The NEDA Fall Festival of Dressage is just around the corner! Remember this will be the first year the show will stand alone and be able to utilize the entire show grounds exclusively.

Sponsorship is a huge part of what makes the show possible and there are many opportunities available from the simple business card ad in the program to title sponsorship. If you have any interest in supporting the show through a sponsorship at ANY level, please visit the website’s fall show pages for all the information and the proper forms.

Connected to the sponsorship is the VIP area. This year it will be in the permanent Pavilion allowing for more tables to be available for sale. Access to the VIP tent affords patrons breakfast, lunch during the day then

IBC classes are currently in line for sponsorship and entry will be based on which breed is requested. In other words; if you don’t see it on the prize list but you want to enter your horse, do it! We’ll have the IBC for that breed. At this point in time, KWPN-NA, Rheinland Pfalz-Saar and the North American Pony are among the IBC classes that have been sponsored. Emails have been sent to other breed organizations and we are awaiting word as to which will be supporting the IBC classes. If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring an IBC class, contact Kate O’Connor at nativeross@charter.net.wine and cheese from mid-afternoon to the close of classes. Full tables as well as individual seats may be purchased for the duration of the show. Contact show management for additional information and to reserve your seats today!

Equestrian Australia.

Equestrian NSW today announced its policy regarding the Hendra Virus vaccination and requirements for all horses entering EA/FEI events in NSW where any horses stay overnight at the event venue i.e. Hendra Vaccinated Events (HVEs), to be vaccinated against Hendra Virus as of 1st January, 2014.

ENSW is currently in talks with Zoetis, the producer of the Hendra vaccine, to offer the vaccine plus a free follow up shot for EA registered horses only. As part of this initiative, ENSW will also offer a 50% reduction on the cost of online base horse registrations on the proviso that members taking up this offer also vaccinate against Hendra as soon as possible. More details on the offer from Zoetis for vaccines and the date online base horse registrations will be up and running via EA Online will be announced in the coming days.

ENSW are also working through processes to enable event organisers to take advantage of the Zoetis database to confirm vaccination status of all horses entered in HVEs to make administration of this policy as simple and effective as possible.

Equestrian Australia (EA) CEO Grant Baldock, said EA welcomed the proactive steps taken by the New South Wales Branch in developing a policy to mitigate the risk of the Hendra virus.

“Since a vaccine for the Hendra virus was released in November 2012, the Equestrian Australia Board has been working with our stakeholders to develop a national policy.

“We applaud Equestrian New South Wales for implementing a state wide policy to mandate vaccination for all horses competing at EA/FEI events where horses are staying at overnight.

“The EA Board is continuing it’s consultation with our State Branches and we will be moving towards implementing a national policy.

“The vaccination against the Hendra virus is an important breakthrough to help the industry reduce the risk of this disease.

“DPI NSW and Biosecurity Qld advise that the Hendra vaccination is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses.

“We also need to continue to educate our event organisers, members and horse owners on the steps they can take at home, on their properties and at events to minimise the likelihood of a Hendra virus outbreak.

“As has been our position since the release of Hendra vaccine, we continue to encourage all horse owners to consult their vets regarding vaccination against Hendra,” he said

For more details regarding the Hendra virus in Queensland and New South Wales visit:

Queensland – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry QLD

New South Wales – Department of Primary Industry NSW

Jennifer M. Keeler.

The Royal Dutch Warmblood Studbook in North America (KWPN-NA), the continent’s premier warmblood registry, proudly announces dates and locations for the 2013 KWPN-NA Keuring Tour.  These annual inspections are the highlight of the year for United States and Canadian breeders of Royal Dutch Sport Horses as they have the opportunity to showcase their best young horses, and see the results of their passion and dedication for producing the next generation of equine sport superstars.

The KWPN specializes in the breeding of high-performance equine athletes which are not only favorites of riders around the world, but also dominate in equestrian competition.  For years, the KWPN has held a top position in the studbook rankings of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH), as KWPN horses routinely achieve exceptional success in international jumping, dressage, and driving.  The quality of the KWPN horse is renowned and praised worldwide, and this success is the result of an extremely goal-oriented breeding policy and a great deal of expertise and innovation.

