Western Dressage

Nabisco and Elise Iafrate | ©US Equestrian Founded in 1896 in Devon, Pa., the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair began as a one-day event featuring approximately thirty classes. Now, 130 years later, it stands as the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed show in North America. Taking place May 20–31, 2026, this historic event draws equestrians from across the country, as well as local fans, for 12 days of world-class competition, exhibitions, and cherished traditions. Designated a US...

For nearly a year, Linda Bird and her husband, Lonnie, searched for her next horse before they came across one she described as the almost-perfect horse. Young and handsome, the dark bay had basic under saddle training, but he was way above budget. Though he reacted dramatically to the simplest things, Bird clicked with the draft cross gelding immediately during the trial ride. Linda Bird with Mocha. Photo courtesy of Linda Bird Despite the monetary disparity, Lonnie insisted they buy him...

When Mary Kate Fahy decided to bring home Ruby Slipperz, a then-3-year-old, green broke, Half-Arabian mare, she thought she was taking on a resale project. “I had a coming 2-year-old and a coming 3-year-old in the pipeline, but nothing to ride over the winter,” said Fahy. “So, I went searching for a project, and I found Ruby and bought her. I drove 10 hours to Ohio in the middle of winter to pick her up. She had been lightly started as a 3-year-old, then turned out for the...

Late summer is an exciting time across all breeds and disciplines. There are lots of horse shows and championship events to enjoy as we move toward the fall season. Be sure to set a reminder to watch your favorite events this month. August 15-17, 2025 USEF/EVUSA Vaulting National Championship Rancho Murieta, Calif. Individuals, Pas De Deux, and Squads will compete for national champion titles at the 2025 USEF/Equestrian Vaulting USA Vaulting National Championships. Held at the Murieta...

US Equestrian Chief Executive Officer Bill Moroney talks during the Board of Directors Meeting during the 2025 Annual Meeting. ©Zack Ryle/US Equestrian Lexington, Ky. – The USEF Board of Directors met on Saturday, January 25, during the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Lexington, Ky. During the meeting, the Directors heard progress reports from the past year, presentations on new and improved technologies, and made several important decisions that further the US Equestrian...

Lexington, KY – On December 2 – 3, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) hosted the 2024 National Breed and Discipline Affiliate Summit to review and discuss opportunities to work more closely together to achieve mutual goals and better understand how USEF can be a partner to their success. Educational presentations and open dialogue focused on the importance of working collaboratively to grow and protect the respective organizations, horses, and the equestrian industry....

Championship season is upon us, and some of the largest and most prestigious regional and national shows for national breeds and disciplines will take place this month. Tune in to the livestreams or attend in person to cheer on your favorite horses this September. September 9-14, 2024 AHA Sport Horse Nationals Wilmington, Ohio Arabians and Half-Arabian sport horses return to the World Equestrian Center in Ohio to compete for national champion titles in disciplines including hunters, jumpers,...

Lauren Dutton and Ooops See Daisy have won multiple world championships in Western dressage. Photo: Nicole Pols The Western dressage discipline is open to all breeds and types of equines, with its main focus being communication between horse and rider. One of these riders is Lauren Dutton, who competes in Western dressage with her mule Ooops See Daisy. “I bought a Quarter Horse gelding and then needed a buddy because we bought a farm and had a lot of land, and that's how I got the...

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....

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...

Ellen Di Bella receiving her 2019 U.S. Equesrtian Federation Lifetime Achievement Award (John Nation) Lexington, Ky. - Ellen DiBella’s influence on equestrian sport cannot be understated. She devoted her life to inspiring others, created opportunities for equestrians and their horses, and worked for every horse to be valued and cherished. DiBella passed away the evening of August 20, 2023. A resident of Parker, Colorado, Ellen was born July 26, 1944 to Edwin and Jane McCauley. She...