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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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Youth Dressage Riders Gain Experience on the World Stage Through the European Young Rider Tour

by Leslie Potter | August 18, 2024

The depth of youth dressage talent in the U.S. is impressive, as seen at events such as the FEI North American Youth Championships and the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions . But for youth dressage athletes who aspire to represent the U.S. on senior teams in the future, gaining experience competing overseas is still an essential part of preparation. Kat Fuqua and Dreamgirl at CHIO Aachen in 2024. ©Shannon Brinkman Photo Every year, up-and-coming young dressage athletes and their horses

Paris 2024 Olympic Preview: US Equestrian’s David O’Connor Describes the ‘Iconic’ Venue at Versailles

by Debbie Elliot | July 23, 2024

From July 27-Aug. 11 and Sept. 3-7, equestrian fans from around the world will be able to witness Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing at one of the most iconic locations in the history of the modern Games. The Palace of Versailles park, approximately 18 miles southwest of Paris, will host the equestrian disciplines for the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games. The grounds of the palace, which date back to 1623 when it was built as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, houses temporary

5 Reasons Always Chipper was the “Against All Odds” Pony at Breyerfest

by US Equestrian Communications Department | July 16, 2024

If you visit the Kentucky Horse Park in the middle of July, you are bound to find countless horse lovers with their beloved Breyer models at the annual Breyerfest event, but this year, Breyer fans had a chance to fall in love with a new model pony and his remarkable story – Always Chipper (“Chip”). We had a chance to catch up with his owner, Sue Griffin, and his current rider August Novotny and her mom, Sunny Geiser to find out why Chip is such an inspiring pony who defied

Community Outreach Visit Recap: Kindle Hill Foundation

by Emily Girard | July 9, 2024

Saly Glassman, the president and founder of Kindle Hill, said she prioritizes her clients' mental health and self-esteem in every workshop. Photo: Avery Wallace/US Equestrian The Kindle Hill Foundation website states that the charity’s mission is to “support members of our community who can benefit from equine assisted learning and therapy, to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.” Located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, Kindle Hill’s facility provides EAL

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: Prancing Horse

by US Equestrian Communications Department | June 25, 2024

Located in the sandhills of North Carolina, Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship provides services for therapeutic riding for a wide range of people, from individuals with special needs and veterans, to local schools and groups. A PATH-accredited therapeutic riding center, Prancing Horse’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals by providing a safe environment for participants to learn and grow with horses. Prancing Horse was named a USEF Community Outreach

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: Great Oak

by US Equestrian Communications Department | June 11, 2024

Located in Aiken, South Carolina, Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs provide equine assisted activities that promote the physical, emotional, and psychological health of individuals with special needs. Great Oak’s programs are the catalyst for unbridled personal growth and awareness, as they share their knowledge and empower individuals and their families. One of the great strengths of Great Oak is their attention to detail. Each participant has individualized instruction to best serve

Letters and Stars: Breaking Down Competition/Horse Designations

by Emily Girard | June 11, 2024

The $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* presents many of the naming and abbreviation conventions of FEI events. Photo: Taylor Pence/ISG If you are not intimately familiar with the equestrian world, the symbols and abbreviations used to designate equestrian competitions and champion horses can be confusing. Upon reading about these events, you’re met with names like the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Vilamoura CSIO3* and the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L. Additionally, when looking at

“I Have Found My Community” – I Am US Equestrian with Rob Van Jacobs

by Rob Van Jacobs | May 28, 2024

Rob Van Jacobs explained that continuing to show makes him a better judge, and judging makes him a better exhibitor. Photo: Julia B Photography While my love for horses started around the age of six, I didn’t start riding until I was in seventh grade, which is a little later in life than most of my colleagues. I grew up in a suburb in Maryland a few miles outside Washington D.C. I've always loved horses and thought they were incredible animals, but I did not have immediate access to

Five Reasons to Watch the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair 2024

by US Equestrian Communications Department | May 17, 2024

The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair started as a one-day horse show and grew into the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in the U.S. This historic event takes place in Devon, Pa. and draws equestrians from across the country and local fans alike to enjoy all that it has to offer. Here are five reasons to follow the excitement of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. 1. The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is celebrating its 128th anniversary. The first edition of Devon took

Horses Bring Together Mother and Son

by US Equestrian Communications Department | May 14, 2024

It is not uncommon for US Equestrian to receive stories from our members talking about the power horses have. We all know that these beautiful animals can do so much, both in the field of play and outside of the competition ring. We love receiving those stories (and encourage you to keep sending them in). On a recent trip to Promise Landing Farm in Marlboro, Maryland, we had the opportunity to meet Hayden and Kim Haines. This mother and son pair brought to life the true connective power of

Tack Trunk Must-Haves

by Emily Girard | May 7, 2024

Whether they are riding, grooming, or training, most people involved with equestrian sports take a tack trunk to events. The supplies in these trunks can vary, but all trunks contain the necessary equipment for horses and equestrians to perform at their best. Rafael Hernandez Carrillo leads Clarc at the 2023 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival Week 3 CPEDI3*. Photo: Taylor Pence/ISG “All the items I'm bringing in my grooming box are a highlight,” said Rafael Hernandez

“Just Go with the Flow”: Balancing Jumping, Driving, and School

by Emily Girard | May 7, 2024

Isabelle Welch competes in both hunter/jumper and driving competitions, with family connections in dressage and jumping. Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography Competing in both driving and hunter / jumper classes, Isabelle Welch has learned to refine her mentality and develop skills that benefit both disciplines. Isabelle grew up with horses all her life. Her mother, Karen Welch, competes in dressage and jumping, and introduced Isabelle to horses at a very young age. Isabelle started in the hunters