All posts by Associate Editor

Rescue/Protection Sources

Senator Baucus Dons His Horse Slaughter Suicide Vest

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Newspapers from coast to coast are carrying stories about doomed Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) pleading for the Congress to bring horse slaughter back to America. Baucus is calling for an end to a ban on the funding of USDA horse slaughter inspections that has kept the industry out of America since 2007. In doing so Baucus is taking part in a growing tradition of political penance for disgraced members of the secretive horse slaughter caucus, one of the few remaining bipartisan institutions of Congress.

On August 28th, 2007, Senator Larry Craig became the first victim of the caucus when he was arrested in a restroom of the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport for soliciting sex from an undercover officer. The incident was made all the more embarrassing by the fact that Craig had long crusaded against all forms of gay rights.

His career doomed, Craig (R-ID) was called upon to do his penance. Instead of resigning and slithering out of the searing glare of the public spot light, he was made to finish out his term as a senatorial road block against the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Thus Craig stood in the contemptuous gaze of his fellow senators and refused to allow the bill forward by denying “unanimous consent”. Now it is Senator Max Baucus’ turn to don his political suicide vest and go out in a final act of obedience to his keepers.

A career politician, Max Baucus was first elected to the Senate in 1978. He is up for re-election in 2012, but there is a roadside bomb waiting for his campaign to drive by and his keepers in Washington must know it will almost certainly be fatal.

Continue reading Senator Baucus Dons His Horse Slaughter Suicide Vest →

Community/Charity, Phelps Media Group

Mason Phelps of Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com Appointed to President’s Circle of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce

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The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is honored to appoint Mr. Mason Phelps to our exclusive President’s Circle membership.  The Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s exclusive President’s Circle is a unique and exciting opportunity extended to established leaders of our community, local businesses and entrepreneurs.

A rider, trainer, event manager, governance leader and charity organizer, Mason Phelps Jr. has spent four decades helping to shape the equestrian industry. With the founding of Phelps Media Group Inc. in 2004, Phelps carved a niche into the world of public relations – equestrian promotions by people who understand the sport, the industry and the lifestyle.

As founder of Phelps Media Group Inc. International, Mason Phelps has been innovative in promoting not only his clients but also the equestrian sport industry in general. PMG Inc. represents clients, including horse shows, farms and athletes throughout the country, and keeps a presence nationwide. Staff work from venues in California, New York, Kentucky and Texas as well as the headquarters in Wellington. With the creation of PhelpsSports.com, a subscription-based website, the equestrian world was given an exclusive “channel” for access and promotion.

With a 30,000-name database of equestrian contacts, farm owners, sponsors and media professionals, Phelps’ access to key stakeholders, equestrian industry leaders and potential patrons is unmatched. In 2008, Phelps facilitated the entry of a new equestrian unit into the Rose Bowl Parade – something that hadn’t happened in nearly a century. The new unit was the United State Olympic Equestrian Team. Through a lifetime of involvement at multiple levels, key industry leaders are not just contacts. They are often close personal friends

Continue reading Mason Phelps of Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com Appointed to President’s Circle of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce →

Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Events, JRPR, USEF, USEF

Barbara “Bebe” Davis Rides Away with Reserve Championship in Inaugural National Pony Rider Championship at 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions

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Barbara “Bebe” Davis and her pony Bohdjan are presented with their award by Jim Wolfe and Lois Yunkins. (Photo courtesy of Sue Stickle)

Gladstone, NJ (September 14, 2011) – The inaugural USEF National Pony Rider Championships may have been a small division at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey, but for Massachusetts resident Barbara “Bebe” Davis it was a big experience and one she will remember the rest of her life. Competing on her pony Bohdjan, Davis captured the Reserve Championship in the new National Pony division, but also experienced the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one single weekend.

Riders in the USEF Pony Rider Championship are the future of dressage riders for our country, and Davis said she would use her experience at Gladstone to grow and as a stepping-stone for future national competitions. Davis grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts, and her family bought a home in New Jersey to be close to their trainer, Dr. Cesar Parra, and his Piaffe Performance Farm.  “Bohdjan did really well the first day. We came in second with a score of 63.611% while Allison Cyprus came in first with a 63.944%, so I felt confident with such a close race,” Davis said. “During the awards ceremony my pony got scared and he never settled down the rest of the weekend and was certainly nervous during our second test and didn’t perform well. I was disappointed, to say the least, because I didn’t want to let my trainer Dr. Cesar Parra down.”

Parra, who trains Davis out of his Piaffe-Performance farm in New Jersey, praised the 13-year-old rider and said disappointment was the furthest thing from his mind. “I was really proud of Bebe. It’s very special to ride at Gladstone and coming up the hill to the arena, knowing there is a crowd of people on both sides can be intimidating,” Parra said. “Bebe handled it really well and it was a great and growing experience for her. A show like the Festival of Champions makes you a better and stronger rider mentally and no one can ever take the experience, and what you gain from it, away from you.”

