Lexington, KY - To reach the highest level of excellence in equestrian sport requires talent, perseverance, a tremendous spirit and often, unwavering courage. In 2012, six horses have shown the world those qualities and more. On January 18, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will bestow two of them with the prestigious title of Horse of the Year, the highest honor the USEF awards a horse. Again this year both a national and international horse will win. The six champions have earned...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Heritage Gloves have signed an agreement ensuring that Heritage will remain the USEF's officially endorsed glove manufacturer. Heritage Gloves will continue to be the "Official Glove of the United States Equestrian Federation" and USEF members will continue to benefit from the support of a premier equestrian brand. More than three decades of experience in manufacturing and innovation have helped Heritage make gloves that are...

Lexington, KY – The USEF Eventing High Performance Committee has approved the following High Performance Spring Training Lists for the 2013 season. These lists have been redesigned for 2013 and this is a targeted approach to identify talented horse/rider combinations for future championship teams. The Global Talent and World Class combinations will be participating in training sessions with Chef d’Equipe David O’Connor in Aiken, South Carolina, Gilroy and Temecula, California...

Lexington, KY - USA Equestrian Trust has awarded $95,000 in grants to help fund four more equine projects as part of a historic year of grant-giving for the foundation. The awards come on top of nearly $240,000 awarded in May to 11 equine non-profits. The Trust's volunteer leadership approved an expansion of the program earlier this year, offering a second grant application period for the first time in the foundation's history. The organization saw even greater need from interested...

Major equestrian competitions attended by U.S. athletes, both domestic and overseas, are listed in this weekly preview. Please look below to find competition listings by discipline* and breed. We hope you will follow the competitions that most interest you, but check Equestrian Weekly on Monday for a report of any top finishes by U.S. Equestrians. *lists of competitions in all international disciplines will include only FEI competitions or USEF Championships within the USA and international FEI...

Paris, France – Two U.S. vaulters had stellar performances against some of the world’s top vaulters at the Master International de Voltige CVI2*W at the Salon du Cheval in Paris, France December 7-8. Alicen Divita (Redwood City, CA) finished in second place in the Individual Women’s Senior division. Vaulting on Pino del Rio lunged by Elke Schelp, Divita received on overall score of 7.889. In the Individual Men’s Senior division, Gabe Aniello (Redwood City, CA) took third...

Happy Holidays! Tis the season and all my best to everyone. This time of year we are especially grateful for all the perfections we find our lives are blessed with. Wishing all of you the very best of holiday seasons. Thank you for reading and supporting the development of western dressage. It was a very exciting time for representatives from North American Western Dressage to attend the USDF Annual Convention in New Orleans December 5-8. President Jen Johnson and Board member Jennifer Collman...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the winners of two prestigious awards in the discipline of Endurance, the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy. The awards will be presented at the USEF Horse of the Year Awards gala and dinner on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky. Heather Reynolds (left) riding Riverwatch at the 2012 Longines FEI World Endurance...

As an interior designer and avid equestrian, I thought it would be fun to take a few simple tack items (items from the lists below), the ones that that all of us have too many of (come on….you know you do!) and come up with creative solutions to incorporate them into your Holiday Décor. The “I have way too many of these” List: Stirrup Leathers Braided Reins Stirrup Irons Bits Horse Ornaments Tray The From Your Kitchen List: Apple Cranberries Candles Glass vases The...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and its Eventing High Performance Department is proud to announce a redesigned Developing Riders/Eventing 25 Program beginning in 2013. In 2013, a Developing Rider will be defined as a rider (maximum age of 25) who has achieved a qualifying result at the CCI2* level. Chef d’Equipe David O’Connor will lead the Developing Riders/Eventing 25 program and coach the accepted athletes. In addition to lessons under saddle, there...