Equestrian Weekly Articles

Finding the perfect partnership in para dressage can be a daunting task, as both horse and athlete need to communicate and understand each other in ways that differ from able body riding. The best para dressage horses are intelligent, compassionate, and of course competitive in nature, but also genuine. For U.S. Paralympian Fiona Howard, she knew Diamond Dunes was special from the moment she sat on him for the first time. “Dunes,” as he’s affectionately known around the barn,

The story of combined driving at CHIO Aachen is closely tied to the history of the event itself, which has grown into one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. Today, four-in-hand driving stands alongside jumping, dressage, para dressage, eventing, and vaulting as one of the disciplines that makes up the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. ©CHIO Aachen The roots of driving at Aachen can be traced back to the early twentieth century. The organization behind the

When Out of the Blue SCF walks into the arena, she always takes a moment to assess her surroundings before getting to work. It’s a very deliberate move, according to her rider, Katie Dinan . “It’s like, ‘OK, what are we doing today?’” said Dinan. “I really feel like she’s mentally engaged in what we’re doing and is excited about competing, and she really gets it. I think that’s what makes her so good — she really puts herself

Para dressage demands precision, focus, and an almost unnerving calm. Fan Tastico H, a 2017 Oldenburg gelding (Fürstanball OLD x Weltmeyer), delivers all of it. He once spent his afternoons chasing a ball with a 10-year-old in a barn aisle, now he’s a medal-winning para dressage horse. He doesn't see the contradiction, and neither does anyone who's ridden him. Marie Vonderheyden aboard Fan Tastico H (©Sue Stickle Photography) Known around the barn as "Fanta," he came

For Meghan Laffin, a much-needed gap year in her career trajectory turned into a seven-year long adventure making lifelong memories. After completing her graduate degree, Laffin took a year to get back into horses. While scrolling through Facebook, an opportunity arose to groom for Olympian and U.S. Dressage stalwart Kasey Perry-Glass. Laffin took the job in 2019 and never looked back. “I thought, well, I’ll just go have one year experiencing the elite side of things, and then

Todd and Gracie Griffiths are no strangers to the vaulting arena. Todd has deep roots in the sport, including representing the United States at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Twenty years later, he is set to return to Aachen for what will be his final international competition. This time, however, there is a special twist: his daughter, Gracie, will be his partner in their pas de deux freestyle. “Working with Gracie is almost subconscious,” Todd said.

For longtime owner Caroline Moran, ownership has become much more than having her name attached to a horse. It has grown into lifelong relationships and unforgettable memories. Olivia Dutton and Jewelent | ©Irish Eventing Times Moran is part owner of Phillip and Olivia Dutton’s top mounts, Possante , Denim , and Jewelent, as well as two promising young horses, United Mara and Darwin. Most recently, Jewelent, a 2012 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Valent x Roselier) ridden by Olivia and

For Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite Equestrian Center, the driving motivation behind her involvement across the equestrian disciplines is her deep and unrelenting love of horses. At her core, it’s who she is, and what she’s built at Zen Elite is a direct reflection of her philosophy and passion. “I wanted to build a place where the horses always come first, and where the people surrounding the horses felt supported, appreciated, and inspired,” said Humphries, as she

As the 2026 FEI Vaulting World Championships get underway in Aachen, Germany this week, the discipline of vaulting will take center stage during week one of the championships, from August 13 to August 16. How does vaulting work? Read more below and tune in to cheer on the U.S. Vaulting Team this week in Germany! Often referred to as gymnastics on horseback, vaulting is one of the oldest known forms of equestrian sport. Originally performed on bulls, this ancient sport can be dated back to

When Ashley Holzer got the call about a “must have” championship quality mare from her good friend and mentor Carl Hester, she knew to trust his instinct, even if she may not have been quite as sure herself. On a rainy November day in the U.K., Holzer drove to Hester’s yard to see for herself the horse “meant for her.” ©ShannonBrinkmanPhotography Hawtins San Floriana , also known as “Flo,” immediately impressed with her power and presence, with

When fans attend the world’s premier eventing competitions, there are certain combinations they make a point not to miss. Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 have quickly become one of them, emerging as a combination with tremendous potential for the future. Now, the duo is set to represent the United States at the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships , August 13-16, 2026, hosted in Aachen, Germany. Smith and Lillet 3, a 2016 Holsteiner mare (SIEC Livello x Calido I) owned by Molly and Jennifer

The expanded 2026 World Wide Technology/USEF Pony Jumper National Championships supported by Youth Show Jumping Foundation, opens the door for young jumping athletes and their ponies to take on the challenge of a championship format. With newly revised eligibility guidelines making the championship more accessible, entries have skyrocketed. Last year’s championship saw a total of 141 combinations vie for the championship, while this year’s event will showcase more than 233 entries