Here you can find our archive of stories devoted to horse and human members of our affiliate associations, including national breeds and disciplines.

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A Leap of Faith, a Long Wait, and the Filly Who Made It Worth It

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | February 25, 2026

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show draws thousands of horse enthusiasts, competitors, owners, and breeders from across the nation to Scottsdale, Arizona, for two weeks of celebrating the Arabian and Half-Arabian breeds. For the Glomski family, the show is a cherished tradition. What began as a family trip attending as spectators, has evolved into fulfilling their dream of competing with their homebred Arabian, Royal Tea HHF. Royal Tea HHF (foal) and her dam, Chia Tea BFV | Photo provided by

Serving the Sport: Alex Ambelang’s Journey as a Licensed Official

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | February 23, 2026

When it comes to competitions and events, some of the most vital roles on the showgrounds are filled by those working outside of the spotlight – our licensed officials. "Licensed official” is the overarching term for those serving in roles such as course designer, judges, para classifiers, stewards, or technical delegates, each playing an integral part in ensuring a fair field of play and a safe competition environment for both equine and human athletes. For Alex Ambelang, becoming

“To Know Lucky is to Love Him”: A Half-Arabian Stealing Hearts and Securing Ribbons

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | February 20, 2026

For mother-daughter duo, Cass and Taylor Dawson, what began as a shared hobby in the horse industry has transformed into a rewarding journey of developing skills, building bonds, and pursuing passions. A central part of that journey was Chics Dig it +//, a 17-year-old Half-Arabian with an impressive show record and huge heart. Chics Dig It +//, affectionately known as Lucky or Lucky Duck, joined the Dawson family in 2021, and has since shaped both Cass and Taylor’s riding careers in ways

“Most of Us Like the Idea of Helping Each Other”

by Debbie Elliot | January 12, 2026

Georganna Parker, Judy Nielson and Bobby Shazam celebrating a 5th place finish; photo courtesy of Callie Dodson Most of us relish the idea of a guardian angel looking out for us in our time of need, but rarely does that dream become a reality. For 14-year-old Georganna Parker, from Greer, S.C., her guardian angel came in the form of Las Vegas-based trainer Judy Nielson. Georganna was over the moon when she received an invitation to apply for the USHJA National Championships in Las Vegas, Nev.

Meet Belle: A Girl’s Best Friend in and out of the Equitation Ring

by Leslie Potter | November 14, 2025

Every equestrian remembers their first horse or pony. For some lucky ones, that first horse becomes their horse of a lifetime. Such is the case for Macy Brangers and her horse, Belle. Macy Brangers and Aunty Bellum. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Now a formidable pair in the adult amateur saddle seat equitation classes, Brangers and her 2009 American Saddlebred mare, Aunty Bellum (Ocean’s Roar x Kalarama’s Belle of the Ball) got their start when they were both young newcomers to

Meet Lady Bird: A Super Model Who Gets the Job Done

by Leslie Potter | November 9, 2025

Some horses are specialists, preferring to focus their talents on one job only. And then there are horses like Lady Bird. Imported from Germany with the original goal of competing as an amateur jumper, “Birdie” has become a true three-ring horse for trainer Paige Kirwin, moving from the 1.10m jumpers to the performance hunters and back. Most recently, the 2016 Hanoverian (Like Angel x Piña Colada) owned by Yellow Grass Farms, LLC, contested the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF

Performance Halter Classes Give Arabian Exhibitors a Place to Shine

by Leslie Potter | November 4, 2025

In the Arabian horse show world, halter horses hold a unique place of reverence. Presented to show off the breed’s spirit and beauty and judged on type, conformation, and quality, halter horses are more than just living works of art. They must be able to stand still but alert for conformation judging, then move freely and expressively on the line to show off their movement. The top level of the Arabian halter division is a specialized sport of its own within the breed’s show circuit.

Meet the Athletes Behind the USEF Youth Advisory Group

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | October 21, 2025

Lexington, Ky. - Established in late 2023, the USEF Youth Advisory Group was created to give a voice to the younger members of the equestrian community. This platform brings together youth athletes from across breeds and disciplines to discuss meaningful topics impacting and shaping their respective sports. Through regular meetings, group members develop leadership skills, strengthen teamwork, and gain a deeper understanding of governance processes. The Youth Advisory Group is supported by

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

by Leslie Potter | September 15, 2025

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