Tag Archives: USEF

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, FEI, USEF, World Equestrian Games

Busting WEG Myths – Hotels and Parking

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Greetings from Lexington, Kentucky!

I’ve been traveling a lot recently and have been part of numerous conversations about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. While in Aachen, Germany last week, I had the opportunity to talk about Games planning. I heard from quite a few people who said they wanted to attend, but were hesitant because of rumors that hotels are sold out. Not so! There are plenty of rooms available with an assortment of rates. Click on the image of the map attached. This is an interactive tool – simply drag your mouse over the cities listed to find out which hotels still have space, as well as rates, proximity to the Kentucky Horse Park and availability of shuttle service. It’s easy to make reservations using the Games website at www.alltechfeigames.com. Look for the “accommodations” tab on the lower right side of the home page.

Here in the States, there’s another rumor going around that parking and transportation will be a problem. Nothing of the sort! There are three easy ways to get to the Kentucky Horse Park: LexTran city buses will be leaving downtown throughout the day with an incredibly low round trip rate of $2; Select hotels are offering shuttle service for $15 round trip; and if you want the convenience of driving to the Park, parking is available within walking distance for only $20. There really is a price and level of convenience for everyone.

With only 63 days till opening ceremonies, make your reservations now as tickets are going fast. For direct links to ticketing, as well as hospitality, visit www.USEF.org/WEG/tickets/.

Please share this message with your colleagues and friends.

See you in September!

John Long

Chairman, World Games 2010 Foundation
CEO, United States Equestrian Federation

Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, FEI, Show Jumping

Three-month Suspension for US Rider Michael Morrissey

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9 July 2010 – Michael Morrissey (USA) has been suspended for three months and issued a yellow card with retroactive disqualification for excessive use of the whip in class 101 at the Wellington CSI 2* held on 27 February 2010. Mr Morrissey has also been subjected to a fine of CHF 2,000. The suspension from FEI competition will run from 5 May to 4 August, concurrent with the three-month suspension imposed on Mr Morrissey by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

“I apologise unreservedly for this incident,” Mr Morrissey said. “I overreacted when the horse stopped and that is unforgiveable. Horse welfare has to take precedence over competitive interests and I know that I was in breach of that basic principle.”

An investigation into the role of the Ground Jury in this incident showed that Mr Morrissey should have been disqualified at the time. Letters of reprimand have been sent to all members of the Ground Jury.

The full text of the decision is available here: MORRISSEY.

Media Contact:

Grania Willis
FEI Director Press Relations
Tel: +41 787 506 142
Email: grania.willis@fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Associations/Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Jennifer Wood, Show Jumping

From the North American Riders Group: Resolution of the McLain Ward/Sapphire World Cup Elimination Dispute Is Good for Our Sport!

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July 5, 2010 – The North American Riders Group believes to advance the sport of show jumping, all decisions related to its future must put the sport itself above all else. This is an example of that.

McLain, the USEF and the FEI could have continued a prolonged legal battle, but the additional gains on either side would have been for personal gain or pride. Instead, a positive resolution has been forged that publicly recognizes the decision was INCORRECT and, importantly, has resulted in a revised protocol for hypersensitivity.

Details of the revised protocol will be issued before the Aachen CHIO, but from what we understand already they will require more checks and balances which should eliminate any misuse of the protocol either by mistake or abuse of power.

Everyone in show jumping should benefit from this resolution.

We applaud those involved for this resolution while we still recognize that McLain can’t get back the World Cup he lost in Geneva!

For more information, please visit www.narg.org.

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, FEI, Show Jumping

FEI Resolves Legal Dispute over World Cup Disqualification

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2 July 2010 – After a full investigation into the facts surrounding the disqualification of Sapphire (McLain Ward) at the FEI World Cup Final in Geneva, the FEI has determined that the horse was incorrectly eliminated from the second round on 16 April 2010, however, Sapphire’s disqualification from the final round of the World Cup remains in place.

McLain Ward will immediately be awarded all ranking points and prize money related to his second place finish in the second round of the FEI World Cup Final. This will not affect ranking points and prize money awarded to other riders in the competition.

As a result of this investigation, the FEI has also decided to issue mandatory guidelines to be applied by the Veterinary Commissions appointed for FEI Events in order to strengthen the hypersensitivity protocol that was applied in Geneva. These guidelines will be communicated to all National Federations prior to the CHIO in Aachen (GER).

The USEF, McLain Ward and Tim Ober have stated that they do not agree with the FEI on the question of whether Sapphire displayed a level of sensitivity that justified her disqualification from the third round of the World Cup and also disagree with the process followed however, in the best interest of the sport, they have dropped their legal case against the FEI and will not challenge this disqualification.

Media Contact:

Grania Willis
FEI Director Press Relations
Tel: +41 787 506 142
Email: grania.willis@fei.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships Awarded

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Rebecca Hart Tops USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships with Kazan (pictured) and Norteassa. Photos © 2010 Lindsay McCall/PMG.

Long List for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Announced

Wayne, IL – June 28, 2010 – The final day of intense competition for the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships and the USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games concluded Sunday.  Earning both the championship rosette and cooler and the reserve championship rosette and cooler was Rebecca Hart.  Hart rode both of her mounts to top honors over the last three days. Hart and Kazan earned the National Championship and Hart and Norteassa earned the reserve championship. Hart was surrounded by top coaches including her trainer and Chef d’Equipe of the USEF Para-Dressage team, Missy Ransehousen; top judges Chris Porterfield (GBR), Lillian Iannone (ARG), and Carlos Lopes (POR); and top competition.

