Saddlebred

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...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian would like to remind show managers and licensed officials that the Class Specifications Tool is available to assist in building judge’s cards for upcoming competitions. The tool provides the class title, judging specifications, class procedure, and USEF section code. The Class Specifications Tool is located on your licensed official's dashboard at officials.usef.org when you are logged in to your USEF.org account. Access the tool by clicking the...

Lexington, Ky. - In 2022, a scholarship opportunity was introduced for the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final . Sally Jackson and Stephens College are proud to bring back the $20,000 scholarship to the 2023 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final. The scholarship was created to support students who are committed to continuing their involvement with the American Saddlebred and/or equine studies. The scholarship awards $20,000 to be used towards educational expenses at Stephens College. $20,000 in Stephens...

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair's history dates back to 1896. (Taylor Pence/US Equestrian) The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in the U.S. It is a historic event in Devon, Pa., that draws equestrians from across the country and local fans alike to enjoy all that it has to offer. Here are five reasons to follow the excitement of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair from May 25-June 4. 1. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair...

This week, USEF Network viewers can tune in to the livestream from the Big D Charity Horse Show in Fort Worth, Texas. The show features exciting classes for American Saddlebreds , Morgans , and other breeds in saddle seat , driving, equitation, roadster , and pleasure classes. Big D is a longstanding tradition in the region, tracing its beginnings to 1971. In addition to being a favorite early season stop on the show circuit for many exhibitors, Big D has had a philanthropic mission since its...

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce Ryder Richardson (Parker, Colo.) as the winner of the 2022 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award in recognition of his contributions and achievements this year. The USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award identifies outstanding youth members actively involved in their respective discipline or breed organizations and acknowledges their potential as future leaders in the equine industry. The American Connemara Pony Society and United States Hunter...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian (USEF) is pleased to announce the five recipients of the USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarships for graduating high-school seniors. Created to support students who are committed to continuing their involvement in equestrian sport while in college through an equestrian-related degree, volunteerism, or internship; riding on an intercollege equestrian team; or other equestrian-related activity, the scholarship awards a $1,000 grant to each recipient to...

Ninety-five percent of Charles Owen helmets meet all three of the main international equestrian safety standards. Photo: Charles Owen Charles Owen has long been a name synonymous with safety and research in the equestrian industry. In 2021, the riding helmet manufacturer investigated mental health in riders for the first time in its history. The landmark study, conducted by University of Brighton MSc student Charlotte Ricca, involved over a thousand riders. “We were amazed by the amount...

©Howard Schatzberg Photo Louisville, Ky. – More than 2,000 American Saddlebreds, Hackneys, and roadsters will compete over the next week for World Champion titles at the Kentucky State Fair’s World’s Championship Horse Show. The show kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 20, with the Kentucky County Fair Championship classes, and concludes with the excitement of Saturday evening’s stake night on Aug. 27, featuring the World’s Grand Championships for Fine...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship , which provides five $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors committed to continuing their involvement in equestrian sport while in college. Applicants must be active US Equestrian competing members or subscribers preparing to enter any college or university full-time in fall 2022. The scholarship is open to all 28 recognized breeds and...