Lexington, Ky. - Chris Welton, CEO of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), has announced the creation of new senior staff position: Chief Commercial Officer.
The position, overseeing all aspects of communications, marketing, and network/media assets, will be filled by John W. (Josh) Taylor. Taylor brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, promotion, and sponsorship. He was founder and managing partner of Midlantic Ltd., a promotional marketing agency serving a variety of sport organizations. Taylor brings experience in the racehorse industry, owning racehorses and broodmares with his wife, Emery Jones Taylor. He is a steward of the National Steeplechase Association and the chairman of the Winterthur Point-to-Point Races. With his knowledge of equestrian sport and marketing expertise, Taylor will expand promotion and marketing strategies essential to the future success of equestrian sport.
Welton states, "I recognize the fundamental importance of our media assets to the future of the sport, and am confident that Josh will help to guide the Federation through the challenges associated with media rights and promotion."
In response to the announcement, Taylor says, "I am excited to join Chris and his senior staff at USEF. This is a very interesting time for this industry, and I look forward to working with the stake holders- including owners, riders, organizers, affiliates, and the FEI- to foster stronger alliances as we face the challenges of marketing expansion."
The final day of competition at the the Yanmar America Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event presented by Tow & Collect crowned five new champions, featuring show jumping competition in Tryon Stadium and the final rounds of cross-country competition on the White Oak cross-country course at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International). Read more below.
At last fall's Full Moon Farm Horse Trials, 16-year-old Miriam Keefer guided her horse, Micky, over the final cross-country jump with quiet determination and a flash of joy. It was her first recognized event at the Novice level, and she placed second out of 16 competitors—qualifying her for both the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds and a long-format three-day event.
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo were pure class in the final, tense moments of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials, jumping faultlessly to regain the title they won two years ago by just 1 penalty.
Day 3 of competition at the Yanmar America Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event presented by Tow & Collect showcased Clayton Frederick’s course design at the picturesque White Oak Cross-country course at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International). The leaderboard of the CCI4*-L division saw a shakeup after two phases of competition.