Category Archives: More/Other

More/Other, USEF

Emily Chapman Claims 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Title

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Emily Chapman, the winner of the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, riding CH EQ One Night Stand (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, KY – A sunny day at the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky provided the backdrop for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, held during the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show. The judges made a unanimous decision to crown Emily Chapman the 2013 winner of the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Chapman (Tuscon, AZ) rode Ted Chapman’s CH EQ One Night Stand to the Championship title under the tutelage of Zubrod Stables.

“It feels good to win the title,” said Chapman, a member of the Gold medal-winning 2012 U. S. Saddle Seat World Cup Three-Gaited Section Team. “I haven’t shown equitation since last year and we decided last minute to do it. My horse really likes equitation and it worked out for the best.”

A very talented group of riders from across the country performed on the rail as a group and completed an individual pattern created by the judges for the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final supported by Zubrod Stables. The judging panel consisted of Chuck Herbert from Evansville, Indiana, James Nichols from Metairie, Louisiana, and Barbe Smith from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Chapman not only took home the Champion title, she also received a beautiful cast resin sculpture created by noted artist Patricia Crane, the traditional USEF Gold medal, and a bouquet of roses. In addition, she received a Championship cooler and an engraved leather halter for her mount.

The Reserve Champion in the Final was Kristin Smith riding Callaway’s Another Winner. Smith (Smithfield, KY) won the 2012 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final and is a member of the Gold medal-winning 2013 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team. Her Reserve Champion prizes included a Silver medal, bouquet of roses, cooler, and engraved leather halter. The Bronze medal was presented to Katie Moeller riding He’s My Beau.

The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) equitation medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of the AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States.

In 2001, the tradition of the medal program was extended to the adult amateur exhibitor by offering the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. The Final was created for adult amateur riders to continue to participate in the discipline of saddle seat equitation. Since its inception, the event has been held at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Amateur riders age 18 and over are eligible to compete in the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final by placing in an official qualifying class during the specified qualification period.

Results from the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final:

Champion: Emily Chapman, Tuscon, AZ aboard CH EQ One Night Stand instructed by Zubrod Stables

Reserve Champion: Kristin Smith, Smithfield, KY aboard Callaway’s Another Winner instructed by Zubrod Stables

Bronze Medal: Katie Moeller, Chesterfield, MO aboard He’s My Beau instructed by De Lovely Farm

Fourth Place: Dr. Morgan Wolin, Chicago, IL aboard Schroeder instructed by Stan Bodnar

Fifth Place: Jennifer McGowan, Cross Lanes, WV, aboard Love Drunk instructed by Melissa Moore

Sixth Place: Taylor Deer, Charleston, WV aboard Tanbark Heiress instructed by Stephanie Lilly

Seventh Place: Kathryn Evans, Concord, NH aboard CH EQ All About Charm instructed by Jim Lowry

By Kathleen Landwehr

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

Competitions, More/Other

Second US Saddle Seat Invitational to Be Held June 26-29 in New Orleans

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Lexington, KY – From June 26-29 the U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team will compete against Junior and Senior teams from the Republic of South Africa in three- and five-gaited saddle seat equitation competition. This second U.S. Saddle Seat Invitational of 2013 will be held at Cascade Stables in New Orleans, LA’s historic Audubon Park.

The U.S. Saddle Seat Invitational is an international Saddle Seat Equitation competition in which three- and five-gaited competitors ride unfamiliar horses in rail work and pattern phases. It will be the second ever competition for the newly formed U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team, and will be broadcast live on USEF Network.

The public is welcome to attend practice sessions and competition. The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, June 26
20 minute practice for each section/team – starting at 5:30 pm ET

5:30-5:50 (SA-JR 3-gaited)
5:50-6:10 (US 3-gaited)
6:10-6:30 (SA-SR 3-gaited)
30 minute BREAK
7:00-7:20 (SA-JR 5-gaited)
7:20-7:40 (US 5-gaited)
7:40-8:00 (SA-SR 5-gaited)

Thursday, June 27
20 minute practice for each section/team – starting at 5:30 pm ET

5:30-5:50 (SA-JR 3-gaited)
5:50-6:10 (US 3-gaited)
6:10-6:30 (SA-SR 3-gaited)
30 minute BREAK
7:00-7:20 (SA-JR 5-gaited)
7:20-7:40 (US 5-gaited)
7:40-8:00 (SA-SR 5-gaited)

Friday, June 28
Competition starts at 5:00pm ET

5:00-6:00 3 gaited competition
Section A
Section B
6:30-7:30 5 gaited competition
Section A
Section B

Saturday, June 29
Competition starts at 9:30 am ET

9:30-10:30 3 gaited competition
Section A
Section B
11:00-12:00 5 gaited competition
Section A
Section B
6:00 Awards Ceremony – Cascade Stables

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) formed the U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team with the purpose of developing riders for future US Saddle Seat World Cup competitions. During years that the Saddle Seat World Cup competition is not held, members of the Young Rider Team will be eligible to represent the United States in other international competitions.

