Competitions

Michael Matz to judge 2020 MHBA Yearling Show

Details: June 4, 2020; By Staff Writers

TIMONIUM, Md.--Two-time classic-winning trainer Michael Matz will judge the 86th annual Maryland Horse Breeders Association Yearling Show.

Horses are a family affair for Michael MatzOpen to all yearlings eligible for Maryland-bred registration, the show has been rescheduled for 2020 and will be held Sunday, July 19 at the Maryland State Fairgounds’ Horse Show Ring in Timonium.

Entries are due by June 20.

Based at Fair Hill Training Center, Matz sent out his first winner in August 1997, and has since trained dozens of stakes winners.

His richest, and most famous, charge was undefeated 2006,G1 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro.

Six years later, Matz again had classic success when Union Rags got up to win a thrilling renewal of the G1 Belmont Stakes.

The first G1 win for the Matz barn came in the 2003 Secretariat Stakes with Kicken Kris, who would add the G1 Arlington Million the next year.

Matz celebrated a Breeders’ Cup win with Round Pond in the 2006, G1 Distaff and also won G1 stakes with sprinter Visionaire and top turf mares Somali Lemonade and Hard Not to Like.

His runners have earned in excess of $42 million.

HITS and Vermont Summer Classics at the Summer Series at HITS-on-the-Hudson

Details: May 28, 2020; By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--HITS, Inc., is pleased to announce, pending USEF approval, HITS-on-the-Hudson will be host to a six-week series of shows this summer that will combine three existing Vermont Summer Festival shows and three HITS Saugerties Summer Series shows to create the Great American Summer Series, July 1 – Aug. 9.

HITS generic A competitor at HITS “We are pleased to be working with John Ammerman and the Vermont Summer Festival to create the Great American Summer Series at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York this year,” said Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO of HITS. “When John first found out he could not run shows in Vermont in 2020, we immediately began collaborating to bring our two circuits together to provide exhibitors with a world-class experience this summer.”

The Great American Summer Series will begin July 1, kicking-off with two VSF Shows, the Vermont Summer Special and Manchester Summer Festival, followed by the three-week HITS Saugerties Summer Series and finishing with the Vermont Summer Celebration.

We expect to hear from USEF next week and will make our final announcement and publish the Great American Summer Series Prize List then.

Devon Virtual Horse Show 3

Details: May 29, 2020; By SARA CAVANAGH

Devon Horse Show On-Demand Takeover Finale.

Go to Facebook or to USEF and click on Devon.

Although the images below have a "clickon" to view, you can't view them here but are just a few of the videos that you can see on Facebook or the USET.

Devon video Jumper

Devon video driving

Devon Shetland ponies

Devon Virtual Horse Show 2

Details: May 27, 2020; By SARA CAVANAGH

Devon Horse Show - the Virtual Horse Show - is available at USEF. Go to Facebook or USEF to click on Devon and see the Virtual Show.

Devon 527

Devon equitqtion

Devon GP

Devon Virtual Horse Show

Details: May 25, 2020; By SARA CAVANAGH

Devon Horse Show USEF Network Takeover Starts NOW

Devon horse jump packed stands The 2020 Devon Horse Show & Country Fair is canceled due to COVID-19, but you can still enjoy this prestigious multi-breed show virtually!

US Equestrian is celebrating this Heritage Competition on USEF Network through May 29.

Follow Devon's Virtual Horse Show through May 31 on Facebook and Instagram for athlete interviews, favorite Devon memories, behind-the-scenes secrets, and more.

Or go to USEF and join the virtual show for $25 by entering promo code Devon20.

Updating HITS, Lake Placid, Vermont Summer, Eventing Championships, Capital Challenge and 2021WEF

Details: May 23, 2020; By SARA CAVANAGH

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--Tom Struzzieri, owner of HITS, announced with great disappointment that the June series will not be held.

Tom Struzzieri "We had been hopeful to start the first week of June, but the start date at HITS-on-the-Hudson is being pushed back to the Summer Series due to New York State restrictions," said Struzzieri. "While the HITS team was looking forward to being back to horse shows in our hometown of Saugerties, this gives us extra time to prepare for an even greater summer at HITS-on-the-Hudson in the 'Heart of the Hudson Valley'. We look forward to a great Summer and Fall Series!"

