Equestrian Weekly Articles

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

Taking center stage the moment they enter the sandbox is Juliana Sardelli and her own black and white pinto pony, Cupid. Known for his goofy personality and love for food, this 2017 Gypsy Cross gelding (Lazarus of Feathered Gold x Turning Point Sateen) is one everyone falls in love with, including his pasture mates. “He has an incredible personality and can help you do pretty much anything you set your mind to. He is so sweet and cuddly, and I love how willing he is,” said Sardelli.

The FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships, presented by USDF, is considered one of the most exciting weeks of the year for many young athletes, but for Region 6 Young Rider Olivia Martz, it has also become a week of remembrance and celebration for a different reason. Olivia and Rihanna at the 2025 NAYC (Photo courtesy of the Martz family) Born into a horsey family, Martz was surrounded by horses the moment she opened her eyes, and she learned to walk at NAYC while her mother was

Emmeline Adamick has her eyes set on stepping onto the podium as a winner at this year's Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) presented by USHJA. Set to take place at Traverse City Horse Shows’ Flintfields Horse Park, Adamick shares what makes this event so special to her and fellow competitors alike. Serving as the only FEI-recognized youth championship in North America, NAYC gives young and aspiring athletes an opportunity to compete in a format similar to

Three and a half months ago, Vee Stavroula Dravilas didn't know she'd be heading to NAYC aboard her trainer, Kathryn Fleming-Kuhn's, Grand Prix mare, Wilona HSR. She didn't even know the mare would be her ride at all for the FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships presented by USDF . Getting there meant working through a disappointment first. Dravilas aboard Wilona HSR at the FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships presented by USDF (©US Equestrian) In late

With multiple podium finishes at Capital Challenge, Pennsylvania National, Devon, WIHS, and USEF Pony Finals, Cisy Zhou is well known amongst pony competitors. However, in the past year, the 11-year-old rider from New York, N.Y. has expressed her growing interest in the jumper ring and will be one to watch out for. In the saddle since she was 3, Zhou has taken to riding as fish takes to water, and now finds herself excelling in the hunters, equitation, and jumpers. Attending the Gotham

Like many young athletes, Ayers can speak to the magnitude this championship has had not only on herself, but others as well. “The thing about NAYC is that I’ve made so many friends and getting to show somewhere different is amazing,” she said. “I'm so excited; you really can’t top the team experience; I really do love it.” Last year, Ayers assisted the Zone 4 winning team to gold and finished seventh in the individual competition in a division

At just 14 years old, Ellington Vasan is heading into the 2026 Gotham North/FEI North American Youth Jumping Championships presented by USHJA with a new partner, a change in division, and a story that's come together in a matter of months. Vasan (Los Altos Hills, Calif.) is moving up to the Pre-Junior Jumpers this year after a successful debut at NAYC last year in the Children's Jumper division aboard Bling vd Duvelshoeve Z, where she earned a Children's Jumper team silver medal as