EQUUS Foundation and USEF Announce the Best Course Competition

WESTPORT, CT - September 29, 2013 - The Best Course Gives Back to the Horse! There isn't any horse lover who would want to ponder where we would be without the gentle giants who team with us in sport, recreation and many other public service capacities - which is why the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) are jointly sponsoring the Best Course Competition - open to all USEF Licensed Competitions and their competitors.

Washington International Horse Show Signs On for the Launch!

What better way than to launch the Best Course Competition than in the Nation's Capital at the Washington International Horse Show, October 22-27, 2013.

"WIHS is very pleased to have the opportunity to launch the Best Course of the Day program with the EQUUSFoundation and the USEF. We are thrilled to kick-off this program that encourages competitors to give back to horses. Horses give so much to us everyday, it was time to return the favor. The EQUUS Foundation has a great concept with the Best Course Competition and with the longstanding WIHS partnership with EQUUS Foundation, we wanted be the first," said Victoria Lowell, WIHS President.

WIHS competitors can sign up for an EQUUS Foundation "Best Course of the Day" armband on their official Washington International acceptance form. Contact WIHS at WIHSsecretary@wihs.org for more information.

                         Stand Out!
The judge will select the Best Course from among those competitors (junior, amateur or professional) wearing the official Best Course Competition EQUUS Foundation Armband while competing in any division at the participating competition. Rather than score-based, the winner will be the judge's favorite and most memorable performance.

"We are thrilled to launch this wonderful program at the Washington show and hope that the enthusiasm to participate extends to not only other hunter-jumper shows but to the other USEF discipline and breed competitions as well. It's open to every competitor at every level and is a call to action to the equestrian sport as a whole to give back to their equine team mates," said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.

Find out more at equusfoundation.org/BestCourse!

About EQUUS Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: equusfoundation.org.

About United States Equestrian Federation

Established in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), www.usef.org, is dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. The USEF promotes the safety and welfare of horses and riders while encouraging interest, participation and excellence at every competitive level and for all breed and discipline affiliates within the Federation family equally. The USEF is the only national organization dedicated to the promotion of the equestrian sport, fair competition and equine welfare regardless of breed or discipline.

About Washington International Horse Show (WIHS)

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show (www.wihs.org) attracts more than 20,000 spectators to the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for nearly half a million dollars in prize money. Event highlights include the Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday), the $125,000 President's Cup Grand Prix, a World Cup qualifier (Saturday night) and Kids' Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. See more at: http://www.wihs.org.