Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the 2023 Horse of the Year and Equestrian of the Year nominees. The International and National Horses of the Year will be announced at the 2023 SmartPak/USEF Horse of the Year Awards Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 13, and the International and National Equestrians of the Year will be announced at the 2023 Pegasus Awards Dinner on Sunday, Jan. 14, at the 2024 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky. Horses of Honor and Equestrians of...

Colors and patterns in horses are determined by multiple different genes. Photo: Leslie Potter/US Equestrian From buckskin to palomino to roan to Appaloosa, variations in coat color can be seen across multiple breeds. Though many physical traits in animals are caused by one gene, coat color is more complicated. While some horse breeders might not consider color as a factor when they plan matings, for others, the potential offspring’s color can be important, whether for personal preference...

Lexington, Ky . – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Junior Equestrian of the Year Award, to be presented at the 2024 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky. Cecile Hetzel Dunn is the winner of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, while Marin McKee is the 2023 Junior Equestrian of the Year. Dunn and McKee will be recognized at the Pegasus Awards Dinner on Sunday, January 14. Cecile Hetzel Dunn (Adam Brennan - www....

Lexington, Ky. - On September 15, 2023, the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Equestrian Canada (EC) renewed a reciprocal agreement outlining mutual membership and participation requirements for citizens from each country. Remarks from US Equestrian CEO William “Bill” Moroney “We are pleased to work together with our colleagues and fellow equestrians north of the border in Canada. This renewed reciprocal agreement allows for both organizations to receive the necessary...

Photo Caption: Ferrara Lexington, Ky. - A passionate equestrian whose career started with Arabian horses but truly impacted all aspects of equestrian life, William “Bill” Hughes passed away on September 24, 2023. Hughes was respected as an all-around horseman. During his lengthy officiating career, he held a Registered (‘R’) Judge’s license in multiple breeds and disciplines including Andalusian/Lusitano, Arabian, Friesian, Morgan, and Western, and he regularly...

Fall is here in full force, and with it comes some of the most exciting events of the year from US Equestrian National Affiliates and national breeds and disciplines. Whether you attend in person or log in to the livestreams, there is plenty to keep equestrian fans entertained this month, including championships for Welsh Ponies and Cobs, Morgans, Arabians, and hunter seat equitation. ©ShowChampions September 27-October 1 Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America American National Show...

When most people think of Western riding , they picture ranch riding; however, upon a closer look, this discipline is a lot more versatile than one may think. The Western discipline offers diverse opportunities that cater to a variety of breeds and riding styles. Arkansas equestrian Carol Jones, for example, has been riding and training in the Western discipline for over 30 years, and she is experienced in color breeds, stock horses, and quarter horses. “With the Western discipline in...

Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming events from US Equestrian National Affiliates and national breeds and disciplines, including Arabians, National Show Horses, Paso Finos, Western Dressage, Friesians, Welsh Ponies and Cobs, and hunter breeding. ©Don Stine Photography September 11-15 Arabian Horse Association Sport Horse Nationals Wilmington, Ohio Arabian, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian athletes will compete for national championship titles at the World Equestrian Center in...

The grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park are home to many museums tracking the history and accomplishments of horses. Whether they are tailored to a specific breed or offer a look at a general history between humans and horses, the museums are suited for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of horses. USEF Lobby Museum For those uninitiated with equestrian breeds and disciplines, the lobby of the U.S. Equestrian Federation headquarters contains displays aimed at educating new visitors. Photo:...

Lexington, KY - US Equestrian and the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA), and American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) are pleased to announce refinements to the licensing requirements for USEF Lite competitions. Leaders from these organizations initially met together during the 2023 USEF Annual Meeting in January to address challenges with the USEF Lite competition structure and began their work to develop solutions that will enhance...

Seventeen-year-old Josie Drummond of Wellington, Fla., and AM Rising Star are regular competitors on the Arabian horse show circuit, and they were looking for a new competitive challenge. Drummond and her trainers Lori Cooper and Gina Pengue decided to aim “Gus” for the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms. In their first appearance at the event, Drummond and Gus took the experience in stride and earned solid results. Josie Drummond and AM Rising Star, Lori...

Oklahoma City, Okla. – US Equestrian and the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) invite all saddle seat equitation riders, trainers, and families to attend an informational gathering at AHA Youth & Mid-Summer Nationals to find out about exciting opportunities in the sport. ©Ferrara Photography The meeting will be held from 4:00-5:00 p.m. CT on Friday, July 14, in the Chill Box at the Oklahoma State Fair Park. Refreshments will be provided, and all attendees can enter a free raffle to...