Continue reading Barbara “Bebe” Davis Rides Away with Reserve Championship in Inaugural National Pony Rider Championship at 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions →

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Dressage, Driving, Events, FEI

Shelly Temple to Represent US at World Pony Driving Championships

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Shelly Temple and Cooper compete in cones at the Germany National Championship in Minden, Germany, August 2011. Photo: Bettina Ruckelshaus

For the second time in her career, US National Champion Combined Pony Driver Shelly Temple and her Morgan gelding LR Ami B-Line (Cooper) will represent the US at the World Pony Driving Championships.  This year the event is held in Lipica, Slovenia, September 22-25, 2011.

Making the US Team has been a yearlong process for Shelly, Cooper, and her navigator/husband, Fran Doto.  They and other members of the long listed drivers have been competing and training under the tutelage of US driving coach, Michael Freund.  Overa August and September several long listed drivers have trained and competed in Europe.  In August, Shelly was 5th at the German National Championship in Minden, Germany where she won the dressage and cones classes for single ponies.

Shelly acknowledges the team aspect of combined driving: “I am thankful for the USEF’s support and the training and instruction from Michael Freund over the past year.  Michael’s coaching has been instrumental at improving all aspects of my driving.  I also appreciate the support of the individual donors and corporate sponsors whose products keep Cooper health, fit, and in top form: Kentucky Equine Research, Kombat Boots, Purina feeds, Omega Fields, ThinLine, Leather Therapy, and Charles Owens.  This is truly a team sport and I couldn’t be competing next week in the World Championships without the generosity of sponsors and all the great people who have donated to Team Catalyst.”

Other members of the USEF World Pony Driving Team are Miranda Cadwell, Jennifer Matheson, Wendy O’Brien, Laurie Astegiano, and Allison Stroud.  Suzy Stafford will compete as an individual.

U.S. Coverage will be available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/coverage/archives.aspx.

More information is available here: http://www.lipica.org/en/enter-page/305?id=113.

To follow Shelly and Team Catalyst World Championship efforts, visit http://catalystdriving.blogspot.com/.

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, National Horse Show, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Alltech National Horse Show Offers Limited Number of Executive Suites

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The Executive Suites at the Alltech Arena offer luxurious amenities and private comfort for families or corporate gatherings at this year's Alltech National Horse Show. Photos: Kentucky Horse Park

Lexington, KY – September 14, 2011 – The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th edition, announced today that a very limited number of Executive Suites will be made available this year’s debut event, scheduled for the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, on November 2nd through the 6th.

The elegant suites, located on the top level of the new Alltech Arena, present a superb penthouse view of all of the action for the Alltech National Horse Show and offer fabulous amenities. The suites are fully furnished with private balcony seating. Each suite comes complete with a wet bar, refrigerator, an enclosed glass front and a 42″ LCD television, equipped with Dish Network. The arena sound levels can be controlled in each suite, there are separate suite level restrooms and Executive Suite holders enjoy an exclusive entrance to the Alltech Arena.

Suites can be purchased for the week by contacting National Horse Show Association President, Mason Phelps Jr. directly at 561-753-3389, or email Mason at: mpjr@phelpsmediagroup.com.

Phelps said of the suites, “These Executive Suites are a great place to watch all of the action in the Alltech Arena, and at the same time, have some privacy and exclusivity for family or corporate get-togethers. I wish we had more to sell than the few that are available.”

The cost of the suites for the week is $7500, not including food and beverage.

The Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition, will be held from November 2-6, 2011, at the beautiful, new Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

Continue reading Alltech National Horse Show Offers Limited Number of Executive Suites →

Championships, Competitions, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

French to the Fore at FEI European Jumping Championships

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Olivier Guillon and Lord de Theize from France on their way to victory in the opening Speed class at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2011 in Madrid, Spain today. Photo: FEI/Michael Steiger.

Madrid (ESP), 14 September 2011 – The French head both the team and individual standings after an exciting opening competition at the FEI European Jumping Championships 2011 in Madrid, Spain today. Just four of the 67 starters were left to go when Olivier Guillon steered Lord de Theize home to snatch the advantage from long-time leaders Beat Mandli (SUI) and Louis. The Swiss partnership were then further demoted to third when the last horse-and-rider into the ring, the surprising Stefan Eder from Austria and his stallion Chili Van Dijk, edged them out with a great run to slot into second.

The 13-fence track set by Spanish course designer Santiago Vareles produced the perfect introduction to the tough week ahead, and there is plenty of tension in the air as, apart from the all-important Championship medals, so many nations are vying for the coveted three remaining qualifying spots available for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

CONVERTED INTO PENALTIES
In the team rankings, Germany lies second after today’s results were converted into penalties, while Sweden is in third ahead of The Netherlands in fourth and Great Britain in fifth. The Swedes were very impressive this afternoon and look to have one of the Olympic qualifying spots well within their sights. These will be allocated to the three highest-placed nations not already qualified. As it stands this evening, Sweden, The Netherlands and the host nation of Spain have the London tickets in their grasp, but they will need to hold on very tight indeed over the next two days as Italy, Ireland and the defending European team champions from Switzerland are hot on their heels.

