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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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Six Things to Experience at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by MARS Equestrian™

by Allyson Mattingly | April 17, 2025

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

Women in Sport: Rebecca Hart

by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian | April 11, 2025

When the U.S. Para Dressage Team won Paralympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 games, it was a historic moment. Not only was it the first Paralympic team gold for the U.S., but the team that clinched that win was composed of all women athletes: Roxanne Trunnell, Kate Shoemaker, Fiona Howard, and Becca Hart. Becca Hart and Floratina at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. ©Devyn Trethewey/US Equestrian Hart has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Para Dressage program for many years and has numerous

I Am US Equestrian: Chris Powierski

by US Equestrian Communications Department | April 8, 2025

For this week’s I Am US Equestrian Member Spotlight, meet Chris. US Equestrian first met Chris during our visit to Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship, one of the USEF Community Outreach Organizations in Southern Pines, N.C. Chris first learned about horses through his friend, Jonathan, who has been riding with Prancing Horse for more than 30 years. Watching Jonathan compete in a horse show sparked his interest in riding, which led to him connecting with Prancing Horse.

Fun Spring Activities for Young Equestrians

by Allyson Mattingly | March 31, 2025

Goodbye dreary winter, and hello sun! Spring has sprung, and everyone is itching to go outside to celebrate the longer days and rising temperatures. With spring break and summer vacations on the horizon, it’s time to start planning engaging activities that you can do with your horse-crazy child. Every pony loves a treat! Photo Credit: Leslie Potter/US Equestrian DIY Horse Toys Although toys are not essential for your horse’s wellbeing, offering enrichment opportunities gives them

Junior Equestrian of the Year: Where Are They Now? Molly Ashe Cawley

by Debbie Elliot | March 26, 2025

1988 was a pivotal year in the life of Molly Ashe Cawley. It was the year that her father passed away, but also the year that she was named by USEF as the Junior Equestrian of the Year. “That was a bright light in a dark moment,” Ashe Cawley recalled of receiving the honor. Now a successful grand prix rider in the U.S. and internationally, Ashe Cawley has numerous accolades to her name, including being the first American and first woman to win the Grand Prix of Berlin in Germany. Up

Women in Sport: Anne Kursinski

by Christine Rivet | March 25, 2025

Having first started riding at age four, Anne Kursinski is no stranger to equestrian sport. She rode on her first Nations’ Cup team in 1976 while still attending high school, setting herself up to ride for Team USA at three different Olympic Games, where she earned two silver medals. Beginning her career at the international level during a time where men dominated the sport, Kursinski has been able to witness the shift in equality amongst competitors. “Growing up in the States

Celebrating Women in U.S. Equestrian History

by Diarmuid Byrne | EquiRatings | March 11, 2025

©US Equestrian Honoring the Legacy of Women in Equestrian Sport Women have played a crucial role in shaping the history of equestrian sports in the United States and beyond. From breaking gender barriers and breaking records to achieving Olympic glory, their contributions continue to inspire future generations of riders - right up to the all-female US Paralympic team. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we honor these trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on equestrian sport.

Community Outreach Spotlight: Ebony Horsewomen

by Allyson Mattingly | February 24, 2025

Ebony Horsewomen (EHI), one of the 29 organizations in US Equestrian’s Community Outreach Program, is a one-of-a-kind urban riding center located in Hartford, Conn. serving the community’s youth, families, adults, and military veterans. About Ebony Horsewomen EHI was founded in 1984 with a vision of giving inner-city youth access to the same opportunities, resources, equine-based programming, and equine-assisted therapy as their suburban counterparts. Now, founder and

Presidents' Day Q&A with US Equestrian’s President, Tom O’Mara

by Allyson Mattingly | February 18, 2025

In honor of Presidents' Day, we sat down with US Equestrian’s own President, Tom O’Mara, to ask a few questions about his time with the organization. O’Mara recently began his second term as president that will run through 2028. Q: US Equestrian’s main initiative, and theme of the 2025 Annual Meeting, was “It’s All About the Horse.” So, what does that mean to you? A: Equestrians love horses. That’s why we’re equestrians!

USEF President Tom O’Mara's “Presidential Shout Outs” for People Who Go “Above and Beyond” for Horses and the Equestrian Community

by Allyson Mattingly | February 18, 2025

During the general session at the 2025 Annual Meeting, US Equestrian President, Tom O’Mara, introduced a new segment titled “Presidential Shout Outs,” where he recognized several individuals whose actions in the equestrian community led to a significant positive impact. “As President, I encounter incredible members and stakeholders all year long who go above and beyond every day to make US Equestrian stronger and to help our horses and people do better,” said

“Sovereignty Was Scared and Covered in Ash; It Was Blowing All Around Him”

by Debbie Elliot | February 3, 2025

There are countless stories of heroism, bravery and community collaboration emerging from the devastating wildfires that ravaged the Los Angeles area throughout January. We would like to express our sympathy and support to all those who have been impacted. One viral image that has resonated with equestrians across the country is that of a teenage girl riding a black horse on a winding mountain road with the fires blazing around them, the caption read: “I rode 14 miles on a horse that

Shock Wave Therapy for Equine Respiratory Health: New Research Shows Promise

by Leslie Potter | January 20, 2025

Shock wave therapy is a noninvasive treatment used in human and veterinary medicine to relieve pain and improve healing in soft tissue injuries. It works by emitting high-energy sound waves to targeted areas, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes to reduce inflammation and increase bone and tissue formation. Horse owners and equine vets use shock wave therapy (also referred to as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, or ESWT) to treat horses of all breeds and disciplines for