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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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Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: Taking the Reins

by | Nov 7, 2023, 9:56 AM EST

Located within the city limits of Los Angeles, California, Taking the Reins (TTR) is instrumental in providing equine opportunities for their local community. TTR is dedicated to helping historically under-served girls learn how to navigate their future and maximize their potential by creating an environment for exploration and growth. The focus of TTR’s programming can be found in four pillars – confidence, leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. TTR provides a safe and nurturing...

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: Lucky Orphans

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Nov 3, 2023, 12:37 PM EST

People Helping Horses Heal People is the mission that guides everything Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue does. Based in Dover Plains, N.Y., as a sanctuary, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is committed to the life-long wellbeing of their horses and believes in the healing bond between humans and horses. Founded by Deanna Mancuso and inspired by her grandfather, the organization has helped many horses and people find a more promising and meaningful future. As a USEF Community Outreach Organzation, Lucky...

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: Mustang Troop

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Nov 3, 2023, 12:28 PM EST

The Kentucky Horse Park Mustang Troop has been serving youth in central Kentucky since 1994. Developed by the Kentucky Horse Park’s Equine Education Department, the Mustang Troop serves at-risk youth by providing lessons focused on horsemanship and riding. The Mustang Troop program provides a horse camp-style experience for underserved children who, in many cases, would not have the opportunity to interact with horses. For the youth who attended, the time spent with these horses was truly...

“It’s Important To Be Well-Rounded”: Balancing Eventing and Licensed Official Training

by Emily Girard | Oct 27, 2023, 9:28 AM EST

Helen Alliston competes with Ebay at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4*-S. Photo: Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Helen Alliston has been riding horses for over 20 years, competing in eventing at the FEI 2*, 3*, and 4* level. She currently runs Alliston Equestrian, a training program in the East San Francisco Bay area, alongside her husband, James. In addition to riding and training, she is also working to become a licensed official. Alliston started to pursue her licenses out of a...

Five Things to Know About Your First Vaulting Lesson

by Emily Girard | Oct 26, 2023, 10:38 AM EST

Krista Mack, the head trainer for Woodside Vaulters in Woodside, Calif., described vaulting as gymnastics on horseback combined with theatrical dance and ice skating. “Our routines are also done to music, and there's choreography involved, but we also have a set of compulsories that each vaulter needs to do,” Mack said. “Some vaulters also have some sort of love of dance or gymnastics too, so vaulting becomes very appealing to them in that aspect.” Vaulting also...

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: GallopNYC

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 24, 2023, 9:54 AM EST

GallopNYC provides equine-centered therapeutic programs to children and adults with disabilities, including veterans and at-risk youth. They run the largest and most multi-faceted therapeutic riding program in New York City, providing therapeutic riding to urban children who otherwise would not have the chance to interact with horses. Nearly 12% of city residents live with disabilities that present developmental, physical, social, and/or emotional challenges. GallopNYC aims to serve a...

Elite Performance: It’s About Teamwork

by US Equestrian Communications | Oct 19, 2023, 1:49 PM EST

Equestrian sport requires a close partnership between horse and rider, but achieving success in equestrian competition—especially at the highest levels—takes close teamwork from rider, trainer, and veterinarian to keep both human and equine athlete fine-tuned and ready to face the challenge of elite sport. Each has their own expertise and tools, but they must work together seamlessly with the goal of keeping horse and rider healthy, strong, and prepared. How do all these roles come...

Any Given Sunday Continues to Shine in Equitation Ring at Age 20

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 17, 2023, 2:29 PM EST

Numerous junior athletes and their mounts entered the ring at the 2023 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, but one horse’s name may ring a bell from over the years—Any Given Sunday. “Sunny” is a seasoned pro when it comes to equitation finals, and both he and people passing by don’t know that he is 20 years old. Any Given Sunday and Abigail Gordon compete in the 2023 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. (Avery Wallace/US Equestrian) Despite his...

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,...