Lexington, KY—A full week after the torrents of Hurricane Ike battered the Gulf Coast of Texas, the scene is still one of shock and destruction. With over one million residents evacuated, these coastal towns and cities are dealing with a long road ahead of them in the attempt to clear debris, allow residents to return to their neighborhoods and get utilities and services in working order. The situation is particularly difficult for those with large animals. Evacuating and housing horses has its...

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund is accepting aid to help horses in Louisiana and Texas. Money donated to the fund will go to credible programs and organizations that are helping with recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and any future disasters that may occur. Just as the Equine Disaster Relief Fund did during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, funds will only be used to benefit the health and...

Lexington, KY— The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Breyer Animal Creations® as the title sponsor of the 2008 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award. This partnership supports the effort to continue to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports through this awards program. The Youth Sportsman’s Award recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their USEF-recognized national affiliate...

Lexington, KY - The Wellpride USEA American Eventing Championships were, like much of the country, the victim of some volatile weather over the weekend of September 13-14. Torrential rain caused for the amendment of some of the Championships and prizes were awarded after the dressage and show jumping. Advanced, Intermediate and Preliminary were all scored as combined tests, despite the organizers’ best efforts, in the interest of safety due to quagmire conditions at Lamplight Equestrian...

The Capital Challenge Horse Show is proud to open the 2008 show with the prestigious Monarch International Equitation Weekend. The Monarch International Equitation Weekend will take place on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, kicking off the nine-day show held September 27-October 5 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The best hunt seat equitation riders in the country will come together to compete in flat and over-fence classes. Saturday’s events will...

The Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS) is a historical horse show that benefits a wonderful equestrian organization. BIHS is one of the oldest horse shows in the country, heading into its 62nd year. All proceeds are donated to the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. This year, the show will be held September 17-21, 2008. BIHS is an USEF AA rated event. Unlike other high-ranking equestrian events that cater to the more talented riders and prominent divisions, BIHS does not. The staff does an...

Tickets for the 50th anniversary of the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) are now on sale. The WIHS is the highlight of the equestrian calendar and one of the most prestigious competitions in North America. It features the top hunters and jumpers, including Olympic champions, competing for more than $400,000 in prize money. The event will take place Tuesday through Sunday, October 21-26, 2008, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Two sessions are held daily Tuesday though Saturday and...

William Moyer, DVM, has been named the 2009 vice president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Moyer, of College Station, TX, will join the Executive Committee next year and then serve as AAEP president in 2011. Moyer is professor of sports medicine and head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He also serves on the board of directors of the College of Veterinary Medicine and is...

This year marks the inception of the Tristanne Weber Childress Memorial American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Youth of the Year Contest Sportsmanship Award. A Morgan horse trainer, Tristanne Weber Childress of Siler City, NC, passed away March 17, 2008, following a short illness at the age of 34. This award, funded by donations from friends and family, will be presented to the AMHA Youth of the Year contestant who best exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship. The winner will be selected by...

A trailer full of clothing, blankets and other items to help victims of widespread flooding in Haiti has been sent from Wellington to Miami for shipment to the devastated nation. "We have had a tremendous response so far," said Katherine Bellissimo, who initiated the collection effort. She is a partner in Wellington Equestrian Partners that owns the management company, Equestrian Sport Productions, of the Wellington horse shows. "The tremendous response to the needs of the flood victims has...