US Equestrian

Western Riding Through the Decades

by Emily Girard | Oct 16, 2023, 2:21 PM EST

Since the 1980s, the Western division has seen many changes in competition and community. Some of these changes have been more logistical, such as the addition of new sections and classes, and changing competition locations. Michael Damianos, a professional horse trainer and USEF-licensed ‘R’ Arabian, Western, and Reining judge, has been involved in the equestrian world for over 50 years. He explained that the center of the Western showing community has moved east over the years....

The Waiting Game for Your Chance in the Arena

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 16, 2023, 8:30 AM EST

Horse shows can involve a lot of downtime if you don’t show until the afternoon or evening. That was the case for the competitors going late in the order of over 200 entries in the 2023 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Two junior athletes had to wait until the very end of the first round to have their chance to ride in the Harrisburg Coliseum. They shared how they spent their time in the lead-up to their turn in the order. Additionally,...

USEF Junior Jumper National Championships Serve as Steppingstone Along U.S. Jumping Athlete Pathway

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 14, 2023, 12:16 PM EST

The USEF Junior Jumper National Championships have been around for decades and provide junior athletes with the opportunity to compete against their peers as well as alongside teammates. It is a unique experience for up-and-coming athletes who are looking to take the next step in their competitive endeavors. They can get a taste of the added pressure of representing a team in a nations cup format in the Prix des States, while also experiencing the camaraderie that goes along with having...

We All Can Fly. We All Can Fall.

by Vicki Lowell | Sep 19, 2023, 4:00 PM EST

The opportunity to spend any part of your life with horses is a gift. To have the chance to experience the feeling of “flying,” as I have heard so many people describe the connection with a horse, is highly addictive and borderline spiritual. This shared experience makes you a part of a passionate and resilient community. And yes, while we love to fly, almost all of us are certain at some point to fall. It can happen at the walk, when a horse trips or spooks, getting on at a...

This Year Could Be a Bad One for West Nile Virus. Is Your Horse Ready?

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Sep 12, 2023, 3:59 PM EST

It’s been a rollercoaster year for weather in the United States, with record-breaking heatwaves, dirt-cracking drought, and flooding rainfalls. That pattern hasn’t only been a trial for the average citizen and livestock owners—it’s also setting the stage for a potentially larger and longer season for West Nile virus, experts say. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk to your horses, including eliminating any standing, stagnant water sources where the...

Five Things to Know About Your First Carriage Pleasure Driving Lesson

by Emily Girard | Sep 12, 2023, 3:39 PM EST

Suzy Stafford is a world champion driver and full-time trainer and coach, competing in both pleasure showing and combined driving since 2001. She has served as the Singles Coach for the Land Rover US Driving Team and currently runs Stafford Carriage Driving in Franklinville, NJ. and Ocala, Fla. “I have been on the US equestrian team as an individual and as a team member since 2015,” Stafford said. “I've been in the sport for quite some time as a professional and travel the...

A Look At Western Versatility

by Emily Girard | Sep 7, 2023, 10:19 AM EST

When most people think of Western riding , they picture ranch riding; however, upon a closer look, this discipline is a lot more versatile than one may think. The Western discipline offers diverse opportunities that cater to a variety of breeds and riding styles. Arkansas equestrian Carol Jones, for example, has been riding and training in the Western discipline for over 30 years, and she is experienced in color breeds, stock horses, and quarter horses. “With the Western discipline in...

IFSHA and IALHA Collaborate to Grow Shows and Foster Community

by Emily Girard | Sep 1, 2023, 10:03 AM EST

The International Friesian Show Horse Association and the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association have been collaborating for several years, and the two associations have begun hosting shows together. IALHA and IFSHA’s biggest collaborative effort yet will occur later this month. The IFSHA Grand National Show at the Tryon Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C., from September 27-October 1, will host an IALHA Region 7 Championship. Later this fall, the IALHA will...

Salox Gold, Bit-Fitting, and and a “Neue” Perspective on Bits

by Equestrian Weekly Communications | Aug 22, 2023, 2:30 PM EST

Florence Wetzel (right). Photo: Courtesy of Neue Schule Does it matter what metal you put in your horse’s mouth? Florence Wetzel says it definitely does. Neue Schule’s expert bit and bridle-fitter is an equestrian herself and joined the company after her own horse’s positive response to a Neue Schule bit made her a believer in their innovative approach to bits and their design. One aspect that sets Neue Schule bits apart is the Salox Gold mouthpiece, which Neue Schule says is...

A Look Inside Kentucky Horse Park Museums

by Emily Girard | Aug 17, 2023, 4:20 PM EST

The grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park are home to many museums tracking the history and accomplishments of horses. Whether they are tailored to a specific breed or offer a look at a general history between humans and horses, the museums are suited for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of horses. USEF Lobby Museum For those uninitiated with equestrian breeds and disciplines, the lobby of the U.S. Equestrian Federation headquarters contains displays aimed at educating new visitors. Photo:...