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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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Hoof Help: White Line Disease

by Glenye Oakford | Dec 19, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

Like thrush, white line disease is a fairly simple hoof ailment that is not terribly difficult to treat, provided it’s caught early. “White line disease is often a mixed fungal and bacterial infection, and, like thrush, it’s opportunistic,” said Dr. Bryan Fraley of Fraley Equine Podiatry at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute . “It likes to capitalize on any little defect in the hoof wall that will give these organisms a chance to get up under the hoof wall. It grows...

Dressage Trainer Jim Koford on Friesians, Freestyles, and Coloring Outside the Lines

by Glenye Oakford | Nov 28, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

Adiah HP just loves to dance. That’s how her trainer and rider Jim Koford puts it. “It’s physical, and it’s exciting, and you have to stay on your game!” Koford said of partnering Adiah in the dressage ring. Adiah HP and Jim Koford during their Grand Prix Open freestyle championship ride at US Dressage Finals earlier this month. Photo by SusanJStickle.com. Their joy in performing is obvious—you can watch their winning performance in the Grand Prix Open...

Filing a Repeat MPA Disclosure Form Online Just Got Easier!

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Nov 14, 2017, 4:13 PM EST

Effective Sept. 1, 2017, the United States Equestrian Federation requires the reporting of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) administration within 90 days before a USEF-licensed competition, and a new form must be filed with each subsequent MPA administration. The electronic MPA Disclosure Form is the fastest, easiest way to file. And if you have repeat administrations to report, that process just got even easier, thanks to a new autofill feature that automatically adds your horse’s...

Horses are Helping Veterans Find New Joy—and a Path to Equestrian Sport

by Glenye Oakford | Nov 7, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

When U.S. Army veteran Seyward McKinney took fifth place recently in a dressage competition at the Virginia Horse Center with a Quarter Horse mare named Trinity, it wasn’t just any result. It was an important early milestone in what McKinney hopes will become a competitive para-dressage career, thanks to programs that are introducing military veterans to horses—often for the first time—both for therapy and for sport. Seyward McKinney and Trinity. Photo by Sonya Weaver....

Preparing the Older Horse for Winter

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Nov 7, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

Aged horses need a little extra support when winter settles in with cold temperatures and snow. We asked Dr. Luke Fallon of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., for an autumn to-do list that can help you prepare an older or geriatric horse for the coming season. First, discuss a plan with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help with all aspects of aged-horse care, from a proper diet to hoof condition to management of arthritis. Ask your vet to assess your horse and provide...

Giving to Honor Human and Equine Veterans

by Glenye Oakford | Nov 7, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

Horses have been veterans, too. During World War I, the U.S. shipped about 1 million horses and mules to Europe to assist the allied war effort. Photo by William Ivor Castle/Wikimedia Commons The military and horses have a long shared history, starting with their partnership on the battlefield. Today, there’s still a deep connection through a number of charities. In advance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we highlight two that bring horses and veterans together and one that honors...

For Para-Dressage Athlete Mary Jordan, Riding is “Spiritual Medicine”

by Ashley Swift | Oct 31, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

Mary Jordan, a lifelong equestrian and a developing Grade V para-dressage athlete, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 15 years ago. But despite the ups and downs that accompany the neurological disease and treatment, Jordan has always found a way back to the saddle. Mary Jordan and Rubicon 75 Photo: RMBPhotography.com Jordan competes in both para- and able-bodied dressage. Last month, she won the Grade V Freestyle class at the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championship, and now...

Know Before You Show: New Rules for a New Competition Year

by United States Hunter Jumper Association | Oct 31, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

Below are important rule changes that will be effective Dec. 1, 2017 , for the 2018 competition year and affect Hunter/Jumper competition. Please take the time to review these important updates that were developed with horse and rider well-being and safety, fairness of play, and enhancing the competitive experience in mind. Click here for a comprehensive list of rule changes that were approved in early 2017 and will take effect for the 2018 competition year. View the entire 2018 USEF Rulebook...

When to Worry About Coughs

by Heather Smith Thomas for EQUUS Magazine | Oct 24, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

This article originally appeared in EQUUS magazine , a media partner of US Equestrian. Any horse will cough occasionally, particularly if he catches a noseful of dusty air or gets a bit of debris in his airway while he’s eating or drinking. That’s just a normal sign of a healthy airway keeping itself clean. Sometimes, however, coughing is an early sign of illness or that your horse is developing an inflammatory condition, such as heaves, that will respond better when treated...

Know Your Ringworm From Your Rain Rot

by Glenye Oakford | Oct 10, 2017, 3:00 PM EST

Skin problems can affect almost any horse anywhere, whether you live in a tropical climate with year-round heat and humidity or are preparing to start blanketing your pony against autumn rains and winter snow. Luckily, most are straightforward to treat—but it’s helpful to know whether your horse’s particular issue is caused by bacteria, fungus, virus, or an allergic reaction. We got the skinny—plus some treatment and management tips—from Dr. Luke Fallon at Hagyard...