

Aged Stallions
2

Performance Halter Stallions
2

Weanling Mares
n/a

Yearling Mares
4

2-Year-Old Mares
7

3-Year-Old Mares
11.5

Aged Mares
9.5

Performance Halter Mares
3

Weanling Geldings
n/a

Yearling Geldings
4

2-Year-Old Geldings
8

3-Year-Old Geldings
7

Aged Geldings
18

Performance Halter Geldings
4

Showmanship
26

Cutting
3

Working Cow Horse
2

Tie-Down Roping
4.5

Breakaway Roping
3.5

Heading
15.5

Heeling
15

Barrel Racing
7

Pole Bending
5.5

Reining
12

Western Riding
9

Trail
18

Western Horsemanship
16.5

Western Pleasure
22

Hunter Under Saddle
21

Jumping
2

Working Hunter
5.5

Hunter Hack
3

Hunt Seat Equitation
13.5

Equitation Over Fences
4.5

Pleasure Driving
2

Team Penning
8

Ranch Sorting
10

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.

Pendleton Round-Up to launch 13 week TV series – “LET ‘ER BUCK!”, on FOX Sports Net.

Pendleton, Oregon, November 23, 2009 --- The Pendleton Round-Up announced today the creation of “LET ‘ER BUCK – A Century of Western Tradition.” The 13 week television series will air nationally on FOX Sports Net (FSN), fall, 2010 and will document the tradition, history, and future of one of America’s most respected and prestigious western events.

September, 2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Pendleton Round-Up. LET ‘ER BUCK – A Century of Western Tradition will capture its historic past, feature the current excitement of the present and provide a look toward the future. The rodeo events and current cowboy champions will be featured throughout the seven original episodes.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Pendleton Round-Up and LET ‘ER BUCK to our audience. FSN is proud to be a part of this centennial event,” said Josh Oakley, Manager of Acquisitions, FOX Sports Net.

The Pendleton Round-Up Association will be the Executive Producer of “LET ‘ER BUCK – A Century of Western Tradition.” ensuring the essence of the event is captured in the most compelling television format.

Randy Severe, President of the Pendleton Round-Up Association, said today, “We are both honored and extremely excited to be able to introduce the Pendleton Round-Up to every community in every corner of the US. We always knew our Round-Up was something very special and considered a “must see” in the rodeo and western community. We are thrilled to be part of the 2010 FOX Sports Net national programming line-up, thus providing the opportunity to showcase this very special event to millions throughout the country.”

Severe adds, “Our board of directors clearly appreciates the deep history and tradition of this “Old West” event, but at the same time recognizes the need to bring it into the 21 century to ensure its growth and success for the next 100 years. Airing the Round-Up on national television will make that happen.”

Watch for “LET ‘ER BUCK – A Century of Western Tradition” on FSN, Sundays beginning October 3rd, 2010. Check your local listings for time and availability in your area.

For additional information contact Carl Culham, Publicity Director, Pendleton Round-Up Association, at (541) 310-7071, cculham@my180.net. For advertising opportunities, contact Mike Schwiebert, Project Director, 832 Marketing, (805) 400-7064, Mike@832marketing.com

About the Pendleton Round-Up:
The Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon is held the second full week of September in Pendleton, Ore. The Round-Up began in 1910 and celebrates it’s 100th Anniversary in 2010. The Round-Up is recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious rodeos in the world and won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s 2003 Large Outdoor Rodeo Committee of the Year Award. The Happy Canyon Night Show is a colorful display of Indian pageantry and tradition and takes place every night of Round-Up. A week full of activities, including parades, concerts, PBR bull-riding competition, barbecues, dances, gambling and numerous other events begin Saturday, Sept. 11th and continue through Saturday, Sept. 18th. For more background information about the Pendleton Round-Up, Happy Canyon Night Show and its many ancillary events, visit www.pendletonroundup.com.

“Let’er Buck” and the Pendleton Round-Up bucking horse are registered trademarks of the Pendleton Round-Up Association.

About FOX Sports Net (FSN)
FSN is the nation's leading provider of local sports. FSN's 16 owned-and-operated regional networks and its affiliated networks reach more than 82 million homes across the U.S. FSN serves as the TV home to nearly two-thirds of all MLB, NHL and NBA teams based in the United States. FSN also produces close to 5,000 live local events each year, including more than 1,600 in high definition. In addition to its thousands of home team games and a wide variety of locally produced sports programs, FSN televises national sports events and programs, including Pac-10 and ACC basketball and Pac-10 and Big 12 football.

Recreation budget challenges for 2010

December 29, 2009


Hi, folks:

I hope you have been able to enjoy the holiday season.

The coming year will be bringing additional challenges to DNR’s recreation program, with funding being the key issue. I am confident we can work together to come up with practical solutions.

On January 11, legislators will return to Olympia to begin the 2010 legislative session. And although this is technically not a budget year, lawmakers will be addressing new budget challenges in light of the state’s $2.6 billion deficit.

Earlier this month, Gov. Gregoire released her supplemental budget. As required by law, the governor’s proposal must close the budget shortfall. Under the governor’s proposal, the Recreation Program’s general fund budget will be cut by $278,000.


What could this proposed cut mean to you?

If the legislature follows the governor’s direction, the Recreation Program’s general fund budget will run out in late March 2010. General fund money pays for important goods, services, and programs such as pumping outhouses; maintaining facilities and trails; training and supporting volunteers; and replacing vandalized and worn out signs, picnic tables, corrals and other amenities.

But most important to you, the general fund pays for nearly two dozen DNR recreation trails and facilities that aren’t eligible for funding by the state’s Off-road Vehicle (ORV) account. Some of these areas are DNR’s most popular places, especially with hikers, paddlers, and boaters: Mt. Si Trailhead, McLane Creek, Mima Mounds, Cypress Head campground and trails, and Lake Spokane, for example.

If the legislature approves the Governor’s funding proposal, DNR will be forced to close—by March 2010—the following recreation areas supported by the general fund.


Pacific Cascades Region
· McLane Creek Day-use Area (15,000 visits/year)
· Mima Mounds Interpretive Center (12,000 visits/year)
· Butte Creek Picnic Area and Trail (1,000 visits/year)


Olympic Region
· Little River Trailhead (3,650 visits/year)
· Bear Creek Campground (4,680 visits/year)
· Lyre River Campground (9,950 visits/year)
· Minnie Peterson Campground (3,600 visits/year)
· Willoughby Creek Campground (1,620 visits/year)


South Puget Sound Region
· Little Si Trailhead (150,000 visits/year)
· Mount Si Trailhead, 16 miles of trails (350,000 visits/year)
· Middle Fork Snoqualmie, 15 miles of trails (30,000 visits/year)
· Rattlesnake Trails, 8 miles of trails (30,000 visits/year)


Northwest Region
· Cattle Point & Trail (12,000 visits/year)
· Cattle Point Lighthouse (12,000 visits/year)
· Cypress Head Campground, 18 miles of trail
· Lummi Island Campground (2,000 visits/year)


Northeast Region
· Dragoon Creek campground (10,000 visits/year)
· Lake Spokane Campground (30,000 visits/year)
· Leader Lake (15,000 visits/year)
· Palmer Lake (15,000 visits/year)


Southeast
· Indian Camp (10,000 visits/year)
· Milwaukee Road Corridor, 34 miles of trail (1,000 visits/year)


** Visits per year are based on DNR staff estimates.


The governor’s supplemental budget does offer some good news: an appropriation of an additional $200,000 from the state’s ORV account. These funds can only be used for designated recreation facilities that fall within the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) Program funding criteria. (http://tinyurl.com/yht6ytn)

The legislature will be working on some recreation-related bills, such as HB 2480/SB 8237. These identical bills were requested by Commissioner Goldmark and are based on some of the funding recommendations from the Sustainable Recreation Work Group. (For more information, see news release at http://tinyurl.com/ylf95h6).

As the legislative session unfolds, I am committed to keeping you informed about how recreation on DNR-managed lands will be affected. In the meantime, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how we can get through this challenging time and keep state trust lands open for people to enjoy.

If you want more background on the budget process, I recommend the frequently asked questions on the Governor’s budget page at: http://www.governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/faq.asp

Mark R. Mauren
Assistant Division Manager
Recreation, Public Access and WCC Programs
Asset Management and Recreation Division
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
360-902-1047
mark.mauren@dnr.wa.gov

The Kids at Forward Stride Need You

Over these past two weeks, we have introduced you to members of the Forward Stride family. You've seen how children facing serious challenges have benefited from therapy on horseback. And you've learned that these results are only possible with generous community support.

Some of you have been moved to action. You have made a contribution to ensure that Forward Stride continues to make a profound difference in young lives. We thank you for your support.

For those of you who have been waiting, now is the time. Our special appeal ends December 31.

Please give the gift of confidence and independence. Help Forward Stride change lives through the healing power of horses.

Make your tax-deductible contribution securely online by clicking here.

You can also send your contribution to:
Forward Stride
18218 SW Horse Tale Drive
Beaverton, OR 97007

Arenus Announces Riders of the Year

St. Louis, MO-December 29, 2009—2009 marked the inaugural year for the Arenus Rider of the Year program. The program, which is available to National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) members competing in open and non-pro classes, awards a year end prize to the highest enrolled money earning horse and rider team. Participants must enroll each horse they wish to be eligible with Arenus. There is no registration fee and the only requirement is that the enrolled horse must be on an Arenus joint health or digestive aid supplement for at least six months of the calendar year.

The prize for the award is worthy of some friendly competition. In addition to a beautiful trophy buckle and saddle, Arenus also awards a year’s supply of Arenus products. The program’s creator, Brady Karren, Arenus Sales Specialist. Karren thought that the award would be a great way for Arenus to support NRHA customers and provide a reward for the continuous efforts of these horse and rider teams. “Besides the chance to win some fantastic prizes, participants are using great products designed to increase their horse’s performance,” said Karren.

This year’s awards were presented Saturday, December 5th during the NRHA Futurity. Mr. Jose Vasquez and Wound By Juice won the non-pro award with NRHA earnings of $45,808.41. Mr. Jordan Larson and Moonshine N Juice earned owners Nathan Ivie and Brent Hatch the open award ending the year with $47,410.11 in NRHA earnings.

Arenus asked fellow NRHA corporate sponsors to participate in the program which is continuing in 2010. Prizes include a trophy buckle from Montana Silversmith, a trophy saddle from Pard’s and a year’s supply of product from Arenus. Registration for the 2010 Arenus Rider of the Year starts January 1, 2010. To learn more or enroll your horse, visit www.arenus.com or call (866)791-3344.

About Arenus
Arenus is a premier provider of innovative health and nutrition products for pets and horses. Arenus is a growing division within Novus Nutrition Brands, a global company dedicated to Health and Nutrition Through Science™. To learn more about our products, or find an Arenus event near you, call (866) 791-3344 or visit www.arenus.com.

Last Chance to Help in '09

Just a quick reminder: Any gift that you give to People Helping Horses before MIDNIGHT, Thursday, December 31st is tax-deductible for 2009.

Now, more than ever, we need your support. With hay and grain to be bought, horses to be rehabilitated, and programs such as Leg Up for Kids Therapeutic Riding to be expanded, we would greatly appreciate your help.

Go to:
http://www.peoplehelpinghorses.org/donate

A donation of just $35 pays for a hoof trim. Or, if you're willing to make a bigger commitment , $150 pays to feed one horse for an entire month. There are many monetary options available and all are appreciated. Please give now.

Thank you, and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Best,
Gretchen Salstrom
Founder and Executive Director
People Helping Horses

P.S. Just hours to go in 2009. Give now.

SPORTING ICONS APPEAR ON EVENTING RADIO SHOW'S LEGENDS ROUND TABLE

Mark Todd, Lucinda Green, Ian Stark share some Memories and Wisdom in an Exclusive Episode

Lexington, KY. December 29, 2009.

Three great legends of eventing, Mark Todd, Lucinda Green and Ian Stark, appear on the Eventing Radio Show this week in a Legends Round Table. Between them the multi-Olympians have collected medals and titles in international championships spanning four decades.

From his home in New Zealand, 'Toddy' reminisces with Lucinda in London and 'Scottie' in Scotland as they reflect on how it used to be 'back in the day' and what has changed in the sport.

"It was a privilege to spend time with these three 'greats' who have shaped the sport for so many years and whos continued involvement as riders, trainers, clinicians and course designer, influence generations to come with their vast experience, knowledge and unfettered wisdom," said Chris Stafford, Host, The Eventing Radio Show.

The weekly show is available on The Eventing Radio Show's website at www.eventingradio.com or by subscribing to the free podcast at iTunes and Zune. It is also carried by multiple affiliate websites around the world.

PRCA News

Information courtesy of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

1. Mesquite Championship Rodeo draws 430 contestants for holiday special
MESQUITE, Texas – Echoing the early years of the National Finals Rodeo, the Dallas metro area is getting a big holiday helping of elite rodeo to go with its college football.

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is staging its first year-end program Dec. 29-30 in Resistol Arena with specially discounted tickets for fans in town for the Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl game between Mississippi and Oklahoma State.

The so-called “Cotton Bowl Rodeo” on Dec. 30 has tickets priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under). The tickets can be purchased online at www.attcottonbowl.com/fan-guide/community-events or at the arena when fans appear wearing their school colors.

Football fans will be selected from the stands to participate in Cotton Bowl themed events, including a tug-of-war between the schools.

There are 430 contestants entered in this first PRCA rodeo since the conclusion of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on Dec. 12. Nine past or present world champions are in the field, all of them at the timed event end of the arena.

The limit on the number of rodeos that can be counted in the tie-down roping world standings jumped from 70 to 100 this year and the effect of that rule change can be clearly seen at Mesquite.

Two-time and reigning World Champion Trevor Brazile heads the field along with 2004 World Champion Monty Lewis, 2008 World Champion Stran Smith and two other cowboys who have won the Wrangler NFR average in tie-down roping – Jerome Schneeberger (2001) and Ryan Jarrett (2005, when he also won the all-around world championship).

Mickey Gee, the 1999 world champion, is in the steer wrestling competition along with 13-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Todd Suhn, Joey Bell Jr., Matt Reeves, Spud Duvall, Gabe Ledoux, Sean Mulligan, Dru Melvin and K.C. Jones.

The other world champions at Mesquite this week are team ropers Rich Skelton and Clay Tryan and barrel racers Kelly Kaminski and Mary Burger.

Brazile, the seven-time all-around world champion, is entered only in the tie-down roping at Mesquite. He will resume his team roping partnership with Patrick Smith at the Jan. 5-6 National Western Rodeo qualifier in Denver where they will compete against reigning World Champions Nick Sartain and Kollin VonAhn, Travis Tryan and Michael Jones, David Key and Skelton and one new pairing on the ProRodeo trail worth watching – two-time World Champion Header Matt Sherwood and four-time World Champion Heeler Allen Bach.

2. Rosser bull again voted the best at Wrangler NFR

LAS VEGAS – For the second consecutive year and third time this decade, Cotton Rosser’s Flying U Rodeo Company of Marysville, Calif., had the top bucking bull at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Bring It edged out Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Multi-Chem Texas Cocktail and Rafter H Rodeo’s Hot Wired in a vote of the more than 50 stock contractors who had animals selected to participate in the Dec. 3-12 event in Las Vegas.

Frontier Rodeo’s Delta Ship, who Justin McDaniel rode for a Wrangler NFR record 91.5 points in 2007, was voted this year’s top bareback horse, and Painted Valley of the Harry Vold string was the best of the saddle bronc horses.

The complete list:

Bareback riding – 1. Delta Ship, Frontier Rodeo; 2. Moulin Rouge, Growney Brothers Rodeo; 3. Brother, JK Rodeo; 4. Grated Coconut, Calgary Stampede; 5. Cool Water, Andrews Rodeo.

Saddle bronc riding – 1. Painted Valley, Harry Vold Rodeo; 2. Justin’s Sock Dancer, Stace Smith Pro Rodeo; 3. Son of Sadie, Bar T Rodeo; 4. Let ’er Rip, Frontier Rodeo; 5. Eight Ball, Bar T Rodeo.

Bull riding – 1. Bring It, Flying U Rodeo; 2. Multi-Chem Texas Cocktail, Cervi Championship Rodeo; 3. Hot Wired, Rafter H Rodeo Livestock; 4. Sure Fire, D&H Cattle; 5. Vitalix Sam T Straight, Cervi Championship Rodeo.

3. Next Up
Dec. 29 Mesquite (Texas) Championship Rodeo, begins

Jan. 5 National Western Rodeo (qualifier), Denver, begins
Jan. 7 Dodge Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, Waco, begins
Jan. 8 Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo, Odessa, Texas, begins
Jan. 9 Seminole Classic PRCA Rodeo, Okeechobee, Fla.
Jan. 9 National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Denver, begins
Jan. 10 Seminole Classic Xtreme Bulls Division I Qualifying Event, Okeechobee, Fla.
Jan. 14 Dodge First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo, Harrisburg, Pa., begins
Jan. 15 Dodge Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo, Great Falls, Mont., begins

4. Rodeo News and Notes
Top rodeo journalist Michael dies of leukemia

Ground-breaking sports journalist George Michael, honored in 2007 with the PRCA award for broadcast excellence, died Dec. 24 in Washington, D.C. of complications due to chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Michael was 70.

“The George Michael Sports Machine,” was the first nationally syndicated sports show to make liberal use of highlight films, and Michael, who loved rodeo, made sure the cowboy sport was part of the package with baseball, basketball, football and hockey.

Michael may be best remembered in the Western community for his coverage of the Challenge of the Champions bull riding series in 1988, matching World Champion Lane Frost and Red Rock, a bull unridden in 309 outings.

He covered all seven rounds of the series in California, Utah and Oregon, lending it credibility with coverage on his nationally syndicated program.

Michael was sports director and sports anchor of WRC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Washington, for 27 years. His strong work ethic, larger than life personality and his belief in the power of video highlights anticipated what much of television sports reporting has become, especially as presented on ESPN’s Sportscenter.

Pendleton Round-Up legend Carden dies at age 100

Monk Carden, a rodeo clown who performed for many years at the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up, died on Dec. 24 at the age of 100. Carden and George Moens started a tumbling act at Pendleton High School, which eventually led to the clown act at the Round-Up, delighting fans from 1928 to 1934. He later served on the Round-Up Board and was inducted into Pendleton’s Hall of Fame in 1978.

ProRodeo at the movies
Scott Mendes, the 1997 world champion bull rider, has been cast in Gold Score, a feature film now in production and directed by Stephen Baldwin.

Bullfighter Rowdy Barry has made his movie debut this month with a credited part in Have You Heard About the Morgans, starring Hugh Grant and Sara Jessica Parker.

The Coen Brothers are doing a remake of the John Wayne film True Grit and, through Dec. 29, are holding an open casting call at the Cowboy Christmas Youth Challenge in Jackson, Miss., hoping to find a young actress to play the role of Mattie Ross.

5. 2009 PRCA World Champions
AA: Trevor Brazile........... $346,779
BB: Bobby Mote............... $310,219
SW: Lee Graves…........... $251,031
TR-1: Nick Sartain.......... $186,689
TR-2: Kollin VonAhn....... $185,522
SB: Jesse Kruse ................ $194,465
TD: Trevor Brazile............. $188,343
BR: J.W. Harris.................. $219,275
SR: Rocky Patterson............ $80,923

6. 2009 PRCA World Standings
Final - Dec. 28, 2009.

For 2009, official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 70; team roping, 70; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 70; barrel racing, 70; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

All-around
1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas $346,779
2. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo. 245,068
3. Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah 200,022
4. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta 173,479
5. Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga. 162,528
6. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas 85,628
7. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz. 80,645
8. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas 77,405
9. Jake Hannum, Ogden, Utah 74,859
10. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D. 72,630
11. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb. 51,984
12. Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla. 50,027
13. Beau Franzen, Sidney, Mont. 47,238
14. B.J. Campbell, Benton City, Wash. 43,208
15. Shank Edwards, Roswell, N.M. 43,194
16. Olin Hannum, West Haven, Utah 42,713
17. Kyle Whitaker, Chambers, Neb. 42,068
18. Marty Becker, Cardston, Alberta 42,042
19. Clayton Foltyn, El Campo, Texas 39,551
20. Seth Glause, Rock Springs, Wyo. 37,780

Bareback Riding
1. Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore. $310,219
2. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas 266,585
3. Kaycee Feild, Payson, Utah 172,176
4. Justin McDaniel, Porum, Okla. 161,696
5. Kelly Timberman, Mills, Wyo. 160,466
6. Ryan Gray, Cheney, Wash. 159,692
7. Jason Havens, Prineville, Ore. 155,722
8. Heath Ford, Greeley, Colo. 146,401
9. D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo. 130,976
10. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas 116,218
11. Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas 111,086
12. Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore. 102,773
13. Royce Ford, Briggsdale, Colo. 100,064
14. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas 99,165
15. Jared Smith, Williston, Fla. 86,205
16. Jared Keylon, Fort Scott, Kan. 54,459
17. Tim Shirley, Grant, Colo. 50,304
18. Matt Bright, Azle, Texas 44,300
19. Dusty LaValley, Crooked Creek, Alberta 41,551
20. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb. 40,220

Steer Wrestling
1. Lee Graves, Calgary, Alberta $251,031
2. Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif. 200,186
3. Jake Rinehart, Highmore, S.D. 191,856
4. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta 162,835
5. Casey McMillen, Redmond, Ore. 128,957
6. Shawn Greenfield, Lakeview, Ore. 116,444
7. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb. 109,114
8. Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D. 108,162
9. Stockton Graves, Newkirk, Okla. 107,143
10. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo. 103,870
11. Hunter Cure, Holliday, Texas 96,521
12. Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore. 90,084
13. Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore. 84,968
14. Matt Reeves, Pampa, Texas 82,481
15. Joey Bell Jr., Athens, Texas 65,360
16. Gabe Ledoux, Kaplan, La. 58,812
17. Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo. 53,986
18. Ronnie Fields, Oklahoma City, Okla. 52,709
19. Ethan Thouvenell, Fallbrook, Calif. 49,806
20. Casey Martin, Sulphur, La. 49,292

Team Roping (header)
1. Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla. $186,689
2. Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas 181,740
3. Chad Masters, Santo, Texas 167,004
4. David Key, Caldwell, Texas 164,474
5. JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas 143,669
6. Travis Tryan, Billings, Mont. 140,930
7. Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore. 128,544
8. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn. 119,868
9. Kelsey Parchman, Cumberland City, Tenn. 118,013
10. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. 115,693
11. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont. 106,810
12. Blaine Linaweaver, Leavenworth, Kan. 97,116
13. Steve Purcella, Hereford, Texas 96,646
14. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas 92,471
15. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. 84,580
16. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga. 61,446
17. Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo. 57,242
18. Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore. 54,862
19. Justin Yost, Hico, Texas 53,059
20. Jay Adams, Logandale, Nev. 52,042

Team Roping (heeler)
1. Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla. $185,522
2. Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas 167,287
3. Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas 164,310
4. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev. 157,532
5. Randon Adams, Logandale, Nev. 143,091
6. Michael Jones, Stephenville, Texas 140,311
7. Richard Durham, Morgan Mill, Texas 135,925
8. Brad Culpepper, Ashburn, Ga. 132,473
9. Russell Cardoza, Farmington, Calif. 128,544
10. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. 115,693
11. Cory Petska, Lexington, Okla. 107,954
12. Patrick Smith, Midland, Texas 100,850
13. Jhett Johnson, Casper, Wyo. 93,484
14. Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz. 92,680
15. Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif. 78,813
16. Britt Bockius, Claremore, Okla. 51,272
17. Kory Koontz, Sudan, Texas 50,615
18. Allen Bach, Weatherford, Texas 47,863
19. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah 47,123
20. Boogie Ray, Mabank, Texas 44,533

Saddle Bronc Riding
1. Jesse Kruse, Great Falls, Mont. $194,465
2. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La. 169,739
3. J.J. Elshere, Quinn, S.D. 167,996
4. Shaun Stroh, Dickinson, N.D. 163,847
5. Billy Etbauer, Edmond, Okla. 148,918
6. Cody Wright, Milford, Utah 146,991
7. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M. 140,745
8. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 129,538
9. Justin Arnold, Santa Margarita, Calif. 124,134
10. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La. 118,351
11. Isaac Diaz, Stephenville, Texas 105,144
12. Bryce Miller, Buffalo, S.D. 96,365
13. Dustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, Alberta 91,692
14. Chad Ferley, Oelrichs, S.D. 90,668
15. Bradley Harter, Weatherford, Texas 82,351
16. Dusty Hausauer, Dickinson, N.D. 62,586
17. Chet Johnson, Gillette, Wyo. 58,128
18. Rusty Allen, Eagle Mountain, Utah 52,434
19. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah 50,684
20. Tyrell Smith, Vaughn, Mont. 45,678

Tie-down Roping
1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas $188,343
2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas 174,349
3. Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash. 159,214
4. Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah 147,805
5. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo. 141,197
6. Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga. 139,914
7. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. 133,551
8. Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas 126,408
9. Blair Burk, Durant, OK 123,469
10. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas 120,548
11. Justin Maass, Giddings, Texas 118,121
12. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas 109,908
13. Ryan Watkins, Dublin, Texas 109,547
14. Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas 103,194
15. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho 97,045
16. Jake Hannum, Ogden, Utah 64,937
17. Stran Smith, Childress, Texas 61,996
18. Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas 58,174
19. Kody Curry, Buna, Texas 56,466
20. Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas 54,931

Steer Roping
1. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. $80,923
2. Scott Snedecor, Uvalde, Texas 79,492
3. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz. 66,793
4. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas 65,965
5. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas 60,115
6. Bryce Davis, Abilene, Texas 57,953
7. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas 52,094
8. J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla. 45,850
9. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas 42,286
10. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas 39,779
11. Shane Suggs, Granbury, Texas 38,511
12. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. 37,594
13. Leo Campbell, Amarillo, Texas 37,468
14. Neal Wood, Needville, Texas 33,151
15. Dan Fisher, Andrews, Texas 32,329
16. Will Gasperson, Decatur, Texas 25,234
17. Cody Scheck, Alva, Okla. 23,630
18. Guy Allen, Santa Anna, Texas 23,047
19. Rod Hartness, Pawhuska, Okla. 20,263
20. Buster Record Jr, Buffalo, Okla. 19,479

Bull Riding
1. J.W. Harris, May, Texas $219,275
2. Kanin Asay, Powell, Wyo. 204,958
3. Corey Navarre, Weatherford, Okla. 194,900
4. Bobby Welsh, Gillette, Wyo. 166,056
5. B.J. Schumacher, Hillsboro, Wis. 137,155
6. Douglas Duncan, Alvin, Texas 136,916
7. Steve Woolsey, Payson, Utah 126,412
8. Clayton Savage, Casper, Wyo. 109,331
9. Tate Stratton, Stanley, N.M. 108,802
10. Zack Oakes, Elk, Wash. 100,888
11. Colin McTaggart, Las Vegas, Nev. 99,567
12. Cody Whitney, Asher, Okla. 96,401
13. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D. 92,827
14. Cody Hancock, Taylor, Ariz. 83,622
15. Howdy Cloud, Kountze, Texas 67,721
16. Wesley Silcox, Santaquin, Utah 63,021
17. Clint Craig, Mena, Ark. 62,288
18. Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo. 59,491
19. Tyler Willis, Wheatland, Wyo. 54,825
20. Beau Schroeder, China, Texas 51,016

* Does not include their Xtreme Bulls earnings because they did not compete in the minimum of 40 regular-season PRCA rodeos.


