(FEI) – Qualification systems for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, career progression of athletes in the business world, and international movement of horses will be the discussion topics at the second FEI Sports Forum, which will take place on 8 and 9 April 2013. Round table sessions on Driving, Dressage, and Jumping will also be organised within the framework of the event.

The Forum will be held in Lausanne (SUI) at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), a top-ranked business school that develops global leaders through high-impact executive education. Recent speakers at the school include former USA President Bill Clinton and Jamaica’s six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt.

“The FEI Sports Forum is an essential platform for the FEI,” said FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos. “I encourage all the FEI stakeholders from around the world to join us in April and take part in the debate. The input generated at the Forum’s inaugural edition was extremely useful and helped us make quick progress in key areas such as the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup.

“I would like to thank IMD for making their facilities available to us. The FEI is privileged to be able to host these important discussions in such a prestigious and highly-ranked educational establishment,” he added.

The FEI Sports Forum, the creation of which was part of the FEI President Princess Haya’s re-election manifesto, is an annual event.

Online registration for the FEI Sports Forum 2013 will open in mid-February. The supporting documents on which the discussions will be based will be published in March.

For more information visit the FEI at www.horsesport.org.

(WDAA) – The Western Dressage Association® of America introduced its revised 2013 Western Dressage Rules for all breeds and 16 new WDAA authored Western Dressage tests today December 1st, 2012 via its website, http://westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-rules-tests/.

The Rules were revised incorporating the WDAA mission, the training fundamentals of dressage, the rich western history, and the thoughts and feedback of our members, advisory board and representatives from major equine organizations.

Both the Rules and the Tests are designed to be utilized throughout the equine industry at competitions from schooling shows to World Championships for both USEF and non USEF affiliated breeds.

A committee of skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable horse people dedicated their time and talents to creating tests which would assess the horse and rider, provide opportunities for feedback and celebrate the communication found in moments of lightness and harmony.

The 2013 Western Dressage Test offering covers four progressive levels; Introductory, Basic, Level 1 and Level 2; through each level’s series of four increasingly challenging tests. The horse and rider progress from test to test and level to level as they mature in physical skill, mental ability and partnership. The WDAA is excited for the response to these offerings and additional levels of tests are under development for release in 2014.

The 2013 Western Dressage Rules and Tests begin their use with the start of the 2013 show season. WDAA corporate partner, HorseShow.com, will feature WDAA online shows as part of their offerings. All WDAA breed alliance partners, as well as hundreds of additional groups ranging from schooling show hosts to USEF and USDF GMOs plan to hold Western Dressage offerings featuring WDAA Rules and Tests.

For additional information regarding hosting Western Dressage events or Recognized Show, please contact the WDAA at info@westerndressageassociation.org.

(Phelps Media Group) – New York, NY- The Triumph Project Hosting Official Opening Night Party in celebration of NYC’s full theatrical release and Premiere of Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed.

Official Saturday Opening Night Party at W Hotel-Union Square
Hosted By the Triumph Project
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Time: 9:30-11:30 p.m.

Place: “The W” Union Square, Studio 1, 2 and 3
201 Park Avenue South New York, New York 10003
Champagne, Wine, Beer, Heavy Hors d’oeuvres & Deserts
Red Carpet walk and photo ops

RSVP to get on the Guest List! Admission with your Friday/ Saturday ticket stub from NYC’s opening of Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed, at the Quad Cinema. Comp VIP access to Peter Max Reception ticket holders.

New York’s QUAD Cinema, IMA Studios, WFLF Humanion Films and The Triumph Project are proud to present the provocative new documentary Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed, produced, written and directed by filmmaker Katia Louise.

Featuring revealing interviews with distinguished veterinarians, trainers, academics, investigators, policymakers and members of the equine community, including Paul Sorvino, Linda Gray, Tippi Hedren, and Willie Nelson.

