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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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Meet Belle: A Girl’s Best Friend in and out of the Equitation Ring

by Leslie Potter | November 14, 2025

Every equestrian remembers their first horse or pony. For some lucky ones, that first horse becomes their horse of a lifetime. Such is the case for Macy Brangers and her horse, Belle. Macy Brangers and Aunty Bellum. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Now a formidable pair in the adult amateur saddle seat equitation classes, Brangers and her 2009 American Saddlebred mare, Aunty Bellum (Ocean’s Roar x Kalarama’s Belle of the Ball) got their start when they were both young newcomers to

Meet Lady Bird: A Super Model Who Gets the Job Done

by Leslie Potter | November 9, 2025

Some horses are specialists, preferring to focus their talents on one job only. And then there are horses like Lady Bird. Imported from Germany with the original goal of competing as an amateur jumper, “Birdie” has become a true three-ring horse for trainer Paige Kirwin, moving from the 1.10m jumpers to the performance hunters and back. Most recently, the 2016 Hanoverian (Like Angel x Piña Colada) owned by Yellow Grass Farms, LLC, contested the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF

What to Know About US Equestrian’s New Stirrup Recommendations

by Debbie Elliot | November 6, 2025

US Equestrian has updated its stirrup and saddle attachment rules to ensure the highest level of safety possible for USEF members at sanctioned competitions. While there is always the risk of accidents in equestrian sport, the amendments aim to reduce injury for horses and riders. Effective Dec. 1, 2025, rule GR801 regarding saddle attachments states that no piece of equipment shall be attached to a saddle that has a rigid upward pointing projection, hook, or similar object capable of catching

Performance Halter Classes Give Arabian Exhibitors a Place to Shine

by Leslie Potter | November 4, 2025

In the Arabian horse show world, halter horses hold a unique place of reverence. Presented to show off the breed’s spirit and beauty and judged on type, conformation, and quality, halter horses are more than just living works of art. They must be able to stand still but alert for conformation judging, then move freely and expressively on the line to show off their movement. The top level of the Arabian halter division is a specialized sport of its own within the breed’s show circuit.

October Horse Welfare Town Halls Generate Debate on Rule Changes, Equipment, and MERs

by Natalie Voss | November 3, 2025

October marked the first in a series of virtual horse welfare town halls on Oct. 20, as well as a well-attended in-person event held at US Dressage Finals in Wilmington, Ohio on Oct. 30. Members gathered digitally and in person to provide their feedback and questions on US Equestrian horse welfare programs and proposed rule changes. (c)Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian A replay of the virtual town hall is available here . Both events were wide-ranging, but a few of the topics generating

Honoring Our Untold Heroes

by Debbie Elliot | October 28, 2025

November 11 marks Veterans Day, when we honor all U.S. military veterans — living and deceased — who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The date commemorates the end of World War I when the armistice with Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. While all veterans are considered heroes for their service, many return home with invisible emotional wounds caused by the horrors they witnessed during their

Still Setting the Standard: U.S. Jumping’s Laura Kraut Keeps Raising the Bar

by Danielle Henson/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | October 27, 2025

U.S. Jumping athlete Laura Kraut continues to prove that longevity and excellence can ride side by side at the very top of international jumping. With wins and podium finishes across some of the world’s most prestigious events, including her unforgettable victory in this year's Rolex Grand Prix of Ireland CSIO5* in Dublin, and a close second in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen CSIO5*, Kraut has crafted a season in 2025 defined by partnership, precision, and an unwavering belief in her

Meet the Athletes Behind the USEF Youth Advisory Group

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | October 21, 2025

Lexington, Ky. - Established in late 2023, the USEF Youth Advisory Group was created to give a voice to the younger members of the equestrian community. This platform brings together youth athletes from across breeds and disciplines to discuss meaningful topics impacting and shaping their respective sports. Through regular meetings, group members develop leadership skills, strengthen teamwork, and gain a deeper understanding of governance processes. The Youth Advisory Group is supported by

Moon Children: How Malibu Moon’s Progeny Are Proving Themselves Beyond Racing in the Eventing World

by Danielle Henson/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | October 20, 2025

Malibu Moon’s legacy shone brightly at the 2025 US Equestrian Open Eventing Final and USEF Eventing National Championships at Morven Park International Equestrian Center, where several of his progeny competed across divisions, continuing the Thoroughbred stallion’s reputation for producing versatile athletes. Sea of Clouds (Malibu Moon x Winner's Ticket) and Olivia Dutton, winners of the Morven Park International CCI4*-S (©Avery Wallace/US Equestrian) Among them was Sea of

How Menopause Can Impact Equestrian Performance

by Debbie Elliot | October 17, 2025

All women will experience menopause at some point in their life. Some have only mild symptoms but for others, the transition is debilitating. A recent study in the U.K. conducted at the University of Gloucestershire by researcher Stephanie Bradley examined the impact of menopause and perimenopause on equestrians, and how it affected both sports performance and psychological well-being. The average age of menopause is 51, but it can range from the early 40s to late 50s. Menopause is identified

Your Questions, Answered: How Does US Equestrian Enforce Horse Welfare Rules?

by US Equestrian Communications | October 14, 2025

Earlier this fall, US Equestrian began the rollout of a video series about our Horse Welfare Guidelines. In these videos, Chief of Sport David O’Connor and veterinary chiropractor and osteopath Dr. Christin Flynn explained the stoplight concept for interactions between horses and people, giving viewers specific examples of horse and human behaviors to watch for when trying to decide whether a situation is horse friendly (green), cautionary (yellow), or in need of intervention (red). Now,

Clayton Farrell Reflects on Meaning of Hollow Brook Wealth Management Sportsmanship Award

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | October 12, 2025

For Clayton Farrell (Venice, Fla.), the 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals –East was about more than just results in the ring. His dedication, kindness, and respect for others earned him the Hollow Brook Wealth Management Sportsmanship Award, a recognition given to the athlete who best exemplifies integrity, generosity, and sportsmanship during the finals. Farrell intends to carry this momentum as he competes in the 2025 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal