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Cross country day at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian is a highlight for spectators that travel to the Bluegrass from across the nation. More than 50 athlete-and-horse combinations will gallop through the Kentucky Horse Park, tackling imposing fences, water complexes, and technical terrain in the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L. With crowds lining the lanes to watch their favorite combination soar over the famed Ditch Brush or splash into the Head of the Lake, safety, for

In 2017, Ricky Kamins made the final bid at the Texas ASB Futurity Stallion Auction, right before bids closed. The auction, managed by friend and longtime trainer, Sandra Currier, featured 34 premier American Saddlebred Stallion stud services. Kamins hadn’t planned on bidding, but when County Treasure remained the last stallion without a single offer, he decided to take a chance. “I just bought it so Sandy could be 100% sold out,” Kamins said. With no open mare available, he

In the summer of 2013, freshman Danielle Keating was studying pre-vet at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. What she didn’t realize was that a simple volunteering opportunity would lead to a lifelong partnership with a very special Morgan mare. Keating had fallen in love with Morgans early in her riding career, so when Medina County SPCA reached out about helping with a group of 30 Morgans seized from a hoarding situation, she and a friend jumped at the chance. Keating and Ivie |

Super Shaq and Moore competing at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show (©Howard Schatzburg Photography, Courtesy of Melissa Moore) Some horses are talented. Some horses are charismatic. Then there are a rare few who become legends in their own time. Super Shaq is one of those horses. Owned and driven by Melissa Moore (Versailles, Ky.), Super Shaq’s journey to the top of the road horse world is anything but ordinary. Today, he’s a two-time Overall Roadster of the Year,

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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