The loss of farm personal property due to disaster or theft can result in significant replacement and lost opportunity costs. Farm personal property typically includes items such as tack, barn supplies, farm machinery as well as the farm office equipment like computers, phones, furniture, and a variety of other tangible assets that are a part of your agricultural business. Loss control strategies are as numerous as the potential events that can cause the loss. Following are some key guidelines to consider: Keep a current inventory of your farm personal property. Maintain receipts, serial numbers, and manufacturer’s information for easy identification in the event an item becomes damaged or stolen. Consider taking pictures or a video of your tack room or equipment inventory and store in a secure, off-site location. If you need to file a claim, this will facilitate the process and aid in the recovery of stolen items.

Sheridyn Ashwood continued her winning streak at the Sydney CDI winning the Grand Prix Freestyle in front of a capacity audience. Her win at tonight’s event concludes a dream run for the Queensland based rider who leaves the event with the Grand Prix treble. In taking victory Ashwood and her mount, the 16-year-old stallion Prestige VDL, toppled a class field which included Rozzie Ryan and GV Bullwinkle who was sixth to go in the field of 16 and set the bar high when they scored 71.13 per cent for which they received a roaring cheer from the enthusiastic crowd. Third last to go, Ashwood knew the score she needed to achieve in order to take the lead and armed with a more difficult routine which she changed following her earlier success at this event, she left the arena to loud applause and a score of 73.98.

"We had a terrific training session at Oak Hill Farm in Illinois. There was once again a nice balance of U.S.-bred and imported horses," said USEF Young Horse coach Scott Hassler. "It was great to see riders I have worked with in the past with new horses as well as meeting some new professionals." The two-day training session held April 27-28 featured 11 horses between the ages of four and six. "The camaraderie, passion, and learning that went on there, in one short weekend, was inspirational," said participant Jessica Starck. "The passion Scott has for what he does, the love he has for the horse, and the knowledgeable creative approach he has to teaching is extremely prevalent. We all agreed we are proud to have him represent us." The open training session was attended by breeders, horse owners and local young horse enthusiasts, and their enthusiasm was not missed by Hassler.

The 30-year old Dutch warmblood gelding Avontuur passed away this morning, one week before his 31st birthday. The bright bay gelding by Ultrazon x Watteau xx was one of America's most successful dressage horses in the 1990s. Avontuur was hand picked by Kathleen's mom Betsy as an unbroken 3-year-old stallion in The Netherlands. After much training from Kathleen and her husband David Wightman, Avontuur rose to the highest level and became an international Grand Prix horse. His accolades include a team bronze and an 8th place at the 1994 World Equestrian Games in The Hague, a 5tj place at the 1994 World Cup Finals in Gothenburg, and an 8th place at the 1995 Los Angeles World Cup Finals. The duo also because the team alternates for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.