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...

Left to right: PURA Executive Director Erin Brown with rider Jessie Schulman on Kidd, rider Stephon Tolbert on Kowboy, and Michael Upshur. Photo: Courtesy of Phelps Media Group Horses and city life—these two things are not often seen as synonymous, but for the founders of the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy , these are an ideal they strive toward every day. PURA was founded to preserve the life, legacy, and culture of Black urban cowboys in the city of Philadelphia. It was established...

The best time to avoid last-minute headaches with your horse show entry is before you ever fill it out. With Photo: Sarah Bennett for Howard Schatzberg US Equestrian’s website, usef.org, it’s fast and easy to take care of pre-show business like renewing your US Equestrian membership and recording your horse for points, so you can focus on competing. Check these things off your list now and enjoy your show season! 1. Join or Renew Your US Equestrian Membership (and Take Required...

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has approved additional modifications to USEF rules in accordance with a resolution approved by the Board of Directors to address issues related to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. A summary of the most recent modifications is listed below and the full content of each modification has been added to the comprehensive listing of modifications and appear in blue font. The full listing of rule modifications related to COVID-19 impacts can be...