Equestrian Weekly Articles

Botulism in horses is a severe and often fatal neurological disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum . The bacteria can be ingested in contaminated feed (forage poisoning), can occur in an infected wound (wound botulism), or in the case of Shaker Foal Syndrome, spores can germinate and produce toxins in the gut of foals. CAUSES Clostridium botulinum is found ubiquitously in soil and leads to different variants of botulism labeled A through G; however, types

The Caisson Detachment of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is an iconic part of U.S. military history. Since 1948, the unit has provided horses and soldiers to pull the caisson, the wagon that bears a casket, at military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. This honor is bestowed on all Medal of Honor recipients, those who were prisoners of war or who were killed in action, and senior officers. Unfortunately, the Caisson operations were halted in

Most of us can recall a time when we’ve faced mental health or emotional challenges. While our coping mechanisms and how we navigated them are personal and unique, including horses in the journey increases the likelihood of a positive outcome for equestrians and non-equestrians alike. Photo by HorseSensing The Importance of Asking for Help Most people have had times in their lives that have felt unsettled, full of unknowns, or not 100 percent safe. However, simply asking for help is

In today’s equestrian sport landscape, emerging athletes are driven by passion and dedication in the pursuit of developing their skills, as competitors and horsemen and -women. Along the way, they are often met with pressures from coaches, parents, social media, fans, and even themselves. To explore how pressure and mental health challenges are prevalent in the sport, we talked with several promising young athletes, inviting them to discuss their experiences and explain how they balance

The word ‘steward’ gets used a lot in connection with equestrian competitions: ring stewards, in-gate stewards, phase stewards. The Oxford Dictionary defines the noun, “steward” as, “one who supervises arrangements or keeps order.” ©Shannon Brinkman In the spring of 2013, I was on my way to a cross-country warmup when a friend mentioned he was headed to Kentucky to take a course to become an FEI Steward. “You should sign up – you’d be

The Devon Horse Show is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed show in the U.S. Photo Credit: Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian In 1896, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon, Pa., began as a one-day show. Now, 129 years later, it has become the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed show in North America. This historic event, which takes place May 21-June 1, 2025, draws equestrians from across the country and local fans alike to enjoy all that it has to offer, from riveting

Starting with a young horse and bringing it up the levels can be such a rewarding journey. The youngest horse I have bought was less than a day old and the oldest was 9. I would say the newborn was an impulse buy because his full brother, Dream Boy, that I own was running his first 5* that very day, but all the other horses I have purchased have been with patience. After looking for over a year, I bought two horses within a few days of each other this year. Rather than buying trips, I enjoy

Summer is quickly approaching, which means more free time, family vacations, fun in the sun - and for young equestrians, horse camp! While equestrian camps are an exciting and educational way to get your child involved with horses while maximizing their time off from school, finding the right camp can be difficult. Luckily, many of US Equestrian’s Community Outreach Organizations host summer camps for children of all abilities throughout the country. Camps fill up quickly, so start your

Elliott Timmons and Topgun, Cathy Blackmon and Finn, Ella Graham and Lil, Amanda Burriel and Shamrock. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Lexington, Ky. – While eventing competition heats up in the Rolex stadium at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian TM , there’s even more for horse fans to see just down the hill at the Chewy Demonstration & Exhibitions Ring. Over the years, the demo ring has featured countless breeds, disciplines, and other

We love them for their speed and now admire them just as much for their heart, talent, and versatility. With the #BestWeekendAllYear upon the Kentucky Horse Park this week, let us look at some of the Thoroughbreds who have transformed their racing roots into second careers in the world of eventing. These equine athletes will put their skills to the test in the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ CCI5*-L and the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S this weekend, beginning

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was known for her lifelong love of horses, having ridden from age three until her passing at 96. She also had a deep appreciation for cars, particularly Land Rovers. Her interest in driving and mechanics was sparked during the Second World War, when she served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she drove and maintained military and rescue vehicles. Spectators at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ will have the

The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ , which kicks off this Thursday, April 24, is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Featuring exceptional equestrian competitions in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, it’s no wonder this international event is known as the best weekend all year! In addition to three days of jaw-dropping action, spectators can explore the grounds for unlimited shopping opportunities, delicious