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Here you can find our archive of stories from Equestrian Weekly, our once-a-week look at affiliate news, international competition, amateur profiles, horse care tips, and more. You’ll also find stories from the USEF Insider, a twice-monthly email newsletter packed with features about USEF people and programs, including our drugs and medications program, regulations, and competitions departments.

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The History of Driving at CHIO Aachen

by Maddie Ozbun/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 20, 2026

The story of combined driving at CHIO Aachen is closely tied to the history of the event itself, which has grown into one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. Today, four-in-hand driving stands alongside jumping, dressage, para dressage, eventing, and vaulting as one of the disciplines that makes up the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. ©CHIO Aachen The roots of driving at Aachen can be traced back to the early twentieth century. The organization behind the

A Partnership Forged in Their Biggest Milestones: Out Of The Blue SCF and Katie Dinan

by Kimberly Loushin | August 19, 2026

When Out of the Blue SCF walks into the arena, she always takes a moment to assess her surroundings before getting to work. It’s a very deliberate move, according to her rider, Katie Dinan . “It’s like, ‘OK, what are we doing today?’” said Dinan. “I really feel like she’s mentally engaged in what we’re doing and is excited about competing, and she really gets it. I think that’s what makes her so good — she really puts herself

Meet Fan Tastico H and Karin Flint: A Big Horse with a Golden, Puppy-Like Personality and his Dedicated Owner

by Danielle Henson/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 18, 2026

Para dressage demands precision, focus, and an almost unnerving calm. Fan Tastico H, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Fürstanball OLD x Weltmeyer), delivers all of it. He once spent his afternoons chasing a ball with a 10-year-old in a barn aisle, now he’s a medal-winning para dressage horse. He doesn't see the contradiction, and neither does anyone who's ridden him. Marie Vonderheyden aboard Fan Tastico H (©Sue Stickle Photography) Known around the barn as "Fanta," he came

Meghan Laffin Reflects on Her Time Grooming for Kasey Perry-Glass

by Maddie Ozbun/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 14, 2026

For Meghan Laffin, a much-needed gap year in her career trajectory turned into a seven-year long adventure making lifelong memories. After completing her graduate degree, Laffin took a year to get back into horses. While scrolling through Facebook, an opportunity arose to groom for Olympian and U.S. Dressage stalwart Kasey Perry-Glass. Laffin took the job in 2019 and never looked back. “I thought, well, I’ll just go have one year experiencing the elite side of things, and then

Father and Daughter Duo Set to Take on the 2026 Vaulting FEI World Championships

by Maddie Ozbun/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 14, 2026

Todd and Gracie Griffiths are no strangers to the vaulting arena. Todd has deep roots in the sport, including representing the United States at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Twenty years later, he is set to return to Aachen for what will be his final international competition. This time, however, there is a special twist: his daughter, Gracie, will be his partner in their pas de deux freestyle. “Working with Gracie is almost subconscious,” Todd said.

More Than an Owner: Caroline Moran Found Family and Her Passion Through Eventing

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 13, 2026

For longtime owner Caroline Moran, ownership has become much more than having her name attached to a horse. It has grown into lifelong relationships and unforgettable memories. Olivia Dutton and Jewelent | ©Irish Eventing Times Moran is part owner of Phillip and Olivia Dutton’s top mounts, Possante , Denim , and Jewelent, as well as two promising young horses, United Mara and Darwin. Most recently, Jewelent, a 2012 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Valent x Roselier) ridden by Olivia and

Team Owner Profile: Heidi Humphries – A Love of Horses Defines Philosophy and Inspiration at Zen Elite Equestrian Center

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 12, 2026

For Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite Equestrian Center, the driving motivation behind her involvement across the equestrian disciplines is her deep and unrelenting love of horses. At her core, it’s who she is, and what she’s built at Zen Elite is a direct reflection of her philosophy and passion. “I wanted to build a place where the horses always come first, and where the people surrounding the horses felt supported, appreciated, and inspired,” said Humphries, as she

How Does the Discipline of Vaulting Work?

by Raelyn Baker/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 12, 2026

As the 2026 FEI Vaulting World Championships get underway in Aachen, Germany this week, the discipline of vaulting will take center stage during week one of the championships, from August 13 to August 16. How does vaulting work? Read more below and tune in to cheer on the U.S. Vaulting Team this week in Germany! Often referred to as gymnastics on horseback, vaulting is one of the oldest known forms of equestrian sport. Originally performed on bulls, this ancient sport can be dated back to

The Power of Patience: Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana’s Journey to True Partnership

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 11, 2026

When Ashley Holzer got the call about a “must have” championship quality mare from her good friend and mentor Carl Hester, she knew to trust his instinct, even if she may not have been quite as sure herself. On a rainy November day in the U.K., Holzer drove to Hester’s yard to see for herself the horse “meant for her.” ©ShannonBrinkmanPhotography Hawtins San Floriana , also known as “Flo,” immediately impressed with her power and presence, with

“She’s a Determined Lady Who Knows Exactly What She Wants”

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 11, 2026

When fans attend the world’s premier eventing competitions, there are certain combinations they make a point not to miss. Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 have quickly become one of them, emerging as a combination with tremendous potential for the future. Now, the duo is set to represent the United States at the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships , August 13-16, 2026, hosted in Aachen, Germany. Smith and Lillet 3, a 2016 Holsteiner mare (SIEC Livello x Calido I) owned by Molly and Jennifer

For the Horse: How USEF Handles Welfare Complaints Outside Our Jurisdiction

by Natalie Voss | August 10, 2026

Since the expansion of US Equestrian’s General Rule 838 on unethical treatment of horses, we’ve seen an influx of reports submitted to our Regulations Department about welfare concerns. In December 2024, this rule was expanded to give USEF jurisdiction over Participants and Covered Horses, even off licensed competition grounds. (You can read more about that change here .) Last year, the Regulations Department processed 127 horse welfare complaints, 40% of which were about

Kelley Holly Wants Everyone to Find a Place in the Equestrian Community

by Kimberly Loushin | August 10, 2026

There are few people who have an equestrian resume quite as varied as Kelley Holly. From English, western, and saddle seat to eventing, dressage, vaulting, and driving, she’s said yes to every opportunity to come her way. “I've never given up on something, I just keep adding on things that interest me, or I see as a benefit,” said Holly. Photo courtesy of Kelley Holly As someone with a deep love of learning, her desire to educate herself has influenced everything in her