*Barrel racing (through Dec. 28, 2009)
Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings.
1. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas $279,434
2. Lindsay Sears, Nanton, Alberta 272,343
3. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz. 219,628
4. Mary Burger, Pauls Valley, Okla. 156,154
5. Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho 130,210
6. Jordon Peterson, Lott, Texas 126,051
7. Tiffany Fox, Fox, Okla. 120,692
8. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. 120,245
9. Cassie Moseley, Farwell, Texas 109,109
10. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas 103,961
11. Sheena Robbins, Fresno, Calif. 82,893
12. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore. 81,523
13. Tammy Fischer, Ledbetter, Texas 73,198
14. Danyelle Campbell, Beaumont, Calif. 69,523
15. P.J. Burger, Pauls Valley, Okla. 61,484

7. 2010 PRCA World Standings

Unofficial as of Dec. 28, 2009
For 2010, official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 70; team roping, 70; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 100; barrel racing, 70; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

Bareback Riding
1. Eric Swenson, Denison, Texas $6,189
2. Nathan Bayes, Adrian, Ore. 3,933
3. Chip Dees IV, Philadelphia, Miss. 3,235
4. Dave Worsfold, Wandoan, Queensland, Australia 3,040
5. John Addison, Belvidere, S.D. 3,015
6. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas 2,909
7. Bee Jay Scott, Otley, Iowa 2,635
8. Kyle Bowers, Brooks, Alberta 2,229
9. George Gillespie IV, Midland, Ore. 2,214
10. Josh Shackleford, McGee, Mo. 2,024
11. Evan Jayne, Marseille, France 2,004
12. Jake Brown, Hillsboro, Texas 1,995
13. Bo Casper, Fort Scott, Kan. 1,943
14. Ryan Stutes, Sulphur, La. 1,942
15. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas 1,511
16. Brandon Holmes, Livingston, Ala. 1,086
17. Tim Hensley, Butler, Ga. 1,070
18. Heath Ford, Waller, Texas 1,019
19. Karlon Knudson, Arvada, Wyo. 979
20. Judd Tinkle, Poolville, Texas 938


Steer Wrestling
1. G.C. Clark, Granbury, Texas $6,800
2. Olin Hannum, West Haven, Utah 4,212
3. Justin Davis, Bartonville, Texas 4,182
4. Nick Guy, Rapid City, S.D. 4,084
5. Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D. 3,822
6. Britt Walters, Huntsville, Texas 3,142
7. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas 3,065
8. Tyler Holland, Belgrade, Mont. 2,948
9. Craig Cavaness, Brenham, Texas 2,812
10. Nik Hamm, Watertown, S.D. 2,790
11. Clayton Morrison, Casper, Wyo. 2,711
12. Ethan Thouvenell, Fallbrook, Calif. 2,287
13. Brian Bauerle, Charlotte, Texas 2,277
14. Jack Hodges, Stephenville, Texas 2,163
15. Beau Franzen, Sidney, Mont. 2,106
16. Charles Harris, Salinas, Calif. 2,005
17. Chad Hagan, Leesville, La. 1,929
18. Darrell Petry, Beaumont, Texas 1,886
19. Beau Clark, Van, Texas 1,790
20. Cooper Shofner, Huntsville, Texas 1,607

Team Roping (header)
1. Rusty Barnett, Huntsville, Texas $5,005
2. Brady Williams, Hammond, Mont. 4,571
3. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas 4,389
4. Cody Tew, Harlowton, Mont. 3,724
5. Morgan Jones, Leighton, Ala. 3,671
6. Steve Brandt, Stephenville, Texas 3,496
7. Gibbs Keeton, Ivanhoe, Texas 3,083
8. Jake Kropik, Midway, Texas 3,030
9. Justin Lovell, Grapeland, Texas 2,859
10. Caleb Mitchell, Sealy, Texas 2,837
11. Tanner Bryson, Cornville, Ariz. 2,638
12. Kaston Peavy, Bay Minette, Ala. 2,607
13. Britt Williams, Hammond, Mont. 2,242
14. Spunky Jennings, Las Vegas, Nev. 2,224
15. Matt Petrus, Skidmore, Texas 2,155
16. Brad Hamilton, Pollok, Texas 2,123
17. Ross Lowry, Summerville, Ga. 2,112
18. Bobby Boyd, Midland, Texas 2,042
19. Matt Robertson, Augusta, Mont. 2,014
20. Brian Arave, Hemet, Calif. 1,996

Team Roping (heeler)
1. Michael Fortenberry, Groveton, Texas $5,005
2. John Lucero, Villanueva, N.M. 4,389
3. Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont. 3,724
4. Cole Bigbee, Tuscunbia, Ala. 3,671
5. Kyle Crick, Lipan, Texas 3,496
6. Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas 3,385
7. Bobby Harris, Highmore, S.D. 3,192
8. Twister Cain, Gonzales, Texas 3,083
9. Trey Norris III, Yantis, Texas 3,030
10. Mickey Gomez, Holland, Texas 2,859
11. Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas 2,837
12. Matt Garza, Mesquite, N.M. 2,638
13. Phillip Kelce, Calera, Ala. 2,607
14. Wade Clayton, Beasley, Texas 2,224
15. Dee Rampy, Bertram, Texas 2,155
16. Stephen Britnell, Maryville, Tenn. 2,112
17. Tim Abbott, Midland, Texas 2,042
18. Justin Viles, Cody, Wyo. 2,014
19. Brock Andrus, St. George, Utah 1,996
20. Dustin Ostrum, Red Lodge, Mont. 1,900

Saddle Bronc Riding
1. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah $6,137
2. Cody Martin, Eagle, Colo. 4,072
3. Kyle Daines, Innisfail, Alberta 3,745
4. Scott Miller, Hemet, Calif. 3,064
5. Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas 3,027
6. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La. 2,977
7. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D. 2,871
8. Curtis Garton, Kaitaia, New Zealand 2,617
9. Frank McKay, Ontario, Ore. 2,578
10. Colin Stalley, Riverton, Wyo. 2,399
11. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb. 2,291
12. Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla. 2,122
13. Townsend Prince, Livermore, Colo. 1,738
14. Jermiah Diffee, Hatfield, Ark. 1,733
15. Cody Wright, Milford, Utah 1,693
16. Ryan MacKenzie, Jordan Valley, Ore. 1,520
17. Nick Laduke, Cypress, Texas 1,428
18. Dean Daly, Belen, N.M. 1,222
19. Wes Burns, Stephenville, Texas 1,221
20. Ryan Bestol, Hyannis, Neb. 1,157

Tie-down Roping
1. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo. $5,831
2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas 4,907
3. Cade Swor, Chico, Texas 4,725
4. Ace Slone, Cuero, Texas 4,556
5. Cole Bailey, Okmulgee, Okla. 3,899
6. Clayton Hamil, Hamshire, Texas 3,548
7. Blake Hirdes, Turlock, Calif. 3,410
8. Mike Johnson, Henryetta, Okla. 3,371
9. Glenn Breaux, Crowley, La. 3,098
10. Ryan Watkins, Dublin, Texas 3,017
11. Ryan Parnell, Cleburne, Texas 2,985
12. Joe Parsons, Marana, Ariz. 2,687
13. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas 2,654
14. Boyd Brooks, Sweetwater, Texas 2,642
15. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. 2,509
16. Brett Conner, Welsh, La. 2,447
17. Sam Levine, Wolf Creek, Mont. 2,446
18. Randall Carlisle, Lipan, Texas 2,334
19. Zeb Chapman, Lafayette, Ga. 2,247
20. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas 2,222

Steer Roping
1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas $4,548
2. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. 2,622
3. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas 2,174
4. Walter Priestly, Robstown, Texas 1,876
5. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla. 1,602
6. Shandon Stalls, McLean, Texas 1,457
7. Will Gasperson, Decatur, Texas 1,245
8. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas 964
9. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. 888
10. Lawson Plemons, Chilton, Texas 878
11. J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla. 781
12. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas 735
13. Scott Snedecor, Uvalde, Texas 643
14. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas 583
15. Marty Jones, Hobbs, N.M. 582
16. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas 352
17. Paul Patton, Abilene, Texas 291
18. Bryce Davis, Abilene, Texas 153
19. Troy Brown, Stephenville, Texas 143

Bull Riding
1. Joe Smith, Sheridan, Wyo. $5,300
2. Cody Buller, Glendive, Mont. 4,725
3. Clayton Williams, Carthage, Texas 4,664
4. Dylan Werner, Bushnell, Fla. 4,065
5. R.C. Landingham, Pendleton, Ore. 3,876
6. Chad German, Groesbeck, Texas 3,692
7. Brandon Reynolds, Pike Road, Ala. 3,372
8. Beau Schroeder, China, Texas 3,307
9. Logan Knibbe, Rockdale, Texas 3,259
10. Cody Hodges, Omaha, Texas 3,155
11. Friday Wright II, Moss Point, Miss. 2,988
12. Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo. 2,871
13. Luke Haught, Weatherford, Texas 2,775
14. Chad Everett Denton, Berry Creek, Calif. 2,742
15. Josh Johnson, Douglas, Wyo. 2,429
16. Mark Johansen, Strathmore, Alberta 2,269
17. Beau Hill, West Glacier, Mont. 2,256
18. Chance Smart, Philadelphia, Miss. 2,203
19. Nicholas Sartor, Mira Loma, Calif. 1,937
20. Dalton Votaw, Liberty, Texas 1,922

*Barrel racing (through Dec. 28, 2009)

Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings.

1. Jean Winters, Texline, Texas $8,465
2. Pam Deaver, Hearne, Texas 6,457
3. Haley Thorne, Midlothian, Texas 6,332
4. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas 5,954
5. Layna Kight, Wills Point, Texas 5,898
6. Janna Beam, Hallsville, Texas 5,595
7. Kelly Bruner, Millsap, Texas 5,028
8. Tammy Fischer, Ledbetter, Texas 4,934
9. Martha Wright, Dublin, Texas 4,905
10. Lanita Powers, Edmond, Okla. 4,625
11. Tiffany Fox, Fox, Okla. 4,222
12. Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla. 4,176
13. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla. 4,168
14. Jeanne Anderson, White City, Kan. 3,762
15. Darlene Moran, Sandy Hook, Miss. 3,467
16. Sharon Kobold, Big Horn, Wyo. 3,464
17. Caren Lamb, Fort Sumner, N.M. 3,456
18. Molly Powell, Stephenville, Texas 3,236
19. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. 2,990
20. Jennifer Dyer, Atascadeco, Calif. 2,808

The PRCA, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The recognized leader in professional rodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards. The PRCA, a membership-based organization, sanctions more than 600 rodeos annually, and there are nearly 30 million fans in the U.S. The PRCA showcases the world’s best cowboys in premier events through the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour presented by Justin Boots, and its subsequent Justin Boots Playoffs, the Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, the PRCA’s bull riding tour; and the world-renowned Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Action from PRCA-sanctioned rodeos and its premier events appears on ESPN2, ESPN Classic and ESPN Deportes. Each year, PRCA-sanctioned rodeos raise more than $26 million for local and national charities. www.prorodeo.com

NARHA Announces Purina Mills Sponsorship

Denver—Purina Mills, LLC has renewed their NARHA Corporate Sponsorship through July 31, 2011, according to NARHA Marketing Director Kaye Marks.

As a part of the sponsorship, Purina Mills will support NARHA’s Instructor of the Year program and the publication of the NARHA activities booklet for children. In addition the sponsorship will support scholarships for the 2010 NARHA National Conference, NARHA’s premier educational opportunity for member centers and instructors who attend from all across the USA and internationally, and who provide equine assisted activities and therapies for people with physical, mental, emotional and learning challenges. NARHA’s next National Conference will take place next November in Denver, Colorado.

“Most NARHA instructors are not doing what they do with the hope of getting rich,” said Kaye Marks. “A scholarship can often be the catalyst that enables a member to attend the annual conference and receive the excellent training and networking offered there. “Purina Mills has been such a good friend to NARHA over the years,” said Kaye Marks. “We are thrilled and thankful that they have signed on again!”

Washington State Horsemen Clubs

“Voice of the Washington Horse”

Contact a club in your area to find out what WSH is about.

Anacortes Horsemen
Linda Sinclair
Anacortes, WA 98221
360-293-6824

Appleatchee Riders (Office)
Wenatchee, WA 98807
509-663-3175

B Bar S
Jan Peterson
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-457-5561

BB Stablemates
Barb Hento
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-398-2729

Bits and Spurs
Vickie Millhouse
425-334-9371
millhousemenagerie@earthlink.net

Circle C Riders
Christine Oliver-Hammond
253-271-0415
little2deluxe@yahoo.com

Coast Riders
Ellen Foscue
Montesano, WA 98563
360-249-3667

Columbia River Riders
Donna Longacre
360-577-6201
dglongacre@aol.com

Four Seasons Horsemen
Cheryl Moriarty
Cheney, WA 99004
509-299-4191

Franklin County Saddle Club
Nell Cliff
509-627-4306

Grant County Horse Association
Judy Warnick
509-765-4865

Grays Harbor Saddle Club
Cheryl Bishop
Oakville, WA 98568


Inland Empire Driving
Kishli Strebel
Newman Lake, WA 99025
509-226-5333

Kitsap Saddle Club
Sean McIntyre
Ollala, WA 98359
253-858-9697
skbmcintrye@wavecable.com

Knights of Santiago
Jole Birdsell
Cheney, WA 99004
509-624-2468
jole@cet.com


Western Washington Competitive Trail Riders
Kathy Cammarano
Arlington, WA 98223
360-403-8471
KKMoonshadowrnch@msn.com

Lope On In
Lisa Gardner
Roy, WA 98580
360-843-2748
cuteloper@aol.com
www.lopeonin.com

Lower Puget Sound Dressage
Cynthia Samulis
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253-857-3662

Meridian Riding Club
http://www.meridianridingclub.org/
Carol Harvey
253-847-2401
Membership Secretary: Colleen Edmundson
360-451-3803

Munch & Crunch Rides Again
Carolyn Kennedy
360-372-2504

North Country Riders
Melissa Stockman
509-276-9862
stockmansaddlery@icehouse.net

Olympic Game Riders
Jim Beam
360-683-5863

Peninsula Reining Horse Assn
Larry Johnson
Port Angeles, WA 98362
360-457-8618

Puget Sound Buckskin Club
Seabeck, WA 98380
Jim Cook
360-830-5752

Puget Sound Performance Riders
Teri Blair
253-537-1486
ktblair@comcast.net

Silver Spur Saddle Club
http://www.silverspurclub.org/
Paul Smyth
360-598-3262

South Sound Saddle Club
Loris Gies
usgies@comcast.net

Time Riders
Mary Clark
Port Angeles, WA 98363
360-457-4089

Valley Renegades
http://www.northeastzone.org/
Linda Fonville
Cheney, WA 99004
509-926-3635
lindafonville@gmail.com

Valley Riders
Nea Welch.
Yakima, WA 98901
509-452-3719
neawelch@earthlink.net

Walla Walla Valley Horsemen Association
http://www.wallawallavalleyhorsemen.org/
Diane Jones
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509-529-4067

Washington Equestrian Club
Sherri Williams
509-453-6805

Willapa Valley Saddle Club
Lorraine Wilson.
Raymond, WA 98577
360-942-2950

Courtesy of Custom Insect & Weed Control – Larry and Patty Morrison - Gig Harbor, WA

Appaloosa News-APPALOOSA HORSE CLUB ANNOUNCES 2009 TOP TEN RACING INDIVIDUALS

MOSCOW, Idaho— The equine racing year has come to an end, and the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to recognize individuals who experience success racing their Breed of Choice…the Appaloosa! The association annually honors owners, breeders and trainers for their accomplishments with the fastest color breed on the tracks.

Please join us in congratulating the following individuals who were honored in 2009:

· Dr. John White of Fort Collins, Colo., the leading owner based on the number of wins earned by Appaloosas he owns. Over the course of the year, Dr. White’s racing Appaloosas won more than $24,000!

· Bosen Land & Livestock of Preston, Idaho, the leading breeder based on the number wins throughout the year. Bosen Land & Livestock were responsible for breeding Appaloosas who won more than $7,000 at the track.

· Angie Jones of Stuart, Okla., the leading racing trainer based on the number of wins her program claimed. Appaloosas trained by Angie earned more than $25,000 in 2009.

For a complete list of the top ten leading owners, trainers and breeders of Appaloosa racehorses, please visit www.appaloosa.com.

The ApHC would like to thank everyone involved in the Appalosoa racing community that are working to make the Appaloosa the most colorful breed to dominate the racetracks throughout the United States!

The 2010 Appaloosa racing season is right around the corner, so all those in the racing community must submit your $10 annual starter’s fee for each Appaloosa, payable by the horse’s first official start.

Appaloosa Racing
Appaloosas have long been an integral part of one of America’s most popular spectator sports—horse racing. The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) officially recognized the sport in 1962, beginning Appaloosa racing history with four races and 23 starters competing for $12,000 in purse money. In 2008, 186 Appaloosas competed in 399 races for $3.1 million in total purses.

Racing fans can find Appaloosas crossing the finish line in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

For more information on Appaloosa racing, contact Racing Coordinator Alexcia Livingstone at (208) 882-5578 ext. 244 or racing@appaloosa.com.

Bright Horizon News

Hello Everyone!

*Volunteer Training December 29th and January 2nd

*Winter Session Begins January 8th

*New classes offered at Bright Horizon

*New Office for Bright Horizon in Newport.

*Hearts For Horses Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction

*We will be having 2 Volunteer Trainings for Winter session. Tuesday, December 29th from 6-7:30pm and Saturday, January 2nd 10-11:30am. Please contact Kathy Barnes at 961-5727 if interested in participation. You do not have to have horse experience.

*Winter Session will begin January 8th, 2010 and last 10 weeks. We have classes available for people with disabilities and able-bodied children and adults.

*We are offering new classes this winter session:
Think Like a Horse (Building Communication, Confidence and Relationships with Horses). Come learn from the ground how your horse thinks and reacts to different situations. Lesson taught by Kathy Barnes. This class be will offered on Fridays. Contact Polly at 961-4156.

Women's Adult Riding Class. This class is design for women who have never ridden a horse to women who would enjoy a refresher course on horseback. You can bring your own horse or ride one of Bright Horizon's. Contact Polly Cohen at 961-4156.

*Bright Horizon is excited to announce that they will have an office in Newport at West Coast Bank (upstairs). They will be moving in this week!

*Hearts For Horses Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction is Saturday, February 13th from 5:30-8pm. Please come support Bright Horizon's largest fundraiser! We are in need of silent auction items for example: gift certificates, artwork, and gift baskets. Tickets are $35 per person. Catered by Local Ocean Seafood's, Pepsi and JC Market in Newport.

We hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!

Bright Horizon Therapeutic Riding Center
Paulina Cohen
Executive Director
Bright Horizon Therapeutic Riding Center
www.brighthorizonriding.org

Samantha Blumenth and Absolut Martini Win Draper Equine Therapy Baby Green Championship at Holiday Festival II

Wellington, FL (December 28, 2009) – Samantha Blumenth and Absolut Martini celebrated during the Equestrian Sport Productions Holiday Festival II show by winning the Baby Green Hunter Championship sponsored by Draper Equine Therapy. Draper, makers of therapeutic products for equines and humans, awarded the winner’s with a Draper Equine Therapy blanket designed to reduce pain, increase oxygen levels and help balance overall body temperature in the body.

Absolut Martini, a four-year-old Dutch Thoroughbred mare out of Just The Best, is owned by Courtney Glotzer. “I am showing the mare in the Baby Green’s now but our hope for the future is that Courtney, who is only 15, will be able to show her in the Low Children’s Hunter and eventually the Junior Hunters,” said trainer Samantha Blumenth of Ponies & Palms in Boca Raton, Florida. “Absolut Martini is one of the nicest young horses I have come across in a long time. She has a great brain in her head.”

Blumenth added that they didn’t accomplish the championship by themselves. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of Jack and Josie Stedding from Driftwood Stables,” Blumenth said. “They found the horse for Courtney and have been helping us well with the training."

Kat Wojtylak, Product Manager of Draper Equine Therapy, was excited about Absolut Martini’s win. “This is her first year of showing and she is already blossoming into a young star. The Baby Green division is where many of our great hunters begin their careers and we look forward to watching this talented young mare and watching as Courtney climbs the ranks with Absolut Martini as her mount. ”

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

“Draper products are made of Celliant™/Holofiber® which is a polyester based fiber that contains a blend of microscopic optically responsive particles. Holofiber/Celliant has been clinically proven in three double blind studies to help reduce pain, increase oxygen levels and help balance overall body temperature,” Wojtylak said. “These inorganic natural minerals work with the energy released from the body and are designed to recycle this energy back to the body to improve health and overall well being of the wearer.”

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 American Trakehner Association Announces 2010 Stallion Service Auction

NEWARK, OH – The American Trakehner Association (ATA) is pleased to announce that bidding for the 2010 ATA Stallion Service Auction (SSA) will begin January 1, 2010. Over 40 of the countries top stallions are participating in the event, including Olympic medalist, Abdullah *Pg*E*. This is the perfect opportunity to ring in the New Year with a discounted breeding to a versatile Trakehner horse.

Anyone who has registered to bid in a previous SSA Auction does not need to re-register for the 2010 event. Participants may bid online or via mail. Online bidding ends on February 14 at 12 p.m. EST. Bids sent in by mail should be postmarked by February 1. The minimum starting bid for each stallion is $500. Bidding will increase in $50 increments thereafter.

All foals resulting from SSA breedings are eligible for the ATA Awards programs and ATA Futurity - which have paid out over $500,000 to date.

For detailed information on participating stallions, visit www.americantrakehner.com. For further information on ancillary breeding costs, call the phone number listed next to each stallion's name before you place your bid. Some stallion owners may require booking fees and/or deposits for shipping containers, stallion collection, mare care or shipping prior to breeding your mare. Please note that any such fees associated with the purchase of any of the donated breedings are the responsibility of the mare owner. This information (if provided to the ATA by the Stallion Owner) will be listed in the stallion information area under Fees/Contracts on individual stallion pages. If that information is missing, you MUST contact the owner. Make sure you understand any associated fees required by the stallion owner as all winning bids in the ATA SSA are non-refundable.

For more information or if you have any questions regarding the auction, contact the ATA Office at 740-344-1111.

The American Trakehner Association (ATA) was established in 1974 as a non-profit association of breeders, owners, and friends for the promotion and preservation, in the Western Hemisphere, of the warmblood horse of Trakehner origin. The ATA serves a number of purposes including:
· Maintaining a public registry of Trakehner horses.

· Marking and branding approved stallions, mares and foals with the Association's corporate seal.

· Disseminating information to breeders, owners and friends pertaining to the breeding and raising of Trakehner horses.

· Promoting the performance of the Trakehner horse in dressage, three-day eventing, hunting, jumping, driving and other sporting disciplines.

· Encouraging a public understanding of the Trakehner horse, its breeding and performance.

For more information on the American Trakehner Association visit www.americantrakehner.com.

LUKAS - THE WORLD'S SMARTEST HORSE TEAMS UP WITH CANTER AND THE C.T.B.A

Walnut, Ca., December 28,2009 - Lukas, the World's Smartest Horse (according to Yahoo and Google), and owner/trainer Karen Murdock, have teamed up with Canter (the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) and The California Thoroughbred Breeder's Association to promote horse welfare awareness and responsible horse ownership. Lukas caused a media sensation when his original you-tube videos were posted on the internet and he has since gone on to appear on NBC; CBS; ABC; CNN; HLN; and Equisearch. The Associated Press also recently released a feature story on him, and he has been in dozens of newspapers; blogs; newsletters and magazine articles. He is scheduled to appear at many upcoming events including the Grand Prix HITS Desert Circuit and The Equine Affaire.

Lukas' touching journey from an ex-racehorse, to a pitiable and neglected state in a back yard, fortunately rescued, and then purchased by Murdock has attracted world-wide attention and growing popularity. The 16 year old Thoroughbred gelding and Murdock have been together for 7 years, and his phenomenal liberty movements and tricks, combined with his abilities to spell, count, identify shapes and discriminate colors have also made him a strong presence on Facebook with many supportive horse loving friends.

It was very natural that Lukas' story would appeal to Bonnie Adams, the new Southern California Canter Director, and Rosemary Neeb, the Director of the California Thoroughbred Breeder's Association - both life-long horse enthusiasts. "I am very honored to be associated with them - it's a privilege to be involved with their efforts", Murdock states (all of her services and proceeds go to benefit the horses).

About Karen Murdock
Murdock has been fixing problem horses for over 30 years using a combination of shaping techniques, a specialized version of clicker training, and positive reinforcement. Her unique approach uses games and fun as a way to connect and bond with horses to build confidence, increase focus, and improve performance as well as develop willingness and trust. She is dedicated to sharing the happy results of kind training and is available for consultations.

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

Lexington, KY (Dec 23, 2009) – Since its creation in 1991, The Horseman’s Card® has been the VISAÒ credit card of choice for horse owners and enthusiasts. It was created to help support the world-renowned Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, Ky. At no additional cost to the cardholder, a contribution is made to the Gluck Center each time The Horseman’s Card® is used to make a purchase.

Officials of the University of Kentucky's Department of Veterinary Science created the Gluck Center in 1987. It is one of only three centers in the world dedicated exclusively to researching the diseases and physiological problems of the horse. Critical research conducted at the Gluck Center is for the benefit of horses of all breeds. Scientific findings from the Gluck Center benefit people as well, including investigations into arthritis, aging and immune response, and bacterial and viral infections. Six of the top ten equine vaccines sold today are a result of the accomplishments of equine researchers at the Gluck Center.

In addition to raising funds for equine research, The Horseman’s Card® provides exclusive savings for cardholders through its VIP benefits program. A few of the Tack and Equipment companies involved in the VIP benefits program include:

Tuck’mIn BlanketBag® is used in stables and at shows to keep your blankets covered and clean! The BlanketBag is durable, zips on and off from both sides quickly, is water resistant, has mesh screen to allow air circulation, looks great at shows, comes in 72 colors, and will hold 3 to 4 blankets in various sizes. Custom embroidery. Use your Horseman’s Card to receive a 10% discount. Call (763) 404-1997 or visit www.blanketbag.net.