To learn more about the U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team and more about the 2013 U.S. Saddle Seat Invitationals, click here.

On-demand video from the first U.S. Saddle Seat Invitational of 2013 in Fulton, MO is available on USEF Network.

More/Other, USEF

Applications Now Being Accepted for 2014 U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup Team Selection Trials

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Lexington, KY – Applications are now being accepted for consideration to participate in the 2014 U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup Team Selection Trials.

The trials will be held at William Woods University in Fulton, MO, on December 7, 2013, with the team being announced that evening.

The Saddle Seat World Cup is a bi-annual international competition that includes both three- and five-gaited sections. Teams from as many as five nations now compete for the coveted World Cup titles. The 2014 Saddle Seat World Cup Competition is scheduled to take place in Asheville, NC in July 2014.

Online applications and materials may be submitted by USEF Members through the My USEF Account at https://www.usef.org/_AUAIFrames/Login/Default.aspx. To submit an application, follow these steps:

– Click on the link for “My USEF Customer Account”

– Scroll down to the section for Disciplines and click on the link for “Saddle Seat World Cup Applications”

Applications are due to the USEF by September 3, 2013.

The 2014 World Cup Team efforts are proudly supported by United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA). To learn more about contributing to and supporting the 2014 Team efforts, contact Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at lnelson@usef.org.

More/Other, Training/Clinics

US Saddle Seat Young Rider Team Meets for First Team Training Session

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The U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team enjoyed a successful first training session in New Orleans.

New Orleans, LA – In preparation for the 2013 US Saddle Seat Invitational, to be held April 5-6, 2013 at William Woods University, the US Saddle Seat Young Rider Team attended their first training session on March 1-3 at Cascade Stables in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was the first time the riders and coaches could all come together to work and train as a team. It afforded riders an opportunity to prepare for the Invitational competition against South Africa and Canada. Just as they will at the Invitational, Saddle Seat Young Rider Team members rode horses they were unfamiliar with.

Team members met on Friday for a meet-and-greet dinner, and the training session got underway Saturday. Five-gaited and three-gaited sections performed rail and pattern work, along with other drills on multiple horses. The session also included horseback team-building activities that helped members get to know one another, and build a team dynamic, while continuing to work in their seats. Team members also had a chance to visit some historic parts of New Orleans and relax during a trail ride.

The following three-gaited riders were in attendance: Kristen Smith (captain), Courtney McGinnis, Allison Schuh, Caroline Cherry, Lila Tartar, and Mary Mag (alternate).

In the five-gaited section the following riders attended: Shelby Hader (alt-captain), Emily Gutenkunst, William Nalty, Marjorie Townsend, McGee Bosworth, Eleanor Rainbolt-Forbes.

Coaches Mandy Martin and Barbe Smith were pleased with the participation and results at the training session. “The Young Riders Team is one of the most inspiring programs USEF has created. The team practiced in New Orleans this weekend and it was truly an inspiration,” said coach Smith. “The riders rode their hearts out and as the weekend progressed, a strong team was formed. These riders are ready and eager to represent the U.S.A.”

“The practice this weekend was fantastic,” added coach Martin. “The competition in April is sure to be a great experience for everyone involved, and I am honored to be co-coaching the inaugural team.”

For more information about the US Saddle Seat Invitational, which will be open to the public, go to http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/SSE/2013PrizeListYR.pdf.

The US Saddle Seat Equitation Young Rider Team was created by The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to develop riders for future US Saddle Seat World Cup competitions. During years that the Saddle Seat World Cup competition is not held, members of the Young Rider Team will be eligible to represent the United States in other international competitions.

For more information on the US Saddle Seat Young Rider Team, visit the Saddle Seat Young Rider page.

If you are interested in supporting the team, or for more information, please contact any of the following National Affiliates staff members:

Lori Nelson, lnelson@usef.org; 859-225-6957
Natalie Norwood, nnorwood@usef.org: 859-225-6951
Jennifer Mellenkamp, jmellenkamp@usef.org; 859-225-6955

Fundraisers, More/Other

Ride the Park on the Road to the Horse

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A Trail Ride Fundraiser to benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation

Here’s your opportunity to explore the Kentucky Horse Park with your own horse! On March 13 & 14, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is hosting a two-day trail ride prior to the opening of The Road to the Horse (a three-day event matching some of the country’s best horse trainers and clinicians against one another, being held for the first time at the park this March).

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Single entry fee of $50 allows access to trails on either or both days.

Stabling is available for an additional fee of $20 per night.

Paddock rentals and bedding also available from Devers – www.deverinc.com to reserve.

Continue reading Ride the Park on the Road to the Horse →

*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Diana de Rosa, Equestrian Assistance, Hunter/Equitation, More/Other, Show Jumping

USA Equestrian Trust Opens First Round of 2013 Grants Program for Equine Non-Profits

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The gold medal-winning Five-Gaited U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup team. Photo by Ross Millin

 Applications due Monday, May 6

February 13, 2013 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations will have two opportunities to apply for funding in 2013 as part of the foundation’s grants program. The Trust’s board expanded the grants program to two periods in 2012 and awarded nearly $335,000 in grants, an increase of almost 70 percent compared to 2011.

