Equestrian Weekly Articles

The Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant Test will be conducted at three remaining United States Hunter Jumper Association Zone competitions for the 2022 competition year. Zones, 2, 7, and 8 will host the testing in September and October. Junior riders competing in pony classes are eligible to participate in this program. Participants are divided into four age groups: eight and under, nine to 11, 12-14, and 15-17. Each participant will take a short, written multiple-choice test on horsemanship,

Erin Nichols and Handsome Rob AR compete at Internationaux de Dressage de Compiègne in Compiègne, France. (Libby Law Photography) Nineteen-year-old Erin Nichols of Yorba Linda, Calif., has achieved impressive results in the dressage ring. She and Handsome Rob AR were FEI North American Youth Championships team gold medalists in 2021, and they are coming off individual and freestyle gold medals and a team silver medal at the 2022 edition of NAYC. Earlier this year, the pair was

When Perrigo signed on last year as title sponsor of all U.S. CPEDI para dressage competitions, the company was inspired in part by CEO Murray Kessler’s longstanding interest in promoting the sport of para dressage. But the sponsorship also was in service to Perrigo’s larger commitment through the Valuable 500 initiative to make meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. Grainne Quinn is Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Perrigo and also

In-gates at horse shows are busy locations, which is especially at Pony Finals with hundreds of kids, ponies, trainers, grooms, family members, and friends. Tom "Tom Tom" Carlson, an ‘R’ hunter course designer and in-gate worker from Hernando, Fla., is a familiar face at the in-gate at Pony Finals and other horse shows along the East Coast. He offered a few tips to keep in mind at the in-gate and what it’s like to be a course designer. Tom "Tom Tom" Carlson (left) recommends

With the World Championships right around the corner in August, the United States’ elite para dressage riders gathered recently for the Adequan ® U.S. Para Dressage Symposium in Mill Spring, N.C. The symposium followed the Perrigo Tryon Summer Dressage CPEDI3* and was just one of many events that American Regent Animal Health, maker of Adequan ® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), sponsors in support of equestrian and equine athletes. We took the opportunity to talk to two

I remember the first time I served as a licensed official. It was the early ‘90s, and I was the Technical Delegate. I was confident because eventing had been “my" sport since the mid-60s, so I had a lot of experience riding and competing. But when the first horse started, all I could think of was, “Oh no, this is WAY different!” It was in that moment that I realized that, when I rode, my only responsibility was me, and now my responsibility was every rider, every horse.

For athletes with aspirations to compete at the elite level, there is a long path from competing at the national level to representing the U.S. at international championships. The USEF development pathways for each FEI discipline help bring promising athletes along each step of the way, ensuring the best chance at success. Rebecca Conway and Con Coleur competing in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Madrid CSIO3*. ©Equus Media LC In spring of 2022, developing teams in eventing and jumping both

Since its creation in early 2021, the USEF Amateur Task Force has worked to clarify and update the rules surrounding amateur and professional status for adult competitors at licensed events. US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the Task Force has completed its assignment. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian The Amateur Task Force consists of representatives from across US Equestrian-affiliated breeds and disciplines, and through focus groups, member surveys, and comments received through the

Bryanna Tanase of Trinity, Fla., made the transition from therapeutic riding to para dressage in 2019. Now she’s a Grade I para dressage rider has high aspirations for her riding career. She won the Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2022 title and is using her platform to spread the word about equine-assisted therapy and para dressage. Tanase shared insights on her journey as an equestrian, what people should know about therapeutic riding and para dressage, and what it takes to be a para equestrian

Equestrians can develop impactful relationships with the people they encounter in the horse industry. The shared passion of horses is something special, and that is especially true among family members. Barbara and Billieanna Miranda are a mother-daughter duo from Summerfield, Fla., who both love horses, in particular Paso Fino horses. Billieanna and Barbara Miranda at a horse show (Courtesy of Barbara Miranda) Mom Barbara first got her taste for horses when her parents took her for pony rides

The LRK3DE is one of only seven CCI5*-L events in the world (Leslie Potter/US Equestrian) The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ is set to begin this week at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The event touts itself as being the #BestWeekendAllYear and for good reason. It hosts one of only seven CCI5*-L events in the world and gives all attendees, from competitor to spectator, a world-class experience. In addition to the overall CCI5*-L competition,

The USEF Compliance Department works to ensure that competition facilities, such as stabling and arena footing, are safe and up to standard. ©Taylor Pence/US Equestrian US Equestrian licensed competitions are required to maintain a level of quality and service for participants in order to maintain their affiliation. When an aspect of a competition’s facilities or related services isn’t up to standard, the path to resolution goes through the dedicated staff within US