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Equestrian Weekly Articles

Here you can find our archive of stories from Equestrian Weekly, our once-a-week look at affiliate news, international competition, amateur profiles, horse care tips, and more. You’ll also find stories from the USEF Insider, a twice-monthly email newsletter packed with features about USEF people and programs, including our drugs and medications program, regulations, and competitions departments.

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US Equestrian Staff Share New Year Resolutions

by Debbie Elliot | January 6, 2025

Many people make the same New Year’s resolutions every January 1, such as exercise more, eat healthier, budget better, spend less time on social media, or give up a personal vice. While all of these things lead to self-improvement, they are usually focused on things we are doing wrong in our lives, or bad habits we think we should quit. Here at US Equestrian, we believe that resolutions should be positive and focus on what truly fulfills our lives – the joy of horses! Here is a

Arabian Horses Shine in Working Western Classes

by Leslie Potter | January 6, 2025

Each October, hundreds of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses make the trip to Expo Square in Tulsa, Okla., for the Arabian Horse Association’s U.S. National Championship Horse Show. While handlers showcase their breathtaking halter entries in the Pavilion and stunning show horses light up the main ring, the scene is slightly different in the venue’s Mustang Arena. There you’ll see Arabians kicking up some dirt in the reining classes, executing ranch patterns or trail courses, and

Equestrian Units Are Highlight of the 2025 Rose Parade

by Debbie Elliot | January 3, 2025

Equestrian units have been a part of the Rose Parade (also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade) since its inception in 1890, and they continue to play a vital role in the famous New Year’s Day celebration in Pasadena, Calif. This year, the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA ) and Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds were among the breeds and disciplines that took part in the 136th Rose Parade. The parade route spans 5.5. miles,

Finding the Correct Bit for Your Horse's Best Performance and Comfort

by Mette Larsen | January 3, 2025

Figuring out the right bit for your horse can be challenging whether you are a Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Eventer, or a pleasure rider. This article will help you with where to start by discussing the two main categories of bits. This is an appetizer of sorts, not a full “course” on everything, but a way to get started in how to think about bits from the horse’s perspective. When you want to improve your riding, you go to a trainer. When your horse is lame, you call the vet. If

A Very Merry Equestrian Christmas

by Allyson Mattingly | December 18, 2024

When decorating for the holidays, you want to let your personality shine - and for many of us that means expressing our love of horses. Thankfully, there are many ways to incorporate equestrian-themed decor into your home without going overboard. Photo credit: Arinahanich - stock.adobe.com Equestrian Decorations Color Palette Combining shades of chestnut, caramel, saddle, cognac, and chocolate with greenery and natural materials can give your home an elegant, timeless, Ralph

Meet the Top Horses from the 2024 USEF Eventing Developing Horse Series

by Leslie Potter | December 16, 2024

With the conclusion of the 2024 competition season, the standings of the USEF Eventing Developing Horse Series are now final. The series includes divisions for 6-year-old and 7-year-old horses, and the leaderboard is determined by the average of the horses’ two best finishing scores in CCIs at levels specified by age. Cooley Corraghy Diamond and Kim Severson. ©Liz Crawley Photography 2024 7-Year-Old Developing Horse Series Leader: Cooley Corraghy Diamond Bill and Roslyn

Breaking Ground on the Future of Detroit Horse Power

by Debbie Elliot | December 12, 2024

When David Silver walked past the 14 acres of unused land in inner-city Detroit, his first thought was that it would make a great location for a paddock or a cross-country course. Now the former elementary teacher who grew up eventing is close to fulfilling his vision of bringing horses to a city with one of the highest poverty rates in the U.S. The groundbreaking on what is destined to become the largest urban equestrian center in the country took place in October 2024, and Detroit Horse

Clarc’s New Chapter: From the Paralympic Games to Schoolmaster

by Danielle Henson | December 5, 2024

Clarc , who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games with athlete Beatrice de Lavalette, is set to embark on a new chapter of his life at Carlisle Academy located in Lyman, Maine. This transition comes as Bea focuses on new goals in her career, allowing Clarc to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Beatrice “Bea” de Lavalette, who lost both of her lower legs in the tragic 2016 bombing at Brussels Airport, has shown incredible resilience and dedication in

Meet Heidi Humphries, the Business Entrepreneur Behind Zen Elite Equestrian Center

by Debbie Elliot | December 2, 2024

As a young girl, Heidi Humphries had a deep love for babies and horses. She has gone on to work closely with both throughout her professional life. Humphries is the founder of Zen Elite Equestrian Center near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and owns several high-profile horses including Helix, who was ridden by Adrienne Lyle in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Humphries’ career didn’t start in the stables. With a passion for children, Humphries initially pursued a very different career as a

How to Stay Motivated to Ride in Winter

by Allyson Mattingly | November 26, 2024

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is not a substitute for medical advice. For diagnosis, treatment or medical concerns, consult a qualified health care provider. Always seek professional guidance before making any healthcare decisions. The season has changed, the daylight hours are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder by the day, and you can feel your motivation to ride ebbing away. However, to keep your horse

“We Have Begun to Get Horses Back in Our Culture”

by Debbie Elliot | November 25, 2024

Oregon is home to over 185,000 Native American and Alaska Native people, or approximately 4% of the state’s population, according to the 2020 U.S. census. Several of the nine federally recognized tribes are Horse Nations that historically incorporated horses deeply into their culture, economy, and way of life after horses were introduced to North America. Because of this long-standing relationship with horses, it is only natural that equine assisted therapy and riding activities are now

Shoeing Jumping’s Top Horses

by Debbie Elliot | November 22, 2024

Along with trainers, vets , and grooms, farriers play a key role in the success of elite riders and horses. Photo courtesy of Neal Tredinnick “Farrier to the stars” Neal Tredinnick began his career in Essex, U.K., where a young local athlete named Ben Maher was among his clients. “Ben grew and grew and started making a name for himself, including winning some Olympic medals, (and that success led) to people wanting to train with him,” Tredinnick said of Maher’s