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Disciplines, Jane Savoie, Training/Clinics

What Are the Aids to Ask My Horse to Stop or Slow Down? by Jane Savoie

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It’s important to know you can slow your horse down or stop completely (your brakes) so that he’s a safe and obedient mount.

With a young horse, your outside hand is your primary speed control aid. Give a quick squeeze and release on that rein as if you’re snatching a fly out of the air. For example, if your horse is going too fast in the trot, give a quick squeeze and release on your outside rein to slow him down.

When you first use your brakes, combine the squeeze on the outside rein with a voice command that your horse knows, like “slow” or “whoa”. The voice command helps him make the link between the rein aid and what you want him to do.

As your horse becomes more educated, you’ll add your “stilled” or “retarding seat” to your outside hand aid.

If your horse ignores your light aid to slow down, don’t pull harder. Instead, make a correction. Correct your horse by halting sharply. Sit deeply in the saddle and give a firm, upward pull on the outside rein.

Then go forward again. Within the first stride or two, RETEST with the original polite squeeze and release on the outside rein.

If he slows down immediately, PRAISE him. If he doesn’t react immediately, repeat the steps above.

Note from Jane

I want to thank all of you who wrote in asking how we fared during Irene. I truly appreciate your concern and am so grateful that personally we didn’t suffer from this horrific hurricane.

Continue reading What Are the Aids to Ask My Horse to Stop or Slow Down? by Jane Savoie →

Championships, Competitions, Driving, Events, FEI, USEF

USEF Names Team for the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships

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Lexington, KY – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) named the following drivers to represent the United States at the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Lipica, Slovenia September 21-25, 2011.

The following drivers will compete on the Team:

Single Pony Championship
Miranda Cadwell (Southern Pines, NC) will drive her own Kabam.
Shelly Temple (Aiken, SC) will drive her own LR Ami B-Line.

Pair Pony Championship
Jennifer Matheson (Aiken, SC) will drive Katrina Becker’s Cees, Dannyloo and Topper.
Wendy O’Brien (Aiken, SC) will drive her own Avalon 279, Ben 65 and Francisco 7.

Team Pony Championship
Laurie Astegiano (Rousssac, France) will drive her own Liezelhof Dave, Mastro’s Baroness, Templedruid Kronos, Templeruid St. Jerneborg and Timmy 97.
Allison Stroud (Unionville, PA) will drive her own Cong Donal, Kilkerin, Edward, Mosby, Mystic and Sir Patrick.

The following driver will compete as an Individual:

Single Pony Championship
Suzy Stafford (Wilmington, DE) will drive her own and Beth Steinke’s Josephine.

Chester Weber will serve as the Chef d’Equipe and Michael Freund will serve as coach.

U.S. Coverage will be available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/coverage/archives.aspx.

More information is available here: http://www.lipica.org/en/enter-page/305?id=113.

Competitions, Dressage, Events, FEI, FEI, Show Jumping

Lyon (FRA) to Host FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals in 2014

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Lausanne (SUI), 14 September 2011 – Following the withdrawal last week of Guadalajara’s (MEX) bid to host the FEI World Cup Final Jumping in 2014, the FEI Bureau has today allocated the FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals 2014 to Lyon (FRA). The French city was one of two bidders for the 2014 Finals.

“We very much regret that Guadalajara was not able to comply with the FEI requirements within the timeframe and we understand that they need some more time to put on a perfect event. They are now working on a bid for the FEI World Cup Final in 2015 and we look forward to receiving it,” said FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos.

“We are delighted to give the 2014 FEI World Cup Finals in both Jumping and Dressage to Lyon and look forward to spectacular sport in France.”

The FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals 2014 will run from 16-20 April.

Media contacts:
Grania Willis
Director Media Relations
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Malina Gueorguiev
Manager Media Relations
malina.gueorguiev@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 33

Art/Photography, Contributors/Press, Events

Equine Therapy: The Horse Exhibit, by Claire Dorotik

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While the relationship between horses and humans is one of public fascination and private intrigue, it is also something that evades easy description. Although many have tried to put words to the magical connection that can occur between an equine and his human, sometimes words are not enough. And for this reason, we often look to exhibits such as “The Horse” produced in partnership by the The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse, and the American Museum of Natural History. For those interested in experiencing a visual depiction of horse and human collaboration, this exhibit is not to be missed. Here is the official press release:

Prestigious American Museum of Natural History Sends Its Blockbuster Exhibition to the International Museum of the Horse

Terra-cotta horse from Tamil Nadu, India. Photo © AMNH/D. Finnin

LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 29, 2011) – The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse (IMH), in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, announced today that it will host the exhibition, The Horse, from October 22, 2011, through April 6, 2012. The IMH is a major lender to the exhibition.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring this world-class exhibition to Kentucky,” said Bill Cooke, director of the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse. “The American Museum of Natural History is truly one of the world’s great natural history museums, and they did a masterful job in developing an exhibition that not only illuminates the timeless union between humans and horses, but does so in an amazingly entertaining way. We are excited that this will be our first blockbuster-level exhibition while schools are in session. I have no doubt that both teachers and their students will love The Horse.”

Continue reading Equine Therapy: The Horse Exhibit, by Claire Dorotik →