"This gives me great incentive to produce the rest of the Saugerties season," said Struzzieri. "The Saugerties plan now is to make the great American series the most fabulous circuit in the world with unparalleled prize money, and this gives us extra time to make dramatic improvements to our facility."

THE LAKE PLACID Horse Show Association announced cancellation of this year’s horse shows.

The current Coronavirus pandemic forced the decision to cancel the Lake Placid Horse Shows, which had been scheduled for June 23-July 5 at the North Elba Show Grounds.

“This marks the first cancellation in the horse shows’ 51-year history,” said Philip Richter, Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show Association Board of Directors. “We place the safety of our exhibitors, the Lake Placid community and everyone connected with the horse shows above all else and that made this the only decision possible.

Dressage at Devon cancelled

Details: May 20, 2020; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Lori Kaminski, President/CEO of Dressage at Devon announced that the show was cancelled.

Dressage at DevonIt is with deep regret that the Board of Directors of Dressage at Devon announces the cancellation the 2020 competition.

This was a difficult decision but the uncertainty of the time has made it necessary to ensure the safety of our competitors, vendors, sponsors, spectators and our wonderful volunteers.

Operating an international competition at a venue such as Devon is a large undertaking.

Our team has worked diligently to review the equestrian governing bodies’ requirements to hold a competition, as well as federal, state and local regulations.

It became clear that holding the competition this September, while ensuring everyone’s safety, is not realistic.

Additionally, the uncertainty of the environment has had a significant impact on our suppliers, vendors, competitors, volunteers and sponsors.

It is difficult for them to plan and commit their resources and their support – all of which are crucial to the success our show.

There is, however, good news.

We are very pleased to welcome our new Board members - Christina Morin Graham, Maureen “Mo” Swanson, Jessica “JJ” Tate and Karen Ramsing- Bixler, each of whom brings a unique set of skills and will add energy, expertise and commitment to our efforts to make the 2021 show a success.

We are thrilled that they have agreed to become a part of Dressage at Devon.

We wish you all a very safe and healthy remainder of 2020 and please know that we are already planning for a very special Dressage at Devon 2021.

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair will hold Virtual Horse Show

Details: May 16, 2020; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--Although exhibitors and spectators may not be able to gather around the Dixon Oval for the 124th Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the organizing committee has announced that it will be hosting a "Virtual Horse Show."

Devon horse rider Brenda Carpenter Devon horse & rider (Photo by Brenda Carpenter)In place of this year's missed event, Devon will be sharing exciting new content throughout each day on social media beginning May 18 and through what would have been the duration of the show on May 31.

Each day will feature personal interviews with world-class equestrian athletes, junior and amateur competitors and staff who will share their favorite Devon memories and behind the scenes secrets.

There will be limited edition souvenirs for sale, a junior fashion show and unique Ladies Day events for the public to participate in, featuring a new equestrian category.

There will be several contests, so be sure to check in daily to see everything the Virtual Devon Horse Show has to offer, including photos from exhibitors and fans of their favorite Devon memories.

Make sure to follow Devon on Facebook and Instagram for access to everything during the Virtual Horse Show!

The events showcased during the Virtual Horse Show will also feature vendors and sponsors who are part of the horse show community.

"While we are disappointed that the show can't go on as normal we are excited about offering the Virtual Devon Horse Show for 2020," said Devon Chairman and CEO Wayne W. Grafton. "This is a wonderful opportunity to bring our entire community together to celebrate the history of Devon. We hope that you will join us in keeping the tradition of Devon alive during these unprecedented times."

Although the community cannot be together physically, we are all looking forward to reliving the history and magic of Devon through the virtual event.

The team continues to prepare for the Devon Fall Classic in September and the historic 125th anniversary of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in 2021.

For additional information please visit our website at www.DevonHorseShow.net.

Horse Showing reopens June 1

Details: May 14, 2020; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Murray S. Kessler, USEF President anounced the beginningg of the phased reopening of showing,

Murray KesslerHere we go!