Long Riders Gear is the place to go for quality gear for the Trail Horse and Rider! Long Riders Gear offers personal customer service and a comprehensive selection of reasonably priced products to get you and your horse down the trail in comfort and style. Visit www.LongRidersGear.com and be sure to check out the Monthly Specials! Horseman’s Card members receive a 15% discount on their first order.

Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supply prides itself in offering quality products at great prices. Receive a 5% discount on each order from Big Dee’s with The Horseman’s Card. As an added bonus, get an additional 2% off your first order. To receive a free catalog, or place an order, call 800-321-2142, or shop online at www.bigdweb.com ($75 minimum order).

You and your horse deserve the best, and American Livestock Supply offers superlative service. With more than 30 years experience caring for horses, ALS carries thousands of products for keeping your horse’s health in peak condition, including dewormers, feed supplements, vaccines, fly control and grooming items. Enjoy 10% off your first order with The Horseman’s Card (not available to dealers or wholesalers). Call 800-356-0700 or visit www.americanlivestock.com.

Award-winning Leather Therapy makes caring for leather a whole lot easier. Independent lab tests prove Leather Therapy increases the useful life of leather by restoring its interior integrity and strength. Approved by the EPA, it safely inhibits damaging mold and mildew problems. From the Smithsonian to 4-H clubbers learning the value of leather care, Leather Therapy works hard, so you won’t have to. Use your Horseman’s Card to receive a 10% discount. To order, call 800-711-8225.

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 your order call 800-321-0235 and mention HORSEMANS to qualify. Shop 24/7 at www.horsehealthusa.com.

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.

IMKE AND SUNRISE PRODUCE THE MAGIC AGAIN IN MECHELEN

Dutch rider Imke Schellekens-Bartels made it a back-to-back double of victories in the 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage series when heading the line-up with Hunter Douglas Sunrise at Mechelen in Belgium again this evening. Just seven days ago the same partnership claimed the honours in Frankfurt, and today they were still full of Christmas sparkle when holding multiple-champion Isabell Werth from Germany back in second place with Warum Nicht, while The Netherlands' Jeannette Haazen and Nartan slotted into third.

This latest result, achieved on only her second outing in the current series, rockets Schellekens-Bartels up to third place on the league table with a total of 40 points and leaves her just one point behind her fellow-countrywoman Adelinde Cornelissen who, despite a disappointing day today, now shares the top-spot with Germany's Monica Theodorescu on a score of 41.

Schellekens-Bartels knows, however, that she cannot afford to rest on her laurels. "Only three Dutch riders will be allowed to compete in the Final at Den Bosch" she said this evening, "so we all really have to fight hard for the marks and to take a place at the Final".

TOUGH LUCK
Even today's winner was feeling sorry for Adelinde Cornelissen who went into the competition as firm favourite having won yesterday's Grand Prix with a very nice test from Parzival. Luck was just not on her side today however, because the big chestnut gelding put his tongue over the bit when she brought him back to walk halfway through the test and even though she managed to produce some very nice work from him the partnership was severely marked as a result to finish in 11th place. Dutch Ground Jury member, Jan Peeters, said afterwards "that's the sport. Adelinde did all the right things when it happened but she had to lose marks" he pointed out.

Isabell Werth was heading the leaderboard with just two riders left to go, the German rider looking fit and well only a few weeks after the birth of her baby boy. She earned a mark of 81.54% with Warum Nicht but she felt that she had ridden a better test in yesterday's Grand Prix - "I made some canter mistakes today, they were my fault" she insisted, but she was very happy to be back in action and so competitive in her first serious outing since the baby's arrival. Werth was still riding her horses two weeks before giving birth and was very quickly back in the saddle afterwards. "In all I was not riding for about four weeks and I couldn't wait to start again - I have to ride - it's an addiction!" she said, although her motherly instincts kicked in quickly both yesterday and today as she rushed off after the competition to get back to baby Frederik.

BETTERED
Her good mark was bettered however by a lovely performance from Schellekens-Bartels who knew she was going well from the moment she entered the arena. "My mare was even a bit sharper - in a good way - than she was last week. There were so many good riders and good horses here today, I thought to be honest that I would be doing well to be in the top three, especially since Isabell is back, but I was a bit sharper myself too!" she added. She found herself and her horse perfectly synchronised with the music - "the canterwork was amazing, every step fitted the music and it felt great!" she pointed out, and the spectators agreed as they thoroughly appreciated what they witnessed.

The good work was not all over yet however as another of the four-strong Dutch contingent, Jeannette Haazen, was last to go and she too produced a lovely performance from Nartan to slot into third behind Werth. Haazen was lucky to be there at all because she lives in Maaseik in the north of Belgium and was unable to exercise her horses and unable to drive her horsebox following heavy snowfall earlier in the week. She has found it impossible to get planning permission for an indoor arena at her farm and so must work her horses outside in all weathers, and the snowstorm put at stop to that while her horse-lorry could not cope with the snowdrifts. She left for Mechelen two days behind schedule, so her result today is all the more creditable.

A WHOLE LOT OF EFFORT
The show itself was severely affected by the weather conditions currently causing chaos throughout Europe. Last Monday almost 80% of the tents at the showground buckled under the weight of the snow and it took two days, an extra 66 workers, and a whole of lot effort to ensure the fixture went ahead, which it has done extremely successfully.

None of that was bothering Schellekens-Bartels this evening however. She has accomplished the mission she set out for herself and is now well on her way to a place in the final line-up for the FEI World Cup™ Dressage series in March. So tonight she was returning to her family who are never happy for her to be away during the Christmas season but with whom she is now planning a big New Year's Eve party - "yes, and we will have plenty to celebrate" she said, "its been a great week for myself and my horse!".

RESULT: 1, Hunter Douglas Sunrise (Imke Schellekens-Bartels) Ned 82.20%; 2, Warum Nicht FRH (Isabell Werth) Ger 81.85%; 3, Nartan (Jeannette Haazen) Ned 77.85%; 4, Le Bo (Carola Koppelman) Ger 75.85%; 5, Apollo Van Het Vijvershof (Jeroen Devroe) Bel 74.60%; 6, Watermill Scandic HBC (Patrik Kittel) Swe 73.85%: 7, Cadillac (Catherine Haddad) USA 71.40%; 8, Lemarc WRT (Sabine Becker) Ger 70.40%; 9, Premier (Aat Van Esssen) Ned 68.95%; 10, Le Beau (Philippe Jorissen) Bel 68.80%; 11, Parzival (Adelinde Cornelissen) Ned 68.80%; 12, Fryso Huys Cas (Marc Peter Spahn) Bel 66.50%; 13, Willibald's Don Giovanni (Isabella Willibald) Aut 65.05%; 14, FS Louis Le Bon (Jana Freund) Ger 64.95%; 15, Ostra (Claudia Fassaert) Bel 62.55%.

2009/2010 FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE - STANDINGS after Round 6 at Mechelen (Bel) - Provisional
1. Adelinde Cornelissen, Monica Theordorescu - 41
3. Imke Schellekens-Bartels - 40
4. Jeanette Haazen - 39
5. Edward Gal, Matthias Alexander Rath - 35
7. Anky Van Grunsven - 34
8. Aat Van Essen - 32
9. Hubertus Schmidt - 27
10. Patrik Kittel - 26
Full standings at http://www.scg-nl.nl/

FACTS AND FIGURES:
This was the second successive win in the current series for Imke Schellekens-Bartels and Hunter Douglas Sunrise who previously topped the line-up in Frankfurt seven days ago.

15 riders competed in today's competition
There were 4 riders each from The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and one each from Sweden, Austria and the USA.

QUOTES:
Jan Peeters, Ground Jury - "the level today was very high - yesterday we thought that nobody could beat Adelinde but in sport so often things happen that you just cannot anticipate"

Imke Schellekens-Bartels - "this show happens right in the middle of Christmas but even though it takes me away from my family I enjoy it very much - its a great show with a great atmosphere".

WEBSITE: http://www.jumping-mechelen.com/_html/main.php

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.

Mare Pregnant at day 38? New Mare Urine test can help

*NEW* Equine Urine Test for the Presence of a Foal

Non-Invasive - Accurate - Affordable
Equine Diagnostics is proud to offer two diagnostic products developed for those involved in the field of equine reproduction.

WeeFoal 38 and WeeFoal 120 – Are two easy to use mare URINE diagnostic tests for diagnosing the presence of a foal.

Equine Diagnostics uses lateral flow technology to analyze a small sample of maternal urine for the presence of metabolites of a pregnancy specific steroid secreted by the developing fetal-placental units, and thereby aid the diagnosis of pregnancy status.

"Our primary goal is to make folks aware there is a safer, easier and quicker way to obtain mare status thus aiding in better animal management”, states EQD rep., Susana Frushour.

WeeFoal 38 is used from 38 days after breeding through to day 120. WeeFoal 120 is used from day 120 through day 300 after breeding. Both easy to use tests will give you accurate answers in 5-20 minutes depending on your choice of test used.

Both WeeFoal 38 and WeeFoal 120 Urine Tests can be used to diagnose and monitor pregnancy status in all breeds of horses, donkeys and zebra, where palpitation per rectum or internal ultrasound scanning is not an option for the miniature or smaller horses.

"This is a great product and one that will help a lot of horse owners and Veterinarians make herd management easier”, states Hume Services, Scotland and the EU Executive Director, Martin Pearson.

Additional information as well as online purchasing may be found at the company web site. www.equinediagnostic.com.

Equine Diagnostics tests are currently available in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several of the EU countries.

Future EDQ Products: FoalProof Equine Blood test for the Veterinary market coming early 2010. Canine home pregnancy test coming in Spring 2010.

Countdown to the 2010 Winter Equestrian Festival begins!

Equestrian Sports Productions (ESP), owner and manager of the FTI 2010 Winter Equestrian Festival is busy with the final preparations to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for the January 12th opening day. ESP has spent millions of dollars since the last circuit to ensure that the experience for both customers and horses will be excellent in the New Year. Mark Bellissimo, Chief Executive Officer of ESP, and Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP) commented, "We are looking forward to a great year in 2010. While we have made significant improvements across the facility, we are most proud of the continued investments in ring footing and grooming equipment for our riders and horses. It has been the goal of the WEP Partnership to make these the finest shows and the premiere facility in the World, we are well on our way to that goal. Over the next few weeks we will be issuing a series of exciting announcements about WEF. Stay tuned."

Highlights for the upcoming WEF;
Exciting Events. The WEG trials (5 classes), a Junior/Amateur team competition, and a Pro/Am Class have been added to an already exciting lineup which includes 15 night events which include the FTI $500,000 Grand Prix, the Nations Cup, the World Dressage Masters, and the Battle of the Sexes. Close to $6 million dollars in prize money and awards.

Rings and Footing. The PBIEC trademark pink "Olympic" footing installed by Equestrian Services International is in the final stages of installation in the Rost and Mische Rings (formerly Grand Hunter). Five rings now have this footing. Renovations have also been completed on Rings 6-8 as well as the rings on the South Grounds.

Jumps. Frank Rothenberger's Caro Designs and Olaf Petersen's design company will be providing new jumps for the jumper rings. Classy Jumps and Littlewood Fences will be providing new jumps for the hunter rings.

Jumbotron. A 22' x 28' foot JumboTron has been erected on the southeast corner of the International Arena. The Jumbotron will take on a personality of its own by not only televising the competitions and the WEF sponsors but also interacting with the spectators through its roving webcam during the big events.

Spectator Pavilions. The Suncast Pavilion is a new area overlooking both the International Arena and the Mische ring. The Pavilion includes a large 36' foot gazebo which has been installed on the east side of the International Arena and will feature a bar and food options. Suncast has also installed an additional 20' x 40' gazebo overlooking the Rost and Mische rings that will provide another dining option for riders and spectators.

New Food/Beverage Options. The "Trough" Sports Bar presented by Pine Hollow will be completed overlooking the Rost Arena that will have casual dining and several widescreens installed televising various sporting events throughout the day and evening. The Oasis Cafe serving Nepresso will be installed at the east end of the vendor courtyard which will serve as an Internet café and lounge. A Fresh Salad restaurant and a new Sushi Option will round out the new fare. And of course the famous Tiki Hut will return with more food and drink options available. A new permanent kitchen will be completed which will enhance the quality of the food service in the international club and across the property.

New Online Entry System. On Monday, December 28, 2009, ESP will be rolling out its new online Horse Show Entry System for the Winter Equestrian Festival. More news to follow!

New Covered Boxes Seating. Installation of an awning will begin next week that will cover the boxes in front of the International Club. Call Annette Goyette at 561-779-1660 if you would like to secure one of a limited number of remaining boxes.

Paved Access Roads. The perimeter road/golfcart loop around the North Grounds has been paved so that, if necessary, both horse and rider ambulances can move safely around the grounds to access each ring. This will also dramatically eliminate dust from the facility.

Site Drainage. The entire North Ground facility has undergone construction of a drainage and sewer system that will ensure that both the rings and public areas are water free even after the heaviest downpours. Thirteen covered horse wash bays have been constructed around the facility that are now connected to sewer system in order to protect the water quality in the local waterways as well as keeping the areas around the stalls dry.

In addition to the facility improvements, the ESP team has worked hard all year to enhance the customer experience of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Both the staff and the facility are set to ensure that the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will be the safest, most competitive and enjoyable season to date.

We wish you and your family a safe and happy Holiday Season.

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

2010 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session to be held in International Ring at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

WESTPORT, CT - December 23, 2009 - The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has graciously offered the use of its prestigious International Ring for the 4th George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session on January 5-9, 2010 in Wellington, Florida.

Auditors will have ringside seating for the mounted sessions conducted by George H. Morris, the legendary horseman and chef d'équipe of the Olympic gold medal show-jumping team in 2008 in Hong Kong.

Auditing is free and open to the public; however, a donation to The USET Foundation will be greatly appreciated.

The young riders represent the next generation of America's "horsemasters" for U.S. Equestrian Teams, and include Jacqueline Lubrano, Jessica Springsteen, Zazou Hoffman, Christy Distefano, Matthew Metell, Theodore Boris, Jennifer Waxman, Reed Kessler, Chase Boggio, and Victoria Birdsall. The mounted sessions will run from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.

Auditors are also invited to attend the daily educational sessions that will be held in the Blue Ribbon Club. On Tuesday, at 1:00 pm Anne Kursinski, Former Olympian and USA Team rider, will present "The Heart of a Champion" followed at 2:00 pm with a veterinary session with Dr. Tim Ober, the USA Equestrian Team Veterinarian. On Wednesday, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon, Purina Mills, will conduct a nutrition session a nutrition session on Feeding the Athletic Horse: How to Get A Nutritional Advantage at 2:30 p.m. On Thursday at 1:00 p.m., Allyn Mann, Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, will lecture on Joint Health and Maintenance.

The educational sessions will conclude on Friday with the ASPCA All Star Equine Anti-Cruelty Summit & Panel Discussion led by ASPCA President Ed Sayres at 1:00 p.m. Panelists include: From the ASPCA, Ed Sayres, Dr. Melinda Merck, Dr. Pamela Corey, Joseph Pentangelo, World Class/Olympic Riders and Trainers, John Madden, Beezie Madden, Anne Kursinski, George Morris, and Brianne Goutal, Steve Nislick from www.ny-class.org and Jennifer Swanson from www.purethoughtshorserescue.com.. Following the discussion, auditors will have the opportunity to visit the display and tour of the ASPCA's Mobile Animal Crime Scene Unit, the only one of its kind, and exhibition of rescued horses and dogs available for adoption.

The George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session has been made possible by support from The EQUUS Foundation, Practical Horseman, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, Purina Mills, Adequan, ASPCA, Equestrian Sports Productions, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the USET Foundation, and the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA).

Directions to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center:
From the Florida Turnpike take Exit #93, Lake Worth Road, west 5 miles to South Shore Blvd. Turn right at Blinker light on to South Shore Blvd. and proceed one mile to Pierson Road, turn left at the light. Spectator Entrance is first left, Equestrian Club Road.
From Interstate I-95, take Exit #66. Travel west on Forest Hill Blvd. 11 miles to South Shore Blvd. Turn left on South Shore and follow to Pierson Road. Turn right at the light on Pierson Road. Spectator Entrance is first left, Equestrian Club Road.

For additional information on the George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Session, contact Connie Sawyer at csawyer4@twcny.rr.com. Visit www.syracuseinvitational.com for a full listing of details.

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: http://www.equusfoundation.org.

HITS Announces Increased Sponsorship Commitment for 2010 Show Season

Saugerties, NY - December 23, 2009 - HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that their sponsorship commitments for the 2010 show season have significantly increased thanks to both returning and new sponsor relationships.

Starting the year off right, three HITS winter show circuits will enjoy the increased support. The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal will have six weeks of competition from January 26 to March 14, while the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will run two non-rated and six rated shows from January 20 to March 21. The HITS Arizona Winter Circuit will have six weeks of competition as well from February 3 to March 14.

HITS' Account Executive for Corporate Sponsorship, Lisa Engel, reports that sponsorship levels are up from last year. When compared to this time last year, HITS is up approximately 40% in cash sponsorships, and when in-kind sponsorships were included, the number jumps to an impressive 60% increase.

"Sponsorship has been an important part of our growth and success," said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. "We've been fortunate to have some really generous and enthusiastic sponsors to support us over the years. I'm most proud of the long-term relationships we've held with so many of them. Their contribution and support enables us to produce great shows for our exhibitors, which then leads to greater value for our sponsors. This year, especially, with the $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix we expect to be able to provide even more value to our sponsors."

"I attribute this growth to the fact that HITS offers companies the greatest number of imaging opportunities to the largest group of horsemen coast to coast," Engel said. "All HITS sponsorships are customized, offering companies unique opportunities that meet both their marketing and budget objectives. Since the announcement that HITS will produce the richest Grand Prix in the country next year, the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix on September 12, 2010, the phone hasn't stopped ringing. Long-standing sponsors are looking to increase their exposure and imaging opportunities, while new sponsors look to reach the HITS exhibitors and brand themselves with the largest show jumping production company in the United States."

Returning Sponsors Increase Their Commitments

HITS is very pleased to welcome back their returning sponsors, some of whom have made the commitment for a larger presence or a larger sponsorship at HITS shows.

Pfizer Animal Health's sponsorship represents the largest corporate sponsorship for HITS and is one of the largest in the United States for Show Jumping. Pfizer Animal Health is the title sponsor of the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, along with many other sponsorship pledges throughout the HITS circuits. Also included in this year's deal, the Grand Prix Ring at the HITS-on-the-Hudson facility in Saugerties has been renamed as the STRONGID® C 2X Grand Prix Arena.

Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer, Inc. is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Since acquiring Fort Dodge Animal Health this year, Pfizer Animal Health now has the most innovative and broadest range of products in the equine industry. For additional information on Pfizer Animal Health's U.S. portfolio of equine products, visit www.PfizerAH.com.

SmartPak is returning to the HITS circuits in Thermal, Ocala, and Saugerties with their delivery place stations on the show grounds. They will also have an online order link on the on-line version of the HITS prize lists, and coupons in the prize lists. SmartPak is sponsoring the SmartPak Internet Café and Riders Lounge at the HITS Saugerties horse shows as well. SmartPak offers market-leading, name-brand supplements custom-packed for your horse in a patented unit dose package, the SmartPak™. For more information on SmartPak, please visit www.smartpak.com.

Luitpold Pharmaceuticals' division, Luitpold Animal Health, are the makers of Adequan and are sponsoring all of the back numbers for all circuits as well as the Adequan Hunter division at the HITS circuits this year, as well as all Marshall & Sterling League member events and the National Finals. Luitpold Animal Health is fully committed to advancing the cause of better animal health. From multimillion-dollar Thoroughbreds to long-time companion animals, the better health and well-being of horses is what they work toward every day. More information on Adequan can be found at www.luitpoldanimalhealth.com.

Great American Insurance Group has increased their sponsorship at the HITS horse shows to include sponsorship of the Marshall & Sterling League and the "Great American Time to Beat" at all HITS circuits. Great American Insurance Group, owned by American Financial Group (NYSE/NASDAQ:AFG), is engaged primarily in specialty property and casualty insurance businesses and in the sale of retirement annuities, life and supplemental health insurance products. For more information, please visit www.greatamericaninsurance.com.

Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of the Marshall & Sterling League at the HITS shows and across the country. They are celebrating their 20th year as the sponsor of the League. During the year, riders from coast to coast compete at more than 1,100 Marshall & Sterling League member horse shows to earn points for a place at the National Finals held at HITS Saugerties. Since its inception in 1991, the Marshall & Sterling League Finals have provided the goal that has fueled the competitive spirit of child and adult riders at all levels of competition. Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm. Information on Marshall & Sterling can be found at www.marshallsterling.com.

Barnmaster is returning as a sponsor of all HITS circuits this year. Barnmaster prides itself in providing modular barn systems that are safe and comfortable for horses, while being structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Barnmaster is able to quickly and cost-effectively evaluate its customers' requirements to ensure the best possible barn to meet their needs. Find out more at www.barnmaster.com.

Purina Mills has been a sponsor at the HITS shows for more than six years. In 2010 they will be the Official Feed for HITS shows, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the Marshall & Sterling League Finals. In addition, they are also the generous sponsor of Grand Prix classes that will be held in Thermal, Ocala and Saugerties. Purina Mills will also help host fun events at HITS shows, including the very popular Purina Mills Kids Day and Weekend at Saugerties, a Kids Day in Ocala, and a Purina Weekend in Thermal, which will feature Fiesta Day. PMI Nutrition Exclusive branded pet food will be sponsoring the Top Dog competition each week at HITS Thermal, HITS Ocala and HITS Saugerties. Along with providing Purina feed for sale at their shows, HITS will also offer Purina's Nicker Makers horse treats and PMI Nutrition Exclusive dog food for sale. Orders can be placed on the feed order forms in the prize lists and online at HitsShows.com For more information visit www.pminutrition.com and www.purinamills.com.

Nancy Shearer of Purina Mills stated, "HITS has such tremendous reach from the West Coast to the East Coast to the South. That has remarkable appeal to us, to get every aspect of the English world covered in every region."

Devoucoux has increased their presence at all of the HITS horse shows and through the Marshall & Sterling League this year with their title sponsorship of the Devoucoux 3'3" Hunter Derby. Devoucoux ranks among the top of the range, tailored saddlery products, designed for all riders and all types of mount, whether competition or leisure. Please read more at www.devoucoux.com

HITS Welcomes Back Sponsors as Partners in the HITS Horse Show Experience

In their third year of sponsorship at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, DeLuca Toyota is once again joining the HITS family as the title sponsor of the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, which will close out the season on Sunday, March 21. DeLuca Toyota was established in 1978, and they are now one of Florida's fastest growing volume dealers. The DeLuca Toyota staff understands the importance of customer satisfaction and loyalty, and they strive to serve customers in a professional, efficient manner. For more information on DeLuca Toyota, please visit www.delucatoyota.com.

"Bill Morrison of DeLuca Toyota and his family are horse owners and understand the horse industry and the needs of horsemen. Bill and DeLuca Toyota realize the value in marketing the Toyota trucks to the equestrian community and of being the Official Vehicle of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit," said Lisa Engel. "Many HITS competitors have purchased trucks and cars they have seen at the HITS Post Time show grounds from DeLuca and feel confident in buying their trucks and cars from them."

Arenus, a division of Novus Nutrition Brands, is back at HITS this year at the Thermal, Arizona, and Ocala circuits. Arenus' mission is to be the premier provider of innovative nutritional products that help horses and companion animals achieve optimal health, performance, and longevity. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Arenus is a division of Novus Nutrition Brands, LLC (a Novus International company) and is dedicated to improving the health, performance and longevity of all horses and dogs. To learn more about their products, please visit www.arenusperformance.com.

HITS Welcomes New Sponsors in 2010

HITS is pleased to welcome new companies to their growing list of sponsors for this year. Charles Owen will be sponsoring at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Charles Owen helmets are known for their classic style. The comfort and look of Charles Owen helmets, specifically the AYR8, continues to grow in popularity not only in the jumper market but also within the Grand Prix sector, as high-performance riders consistently turn to Charles Owen for its stylish comfort and safety features. To see the full range of Charles Owen products, please visit www.charlesowen.com.

PRO-CARE PLUS Hoof Conditioner will be a new member of sponsors at all of the HITS circuits this year. PRO-CARE PLUS Hoof Conditioner not only conditions, dresses, and revitalizes the hoof, but helps combat problem hoof issues. See more at www.pro-careproducts.com.

Triple C Trailer Sales Inc., which is owned and operated by Terry, Linda, and Adam Crouch, is new to the HITS shows this year and will have a presence at all five HITS locations. Having raised and shown horses for 25 years, the people at Triple C Trailer Sales Inc. understands the trailer needs of equestrians and can find just the right trailer to meet any economic and/or farm needs. Find out more at www.triplectrailersales.com.

Royal Champion will be joining HITS at the HITS Desert Circuit and will be the title sponsor of the Leading World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix Rider Award. Royal Champion's mission is to develop and manufacture the highest quality equine and canine nutritional supplements available today, which support the health and sustained vitality of your animal. They are committed to supporting you in the pursuit of your dog or horse's wellness and peak performance. Find out about their products at www.royalchampion.com.

Mountain Horse will be the Official Outerwear for all HITS Horse Shows and the Marshall & Sterling League for the 2010 horse show season. As Official Outerwear for all HITS Shows and the Marshall & Sterling League, Mountain Horse Outerwear will be worn by HITS staff from coast-to-coast. The partnership combines the passion of more than 40,000 HITS exhibitors with Mountain Horse's expertise in designing and bringing innovative, technical riding apparel and footwear to equestrians worldwide. See the Mountain Horse range of products at www.mountainhorseusa.net.

HITS Thanks Their Supportive Sponsors
Always a testament to the value that HITS brings, many long term sponsors continue to support the HITS horse shows, and the following sponsors have increased their commitments this year. Brook Ledge Horse Transportation is the Official Equine Transportation Company for the 2010 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. EMO is the title sponsor of a Grand Prix competition at all HITS circuits. The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Center is the Official Equine Sports Therapy Center for the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Fast Lane Farm is the title sponsor of the $5,000 Fast Lane Farm A/O Hunter Classic at the HITS Arizona.

Thanks to these returning sponsors, HITS can offer the best product for their customers. Returning to all of the HITS circuits are Coca Cola Enterprise, Der Dau, Dever Golf Carts, Antares, and Catena USA. EquiFit, inc. will be sponsoring at the Thermal, Ocala, and Saugerties circuits. At the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, there are many supportive sponsors like The Wheeler Family, Don Stewart Stables, Iron Spring Farm, Ocala Horse Properties, Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club, Ring Power, Galopando TV, Ocala Style Magazine, WTRS 102.3 FM, Parma Groomer, U-Dump Trailers, Winn Dixie, Horse and Hounds Restaurant, Ipanema Restaurant, Team Barber, and the Equine Medical Center of Ocala Stallion Services. Bergdorf Goodman.com is a returning sponsor to the HITS Desert Circuit this year.

