Breaking US Equestrian news releases contain the latest information regarding the organization, national championships, U.S. athletes and teams in international competition, breed news, and important member alerts. Manage the news you receive at the US Equestrian Preference Center.

Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge to host 2011 Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI5*

by By Joanie Morris | 1/27/2011 2:08:00 PM

West Palm Beach, FL - Pending FEI approval, the Exquis World Dressage Masters CDI5* has been rescheduled for March 9-12 at the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge in West Palm Beach, FL. The featured event, the Freestyle, will be held under the lights on Friday evening. The only CDI5* held annually in the United States, the World Dressage Masters attracts some of the world's best. Over the last two years, World, Olympic and World Cup Champions have all been in attendance and 2011 promises to...

Protective Headgear Rules for Dressage

by USEF Dressage Department | 1/27/2011 10:19:00 AM

Effective March 1, 2011, the following rules apply to Dressage Competitions and Regular Competitions holding Dressage classes: 1. Riders under age 18 must wear protective headgear, as defined by DR120.5 and in compliance with GR801, at all times while mounted on the competition grounds. This includes non-competing riders as well as those competing at any level. 2. While on horses competing in national level tests (Fourth Level and below), riders must wear protective headgear as defined by DR120....

USEF to Hold Two Judges Clinics at Fiesta Charity Horse Show

by USEF Education Department | 1/26/2011 3:44:00 PM

Burbank, CA – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will hold two judges clinics during the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, an annual benefit and horse show held May 4-8, 2011, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. A USEF Friesian Judges’ Clinic will be May 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic, held at the Courtyard Los Angeles Burbank Airport and L.A. Equestrian Center, will be open to licensed Friesian judges, applicants and those interested in becoming licensed. Attendance fulfills...

USEF Passes New Safety Helmet Rules for Eventing and Dressage Riders

by USEF Communications Department | 1/25/2011 9:09:00 PM

Lexington, KY - The Board of Directors during this year’s United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Annual Meeting approved new helmet rules for riders in both eventing and dressage - just two weeks after dozens of stakeholders in equestrian sport met with the goal of improving rider safety across disciplines. ”If the technology is available to reduce head injuries, the time to use it is now," said USEF President David O’Connor. "I am very proud of our organization for taking this very...

Competition at the 2011 HITS Desert Circuit Begins Today in Southern California

by HITS Media Team | 1/25/2011 12:15:00 PM

Thermal, CA - January 25, 2011- Today marks the beginning of the 2011 show jumping season on the West Coast, as exhibitors from around the world are flocking to Southern California to participate in world-class equestrian competition at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA. This season will be extra special as the HITS is celebrating its 20th Anniversary of hosting world-class equestrian competition in the Coachella Valley. "We are looking forward to showing in the desert," said HITS...

This Week in International Disciplines - January 25

by From the USEF Communications Department | 1/25/2011 11:40:00 AM

The USEF Annual Meeting celebrated 2010’s champions and Reining superstars Tom McCutcheon and Gunners Special Nite were honored for an outstanding year of achievement. They were the only U.S. pair to win two Gold medals at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Gunners Special Nite, owned by Sarah Wilemen, was voted USEF Horse of the Year for his achievements and the following night, McCutcheon won the top honor (Equestrian of the Year) for himself. It was an outstanding accomplishment...

Reminder: Application Period Closes January 31, 2011 for 2013 Eventing Chef d'Equipe/Technical Advisor

by From the USEF Eventing Department | 1/24/2011 2:45:00 PM

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is accepting applications for the position of Eventing Chef d'Equipe/Technical Advisor which will become available in 2013. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2011. Potential applicants may contact the Chairman of the Search Committee with any questions. Eric Straus can be reached at [email protected]. The application can be found here: https://usef.org/documents/highPerformance/eventing/jobs/application.pdf The job...

ASHA High Point Awards Program to Replace ASHA Regional Championships

by Brice Carr/ASHA News | 1/24/2011 1:53:00 PM

Lexington, KY - The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) has announced that the ASHA Regional Championships have been discontinued, effective in 2011. This change allows for more focus to be placed on the new ASHA High Point Awards program being implemented in the 2011 competition year. The ASHA High Point Awards program, an initiative of the Charter Club Council, recognizes Saddlebred and Half Saddlebred achievement, not only in the traditional show ring, but also in a wide range of...

FTI Winter Equestrian Festival Week Two Wrap-Up: January 19-23, 2011

by Equestrian Sport Productions | 1/24/2011 11:06:00 AM

Wellington, FL - January 24, 2011 - The second week of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued successfully at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. In addition to 12 rings of hunter, jumper, and equitation competition, there was plenty happening on the grounds. Here are upcoming events at the FTI WEF: Exhibitor Party at the White Horse Tavern, sponsored by Equine Couture/Tuff Rider- Friday, January 28 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pick up your ticket at the stabling office or in...

2011 IHSA National Championships - A Preview to the Road to Lexington

by L.A. Pomeroy, IHSA Media Liaison | 1/24/2011 10:52:00 AM

Fairfield, CT — In poker it’s called re-shuffling the deck, and when the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) announced at the start of the 2010 semester that it had realigned its nine Zones to eight - changing the geography of its competitive regions and impacting coaching strategies - it promised to make the road to the 2011 IHSA National Championships, May 5-8, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, an interesting one. With Regional and Zone Championships, and Western...