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Equestrian Weekly

The all new Equestrian Weekly newsletter showcases the best of US Equestrian, including new Learning Center videos, the USEF Network schedule, and original articles. Equestrian Weekly keeps members informed about affiliate news, international competitions, information on rule changes, membership updates, special member offers, and more.

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All Business (and a Few Cookies!): Meet Harry, Eleanor Pieter’s Foodie

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Oct 3, 2025, 9:29 AM EST

When Eleanor Pieters imported Ares Ter Wilgen Z (Atomic Z x Bellisima Ter Wilgen Z) in February, she never imagined just how much they would accomplish in such a short time. From competing at the 2025 FEI North American Youth Championships in Traverse City, Mich, to gearing up for the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals – East, this duo has quickly become one to watch. ©Photo provided by Eleanor Pieters Ares Ter Wilgen Z, better known as “Harry” will make...

Meet Mac One III: The Biggest Personality

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Oct 1, 2025, 1:30 PM EST

Mac One III (Luidam Elite x Original Way) is known for his extraordinary talent and larger-than-life personality, but no one knows him better than his longtime partner and owner, Taylor Madden. Madden purchased the bay gelding in 2008, after Missy Clark and John Brennan gave her the opportunity to ride him. Their partnership blossomed quickly, and in 2019, Mac stepped into his first USEF Talent Search Finals, with Madden in the irons. Photo provided by Taylor Madden “He’s my heart...

Hot Topics at September Horse Welfare Town Halls: Suspensions, Role of Licensed Officials

by Natalie Voss | Sep 30, 2025, 1:32 PM EST

US Equestrian continued to glean feedback from members on possible horse welfare rule changes at three town hall events in the month of September. USEF leadership and staff attended the Arabian & Half-Arabian Sport Horse Nationals, the All American Horse Classic, and participated in a brief session at the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Open Forum at Split Rock Kentucky National. ©Avery Wallace/US Equestrian Although each breed and discipline has its own unique strengths and...

Taking a Closer Look at: CBD for Horses

by Natalie Voss | Sep 30, 2025, 1:14 PM EST

In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) seems to be popping up everywhere – for humans and animals. The hemp-derived substance is one of the active ingredients in cannabis, though unlike THC, it does not create a high. In humans, CBD products are commonly marketed to assist with anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, thanks to the substance’s mechanism of action, in which it binds to two receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system. It has been several years since the Food and...

Horse Leasing 101: Where to Start

by Allyson Mattingly | Sep 23, 2025, 11:36 AM EST

As all equestrians know, owning a horse can be expensive! While many riders have their own horses, it is a common misconception that you have to own a horse to ride regularly. Many riders often begin their journey by taking lessons on a school horse, which is a great way to explore the sport without the commitment of owning a horse. Another alternative to horse ownership is leasing a horse, which gives people the chance to ride more frequently and consistently than they would in a lesson...

“Once You Gain the Trust of a Mustang, You Have a Partner for Life”

by | Sep 22, 2025, 2:03 PM EST

Mustangs are most commonly thought of as Western horses, but the wild breed that is a staple of American culture is incredibly adaptable to any challenges put in front of them. The 2025 Mustang Classic proved that as Mustangs from around the U.S. gathered at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. from Sept. 4-6 to compete in three different disciplines: training level dressage, show jumping, and working equitation. Every competitor completed each preliminary phase, then the top performing...

Meet Ruby Slipperz: A Girls’ Girl Who Shines in the Dressage Court

by Leslie Potter | Sep 15, 2025, 10:00 AM EST

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...

From Pony Swim to Jumper Ring, Chincoteague Ponies Find Fans Wherever They Go

by Leslie Potter | Sep 5, 2025, 8:00 AM EST

Located off the coast of Virginia and Maryland, Assateague Island is home to herds of feral ponies that have roamed free for generations, evolving to thrive on the protected barrier island. These ponies and the community that supports them were made famous by the 1947 children’s novel Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. The annual pony swim, where the ponies are herded across the channel from Assateague to Chincoteague and the weanlings are sold to homes to be trained as riding...

Getting Your Barn Ready for Fall

by Debbie Elliot | Sep 4, 2025, 8:00 AM EST

Every season brings new challenges (and joys!) for horse owners. The transition from summer to fall is the perfect time for a barn and tack trunk makeover to ensure you have everything you need to keep your horse healthy and happy. The major areas to consider when refreshing your equestrian set up are stall safety, comfort, nutrition, climate control and health management, said Dr. Courtnee Morton, Chewy Equine Veterinarian. Photo by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Stall Safety While the structure...

Endurance Competition Returns to Biltmore Following Hurricane Helene

by Debbie Elliot | Sep 2, 2025, 9:30 AM EST

On September 27, 2024, wind and flooding from Hurricane Helene devastated the western Appalachian area of North Carolina, including the town of Asheville, which is home to Biltmore, a majestic house and historic property dating back to 1895. Several rivers in the region overflowed and the subsequent destruction led Helene to become the costliest natural disaster in North Carolina history. The 8,000-acre Biltmore estate hosts two endurance rides each year: a spring ride in May and a fall ride in...