In somewhat of a renaissance, the French stormed to victory in the third leg of the Samsung Super League with FEI series in Rome, Italy today and while the Germans maintain the lead at the head of the table, their advantage has been significantly reduced after a disappointing performance at the Italian fixture. Finishing joint-fifth along with Italy, Switzerland, Sweden and Holland, Germany only collected 1.5 points but the Americans, who shared second place with the much-fancied British, added...

The atmosphere at the Piazza di Siena, located in the parklands of the lovely Villa Borghese in the heart of the Italian capital, is very laid back indeed - except for the tension in the air over tomorrow's third leg of the Samsung Super League with FEI Nations Cup series - and it's the British that just about everyone's talking about. They are looking good and when Chef d'Equipe Derek Ricketts was asked today about their chances he said "yes, they're up for it - I think they should do well...

Waltenberry (Kelly Zweifel and Master Snapper) After turning in a spectacular performance that earned a masterful score of 232 (that’s an average of better than 77), Kelly Zweifel, Italy, won the Open, Intermediate Open and Limited Open divisions of the 2006 NRHA Derby on Master Snapper (Snapper Cal Bar) owned by Impresa Agricola Cuoghi. Zweifel is the first woman to win the Open Division of this prestigious event. And, while Master Snapper is not the first European-owned Derby Champion,...

As part of its effort to expand the USEF Dressage Developing Program, the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee has elected to appoint a USEF Dressage Developing Coach(s) for the remainder of 2006 through December 31, 2007, and is seeking qualified candidates to fill this position. The primary responsibilities for a developing coach will be to increase awareness and visibility of the USEF dressage developing program; further the education of riders, trainers and owners about specific aspects...

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), Lasko Products, Inc. of West Chester, PA, is recalling approximately 5.6 million fans manufactured between 1999 and 2001. CPSC reports that potential electrical failure in the fan motor can pose a fire hazard. The recall includes several models of fans which were sold at major retail stores, home improvement centers, hardware stores and other retailers nationwide between 1999 and as late as 2004. These fans can be found in...

A mere 0.112 points separate second through fourth place in the current women’s World Equestrian Games (WEG) Vaulting rankings. Last weekend’s USEF Vaulting selection trial, held during the Garrod’s Spring Classic in Saratoga, CA, on May 20, was the fifth of six chances that U.S. vaulters have to improve their average score toward qualifying for the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. From those six chances, the highest three scores are averaged, and a WEG ranking is established....

The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) selection trials for the U.S. reining team will be held during the Clayton Woosley Hall of Fame Reining and Brownwood Farm Derby, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, June 22-25. The Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship on June 24 will serve as the selection trial for the WEG which will be held August 20-September 3 in Aachen, Germany. Immediately following the Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship, a press conference will be held to recognize...

Sabina Louise Pierce/University of Pennsylvania (Barbaro in his stall after surgery at New Bolton Center) Less than one week after Barbaro's tragic career-ending injury in the Preakness, over 4,000 people have already e-mailed Matz, owners Roy and Gretchen Jackson and Barbaro their well-wishes. Just hours after Barbaro emerged from surgery, the USEF set up a means for people to send their regards. You can send your message to Barbaro, trainer Michael Matz, a three-time Olympic equestrian who...

Reprinted from the May 2006 issue of EQUESTRIAN By Gareth Selwood Many horse breeders the world over are now offering the services of their stallions through the use of frozen semen. For the stallion owner, there are many advantages, despite the initial investment in the freezing of the semen, storage and equipment costs, the time and labor intensive work hours saved during a busy breeding season are undeniable. Stallions are freed up to continue their show careers or attend horse fairs. For...

The American Connemara Pony Society (ACPS) is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2006. Summer activities are being planned to commemorate the golden anniversary of Connemara Ponies in the U.S. The main event will be a weekend-long, educational and fun-filled event to highlight the strengths and accomplishments of the American Connemara. The celebration will take place August 4-6, 2006, at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. This event showcasing the Connemara pony in North America will be the largest of...