• Horses killed and injured in wreck had proper papers. (Oklahoma City)
• Mother goose hatches excitement. (photos, Norman)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Man recovering after dog shooting. (Oklahoma City, page 26a)
• Bizzell a three-sport star. (Mustang)
• School’s 4H club to plan activities, discuss funding. (page 14a)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Dog, owner hurt in dispute. (Oklahoma City)
• Fish hatchery’s closure could be bad news. (Oklahoma City)
• Benefit walk was Saturday at the zoo. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet Tales: A big, friendly bunch. (Oklahoma City)
• Police seek dog dollars. (Stillwater)
• Center to host nature day Saturday. (Frederick)
• Bone marrow gives patients a new chance. (Sand Springs)
• Staycations, tourism on rise. (statewide)
• Derby set up for wild finish. (Kentucky)
• Super Saver wins as Borel bags another one. (Kentucky)
• Tech Tidbits: My Pet Speaker by Pet Acoustics. (Tuesday, page 3d)
• Rescue set up for animals. (Louisiana, Saturday, page 3a)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

On Saturday, July 10, the U.S. Equestrian Reining Team will be selected at State Fair Park during the inaugural “Battle in the Saddle” event, a first for Oklahoma City.

The team members will represent the United States in September at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) being held in Lexington, Kentucky.

Team USA, in the reining discipline, will be sanctioned to compete in the

WEG by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the national governing body for equestrian sports in the United States.

The World Equestrian Games are an Olympic-style competition that is comprised of the world championships for eight equestrian sports. The games are held every four years, two years prior to the Summer Olympics.

Scheduled to compete in the WEG alongside Team USA are approximately 33 countries, including Germany, Italy, Mexico, Sweden and the Dominican Republic.

In December 2004 Oklahoma City voters approved an increase in the hotel/motel occupancy tax to fund improvements to the equestrian facilities at the State Fair Park.

“During the 2004 campaign, we told the citizens of Oklahoma City that this was the perfect way for us to make much needed improvements to the equine facilities at State Fair Park and reinforce our position as the ‘horse show capital of the world,” said Mayor Cornett. “The fact that the USEF has chosen Oklahoma City to select their Team USA for reining is validation of the decision our voters made.”

Team USA will be named as the world’s most talented horses and riders take center stage July 5-10 in Oklahoma City to battle it out for top honors at the inaugural “Battle in the Saddle” competition. This event, owned by Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. and managed by the American Quarter Horse Association, will be the premier equine competition showcasing the following five western disciplines: reining, working cow horse, roping, cutting and ranch horse competition.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Ron Ralls and Solano Cat in the reining portion of the event winning the Open and Intermediate Open Futurity Divisions.

• Opinion: Animal protection moral and practical. (state capitol)
• Lookin At Lucky is early Derby favorite. (Kentucky)
• Orca’s trainer tried to free self. (Florida)
• Head and tail above the rest. (Wisconsin)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Pet breeder licensing bill heads to Henry. (state capitol)
• Bill updates: Hunting and fishing. (state capitol)
• Kentucky Derby: Owner Jenny Craig seeks sweet treat. (Kentucky)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Brothers arrested on complaints of cockfighting. (Oklahoma City, video below)
• “Furry Vengeance” fits with star’s advocacy. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll