Dressage News Notes - Brought to You by Mary Phelps, a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist

The USEF Dressage Observation and Strategic Planning Sessions kicked off the first two sessions in California and they were lead by Robert Dover, USF Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor. Ulla Salzgeber has earned her way back to the top and is now a memeber of the prominent German A lsit. Find out who was bumped to make room for Ulla. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art will be performing for the first time in 40 years when they make several apperances at the London International Horse Show in Olympia. Some sad news is coming out of Europe with several reports of the disease atypical myopathy cropping up due to the seeds of the sycamore tree that has fatal consequences. The cloning issues rolls on with the American Quarter Horse Association appealing a court ruling stating that they must register cloned horses.While a great deal of us are running around in December trying to grab that latest deals for the holidays - there are still a few places offering some holiday show opportunities. It is of no surpeise that the majority are offered in the sunny state of Florida. We have the Wellington Classic Holiday Challenge in Wellington, the Orlando Winter Classic in Apopka and the Dressage on the First Coast Fall in Jacksonville. Also in ideal weather we have the Dressage Holiday Special in Burbank, CA. Now with all the strange weather we have been having the brave souls in South Carolina ready to take on whatever it hands them at the Holiday on Horse in Aiken, SC.

Two of the six scheduled USEF Dressage Observation and Strategic Planning Sessions wrapped up last week in California. Robert Dover, USEF Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor lead the sessions to provide training and guidance for future international competitions and the 2014 Alltech World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. See who attended the training sessions and read what people thought about the Sessions here!

Ulla Salzgeber has come back with her previously injured Herzruf's Erbe to reclaim a spot on the highly desired German A list. Her recent success, including the CDI-W Stuttgart, was the reason for her rise back to the top. With Ulla moving up, Anabel Balkenhol has been moved to the German B list. See who is on each list at Eurodressage.com.

The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art will make its first UK appearance in 40 years when it takes part at this year's London International Horse Show at Olympia. The school will be performing each day of the show but the highlight will be the High School Gala on the opening night where the World Famous ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’ show will be performed in full. The school's chief instructor Olympian Rafael Soto will conduct a masterclass that will kick off the gala evening. Check out the full story here!

TheHorse reports that the deadly disease atypical myopathy has claimed hundreds of equine lives in Europe over the past few weeks. Eight countires reported outbreaks of the disease that is caused by toxins in the Acer pseudoplatanus tree (commonly called the “sycamore” or “maple sycamore” tree in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe). The seeds contain hypoglycin A, which contains a toxic metabolite and the vast majority of the cases proved fatal. Read more about the story and a similar problem that we see here in the US.

The cloning debate continues as a judge ruled that the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) does not have to register cloned horses until its appeal of an earlier ruling is complete. In July of 2012 a jury found the AQHA violated antitrust law by not allowing horses into the registry. The appeal will be heard by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Read more about the jury's decision and why the association is appealing.

Mary Phelps (mary@horsesdaily.com) is a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist and CSR Tracey Scharf (tracey@horsesdaily.com) provide the personal attention needed to help make the lives of their clients smooth and easy when it comes to the process of insuring your Farm, business and equine mortality needs. While Mary travels to the shows and barns, you can count on Tracey in the office to be available to answer questions and manage the details with ease. 1-800-572-3286.