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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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Why What You Eat Impacts How You Ride

by Debbie Elliot | March 13, 2026

We all know that a balanced diet with essential nutrients will improve your horse’s performance but often overlook the impact of nutrition on our own performance and mindset. We have all heard the famous quote, “You are what you eat,” and what we consume truly impacts how we look, feel, and think, as well as our stress management, energy levels, and immune system. Not only does the right diet make us healthier and happy overall — it also makes us better equestrians.

‘Full Send’: After Years of Carrying Everything, She Found a Horse Who Gave Her Clarity

by Danielle Henson/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | March 12, 2026

"Little Orchid" and Justin showing at Ledges in the late 90s. At 10 a.m. sharp, Orchid Bertelsen was ready. Forms filled out. Credit card saved. Filters pre-selected. Cursor hovering. “It’s literally like trying to get Taylor Swift tickets,” she said, laughing. The mission? Summer camp registration. “In previous years, it was fully booked by 10:03,” she explained. “So, the night before, I needed to make sure everything was filled out. I needed to make

Horse Suspensions Included in New Penalty Guidelines for Drugs & Medications Cases

by Natalie Voss | March 5, 2026

In February, the USEF Board adopted new penalty guidelines for drugs and medications cases, which will guide both informal resolutions and cases before the Hearing Committee. You can find a link to the full guidelines here . The updated guidelines were designed with three goals in mind: Enhance member awareness of the process and promote understanding of what to expect if they are notified of a positive finding. Better reflect how penalties for certain substances are currently treated.

Hollywood’s Oscar-Nominated and Winning Equestrians

by Debbie Elliot | March 5, 2026

On Sunday, March 15, Hollywood’s elite will gather at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 98th Academy Awards. While movie stars and filmmakers wear their finest designer dresses and custom suits on Oscar night, many of them are more comfortable in riding clothes in real-life as they indulge their passion for horses. As the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honors the best films and performances of the past year, we are celebrating former Oscar nominees and winners who

What Can Equestrians Learn From Olympic Runners? It’s All About Technology

by Debbie Elliot | March 4, 2026

What if you could see what a dressage judge sees when they watch your test? Or ask your phone to tell you whether you’re unwittingly leaning in your saddle? It may sound futuristic, but those tools are now a reality. With the advancement of AI diagnostics and analysis, technology is increasingly impacting all areas of our lives, from telehealth and remote learning to global communication. USEF is committed to utilizing the latest technology to improve competition outcomes, and to

From Forgotten to Forever: Danielle and Ivie’s Story

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | March 4, 2026

In the summer of 2013, freshman Danielle Keating was studying pre-vet at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. What she didn’t realize was that a simple volunteering opportunity would lead to a lifelong partnership with a very special Morgan mare. Keating had fallen in love with Morgans early in her riding career, so when Medina County SPCA reached out about helping with a group of 30 Morgans seized from a hoarding situation, she and a friend jumped at the chance. Keating and Ivie |

From Amish Buggy Horse to Grand Champion: Meet Super Shaq

by Danielle Henson/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | February 27, 2026

Super Shaq and Moore competing at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show (©Howard Schatzburg Photography, Courtesy of Melissa Moore) Some horses are talented. Some horses are charismatic. Then there are a rare few who become legends in their own time. Super Shaq is one of those horses. Owned and driven by Melissa Moore (Versailles, Ky.), Super Shaq’s journey to the top of the road horse world is anything but ordinary. Today, he’s a two-time Overall Roadster of the Year,

A Leap of Faith, a Long Wait, and the Filly Who Made It Worth It

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | February 25, 2026

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show draws thousands of horse enthusiasts, competitors, owners, and breeders from across the nation to Scottsdale, Arizona, for two weeks of celebrating the Arabian and Half-Arabian breeds. For the Glomski family, the show is a cherished tradition. What began as a family trip attending as spectators, has evolved into fulfilling their dream of competing with their homebred Arabian, Royal Tea HHF. Royal Tea HHF (foal) and her dam, Chia Tea BFV | Photo provided by

Serving the Sport: Alex Ambelang’s Journey as a Licensed Official

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | February 23, 2026

When it comes to competitions and events, some of the most vital roles on the showgrounds are filled by those working outside of the spotlight – our licensed officials. "Licensed official” is the overarching term for those serving in roles such as course designer, judges, para classifiers, stewards, or technical delegates, each playing an integral part in ensuring a fair field of play and a safe competition environment for both equine and human athletes. For Alex Ambelang, becoming

Same Horses, Different Setting: FEI Grant Program for Licensed Officials Inspires Similar Program at USEF

by Natalie Voss | February 20, 2026

It’s a dream for any equestrian to experience the CHIO Aachen, the World Equestrian Festival – for athletes, fans, and yes, for licensed officials, too. This year, Aachen will be even more special, hosting the World Championships for six FEI disciplines. “One truly cannot appreciate the scale and scope of CHIO Aachen until you experience it first-hand,” said Jon Kreitz, who traveled to the event as a licensed official in 2024. “The opening ceremony in the main

Coming Soon: A Completely Free Horse Show Entry Management System

by Natalie Voss | February 20, 2026

As we all look forward to spring, we know many members are creating their competition calendars for the upcoming season. For those who have battled cold and snow this winter, the prospect of entering the first shows of the year sounds refreshing. And yet, we’ve had many members tell us they wish the horse show entry process could be easier. Some show offices are still working off paper entries, while others are frustrated with the amount of manual checking they need to do between their

Environmental Sustainability At Horse Shows: Lowering Costs For Riders and For the Planet

by Natalie Voss | February 20, 2026

The increased costs of putting on a horse show have been a hot topic in the equestrian world as of late (which is why we hosted a panel about competition costs at the recent USEF annual meeting – read a summary of that presentation here ). But costs aren’t the only thing that will dictate the future forecast for the sustainability of horse shows – or their social license to operate. Environmental impact has become a growing concern for all industries and sports, and the