Many other new sponsors to HITS have realized the value of aligning themselves with a show management company whose reach extends across the country. Hodges Badge Company will be at all of the HITS circuits. At the Saugerties, Culpeper, and Ocala circuits is Elite Equine Shavings-East Coast. In Saugerties, Thermal, and Ocala is Reist Industries, maker of the Rotogroomer. Equine Gift Baskets, AAA Executive Limousine Service, Jill Norair and Pure Grace Farm, Five Star Tack, Judy's Tack Shop, The Melting Pot, Pi on Broadway, and Arthur's Restaurant will be supporting the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, while Equestrian Connect, Morgan's of the Desert, and The Shops of La Quinta are supporting the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA.

Entries for the HITS Desert Circuit must be received by January 6. Entries for the first two weeks in Ocala close on January 6, while entries for the rated shows close on January 20. Entries for HITS Arizona close on Tuesday, January 19. Prize lists and entry blanks for all three HITS Winter Circuits are available online. To keep on track with the updates or to request a copy of the winter circuit prize lists, 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.

For more information on qualifying for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, please visit http://www.hitsshows.com/nyusgpl/index.html.

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.

M3 Products Introduces Whisper Bit Gag and Whisper Bit D-Ring

M3 Products, the company that designed and produced the innovative Whisper Bit, has announced the addition of two innovative designs to the revolutionary line of bits. Now available are the Whisper Bit Gag and the Whisper Bit D-Ring.

The Whisper Bit has become a staple piece of equipment in the barns of top trainers – from nearly every discipline. Those elite professionals include National Reining Horse Association $2 Million Rider Tim McQuay, National Cutting Horse Association $1 Million Rider and National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion Boyd Rice, and Charmayne James, the 11-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion, along with top hunter and jumper trainers Colleen McQuay and Morgan Thomas.

The new designs were produced to not only aide in the training of western disciplines, but also to reach into the English industry. M3 Products Co-Owner and renowned trainer Colleen McQuay noted, “In the Hunter and Jumper world there is a large group of bits to choose from, especially for showing jumpers. But the slightest difference in how the horse holds the mouthpiece can make a huge change in the results. For this reason, Whisper Bits offer another opportunity to find what works best for you and your horse.”

McQuay explained, “The Whisper D Snaffle works well in starting young horses in western disciplines and in the hunter and equitation ring and is a great tool when teaching beginner riders to develop good hands. The Whisper Gag is also good for training and has a slow gag effect which helps with heavier horses while training. It is also great as a mild gag in the jumper ring. The gag engagement is slower than other such bits so the horse’s reaction is smoother and that makes it good for horses that might tend to over react to a cue.”

McQuay introduced her friend and fellow trainer, Morgan Thomas, to the bits, and gained another Whisper Bit fan. “The horses are very comfortable with these bits. They don’t overreact to them, but it is still a nice boundary. There are some bits like this that are too hard, and there are others that are almost too light. The Whisper Bit is a happy medium,” Thomas noted. “From training to showing, this is the perfect bit. I use it every day.”

Morgan Thomas has been a professional trainer for over 25 years. In that time he has won many National awards, and has been a Champion at all major indoor horseshows.

The Whisper Gag bit is available for $49.95, and the Whisper Bit D-Ring can be purchased for $39.95. Thanks to the large volume of manufacturing of Whisper Bits, the Original Whisper Bit, in either the short or long shank, is now available for sale at $79.95.

For information on the Whisper Bit, see a local western retailer, visit the web site at www.whisperbit.com or call 580-759-2572.

Rein In Cancer Continues to Raise Big Money for Cancer Research

Recent fund-raising efforts at some of the Nation’s largest equine events have raised over $35,000 for Rein In Cancer. Rein In Cancer, which raises money to fight all types of cancer and aid those fighting the disease, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to date. Rein In Cancer has contributed greatly to its main beneficiary, the Shirley Bowman Nutrition Center at the University of Oklahoma Cancer Institute.

Thanks to the strong support of the equine community, the money raised continues to grow. At the 42nd Annual All American Quarter Horse Congress, held October 2 through 25, nearly $34,000 for Rein In Cancer, announced Short Koger, Co-Founder of Rein In Cancer.

The live auction of many donated items was run by the Congress Queen contestants and brought in $32,000. Koger, who owns Shorts Hattery, sold $1,818 worth of Rein In Cancer pins and raffle tickets for a beautiful saddle sponsored by Shortys Hattery, Jud Little, and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.

The Southwest Reining Horse Association teamed up once again with Rein In Cancer, hosting the Performance Halter and Pleasure Classes during the SWRHA Futurity and Horse Show in mid-October. A silent Auction was also held, with all the money raised going to Rein In Cancer. The donations and the bids at the event garnered funds for the cause for the second consecutive year.

At the Western States Cutting Horse Association Year-End Weekend Show, hosted by the Western States Cutting Horse Association, a Pink Day and Bridleless cutting competition was held. The proceeds were split between the Denver Children’s Hospital and Rein In Cancer, with almost $3,000 going to Rein In Cancer.

“The generosity of everyone from all aspects of the equine industry is astounding and humbling. This disease affects everyone, and we hope that, with help from Rein In Cancer, a cure can eventually be found,” noted Rein In Cancer Co-Founder Cheryl Magoteaux.

For information on Rein In Cancer, a non-profit 501C3 Corporation, visit the web site at www.reinincancer.com.

Ritchie Industries Signs on as Feature Sponsor of the 2010 Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tours

Downunder Horsemanship is pleased to announce Ritchie Industries as the Feature Sponsor of the 2010 Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tours. The company has been a longtime supporter of Clinton and his Downunder Horsemanship training Method. Clinton says, “Ritchie Industries and I have had a great relationship for many years. I am so excited to have them on board as a Feature Sponsor of the 2010 Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tours. They are great people and have great products.” Partnering with the fine folks at Ritchie and continuing to offer their quality products brings value to both Downunder Horsemanship and Ritchie customers.

Ritchie’s dedication to producing quality products and providing first-rate service is a perfect fit for Downunder Horsemanship where innovation is a trademark. The 2010 Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour, brought to you by Ritchie Industries, will visit 10 cities across America, beginning in January. During these inspiring two-day tours, Clinton teaches his Method to gaining a willing, respectful equine partner to thousands of spectators.

For more information on Ritchie Industries or Downunder Horsemanship and Clinton Anderson, please visit our website at www.downunderhorsemanship.com or call (888)287-7432.

Back Country Horsemen of America Receives Development Grant

Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a Technical Assistance grant by the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) group of the National Park Service. It is anticipated that this grant will provide BCHA members with the tools to continue and to develop effective, long-term relationships with land managers of all levels of public lands (federal, state, local).

“BCHA is a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization,” stated Terry Morrison, Chairman. “This grant will provide the technical expertise needed to develop programs so that members will have the information they need to respond quickly and successfully to issues related to recreation use on public land. It will be a tremendous benefit to us.”

The RTCA program provides technical planning assistance to help local citizens to build and maintain trails and conserve open space. For this project, staff member Mary Hanson will work directly with BCHA to create an educational program so members will have the knowledge and skills to improve their local park and forest horse trails.

BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands. If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, or call 888-893-5161.

For more information about the RTCA program, contact Mary at 402-661-1554 or mary_hanson@nps.gov.

The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!

Tucker Trail Saddles is the Official Saddle of the American Competitive Trail Horse Association

YOAKUM, Texas (December 23, 2009): Tucker Trail Saddles, known for providing hours of ultimate trail comfort, is the official saddle of the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA).

The ACTHA is a national presence with casual and fun Competitive Trail Challenges (CTC) all across the U.S. Competitors ride a five to 10 mile trail and are judged at obstacles along the way. At each obstacle, the horse and rider team is awarded points based on their performance. Horse and riders who place in each division are awarded prizes from a variety of sponsors, and the ACTHA maintains a database of points earned by each horse.

The ACTHA will present year-end High-Point awards at the conclusion of the ACTHA riding season in June. The year-end High-Point Champion will be awarded a special trophy lettered Tucker saddle. The High-Point winners from each region will be awarded special trophy Tucker tack sets.

“When you think of Tucker Saddles, you think of comfort, trail, and fun. We were looking for an organization to team up with, and we found it with ACTHA,” said Mark Jemelka, general manager of Tucker Trail Saddles.

The American Competitive Trail Horse Association was started in 2006 by two horsewomen that wanted a fun, casual trail competition. The mission of the ACTHA is to promote the great American trail horse through these casual trail competitions while raising money for horse rescues and charities. Up to 50 percent of ACTHA’s proceeds are donated directly to charity. With all breeds and riding disciplines welcome, points accumulated through the competitive trail challenges stay with each horse for its lifetime. ACTHA has grown into a national phenomenon which has rides all across the United States. For more information on the ACTHA, visit their website at www.actha.us

Tucker Trail Saddles are known for their signature Ultimate Trail Comfort. With the patented Gel-Cush™ shock absorbing seat incorporated into every Tucker trail saddle, riders all across the world experience ultimate comfort for hours on the trail. The Tucker saddle brand began over 32 years ago and is dedicated to the art of saddle making. Tucker’s skilled craftspeople are committed to preserving tradition while progressing the technology of saddle mastership. Tucker products are proudly made in Yoakum, Texas, and are sold through a network of authorized dealers; visit www.tuckersaddles.com to learn more.

CIRCLE Y SADDLES CELEBRATES 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2010

YOAKUM, Texas (December 23, 2009): Circle Y Saddles, Inc., America’s Leading Saddle Brand, celebrates 50 years of saddle making in 2010.

Circle Y began manufacturing in the small town of Yoakum, Texas, in 1960. The company built its reputation on the innovation and fine craftsmanship of its products, becoming the standard of quality in the industry. Circle Y attributes the success of the brand to its family of employees. With a deep sense of community and pride in their work, the Circle Y team boasts a combined total of over 1,500 years of experience.

Circle Y Saddles is proud to sponsor some of the biggest names in the western world including world-renowned clinician Julie Goodnight, multiple world champion barrel racers Martha Josey and Kelly Kaminski, world champion cowboy mounted shooter Kenda Lenseigne, and is the official saddle of the WPRA Finals.

Still located in Yoakum, Texas, Circle Y opens new doors in January of 2010 with a relocation to a single building facility. Previously operating from several separate buildings in downtown Yoakum, the move will allow the company to recognize greater efficiencies. With a commitment to continuous improvement of process and product, Circle Y strives to better serve its customers for the next 50 years.

“We are definitely proud of the fact that we have been around for 50 years, but we are most proud of our craftsmen. The longevity of our workforce says a lot about the integrity of the brand,” said Mark Jemelka, general manager of Circle Y Saddles.

Circle Y Saddles, Inc. is America’s Leading Saddle Brand. Circle Y’s innovative products reflect the current trends in design and are ahead of the industry in technology. Circle Y continues to produce high quality saddles and tack with the heritage and tradition the company was founded on. Circle Y saddles and tack are sold through a network of authorized dealers; visit www.circley.com to learn more.

RFD-TV STAR AND HORSE TRAINER JULIE GOODNIGHT IS THE LATEST SPONSOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

Lexington, KY – Best known for her award-winning reality television show Horse Master, airing weekly on RFD-TV, trainer and clinician Julie Goodnight has signed on as an official sponsor of the International Equestrian Festival (IEF) and will present clinics daily in downtown Lexington, KY, September 25-October 10, 2010. Horse Capital Productions, a Lexington-based company, is producing the event. Goodnight has prepared a full curriculum of horse training topics to cover and demonstrate daily as part of the Kentucky Horse Council’s First Time Owner seminar series to be held at IEF. She will also be on hand daily to answer questions and help horse lovers learn about her full line of tack, training DVDs, and wares in her extensive shopping area, “Goodnight Village,” which includes Kestar Boots and Circle Y Saddles, among others.

Horse Master with Julie Goodnight is a popular program airing on RFD-TV in which Goodnight helps horse owners to “makeover” their relationship with their horses and solve specific behavior and riding-related tasks. During her 25-year career in the horse industry, she has developed expertise in multiple disciplines, including dressage, racing, jumping, reining, driving and colt-starting. She grew up riding on Florida’s hunter-jumper circuit then exercised race horses on the track while working through college in Arizona then stayed out West to lead wilderness rides and finally began combining all to form her unique brand of natural horsemanship and classic riding training.

In addition to her television work, Goodnight teaches numerous clinics ( focusing on “Classic Skills for a Natural Ride”) across the country, as well as writing columns that appear in many regional publications throughout North America. Goodnight’s training techniques are featured regularly in Horse & Rider (where she’s a member of Team Horse & Rider) and The Trail Rider.

Goodnight also serves as the International Spokesperson for the Certified Horse Association. In 2008, she was named Equine Affaire’s Exceptional Equestrian Educator—one of only three to ever receive the award.

"We are excited to be a part of the expansion of the Julie Goodnight brand at the International Equestrian Festival. She is an icon in equestrian education and she has a massive fan following. With her educational techniques and the Goodnight Village on board, we know we have all the right tools to meet the goals of the ‘up and coming’ rider in a way they've never had access to before,” stated Anne Buchanan, CEO of Horse Capital Productions.

Goodnight will present daily during the 16-day festival.

“I’m really looking forward to working together with the IEF and the Kentucky Horse Council to offer educational programs to horse owners and to the diverse crowd of horse enthusiasts during the World Games,” Goodnight says. “It’s a unique opportunity and I am thrilled to be a part if it!

Horse Capital Productions also supports the Kentucky Horse Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated, through education, to the protection, growth and development of the equine industry in Kentucky.


To learn more about Julie Goodnight, to watch free clips from her TV show and to read articles in her free Training Library, please visit http://www.juliegoodnight.com. You’ll also find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/julie.goodnight

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 fun, 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.

Nancy Koch of CANTER Selected as USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Recipient

WESTPORT, CT - December 23, 2009 - Nancy Koch, Executive Director of CANTER National, will be honored as the first recipient of The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award presented by The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The inaugural presentation will take place on January 16, 2010, at the USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner during the Federation's Annual Meeting.

The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award (presented by the United States Equestrian Federation) is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world. Specifically, the goal of this humanitarian honor is to spotlight and exalt the selfless dedication one individual or a group of individuals has made, whether on a regional or national scale. From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public's appreciation and respect of the diverse role of horses, the recipient of this award will be someone who has devoted considerable personal time to make the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount.

Nancy Koch has devoted countless hours to improving the health and welfare of young Thoroughbred racehorses who no longer able to race competitively. Koch started The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) to find new careers for these horses. The web-based program "caught on" and now, there are all-volunteer CANTER affiliates across the country.

In learning that she was selected for the award, Nancy said, "I am honored to accept this award on behalf of all the CANTER volunteers".

For more information, contact Melissa Davis at mdavis@usef.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: http://www.equusfoundation.org.

Three Horseback Riding Opportunities at Bishop’s Lodge

Winter Horse Camp for kids, Holiday Rides, Riding Lessons for adults

Santa Fe, N.M., Dec. 22, 2009 – The Winter Horse Camp offers daily riding lessons in the arena and the trail, crafts in Camp Appaloosa cabin, and the chance to learn all about horses in and around the barn. The cost for the Winter Horse Camp starts at $70 per day when you book the whole week. Three day and daily packages available as well. The dates for Winter Horse Camp are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Holiday Rides take riders to the top of a scenic mesa for a 2-hour round trip with a campfire, hot cider, hot chocolate and s’mores at the top. The rides are offered Saturday and Sunday through December at $75 per person.

Horseback Riding Lessons are customized to each rider’s level and start with groundwork and understanding horses and their behavior. Packages for lessons start at $30 for group lessons and $50 a lesson for private lessons.

Gift certificates are available.
http://www.bishopslodge.com/

Please email msmith@bishopslodge.com or call 505.819.4013 for pricing and schedules and to register.

SMARTPAK EQUINE™ NOW OFFERS POINT TWO AIR JACKET

Revolutionary New Tool Helps Riders of All Disciplines Be Safer

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (December 10, 2009) – Riding can be dangerous. Each year thousands of riders suffer serious, even life threatening, injuries from falls. SmartPak Equine™ is taking rider safety one step further by offering the newest innovative safety technology on the market. The Point Two ‘Pro Air’ Jacket, previously sold only in Europe, has revolutionized safety in the equine world by combining the latest airbag technology within a lightweight and comfortable jacket. The ‘Pro Air” available at SmartPak is the first inflatable jacket for the equine market sold in the U.S. and is their newest design - faster than the previous versions available in Europe.

"Our customers are going to love how effective this product is,” states Rebecca Minard, founder of SmartPak Equine. “Whether you’re an Eventer, Fox Hunter, Bull Rider or even a Jockey or Exercise Rider, the Point Two Air jacket offers an additional protective measure that is so important in equine sports.” According to Lee Middleton, designer of the Point Two ‘Pro Air’ Jacket, “the vest reaches full inflation in 0.1 seconds offering protection to the collar of the neck, spine, coccyx and rib cage. It also offers significant shock absorption protection, distributes pressure and above all, effectively supports the spinal column so that the neck and trunk have limited movement.”

Endorsed by many top riders including eventers Lucinda Green, Oliver Townend and Piggy French, the Point Two ‘Pro Air’ Jacket has accumulated a loyal following. Eight out of the Top 10 riders at Burghley competed wearing the Point Two Air Jacket.

The unique airbag is only activated if the rider is separated from the horse so that it does not hinder the rider’s movement while riding. A simple “click” is all it takes to connect the rider to the saddle. The Point Two Air Jacket is completely reusable after simple replacement of the CO² gas cartridge. It is available in sizes Small, Medium and Large, based on the rider’s height.

The SmartPak Equine catalog is the only national catalog in the USA able to offer the Point-Two 'Pro Air' Jacket.' SmartPak Equine made their debut in the equine health care market with their flagship innovation, the SmartPak™, providing name-brand supplements and pharmaceuticals in custom, daily-dose packages, and has since dramatically expanded their product line to include an ever growing list of riding apparel and horse tack and equipment.

For more information about the Point Two ‘Pro Air’ Jacket, visit the SmartPak Equine website at www.SmartPakEquine.com or call 800-461-8898.

About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. It has been embraced by riders from all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. In 2006, SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company has also been honored with a Best Workplaces award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces, as well as having been named a Top 100 Workplace by the Boston Globe. Smart Pak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.

Goldmark works to improve recreation opportunities on DNR-managed lands

DNR advances recommendations from Sustainable Recreation Work Group

OLYMPIA—Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark today announced agency-requested legislation aimed at improving funding for recreation on trust lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bill requests authorization for DNR to charge recreation access fees in certain situations, explores a multi-agency access pass, creates a concessionaire pilot program, and revises DNR’s recreational immunity.

The bill is a direct result of consensus recommendations made by the Sustainable Recreation Work Group in a report submitted to the Washington State Legislature. Bill sponsors are Sen. Ken Jacobsen (D-Seattle) and Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen), both of whom represented the legislature on the Work Group, as did Rep. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake). Rep. Warnick is also one of the bill’s co-sponsors.

“I want to thank the members of the Sustainable Recreation Work Group for their diligent efforts. These recommendations will improve recreation opportunities in our state,” said Goldmark. “This bill will allow DNR to be responsive to the public and the growing recreation demands on our state’s trust lands.”

The Work Group’s Final Report to the Legislature is the culmination of a year and a half of work and offers a total of 11 recommendations that address funding and improving access to recreation on DNR-managed trust lands, while assuring that resources are sustainably managed. In addition, the report proposes two recommendations directly to DNR concerning recreational access.

“Given the current economic climate and the budget challenges facing the state, this bill will focus on recommendations that can be realistically carried out in the near term,” Goldmark said. “I know that the citizens of this state are passionate about the outdoors. I am committed to advancing additional recreation-related issues in future legislative sessions.”

The bill reflects the following Work Group recommendations:

· Access fee. Authorizes DNR to charge for using specific recreation sites and for hosting or attending special events on DNR-managed trust lands. Currently, DNR does not have the authority to charge fees.

· Multi-agency access pass. DNR, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Parks would explore development of a single pass allowing access to all lands managed by any of the three agencies.

· Concessionaire pilot program. Directs DNR to initiate a pilot project to determine the feasibility of contracting with concessionaires to provide services at DNR’s recreation sites. One pilot project will be located in eastern Washington and one in the western part of the state.

· Recreational immunity. The bill would align DNR’s immunity from recreation-related lawsuits with Washington State Parks and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.


“It’s exciting to see such a broad coalition of support behind this bill and to see our work reflected in potential action at the legislative level,” said Elizabeth Lunney, Work Group member and executive director of the Washington Trails Association.

Work Group membership included a diverse group of people, with representatives and leaders from both motorized and non-motorized recreational uses. Historically, many of these interests have been at odds with one another as users compete for limited places to recreate on state lands.

“Our versatile group quickly found common ground and recognized that we would need to work together if we were going to develop realistic recommendations to improve recreational opportunities for everyone on lands managed by DNR,” said Arlene Brooks, Work Group member and executive director of the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association.

“We had to grapple with the fact that our state’s growing population is putting extra pressure on state lands, especially as less and less private land is available for public access,” said Jon Kennedy, Work Group member and executive director of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. “Our recommendations reflect a deep commitment to the ongoing health of and access to these state lands.”


“I am so glad that Commissioner Goldmark is leading the charge to ensure that funding and opportunities for science-based recreation on state lands will be available for future generations—and this bill should do it.” said Darrell Wallace, incoming president of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington.


Both versions of the bill can be download from the Washington State Legislature’s website.

House Bill 2480: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2480&year=2009

Senate Bill 2237: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6237&year=2009

Download the Sustainable Recreation Work Group Final Report to the Washington State Legislature from www.dnr.wa.gov. (Follow the link to the “Sustainable Recreation Work Group.”)


About the Sustainable Recreation Work Group

The Sustainable Recreation Work Group is the result of legislation in 2008 to establish policy recommendations and a collaborative vision to ensure outdoor recreation is safe, enjoyable, accessible, environmentally responsible, and sustainably funded now and into the future.

The legislature directed the work group to examine relevant existing laws and rules and recommend policy changes and funding alternatives for consideration by the 2010 legislative session.

For more information about the Sustainable Recreation Work Group and a list of members, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/RecreationPlanning/Pages/amp_rec_sustainable_recreation.aspx

CHAMPION STAKES WINNER GULCH TO RETIRE AT OLD FRIENDS

GEORGETOWN, KY—DECEMBER 22, 2009—Gulch, the six-time Grade 1-winning son of Mr. Prospector, arrived today at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, where he will permanently retire. The 25-year-old stallion has stood at William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, KY since leaving racing in 1988. He was pensioned from stud duty just this year.

Gulch (Mr. Prospector–Jameela by Rambunctious) was owned and bred by Peter M. Brant and trained by Hall-of-Famers LeRoy Jolley and D. Wayne Lukas. He retired with 13 wins from 32 starts and career earnings of over $3 million.

As a two-year-old, the dark bay captured five starts, including the GR1 Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga. As a dazzling three-year-old he claimed the GR1 Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct and the GR1 Wood Memorial at Belmont, making him a top contender in the 1987 Kentucky Derby.

At four, with new trainer Lukas, Gulch went on to win the Metropolitan Handicap and the Carter Handicap (both GR1), and capped the year with a victory in the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, which helped him earn the Eclipse Award for Champion Sprinter.

He now joins Old Friends’s other Eclipse winners Black Tie Affair, The Wicked North, Hidden Lake, and Sunshine Forever.

A leading stallion at Lane’s End, Gulch’s progeny have been outstanding. They include 1995 Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Travers winner Thunder Gulch, Bluegrass Stakes winner The Cliff's Edge, and Super Derby winner Wallenda, who was retired at Old Friends in 2007 after returning from stud duty in Japan.

“When Lane’s End announced Gulch’s retirement, I called the farm and explained we would be thrilled to have him,” said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “I know his legion of fans would love to visit him here. Lane’s End has their lovely facility and a professional staff to give Gulch a great home, but we’re overjoyed that he’s coming.

“Lane’s End has contributed significantly to Old Friends ever since we started,” Blowen continued, “but Gulch is one of the greatest contributions we’ve ever received. It’ll be great to have him in a paddock next to Commentator.”

“Gulch has had a long and wonderful career here,” said Bill Farish, a principal of Lane’s End Farm. “We wanted to make sure that he was well taken care of in his retirement and we thought our nearby neighbor Old Friends would be a great place for him.”

Farish added that Gulch’s popularity with fans influenced the farm’s decision to send him to Old Friends, which is open to tourists daily.

“He was a horse that was well known to the public having been through the Triple Crown trail and having been a top two-year-old and a champion sprinter,” said Farish. “He was a horse that people always wanted to see. Plus, he’s kind of a ham, and he will enjoy the attention immensely.”

For more information about Gulch or Old Friends contact the office at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 70 retired racehorses. It’s Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. For more information on tours, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, or to make a donation, contact the farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

2009 National Award Winners Announced by NARHA

Denver—Highlighting NARHA’s 2009 National Conference, Annual Meeting and Horse Expo, NARHA’s National Award Winners were feted at the Annual NARHA Awards Banquet November 21 in the Rennaisance Worthingon Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Fort Worth, Texas. The Banquet featured an excellent dinner, punctuated by cheers and happy tears for the people who exemplify the best of the wonderful population of participants, instructors, volunteers and equines who work together to change the lives of people who live with physical, mental, emotional and learning challenges.

The following people received 2009 NARHA National Achievement Awards

NARHA Premier Accredited Centers are shown in red.

James Brady Lifetime Achievement Award: Isabella (Boo) Martin. Horse Power Therapeutic Riding Center, Temple, New Hampshire

NARHA Adult Equestrian Recognition Award: Amanda Firnhaber, Reins of Life, Inc., South Bend, Indiana

NARHA Child Equestrian Award: Michael Swan, C.H.U.M. Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Mason, Michigan

NARHA Independent Adult Equestrian Recognition Award: Sarah Smittle, Horses of Hope Riding Center Inc., Columbus, Kansas

NARHA Youth Equestrian Recognition Award: Andrew Wash, Saddle Up!, Franklin, Tennessee

NARHA Equine of the Year Award: Kleng, NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center, Bellingham, Washington

NARHA Instructor of the Year: Nancy Hohmann, Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center, Windham, Maine

NARHA Volunteer of the Year: Sara Reams, Calvin Center Therapeutic Riding Program, Hampton, Georgia

NARHA President's Award: David Forster, Member, NARHA Board of Trustees. David is from San Diego, California.

The Independent Adult Equestrian award was sponsored by the American Paint Horse Association. The volunteer awards were sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association and the instructor awards were sponsored by Purina Mills.

For more information visit http://www.narha.org/Conference/2009/2009_Annual%20Award%20Winners.htm

Ritchie Industries Becomes Feature Sponsor for Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour

Conrad, Iowa (December 22, 2009)—Ritchie Industries, Conrad, Iowa, will become the feature sponsor of Clinton Anderson’s Walkabout Tour beginning in 2010. Ritchie Industries has supplied the industry with reliable, clean water solutions for more than 89 years. Today, Ritchie’s full line of automatic waterers include several models designed specifically for the equine industry. A sponsor of the Walkabout Tour in the past, their new role as feature sponsor will offer even greater opportunity moving forward.

