STATEMENTS FROM CHIACCHIA FAMILY March 18, 2008 - 2PM EDT After breathing independently for a few hours, Darren had a temporary set back. He developed a fever and pneumonia causing him to be re-intubated and is now breathing with a ventilator. He continues to receive superior medical care and remains in critical but stable condition. The Chiacchia family wishes to extend their appreciation for all the concern and support.

Lexington, KY— The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has established a goal of providing more accessible applicant clinic sessions to be held during the 2008 competition year for individuals interested in becoming a licensed steward with the Federation. Two applicant sessions will accompany the continuing education clinic for Category 1 and Category 2 stewards. The remaining applicant sessions will be one-day each and will be held in differing geographic areas as listed: March 27-30,...

STATEMENT FROM CHIACCHIA FAMILY March 17, 2008 5:00 p.m. EDT Darren Chiacchia remains unconscious in critical condition but is now breathing independently without the assistance of a ventilator. A minor fracture of his left hand was detected today, but the extent of his brain and neurological injuries are still the major concern. Further updates will be provided tomorrow.

STATEMENT FROM CHIACCHIA FAMILY March 17, 2008 5:00 p.m. EDT Darren Chiacchia remains unconscious in critical condition but is now breathing independently without the assistance of a ventilator. A minor fracture of his left hand was detected today, but the extent of his brain and neurological injuries are still the major concern. Further updates will be provided tomorrow.

Lexington, KY ­– Darren Chiacchia of Springville, NY and Ocala, FL suffered a serious fall today, Saturday March 15, 2008, at the Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee, FL. Chiacchia was riding Baron Verdi at the Preliminary level ­– the pair fell at the fifth cross country fence. Chiacchia was airlifted to Tallahassee Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. Baron Verdi was uninjured in the fall. “We keep Darren and his friends and family in our thoughts and prayers,” said USEF...

During a meeting on Monday, March 10, 2008, the Board of Directors for the National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd. approved with a unanimous vote for the move of the 125th National Horse Show to the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament in Syracuse, NY. The show will run from October 29-November 2, 2008, at the Oncenter Complex. Officially, the show will be titled as the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 125th National Horse Show. After the 2007 National...

As part of its ongoing series targeted to equine leaders in Kentucky, the Kentucky Horse Council is offering a class titled “Risk Management for Equine Organizations including Insurance Protection.” The class will be offered on April 8, 2008, at the Kentucky Horse Park. This two-hour class includes an overview of the types of exposures and risks that commonly occur on and around horse shows and equestrian organization events. Also included will be a review of the practices and procedures for...

Have you ever wondered what's going through a rider's mind when he or she is galloping down to a four-star cross-country fence? You'll find out when you join eventing legend and Practical Horseman magazine columnist Jim Wofford for a free (with event admission) fun and educational cross-country course walk during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI**** at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington on Friday, April 25, 2008. As Wofford discusses the highlights of the course, you'll get an...

Thunderbird Show Park and the Washington State Hunter and Jumper Association have teamed together to create a new hunter/jumper circuit named the Northwest Summer Circuit. The circuit includes the Evergreen Classic, the Thunderbird Summer Classic and the Thunderbird Summer Festival. The Evergreen Classic will be held at Remlinger Farms Equestrian Park in Carnation, WA, from August 6-10. The Thunderbird Summer Classic is scheduled from August 13-17 at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, British...

The President of the International Equestrian Federation, HRH Princess Haya, has announced the appointment of Alex McLin to the position of Secretary General, effective immediately. The appointment follows an extensive consultation period with the National Federations and the interviewing of a number of external candidates. McLin, who joined the FEI in March 2005, is currently the General Counsel and Deputy Secretary General of the FEI and has been Acting Secretary General since September 2007....