Bringing together a wide spectrum of hard-hitting and opposing viewpoints, the film lays down evidence for the full cadre of objectionable behavior, including deception, cruelty and profiteering. The victims run the gamut, from those who eat the meat filled with carcinogens and harmful drugs, to the horses themselves−wild horses poached from government land, Thoroughbred race horses who pass through the system into oblivion, or domestic horses who outlive their welcome and are sent to slaughter. Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed is a compelling and provocative rallying cry for justice and integrity.

Cast: Paul Sorvino, Linda Gray, Tippi Hedren, Ken Wahl and Willie Nelson (Running time 91 minutes)

Activities and Showtimes:

PETER MAX KICK-OFF RECEPTION
Hosted by Peter & Mary Max, and Katia Louise
Date: December 6, 2012
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place:
Peter Max Art Studio
37 West 65th Street, 7th Floor, NY, NY

Attend the Peter Max Reception to receive a comp ticket to any Friday/ Saturday showing of Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed, at the Quad Cinema. Plus, receive a complimentary pass to the Official Opening Saturday night party at the “W” Union Square, hosted by The Triumph Project when you attend the movie. (LIMITED OFFER! Hurry, while supply lasts).

Famed Artist Peter Max to Donate Art Work to benefit Wild for Life Foundation’s Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed. One of Max’s paintings will be auctioned off during the reception.

$75 VIP Access

$25 General Admission

Get Tickets for Peter Max Reception by December 5, 2012 Entry by guest list only, tickets must be purchased in advance.
Date: Friday, December 7, 2012
Time: 7:15 p.m.

Celebrity/ VIP Requests, Contact:
Derringer Media LLC
Elizabeth Derringer
T 212.580.2743
F 212.580.2749

Opening Night Premiere
Director Katia Louise in person for Q & A
(Free posters to the first 50 ticketed people seated for this show)
Click to Get Tickets to the Official Opening Night Premiere

Official Opening Night Premiere
Date: Friday, December 7, 2012
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Director Katia Louise in person for Q & A
(Free posters to the first 50 ticketed people seated for this show)
Get Tickets to the Official Opening Night Premiere

Saturday Evening Opening Show
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Director Katia Louise and cast members in person for Q & A
(Free posters to the 1st 50 ticketed people seated for this show)
Get Tickets to the Saturday Evening Opening Show

Official Saturday Opening Night Party at W Hotel-Union Square
Hosted By the Triumph Project
Date: Saturday, December 8, 2012
Time: 9:30-11:30 p.m.
Place: “The W” Union Square, Studio 1, 2 & 3
201 Park Avenue South New York, New York 10003
Champagne, Wine, Beer, Heavy Hors d’oeuvres & Deserts
Admission with any ticket stub from NYC’s opening of Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed, the movie
RSVP to Get on the Guest List! Attend one of NYC’s showings of Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed, to receive your complimentary pass.

The Quad Cinema in New York City/ Manhattan
Opening Week Roll-out
Dates: Friday-Thursday, December 7-13, 2012
Show times: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 10 p.m. daily
Get Tickets to Opening Week Shows

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.savingamericashorses.org
FILMS EVENTS: http://www.savingamericashorses.org/events.html
TRAILER: http://youtu.be/7Qb68DTz5RQ
TEASER: http://youtu.be/eNs0QF4tfXo

Opens December NY’s QUAD Cinema, 34 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011
p: 212-255-2243 f: 212-255-2247/ quadcinema@aol.com
ADVANCE TICKET SALES CALL 777-FILM #636 or
PURCHASE FROM: movietickets.com Enter: Title / zip code

Lexington, KY (December 3, 2012) – The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce and congratulate its n …

(USEF) – The excitement is building as many of North America and Europe’s top riders are vying for highly-coveted spots in the line-up for the World Dressage Masters (WDM) Palm Beach CDI5* to be hosted January 23-26, 2013, by Wellington Classic Dressage during the Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge CDI3* show weekend at the Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

Always one of the Florida dressage scene’s must-see events, the WDM Palm Beach features top riders from around the globe competing for the richest prize money show series in the dressage world.

