American Quarter Horse Racing at Hialeah Park Opens November 28

The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal, November 23, 2009 – The officials at the legendary Hialeah Park Race Track are preparing to once again open the doors to welcome horsemen and patrons for the first time in eight years. The inaugural American Quarter Horse meet at the track near Miami, Florida, begins November 28.

Hialeah Park, hailed as one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world and home to a legendary flock of flamingos, opened in 1925 and hosted some of the greatest horses in Thoroughbred racing history, such as Seabiscuit, Citation, Seattle Slew and Spectacular Bid. It was also the backdrop for a number of movies, such as the 1989 Richard Dreyfuss comedy “Let It Ride,” and had a cameo in the opening credits of the 1980s television series “Miami Vice.”

The track, owned by John Brunetti, was shuttered in 2001. Since the meet was approved, workers have been pulling double shifts to get the track ready for next week’s opening, and things look promising. The 40-day meet, which runs through February 2, 2010, will feature eight American Quarter Horse races a day, with average purses of $100,000 per day. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=8978

Tags: AQHA, equestrian competitions, Horse Racing

USDF Executive Board Statement on Animal Welfare

In response to a recent incident at an international competition, the USDF Executive Board has issued the following official statement:

The USDF does not approve of training techniques such as hyperflexion especially when taken to an extreme. While we recognize that we can not control how riders train at home, excessive techniques should not be tolerated at competitions. The USDF feels that it is very important that as a sport we police ourselves and encourage the USEF and FEI to call upon their licensed officials to ensure that cruel and abusive riding does not happen at our competitions.

The USDF agrees with and strongly supports the FEI position as stated in the November 17 press release and in particular the statement: “The FEI acknowledges and welcome public opinion and will continue to ensure that the welfare of the horse, which has been central to this debate, will remain its absolute priority.”

In addition, you can read the USDF Statement on Animal Welfare or the official announcement from the FEI.

United States Dressage Federation
4051 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: (859) 971-2277 Fax: (859) 971-7722

Tags: dressage, equestrian disciplines, Equine Protection, FEI, Horse Care, Horse Training, Hyperflexion, USDF