The 2024 horse show season is just starting to kick off for US Equestrian National Affiliates and national breeds and disciplines. Whether you participate in-person or tune in to the livestreams, these upcoming events will help fight winter cabin fever as we look toward an exciting year ahead. ©Coral Link Photography February 15-25, 2024 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Scottsdale, Ariz. The Arabian circuit kicks off with a bang as nearly 2,400 Arabian and Half-Arabian horses across all...

The history of the parade discipline can be traced back centuries, both to the British monarchy and ranch owners in the American Southwest. Famous for their silver Western tack and elaborate costumes, parade horses and their riders can be seen in both street parades like the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and parade classes at horse shows. Ashley Hallock has shown American Saddlebreds for over 30 years and ridden in multiple parades, including the Tournament of Roses Parade. Hallock...

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. - 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...

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....

Lexington, Ky. – Youth saddle seat equitation riders are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2023 $10,000 Stephens College USEF Saddle Seat Medal Scholarship . This scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors who will compete in the 2023 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final at the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show, or who have competed in and placed in the top four of a USEF Saddle Seat Medal qualifying class during the 2023 competition season. The...

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...

There are over 800 ponies at the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, and they all have their own unique stories. One such pony is Star Wish, or “Toby.” A 15-year-old rescue pony making his third appearance in the pony jumper division at Pony Finals, Toby and his owner/rider Zahara Henderson of Longmont, Colo., are ready to show off their partnership this week. Five years ago in New Mexico, Toby was rescued from slaughter as a 10-year-old unbroke pony and put into...

Championship season is heating up across equestrian sports. August brings national championships from US Equestrian National Affiliates and national breeds and disciplines, including pony hunters and jumpers, vaulting, American Saddlebreds, hunter breeding, and eventing. Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming events. ©Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian August 8-13, 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms Lexington, Ky. USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms is the...

If you want to know how versatile the American Saddlebred is, ask Missouri equestrian Jean Mutrux to introduce you to her mare, CH Absolute Empress. The 13-year-old Saddlebred mare competes at Prix St. Georges in dressage. She also has evented, competed in hunter and jumper classes, led the jumping field across country with the Bridlespur Hunt, and served as a therapeutic lesson horse. Jean Mutrux, who bought Emmy for $1,000 when the mare was two, took some time to share her thoughts on...