Western

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...

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...

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...

From reining to dressage to equitation, the Western category encompasses multiple disciplines that are open to all. Photo: Courtesy of the Arabian Horse Association The Western category encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, including reining, trail, ranch, equitation, and Western dressage, all of which have lesson programs at barns across the country. “The lesson programs are such an important part of all of our breeds and all of our industries, because it's the way we're...

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...

US Equestrian invites competition managers to add Western Equitation Medal and Ranch classes to their prize lists for 2023. These Western classes are rapidly growing in popularity, and because both the Western Equitation Medal and the Ranch divisions are open to all breeds, they provide an opportunity to reach a wider pool of exhibitors for your show. Competition managers to add Western Equitation Medal and Ranch classes to their 2023 prize lists. (Ashley Swift/US Equestrian) Western Equitation...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the 2022 Horse of the Year and Equestrian of the Year nominees. The International and National Equestrians of the Year will be announced at the 2022 Pegasus Awards Dinner on Thursday, January 12, and the International and National Horses of the Year will be announced at the 2022 SmartPak/USEF Horse of the Year Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 14, at the 2023 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Lexington, Ky. Horses of Honor and...

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...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce a new ranch section to be offered in the Western discipline beginning December 1, 2022. Ranch is a rapidly growing section across many breeds, and this new section within the Western chapter of the USEF Rulebook will aid in ensuring consistency and efficiency for licensed competitions offering these popular classes. A new ranch section will be offered in the Western discipline beginning December 1, 2022 (Ashley Swift/US Equestrian)...

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...

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian has launched a new USEF Western Equitation Medal program for junior and adult amateur exhibitors, and we invite competition organizers to add these classes to their competitions in 2023. US Equestrian is eager to expand this new program and grow competition opportunities for Western/reining seat equitation riders of all ages and look forward to working with you in this endeavor. How USEF Western Equitation Medal Classes Work Riders participating in a USEF Western...

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...