The KWPN’s stringent standards for talent, performance, soundness, and character ensure breeding the “best of the best” to produce the finest sport horses in the world with an eye towards continual improvement of the breed.  “In my opinion, the KWPN has the highest standards of all the warmblood registries,” said breeder Martha Haley of NeverSayNever Farm in Nova Scotia, Canada.  “I like the challenge to meet and exceed these standards. The KWPN is always striving to be the best at what they do – not so different from my own breeding goals.”

Each fall, excitement runs high among breeders and sport horse enthusiasts as inspections, called keurings, are held at select locations around the U.S. and Canada.  Experts from Holland and North America judge foals, yearlings, young horses, geldings, stallions and mares to evaluate conformation, movement, free jumping and potential talent for sport.

Lucrative prizes are awarded for the breed’s top horses and breeders.  Not only will breeders have the opportunity to present their best KWPN stock for approval, special designations, and coveted awards, but they will receive expert evaluations which support the breeder and/or rider to make decisions about riding or driving careers and future breeding decisions.

“If riders and trainers are looking for modern horses that are talented, and sound of mind and body, they should look into horses who have excelled through the KWPN keuring system, because it works,” explained leading KWPN breeder Karin Jimenez of Sporting Chance Farm in Pennsylvania.

“The primary focus of our breeding program is to breed international quality show jumpers, who have quality gaits, are correct, sound of mind and body, and are also attractive.  These same qualities are necessary to be successful through the keurings and later at the top level of the sport.  We feel this is very important, which is why we take all of the horses we breed to the keurings.”

Beginning in early September, a jury comprised of Royal Dutch Sport Horse experts Lana Sneddon (IN), Deborah P. Harrison, DVM (CA), and Faith Fessenden (NV) will travel across the continent to 14 different sites for the 2013 KWPN-NA Keuring Tour.  They will be joined by fellow judges Bart Henstra and Arie Hamoen of the Netherlands.  “In striving to meet the same standards as in Holland, North American keurings use a Dutch judge as the chairman of the jury,” Henstra noted.  “For me, this tour is really interesting. The breeders in the U.S. and Canada are really enthusiastic and willing to learn.”

The 2013 KWPN-NA keuring tour dates and locations include:

·         September 4: Apple Lane Farm, Lancaster, MA  www.applelanefarm.com

·         September 5-6: Iron Spring Farm, Coatesville, PA  www.ironspringfarm.com

·         September 7: Claybrook Farms, Ithaca, MI  www.claybrookfarms.com

·         September 8: Legacy USA, LLC, Burr Ridge, IL  www.legacyusastables.com

·         September 9: Sumac Farms, Trenton, Nova Scotia, CAN  www.sumacfarms.com

·         September 10: Prima Equestrian, Mount Albert, Ontario, CAN  www.primaequestrian.com

·         September 11: Carousel Ridge, Sherwood Park, Alberta, CAN  www.carouselridge.com

·         September 12: Spirit Equestrian, Somis, CA  www.spiritequestrian.com

·         September 13-14: DG Bar Ranch, Hanford, CA  www.dgbarranch.com

·         September 15: Sonnenberg Farm, LLC, Sherwood, OR  www.sonnenberg.us

·         September 17: Silver Hill Stables, Manor, TX

·         September 18: Blalock Lakes, Newnan, GA  www.blalocklakes.com

·         September 19: Pennock Point Sport Horses, Reddick, FL  pennock@windstream.net

·         September 20: Windy Knoll Farms, Sullivan, OH  www.windyknollfarms.com

As part of an impressive array of special awards and designations to be presented at these keurings, the prestigious DG Bar Cup is a competition for three-, four-, five/six- and seven/eight-year-old dressage horses, rewarding gaits, rideability, balance, rhythm, suppleness, and the ability to collect and extend.  For the first time, a division for seven/eight-year-old horses will be added, further highlighting the development of Dutch sport horses for careers in sport.  Jumper and hunter prospects will contend for the all-new Claybrook Farms Cup, a free-jumping competition for two-, three-, and four/five-year-olds.  Horses will be evaluated for scope, carefulness, quickness, technique and willingness.  Awards and prize money will be presented to breeders and owners of winning horses in each group as well as overall champions.