“Clinton and I have been friends for several years and I am thrilled that we will now be the feature sponsor of the Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour,” commented Leon Yantis, President/CEO of Ritchie Industries. Those who have seen Clinton training horses are captivated by his knowledge, ability and enthusiasm. His desire to offer quality training products and sound advice parallels many of the Ritchie philosophies.”

Clinton Anderson was born and raised in Australia and displayed a natural ability with horses. Anderson spent his teenage years as an apprentice for acclaimed trainers including Gordon McKinlay, and Ian Francis, both of Queensland, as well as Al Dunning in the United States. Several years ago, Clinton returned permanently to the United States where he began training, touring and conducting clinics. In 2010, his Walkabout Tour will visit 10 cities in ten states across the U.S. from west to east coasts. Each stop is a two-day event where Clinton provides instruction. The clinics focus on his training methods for gaining a willing, respectful equine partner, including trained as well as untrained horses. Throughout the year, the Walkabout Tour will reach thousands of horse enthusiasts.

Since 1921, Ritchie has manufactured durable, dependable automatic fountains for many species of livestock, including beef, dairy, equine, swine, sheep and goats. The distinct Ritchie design has been the standard bearer of quality. Ritchie fountains continue to serve all sizes of operations and the livestock industry with equipment designed to provide years of trouble-free use. For the name of the Ritchie distributor in your area, please call 800-747-0222 or visit www.ritchiefount.com.

Live Arts Florida Presents Donna the Buffalo at the WCHS Theatre

Wellington, FL - December 22, 2009 - On Saturday, January 2, Live Arts Florida will host the band Donna the Buffalo in a concert at the WCHS Theatre in Wellington, FL. Live Arts Florida is a new non-profit performing arts organization that is presenting the Western Communities Concert Series. The organization is pleased to present a wide range of high caliber music to Western Palm Beach County.Donna the Buffalo's concert is one of ten events in the series.

Donna the Buffalo's eclectic and often socially conscious music has its base in traditional mountain music and is infused with elements of Cajun/zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country. The group's core is made up of vocalists Tara Nevins, who plays fiddle, guitar, accordion, and scrubboard, and guitarist Jeb Puryear. Keyboardist Dave McCracken, bassist Jay Sanders, and drummer Vic Stafford complete the ensemble.

Donna the Buffalo (DTB) represents one of the most respected brands in the world of touring roots acts. For 21 years DTB has performed feel good, infectious music that often moves listeners physically and spiritually. In the words of a longtime fan, "Their songs are well known to contain lyrics offering poetry and sage commentary on the attractions and struggles with love and politics in this life. Their magnetic musical mix has often been described as dance music, and, for sure, there is everything from foot-tapping to get-up-and-feel-ecstatic moving in their sound; but there is also some deeply satisfying solace in what DTB has to say and how they say it. The dynamic songwriting tandem of Jeb Puryear and Tara Nevins has penned over 140 songs in their collaboration with DTB."

DTB's fervent fan base, self-named The Herd, follows the band with zeal and has created a unique and supportive community online and at DTB shows across the nation. As an extension of this community and the band's own dedication to live roots music, Donna started, and is still the driving force behind, the Finger Lakes Grass Roots Festival of Music and Dance in Trumansburg, NY. 2010 marks the festival's 20th year and, stemming from its success, a second Grass Roots Festival was started in Silk Hope, North Carolina in 2002: the now biannual Shakori Hills Grass Roots Festival.

Over the years, Donna the Buffalo has had the opportunity to collaborate and/or record with musicians such as Jim Lauderdale, Preston and Keith Frank, Bela Fleck, Mamadou Diabate, Claire Lynch, David Hidalgo, The Duhks and Amy Helm, just to name a few. This past year, Nevins also toured with former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann's band BK3.

The band's 2008 release Silverlined, on Sugar Hill Records, rose to number eight on the Americana Music Chart. With a twenty-one year tenure to celebrate, hundreds of gigs ahead of them, and an ever-evolving grassroots sound; it looks like Donna the Buffalo is riding a cloud that is truly Silverlined.

Donna the Buffalo comes a thundering at the WCHS Theatre on January 2 at 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Concert tickets may be purchased at the door, over the phone or online. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.tickets.liveartsfl.org or over the phone by calling 888.841.ARTS. Tickets to the concerts for adults are $22 for Orchestra and $18 for Mezzanine. Tickets for students with ID may be purchased for $5 off.

Sponsors of Live Arts Florida include Wellington the Magazine, the Town Crier, and Phelps Media Group, Inc. International; additional sponsorships are welcome. Other groups on the Live Arts Florida concert series calendar include six-time CMA Musician of the Year and Grammy award winning multi-genre virtuoso violinist Mark O'Connor, the famous Scot-Celtic band the Tannahill Weavers, the Western Communities very own Jazz Pianist Icon, Copeland Davis and Gospel greats, the Blind Boys of Alabama.

To learn more about Live Arts Florida or become a sponsor, please visit www.liveartsfl.org.

Absorbine® Veterinary Liniment Gel Now Available in a Travel Size

Helps Speed Healing

Absorbine’s popular Veterinary Liniment Gel is now offered in a convenient 3-ounce travel size, making it easy to carry with you on the road or at the show. It is powerful pain relief right at your fingertips – deep, penetrating relief for sore muscles, joints, and arthritis. Absorbine Veterinary Liniment Gel contains the same time-honored blend of natural botanical extracts of calendula, echinacea, and wormwood as original Absorbine Veterinary Liniment, but with three times the level of menthol. Menthol loosens stiff joints and reduces swelling while the botanical extracts work to soothe and heal. The gel formula is pleasantly scented with spearmint and generates warmth, followed by deep penetrating heat.

Absorbine Veterinary Liniment Gel can be applied directly to the point of pain. Use it on legs, back, shoulders, and flanks to relieve pain and reduce swelling for pre-workout rubs and post-workout set up. The best technology is still applied by hand, where Absorbine Vet Liniment Gel brings warmth and relief. It is safe and effective under porous wraps.

Absorbine products are available nationwide in tack shops, farm supply stores, on-line retailers, and catalogs. For a retail location near you or for more information, visit the Absorbine® website at www.absorbine.com. Founded in 1892 by Wilbur Fenelon Young and his wife, Mary Ida, W. F. Young, Inc. has provided over a century of quality health care products for the equine industry. The company is recognized as a worldwide leader in innovative, specialized health care brands that enhance the quality and enjoyment of life for families and their pets.

Absorbine® Introduces Flex+ Max™

A Superior New Formula in Pellet Form

Optimized with advanced ingredients to support joint and connective tissue health

Joint degeneration is a serious problem for performance and working horses and can lead to lameness. Flex+ Max contains high levels of pharmaceutical-grade Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin, and Hyaluronic Acid (which helps support joint lubrication). The optimized formula also contains Boswellia, known to help reduce inflammation, and Flax Seed, a good source of Omega 3’s. Research demonstrates that Omega 3’s may help discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity.

Regardless of age or discipline, performing, training, and working on a regular schedule can take a damaging toll on the horse’s legs and joints. Horses in active work schedules or with a history of joint problems will obtain maximum benefits from new Flex+ Max. Presented by Absorbine, The Horse World’s Most Trusted Name®, Flex+ Max is optimized to help support joints and connective tissue and maintain strong bones. Flavored with Fenugreek, testing of Flex+ Max among a control group of horses proved 100% palatability.

Absorbine Flex+ Max is 100% guaranteed. Available in both 30-day and 60-day supplies, this pelleted joint supplement includes a pre-measured dosage scoop for ease of use. Flex+ Max is available at feed and tack shops or wherever horse supplies and supplements are sold. Absorbine Flex+ Max is also safe for dogs.

Absorbine products are available nationwide in tack shops, farm supply stores, on-line retailers, and catalogs. For a retail location near you or for more information, visit the Absorbine website at www.absorbine.com. Founded in 1892 by Wilbur Fenelon Young and his wife, Mary Ida, W. F. Young, Inc. has provided over a century of quality health care products for the equine industry. The company is recognized as a worldwide leader in innovative, specialized health care brands that enhance the quality and enjoyment of life for families and their pets.

Palm Beach Riding Academy Offers Winter Equestrian Festival Experience

Join in the experience of a lifetime. Riders of all ages can come to train and show at the World Renowned 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival through The WEF Experience offered by The Palm Beach Riding Academy. The package will include a show ready horse or pony, riding instruction, training at the horse show, a golf cart rental and a weekend pass to the exclusive VIP lounge (evening events excluded).

The WEF Experience may be customized to each individual's ability and timeframe and is available throughout the 2010 Winter Circuit. The Palm Beach Riding Academy will coordinate and work with existing trainers or provide top equestrian professionals on site at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center host of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

Compete in the newly renovated show rings on the state of the art Equestrian Services International Olympic Footing. Trail ride around the 150 acre show grounds and enjoy international gourmet cuisine in one of the many themed cafes around the show grounds.

The Equestrian Horse Show Experience package is a perfect holiday gift and begins at $150 per day which includes training, lessons and horses. Show fees are not included. For more information on the WEF Experience including accommodations please contact Rosemary Bertin, Director Palm Beach Riding Academy 561-371-9598

Virginia Surgeon is New AAEP President

The American Association of Equine Practitioners introduced Nathaniel A. White, II, DVM, a respected equine researcher and surgeon, as its 2010 president during the 55th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. Dr. White was inducted to the office during the Dec. 8 President’s Luncheon.

Dr. White is the Jean Ellen Shehan Professor and director of the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He is a former chair of the AAEP’s Student Relations and Foundation Advisory committees. In 2006, he organized an Equine Research Summit as part of the AAEP’s effort to promote equine research. He was awarded the 2004 AAEP Distinguished Service award for his numerous contributions to the association. He is a member of the AAEP, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“With his current position at the Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center, as well as having previously served as president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr. White brings a great deal of veterinary leadership experience to the role of AAEP president. Those experiences, plus his long history of service to the AAEP, will ensure the association’s continued success,” said AAEP Executive Director David Foley.

During his term as president, Dr. White plans to focus on providing equine veterinary students with a comprehensive education, supporting equine medical research and promoting professional ethics in a difficult financial environment. He will strive to bring awareness to these issues and make progress in these areas by offering viable solutions during his presidency.

After receiving his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 1971, Dr. White completed an internship and residency in surgery at the University of California-Davis. He spent a year in practice before graduating with a master of science in pathology at Kansas State University in 1976. Dr. White has served on the faculty of Kansas State University, the University of Georgia and Virginia Tech. He was the Theodora Ayer Randolph Professor of Surgery as an eminent scholar at Virginia Tech from 1987 to 2003. Dr. White also is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland.

A world-renowned expert on colic, Dr. White has authored or co-authored 148 journal articles and 35 book chapters, has published 40 abstracts, and is the editor and author of The Equine Acute Abdomen, Current Practice of Surgery, Current Techniques in Equine Surgery and Lameness and the Handbook of Equine Colic. His clinical and research interests include pathophysiology of ischemia-reperfusion, epidemiology of colic, abdominal and orthopedic surgery and treatment of orthopedic diseases.

Other honors received by Dr. White include the Pfizer Animal Health Award for Research Excellence in 1999 and the 2005 Distinguished Virginia Veterinarian Award from the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. White was one of the founders of the Bolshoi Colic Research Program at the University of Georgia and helped organize the Equine Colic Research Symposium in 2008.

Dr. White, his wife Leslie and daughter Lauren enjoy the horses they own and outdoor activities including hiking, fishing and photography. Leslie is head of the veterinary technician training program at Northern Virginia Community College and Lauren is a student at the University of Virginia studying biomedical engineering.

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

SYRIAN RIDERS DOMINATE AT FEI CHILDREN'S FINAL

Syrian athletes dominated the podium when Mohamed Jabri took gold and Hadi Nizam claimed bronze at the FEI Children's International Jumping Final in Abu Dhabi last week but the host country finished prominently when the United Arab Emirates' Ayesha Al-Shamsi slotted into silver medal position.

Abu Dhabi also hosted the 1999 Final which, now in its 14th year, held high hopes for 28 young riders aged from 12 to 14 years. Various qualifying competitions had taken place throughout the year in the run up to the big event. From these qualifying rounds 16 talented young riders earned their place in Abu Dhabi to compete alongside 12 young riders from the Gulf Region. The home country had four representatives with other Gulf riders coming from Syria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The Gulf riders were to come to the competition with 2 horses each, and then a draw would take place for all the horses and riders together. Other countries represented at the four-day fixture included Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Russia and the United States of America.

The ground held up well despite torrential rain and floods in the run up to the start of the competition. HRH Prince Faisal Ibn Abdullah Ibn Mohammed Al Saud was in attendance to see his kindly donated trophy presented to another aspiring youngster. HRH Princess Haya was also in attendance at the event and commented that “As the President of the FEI, I am fully confident that these tournaments will continue to evolve and progress over the course of the years, ensuring further development of the sport through successive generations of well-trained riders.”

South America showed early promise with Chilean rider Tomas Munoz finishing 1st and 2nd respectively in the first and second Qualifying Competitions. However the Gulf riders were not to be discounted, with the UAE, Syria and Qatar finishing in the top five of both Qualifying Competitions.

The Final Competition, a Table A with a jump-off, featured those athletes who figured in the top half of the standings following the 1st and the 2nd Qualifying Competitions. Of the fourteen who started in the Final, seven youngsters could dream of victory after qualifying for the jump-off but the day belonged to the Syrian athletes, who claimed the gold and bronze medals. Mohamed Jabri aboard Mr Ahmed Hamsho’s ten-year old gelding Al-Abhar clinched the gold medal when he came home clear in 46.77, while his compatriot Hadi Nizam had to settle for bronze after collecting four faults with Sakher, also owned by Mr Hamsho. The gold medalist said it was a beautiful experience to win this title and that “the championship was very competitive and the fences were difficult to jump but I managed it and I am indeed very happy.” The host country was however not left off of the podium, as Ayesha Al-Shamsi riding Ograaf d’Adriers produced the only other clear round in the jump-off in 49.55 to secure second place for the UAE. The seven year old bay mare is owned by HH Sh. Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.

Thirteen athletes took part in the Farewell Competition, a Table A against the clock, open to those not qualified for the Final. The home crowd was elated when UAE rider Madelaine Wilson and Carinio 7 produced a clear round in 52.61 to take the top honours. Second place went to Rosario Diaz of Chile riding Lorraine de Sion (0/57.63) followed by Russia’s Alexy Filippov aboard Oxlinda (0/64.40) in third.

Kelly Flowers and Four Seasons Win Training Jumper Division Sponsored By The Sanctuary at Holiday Festival II Show

Wellington, FL (December 22, 2009) – Kelly Flowers and Four Seasons were in the ribbons at the Equestrian Sports Productions Holiday Festival II Show, winning the Training Jumper Division sponsored by The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Ocala. Flowers won a gift certificate to the world-class rehab and conditioning facility located in Ocala, Florida.

A 19-year-old college student at Northwestern University, Flowers was home for winter break when she and her 18-year-old Canadian Warmblood won the jumper division. “She’s a wonderful young lady and this was her first time to show in a rated show so I was really happy for her,” said Flowers’ trainer Marianne Pack, of Competition Farm in Ft. Lauderdale. “She has shown locally over the years and has been a student of mine for many years. Her horse is as quick as a cat so they had great rides to win the division.”

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

“We are so excited for Kelly and Four Seasons,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary. “Your first win at a rated show is something you always remember.”

The Sanctuary works hard to help riders keep their horses competing at their peak, especially when competing in physically demanding sports such as show jumping. “We have the capability of helping equine athletes stay fit, avoid injury, and recover faster and more completely from certain injuries they might experience when competing in such an intense, physically demanding sport,” said McDuffee.

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

NRHA FUTURITY / DERBY NOMINATIONS UP 11%

Oklahoma City, OK – December 22, 2009 – National Reining Horse Association Futurity / Derby Nomination Program numbers are easily pushing ahead of 2008 year-to-date comparisons. With the deadline a little more than a week away, nominations are up 11% with 1,095 foals nominated (984 in 2008).

“This is a great indicator for the strength of the Reining industry as we move into a new year. We are very thrilled to see the number of nominations coming into the office. We are pleased knowing that with every nomination we receive, even more money will be added to purses in all divisions of the NRHA Futurity and Derby,” commented NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall.

The deadline to nominate is December 31. Horsemen can get the best deal by nominating weanlings for $300.

The yearling fee is $2,000 and can be made in two payments. $1,000 can be paid by December 31st of the nominee’s yearling year, and the remaining $1,000 can be paid by December 31st of its two-year-old year.

The NRHA Futurity / Derby Nomination Program began with 2008 foals and consists of a $300 one-time weanling nomination fee. This fee makes nominated foals eligible to enter the NRHA Futurity as three-year-olds, NRHA European Futurity as four-year-olds, and the NRHA Derby as four-, five- and six-year-olds. At that time, all other applicable entry and judges fees will apply. Horses may be nominated to the program after their weanling year; however the fees increase substantially for yearlings, two-year-olds, and three- and four-year-olds. Nominations must be postmarked on or before December 31 of the applicable year.

For more detailed information on the NRHA Futurity / Derby Nomination Program, a nomination form and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, go to nrha.com and click on the NRHA Futurity / Derby Nomination Program logo in the sidebar.

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. NRHA strives to educate its members and the public about Reining. For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit nrha.com or call 405-946-7400.

New Riding Group

Battle Ground Natural Horse Meetup Group

I started the group to meet people like myself who like to trail ride, but also keep improving their horsemanship skills, naturally.”

There are different ways to train horses, the old normal way and the natural way.

Called Natural Horsemanship, basically it is training using psychology and communication rather that using force, punishment and fear. Horses do not understand punishment like dogs do. If you hurt them to train, get emotional or yell or hit them you are just setting yourself back in the training process because they won’t trust you, and they will see you as a predator. It is better to learn their language. We need to communicate with them in ways that are natural to them, ways that they can understand. Many horse owners are simply not aware that there are better ways to train.


My hope for this group is that we can learn from each other and make our horses better so that we can have more fun and not fight with our horses to behave properly.

Meetings will be every two weeks at 11:00 am. The next meetings will be January 2nd, Jan 16, and Jan 30th.

Go to the website for more information. www.horses.meetup.com/258. The location is Lucky K Stables. Address 16818 NE 223rd circle Battle Ground 98604. After the meeting we usually go for a trail ride at Battle Ground Lake.

Also In an effort to keep ourselves and our horses fit during the winter, I have started a weekly arena ride at the Fairgrounds.

Please join me there. The fee is $5.00 per horse. We have to keep our horses in shape and used to going in the trailer.

RSVP 503-819-6779

Marilyn

Upcoming topics are: keeping fit during winter, despooking your horse, and whoa and go, You can get details at Calendar our web site. We meet once a week on Thursday’s for arena riding. It is not good to not exercise your horse all winter and then go on a long trail ride in spring.

People must RSVP to Marilyn either by phone 503-819-6779, or through the web site.

The website is www.horses.meetup.com/258. There you can find out more about the group, and get directions to meetings There are also articles in the file section that will be of interest to members.

Another thing I have planned is to invite guest speakers to talk to us on issues such as saddle fit, natural herbal supplements, natural deworming, barefoot vs. shoeing, choosing hay. The kind of training issues we will work on and the speakers we have will depend on what the group members need.

And of course we will have trail rides and we can work on issues at the same time. For instance if you horse follows to closely the horse in front, or doesn’t like to lead or has to be the leader, there are exercises we can do to fix these problems.

Sincerely,
Marilyn Solari

Ranch Sorting and Team Penning Rule Changes Take Effect January 1

The American Quarter Horse Journal, December 21, 2009 – New American Quarter Horse competition rules will be in effect with the New Year. Several rule changes involve team penning and ranch sorting, two of AQHA’s most popular classes.

“At AQHA, nothing is more paramount than ensuring the welfare of the American Quarter Horse during competition,” said Don Treadway Jr., AQHA executive vice president. “For more than 40 years, AQHA’s welfare and competition policies have been set in place to protect the horse, and for the past year we have spent a lot of time reviewing and fine-tuning those policies within AQHA’s own rules and in discussions with all of our alliance partners.”

Horses competing in team penning and ranch sorting may continue to be ridden with a snaffle bit or hackamore no matter the age of the horse. Riders using a snaffle bit or hackamore in team penning or ranch sorting may use two hands on the reins. Beginning January 1, 2010, a curb bit may be used on any horse regardless of age in team penning and ranch sorting, but when using a curb bit, the horse must be ridden one-handed. This rule change can be found in the AQHA Official Handbook as Rule 455 (a) (10) for team penning and Rule 456 (q) for ranch sorting.

Language has been added throughout the 2010 handbook to make clear AQHA’s commitment to the welfare of American Quarter Horses. Excessive use of a whip, rope, crop, bat or reins anywhere on the horse will result in a no time for team penning and ranch sorting competitors at AQHA-sanctioned events. This new rule applies to other classes as well.

These and other rule changes can be found in the AQHA Handbook of Rules and Regulations posted at aqha.com.

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.

Stall DRY, the very 1st OMRI organic absorbent & deodorizer in the nation & new “Safe for ALL animals” bag design

TRC & APL, announce: Stall DRY™ is galloping out the nations 1st OMRI organic labeled absorbent & deodorizer & newly designed “Safe for ALL animals” bag.

With Stall DRY’s 101 uses, ability to harness ammonia & rein in 140% of its own weight in liquid consumers can enjoy its safe, natural features & benefits for ALL their animals.

Stall DRY is available at your local farm/feed stores & large fleet farm stores thru out the USA.

Zone 10 Jumper Young Rider is Best of Best

Lucy Davis Takes on the Europeans Singlehandedly and Wins!

Lucy Davis, the individual silver medalist at the 2009 North American Junior Young Rider Championships took on the best Europe had to offer and showed them that she was better. The top three individual finalists from the United States hosted NAJYRC received invitations to compete at the European Younger Cup at CSI Frankfurt (Dec. 17-20) in Germany.

Although Davis was the only U.S. rider to accept the invitation, clearly she was the best representative. Aboard True Love she competed against the best 26 riders under 25 from throughout Europe. In the first round Davis posted a clear round and finished eighth. Despite a rail in the next round, Davis qualified for the Final, which consisted of 16 riders. She assured herself of victory when she jumped the only clear round of the day.

Davis resides in California, trains with Meadowgrove Farm, and showed as a junior (17 and under) this past year.

Revive Your Trail Horse’s Aching Muscles

Tips Every Horse Owner Should Know

Blue Springs, MO — December 22nd, 2009 — Trailing riding can be an uplifting adventure, a natural bonding activity for horse and owner. This type of endurance riding is not only invigorating, but a great exercise for your horse; improving their endurance and building muscle. No need to hang up the bridle for the winter, with proper planning you can trail ride year round!

Although exercising your horse is an important part of keeping your horse healthy and happy, it can come with a bit of muscle soreness. If you want to keep your horse healthy and active make sure to take advantage of these helpful tips; pre and post workout, to help ease your horse’s aches and pains that come with trail riding.

Warm-up
Stretch your horse before going on a trail ride. Take your horse on a walk; in a ring or on a moderate trail, and prepare the muscles before a long journey. Allowing the muscles to loosen up helps release tension and can help prevent injury.

Saddling
Make sure your horse’s saddle fits properly. A saddle that is too loose, too tight or too heavy can hurt your horse and cause discomfort. Some signs you are not fitting your horse correctly are patches of white hair, swelling, skin irritation or bumps where the equipment touches. Pay attention, your horse may be trying to tell you something; a horse that is unwilling or difficult when being ridden may also be distressed from an ill-properly fitted saddle.

Know When to Quit
Horses need to be exercised for about 30 minutes to one hour, three to four times a week as part of a good fitness program. If needed, you can ride your horse up to six times a week maximum. You should always give your horse at least one full day off a week. Knowing when to quit is the best preventative for horse injury and muscles soreness.

Cool Down
Be sure to stretch your horse after a trail ride. Go on a walk and let him relax and slow his heart rate. Also, be sure to re-nourish your horse with food, water and minerals to help build stronger, healthier muscles.

Massage Therapy
Massage a workout liniment, such as Aloe Advantage’s Revive Sport Rub, into aching muscles. This deep penetrating pre and post workout liniment is specially formulated with Aloe Vera and Menthol for cool and quick relief. You can also save a little money with coupons on Revive Sports Rub at www.AloeAdvantage.com.

Horse Journal review describes: “Thick, creamy, white liquid with pleasant small. Flows easily like a liquid, but won’t run. Rubs in quickly. Gentle but obvious warming effect. Our testers enjoyed the ease of use, rapid penetration and gentle nature of this product for routine leg and muscle care after a hard work.”

Horse Journal, January 2009

Using Aloe Advantage Revive Sports Rub not only soothes sore muscles, but it also reduces inflammation and stimulates circulation, as well as, strengthens the bond between horse and rider in the process.

Lucy Davis Wins European Youngster Cup at CSI Frankfurt

By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY – Lucy Davis jumped clear when it mattered most in the European Youngster Cup at CSI Frankfurt in Germany December 17-20, to win the prestigious competition with the only clear trip in the final round.

Riding True Love, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood owned by Old Oak Farm, Davis (Los Angeles, CA) jumped clear in the Preliminary round, with the eighth fastest time. The pair then had one fence down in the next round – but their score was good enough to make the final – which featured the top 16 after the first two rounds.

Davis and True Love then returned to the ring on Sunday and jumped the only clear to be crowned champion.

Seventeen-year-old Davis secured a spot in the competition with her second place finish at the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. She was the sole American rider to take on the Europeans after the top three riders at NAJYRC received invitations. The Europeans qualified through a series of competitions over the summer, and 27 of the best Under 25 riders started the Championship Final.

SAVE THE DATE! Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center's Benefit Auction Dinner & Dance, February 19, 2010, International Polo Club

Loxahatchee, FL-December 21, 2009 - Mark your calendars for Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center's Benefit Auction Dinner & Dance, which will be held on Friday night, February 19, 2010, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, FL. The theme for this year's gala is "Gone Riding," and it will also feature a new event, the Argentinean Asado.

During the Argentinean Asado guests will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the "So You Think You Can Ride" Mechanical Bull Riding Contest. For $100 attendees can sponsor his or herself, a trainer, a friend, or an ex-spouse to compete for the chance to win 50% of the jackpot, plus an evening of bragging rights.

"This new theme gives us the opportunity to experience new food, auction items and contests," noted VTRC Founder and Executive Director Ruth Menor. "Your goal is always to raise money, but you don't want to make it the same as last year's event. We hope that this new dimension will bring a new twist to the event."

This annual gala event that began in 1986 is the main fundraiser for the Center, and has raised more than $2.2 million dollars for therapeutic and recreational horseback riding for special needs children and adults of Palm Beach County. The money raised enables VTRC to provide services to over 350 clients per year through its four different programs: Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Horses for Heroes and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy.

