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.

J. Michael Plumb to be First Equestrian Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame

by By USOC Media and Public Relations Services | 4/15/2008 3:34:00 PM

Mike Plumb Will Join the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2008 (USEF Archive) By USOC Media and Public Relations Division Chicago, Ill. - Karch Kiraly, three-time U.S. Olympian in volleyball (1984, 1988 and 1996) and three-time gold medalist, leads the distinguished Class of 2008 that will be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Presented by Allstate. The induction ceremony will take place June 19 in Chicago. The U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Class of 2008 is comprised of nine Olympians, one...

USEF Announces Show Jumping Squad for 2008 FEI World Cup Final

by By Joanie Morris | 4/14/2008 2:02:00 PM

Lexington, KY - Following the last World Cup Qualifiers which were held in Tampa, FL, and San Juan Capistrano, CA, 10 riders will represent the U.S. at the 2008 Rolex FEI World Cup Final (seven from the U.S. East Coast League and three from the U.S. West Coast League). To be held in Goteborg, Sweden, April 23-27, the Final showcases the world’s best show jumping riders, who qualify by accumulating points throughout the competition year at designated FEI events in one of the FEI worldwide...

Statement From David O'Connor

by Joanie Morris | 4/13/2008 6:30:00 PM

Statement by David O’Connor: Recent injuries and the media coverage of those injuries and our sport give us all reason to pause and reflect on the evolution and safety of equestrian sport and in particular Eventing. Many of us have devoted our professional lives to the joy of partnering with the horse and skillfully riding a course. Underlying the fun and excitement of the sport, for that matter any sport, is reasonable risk with the assumption of reasonable safety. In fact, our sport is...

Statement from Mark Phillips Regarding Recent Media Coverage about Eventing

by Joanie Morris | 4/12/2008 4:48:00 PM

Statement by Mark Phillips-- Eventing is a sport I love and have been involved in personally and professionally for more than 40 years. I am always deeply concerned whenever an athlete or horse is injured while competing regardless of circumstances and even more so when it occurs on a course I designed. In every course I have ever designed the top priority has always been for the health and safety of the athletes and the horses. Our great sport is evolving and becoming more technically...

Preliminary Dressage Award Standings and Archived Award Results Available Online

by By Ross Creech | 4/11/2008 10:34:00 AM

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced that 2008 preliminary award standings for the Adequan/USDF Year-End Awards, including the Adequan/USDF All-Breeds Awards, are now available on the USDF website, as well as archived award results for the previous two competition seasons. Anyone who logs into the USDF site can access the most up-to-date award standings and monitor these standings throughout the competition year. Archived results are available only to those individuals who are...

Trakehners International and Friends Host Darren Chiacchia Online Auction Fundraiser

by By Carol Flammer | 4/11/2008 10:30:00 AM

Trakehners International and friends have joined together to host an online auction to raise funds for Darren Chiacchia, the international event rider who was critically injured in a fall on course at Red Hills Horse Trials on March 15, 2008. All bids are paid to the Equestrian Aid Foundation in Darren Chiacchia’s name and are tax-deductible. Online bidding begins on Thursday, April 24, at www.trakehners-international.com . There are multiple ways to support this fundraiser: 1. Bid on the...

Pletcher Claims Second $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Challenge Derby Win in a Row Aboard Argentum

by By Mike Lowry | 4/11/2008 10:18:00 AM

After winning the Hunter Derby at Pin Oak, Peter Pletcher and Argentum took home the Gold for the second time in two weeks, winning the $10,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Challenge Derby Classic at the Spring Gathering Horse Show in the Houston suburb of Katy, TX. The class was held under the lights in the main arena at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. An enthusiastic crowd cheered their favorites as 23 entries competed over the first round-track...

First Class Educational Program for Endurance to be Offered

by By Malina Gueorguiev | 4/11/2008 9:47:00 AM

The discipline of endurance is undergoing a full review of its rules. One of the key innovations introduced in new rules, which will come in force on January 1, 2009, is the emphasis put on the education of all officials involved in the discipline, be they judges, technical delegates and veterinarians. A significant contribution towards this new development will be brought by the agreement that was recently concluded between the FEI and Hydra Properties of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE)....

USEF Announces Third Annual Youth Sportsman’s Award

by By Stacey Meier | 4/9/2008 1:25:00 PM

Lexington, KY – As part of the continuing efforts to expand the base of young people contributing to the leadership and promotion of equestrian sports, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announces the third annual Youth Sportsman’s Award. This awards program recognizes youths who are members of both the USEF and their recognized national affiliate. These candidates need to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and their affiliate organization by...

Update from Darren Chiacchia's Family _ April 7, 2008

by Joanie Morris | 4/9/2008 11:37:00 AM

Darren had an excellent day in therapy. He was able to ambulate with a walker for approximately 50 feet, and was much more alert and oriented. He continues to be confused with his surroundings, accompanied with obvious short term memory deficits, and some long term memory difficulties. Assistance is no longer needed when eating, and he has commented about having reservations at Bonefish. Being such an active individual, it is obvious that Darren is anxious about not being as busy as he is...