About 50 percent of states have begun their phased reopening and several competitions are already on the new Calendar.

This works well with the USEF date of June 1 for reinstatement of points.

While many events and championships have been canceled, USEF has approved over 100 rule modifications to assist competition organizers with rescheduling events.

We have also put in place strict competition protocols and resources to help make them as safe as possible under the circumstances.

That’s the good news since we fully understand the economic hardship so many in our industry have suffered and recognize the need for them to get back to work.

I want to emphasize that while this will come as relief to many of you, a return to competition is not risk-free.

Brandywine Horse Shows has canceled both its shows

Details: May 11, 2020; By Staff Writers

DEVON, Pa.--The Brandywine Horse Shows Executive Committee announced that, in response to the COVID 19 public health crisis, it has canceled both of its 2020 competitions scheduled for June 24-28 and July 1-5 at the Devon Show Grounds.

Tina Brown on Eagle Clementina Brown of Kennett Square, Pa., on Eagle, has been Amateur Owner Champion at Brandywine a number of timesIt is clear that the country is still in its recovery phase and it will be too soon to ensure the safety of our staff, participants and the wider community, as well as obtain the proper permitting necessary to hold such an event.

The Executive Committee considered many options and reviewed communications on this illness issued from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, USEF and other regulatory organizations.

The committee believes that this decision is the best for everyone under the circumstances.

Any payments that were processed will be completely refunded.

Any entries completed online with a credit card submitted for payment will incur no charges.

Any checks mailed will be shredded.

If you would rather have your entry and check returned, please contact Cindy Bozan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by May 20.

Any decision regarding the USEF Junior Hunter National Championships East Coast and any possible new location will be made by U.S. Equestrian.

The health and well-being of the equestrian community is of utmost importance at this time.

The Brandywine Horse Shows encourage all of those involved to closely follow local, state and national guidelines.

The Brandywine Horse Shows look forward to returning in 2021.

For additional information please visit our website at https://www.brandywinehorseshows.com/.

Four new safety measures for Eventing being proposed

Details: May 10, 2020; By Staff Writers

Eventing's Cross-Country Safety Committee has announced new measures to decrease accidents, including raising rider eligibility qualifications, raising the standard for show jumping and utilizing the dangerous riding rule as well as updating the Frangible Technology Fundraiser.

Eventing safety “When an accident happens you don’t have to completely overhaul everything, but you have to calmly look back at it and say ‘what are the problems and where do we have it right?’” said Jonathan Holling, chair of the USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee. “The reality is that the officials have been doing a pretty good job, and I think that a lot of what we have been doing has been making things safer. We just need to find where we can do even better.”

The USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee was formed in May 2017 after a restructuring of the USEA Safety Task Force.

The current members are Jonathan Holling, Sara Broussard, Mary Coldren, Tremaine Cooper, Max Corcoran, J.M. Durr, Lesley Grant-Law, Andy Griffiths, Jay Hambly, Malcolm Hook, David O’Connor, Doug Payne, Morgan Rowsell, Katlin Spak, and David Vos.

The Ridge and Saratoga hope to compete while the Youth Championships and Monmouth at the Team H.S. are canceled

Details: May 9, 2020; By Staff Writers

ASBURY, N.J.--The Ridge and Saratoga are still hopeful of being a go, while the American Youth Championship and Monmouth at The Team are canceled.

The RidgeThe Ridge at Riverview in Asbury annually holds two College Preparatory Invitationals, one in New Jersey and one in Florida.

The College Preparatory Invitational in New Jersey is closely monitoring the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic but remains hopeful of being able to proceed.

It will continue to follow government protocols.

Should it be determined that either the 2020 CPI New Jersey Horse Show and/or 2021 CPI Florida Horse Show can not be held safely, The Ridge will notify all affected parties immediately and any payments that have been made will be fully refunded.

You don't have to own a horse to compete in these shows as CPS supplies all the horses, just as in an intercollegiate setting where the host college supplies the horses.

CPI also supplies all the tack, including saddles.

Student-athletes in grades 8 through 12 who ride at any level from walk, trot,canter to advanced are eligible to show,, both male and female.

