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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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Lessons, Comfort, and Joy from a Beloved Horse

by Ashley Collins | Dec 11, 2019, 4:32 PM EST

Ashley Collins and Tomasa at Bluestone Stables in South Salem, N.Y., in November 2018. Photo: Rob Cassady My mare Tomasa has to be retired due to an injury, and I feel like I’m losing a part of my family. It is difficult to accept that this 19-year-old horse, whom I have leaned on both physically and emotionally for the past decade, will no longer be central to my life. We first met on a hot Sunday afternoon, the last day of a fall horse show at the LA Equestrian Center in California....

After Brain Injury, Healing with Horses

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Nov 26, 2019, 2:41 PM EST

Brittany Halstead and Dos Equis after their first hunter jumper round at Brownland Farm in Franklin, Tenn., on Oct. 5. Photo: Tina Halstead Brittany Halstead had the best of two equestrian worlds— hunter jumpers and polo—when a car crash nearly ended her life in 2014. Her recovery was nothing short of miraculous, and she credits working with two horses, polo ponies Fanta and Dos Equis, for helping her return to the saddle and the show ring. In return, she formed ReplayPolo , which...

SafeSport Training Refresher: What You Need to Know

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Nov 19, 2019, 9:00 AM EST

Did you get a reminder to take your SafeSport Training refresher course? The refresher is quick and easy, and completing the course ensures that an adult competing member can continue to participate in USEF-licensed competitions as an owner, athlete, or trainer. You’ll find additional information and resources about SafeSport Training and USEF’s Safe Sport Policy—including SafeSport Training FAQs —on the Safe Sport page at usef.org . Here’s what you need to know:...

Hay Flying U.S.-Bred Flag in Dressage Ring

by Nancy Jaffer | Nov 5, 2019, 11:34 PM EST

Bridget Hay has a simple reason why she began breeding dressage horses at her Hunterdon County, N.J., farm. Bridget competing on Amy Price’s Fauna, a mare Bridget bred, foaled, and trained (©2018 by Nancy Jaffer) “It started years ago because I could never afford to import horses or buy well-bred horses,” she explained. “So I make them myself and train them myself.” She has quite an array of homebreds at the Rainbow Ridge Equestrian Center, from which she has...

Costume Inspiration from US Equestrian Breed Affiliates’ National Championships

by Kathleen Landwehr | Oct 29, 2019, 3:00 PM EST

With Halloween just around the corner, equestrians are brainstorming or perfecting costumes for themselves and their horses. Several of US Equestrian’s breeds have costumes classes at their national championships that allow competitors to get creative and show their individual style. Costumes ranging from whimsical creatures to native tack and attire acknowledging the breed’s heritage impress the judges and spectators at the national championships. US Equestrian spoke with three...

Future Stars of Eventing Showcased at FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses

by Kathleen Landwehr | Oct 29, 2019, 2:59 PM EST

Each fall, the world’s best young event horses prove their mettle at the Fédération Équestre Internationale World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in Le Lion d’Angers, France. The championships test six- and seven-year-old horses in two separate divisions, giving the horses their first taste of world championship competition while their riders guide them through eventing’s three phases. Liz...

Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Opens Doors for Next Generation of Para-Dressage Athletes

by Kathleen Landwehr | Oct 22, 2019, 2:09 PM EST

Therapeutic Riding, Inc. , is one of the United States Equestrian Federation/United States Para-Equestrian Association International Para-Equestrian Centers of Excellence providing up-and-coming athletes with quality para-equestrian sport programs. TRI was founded in 1984 as a therapeutic riding facility in Ann Arbor, Mich., to help those with disabilities experience horseback riding and its many benefits. TRI is celebrating its 35 th anniversary this year, and it shows no sign of slowing down...

Nine-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Awarded First WPCSA Courage Award Presented by Angel Heart Farm

by Ashley Swift | Oct 8, 2019, 12:07 PM EST

The Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America (WPCSA) recently hosted their national championship, the American National Show, in Tulsa, Okla., where Welsh Pony and Cob enthusiasts competed for top honors. This community is a tightknit group with deep connections to one another beyond their common bond of the Welsh breed. Dr. Ruth Wilburn with Courage Award recipient Gaige Queen and Coye Ann Queen The WPCSA presented the first Courage Award presented by Angel Heart Farm at the 2019 American...

Talent Search Finals-East and Beyond for Daisy Farish

by Kathleen Landwehr | Oct 1, 2019, 3:00 PM EST

The history and prestige are palpable at the United States Equestrian Team Foundation headquarters in Gladstone, N.J., making it an excellent venue for aspiring young jumping athletes hoping to make it to the top of the sport. An impressive field competed in the four phases of the 2018 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East, but it was Daisy Farish who claimed the champion title after delivering superb performances. Farish aims to one day represent the U.S. at the...

Rescued Paso Finos Take Center Stage at National Championship

by Ashley Swift | Sep 30, 2019, 10:46 AM EST

The Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA) hosts its Grand National Horse Show every year and welcomes some of the finest representatives of the Paso Fino breed in the U.S. for a chance at a prestigious grand championship title. Newly added to the schedule this year was the Rescue Geldings class, dedicated to Paso Finos who have been rescued and rehabilitated from a variety of circumstances. Eight geldings participated in the inaugural class, sharing their stories of rescue from kill pens,...