In addition, at the end of the year, the honorary Gert van der Veen award will be presented for the KWPN mare earning the highest overall score in the 2013 North American keuring tour.  And once again, Iron Spring Farm and the KWPN-NA will join forces to reward North American breeders with a full roster of overall keuring championships and prize money to be presented at this fall’s KWPN-NA annual meeting.

Photo: Fire & Earth Photography

AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department

Lexington, KY - At the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Board of Directors mid-year meeting on Monday, July 22nd, some significant rule and bylaw changes were brought to the table. The changes concerned horse welfare, the structure of the USEF Board of Directors, and the discipline of western dressage. Each of the changes brought forth received a majority vote to approve and a summary of each change is detailed below.

Horse Welfare Changes

Two important Proposed Extraordinary Rule Changes were introduced in March of 2013 by the USEF Veterinary Committee. Following extensive feedback from USEF Technical Committees, Working Groups, and from attendees at USEF Town Hall Meetings held in Florida in March, and via interactive webcast in June, the USEF Board of Directors has approved the following two changes.

The first change introduces a new category of rules called Prohibited Practices to the USEF Rule Book which will take effect December 1, 2013:

Important points in this change include the following:

• No horses or ponies may be injected within twelve hours prior to competing.

• There are only three exceptions to this rule: therapeutic fluids, antibiotics, and Dexamethasone for the treatment of hives (specific dosing guidelines are provided for the exceptions concerning fluids and Dexamethasone).

• All excepted substances must be administered by a veterinarian and cannot be administered to a horse or pony within six hours prior to competing.

The second rule change becomes effective on August 1, 2013, and concerns the actions taken should a horse or pony collapse at a USEF Licensed Competition. This rule change proposal has been commonly referred to as the “Collapse Rule” and is the first to be presented in the formation of an over-arching Catastrophic Incident Protocol. The intent of this rule is to keep the USEF informed of any collapses, empower the USEF to investigate the circumstances surrounding such an incident, and hold the trainer, or the owner if the trainer is unavailable, accountable for refusal to cooperate.

Important components of this change are summarized below:

• A collapse is defined as “a fall to the ground with no apparent cause.”

• The trainer, owner, or rider of a horse must report a collapse no later than three hours after it has occurred.

• Any horse or pony that collapses is subject to drug and medication testing and inspection by a USEF appointed veterinarian (at USEF’s expense).

• Cooperation with the Federation as to an investigation concerning a horse/pony collapse or death is mandated.

USEF Board of Directors Restructure

In an effort to make a more agile and efficient organization, the Board of Directors voted to amend Bylaws to restructure the Federation’s governance structure.

USEF Planning Committee Chairman Bill Moroney presented an extensive Bylaw rewrite that facilitates the reduction in size of the USEF Board and empowers a council structure consistent with a Restructure Concept Document approved earlier this year at the January USEF Annual Meeting. “We have come to realize that the Federation is not structured to maximize the contributions of its greatest assets – our passionate volunteers.” Moroney continued to say, “The membership expects leadership to operate within a governance structure that reflects its leaders’ knowledge and experience, as well as one that facilitates their ability to address issues in a timely manner.”

Effective January 9, 2014, the Board of Directors will be streamlined to 20 members from the current 54. Additionally, the Administration & Finance Working Group, FEI Affiliates Working Group, High Performance Working Group, and National Affiliates Working Group will transition to become the Administrative and Finance Council, International Disciplines Council, and the National Breeds and Disciplines Council.

USEF President Chrystine Tauber remarked, “The overhaul of our governance model is the first bold step in ensuring a strong and prosperous future for our Federation. The new system of councils will provide all of our breeds and disciplines with a much more powerful platform for governance and effectuating timely changes to their respective areas of the sport.”

