SportsQuest International

Excitement builds towards Super Ride VI

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:49:51 -0700

With a May 5th deadline for entries fast approaching, and stalls filling rapidly, organizers of Super Ride VI: The 2008 United States Equestrian Drill Championship are ecstatic about the quality and quantity of the entries received to-date. Through April 29, a record eighty three (83) entries have been received in fifteen competitive divisions.

The event will be held June 24 – 28 at the Texas Rose Horse Park, near Canton, TX.

“The move to the Texas Rose Horse Park has already paid major dividends” says Gary Bonner, Executive Director of the United States Equestrian Drill Association and Coordinator of the Super Ride competition. “Since announcing the new venue in early January, we have seen a dramatic increase in interest from within the drill community and from the general public. This year's Super Ride will present mounted drill teams, quadrille and color guard units from around the country in a wonderfully well managed, easily accessible new facility.

“In these days of $4.00 a gallon gasoline, $75.00 baseball tickets and astronomically priced concert seating, the Super Ride offers an incredibly good value to individuals and families seeking first quality live entertainment.”

Led by the defending National Open Drill Champion Canadian Valley Rangerettes, from Oklahoma, the field for the 2008 Super Ride is highly competitive. Entries have been received from throughout the country and include several teams who will be making their first appearance in the national championship. Organizers have worked tirelessly throughout the past year to insure that the event is first rate in every respect.

“Sadly, there are a few individuals who, six years in, have failed to fully embrace the vision of a true national championship” says Bonner. “Rather than engage them, we have chosen to move forward in building the sport and the Super Ride competitions - in a cooperative, all-inclusive spirit. When they do finally choose to join us, we will welcome their support and active participation ”

The USEDC National Open Drill Championship will provide a dramatic climax to the Super Ride competitions on Saturday evening, June 28. “We expect to see the best of the best, as most of the 'serious' contenders have made plans to be here” says Beth McEnturff, a member for the Ghostriders Precision Drill Team. “Interest in drill is growing both nationally and internationally, as more and more people see it as a safer, more collegial, more affordable path into the upper levels of equestrian competition.”

Anticipation is growing as well for the inaugural USEDC Ride of Champions, a special competition that will showcase USEDC Open Division National Champions, Reserve Champions and Second Runners-up from the past five years in a special ride-off on Friday evening, June 27.

Qualified teams include: Latigo N Lace (Washington State), the Rebel Riders (Texas), the Easy Riders (Missouri), the Matagorda County Thundering Hooves (Texas), Stars N Steeds (Missouri), the Visalia Rockettes (California), the Cowgirl Express Rodeo Drill Team (Ohio), the Bellville Heritage Cowgirls (Texas), the Canadian Valley Rangerettes (Oklahoma) and the Ghostriders Precision Drill Team (Texas).

A perpetual trophy, The SportsQuest Cup, will be awarded annually to the winning team in USEDC Ride of Champions.

The United States Equestrian Drill Association is the national sanctioning body for Mounted Drill, Quadrille and Color Guard competitions.

The Texas Rose Horse Park is a 1,700 acre facility opened in 2006. The multi discipline venue features four permanent barns that can stable up to 400 horses.

Video coverage of Super Ride VI: The United States Equestrian Drill Championship will be coordinated by SportsQuest International.

Full details on the competition, sponsorship and merchandising opportunities are available upon request. Kindly contact the United States Equestrian Drill Association on 1-972-679-0770.

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Super Ride VI - launches a "Quest 4 The Cure"

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:07:22 -0700

Super Ride VI: The 2008 United States Equestrian Drill Championship will benefit organizations sponsoring cancer research and support for victims of four all too common forms of the disease: Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Liver Cancer.

The championship will be held June 24 – 28 at the Texas Rose Horse Park, near Canton, Texas (USA).

Proceeds from the event will be donated to a coalition of organizations fighting cancer, including:

The United States Equestrian Drill Championship brings together mounted color guard and drill teams from throughout the United States. The 'Super Ride' is the showcase event of the United States Equestrian Drill Association and its sister organization the United States Equestrian Drill Competition – a registered charity.

The event will be highlighted by the inaugural USEDC Ride of Champions, to be held on Friday evening, June 27 and the USEDC National Open Drill Championship, on Saturday evening, June 28.

The USEDC Ride of Champions will showcase USEDC Open Division National Champions, Reserve Champions and Second Runners-up from the past five years in a special ride-off for the SportsQuest Cup(1).

The USEDC National Open Drill Championship will feature America's very best mounted drill teams vying for top honors and an invitation to the 2009 Ride of Champions.

Other competitive divisions at Super Ride VI will feature mounted color guard teams, a 'rodeo speed' drill team category and classes open to youth, novice and challenged riders.

Video coverage of Super Ride VI: The United States Equestrian Drill Championship will be coordinated by SportsQuest International.

Popular television host, rodeo and equine sports announcer Alan Moorhead has been confirmed as the principal announcer

Full details on the competition, sponsorship and merchandising opportunities are available upon request. Kindly contact the United States Equestrian Drill Championship on 1-972-679-0770.

The entry deadline for Super Ride VI: The 2008 United States Equestrian Drill Championship is Monday, May 5.

(1) The SportsQuest Cup, a perpetual trophy awarded to the winning team in the USEDC Ride of Champions, is being donated by the proprietors of SportsQuest International and SportsQuest.tv.

Quotes:

Quest 4 the Cure is an opportunity for the Ghostriders Equestrian Drill Teams toshow our support for these 4 cancer organizations. They desperately need fundsfor research for treatments and, especially, a cure! Please join us in this endeavor and we would like to encourage other drill teams to join us as well. These cancers are all too prevalent in today's world. Let's work together to help find that cure!

Pam Bonner, Drillmaster, Ghostriders Equestrian Drill Teams

Equestrians throughout the United States have a proud and dedicated history of helping others in need. For instance the ongoing "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" cancer research campaign was started in the rodeo arena, and now stretches into many corners of society, and equestrians have been a big supporter of Saint Jude's Children's Hospital research foundation for many, many years. It is fitting that USEDC carries on those traditions by creating "Quest 4 the Cure" to support four worthy causes. I am confident that drill teams throughout the US will want to lend their support to "Quest 4 the Cure".

Bob Lorbeer, Captain Sacramento Sheriff's Posse Mounted Drill Team & Chief Judge, United States Equestrian Drill Championship

Alan Moorhead confirmed as voice of Super Ride VI

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:21:45 -0700

Popular television host, rodeo and equine sports announcer Alan Moorhead has been confirmed as the principal announcer for Super Ride VI: The 2008 United States Equestrian Drill Championship (USEDC). The event will run June 24 – 28 at the Texas Rose Horse Park, near Canton, Texas.

“The Super Ride Competition requires a Super Announcer”, says Gary Bonner, Executive Director of the United States Equestrian Drill Association (USEDA) and coordinator of the Super Ride.

“This year, our goal was to bring in the 'best of the best', and Alan Moorhead is going to be a great asset to the show. Alan's high energy, experience and event knowledge will thrill the audience, and keep the teams excited during the entire competition”.

For the past fourteen years, Moorhead, a resident of Beech Island, South Carolina, has been the voice of the National Barrel Horse Association's World Championship, held annually in Augusta, Georgia.

Since 2000, he has been the announcer for the Sharon Camarillo Classic, and has also manned the microphone, since 2001, at World Championship events sanctioned by the Barrel Futurities of America.

As the host of HorseCity.com TV on RFD-TV, and via a memorable, albeit unscripted, appearance as the rodeo announcer in the popular 2006 film, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan”, Moorhead's voice and persona are familiar to film and television audiences around the world.

Super Ride VI: Top drill teams gear up for USEDC Ride of Champions

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:49:14 -0700

The United States Equestrian Drill Championship's inaugural “Ride of Champions” will be held on Friday evening, June 27, 2008, at the Texas Rose Horse Park, near Canton, Texas (USA).

The USEDC Ride of Champions will be a featured competition at Super Ride VI: The 2008 United States Equestrian Drill Championship, held at the horse park from June 24 through 28.