The weekend’s competition was a chance for the riders to not only compete among their peers, but to gain experience in front of international judges.  The three days of Para-Dressage competition included the team test, individual test and freestyle competition.  On Sunday, the freestyle test added the music element to the test where riders showcased their artistic abilities on horseback.

Continue reading USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships Awarded →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group

Day Two of USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for 2010 Alltech FEI WEG Concludes

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Robin Brueckmann and Raison d'Etre. Photos © 2010 Lindsay McCall/PMG.

Wayne, IL – June 27, 2010 – It was another beautiful day at the Lamplight Equestrian Center where the USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials are occurring for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.  Riders and their top mounts entered the arena in front of spectators, their peers and international judges.  The three judges included Chris Porterfield (GBR), Lillian Iannone (ARG), and Carlos Lopes (POR).  Saturday was the individual competition, which will be counted alongside Friday’s team tests, and Sunday’s freestyle tests.  Consistency has been the weekend’s theme with Rebecca Hart earning the blue ribbon and the second place ribbon in the short course test, and Robin Brueckmann earning first place honors in the long course test.  Both riders earned the top ribbons in Friday’s competitions as well.

In Saturday’s long course individual test Robin Brueckmann and Raison d’Etre earned the top honors with a combined score of 66.667%. Most of the competitors Saturday had an increase in their score percentages as Brueckmann did going from Friday’s 65% to Saturday’s 66.667%.

Continue reading Day Two of USEF Para-Dressage Selection Trials for 2010 Alltech FEI WEG Concludes →

Associations/Breeds, Breeds, Contributors/Press, JRPR

USEF to Award USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards at 2010 Shetland Pony Congress Show

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Johnny Robb (right), the Director of Marketing for the American Shetland Pony Club, and Lori Nelson (left), USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates are excited for ASPC members who attend the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress Show this year.

Morton, IL (June 21, 2010) – Small equines from all across the nation who attend the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress Show this year will not only compete for National Championship titles but will also have the chance to win one of the new USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards provided by the United States Equestrian Federation. The Shetland Pony Congress Show, August 2-6 in Ardmore, Oklahoma, will feature some of the best Shetland Ponies in the country competing in classes such as driving, halter, jumping, youth and costume classes.

“A USEF staff member will be present at the 122nd Shetland Pony Congress and award Championship and Reserve Championship ribbons to the high point winners with USEF membership in certain divisions,” said Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates. “The USEF is looking forward to honoring these members. The American Shetland Pony Club (ASPC) is a USEF recognized breed association and has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the USEF.”

Continue reading USEF to Award USEF Shetland Member High Point Awards at 2010 Shetland Pony Congress Show →

*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces Riders for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Selection Trials

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Missy Ransehousen is Chef d'Equipe for Para-Dressage at 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Photo © 2010 C. Mike Tomlinson.

Thousand Oaks, CA – June 21, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association would like to announce their qualified riders for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) Selection Trials scheduled for June 24-27, 2010.  The amount of Para-Dressage participants has tripled in one year, which means more Para-Equestrians are challenging themselves to international competition.  The riders making their way to Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois for the Para-Dressage Selection Trials include equestrians that, despite their disabilities, have overcome and adapted to showcase their athletic abilities.

Fifteen United States Para-Equestrians have scores that will allow them to compete at the Selection Trials.  Out of those 15, ten of the riders will be selected for WEG.  Out of the ten riders, four will make the team, and six will ride as individuals.

Continue reading United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces Riders for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Selection Trials →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Equestrian Assistance, FEI, Para-Equestrian, Phelps Media Group, World Equestrian Games

The United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces 501(c)(3) Status

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Para-Equestrians at CDI at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Photo ©2010 C Mike Tomlinson DVM.

Thousands Oaks, CA – June 7, 2010 – The United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) would like to announce that it is now a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization.  The USPEA provides programs, clinics, and competition opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities.  Riders compete under the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules during their competitions and many of the athletes compete at the highest level of their sport. Becoming a 501(c)(3) was a momentous occasion for the USPEA. This status will encourage donors, supporters, and equestrian enthusiasts to supply funding for the United States Para-Equestrians.

The show season of 2010 is going to be exciting for the USPEA as it will be the first year that the Para-Dressage discipline will compete on the world stage at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.  As the number of Para-Equestrian participants expands and more of the public becomes aware of this unique equestrian discipline, the Para-Equestrians will continue to need more support.  The USPEA would like to see this type of benefaction continue through the World Games, the 2012 London Olympics, and beyond.

Continue reading The United States Para-Equestrian Association Announces 501(c)(3) Status →

Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Hunter/Equitation, Phelps Media Group

Four Tricolored Ribbons for Hunt Tosh and His Mounts at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

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Hunt Tosh and Tasty Champions of the Regular Conformation Hunters. Photo © 2010 Lindsay McCall for PMG

Lexington, KY – May 13, 2010 – The second day of competition for the professional hunter divisions concluded today at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show located at the world-class Kentucky Horse Park.  In the Stonelea Arena, the hunters competed for their division championships right before a short but strong rain shower rolled through.  Hunt Tosh was the name to beat today.  He had numerous championship wins including the Green Conformation Hunters, aboard Trade Winds; the Regular Working Hunters, aboard Lonestar; and the Regular Conformation Hunters, on Tasty.  Lastly, Tosh added a reserve championship in the First Year Green Hunters aboard Good Humor.

Today’s competition began with the First Year Green Working Hunters followed by the Green Conformation Hunters, the Second Year Green Hunters, the Regular Conformation Hunters, and then finally the Regular Working Hunters.

Continue reading Four Tricolored Ribbons for Hunt Tosh and His Mounts at Kentucky Spring Horse Show →