Contact:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Tel: (859) 258-2472
Fax (859) 231-6662
Web site: www.usef.org
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2006

Lexington, KY-The United States Equestrian Federation(r) (USEF) has announced the members of its first ever Youth Council, which is designed to develop programs that expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership of equestrian sport in the U.S., from the grassroots through the levels of horsemanship across all disciplines. Youth representing many of the Federation's affiliates have accepted the challenge to provide their equestrian leadership and commitment to support and develop programs with their affiliates.

"This council is comprised of a very progressive and energetic group of individuals who will focus on the council's mission and vision," said Joyce Hamblin, USEF's Director of National Affiliates. "I believe we will see great ideas and programs coming from this extraordinary group."

In addition to developing new programs aimed at youth, the Council's collective vision is to provide strong and creative leadership; promote the pursuit of excellence in horsemanship; and to become the best national equestrian Youth Council in the world.

"These young equestrian leaders have a clear-cut mission in front of them, and as standouts within each of their respective disciplines and breeds, they are certain to succeed in achieving their many objectives," said John Long, USEF Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to helping them set up the Council and then getting out of the way."

Both short- and long-term goals have been established for the Council, and the inaugural meeting is scheduled during the USEF Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 13, 2007, in Louisville, KY.

It is with great pleasure that the Federation announces these talented youths who will serve on the Youth Council representing their affiliate organizations:

American Endurance Ride Conference - Kristin Kimbler

American Hackney Horse Society - Michelle Herron

American Morgan Horse Association - Katherine Foy

American Road Horse & Pony Association - Jeb Boyd

American Saddlebred Horse Association - Will Harris

American Vaulting Association - Megan Benjamin

Arabian Horse Association - Monica Christian

International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association - Hayley Perkins

National Reining Horse Association - Ashley Fuchs

National Show Horse Registry - Alexis Scott

Paso Fino Horse Association - Christine Meyer

United Professional Horseman's Association - Kelsey Herbert

United States Dressage Federation - Claire Darnell

United States Eventing Association - Matthew Fine

United States Hunter Jumper Association - J.P. Roukis

United States Pony Club - Meredith Baker

Welsh Pony & Cob Society - Tassie Munroe

For further information on the USEF Youth Council, contact Joyce Hamblin, Director of National Affiliates at jhamblin@usef.org or call (859) 225-6939.

As the National Governing Body (NGB) of Equestrian Sport, the United States Equestrian Federation(r), Inc. (USEF) is the regulatory body for 28 breeds and disciplines, including our country's international teams competing in the disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-equestrian, reining, show jumping and vaulting. With over 87,000 members, it is the country's largest multi-breed organization and annually license more than 2,800 competitions nationwide. The USEF governs all aspects of competition, including education and licensing of all judges, stewards, and technical delegates who officiate shows.

Vision Statement: The vision of United States Equestrian Federation(r) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its horses, and embracing this vision, to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.