ASPCA to Participate in Equine Welfare Panel Discussion At George H. Morris Horsemastership Clinics in Wellington, Fla.

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that ASPCA experts will participate in a panel discussion at the Fifth Annual George H. Morris Horsemastership Clinics, presented by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 1 p.m. at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Fla.

The panel discussion, entitled "Putting Horses First with the ASPCA," will include top international riders and ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg and Brianne Goutal, ASPCA Senior Director of Equine Events and Special Projects, Valerie Angeli, and ASPCA Manager of Equine Events Joanne Pentangelo.

"The ASPCA's roots are in 145 years of equine protection, so we are honored for the opportunity to join the USEF at this prestigious event, especially to raise awareness about critical equine welfare issues," said the ASPCA's Ms. Angeli. "Being a true champion requires both skill and heart, traits that our equine welfare ambassadors Brianne Goutal and Georgina Bloomberg certainly possess. Having these two exemplary, world-class riders and champions for animals participating in this ASPCA panel discussion will certainly be inspirational."

The one-hour panel discussion will focus on how being an advocate for horses plays such a vital role in being a top rider and champion, as well as other timely equine welfare issues such as at-risk horses in need of adoption and the importance of reporting animal cruelty. The panel discussion is free and open to the public.

In addition to support from the ASPCA, the 2011 George H. Morris Horsemastership Clinics has been made possible with support from the Equestrian Sports Productions, EQUUS Foundation, Practical Horseman, Purina Mills, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, the USET Foundation and the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation.

To find out more about the George Morris Horse Mastership Clinics, or for directions to the Palm Beach Equestrian Center, please visit www.usef.org and www.equestriansport.com.