The composition of the restructured Board will include representatives from across the spectrum of the Federation. Three seats will be occupied by USEF Officers including a President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. Eligible Athletes will be elected to four seats respectively, as will representatives from the International Disciplines and the National Breeds and Discipline Councils. One member of the Administration & Finance Council will also sit on the Board of Directors and two Independent Members will be elected by the new Board. The final two seats will be filled by representatives from the two USEF Sustaining Affiliate Members.

Tauber commented further, “The new Board will be able to concentrate on oversight and the overall future plans and vision for the Federation. Members of the smaller Board must be fully engaged and understand that they do not participate as a special interest director, but rather as a member of a leadership team where their input is vitally important to all matters of the Federation.

“Many associations are currently experiencing restructures. The traditional model for associations doesn’t work well in today’s environment of rapid changes and new technology. Our efficacy and relevance will diminish in the future if we do not keep up with the continually shifting landscape. This changing environment requires us to adopt new and different approaches. It is about fundamental changes in how we operate.”

A transition plan has been developed by USEF Senior staff and will be implemented throughout the Fall of 2013 as the Working Groups are reseated into the new Councils. The new restructured Board is expected to be seated at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

Western Dressage Chapter Added to Rule Book

The USEF Board of Directors voted to add a new discipline to the Rule Book and in the process welcomed a new Recognized Affiliate. Effective December 1, 2013, Western Dressage will be removed from the Morgan chapter of the USEF Rule Book and become an independent discipline with it’s own chapter. With that change the Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) will become the USEF Recognized Affiliate for Western Dressage.

In a press release the WDAA stated “The Western Dressage Association of America is honored to be the USEF Recognized Affiliate for the exciting new discipline of western dressage. WDAA is excited to bring its focus and mission of “Honoring the Horse” to the USEF’s Horse Welfare Initiative. WDAA will work closely with USEF coordinating rule processes and other affiliate functions.”

From: British Dressage.

Phoebe Peters and SL Lucci have made history, claiming individual and freestyle golds at the Pony European Dressage Championships in Arezzo, Italy.

After spearheading Great Britain’s team bronze success, Phoebe (pictured) became the first British under-21 ever to win an individual medal, taking gold for her performance in Saturday’s Individual Championship. Phoebe and Lucci scored 79.04% ahead of Germany’s Semmieke Rothenberger and Deinhard B who scored 78.46% and the Netherlands’ Lisanne Zoutendijk on Champ of Class in bronze with 77.31%.

Before the final competitors had ridden, Phoebe posted on Facebook: “Me and Lucci just scored 79% in the individual test!!! This is a personal best and has taken us into the lead! Can’t believe how amazing Lucci was, he is unreal.”

Phoebe, who rides with a maturity that belies her 14 years, has, in recent months, become to talk of international pony dressage with her mother Tracy’s pony SL Lucci, an 11-year-old Danish brown gelding by Lukas. Phoebe and Lucci appear to be made for each other, her text-book position and poise maintaining the powerful pony in an uphill, exemplary frame throughout their work.

The superbly matched pair were favourites going into Sunday’s freestyle and once again cool-headed Phoebe, who thrives on the pressure of the big occasion, inspired Lucci to use every inch of his athletic frame. Their music, from the films Johnny English and Kung Fu Panda, gave a humorous touch to a seriously good freestyle. Serious enough for a pony freestyle record of 84% and another gold medal! This time, the German and Dutch challengers were reversed with Zoutendijk in silver with 80.77% and Rothenberger a whisker behind in bronze with 80.62%.

Once again posting on Facebook, as the significance her achievement was sinking in, a thrilled Phoebe said: “Lucci has just set off on his way home – returning to England as European champion!! Today we won our second gold medal, this time in the freestyle scoring a new world record of 84%! Would like to thank EVERYONE for their support, help and time it has been the most unbelievable week! X”

Phoebe’s team compatriots also fared well in the individual stages of the competition with strong placings amongst Europe’s elite. Erin Williams and Dynasty, her mother Claire’s nine-year-old palomino daughter of Deinhard B were placed 71.8% for 11th in the individual test qualifying them for the freestyle where they posted an impressive 74.75% for sixth spot.