A trainer is required for student-athletes to compete at a CPI Horse Show, but if your trainer/coach is not available you can sign up to participate in a CPI Hire-A-Coach Program.

Eventing Championship still scheduled for Aug. 25-30

Details: April 30, 2020; By Staff Writers

The U.S.Eventing Associationhas followed the U.S. Equestrian Federation's lead, extending the suspension of recognition for competitions and activities under its direct jurisdiction held in the U.S. until May 31.

Eventing generic While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an extraordinary impact on all aspects of lives around the world, the USEA Board of Governors will meet again before the suspension period is lifted to consider the term of the suspension.

The USEA has also fielded calls regarding the status of the USEA American Eventing Championships.

At this time, the AEC is scheduled to take place Aug. 25-30.

HITS Saugerties to begin Week of June 1

Details: April 27, 2020; By Staff Writers

SAUGERTIES, N.Y.--HITS President and CEO, Tom Struzzieri is hopeful the HITS Summer Circuits can begin the week of June 1.

Laura Chaot on Chandon Blue Laura Chapot, shown here on Chandon Blue, is a big winner at the HITS showsWith this target start date, HITS will kick-off at HITS Chicago with the Spring Spectacular Series, June 3-21, and at HITS Saugerties with HITS-on-the-Hudson III, June 3-7.

“It’s the date I had circled on my calendar a month ago when we first knew horse shows were going to be suspended,” Struzzieri said. “We are cognizant of current conditions, but I am hoping the US response to the pandemic continues to gain traction and businesses will begin to open. HITS and our staff will be ready to provide the best and safest events possible.”

HITS will continue to work with USEF and State and Local governments to ensure opening and operating the shows is within all regulations and guidelines at the time.

HITS is also considering an updated class schedule to include additional days and additional rings to spread out density, as well as a “show-and-go” plan for those divisions that can be held on a single day, limiting the need for exhibitors to stay overnight in a hotel, or otherwise extend their time away from home.

“It’s no secret we will have to adapt to a new ‘normal’ going forward,” Struzzieri said. “I can’t express enough how important social distancing and other safety measures are to us, as it pertains to our staff working now, and to exhibitors, their families, our staff and others when events are back.”

With major revisions to the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, the U.S. is automatically qualified

Details: April 26, 2020; By Staff Writers

BARCELONA, Spain--With the global sporting calendar decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic, the FEI has made drastic changes to the Nations Cup 2020 rules in a bid to maintain the series Final at Barcelona in October this year.

Nations cup Barcelona generic Big crowds enjoy all the action at the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final in Barcelona. (FEI/Lukasz Kowalski)Under changes proposed by the FEI Jumping Committee and approved by the FEI Board during its teleconference in mid-April, a total of 22 nations will be invited to compete at the Longines Final, staged at the prestigious Barcelona Polo Club.

With no qualifying events, the FEI has named teams to compete and one of those is the U.S.

The 22 teams would be 10 from Europe, three from North America, two from South America, two from the Middle East, two from Asia/Australasia, one apiece from Africa and Eurasia, plus the host nation Spain.

The event held in February this year in Wellington, Fla. will no longer be considered as a qualifier, and while events in North America and Europe that are still scheduled to take place over the next few months can be hosted as a Nations Cup, no qualifying points will be awarded for the Final.

USEF cancels shows through May 31

Details: April 25, 2020; By Staff Writers

LEXINGTON, Ky.--Due to the covid 19 virus, there will now be no sanctioned horse shows until at least June 1.

Devon generic jumper Devon Horse Show and Country Fair announced its cancellation of its May show earlier this monthWilliam J. Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of the USEF, announced in a letter to USEF Members and Competition Organizers (Licensees and Managers), that the suspension of all USEF events is being extended through May 31.

We continue to carefully monitor the COVID-19 Pandemic situation and the position of health experts, including the CDC and other public health authorities.

It appears that in several areas of the country, restrictions put in place by State Governors, such as the “stay-at-home” orders, are making a positive difference.

Federal, state and local governments are discussing plans for re-opening the environment in the near future.