The Ride of Champions will showcase USEDC Open Division National Champions, Reserve Champions and Second Runners-up from previous Super Ride competitions in a highly anticipated ride-off.

Super Ride VI: U.S. Drill Nationals to showcase new venue, two evenings of championship competition

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:28:11 -0700

Super Ride VI: The 2008 United States Equestrian Drill Championships (USEDC) will be held June 24 through 28 at the Texas Rose Horse Park, near Canton, Texas (USA).

The event will be highlighted by the inaugural USEDC Ride of Champions, to be held on Friday evening, June 27 and the USEDC National Open Drill Championship, on Saturday evening, June 28.

The USEDC Ride of Champions will showcase USEDC Open Division National Champions, Reserve Champions and Second Runners Up from the past five years in a special ride-off. Qualified teams include: Latigo N Lace (Washington State), the Rebel Riders (Texas), the Easy Riders (Missouri), the Matagorda County Thundering Hooves (Texas), Stars N Steeds (Missouri), the Visalia Rockettes (California), the Cowgirl Express Rodeo Drill Team (Ohio), the Bellville Heritage Cowgirls (Texas), the Canadian Valley Rangerettes (Oklahoma) and the Ghostriders Precision Drill Team (Texas).

The Ride of Champions will be contested under a special set of rules (teams not to carry flags) and will be judged by a nationally recognized panel, led by Robert Lorbeer, a California attorney and Captain of the Sacramento Sheriff's Posse.

Returning to Canton to defend their 2007 National Open Drill Championship will be the popular Canadian Valley Rangerettes. With three (3) top three finishes to date, the 2004 National Open Drill Champion Matagorda County Thundering Hooves lead all teams in national championship success. Not to be ignored in a sport where the style and technical excellence of teams from the West Coast has had a far ranging influence are the 2003 National Champion Latigo N Lace, and the 2005 Champion Visalia Rockettes. The 2006 Champion Cowgirl Express Rodeo Drill Team is also expected to challenge for the top honors in the USEDC Ride of Champions.

The USEDC National Open Drill Championship will feature America's very best mounted drill teams vying for top honors and an invitation to the 2009 Ride of Champions. “We've changed the format a bit, to showcase our national championship as a first class sports spectacular”, says Gary Bonner, Executive Director of the United States Equestrian Drill Association and coordinator of the Super Ride. “Our premiere competitions will be held in the evening, packaged for television and widely promoted in horse publications and other media in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia”.

“It is important”, says Bonner, “that our sport be presented in a manner that retains the integrity of the competition, while at the same time presenting lasting value to sponsors, to spectators and to the community at large.”

Other competitive divisions at Super Ride VI will feature mounted color guard teams, a 'rodeo speed' drill team category and classes open to youth, novice and challenged riders.

The United States Equestrian Drill Championship brings together mounted color guard and drill teams from throughout the United States. The USEDC is the showcase event of the United States Equestrian Drill Association and its sister organization the United States Equestrian Drill Competition – a registered charity.

Teams competing in the national open championship division or ‘Super Ride’ represent the very best in ‘Xtreme Drill’ presentation. Speed, precision and most importantly sound fundamental horsemanship are the hallmarks of a winning combination.

The Texas Rose Horse Park is a 1,700 acre facility opened in 2006. The multi discipline venue features four permanent barns that can stable up to 400 horses.

Video coverage of Super Ride VI: The United States Equestrian Drill Championship will be coordinated by SportsQuest International.

Full details on the competition, sponsorship and merchandising opportunities are available upon request. Kindly contact the United States Equestrian Drill Association on 1-972-679-0770.

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Historic Documentary a 'huge hit' at U.S. Dressage Federation conference

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:08:19 -0700

A television documentary produced by SportsQuest International has been well received at its premiere screening in Florida.

"A Life of Equestrian Substance: Conversations with Major General Jonathan R. Burton", was completed in November for Phelps-Hathaway Enterprises, Inc., with production support from The Dressage Foundation and Offield Farms.

