US Equestrian

We All Can Fly. We All Can Fall.

by Vicki Lowell | Sep 19, 2023, 4:00 PM EST

The opportunity to spend any part of your life with horses is a gift. To have the chance to experience the feeling of “flying,” as I have heard so many people describe the connection with a horse, is highly addictive and borderline spiritual. This shared experience makes you a part of a passionate and resilient community. And yes, while we love to fly, almost all of us are certain at some point to fall. It can happen at the walk, when a horse trips or spooks, getting on at a...

This Year Could Be a Bad One for West Nile Virus. Is Your Horse Ready?

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Sep 12, 2023, 3:59 PM EST

It’s been a rollercoaster year for weather in the United States, with record-breaking heatwaves, dirt-cracking drought, and flooding rainfalls. That pattern hasn’t only been a trial for the average citizen and livestock owners—it’s also setting the stage for a potentially larger and longer season for West Nile virus, experts say. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk to your horses, including eliminating any standing, stagnant water sources where the...

Five Things to Know About Your First Carriage Pleasure Driving Lesson

by Emily Girard | Sep 12, 2023, 3:39 PM EST

Suzy Stafford is a world champion driver and full-time trainer and coach, competing in both pleasure showing and combined driving since 2001. She has served as the Singles Coach for the Land Rover US Driving Team and currently runs Stafford Carriage Driving in Franklinville, NJ. and Ocala, Fla. “I have been on the US equestrian team as an individual and as a team member since 2015,” Stafford said. “I've been in the sport for quite some time as a professional and travel the...

IFSHA and IALHA Collaborate to Grow Shows and Foster Community

by Emily Girard | Sep 1, 2023, 10:03 AM EST

The International Friesian Show Horse Association and the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association have been collaborating for several years, and the two associations have begun hosting shows together. IALHA and IFSHA’s biggest collaborative effort yet will occur later this month. The IFSHA Grand National Show at the Tryon Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C., from September 27-October 1, will host an IALHA Region 7 Championship. Later this fall, the IALHA will...

Salox Gold, Bit-Fitting, and and a “Neue” Perspective on Bits

by Equestrian Weekly Communications | Aug 22, 2023, 2:30 PM EST

Florence Wetzel (right). Photo: Courtesy of Neue Schule Does it matter what metal you put in your horse’s mouth? Florence Wetzel says it definitely does. Neue Schule’s expert bit and bridle-fitter is an equestrian herself and joined the company after her own horse’s positive response to a Neue Schule bit made her a believer in their innovative approach to bits and their design. One aspect that sets Neue Schule bits apart is the Salox Gold mouthpiece, which Neue Schule says is...

A Look Inside Kentucky Horse Park Museums

by Emily Girard | Aug 17, 2023, 4:20 PM EST

The grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park are home to many museums tracking the history and accomplishments of horses. Whether they are tailored to a specific breed or offer a look at a general history between humans and horses, the museums are suited for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of horses. USEF Lobby Museum For those uninitiated with equestrian breeds and disciplines, the lobby of the U.S. Equestrian Federation headquarters contains displays aimed at educating new visitors. Photo:...

Five Things to Know About Your First Hunter Lesson

by Emily Girard | Aug 14, 2023, 3:41 PM EST

Hunter, jumping, and hunter/jumping seat equitation are all recognized under one US Equestrian national affiliate: the United States Hunter Jumper Association . Despite the technical differences in judging, these disciplines are often taught together. “They're all so different, but then they're all the same. We're all just trying to get the best out of each horse,” said Melissa Murphy, a hunter judge and trainer from Clara Propp and Arabesque competing at the 2023...

Coaching for the Team: How a U.S. Dressage Senior Team Member Coaches NAYC Athletes

by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian | Aug 13, 2023, 10:00 PM EST

Athletes and coaches who have been to the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) often point to the exposure to international team competition as one of the primary benefits of the experience. With limited opportunities for equestrian athletes in the western hemisphere to compete on a team before reaching the senior levels of the sport, NAYC serves as an important steppingstone for young athletes with international aspirations. ©KTB Creative Group Sarah Tubman is a dressage athlete...

Drummond and AM Rising Star Take a Leap From Arabian Horse Show Circuit to Pony Finals

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 13, 2023, 11:06 AM EST

Seventeen-year-old Josie Drummond of Wellington, Fla., and AM Rising Star are regular competitors on the Arabian horse show circuit, and they were looking for a new competitive challenge. Drummond and her trainers Lori Cooper and Gina Pengue decided to aim “Gus” for the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms. In their first appearance at the event, Drummond and Gus took the experience in stride and earned solid results. Josie Drummond and AM Rising Star, Lori...

Pony Finals and Beyond: Alumni Share Their Favorite Memories and Tips for Competitors

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 11, 2023, 11:10 AM EST

Adam Edgar competing on Happy Feet at the 2016 Pony Finals (Shawn McMillen Photography) Numerous youth athletes have competed at the USEF Pony Finals over the years, and many of them have gone on to achieve an impressive list of accomplishments as senior athletes competing at the national and international levels. Georgina Bloomberg, Greg Best, Lillie Keenan, Reed Kessler, Alison Robitaille, and Jessica Springsteen are a few individuals who have represented the U.S. at FEI Jumping World...