Western

Kim Stevenson describes herself as a “horse crazy girl,” having been obsessed with them from an early age. Every Christmas, her favorite present was a renewed subscription to the Arabian Horse World magazine. She would tear out pages and cover her bedroom with photos of her favorite horses. Stevenson (left) and one of her sisters (right) | Photo provided by Kim Stevenson “Most girls my age had posters on their wall of popular music artists or celebrities on their walls,”...

Kelly Kraegel grew up in Southern California with little connection to horses, her only exposure coming from a neighborhood pony ride that came through for photos. Today, she is a respected trainer and owner of Cottonwood Creek Ranch in Oklahoma City, instructing future horse lovers with a focus on Morgans and American Saddlebreds. Back to the Beginning For her seventh birthday, Kraegel received riding lessons at a local ranch, an experience that would ultimately shape her future career. After...

Welcome to the 2025 show season! The first events of the year are set to begin, and whether you'll be there in person or watching the live stream, you're sure to find something to inspire you to work toward your equestrian goals in 2025. ©Osteen/Schatzberg February 13-23, 2025 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Scottsdale, Ariz. There's no better way to shake off the winter blues than a trip to sunny Arizona for one of the world's largest and most prestigious Arabian horse shows....

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...

Each October, hundreds of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses make the trip to Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla., for the Arabian Horse Association’s U.S. National Championship Horse Show. While handlers showcase their breathtaking halter entries in the Pavilion and stunning show horses light up the main ring, the scene is slightly different in the venue’s Mustang Arena. There you’ll see Arabians kicking up some dirt in the reining classes, executing ranch patterns or trail courses, and...

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,...

Summer shows are in full swing and there’s plenty of equestrian entertainment to enjoy in-person or via livestream. The midsummer competition calendar includes showcases of the country’s best young hunter riders along with some of the most prestigious events for Arabians, Morgans, and American Saddlebreds before fall championship season begins. Plan your trip or get ready to tune in online for these exciting events. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian June 25-30, 2024 Adequan ®...

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...

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...

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....

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...