A two-time Olympian, military leader and a major figure in the development of equestrian sports in the United States following the Second World War, General Burton (at 88) is a 'living legend' in the American equestrian community.

The documentary was warmly received in its inaugural screening at the recently concluded United States Dressage Federation Annual Convention in Orlando [see DressageDaily.com article].

An excerpt from the program is currently available for preview on-line (requires QuickTime).

SportsQuest International is a privately held multimedia production company specializing in the development and promotion of sports related programming that presents positive, informationally rich themes. The company is based in Oakland, California (USA), and is widely known for its coverage of national and international level equestrian events.

Equestrian Sports Coverage Available via iTunes

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:21:38 -0700

SportsQuest International has announced the worldwide availability of its SportsQuest.tv -Equestrian Channel [Hi-Res Edition] via Apple, Inc's popular on-line iTunes store.

The Uniform Resource Locater (URL) for the SportsQuest.tv podcast is: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=263655759

The SportsQuest.tv - Equestrian Channel presents news and documentary features highlighting important national and international competitions. Special editorial focus is given to issues, trends and personalities shaping the development of horse related sports activities throughout the world.

Persons subscribing to the SportsQuest.tv - Equestrian Channel will have the option of playing broadcast quality video content a) on their computer, b) on a video enabled iPod or c) on a television set (via Apple TV).

SportsQuest.tv is an interactive service of SportsQuest International.

Open 24/7, the iTunes Store features more than 6 million audio recordings, 125,000 podcasts, 30,000 audiobooks, 600 TV shows, 500 movies, and iPod games. iTunes is the number one (#1) on-line music store in 22 countries. Over 600 million copies of iTunes have been distributed.

To date, over 110 million iPod media players have been sold(1).

iTunes, iTunes Store, iPod and Apple TV are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.

SportsQuest International is a member of the iTunes Affiliate Program.

For further information, please contact SportsQuest.tv via email at: info@sportsquestinternational.com

(1) Source: Apple, Inc.

SportsQuest.tv – Equestrian Channel launched

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:48:09 -0700

The SportsQuest.tv - Equestrian Channel has launched in a 'pre-release beta', and is now available online (www.SportsQuest.tv) and as an RSS enabled Internet feed accessible via Miro, iTunes, FireAnt and other popular media players.

SportsQuest.tv's equestrian oriented programming is also available via blip.tv (http://SportsQuest-equestrian.blip.tv).

When fully deployed, the SportsQuest.tv web portal will feature multiple Internet video channels, each targeting a specific sporting tradition. A searchable on-line calendar of events is an important facet of the project.

SportsQuest.tv is sponsorship based and offers revenue sharing opportunities to the content producers whose news stories, features and documentary presentations are exhibited within the incorporated 'niche channels'.

Current sponsors include the United States Equestrian Drill Championship, Tal-Y-Tara Tea and Polo Shoppe and ERM Ventures.

The equestrian channel is the first service launched under the SportsQuest.tv banner. SportsQuest.tv is an interactive service of SportsQuest International.

For further information, please contact SportsQuest.tv via email at: info@sportsquestinternational.com

Drill offers an affordable and disciplined path of entry into the world of high level equestrian sports competition

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Thu, 31 May 2007 12:00:01 -0700

To the uninitiated, competitors in the 2007 United States Equestrian Drill Championship (Super Ride V) may appear to be worlds away from the highly intense spotlight that falls upon champions of the horse world's most storied national and international competitions.

Events such as Germany's Official International Horse Show (or CHIO) at Aachen, Canada's Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament, The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in England and the annual fixtures staged at the legendary North American venues in Wellington, FL, Devon, PA, Upperville, VA, Harrisburg, PA, Monterey, Mexico and at the Kentucky Horse Park annually attract international television coverage, tens of thousands of spectators and millions of dollars in sponsorship.

In many ways, however, the team sport of equestrian drill provides a very sane and disciplined entry point, both for the confirmed amateur and for riders with lofty ambitions in the pursuit of their equestrian dreams.