Rose Hugh-Smith and Holstein’s Derwisch scored a solid 66.87% for 22nd in the individual and Rebecca Bell with Valido’s Sunshine were just behind on 66.26% for 23rd against the best 54 pony riders in Europe.

From: British Dressage.
In consultation with the Senior Selectors, Laura Tomlinson has decided to withdraw her European Championship partner Mistral Hojris, owned by Dr & Mrs W Bechtolsheimer and herself, from the CDIO at Hickstead as he will not be fully fit in time for the competition, 1 – 4 August.  This will give additional time to ensure that he arrives at Herning, Denmark in peak condition for the European Championships (21-25 August).

Laura commented; “We always wanted to leave our options open for Hickstead and ‘Alf’ missed a few week’s training which has affected his competition fitness.  With just two weeks between Hickstead and the Europeans, we all felt that he didn’t need to do Hickstead as the Europeans have always been the main focus for the season. He’s 18 and it wasn’t a risk we wanted to take; he did Hagen this year after eight months away from competing and came out in great form so I have every confidence we’ll be on song for Denmark.  I’m taking him to Hickstead to continue his work alongside my young horses competing in the small tour so his supporters will be able to see him training.”

We’re delighted to announce Hickstead have made space in the busy schedule on Friday 02 August at around 11:45 for Laura to train on Alf with commentary by Dr Bechtolsheimer in the main area.

The Selectors have replaced Laura with World Class Development rider Nikki Crisp and her own Pasoa (pictured) to join Michael Eilberg (Marakov), Carl Hester (Uthopia) and Gareth Hughes (DV Stenjkers Nadonna in the team.

Britain’s Nations Cup team is supported by the UK Sport funded World Class Programme. The Equestrian World Class Programme has been funded through Exchequer and National Lottery funds, via UK Sport since 1998.

Hickstead CDIO gets underway on Thursday 01 August with two days of Grand Prix.  The CDI competitors will compete in the Special on Saturday with the season finale of the FEI Nations Cup Dressage ^TM on Sunday with Grand Prix Freestyle.

From: Equestrian Australia.

Sheridyn Ashwood-Prestige VDL.

Photograph: Roger Fitzhardinge.

This weekend’s Brisbane CDI-W presents another opportunity for dressage riders to qualify for the 2013 Be the Influence Equestrian Grand Final.

There are 10 horse and rider combinations entered in today’s Grand Prix including Sheridyn Ashwood and Prestige VDLwho already sit atop the leader board thanks to a strong performance at the second qualifying round which was held at the recent Sydney CDI3*.

Their GP Freestlye score of 73.975% assures the duo will qualify for this year’s Final – which will take place at EQUITANA Sydney from 7-10 November – with Ashwood a chance of increasing her lead after spending time with dressage advisor to Australia Ton de Ridder at the recent national dressage squad clinics.

“Ton was all about taking more risk and asking more and Prestige responded well to that added pressure. I thought the piaffe was good and after our session Ton now thinks it’s worth a 9… let’s hope he is right.

“I really work hard to improve at every CDI and this competition is no exception. Normally I improve day by day as the competition goes on and usually by the third day I do my best performance.

“I really think I can nail a 70-73% in the Grand Prix with my scores to improve traditionally by the third. But of course anything can happen on the day,” she said.

Ashwood is hoping the reduction in travel and home crowd will also lift the pair’s performance this weekend.

“I find that I have to have Prestige extremely fit to cope with the travel and still be full of running on the third day. Quite often leading into these big events Mr P is worked twice a day to ensure he is 100% fit but this event is only two hours away so I have not had to do this, which is better for the horse and better for me.

“I hope that Queenslander’s will all come and support this show this year, there’s nothing like a big crowd and a lot of atmosphere to lift the horses and perform at your best!

The 12 combinations with the highest Grand Prix Freestlye scores from the four round qualifying series will automatically qualify for the Final. Combinations must also post a score greater than 64 percent.

The Brisbane GP Freestyle is the penultimate qualifying round for the Equestrian Grand Final – Dressage, which will take place at this year’s EQUITANA, Melbourne from November 7-10.