What's Going On

Third Annual Equestrian Aid Foundation Fundraiser a Success With Reining Competition, Trick Riders, Live Music, and More! Two world-class riders from each discipline - show jumping, hunter, dressage, and polo - competed in the reining ring at the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) fundraiser, Who Reins Supreme?, presented by Wellington Classic Dressage. Held on Friday, February 1, 2013, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., the evening raised funds for EAF programs that financially assist equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries, throughout their time of need.

As the Global Dressage Forum, after 11 successful years, finally attained broad support by all stakeholders in dressage, a second Global Dressage Forum was announced to take place in Florida in the beginning of 2013. A reason for confusion. Some explanation is helpful. Being asked about the Florida Global Forum, Joep Bartels, who is the GDF organiser since 2001 and a fellow board member of the new founded umbrella Global Dressage Foundation, commented as follows: "We don't object to a North American initiative or whatever initiative. We even have set the goal and aim to open up possibilities to spread over the world and to vary in the place to held the Global Dressage Forum. Apart from this, it is always great when clinics and seminars increase the knowledge about our sport. I even like to add that the organiser of the new Florida Forum and myself have talked for some time about a possible cooperation. To have another Global Dressage Forum in three months' time without the involvement of our Foundation and program committee, is not our idea however.

A great lady hosting a great cause! Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear and the Kentucky Cancer Program at UofL’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center will host the Fifth Annual Horses and Hope Race Day Sunday, Nov. 18, at Churchill Downs. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. with first post time at 12:40 p.m. The Horses and Hope program begins at 1 p.m. and the event continues throughout the day of racing. Horses and Hope Race Day features a luncheon buffet on Millionaires Row, race handicapping tips with racing analyst Jill Byrne of Churchill Downs, remarks by the first lady, gifts for survivors and more. Breast cancer survivors and their families and friends are invited to wear pink to highlight breast cancer awareness.

Within minutes of the beginning of the Nutrena/USDF Adult Clinic Series featuring Lilo Fore, a FEI “I” and USEF “R” judge, it was easy to understand why she is the successful and highly sought-after clinician and trainer that she is today. Held at the Averett University Equestrian Center from Oct. 5-7, the staff and students of the Averett Equestrian Studies program, in conjunction with the North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association, provided a beautiful and festively decorated facility for the clinician, riders, and auditors to enjoy. With a mixture of humor and practicality, Fore addressed a crowd of 50 auditors and the students of the Averett equestrian department, explained her philosophy and shared some of her goals for the weekend. Her goal, she said, “is to make each horse and rider the best they can be.” Regarding the riders’ goals, she said that “Every rider has one goal: to become a better rider.”