Super Ride V: The United States Equestrian Drill Championship (USEDC) will be held June 6 - 9 at the Austin Arena in Myrtle Springs, near Canton, Texas. A record number of entries have been received.

Based upon the fundamentals of Dressage (or training) and military formations, equestrian drill is a well established tradition in many parts of the world.

The art of riding in formation is deeply meshed in the military, ceremonial and civilian histories of nations on all continents.

With a predominance of stock saddles and colorful western attire, and with the popular choice in theme music clearly skewed towards Country and Western, competitors in the Super Ride event may seem quite unrelated to the continental elegance epitomized by the famous horses and riders of the Spanish Riding School, Le Cadre Noir de Saumur or the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. To the knowledgeable horse person, however, the skills on display merely represent different branches of the same firmly rooted tree.

Prior to the mechanization of cavalry units and the transfer of U.S. equestrian sports leadership to civilian entities, drill competition was principally a military exercise.

In the 1930's, drill team competition was a popular feature of horse shows throughout America, including the National Capital Horse Show in Washington, DC and the National Horse Show held at Madison Square Garden in New York. The legendary horseman John Clarke, an officer in the 9 th U.S. Cavalry, helped to train and coordinate U.S. Army drill teams that successfully competed against many of the world's best, including members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, known internationally for their famous 'Musical Ride'.

For youth competing in the junior divisions, as well as for adults in the Rodeo Speed, Gaited Horse, Theme and National Championship Open Divisions, the USEDC offers a unique opportunity to compete on a prestigious stage, in front of well-informed and supportive audiences, without the need for astronomically expensive horses, professional grooms, custom build horse boxes (vans) international air shipments, or major corporate sponsorship.

Each of the 58 teams competing in Myrtle Springs has compiled countless hours in practice, choreography, music selection, costume design, fund raising and travel.

In the United States, the sport is today overseen by a national sanctioning body, the United States Equestrian Drill Association (USEDA), based in Canton, Texas.

Plans to organize an international end-of-season drill and color guard championship are underway for the fall of 2008.

Record number of entries for Super Ride V: 2007 United States Equestrian Drill Championship

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Thu, 24 May 2007 12:00:01 -0700

Super Ride V:The United States Equestrian Drill Championship (USEDC) will be held June 6 - 9 at the Austin Arena in Myrtle Springs, near Canton, Texas.

Following a day of practice, the event will be highlighted by three action packed days of drill team and mounted color guard competitions.

The Quadrille, Color Guard and Theatrical Theme Divisions will be contested on Thursday, June 7, with Drill Teams taking center stage on Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9.

Boasting a record number of entries, the 2007 competition will feature 58 teams in 12 competitive divisions.

The Cowgirl Express Rodeo Drill Team, from Ohio, will return to defend its National Open Division Championship. The only team from East of the Mississippi River to capture the top prize at the USEDC, Cowgirl Express is considered a strong early favorite to repeat.

Also returning to the Championship are the 2006 Open Division Reserve Champions, the Bellville Heritage Cowgirls. Having finished last year's contest a mere two (2) points from the Open Division championship, the team from Bellville (the County Seat of Austin County), Texas will be clearly focused both on defending its USEDC Rodeo Division title and on capturing the 2007 Open Division title.

Another strong contender is the Southwest Missouri based EasyRiders Drill Team, a squad that is well known for its star formation and for beautifully choreographed side-passes along the length of the arena. All moves are performed by horses in simple snaffle bits, without the use of spurs or whips.

Perhaps the most unique team in the competition is Finisimo - the world's only youth drill team using the elegant and distinctive Paso Fino horses. Known for the smooth four beat rhythm of its natural gait, the Paso Fino is a rare and desirable equine partner.

Founded over Spring Break in 2004, with just three horses and 6 riders, Finisimo has evolved into a team that includes 37 riders, 27 Paso Fino horses and a goal of successfully defending the earned title of National Champions in the USEDC's Gaited Horse Division.

The Matagorda County Thundering Hooves from Bay City Texas, the 2004 USEDC Open Division Champions and current Theme Division National Champions, also return with winning on their mind.