To apply for funding, visit the Trust’s newly revamped website at trusthorses.org. The site includes an extensive guide of frequently asked questions to assist applicants, as well as profiles of the work being done by selected past recipients.

“The Trust is pleased to make our simple online application process even easier,” said USA Equestrian Trust President Alan F. Balch. “The Trust’s leadership continues to be impressed by the many worthy projects seeking to further the rich legacy of horses and equestrian sport.”

Continue reading USA Equestrian Trust Opens First Round of 2013 Grants Program for Equine Non-Profits →

More/Other, USEF

USEF Names 2013 US Saddle Seat Young Rider Team

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Lexington, KY – In October 2012, for the very first time, the US Saddle Seat Young Rider Team application process got under way. 60 Applications were received from around the country, and from multiple Saddle Seat Breed members. After an extensive review the following 12 riders were selected to be part of the 2013 US Saddle Seat Young Rider Team.

Three-Gaited

Caroline Cherry/15/Encinitas, CA
Courtney McGinnis/15/Fishers, IN
Allison Schuh/18/Seymour, WI
Kristen Smith/19/Crestwood, KY
Lila Tatar/16/ El Cajon, CA
Mary Mag Wilson/16/Scottsdale, AZ (alternate)

Continue reading USEF Names 2013 US Saddle Seat Young Rider Team →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Driving, Events, Hunter/Equitation, More/Other, Phelps Media Group, Racing Sources, Show Jumping, Western/Reining

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit Wrap Up: December 27-31, 2012

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Photos By: Shane Rux

Tampa, FL – January 3, 2013 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show was a huge success, welcoming top riders from across the country as they competed for the winning honors.  Held December 27-31, 2012, at the Florida State Fairgrounds’ Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, FL, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show featured five full days of events including Hunters, Equitation, Reining, Western Pleasure, Trail Riding, Driving, Showmanship and Halter classes. The show ended on the 31st to help exhibitors take advantage of the six shows needed to accumulate points before the end of the year for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

Tommy Sheets, one of the AQHA’s leading trainers, was thrilled to compete at this year’s event. “The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show provides us with a great facility to come show our horses in multiple arenas with multiple judges at one time,” he commented. “They always hire expert judges for this show. This is one of the most prestigious horse shows in our industry; the level of horses is the upper end of the show horses. With AQHA starting a new progressive program and intermediate program, it has also encouraged all levels of horses to come to this show. The weather has been wonderful here. We’ve had multiple circuit champions in the Trail and Western Riding events. The office staff has also been very accommodating to meeting the trainers’ and exhibitors’ needs.”

Continue reading Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit Wrap Up: December 27-31, 2012 →

Competitions, Events, More/Other, Phelps Media Group

World Class Trail Clinician Tim Kimura Joins Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit

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Tim Kimura will join the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit. Photo Courtesy of the Client

Tampa, FL – December 18, 2012 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show is pleased to welcome world class trail clinician Tim Kimura of Oak Point, TX, who will be designing the trail patterns and conducting clinics during the event. Scheduled for December 27-31, 2012 at the Florida State Fairgrounds’ Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, FL, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show features five full days of events including Hunters, Equitation, Reining, Western Pleasure, Trail Riding, Driving, Showmanship and Halter classes. This year, the show ends on the 31st to help exhibitors take advantage of the six shows needed to accumulate points before the end of the year for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

Nicknamed the “Man of Trail,” Kimura has been a trail course designer for over 25 years and draws around 100 trail patterns each year for events across the globe. He believes in the 4 Ps of Trail: Preparation, Practice, Planning, and Performance. Kimura also believes riders should chase perfection and try to catch excellence along the way.

Continue reading World Class Trail Clinician Tim Kimura Joins Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit →

Competitions, Driving, Events, Hunter/Equitation, More/Other, Phelps Media Group, Racing Sources, Western/Reining

Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit Welcomes Top AQHA Judges

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Tampa, FL – December 11, 2012 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show will be welcoming six top American Quarter Horse Association judges for this year’s competition. Scheduled for December 27-31, 2012 at the Florida State Fairgrounds’ Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, FL, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show features five full days of events including hunters, equitation, reining, western pleasure, trail riding, driving, showmanship and halter classes. This year, the show ends on the 31st to help exhibitors take advantage of the six shows needed to accumulate points before the end of the year for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

The judges for this year’s Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show include:

Brian Ellsworth from Kendall, Wisconsin, who is an AAAA Rated, and has held his AQHA Judges Card for 32 years, He is also a NSBA Judge. Ellsworth has had the opportunity to judge the Youth, Amateur and Open AQHA World shows. He has also judged the Quarter Horse Congress, NSBA Breeders Championship Futurity and APHA World Shows. He and his wife Patty own and operate Ellsworth Quarter Horses.

Continue reading Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit Welcomes Top AQHA Judges →