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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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Five-Star Horses of a Different Breed

by Ashley Swift | April 25, 2019

US Equestrian’s 11 recognized breeds are all stellar ambassadors for the versatility, athleticism, and power of the horse. Each has its own special characteristics, and many of these breeds excel in a multitude of disciplines. While breeds like the Thoroughbred, Irish Sport Horse, and warmbloods are numerous in the field of competitors at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian, keep your eyes on the lookout for a few horses boasting some different bloodlines

Dressage Begins with Test Ride

by Glenye Cain Oakford | April 24, 2019

The dressage phase at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian takes place over two days, on Thursday and Friday. Photo: Taylor Pence/US Equestrian The dressage phase at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian kicks off Thursday with a dressage ride that isn’t officially judged: the test ride. For eventer Erin Pullen, performing the dressage test ride is an important steppingstone in her horse’s training toward a potential

Check out US Equestrian Sponsor and Affiliate Activities at LRK3DE

by US Equestrian Communications Department | April 24, 2019

During a break in competition at the LRK3DE, make sure to check out the many activities organized by US Equestrian sponsors and affiliates. Are you dying to meet a LRK3DE athlete? Do you want to learn more about a different breed or discipline? The following information will point you in the right direction. Additional details will be added as they become available. © Glenye Cain Oakford/US Equestrian Visit US Equestrian Sponsor Booths Ariat Charles Owen Horseware Ireland John Deere

Walk the “Course” of the New FEI Eventing Star System

by Julian McPeak | April 24, 2019

In 2018, the Fédération Equestre Internationale announced that beginning January 1, 2019, an official restructure of the international event classification system would go into effect. The new FEI star system included changing from a four-star to five-star categorization and the switch to CCI-S and CCI-L to indicate cross-country course length, thus eliminating the CIC designations. The old FEI star system denoted international competition with one of two designations: Concours

Don't Miss These at LRK3DE!

by Glenye Cain Oakford | April 22, 2019

Photo: Neilson Barnard for Jaguar Land Rover The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian offers top-of-the-line equestrian sport, a national championship, a chance to make lifelong memories, superior shopping, and more! We’ve got your list of essential resources and activities to help you make the most of your experience. Stay Tuned to USEF Network USEF Network’s livestream at usef.org/network , presented by Mars Equestrian, will carry the entire

U.S. Athletes Compete for Land Rover/USEF CCI5* Eventing National Championship Presented by Mars Equestrian

by US Equestrian Communications | April 9, 2019

The Roger Haller Trophy was awarded for the first time in 2018 by US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney (center) Photo: Taylor Pence/US Equestrian The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian doesn’t just host an international eventing competition. It’s also the home of the Land Rover/USEF CCI5* Eventing National Championship presented by Mars Equestrian, with that coveted title going to the highest-placed U.S. athlete at the competition. The winner of the Land

Lessons from Horsemanship for Life, Career, and Resilience

by Katey Duffey | March 26, 2019

“It is easy to conquer the world from the back of a horse” ~ Genghis (Chinggis) Khan Ask someone who their favorite teacher is, and their response will probably be a human. For me, horses have fulfilled the role of invaluable mentors. Horses teach us responsibility and to prioritize taking care of what’s Katey Duffey and Max. "Max was part of the major milestones of my life, teaching me to push beyond my limits and try new things," Duffey said. Photo: Courtesy of Katey Duffey

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Unveils Hidden Potential as USEF/USPEA Para Dressage Center of Excellence

by Dana Riddlemoser, US Equestrian Communications Department | March 19, 2019

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Fla. Photo: Dana Riddlemoser Susan Guinan’s first introduction to para dressage came unexpectedly one day in 2011. United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) President Hope Hand pulled up to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center looking for a facility to host the U.S. Para Dressage Team as they prepared to qualify for the London 2012 Paralympics. Vinceremos welcomed them wholeheartedly, and this situation laid the groundwork

First Batch of Coaches Participate in Inaugural Para Dressage Fast-Track Program

by Dana Riddlemoser | March 12, 2019

Participants in the first USEF Para Dressage Coach Certificate Fast-Track Program. Photo: Jean Pierre Hourdebaigt According to US Equestrian Para Dressage Technical Advisor and Head of Coach Development Michel Assouline, a coach has two students: one is themselves. This was obvious for the 11 coaches who participated in the first USEF Para Dressage Coach Certificate Fast-Track Program on March 3-4 at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Fla. Vinceremos is a United States

An Insider's View: Licensed Officials Share Advice and Thoughts

by Margaret Buranen | January 29, 2019

What are licensed officials at equestrian competitions really thinking? We asked four to share their wisdom on a range of topics: tips for competitors, insights into the challenges of officiating, and more. Photo: Andrea Evans/US Equestrian Danny Robertshaw, Lisa Gorretta, Donna Pettry-Smith, and Cindy Mugnier all graciously agreed to discuss their work in different areas of equine sport. The joy of competing in their respective disciplines, and the desire to give back to those disciplines or

US Equestrian Members are Making it Happen

by Glenye Cain Oakford | January 10, 2019

All around the country, US Equestrian members are having a positive impact on horse sports and breeds, as well as on their communities. They’re teaching lessons, launching youth and amateur programs, volunteering at competitions, serving on their breeds’ boards and committees, and much more. At US Equestrian’s 2019 Annual Meeting, we caught up with three members who described how their organizations are introducing people to the equestrian life and building

Warrior Horses Raise Spirits and Funds to Treat Pediatric Cancer

by Glenye Cain Oakford | December 25, 2018

Ryan Melendez knows a lot about the comfort and strength people derive from their connection with horses. Ryan Melendez (right) with a Warrior Kid meeting her Warrior Horse (Courtesy of Warrior Horses) Ryan, the son of judge and trainer Bill Melendez and rider Kristal Raiger, grew up riding and showing Arabian horses . After he was diagnosed with Very High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2015 at age 17, the younger Melendez found that the equestrians and horses in his life supported him