A long shot for the Open Division title, the Canton, Texas based Ghostriders, will defend their Quadrille and Theatrical Theme Division Championships. As the 'host team' for the National Championships, the Ghostriders carry the extra responsibility of providing a positive experience for both competitors and members of the general public.

Following a strong third place finish in the 2006 Open Division by the Ghostriders Precision Drill Team, the Ghostriders Adult and Youth squads are in a rebuilding period under the direction of highly regarded Drill Master, Pamela Bonner and Youth Coach Kelly Jayroe.

Competition on Thursday, June 7 will start at 10 a.m. and conclude around 4:30 p.m.

Due to the large number of entries, the start time for Friday, June 8 has been pushed forward one hour to 8 a.m., with the competition running well into the evening hours.

On Saturday, June 9, the competition will begin at 8:30 a.m., and will be followed at around 7:45 p.m. with a live concert by the popular band Finding Shade. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The Austin Arena is located between Canton and Wills Point, Texas on State Highway 64, two miles north of Interstate Highway 20.

Food service, gifts and specialty items will be available at the arena during the competition.

Representatives of the Canton Chamber of Commerce will be on-site throughout the event to provide information and assistance to contestants and visitors to the area.

Video highlights and interviews from Super Ride V will be available on-line via the SportsQuest.tv - Equestrian Channel and Google Video.

Come out and watch the greatest show on dirt....

Cynthia McMillian: A Signature Voice for SportsQuest.tv

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:00:01 -0700

Voice actress Cynthia McMillian has been retained as a principal voice for SportsQuest.tv, the multi-sport Internet media portal - now undergoing pre-launch testing and development.

Miss McMillian will narrate feature stories and documentaries produced by SportsQuest International, and will record vocal signatures and promotional announcements for SportsQuest.tv.

A long time instructor in the Oakland (CA) Unified School District, Cynthia McMillian is a graduate of Kresge College at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).

She has appeared on stage in productions of the Oakland Ensemble Theatre and UCSC's Black Magic Theatre, and has worked with many noted artists including Ted Lange, Ruth Beckford-Smith, Ron 'Stacker' Thompson, Eugene Calhoun, Leslie Perry and Danny Glover.

When fully deployed later this year, the SportsQuest.tv web portal will feature RSS enabled channels presenting professionally produced sports content from an international roster of video producers, an interactive calendar of sporting fixtures, an on-line store offering DVDs, books, clothing and specialty items from throughout world.

SportsQuest International 2007 audience survey

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Tue, 08 May 2007 10:00:00 -0700

SportsQuest International has launched an on-line study of its primary audiences.

The survey will provide important feedback for use in the targeted development and distribution of broadcast, cable and Internet video offerings.

A questionnaire is accessible from the home pages of the main SportsQuest International web site and the recently launched SportsQuest.tv web portal.

All responses are anonymous and will be held in the strictest of confidence.

SportsQuest International is a privately held multimedia production company and content aggregator specializing in the development and promotion of sports related programming that presents positive, informationally rich themes.

The company is based in Oakland, California (USA), and is widely known for its coverage of national and international level equestrian events.

SportsQuest International news feeds now available via My Yahoo!

admin@SportsQuestInternational.com — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Stay current with SportsQuest International and thousands of other information sources through your personal My Yahoo! page. Instant real-time updates can also be sent to your mobile phone, email, or instant messenger with Yahoo! Alerts.

Guest Editorial: The National Animal Identification System and Horses

Judith@farmandranchfreedom.org — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 10:00:00 -0700

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture hosted its annual Animal ID Expo in Kansas City on August 22-24. This provided a wonderful opportunity to hear what the government officials and industry representatives had to say about the National Animal Identification System, or NAIS.

Among the industry representatives were members of the Equine Species Working Group (ESWG). The ESWG members were appointed by the American Horse Council in 2003. At some point, the U.S. Department of Agriculture "recognized" the ESWG as the official working group for the horse industry. This recognition was granted despite the lack of any government guidelines as to the formation, composition, or functioning of the working group. The ESWG is the entity that supposedly represents the interests of horse owners to the USDA in the development of NAIS.