This year's exciting Live Auction items will include international trips and a package from Lazcar International. The silent auction will include gift certificates for restaurants, theater performances, spa packages as well as the main item, tickets to the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. As always, guests will have the opportunity to adopt one the VTRC horses at the end of the night, underwriting their care for an entire year.

VTRC also shows a video conveying their mission to turn disability into ability, and then one of VTRC's riders is presented with the Rider of the Year Award at the end of the night. As community driven organization, special volunteers are also recognized for their outstanding service throughout the year.

Tables will go quickly for the 2010 Benefit Auction Dinner & Dance; to purchase tickets please call 561-792-9900 or visit www.vinceremos.com/benefit.html.

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 and the Annual Dinner Dance/Auction Benefit for Vinceremos please visit www.vinceremos.com.

Ravel Named Adequan/USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year

Lexington, KY (December 21, 2009) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) would like to congratulate the eleven-year-old, 16.3 hand, Dutch Warmblood gelding, Ravel, owned by Akiko Yamazaki of Woodside, California, and ridden by Steffen Peters of San Diego, California, for being named 2009 Adequan/USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year. Ravel’s median score of 75.574 percent made him the top horse in the United States competing at this level and the recipient of USDF’s highest honor.

Ravel was recognized at the 2009 Adequan/USDF Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet with a certificate, a commemorative personalized plaque, an embroidered cooler and $400 gift certificate provided by Dressage Extensions, and a gift certificate for Adequan joint therapy. Also, Ravel is the recipient of the Colonel Thackeray Award and will have his name engraved on a silver trophy to be on permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame housed at the USDF National Education Center, located at the Kentucky Horse Park.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize this extraordinary horse for his many accomplishments this competition season, and look forward to his future successes,” stated USDF Executive Director Stephan Hienzsch.

For more information about the Adequan/USDF Horse of the Year awards or to access a list of past and current recipients, visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at usdressage@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.

International Equestrian Festival-EKU Partnership to Propel Innovation Curriculum

December 21, 2009 859.223.2010 kimberly@horsecapitalproductions.com

Lexington, KY – Horse Capital Productions has formed a new partnership with Eastern Kentucky University to launch a new, integrated education program through the company’s International Equestrian Festival.

Beginning in January 2010, five courses in EKU’s Department of Communication will utilize the International Equestrian Festival’s expansive events planning and implementation process to create an interactive marketing and public relations curriculum.

“We have always taken great pride at EKU in providing our students opportunities to apply their classroom learning and enhance their skills in hands-on settings,” said EKU President Doug Whitlock. “This partnership with Horse Capital Productions will immeasurably enrich the education of participating students and help prepare them for successful careers in their chosen fields. At the same time, their contributions will be integral to the success of this exciting international event.”

Based just minutes from the EKU’s Richmond campus, Horse Capital Productions is responsible for producing the International Equestrian Festival, a multi-million dollar event being held in downtown Lexington from September 25-October 10, 2010.

For more information on the EKU courses, please contact Dr. Kathy Keltner at Kathy.keltner@eku.edu or visit www.eku.edu.

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. For more information, please visit www.horsecapitalproductions.com.

ZEPHYR’S GARDEN AIDS HOMELESS HORSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

‘Tis the Season for Giving and Zephyr’s Garden Supports Horses In Need Through Facebook Relationships

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Dec. 21, 2009 - Zephyr’s Garden, a company that produces all natural topical products for horses, spent most of December working to aid horses in need. The month began with the creation of Adoption Packs for rescue groups and culminated with the purchase of #506, a horse in an auction kill pen in New Jersey. How did this all happen? Through Facebook!

“Our Facebook community of horse loving people grows daily and it was natural that our philosophy of horse care, coupled with Zephyr’s Garden all-natural herbal based products, would attract rescue groups and the amazing people that support them,” states owner and founder Georgette Topakas. “We began to support the groups via their fund raisers, but decided to do more this past month. It started with the creation of Adoption Packs that included a sampling of our salves and sprays, and ended this month with the purchase of horse in a kill pen in Cranbury, NJ.”

In the past month, Zephyr’s Garden has provided Adoption Packs to six horse rescue groups located throughout the country. The packs will aid in easing the transition for the horses and give horse owners natural product tools to care for their new family members. “The company has supported rescue groups and horse charities from the very beginning, but this is the first time we have committed ourselves to an ongoing relationship with the rescue groups. We are honored to be able to support them,” said Topakas.

But Zephyr’s Garden giving did not end with the Adoption Packs, it went to an entirely new level with the purchase of #506, a horse destined for slaughter. “On Thursday I viewed a photo album posted on Facebook by a horse rescue group, and on Friday we purchased a horse from a kill pen at a Cranbury, New Jersey auction,” exclaimed Topakas. “The album showed horses, donkeys, and pony’s in pens, their heads nearly to the floor, looking forlorn and hopeless. The rescue group was desperate to save each and every animal from slaughter. I knew we could not take on another horse, but we could pay for their freedom. Through Facebook messages and an exchange of phone numbers, Zephyr’s Garden purchased a Quarter Horse chestnut mare, the rescue group arranged for transport, and she’ll be in a foster home until a permanent one is found! In addition, my daughter, an avid rider and horse lover, donated $110 of her babysitting money to help with the groups transport and re-homing expenses. We are ending our year on a very high note and I hope we have the success next year to help even more horses’ in need.”

Zephyr’s Garden, based out of Santa Barbara, CA, believes in helping the horse community on multiple levels. They produce all natural topical products that are safe and effective, they give back to the horse community with donations, they support rescue groups, and in 2010 will be donating time to a Santa Barbara based Therapeutic Riding Program. For more information on the company please view our website at www.ZephyrsGarden.com or contact Georgette Topakas at 805-448-0390.

Zephyr’s Garden products are distributed on the Zephyr’s Garden website, www.ZephyrsGarden.com, and at several locations in the United States

2010 Marks 40 Years of Business for Lynn Palm & Palm Partnership Training!

Lynn would like to celebrate this anniversary by extending this fabulous offer to her Media Partners!

Does your publication need to give a bonus or gift for a special employee or writer or to create a contest for your readers? Here is a great gift idea for editors! Lynn Palm would like to invite a guest, one rider with his/her horse, who works with your print or web publication to any 2010 Ocala, Florida Clinic or a Ride Well Clinic. We have horses for lease at the Florida Clinics only, if one is unable to bring a horse. We will request that the lucky person receiving this gift have an editorial with photo(s) published about their experience training with us. We would like them to share the equine education, exercises, wellness, spa experience, healthy meals, lodging, new friends, horses they ride and the entertainment offered at the clinic.

2010 Florida Clinic Dates:
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
For more information about the Florida Clinics, visit www.lynnpalm.com

2010 Ride Well Clinic Dates & Locations:
April 30-May 2 Ride Well Wooster, OH
May 21-23 Ride Well Fountain, CO
July 9-11 Ride Well Bessemer, MI
August 13-15 Ride Well Dousman, WI
August 20-22 Ride Well Ferndale, CA
August 27-29 Ride Well Bowdoinham, ME
October 15-17 Ride Well Valley Lee, MD
For more information about the 2010 Ride Well Clinic Tour, visit www.lynnpalm.com.

2009 Ride Well Participant Shawn Plummer had this to say about his experience:

“ I wanted to say thanks again for the clinic and all of your input, goals, and objectives. I learned more then I ever expected and the results in my horse amazed me! I could understand “why” with your common sense training methods, you made me feel so comfortable to learn, and I had improved results! It was great! My horse and I learned a great deal, he is so much happier, and I can’t wait to train with you again!”

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. Lynn and Rugged Painted Lark will be presenters at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington in 2010.

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.

Fine Tuning Barrel Horses by Jessi Mead offers detailed instructions on how to master barrel horse training

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (MMD Newswire) December 21, 2009 -- On the rodeo circuit, barrel racing can be a lucrative sport with the potential for millions of dollars to be earned, notes experienced barrel racer Jessi Mead. Her new book, Fine Tuning Barrel Horses, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read training manual that shows readers how to train and fine-tune a barrel horse, which is a horse who tries to complete a clover leaf pattern around prearranged barrels in the fastest time. As one of the country's top professional barrel racers and trainers, Mead has included numerous diagrams in the book that detail the actual training methods that have earned her over a quarter of a million dollars on barrel horses she has trained.

"Not only does the book explain all of the nuts and bolts of barrel racing, but it also breaks down the barrel pattern to determine the fastest way to complete it," she says. "By using the theory that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, I have calculated and determined the _shortest distance' path through the barrel pattern by using mathematics and geometry. I have also taken into consideration the physical limitations, gravity forces and the demands made on the horses' body and muscles to achieve the necessary positioning to follow the _shortest distance' path and I show the readers how it applies to barrel racing and a successful run."

Additionally, Fine Tuning Barrel Horses strives to teach the reader the necessary skills and exercises to train his or her horse to follow the "shortest distance" path, as well as being able to compete with the best in the business. In an effort to illustrate the training process, Mead offers a step-by-step format to make it easy for the reader to learn how to successfully train his or her own barrel horse.

Fine Tuning Barrel Horses is available for sale online at Amazon.com and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

About the Author
Jessi Mead owns and runs a ranch in Wyoming, home of her registered quarter horse breeding program. Now with three decades of experience training more than 200 horses and producing champions, Mead is one of the country's top professional barrel racers and trainers. Her most recent accomplishments include the Barrel Racing Championship title at the 2009 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association rodeo in Douglas, Wyo., and finishing in the top 15 of the Women's Professional Rodeo Associations 2009 barrel racing year-end standings for the Mountain States Circuit.

SUCCEED® and Wellington Classic Dressage Present Successful USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser

Wellington, FL - December 21, 2009 - The USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser, presented by SUCCEED® and Wellington Classic Dressage, was a great success as spectators had the opportunity to experience the one-of-a-kind equestrian event featuring performances, exhibitions and team competitions with Olympians and many top equestrian stars. A benefit for the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation, the fundraiser was held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, on December 11 and 12, 2009.

Through generous donations, silent and live auctions, and ticket purchases the event raised a generous amount of money to help support the USET Foundation's high performance programs. The USET Foundation is preparing to send teams to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky next fall, and will help provide funding for the competition, training, coaching and travel of America's elite horses and riders in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. The money raised from the holiday fundraiser will help support this country's high performance programs.

"We are so grateful to Lyndsey White, John Flanagan and Noreen O'Sullivan for organizing this fabulous holiday event to benefit our U.S. equestrian teams," said Bonnie B. Jenkins, Executive Director of the USET Foundation. "It was lots of fun for everyone involved and a great way to get in the holiday spirit!"

The USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser festivities got underway with a Bridleless Musical Exhibition performed by Lynn Palm and her famous horse Rugged Painted Lark followed by an exciting demonstration by German vaulting champion Kai Vorberg. Other events on the fundraiser program included: Pony Club Mounted Games featuring Gina Miles, Cathy Wieschhoff, Hawley Bennett, Karen O'Connor Jeanne Lambrecht and more; a Dressage Pas de Deux featuring Monty Roberts (the man who listens to horses) and Courtney King Dye (2008 Dressage Olympian); a Freestyle Dressage to Music presentation by Pierre St. Jacques riding Lucky Tiger; a showcase of reining and Join-up from the saddle featuring Monty Roberts; dressage Commentary by Rolex World Cup Dressage winner and 2008 Olympian Steffen Peters, featuring demonstration riders Kim Gentry and Stephan Kiesewetter; a Showjumping Pas de Deux featuring Kate Levy and 2008 Olympian Samantha St. Jacques; a book signing by renowned bestselling suspense author Tami Hoag; a Small World
Showcase featuring miniature horses and Shetland ponies; "Finding the Courage Within" presented by Jeanne Lambrecht; and a Grand Finale featuring four-in-hand champion Chester Weber driving the surprise celebrity equestrian Santa, David O'Connor.

Along with the exciting equestrian performances, the Holiday Gala featured a catered VIP dinner and bar along with a fundraising auction with many one-of-a-kind high dollar items. Live auction items included a custom made saddle by Richard Castelow (former Master Saddler to Queen Elizabeth); bridles by Smartpak and Schleese Saddlery; a Day of Training with Chester Weber; a week of Dressage training in Germany with Stephan Kiesewetter, and many more items. The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center also hosted a special shopping village with many unique vendors and products.

The USET Foundation will continue to raise money to support the teams for the 2010 WEG by hosting a World Equestrian Games benefit this February. Celebrating the United State's Equestrian Team's "Road to Kentucky", the benefit will be held on Friday, February 5, 2010, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, and a live auction at the International Polo Club in Wellington, FL. For more information, please visit www.uset.org.

For further information on the USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser, please visit the fundraiser website www.succeedevent.com for details.

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.

Featherlite introduces versatile new combo stock trailer/horse trailer

CRESCO, Iowa (December 21, 2009) – With its versatility and lower price point, Featherlite’s new Model 8417 combination trailer is a desired hauling option for horse owners, livestock owners and hobby farmers. Gooseneck trailer Model 8417 is available in 16-foot and 20-foot lengths and is designed for hauling both cattle and horses. Numerous options like center gates and horse stall dividers can better tailor the trailer to the owner’s preferences.

Measuring an easy-to-tow width of six feet seven inches and height of seven feet, Model 8417 features a full swing rear door with lockable slider, a 3-foot slant wall or 4-foot straight wall dressing room and a treated wood floor. Like all Featherlite livestock and horse trailers, the Model 8417 comes with Featherlite’s sleek “wave’ side panels and wraparound LED lights. Other available options include aluminum wheels, hay rack, tack options, plexiglass air space panels, rubber floor mats and more.

For more information on Featherlite Model 8417, call Featherlite Trailers at 800-800-1230, visit your local dealer or go to the web at www.fthr.com/tnews.

Mystery Writer Tami Hoag Offers Sneak Peek Of Newest Novel During USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser

West Palm Beach, FL (December 21, 2009) – Two lucky silent auction winners at the recent SUCCEED® and Wellington Classic Dressage USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser went home with copies of New York Times bestselling mystery writer Tami Hoag’s newest novel Deeper Than The Dead. Hoag, an accomplished dressage rider and strong supporter of the USET, donated two pre-press copies of Deeper Than The Dead to the silent auction held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach.

In addition to unveiling her newest novel at the USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser, Hoag also unveiled a new character that appears in Deeper Than The Dead named Jane Thomas. The character of Jane is based on a real life person of the same name – Jane Thomas, daughter of Peggy and E. Parry Thomas, owners of Olympic dressage horse Brentina.

Thomas earned the unique opportunity to become part of a Hoag novel when she bid $20,000 and won the chance at a fundraiser last year at the USET Foundation auction. “I love supporting the USET Foundation and this was a great way to raise money for them,” Hoag said, adding that she even wrote a tribute to Thomas in the front of Deeper Than The Dead. “In the book, as in real life, the character’s name is Jane Thomas. I hope the real Jane enjoys her character as much as I enjoyed writing it.”

Fourteen of Hoag’s spine-tingling mysteries have appeared on the New York Times bestselling list, and while at the USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser Hoag signed copies of her novels. Hoag isn’t saying whether the character of Jane Thomas will appear in the sequel to Deeper Than The Dead, but Hoag is already hard at work on the sequel called Secrets To The Grave.

In January, Hoag will embark on an 11-city tour for the new novel, thrilling fans at each stop. “After the book tour I will return to Wellington and start showing. Even though I make my living as a writer, riding and showing is what I look forward to,” Hoag said. “After the book tour I will be excited to finally get into the show ring with Bacchus de Light, my top Grand Prix horse who has been out for a year rehabbing an injury. He's coming back into great form.”

Deeper Than The Dead will be on bookshelves beginning December 29, 2009. For more information about Tami Hoag, or to see a list of her novels, visit her website at www.tamihoag.com.

EKU-INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL PARTNERSHIP TO PROPEL INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University has formed a new partnership with Horse Capital Productions to launch a new, integrated education program through the company’s International Equestrian Festival.

Beginning in January 2010, five University courses in the Department of Communication will utilize the International Equestrian Festival's expansive events planning and implementation process to create an interactive Marketing and Public Relations curriculum, officials announced today.

“We have always taken great pride at EKU in providing our students opportunities to apply their classroom learning and enhance their skills in hands-on settings,” EKU President Doug Whitlock said. “This partnership with Horse Capital Productions will immeasurably enrich the education of participating students and help prepare them for successful careers in their chosen fields. At the same time, their contributions will be integral to the success of this exciting international event.”

Based just minutes from the EKU Richmond campus, Horse Capital Productions is committed to producing high-end entertainment, education and tourism. Its International Equestrian Festival is a multi-million dollar event being held in downtown Lexington during the 2010 World Equestrian Games, which is expected to attract 600,000 spectators. The festival itself will host a 16-day equine seminar series along with an international trade fair and a full-service hospitality center.

Planning for this mega-event began two years ago with a focus on providing unique access to all things horse. For the past two semesters, EKU Communications student Ayla Eichenhofer has had firsthand experience working in a fast-paced environment as an intern for Horse Capital Productions. “I never imagined that I would get so much hands-on experience during my internship,” said Eichenhofer. “I feel really proud to be part of something so exciting.”

HCP Founder Anne Buchanan spearheaded the alignment with EKU after she and business partner Kimberly Eilers Brown were keynote speakers at the EKU Communications Now seminar. Buchanan has a 20-year history in education consulting and integrated critical thinking and recognized the nexus between the University’s progressive culture and her company’s community development goals.

For more information on the EKU courses, visit www.eku.edu or contact Dr. Kathy Keltner at kathy.keltner@eku.edu. For information about the International Equestrian Festival, visit www.InternationalEquestrianFestival.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 fun, 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.

Norwegian Fjord from NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center Is Chosen Prestigious "Equine of the Year" by NARHA

Kleng, an 18-year-old Norwegian Fjord horse who has carried hundreds of disabled riders on his strong back over the years at the NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center (NWTRC) outside Bellingham, Washington, won the 2009 Equine of the Year Award, presented in Fort Worth, Texas, by the NARHA, a national association of equine assisted activity and therapy.

Kleng has "a strong steady walk, a tireless trot and a ‘rocking horse’ canter," according to Julia Bozzo, his owner and executive director of NWTRC. A gentleman and a dandy horse, Kleng jumps, trail rides, longes well with a rider or and is trained to pull a cart.

Dozens of horses from therapeutic riding programs around the United States and Canada compete each year, first in their respective regions and then – among the regional winners – for the national Equine of the Year. Kleng was chosen as the winner for Region 9 before the national conference held November 15-21 in Fort Worth. "When his name was announced at the conference gala as the winner, I thrilled beyond belief," said Bozzo. "Of course, anybody who has worked with or ridden Kleng knows that his smooth gait and friendly calm personality make him very special, but it’s just so gratifying to have him recognized nationally."

Kleng’s personality is so steady, according to Bozzo, that early in his therapeutic riding career he responded to the bouquet of purple balloons that arrived at the ring by leading his handler and rider over to get a better look and a sniff of the new purple arrivals.

Norwegian Fjord horses are said to have been in evidence during the time of the Vikings, but Kleng originally hailed from Vancouver Island, where he was related to most of the other Fjords on the island. Trained since the age of four to work in equine-assisted activities, Kleng has worked as a therapy horse at NWTRC for 13 years. Kleng performs in many disciplines, in many environments and for many ability levels. "He thrives from lots of riding and handling and always seems to look forward to the next challenge," Julia Bozzo commented. "Especially at the end of the session when he gets a carrot," she adds.

Located just north of the City of Bellingham, WA, the NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center, a nonprofit riding program, established in 1993, provides therapeutic horseback riding to people of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. The NWTRC is dedicated to enriching the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of our riders and their families in an environment which is safe, nurturing, challenging, and fun. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please go to www/nwtrc.org.

The BLM Slaughter Conspiracy

By John Holland and Valerie James-Patton

December 20, 2009

"Pure propaganda" was Bureau of Land Management (BLM) spokesperson Tom Gorey's reaction in a recent AP interview when asked about the growing accusations that his agency is in the process of virtually exterminating the very herds of wild horses and burros that it is supposed to protect.

However, Gorey's denial of the BLM's intentions rings false in the light of recently uncovered documents from the BLM itself and of its own published plans and estimates. It is not possible to interpret these in any way other than a plan to virtually eradicate the wild herds.

Two internal-use BLM reports were obtained earlier this year through the Freedom of Information Act; Alternative Management Options Plans from October 2008 and the Team Conference Calls Report from July - September 2008. In these documents, BLM members presented, analyzed and discussed several management plans aimed at reducing the population of the wild horses on the range as well as those in holding facilities.

Proposals for reducing the populations included adjusting herd sex ratios with some of the horses returned being gelded, and an increased use of the contraceptive PZP, the use of other unauthorized fertility drugs called Gonacon and SpayVac and even surgical sterilization of mares (a process that has resulted in 10% mortality).

Also found in the Team Conference Calls report were these notes submitted by Don Glenn:

"Sally had an e-mail from a person in Canada who wants 10,000 horses that he would slaughter the horses and send them to a third world country. Don is going to send the email. Jim said he has a demand for horses going to Denmark, but they are having a problem getting titled horses."

Adding further to the plan for sending wild horses to foreign countries, the following recommendations were submitted to BLM from BLM's advisory board members at the June 15th, 2009, Advisory Board Meeting held in Sacramento, Ca:

"that BLM advertise and market sale eligible animals (with the intent clause) in foreign countries with known good homes by offering "select sales" for sale eligible animals 11 years of age and over, and for younger animals that have been offered for adoption three times during a 90 day period and that BLM continue to explore opportunities to foster foreign aid by providing sale eligible animals (with the intent clause) to foreign countries for agricultural (nonfood) use."

The BLM's response to these recommendations was that it is considering these plans as part of a 5 year strategy plan.

Clearly, the BLM has already been corresponding with foreign countries to market the wild horses with the intent to send the horses to slaughter. The board recommendation that the sales include the "intent clause" was clearly a fig leaf. The BLM is well aware that it would be impossible to enforce the intent clause in foreign countries.

But if that were not an obvious enough fig leaf, then the reference to "countries with known good homes" is a laughable one. It comes as no surprise that the notes from Don Glenn, who is also a member of the advisory board, were not mentioned at the advisory board meeting.

While Tom Gorey may continue to claim that it's pure propaganda that the BLM is in the process of eliminating the wild horses, the notes regarding the slaughter of our wild horses in foreign countries, combined with the advisory board recommendation to sell the horses to foreign countries proves otherwise.

The BLM's plan is now clear. They will first ignore the 1971 Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act and gather virtually all the wild herds, working year-round until only a few small, sterile bands remain free. If delayed in one place, they will simply shift their schedule and gather at another as they did with Buckhorn when Calico was delayed.

The cost of feeding these captured horses, along with the 37,000 already in holding, will then precipitate an enormous financial crisis. This will leave the BLM with no option but to euthanize or ship to slaughter most of the horses in holding.

NEWS FROM THE FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE

Frankfurt (Ger), 20 December 2009

SUNRISE SHINES IN FRANKFURT

Holland's Imke Schellekens-Bartels took maximum points at the fifth leg of the 2009/2010 FEI World Cup™ Dressage series in Frankfurt, Germany today with a great Freestyle test from Hunter Douglas Sunrise. Mirroring the result from the yesterday's Grand Prix it was Germany's Monica Theodorescu and Whisper who lined up second ahead of Denmark's Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and Digby in third while Germany's Ellen Schulten-Baumer slotted into fourth with Donatha S.

Theodorescu has now taken over at the top of the league table with a total of 41 points after her three outings which included the opening leg at Odense in Denmark, the second round at Lyon in France and here again on her home ground in Frankfurt. And she was very pleased to find herself heading up the star-studded cast. "For one week at least I am going to be at the top of the World Cup Dressage table - I'm feeling pretty good about that!" she said.

NOT ONE MISTAKE
It was Schellekens-Bartel's precision and attention to detail that gave her the edge. Ground Jury member, Peter Holler from Germany, said afterwards "it was an almost perfect Freestyle and the spectators were spellbound during her ride. The horse is in super condition, the half-pass and piaffe were excellent and Imke's riding was really stunning - she was the very clear winner. They did not make one mistake".

He said that Theodorescu had "some tiny little mistakes" but that her horse's piaffe has shown "great improvement", adding "and Ellen (Schulten-Baumer) was very good today as well - there was significant improvement in her horse's pirouettes".

UNDER PRESSURE
Imke said she was feeling under pressure to accumulate some points so she was very happy to get the maximum. "Hunter Douglas Sunrise had a long break after the European Championships and Frankfurt is our very first World Cup show so this is the perfect result" she pointed out. She said its tough being a Dutch dressage rider these days because the others keep going out and breaking world records - "Edward Gal is in a league of his own but the toughest thing right now is to finish ahead of Adelinde and Anky" - the dominance of the Dutch is, of course, indisputable at present.

She is delighted that her mare, Sunrise, is in such great form - "she's feeling very happy and very fit and that makes me feel good too!" said the rider who followed her 2008 Olympic team gold medal in Hong Kong with team gold at this summer's Alltech FEI European Dressage Championships at Windsor.

The FEI World Cup™ Dressage series continues with the sixth leg at Mechelen, Belgium next Sunday.

RESULT: 1, Hunter Douglas Sunrise (Imke Schellekens-Bartels) Ned 81.45%, 2, Whisper (Monica Theodorescu) Ger 77.90%; 3, Digby (Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein) Den 77.50%; 4, Donatha S (Ellen Schulten-Baumer) Ger 76.90%; 5, Responsible (Helen Langehanenberg) Ger 75.10%; 6, Insterburg TSF (Carola Koppelmann) Ger 74.80%; 7, Le Mont d'Or (Anja Plonzke) Ger 74.05%; 8, Corinth (Marcela Krinke-Susmelj) Sui 73.05%; 9, Triviant (Matthias Alexander Rath) Ger 72.70%; 10, Lamarc WRT (Sabine Becker) Ger 72.60%; 11, Cointreau (Peter Gmoser) Aut 72.50%; 12, Baldessarini (Gina Capellmann-Lutkemeier) Ger 71.40%; 13, Minnerk TSF (Hubertus Schmidt) Ger 70.45%; 14, Lydianus (Charlotte Haid-Bondergaard) Swe 66.65%; 15, Le Beau (Philippe Jorissen) Bel 65.15%.

FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE - STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 5 AT FRANKFURT (GER) - Provisional:
1. Monica Theodorescu - 41
2. Adelinde Cornelissen, Matthias Rath, Edward Gal - 35
5. Anky van Grunsven - 34
6. Hubertus Schmidt - 27
7. Peter Gmoser - 25
8. Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, Jeanette Haazen, Aat Van Essen - 24
11. Imke Schellekens-Bartels, Tinne Vilhelmson - 20
Full results at http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/451/451zeitplanDEU.htm?style=hippo

FACTS AND FIGURES:
Today's winning rider, Imke Schellekens-Bartels, is 32 years old and comes from Hooge Mierde in The Netherlands.
15 combinations competed in today's competition - 9 from Germany and one each from The Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden and Belgium.
The four top riders finished in exactly the same positions in Saturday's Grand Prix.
The oldest horse in today's FEI World Cup™ Dressage Freestyle was the 15 year old Hannovarian Donatha S which finished fourth for Germany's Ellen Schulten-Baumer.
The youngest horse was the KWPN 9 year old Triviant which finished ninth for Germany's Matthias Alexander Rath.
The judges for today's class were : at E - P. Holler (Ger); at H - Dr. E Eisenhardt (Ger); at C - G. Svalling (Swe); at H - G. Fouarget (Ned): at B - S. Clarke (GBR).

QUOTES:
Ground Jury member Peter Holler - "The atmosphere at the show here in Frankfurt is really nice - Christmas has definitely arrived!"

Monica Theodorescu who finished second with Whisper today "my next stop will be at Neumunster, then I go to Gothenburg and the final in Den Bosch I hope"

Peter Holler - "what the judges saw today were tests at the highest level".

WEBSITE: www.hippoonline.de

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.

ERIC AND TOMBOY STORM HOME AT OLYMPIA

Holland's Eric Van der Vleuten rocketed up to the top of the leaderboard after a superb victory with VDL Groep Tomboy in the sixth leg of the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series at Olympia, London today. Ireland's Cian O'Connor set the target with Rancorrado in the 11-horse jump-off but was pipped at the post by the Dutchman's second-last-to-go ride, while Penelope Leprevost claimed third with Mylord Carthago.

Today's winner has amassed 57 points this season, so is already guaranteed a place at next April's Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Geneva, Switzerland but he had to fight hard for those maximum 20 points today.

A BIT OF A PUZZLE
The first-round track proved a bit of a puzzle in the early stages, the tight confines of the Victorian Grand Hall at the central London venue once again proving a challenge when the fences were raised by course-designer Frank Rothenberger. Balance and rhythm were key to success, but Germany's Max Kuhner lost both of these when dislodged from Acantus GK at the vertical fence seven. He found himself running alongside his horse with a look of complete surprise on his face after Acantus jumped awkwardly and he was the only rider eliminated on the track. Two retired, but with 11 through against the clock it was always going to be a tough one to win.

Norway's Geir Gulliksen was pathfinder in the jump-off with L'Espoir but left one on the ground as did Sweden's Svante Johansson and Saint Amour. Third into the ring this time around was Johansson's team-mate Malin Baryard-Johnsson who had produced the most immaculate clear from the volatile mare, Actrice, first time out, but the Swedish star, who gave birth to her second child, Edward, just a few short weeks ago, saw her chances disappear with two fences on the floor.

Verona winners, Michael Whitaker and GIG Amai, were roared on by the home crowd but also fell victim to the double and it was O'Connor who returned the first zero score. Aileen Bryan's scopey 11 year old gelding covers a lot of ground and the Irishman left out a stride between the first two fences. He was a little careful to the double but still stopped the clock on 35.66 seconds to put it up to the rest of them.

A LITTLE CAUTIOUS
Two medal winners from this summer's Alltech FEI European Jumping Championships followed him into the ring but Italy's Natale Chiaudani was a little cautious with SNAI Seldana di Campalto while Switzerland's Pius Schwizer didn't take too many chances either with his lovely eight year old Carlina. Britain's Ben Maher and Robin Hood looked like a real threat to O'Connor's lead but despite taking a stride out to the last they only broke the beam in 36.07 and when European individual gold medallist Kevin Staut from France left one on the ground with Le Prestige St Lois, who insisted on bucking his way around the ring, only two more stood between the Irishman and victory.

Van der Vleuten's VDL Groep Tomboy was in a silly mood too, and also threw in a few bucking moments, but this 10 year old Emilion gelding is a speed machine and scorched home regardless in 35.08 seconds to clearly stamp his authority on the class. And although Penelope Leprevost's good nine year old Mylord Cathago was quick and clear they still had to settle for third in the final analysis.

A GREAT RUN
"My horse has been great for the last six months" said the winner afterwards, "and we've had a fantastic run in the World Cup this season". They finished eighth at the opening leg in Oslo, Denmark, third at the next leg in Helsinki, Finland and fourth at both Lyon, France and Verona, Italy over the last few weeks so today's result is not altogether a huge surprise.

Eric said he doesn't worry when Tomboy throws a buck "because it just means that he's feeling good. He only does it when he's very fit, and when you ask him to go faster against the clock - he's not trying to be difficult, it's just his way of playing a bit. He's a sharp kind of horse, and sometimes you might think that the bucking will lose you some time on the course but he's very fast and you don't want to stop him from enjoying himself!" the rider added.

Tomboy will now have a few weeks rest before coming back out for Amsterdam Show in the new year "and then maybe we will do a few more shows just to get ready for the final in Geneva. I'll make the plan with our Dutch Chef d'Equipe so we can be sure we are ready - I'm looking forward to it already!"

The Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping action now moves on to Mechelen in Belgium next week.

Result: 1, VDL Groep Tomboy (Eric Van der Vleuten) Ned 0/0 35.08; 2, Rancorrado (Cian O'Connor) Irl 0/0 35.66; 3, Mylord Carthago (Penelope Leprevost) Fra 0/0 35.97; 4, Robin Hood W (Ben Maher) GBR 0/0 36.07; 5, Carlina (Pius Schwizer) Sui 0/0 36.77; 6, SNAI Seldana di Campalto (Natale Chiaudani) Ita 0/0 37.89; 7, GIG Amai (Michael Whitaker) GBR 0/4 35.16; 8, Saint Amour (Svante Johansson) Swe 0/4 36.34; 9, L'Espoir (Geir Gulliksen) Nor 0/4 37.35; 10, Le Prestige St Lois (Kevin Staut) Fra 0/4 38.06; 11, H&M Actrice (Malin Baryard-Johnsson) Swe 0/8 36.83.

FULL RESULTS at http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/453/453zeitplanENG.htm

Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping - Standings after sixth leg at Olympia, London:
1. Eric Van der Vleuten - 57
2. Pius Schwizer - 48
3. Rodrigo Pessoa - 41
4. Daniel Etter - 40
5. Natale Chiaudani - 38
6. Kevin Staut - 37
7. Ludger Beerbaum - 34
8. Marco Kutscher - 34
9. Marcus Ehning - 31
10. Michael Whitaker - 30
11. Patrice Delaveau - 29
12. Philipp Weishupt - 29
13. Ben Maher - 28
14. Albert Zoer - 26
15. Svante Johannson - 22
16. Daniel Deusser - 22
17. Beat Mandli - 21
18. Penelope Leprevost - 21
FULL RESULTS AT http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/453/453zeitplanENG.htm

Facts and Figures:
11 horse and rider combinations qualified for the jump-off
The youngest horses in the competition were both 8 year olds and were both ridden by Swiss riders - Carlina with Pius Schwizer and LB Rendam ridden by Christina Liebherr.
The 8 year old Carlina jumped double-clear to finish fifth.

Quotes:
Cian O'Connor who finished second today "Rancorrado is deceptively fast - he's got a huge stride and he eats up the distances"
Frank Rothenberger, Course Designer "It was working out fine for me when the early riders had plenty of four faults but I got a bit of a surprise when there were 11 clear rounds!"
Cian O'Connor - "If you told me this morning I'd finish second today I would have been very happy!"
Ben Maher who finished fourth - "Robin Hood is not a quick jumper, so I struggle in the jump-offs. He's been a bit off-colour for a while but he feels really well again now"
Eric Van Vleuten, today's winner - "Olympia is such a great show - its what show jumping is all about, the crowds are so enthusiastic and the place is full of excitement - I love it!"

Website: www.olympiahorseshow.com

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) 15-22 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.

Broadcast Schedule can be downloaded from www.feiworldcup.org

American Rider Kassandra Barteau Second in B Group of FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final for Young Riders

By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY – Before a packed house at the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final for Young Riders in Frankfurt, Germany, American rider Kassandra Barteau saved her best performance for last with GP Raymeister and finished second in the ‘B Group’ of the Freestyle.

In her last year of Young Rider competition, the 21-year-old from Maple Park, IL and the 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion owned by Grand Prix Equestrian and Ginna Frantz, scored 68.65% to finish second behind Charles Hutton of Great Britain on a score of 71.8%.

Barteau, who is consistently one of the top Young Riders in the US, is the reigning Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Young Rider Dressage Champion and won the Freestyle at the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships – both with GP Raymeister.

The pair was 10th in the Team test on Thursday in Frankfurt, then ninth in the Individual on Friday, but the Freestyle is where they really excelled. Choreographed to music from Blues Brother 2000 by Barteau and her mother Yvonne – the final touches were done by Terri Gallo.

“I am very proud of Raymeister,” said Barteau. “He was super relaxed with the bigger crowd tonight and we had a clean ride. The whole trip has been a great learning experience, I was able to watch the CDI-W Grand Prix and I look forward to watching the A final tomorrow.”

American Ranch Horse Association Stallion Stakes Program Slides into its Fourth Year

Since its inception in 2006, the American Ranch Horse Association Stallion Stakes and Three-Year-Old Ranch Horse Challenge program has awarded horse owners and breeders with thousands of dollars in cash plus awards. The Three-Year-Old Challenge is held during the ARHA World Show each year—in 2010, June 21 to 26 in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Approximately 140 stallions and young horses have competed for top overall ranch horse honors through four events designed to test a horse’s versatility and ranch suitability: conformation, ranch riding, ranch cutting and working cow horse.

Winners from past years are:
2009 Three-Year-Old Challenge: Hancocks Moonwalk, owned and shown by Sean Prater of Burbank, Okla.
2009 Stallion Stakes: Bubbas Short Stroke, owned by Brady and Wendi Rinehart of Highmore, S.D.
2008 Three-Year-Old Challenge: Ali Zack, shown by Dennis Cappel and owned by Dennis and Cindy Cappel of Silex, Mo.
2008 Stallion Stakes: Poco Mr Blue, owned by Lewis Eastwood of Boswell, Okla.
2007 Three-Year-Old Challenge: Blondies Little Rio, shown by Terry Allen of Cookeville, Tenn., and owned by Rondal Reed of Cookeville, Tenn.
2007 Stallion Stakes: Rio Band Joe, owned by Terry Allen of Cookeville, Tenn.

Set up much like a breeders’ classic or futurity, the ARHA Stallions Stakes and Three-Year-Old Ranch Horse Challenge offer money paid out for both events. For a horse to be eligible to compete in the Three-Year-Old Ranch Horse Challenge, it must be registered with ARHA, and its owners must be ARHA members. In addition, the horse’s sire must have been nominated for the Stallion Stakes program during the horse’s 2-year-old year. Anyone may nominate a stallion as long as it’s registered with ARHA and its owners are ARHA members. Nominations do not carry over from year to year. Regular nominations for the 2010 program close on December 31, 2009; late nominations are allowed until May 22, 2010, for an additional fee.

Formed in 2004, the American Ranch Horse Association promotes the abilities of the all-around versatile working horse in a positive atmosphere where western tradition is genuinely honored. Rapidly growing with more than 7,000 members, ARHA hosts competitions, clinics and educational events throughout the year.

Full Stallion Stakes and Three-Year-Old Ranch Horse Challenge details are online at www.americanranchhorse.net or by calling ARHA at 606-872-2742.

Eva Salomon Accepts Position as USEF Managing Director and Chef D'Equipe for Dressage

By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced today that Eva Salomon has accepted a position as the Managing Director and Chef D'Equipe for Dressage for the United States.

A Swedish National, Salomon’s resume makes her impeccably suited for this position. She served as the FEI Director of Dressage from 2003-2009, worked with the Swedish Federation from 1984-1989, and then served on the Swedish Dressage Committee from 1992-2000, including Chef d' Equipe assignments – and chairing the committee from 1995-2000.

Her equestrian knowledge spans more than 40 years in the industry and includes time spent as a rider, owner of a Dressage Training Centre, breeder and as the owner of a horse that represented Sweden at two Olympic Games. Her expertise and qualifications are second to none and her wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport of equestrian make her extraordinarily qualified to run the US Dressage program.

“The USEF is very fortunate to have Eva on our team,” said James Wolf, Executive Director, Sport Programs. “Her extraordinary abilities and breadth of knowledge in the sport of dressage will be a significant advantage to our riders as they prepare for the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and the Olympic Games in 2012. Eva and Anne Gribbons, in the role of Technical Advisor, are a very strong team. With these two extraordinarily capable women at the helm I feel confident that our athletes will be among the best supported Dressage athletes in the world.”

The managing Director of Dressage position requires someone uniquely qualified due to the extraordinary nature of the position, Salomon clearly meets the organization's needs for the position.

“I am delighted to join the USEF and am very much looking forward to the opportunity to join a very successful National Federation,” said Salomon. “I am confident that with my international equestrian background as well as my dedication and passion for the sport I will be able to assist US Dressage in improving an already successful National and International program. I am very much looking forward to supporting the US riders in their preparation for the forthcoming WEG and Olympic Games in 2012.”

It is planned Salomon will begin working at the USEF Headquarters in Lexington, KY in February pending the approval of her visa application.

Colorado Horse Council names Bill Scebbi as Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Colorado Horse Council announces with pleasure the unanimous vote to appoint Bill Scebbi as Executive Director, effective immediately. According to incoming CHC Board President, Chris Whitney, Bill “noticeably energized the CHC Annual Meeting last week by sharing his ideas for the future of the Council.” Bill’s directorship extends to the management of the Colorado Horse Development Authority as well; the CHDA board is equally enthusiastic about his acceptance of the position.

Bill’s industry experience is destined to enhance the Colorado Horse Council’s reach and effectiveness. He began with the Arabian Horse Registry, serving also at the International Arabian Horse Association. He was the founding executive director for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association; during his time with NARHA, he built the organization up from a single employee to a staff of 17, increased the annual budget from $40,000 to $1.3 million, and added 750 NARHA therapeutic centers. As a consultant, he served as marketing director of the Appaloosa Horse Club. He has chaired the advisory committees of both Equitana USA and the Adams County 4-H—proving that his interests encompass a great variety of equestrian pursuits and participants. He brings extensive experience with trade show, equine conferences and educational program management to his new position with the CHC.

Bill is focusing on several key visions for his work as CHC executive director. He plans to bring the equine industry in the Rocky Mountain region closer together. “By working together,” he says, “we can accomplish great things for the industry.” He intends to increase the Colorado Horse Council’s range of programs and services. And he wants to expand the Council’s outreach; to Bill’s way of thinking, “When a horseman invests in the Council, whether as a member or a sponsor—or both—that really supports industry improvements that return to the individual, in enhanced opportunities for business or recreational pursuits.”

At the moment, Bill is jumping into planning the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo coming up in Denver, March 12-14, 2010. His enthusiasm is contagious, spilling over into fresh programs to enhance the equestrian experience. To read more about Bill, and get the latest on the Expo, visit the websites: www.coloradohorsecouncil.com and www.RockyMountainHorseExpo.com. Reach Bill directly at (303) 292-4981 or bill@coloradohorsecouncil.com .

FIVE FINALISTS NOMINATED FOR THE TITLE OF 2009 FARNAM®/PLATFORM® • USEF HORSE OF THE YEAR

Honor Recognizes One Equine Above All Others

PHOENIX – December 18, 2009 – On January 15, 2010, when the elite of the horse world meet in Louisville, Kentucky, for the 2010 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting, the name of the 2009 Farnam®/Platform® • USEF Horse of the Year will be announced.

This prestigious title is awarded each year to the nation’s most exceptional horse and is chosen by votes cast by members of the USEF, equestrian media and a USEF panel. Members may vote for the Farnam®/Platform® • USEF Horse of the Year by visiting www.usef.org and click on the Horse of the Year Voting link on the right side of the homepage. Voting for Horse of the Year will close at midnight (EST) on January 8, 2010.

Farnam’s line of Platform® horse feeds and animal health supplements is the title sponsor of the Horse of the Year program, an exclusive partnership that drives the popular USEF awards program to a new level of excellence. This is the fifth year the organization is honoring the year’s most exceptional horse.

This year’s finalists represent a broad cross section of riding disciplines and the voting is expected to be brisk. One of these five finalists will join previous winners Brentina, the 2005 dressage superstar, Authentic, the 2006 jumping sensation, the late Theodore O’Connor, the 2007 eventing great and Jamica, the Dutch Warmblood who excelled in 2008 as a Four-in-Hand combined driving horse.

The finalists for the 2009 Farnam®/Platform® • USEF Horse of the Year are:

Courage to Lead, a Morgan Mare, owned by Beverley Lesher
Not once, but twice, has this amazing 12-year-old bay pony had a brush with career-ending injuries. Bouncing back from each of them is a testament to this mare’s heart and dedication to excellence. This was evident in 2009 with a string of first-place victories at the hands of Equestrian of the Year nominee Suzy Stafford.

Crowned champions at the USEF National Single Pony Combined Driving competition, the duo also put down the best overall FEI score. At the Live Oak International, they placed first in the FEI Single Pony competition and were awarded the Hanzi Award for Best Horse or Pony as determined by the event’s FEI judges. For their hard work and string of wins, the pony and Stafford were named to the U.S. Pony Team to compete in Greven, Germany, for the World Pony Championships where they ultimately took home a Bronze medal, and helped their team achieve a fourth-place finish overall.

Kripton-Seni II, an Andalusian Stallion, owned by Joe and Nancy Latta
In 2009, the word “undefeated” became quite familiar to this multi-talented nine-year-old bay as he swept several divisions in the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association’s regional and national levels. And it was at the IALHA Nationals that the stallion was honored as the High-Point Andalusian for the entire competition, having stood alongside horses from not only around the country, but the world.

Nationals provided the year’s final platform for Kripton-Seni II to show his skills in Hunt Seat, Western Pleasure and Dressage Hack in the amateur, vintage and open divisions. He finished the competition with one National Grand Champion, four National Champion and two Reserve National Championship titles. It is no wonder that last year, this stallion was voted the IALHA Horse of the Year by the IALHA Show Committee.

CH Our Charming Lady, an American Saddlebred Mare, owned by Jack and Donna Finch
The 2009 American Saddlebred Horse Association Horse of the Year, CH Our Charming Lady, made a definitive mark on the Three-Gaited show world as the winner of the Saddlebred “Triple Crown.” With champion performances at the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, the Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show and the American Royal National Championship, this eight-year-old bay mare was the sole winner of a “Triple Crown” for the breed in 2009.

CH Our Charming Lady is undefeated in 34 consecutive classes dating back to 2006. What’s even more impressive is that each of these wins was unanimous (receiving only two second-place votes in qualifying classes).

Ravel, a Dutch Warmblood Gelding, owned by Akiko Yamazaki
After winning the U.S. National Grand Prix Dressage Championship and coming within a fraction of standing atop the Olympic medal’s podium in 2008, Ravel returned to competition in 2009 and was determined to take no prisoners. Not only did this 11-year-old bay, along with Equestrian of the Year nominee and rider Steffen Peters, win big, the duo set some new standards for the record books.

The pair became the first U.S. horse-and-rider to win the Rolex FEI World Cup on American soil in Las Vegas before a thunderous crowd of admirers, taking the win in the Grand Prix and the Freestyle Final. They were also the first Americans to sweep all three tests at the CDIO Five-Star in Aachen, Germany. These were just a few of the titles the dynamic duo scored, as well as titles at the Del Mar Classic CDI and the 2009 Bank CDI-W in Burbank, CA.

Sapphire, a Belgian Warmblood Mare, owned by McLain Ward and Bluechip Bloodstock
“Winner” is a word that is synonymous with both jumping superstar Sapphire and her rider/owner McLain Ward in 2009. Perhaps the culmination was the thrilling victory in the $1 million CN International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in Canada, but it wasn’t the only big payday for the powerful team. There were the wins at the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix and World Cup Qualifier (Hampton Classic), the $400,000 FTI Finale Grand Prix CSI Five-Star (Winter Equestrian Festival) and the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon.

The 2008 Olympic Team Gold-medalists put in five impressive clear rounds in their Reserve Champion performance during the 2009 FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas. Additionally, the pair represented the U.S. in the Meydan FEI Nation’s Cup tour in 2009. Ward and this amazing 14-year-old chestnut scored double-clear rounds in Rotterdam and Aachen. Also in Aachen, they produced a clear round in the Grand Prix which is one of the most prominent in the sport. Sapphire has been a fixture at the top of the sport since the 2004 Olympic Games.

All of the finalists for Horse of the Year will be recognized during the Horse of the Year Gala at the USEF Annual Meeting on Friday, January 15, at the Downtown Marriott in Louisville, Kentucky, with the Farnam®/Platform® • USEF Horse of the Year Award topping off the evening.

Farnam’s Platform® Feeding System products are formulated by expert equine nutritionists using the latest, up-to-date research. The Platform® Feeding System allows you to select an appropriate premium feed and, if needed, targeted supplements to address specific problems without the possible harmful effects and waste of over-supplementation. With the Platform® Feeding System, you can design a feeding program to meet your horse’s individual needs. For more information about the Platform® Feeding System, visit www.platformfeed.com.

Farnam Companies, Inc.
Over the past six decades, Farnam Companies, Inc., has grown to one of the most widely recognized names in the animal health products industry and has become one of the largest marketers of equine products in the country. No one knows horses better than Farnam. That’s why no one offers a more complete selection of horse care products. Farnam’s Horse Products serve both the pleasure horse and the performance horse markets with products for fly control, hoof and leg care, grooming, wound treatment, leather care supplies, plus feed and nutritional supplements. For information about Farnam Horse Products in the U.S. call toll free at (800) 234-2269 or visit www.farnamhorse.com.

Farnam – Your Partner in Horse Care™

COWBOY COMMUNITY SEEKS 300,000 ONE DOLLAR DONATIONS FOR NEW RODEO GROUNDS

Luke Logan, 7th generation Potter Valley cowboy, leads “Hollywood” down the trail

Raising funds “one buck at a time,” ranchers in Northern California's rural Potter Valley are preserving their working cowboy lifestyle with the creation of a new rodeo arena and community park—a year-round regional center for country recreation and cowboy skill-building

(Potter Valley, CA, December 18th 2009)— The cowboy community of Northern California’s Potter Valley is making an urgent call for donations to be used for the purchase of covered seating for spectators at the numerous events to be held annually at its new rodeo grounds. The roping, team penning and other ranching skills honed and showcased at the many events held here are used by local and visiting cowboys and cowgirls every day of their lives on working ranches. The need is immediate, as the seating must be installed in time for the 2010 Potter Valley Spring Festival & Rodeo, to be held over Memorial Weekend (May 29 – 31, 2010). The Festival Rodeo is a CCPRA (California Cowboys Pro Rodeo Association) sanctioned event. Any donations above and beyond the $300,000 needed for the covered seating will be used to build additional amenities including a covered all-weather arena, an RV camping area, stables for visiting horses, better pens and more.

Local farming and ranching families have worked hard, under the auspices of the Potter Valley Community Parks & Recreation organization, to purchase a 23-acre parcel of land, create a master plan and break ground on the new arena. The big dream: a year round regional center for country recreation and skill-building. Chutes and panels will be installed over several forthcoming volunteer weekends. Now the organization is racing the clock to buy and install seating for spectators. “Covered seating is our single biggest urgent expense,” said Clyde Blundell, Chairman of Potter Valley Community Parks and Recreation. “The old location was below an oak-studded hillside, so seating wasn't an issue. In this new valley floor location, we don't have the hill and we don't have the trees for shade,” he said.

Donor names will appear on a special Honor Roll on the Potter Valley Rodeo website. Contributions can be mailed to: Potter Valley Community Parks & Recreation Rodeo Fund, P.O. Box 68, Potter Valley, CA 95469. To donate equipment, building materials or services, direct queries to the same address, attn: Clyde Blundell. Donations are also accepted through Paypal at www.pottervalleyrodeo.com. 100% of contributions are tax deductible and are guaranteed to go directly to the rodeo grounds and related amenities. Potter Valley Community Parks & Recreation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

New classes, improvements in store for Paint Horse World Show Series

Fort Worth, TX—The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) executive committee recently added seven exciting classes to its 2010 World Championship Show Series and made decisions that will continue to make the summer and fall events world-class competitions.

New classes at Summer World Show 2010
The Committee voted to add seven classes to the schedule at the Summer World Show, which will be held June 23 - July 3 at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

A 3-Year-Old Cutting Challenge will return to the class list, after a 5-year hiatus. Its inclusion will bring the total count of cutting classes to nine, including the 4-Year-Old Cutting Challenge and the 5 & 6-Year-Old Cutting Challenge. APHA adds $5,000 to each Challenge class.

A Youth Versatility Challenge will be added, with the same four classes and basic format as the Hart Non-Pro Versatility Challenge introduced at the 2009 Fall World Show. Each horse-and-rider team will compete in hunter under saddle, Western pleasure, reining and barrel racing.

Additionally, five new Youth Solid Paint-Bred classes will be offered during the Summer World Show: showmanship, horsemanship, Western pleasure, halter mares and halter geldings. The Association hopes that these classes will be a good introductory offering for youth showing Solid Paint-Breds.

Judges’ monitor
The Association will continue its program to ensure judging is up to its highest standards by hiring a judges’ monitor who will oversee the judging at the World Show. Beginning this year, the judges’ monitor will be a separate position from the horse show manager position, allowing a greater focus on the judging throughout the show.

There will be an expanded focus on class preparation, increased video reviews and continuous monitoring and evaluation of the judging. The goal is to increase accountability and quality of judging overall.

World Show Qualifying Proposal decision
After careful consideration, the executive committee decided against instituting a qualifying element to World Show competition at this time. According to APHA, the decision was made with the best interest of members given the current economic situation, in combination with recent changes that have already been made to the World Show format.

Fall World Show sale
APHA also announced that a select Paint Horse sale will be held in conjunction with the Fall World Show on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010.

The sale will be limited to 50 select head of show prospects, show horses and broodmares. All horses must be nominated to the APHA Breeders’ Trust incentive program (broodmares must be in foal to stallions subscribed to the Breeders’ Trust).

More details will become available as the show dates approach. The 2010 Summer World Championship Show is scheduled for June 23 through July 3. The Fall World Championship Show is scheduled for November 4-13. Both events will be held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

For the latest information, visit http://www.aphaworldshow.com or become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/americanpainthorse.

More about the American Paint Horse Association
Since APHA was founded 47 years ago, it has registered nearly 1 million American Paint Horses at a rate of around 35,000 horses per year. The Association currently serves approximately 85,000 active members in 59 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.

To learn more about APHA and becoming a member, contact the Association at (817) 834-2742, or visit http://www.apha.com.

2009 EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Winner Announced

By Melissa Davis

Lexington, KY—The United States Equestrian Federation and The EQUUS Foundation are pleased to announce the winner of the inaugural EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award. Nancy Koch, Executive Director of CANTER National, was chosen from a number of qualified nominees to receive this distinctive honor. The award will be presented January 16, 2010, at the USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner during the Federation’s Annual Meeting.