The World Dressage Masters, presented by the Axel Johnson Group, offers more than €450,000 EUR (about $580,000 USD) in total prize money over the several World Dressage Masters shows hosted worldwide, including past shows in Falsterbo, Sweden, Munich, Germany, Hickstead, England, Cannes, France and, new this year, Jumping Mechelen in Belgium. The WDM Palm Beach CDI5* is the only WDM CDI5* competition hosted in North America, and boasts €100,000 EUR (more than $130,000 USD). This year’s line-up is sure to feature some of the world’s elite riders.

Plan to see invited top riders like reigning two-time WDM Champion and U.S. Olympian Steffen Peters (USA), considered the most successful U.S. dressage rider of all time, or Edward Gal (NED), the Netherland’s second top rider, ranked No. 8 in the FEI World Ranking on Glock’s Undercover. Or Olympian Tinne Vilhelmsson-Silfven (SWE), Sweden’s second top rider ranked No. 15 in the world on Don Aurilio or Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) and Glock’s Tango. Or Olympian Minna Telde (SWE) and Spain’s No 1 rider Morgan Barbancon Mestres (ESP), who trains with Anky van Grunsven and rides Anky’s former horse, Painted Black. Or Victoria Max-Theurer (AUT), Austria’s No. 1 rider, currently ranked No. 9 in world with Augustin. Or Imke Schellekens-Bartles (NED) and Toots and Canadian Olympians Jacqueline Brooks (CAN) and David Markus (CAN). Or Olympian Lars Petersen (DEN), named Danish National Champion five times, and Italy’s Silvia Rizzo on Donnerbube.

There are additional pending invitations for our U.S. Olympic riders and other nations as well. Stay tuned for updates to the exciting line-up for this year’s WDM Palm Beach as athletes make their final plans to ride in the 2013 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5*.

Photo Courtesy of USEF by Sue Stickle – Germany’s Anja Plönzke competes against the backdrop of a sold-out house at the World Dressage Masters

(USEF) – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce that, pending approval from the High Performance Working Group and the Executive Committee, the Kentucky Dressage Association’s bid to host the 2013 Dressage Festival of Champions has been accepted. These annual championships will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY October 10-13, 2013.

The 2013 Dressage Festival of Champions will again hold six National Championship divisions- USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship, USEF National Intermediaire I Dressage Championship, USEF National “Brentina Cup” Young Adult Championship, USEF National Young Rider Dressage Championship, USEF National Junior Dressage Championship and USEF National Pony Rider Dressage Championship.

Additionally, the USEF is excited to welcome a new sponsor, AGCO, for the National Junior and Young Rider Dressage divisions. AGCO (www.AGCOcorp.com) is a leading global agricultural equipment manufacturer. The Fortune 500 Company is based in Atlanta and has over 20,000 employees in 20 countries. AGCO products are sold through five core brands; Challenger, Fendt, GSI, Massey Ferguson and Valtra.

This will be the first time the USEF Dressage Festival of Champions has been held at the Kentucky Horse Park, the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

For further information regarding the 2013 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions please contact Jenny Van Wieren-Page at (859) 225-6949, or via email at jvanwieren@usef.org or Hallye Griffin at (859) 225-6918, or via email at hgriffin@usef.org.

(USEF) – Pending final FEI approval, the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) will once again be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The annual competition will be held July 17-21, 2013. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has received preliminary approval for these dates and location and is awaiting final allocation from the FEI Bureau.

In 2013, the NAJYRC again hosts championship caliber competition across five disciplines. In the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping as well as the Western discipline of reining, champions will be crowned in both Junior and Young Rider divisions. Endurance, which is included as a championship for the third time, offers an FEI championship for Young Riders.

This is the fifth consecutive year that the NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

For more information regarding the 2013 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North visit; youngriders.org.