Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced that it has initiated proceedings to terminate the recognized affiliate status of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) as soon as possible following the AERC Board of Director’s approval of a disaffiliation motion on January 14, 2019, indicating that they wish to terminate their affiliation with USEF as of December 1, 2019. While USEF shares AERC’s concerns regarding horse welfare, the...

Laura Graves and Verdades Paris, France – In their triumphant return to the FEI World Cup Dressage Final, Laura Graves (Geneva, Fla.) and Verdades claimed victory in the FEI Grand Prix on Friday evening to open the competition. On a grand prix personal best score of 81.413 percent, the powerful combination rode the centerline with poise and grace, showing the world that they arrived to compete. Germany’s Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD placed second with a score of 78.261 percent,...

Givrins, Switzerland – A talented group of up-and-coming athletes represented the Platinum Performance U.S. Teams at the 2017 SVAG FEI World Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders on August 11 and 12. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Jeff Petska, the U.S. combinations put forth determined efforts throughout the championships. The Platinum Performance U.S. Junior Team of Sam Flarida, Emma Lane, and Emilia Reutimann earned the team silver medal on Friday, while the...

Sopot, Poland – The Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team had a strong performance at their first European FEI Nations Cup competition of the season, facing off against 12 other teams and winning gold after an intense fight to the finish. Olaf Peterson Jr.’s course proved to be challenging with only one combination going double-clear. Led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland, the U.S. team of Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, Chloe Reid, and Paris Sellon held on through a jump-off against...

McLain Ward and HH Azur (Shannon Brinkman Photo) Whether there is truth to superstitions, many athletes have them and equestrian athletes are no exception. The U.S. athletes at the FEI World Cup™? Finals have various ideas about getting luck on their side. Read on to find out whose superstitions involve boots, back numbers, and more: Kasey Perry-Glass, dressage “I don’t have superstitions. I try to work on my preparation throughout the day so I don’t get as stressed,...

Lexington, Ky. – The future stars of U.S. show jumping were tested during three days of tough competition for the 2016 $100,000 USEF U25 Show Jumping National Championship presented by Deeridge Farms, Elm Rock LLC, the Strauss Family, and Kasowitz, Benson, Torres, & Friedman LLP. Following a double-clear performance in Sunday’s $30,000 Two Round competition at the CP National Horse Show, Brett Burlington stood atop the podium as the Gold medalist. Brett Burlington and Bluf...

Breda, The Netherlands – Competition got underway at the 2016 FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand on Thursday with the first of two days of dressage. Allison Stroud was the sole representative of the U.S. Driving Team to compete in Thursday’s dressage phase and she did not disappoint. She delivered a solid test to put her in fourth place on a score of 47.37. Allison Stroud (Krisztina Horváth/Hoefnet.com) Stroud (West Grove, Pa.) put forth a great effort with Willow Star...

Aachen, Germany –The CAIO4*-H4 Nations Cup competition concluded on Sunday at CHIO Aachen with the cones phase. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Ed Young, the U.S. Driving Team of Chester Weber and Chester Weber (Shannon Brinkman Photography) Allison Stroud finished in seventh place. Weber was the top-ranked American, earning third. The Netherlands maintained its dominate two-phase lead to take the Gold medal in team competition. Germany placed second and Belgium finished in...

Aachen, Germany –The CAIO4*-H4 Nations Cup competition began on Thursday at CHIO Aachen with the dressage phase. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Ed Young, the U.S. Driving Team had a solid start to sit in second place with a score of 95.27 after the first phase of the competition. Chester Weber is the top U.S. athlete, lying in second place on a score of 38.34. Chester Weber (Shannon Brinkman Photo) Weber (Ocala, Fla.) and his and Jane Clark’s team of KWPN geldings had a...

Rotterdam, The Netherlands – Continuing competition in the final of three designated observation events that will help determine the 2016 U.S. Olympic Dressage Team, U.S. athletes rose to the occasion on day one of CDI3* competition at CHIO Rotterdam. Steffen Peters led the way for the four Americans, winning the Grand Prix with Rosamunde. Allison Brock and Rosevelt also put in a solid effort, placing third. The U.S. was also represented by Shelly Francis, Arlene “Tuny” Page,...