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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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It’s the Perfect Season for Thank-You Notes

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Nov 21, 2022, 11:30 AM EST

Photo: Counrtney Hedger/Unsplash In the era of email and voicemail, handwritten notes and cards bring a lot of joy to the person receiving them—which makes them that much more fun for the sender, as well. A thoughtful line or two expressing gratitude, congratulations, or friendship packs an outsized punch because it offers the priceless gift of human connection. Hunter/jumper equestrian Helen Voss, the National Account Manager for her family’s Horseshoe Greetings and Wall Street...

Aither Health: Worry-Free Healthcare for Equestrians

by Liz O'Connell | Nov 14, 2022, 2:18 PM EST

Aither Health: Worry-Free Healthcare for Equestrians Bea de Lavalette (mounted) with trainer Shayna Simon. Photo: Leslie Potter Aither Health contributes peace of mind when setting up health insurance coverage curated to the needs of equestrians. This is particularly true for stables and farms in need of a healthcare benefit program for employees as well as principals. With so many options, variables, and cost differentials to decipher, Aither’s USEF-dedicated client relationship...

Equestrian Helmet Fitting and Safety

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Nov 7, 2022, 2:30 PM EST

Charles Owen has its own test lab and pre-tests to the standards before sending the helmet models for official testing and certification. The majority of Charles Owen helmets meet all three main safety standards. Photo: Farrell Guy One of the most important things an equestrian, or the parent or guardian of an equestrian, will ever do is select a helmet. A helmet, after all, isn’t just a stylish part of equestrian attire (although it can be that, too!); it’s also a crucial piece of...

Equestrian Q & A: Para Dressage Athlete Fiona Howard

by Liz O'Connell | Nov 1, 2022, 10:45 AM EST

U.S. Para Dressage athlete Fiona Howard has a new horse, Jagger. And with Jagger she has a partner to pursue her goal of qualifying for the U.S. Para Dressage Team for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. It’s a lofty goal, but given the challenges Howard has surmounted, doubt does not enter the picture. Howard’s riding career began in Great Britain. Born and raised in England with an American mother and a British father, she started her equestrian exploits with her first pony when she was...

How It Works: The New Hunter Jumper Channel System

by Leslie Potter | Oct 18, 2022, 2:16 PM EST

Growing equestrian sport involves providing a variety of opportunities for competitors to enjoy the sport, develop their skills and those of their equine partners, and measure progress. After many months of webinars, feedback from members, and meetings with stakeholder groups, the USEF Competition Task Force proposed amendments to the hunter/jumper competition structure. These amendments were approved by the USEF Board of Directors and are in effect for the 2023 competition year. Read our...

Reflections on Pratoni from the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Grooms

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 3, 2022, 4:00 PM EST

When the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team won the silver medal at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, it was the result of countless hours of preparation and dedication from not just the athletes, but each of their skilled support teams. The grooms for the championship horses are with them every step of the way—from early morning feedings at home to boarding the planes to travel overseas and all the way to the podium. We asked the U.S. Eventing Squad's...

David Taylor’s Journey to Become USEF Course Designer

by David Taylor, USEF ‘R’ Eventing Cross-Country Course Designer | Oct 3, 2022, 3:00 PM EST

As I sit here in Ocala, Fla., in late summer, looking back on the most recent cross-country tracks that I’ve had the honor to design, I can’t help but reflect on my journey to this point. I have traveled thousands of miles across the country, spending hundreds of hours being a bona fide part of the great sport of eventing as a USEF Licensed Official. I’ve met countless organizers, facility/farm support staff, volunteers, course builders as well as riders and their faithful...

19 Licensed Official Applicants Receive New USEF Grants

by US Equestrian Communications | Sep 22, 2022, 4:45 PM EST

The USEF has announced grants totaling $11,700 for 19 licensed official applicants as part of a new program to support the development both of new licensed officials and of higher-level officials. USEF launched the grant program in June to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. Fédération Équestre Internationale officials to complete application requirements related to a new license application or a license promotion by offsetting travel and clinic or apprenticeship...

Spinal Cord Injury: Safety, Support and Community

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Sep 20, 2022, 4:15 PM EST

Jeff Papows, US Equestrian amateur jumper rider, President of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, former Marine and accomplished CEO, has made it his mission to raise awareness for spinal cord safety and to spearhead fundraising efforts for riders who have sustained spinal cord injuries. When his dear friend and celebrated Irish Grand Prix rider Kevin Babington experienced a tragic accident and complete spinal cord injury in 2019, Jeff stepped up and founded the Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF)...

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab: Redefining the Helmet Safety Landscape By Quantifying Concussion Risks

by Catie Staszak | Sep 19, 2022, 4:00 PM EST

PAS, VG1, ASTM, SEI, EN1384. These abbreviations represent just a few of the helmet standards tested worldwide. The more certifications, the greater the variety of situations in which a helmet has been tested, so theoretically, the more certifications, the safer the helmet. But that only tells part of the story. “With the same impact, there can be very different biomechanical responses between helmets. We felt a responsibility that everyone should have this information,” said Dr....