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Equestrian Weekly

The all new Equestrian Weekly newsletter showcases the best of US Equestrian, including new Learning Center videos, the USEF Network schedule, and original articles. Equestrian Weekly keeps members informed about affiliate news, international competitions, information on rule changes, membership updates, special member offers, and more.

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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:...

Five Things to Know About Your First Hunter Lesson

by Emily Girard | Aug 14, 2023, 3:41 PM EST

Hunter, jumping, and hunter/jumping seat equitation are all recognized under one US Equestrian national affiliate: the United States Hunter Jumper Association . Despite the technical differences in judging, these disciplines are often taught together. “They're all so different, but then they're all the same. We're all just trying to get the best out of each horse,” said Melissa Murphy, a hunter judge and trainer from Clara Propp and Arabesque competing at the 2023...

Coaching for the Team: How a U.S. Dressage Senior Team Member Coaches NAYC Athletes

by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian | Aug 13, 2023, 10:00 PM EST

Athletes and coaches who have been to the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) often point to the exposure to international team competition as one of the primary benefits of the experience. With limited opportunities for equestrian athletes in the western hemisphere to compete on a team before reaching the senior levels of the sport, NAYC serves as an important steppingstone for young athletes with international aspirations. ©KTB Creative Group Sarah Tubman is a dressage athlete...

Drummond and AM Rising Star Take a Leap From Arabian Horse Show Circuit to Pony Finals

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 13, 2023, 11:06 AM EST

Seventeen-year-old Josie Drummond of Wellington, Fla., and AM Rising Star are regular competitors on the Arabian horse show circuit, and they were looking for a new competitive challenge. Drummond and her trainers Lori Cooper and Gina Pengue decided to aim “Gus” for the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms. In their first appearance at the event, Drummond and Gus took the experience in stride and earned solid results. Josie Drummond and AM Rising Star, Lori...

Pony Finals and Beyond: Alumni Share Their Favorite Memories and Tips for Competitors

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 11, 2023, 11:10 AM EST

Adam Edgar competing on Happy Feet at the 2016 Pony Finals (Shawn McMillen Photography) Numerous youth athletes have competed at the USEF Pony Finals over the years, and many of them have gone on to achieve an impressive list of accomplishments as senior athletes competing at the national and international levels. Georgina Bloomberg, Greg Best, Lillie Keenan, Reed Kessler, Alison Robitaille, and Jessica Springsteen are a few individuals who have represented the U.S. at FEI Jumping World...

Welsh Ponies Recognized With High Score Awards at USEF Pony Finals Presented by Honor Hill Farms

by Emily Girard | Aug 10, 2023, 3:01 PM EST

In addition to overall awards given out at the USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America (WPCSA) gives out High Score awards to Welsh ponies competing at the show. The awards are organized by Dr. Ruth Wilburn, president of the WPCSA. Wilburn, who has been breeding ponies for 40 years at her Rollingwoods Farm, explained that the awards are meant to show the importance of Welsh ponies in the hunter pony world. Wilburn coordinates the awards with...

Rescue Pony Takes on Pony Jumper Division at Pony Finals

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 9, 2023, 8:37 PM EST

There are over 800 ponies at the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, and they all have their own unique stories. One such pony is Star Wish, or “Toby.” A 15-year-old rescue pony making his third appearance in the pony jumper division at Pony Finals, Toby and his owner/rider Zahara Henderson of Longmont, Colo., are ready to show off their partnership this week. Five years ago in New Mexico, Toby was rescued from slaughter as a 10-year-old unbroke pony and put into...

Quiz Time with the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test Sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 8, 2023, 2:49 PM EST

In addition to testing their riding skills at the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, youth athletes can test their knowledge with the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital . Participants in four age groups—8 and under, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-17—can take a multiple-choice test and a hands-on test for a chance to receive a $500 grant for educational or equestrian-related expenses. Now, let’s learn more about this program and...

I Am US Equestrian: Lauren Reischer

by Emily Girard | Aug 7, 2023, 10:45 AM EST

I was born with cerebral palsy. It was recommended that I start therapeutic riding because at the time, my brain didn’t recognize my legs as being two separate limbs. Essentially, my brain thought I had a “mermaid tail,” as I like to call it. My doctors felt that sitting on top of a horse and rocking in the saddle with the motion of the horse would help my brain learn to use my legs separately from one another. The first time I sat on a horse was the first time my legs ever...