Nancy Koch has successfully improved the health and welfare of young Thoroughbred racehorses who are injured or non-competitive and made life after racing a reality. CANTER stands for The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses, and it was started as a solution to help racehorses find new careers by connecting buyers and sellers through posting racehorses for sale on the Internet. The program quickly became a national web-based phenomenon. Koch has developed all-volunteer CANTER affiliates across the country where racehorses are transitioned to be equine pets.

Koch is having a tremendous effect on horses, the racing industry and college veterinary equine students who assist in surgery on injured horses that come in to the CANTER program. The injured horses receive CANTER paid surgeries, rehabilitation and retraining. She has influenced the public’s appreciation of horses and educated the public about the ability to retrain Thoroughbreds into dressage, jumping, trail riding and many other equine careers. She has assisted in finding new jobs for horses such as law enforcement mounted divisions and helped mentally and physically challenged children through therapeutic riding.

Koch has made a dramatic impact on the lives of horses, people, equine veterinary students and veterinary colleges, all the while solving the problem of what to do with injured, non-competitive and unwanted racehorses. She has devoted considerable personal time and energy to make the lives and quality of life of our equine companions better in every respect.

The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award (presented by the United States Equestrian Federation) is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world. Specifically, the goal of this humanitarian honor is to spotlight and exalt the selfless dedication one individual or a group of individuals has made, whether on a regional or national scale. From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public’s appreciation and respect of the diverse role of horses, the recipient of this award will be someone who has devoted considerable personal time to make the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount.

The EQUUS Foundation was established as an IRS tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity to raise public awareness of the value of horses in society through education and the award of grants to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote horse welfare and elevate the equestrian sport. The EQUUS Foundation has awarded over $1.3 million in grants since its first awards in 2003.

For more information, contact Melissa Davis at mdavis@usef.org.

Ground-Breaking Odor-No-MoreTM Delivers a Serious Solution to Age-Old Problem

Irvine, Calif. -- Ever since horses have been kept in stalls, horse owners have been adding to, and then mucking out, large quantities of bedding in a futile attempt to reduce the odor and moisture in these stalls.

Horse owners know first-hand how expensive it can be and that even “good” bedding cannot do the job. The solution to this age-old problem has finally arrived in Odor-No-MoreÔ, which just launched its award-winning product proven to lower costs and totally eliminate odor and moisture. It even helps reduce flies and promotes hoof health to create a cleaner, dryer, safer and healthier stall.

BioLargo, Inc.’s (Symbol: BLGO) line of Odor-No-More™ products help owners tackle the many unpleasant and unhealthy consequences of urine in horse stalls and trailers.

“Until now, available stall additives did not help much,” says Joe Provenzano, creator of Odor-No-More™. “With Odor-No-More™, you can see and smell the results in minutes.”

Odor-No-More™ is proven to reduce the amount of bedding consumed by up to 75%. Flies disappear as a result of eliminating all odors that horse owners and horses breathe. Horse hooves are in better condition and the soil in the stall is amended to retain and absorb liquid. Amazingly, no removal required.

After years without innovation in this category of products, Odor-No-More™ immediately took center stage with its launch this past year. It received a Best New Products Award at SuperZoo (the pet industry’s largest show) and was rapidly picked up by major suppliers and retail locations, including O.H. Kruse and Sons and Star Milling, both feed producers, along with Jeffers Equine and Dover Saddlery, the industries largest catalog and online retailers of equine products.

At a recent EquineAffair in Massachusetts, Tom Seay witnessed a demonstration of Odor-No-More™ and was amazed by how quickly and effectively the product worked. On the spot, he decided to feature the product on the show he hosts, Best of America By Horseback, on RFD-TV. The spotlight is scheduled to air in early 2010 on more than 600 cable networks and satellite providers in 14 countries.

Through its quick acceptance in the horse industry, Odor-No-More™ has also proven to be a huge money saver for stable owners. The management at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in California (HCPEC) testifies to the monthly savings from using Odor-No-More™. In its toughest stall, the center saved more than $300 per month. After conducting an on-site trial and witnessing the remarkable benefits of Odor-No-More™, HCPEC decided to adopt the product for use throughout their entire 460-stall facility.

Odor-No-More is a bedding and product sponsor of The Red Bucket Equestrian Rescue, which operates out of HCPEC. Helping lower the cost of care for rescued horses makes the savings even more critical.

Odor-No-More™ began with Provenzano, who was raised on a horse ranch in Northern California and has tended horses his entire life. As a lifelong horse owner, working cattle, active in 4H showing horses and amateur rodeo, he has experienced the cost and labor involved with caring for horses.

“Before we introduced Odor-No-More™, horse owners just lived with all these expensive and messy problems,” Provenzano says. “When we discovered that we could cut monthly costs so drastically and deliver all these great benefits, we knew we could transform the way our horses are stalled changing the industry forever.”

He worked closely with customers and equine professionals, including Jack Van Berg, the legendary Hall of Fame thoroughbred trainer, to create the ideal product for horses. They mucked a lot of stalls. Through several formulations and extensive testing to reach perfection, Odor-No-More™ was born.

“I was excited about the product from the beginning,” Van Berg says. “In my 50+ years training the best horses and winning the biggest races, I have never seen a product more effective.”

With Odor-No-More, soil in the stall is amended to absorb liquids, wicking urine away from horses’ feet creating quality footing. Additionally, the product uses micro-nutrients for odor elimination. These are the same micro-nutrients supplied in feed supplements as well as curative products for many common hoof ailments.

“I use fewer shavings in the stall and trailer because of Odor-No-More and that has saved us a lot of money and time,” says Shelly Martin, NCHA 1995 World Champion. “The industry has been waiting for a product like this.”

“Of the more than nine million horses in the U.S., we estimate more than half are stalled with bedding,” Provenzano says. “Before Odor-No-More™, our average customer was spending $100 or more per month per horse in bedding alone. This multi-billion dollar industry segment was desperate for innovation to reduce consumption and disposal.”

BioLargo, Inc. is all about making a difference in the world with its patented and patent pending technology, and Provenzano recognized a way to do just that in the horse industry. It goes beyond just great products. It’s about getting directly involved, and Provenzano became involved with The Red Bucket Equine Rescue in its infancy.

“Saving money means more resources to rescue and rehabilitate more horses,” he says. “The rescue industry is the saving grace for many horses. The amount of good a rescue can do is limited by financial support and keeping costs in line without sacrificing quality of care.”

Provenzano recently adopted Cooper, a three-year-old Blue Roan Quarter Horse, one of the many horses rescued by the Red Bucket Equine Rescue.

As the man behind Odor-No-More™, Provenzano has been diligently working with BioLargo’s upcoming 2010 launch of www.Horsesaver.org to help fund rescues. The program provides a practical way for companies that make their money from the horse and to give back to the horse by contributing a percentage of the proceeds from their product sales to help fund equine rescues across the country.

“We currently have multiple manufacturers and suppliers onboard,” Provenzano says. “HorseSaver.org is unique in the way customers have the ability to direct money to their favorite rescue. We have a real shot at making a significant difference. Our goal is to provide financial support to every equine rescue in the country, funded by the sales of an array of high quality products through horsesaver.org. At BioLargo we believe doing good is good business.”

Ariat Signs Professional Bull Rider Cody Ford

PBR Up-And-Comer Joins Pro Team

Union City, Calif. – December 18, 2009 – Ariat International, the leading manufacturer of performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of professional bull rider Cody Ford.

Ford’s accomplishments include a 2009 event win in Nashville, along with another 2009 win in Glendale, Ariz., at the Glendale Invitational. While there, Ford covered both of his bulls including one of the top bulls of 2008, Troubadour, to beat out his role model, two-time PBR World Champion Chris Shivers who finished second.

“We are excited to have Cody join our Pro Team,” said Susan Alcala, Ariat’s vice president of marketing. “He has an incredible energy and drive to succeed, so we are proud to have him sign on with us as he begins his career in the PBR.”

The Oregon native began riding bulls at age 12 in junior rodeos. By the time Ford was 14 years old, he began travelling to bull riding events with fellow Oregonian and PBR athlete Cody Campbell. In 2009, he joined the PBR and has since performed steadily during his first year as a professional bull rider.

“It has been great working with Ariat,” said Ford. “I have always liked their products, and I am proud to be a part of such an elite team with Ariat’s other riders.”

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

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

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

Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta share THOROUGHBRED TIMES Newsmaker of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky.—The exploits of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta on the racetrack and their immense popularity among racing fans was selected by the editors and staff of THOROUGHBRED TIMES as the most significant story of 2009 and named the pair the publication’s Newsmaker of the Year. The Newsmaker of the Year is reported in THOROUGHBRED TIMES weekly issue of December 19, 2009.

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, who never faced each other on the racetrack, both completed their 2009 seasons undefeated and with legions of fans. Rachel Alexandra dominated her three-year-old filly division, with victories in the Kentucky Oaks and Mother Goose Stakes, and defeated males on three separate occasions, winning the classic Preakness Stakes, Haskell Invitational Stakes, and Woodward Stakes, the latter against older males. Zenyatta, champion older female a year ago, bested Racing Hall of Fame mare Personal Ensign’s 13-race undefeated career record by winning all 14 of her starts. In 2009, Zenyatta dominated the older female division on the West Coast and culminated her career with a historic win over males in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

The vote to decide the 2009 Horse of the Year figures to come down to the two outstanding females, who are virtually assured of claiming championships in their respective divisions. Horse of the Year and the other divisional championships will be announced during the 39th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony on January 18, 2010, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California.

The headlines generated by Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta topped a year that also included such prominent stories as the struggling economy and its affects on the bloodstock markets and pari-mutuel handle at racetracks, Magna Entertainment Corp.’s bankruptcy, a memorable Triple Crown season, and debates over racing surfaces.

A complete recap of the Newsmaker of the Year will be available on the Thoroughbred Times website, www.thoroughbredtimes.com, along with a recap of the other leading news stories of 2009.

For more information, contact THOROUGHBRED TIMES Managing Editor Tom Law, (859) 260-9800 or tlaw@thoroughbredimes.com.

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.

USEF Selection Procedure and Application for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Team now Available

From the USEF Show Jumping Department

Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Selection Procedure and Application for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Team are now available online: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alljumping/sj2010WEG.aspx

The USEF Selection Trials for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Team will be held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL:

Selection Trial #1: February 25, 2010
Selection Trial #2: February 27, 2010
Selection Trial #3: March 3, 2010
Selection Trial #4: March 5, 2010
Selection Trial #5: March 7, 2010

For more information please contact USEF Director of Show Jumping – High Performance Activities, Lizzy Chesson at lchesson@usef.org.

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) elected a new President and Treasurer for three-year terms

George Williams, Delaware, OH., who was Vice President of the federation for nine years and a United States high performance rider, takes the helm as President from Dr. Samuel Barish. Steve Schubert, Methuen, MA., replaces Barb Tuohino Funk as Treasurer. Mr. Williams also appointed Melissa Creswick, Clovis, CA., as interim Vice President for a one year term.
George Williams is currently a member of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage Committee and Chairman of the USEF Dressage High Performance Committee. As a prominent figure in international dressage, his career highlights with Chuck and Joann Smith’s mare Rocher include: unprecedented three-time Dressage at Devon Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle winner; 2005 USEF/Collecting Gaits Farm National Grand Prix Champion; team bronze at CHIO Aachen; fifth at the 2003 World Cup in Sweden; USDF Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle Horse of the Year; and The Chronicle of the Horse’s Dressage Horse of the Year.

Born and raised in a horse family in New Hampshire, he traveled to Germany to the Reitinstitut von Neindorff, and earned his German Bronze Rider Medal. He was a rider/trainer for The Tempel Lipizzans in Wadsworth, IL and in 1988, he was promoted to director of their program. From the summer of 2000 until spring of 2009, Mr. Williams rode and trained for the Smiths at Gypsy Woods Farm in Ohio. He currently trains for Elizabeth Juliano’s Havensafe Farm, of Middlefield, OH; and Wellington, FL. He also teaches and coaches with Williams Dressage LLC.

"It is an honor to take over the reins of the USDF after Dr. Barish's tenure as president. Under his leadership the USDF took the steps necessary to build a good foundation for the organization. Between the move into our well situated offices at the Kentucky Horse Park, having an excellent staff in place and Barb Funk's expertise as Treasurer over the past decade I'm excited about the next few years. The USDF is in a good position to move forward with a renewed focus on programs," stated Williams.

Steve Schubert, has been an avid horse lover his whole life. He’s owned many horses and currently owns a Belgian named Zigums. Steve is the managing partner of Quarterline Dressage LLC of Georgetown, MA. and significant other of FEI Grand Prix rider and trainer Cindi Rose Wylie. They manage a 37-acre dressage training facility.

Steve spent 33 years in various executive financial roles, including being CFO and CEO of several $300-million-plus corporations. Steve earned what Price Waterhouse called a “perfect audit” designation. Steve was CEO of the Granite State Board of Realtors, a large nonprofit membership-based organization based in New Hampshire. Currently he works as a forensic accountant and consulting CFO in the New England area. Steve has an MBA specializing in accounting and taxation.

“I feel privileged to be elected to the position of Treasurer for the USDF and have big shoes to fill taking over for retiring treasurer Barbara Funk. I look forward to bringing my financial expertise and love of dressage to the executive board and to assist in bringing new programs and benefits to the membership over my tenure," added Mr. Schubert.

Melissa Creswick is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist and is currently competing at the FEI levels. She is the past president of the Region 7 California Dressage Society and holds USEF "S" dressage judge and 'r" sport horse breeding judge licenses. She was also a member of the USEF dressage committee. She was the head trainer at her own facility in Southern California known as Clovis Training Center but has sold the farm.

Lloyd Landkamer was elected Regional Director for Region 4, which includes Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and North and South Dakota. He replaces Sara Patrick. Landkamer owns DressageShowInfo.com and manages multiple dressage competitions across the Midwest. He was recently named discipline manager for dressage and para-dressage for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. He is owner and operator of Brandywine Farm, a dressage facility in Hamel, MN and has won numerous USDF Horse of the Year awards at various levels. He holds a USEF license as a C1 and C2 Steward and “R” rated Technical Delegate. He is also an FEI Chief Steward.

Ken Levy was elected Regional Director for Region 2, which includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia and replaces Sue Hughes. Ken owns and operates Legacy Farm Dressage with his wife Barbara where he trains and teaches beginners through advanced riders. Ken is an active dressage competitor through the FEI levels. Ken has won many dressage awards and is also a USEF “r” dressage judge and USDF Associate Instructor. Levy is currently Chairperson for the USDF Membership Committee.

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.

Barteau in Top 10 in Individual; Goes on to Freestyle at FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final for Young Riders in Germany

By Joanie Morris

Lexington, KY – US dressage Young Rider Kassandra Barteau placed ninth in the Individual test at the FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final for Young Riders in Frankfurt, Germany on Friday, December 18.

Riding GP Raymeister, a 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion owned by Grand Prix Equestrian and Ginna Frantz, the 22-year-old from Maple Park, IL is contesting her first FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final for Young Riders. She improved on her 10th place position in the Team test – to go forward to Saturday’s Freestyle with a score of 65.211%. The Freestyle is split into two groups and Barteau will ride Saturday evening in the ‘B Group’.

“Today's test was better than yesterday,” said Barteau after her ride. “But I had an unfortunate break in the trot extension and some unsteady pirouettes. I am very proud of Raymeister, he was relaxed and confident.”

Lotje Schoote won the Individual test with a score of 71.263%. Riding for The Netherlands, Schoote rode Torricelli in a very polished effort to take the top spot in an incredibly close competition between the top three riders.

Barteau, the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Young Rider Dressage Champion from 2008 and 2009, and the Gold Medalist in the Freestyle at the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships, is one of the rising stars in the US Dressage program.

"This trip has been such a great learning experience,” said Barteau. “I am learning so much just by being here and seeing the best young riders in the world. I am thankful to have a great support team with me here in Germany and it has been an exciting opportunity."

Catherine Malone and Southern Spirit Win FEI Intermediaire I Adult Amateur Class Sponsored by Classic Equine Equipment at the Wellington Classic Holid

West Palm Beach, FL (December 18, 2009) – Catherine Malone and Southern Spirit, owned by Iron Spring Farm, rode away the winners of the FEI Intermediaire I Adult Amateur class at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge. Sponsored by Classic Equine Equipment, a nationally recognized leader in quality horse stall systems and stable accessories, Malone and the 16.2 bay Wurtemburg stallion were awarded a gift basket filled with prizes from Classic Equine.

“I’ve shown Southern Spirit three times but this was our first Intermediaire I class,” Malone, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania said, adding that she was exciting with her win.

Malone rides with dressage trainer Todd Flettrich, who trains out of Cherry Knoll Farm. Malone won the Individual Gold in 2005 at the North American Young Riders Championship, following in Flettrich’s footsteps as he won the Individual Gold in 1991. Malone traveled to Germany with Flettrich this summer with the goal of learning more as Flettrich trained with Germany great Hubertus Schmidt.

Flettrich said Malone and Southern Spirit had “an overall good test” at the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge but he believes the horse has more in him. “I am looking forward to seeing that,” Flettrich said.

Malone was pleased with her prize basket and thankful that Classic Equine Equipment sponsored the class. “We were happy to sponsor the show and offer Catherine a hearty congratulations,” said Adam Busse, owner of Classic Equine. “We love to see riders striving to do their best, as we also believe in being the best.”

Classic Equine was founded in 1991 with the mission of providing quality products. For six years in a row, Classic Equine Equipment horse stalls and equipment have been the products of choice in the National Frame Builders Association’s “Barn Of The Year” contest.

Over the years Classic Equine Equipment has designed, developed and manufactured stall systems and stable accessories that are not only safety oriented for the horse, but that are easy to install. For horse owners who can’t find what they are looking for, Classic Equine Equipment will custom design a dream barn. “In addition to stall systems and stable accessories, we have expanded to include stall mats, eco friendly flooring, exercisers and treadmills,” Busse said.

Classic Equine will host a vendor booth featuring a stall front as well as samples of many of their stable accessories during the Winter Equestrian Festival. “We look forward to meeting and speaking with horse owners while in Wellington,” Busse said. “Our products were developed in part through the observations and insight of countless horse owners. We love to be inspired.”

For more information on Classic Equine Equipment, visit their website at www.classic-equine.com.

USE OF NSAIDs TO BE PUT TO VOTE AT 2010 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The policy choice of whether the restricted use of a small number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be permitted in competition will be put to the vote at the 2010 FEI General Assembly, following a resolution passed by the Bureau today.

In line with the Bureau’s earlier decision, the present Equine Prohibited List and its accompanying Rules and Veterinary Regulations will remain in effect until 4 April 2010. As of 5 April 2010, the FEI will implement the 20 October Prohibited Substances List, a more detailed version of the present Equine Prohibited List which received no specific objections during the four-week pre-General Assembly consultation period. The new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs) and revised Veterinary Regulations, which both received strong support at the General Assembly, will also be implemented on 5 April 2010.


In the interim, the List Group, which will be reviewed to include representatives from additional stakeholders including relevant animal welfare groups, will conduct a full review of the Equine Prohibited Substances List, with all the relevant and necessary research, and will take into account all comments from interest groups received following the 2009 General Assembly vote. In particular, the List Group will be looking at NSAIDs and will further review whether or not the use of these substances in competition, singly and at specifically prescribed levels, is a threat to horse welfare and whether or not these substances, at specific levels, are performance enhancing.


Legal concerns will be addressed by the FEI Legal Department to see whether the restricted use of NSAIDs in competition is in conflict with any national law.

National Federations will have the opportunity to voice their opinions through their Group Chairs. The FEI President and management will also consult with other equestrian bodies, including the Racing Authorities. Once this full consultation process has been completed, the List Group will then publish the 2011 version of the Equine Prohibited Substances List with validated levels regarding horse welfare and performance enhancement issues.

At the 2010 General Assembly, National Federations will have the opportunity to vote on the policy issue of whether the FEI should allow the restricted use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), provided the levels are limited and are deemed by the List Group not to threaten horse welfare and not to be performance enhancing. Further to the General Assembly policy choice, the question of whether or not the List should be adopted will be put to the FEI Bureau.

“There was a clear need to debate this issue further and the decision to put the policy choice to the vote at the 2010 General Assembly reflects that”, FEI Secretary General Alex McLin said.

Draper Helps Keep Animals Cozy for the Holidays by Donating $25,000 in Fabric to Area Animal Shelters

Canton, MA (December 18, 2009) – Dogs and cats at shelters in Massachusetts will be a little warmer during the holidays, thanks to the donation of warm fabric and the generosity of the Draper Knitting Company. The textile manufacturer has donated almost $25,000 worth of fabric to shelters, and the fabric is being used as blankets, dog coats, comforters and animal beds.

Shelters whose animals are staying warm and toasty during the holidays thanks to Draper are the Buddy Dog Humane Society, Northeast Animal Shelter, Greyhound Friends, Inc., Purr-fect Cat Shelter, Animal Shelter, Inc., Stray Pets in Need, Paw Safe, Winslow Farm Animal Awareness, Inc. and Save a Dog. “It has been a blessing to be able to donate the fabric, but an even bigger blessing to hear that the shelters are using it to make a difference for dogs and cats that are waiting to be adopted,” said Kat Wojtylak, Product Manager for Draper Therapies.

The Purr-fect Cat Shelter thanked Draper for their donation, saying, “We would like you to know that your donation has tremendously helped us provide a loving, warm environment for these special cats and kittens. We greatly appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness and the kitties of the Purr-fect Cat Shelter send furry hugs and lots of purrs to Draper Knitting.”

Draper Knitting, the parent company to Draper Therapies, producers of therapeutic products for humans, equines and canines, strongly believes in supporting the community. “Draper Knitting has been in business for over 150 years as a textile manufacturer. This year they decided to donate their seconds fabric locally,” Wojtylak said. “The thought process was that if fabric can go locally instead of being shipped elsewhere, then fuel usage would be cut down, which in turn would help the environment and also the community around us. Many animal shelters in the area are facing tough times because of the economy and it worked out wonderfully that they could use the fabric to make beds, blankets, coats and toys for the animals in their shelters.”

Greyhound Friends, Inc, are putting the fabric they received to good use. “The material will be used to make coats for the greyhounds we have in our adoption kennel, and to make covers for dog beds for the kennels. The dogs waiting patiently in our kennel for homes, and our staff and volunteers working in our kennel, thank Draper Therapies for their generosity and thoughtfulness,” Greyhound Friends said.

Thanks to the generosity of Draper Knitting Company, animals waiting for adoption will do so in a warmer fashion this winter. As The Purr-Fect Cat Shelter mentioned, “I can't tell you how much we are enjoying your donation of fabric for the kitties. The material is so soft and easy to work with that we have found many ways to use it to make the cats and kittens feel comfortable and warm while they wait for their forever home.”

For more information on the Draper Knitting Company, visit their website at www.draperknitting.com. For more information on the human, equine and canine therapeutic products produced by Draper Equine Therapy, visit their website at www.draperequinetherapy.com.

The world’s longest, toughest horse race, The Mongol Derby, returns for a second year

After the triumphant inaugural edition of the 2009 Mongol Derby, the epic 1000km multi-horse race across Mongolia returns for a second time in August 2010. With 35 places available and a more gruelling course being planned, this second Derby is set to be even tougher than last year.

The 2010 Derby will start on August 7 and officially end on August 18, giving riders 12 days to complete the 1000km course. Last year’s winners, Charles van Wyck (South Africa) and Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh (Mongolia) completed the course in eight days.

The 1000 km race is based on the postal system of Chinggis Khan, which could relay messages thousands of miles in a matter of days. Like the ancient postal system the Mongol Derby relies on a network of horse stations. These are being built at 40km or under intervals stretching along the course. With the rider’s changing steed at each horse station, the Derby is not a test of the horses’ speed, but of the rider’s skill and endurance.

The Mongol Derby is one of the most ambitious equestrian events on the planet with over 1000 Mongolian horses selected and trained for the event. Animal welfare is once again the top priority of the organisers. All the horses will be subject to a series of rigorous veterinary checks before, during and after the race. In 2009 less than 2% of the horses required any first aid and they were all minor.

The 35 selected riders will attend a three day pre-race training session in the Mongolian steppe before taking on the 1000km course. The session will be taken by Maggie Pattinson, Chef d'Equipe of the British Home International Endurance Team since 2007 and endurance expert extraordinnaire. The session will also include medical training from Prometheus Medical.

As with all The Adventurists’ events, the Mongol Derby is not only about having an amazing adventure, it's also about raising lots of cash for charity. Each rider will raise a minimum of £1000 so the second Derby is set to raise at least £35,000 for the official charity. The 2009 Mongol Derby raised a fantastic £71,000; £41,000 of this for Mercy Corps and a further £30,000 for the riders’ chosen charities.

For more information on the Derby and how to apply for one of the coveted 35 places please visit http://www.mongolderby.com. Applications will be open until January 22 2010.

2009 Hoof Boot Contest Winners Announced

The 2009 EasyCare $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest has come to an end and it’s been quite a year! We are pleased to announce this years winners. These riders have done an incredible job not just logging impressive mileage but representing EasyCare and showing just what our hoof boots can do! They’ve done great at every distance. From single day 50’s and 100’s to multi- day rides of 250 miles or more. Proving yet again that it is possible to ride distances in Easyboots!

Each year our contest grows in popularity. This year we had 63 riders logging an incredible 21,301 miles using Easyboots over bare hooves! That’s over 4,500 miles more than last year! Top ten riders are being awarded a total of $10,000 in cash. Seven riders also qualified for bonus mileage payouts throughout the 2009 season. A total of $5,100 was given out in bonus cash.

Carla Richardson 1,560 miles $3000
Terri Tinkham 1,525 miles $2000
Christoph Schork 1,330 miles $1000
Natalie Herman 1,115 miles $850
Dian Woodward 845 miles $750
Kadee Felton 823 miles $650
Kerry Greear 810 miles $550
Carol Layton 721 miles $400
Joyce Stoffey 660 miles $400
Laurie Birch 530 miles $400


It was a neck in neck competition for first place but Carla Richardson and her horse SS Kharady Khid are the winners this year! They beat out last years first place winner Terri Tinkham and horse Oliver Twist by just 35 miles! Carla and SS Kharady Khid logged 1,560 miles this year. What a team! Way to go!

The 2009 contest may have come to an end but the 2010 contest has just begun. EasyCare will award a total of $10,000 to the riders who complete the most American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Australian Endurance Rider Association (AERA) miles during the 2010 AERC ride season (Dec. 1, 2009-Nov. 30, 2010) using two or four EasyCare hoof boots over bare hooves. Throughout the year special promotions and discounts will be made available to those participating in the EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest. Riders will also be elegible for bonus cash after completion of 300 miles (482km) and 400 miles has been reached. So get out there and ride, ride, ride! Click here for contest information and entry forms.

For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, or e-mail: admin@easycareinc.com