Lexington, Ky. - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be represented by 11 athletes at the 2015 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Las Vegas, Nev., April 15-19. The following athletes have qualified during the 2014-2015 World Cup Qualifying Season in their respective leagues (listed in qualifying order): North American East Coast League Todd Minikus (Loxahatchee, Fla.) Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) Beezie Madden (Cazenovia, N.Y.) Jack Hardin Towell (Camden, S.C.)...

Steve Wilson (Picsofyou.com) Ocala, Fla. – The first United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Driving National Championship titles of the year were decided today at Live Oak International CDE in the Single Pony, Pair Pony, Pony Team, and Pair Horse divisions. Drivers navigated the 20-obstacle course on the final day of the championships as the leaders coming into the cones phase faced stiff competition from a talented field of challengers. USEF Single Pony Driving National Championship...

Lexington, Ky. - USA Equestrian Trust is pleased to announce it is now accepting proposals from IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations for its 2015 grants program. In 2014, the Trust awarded nearly $300,000 to help fund nearly 20 projects. To submit an application, visit trusthorses.org and complete the online form. Any organization applying must submit copies of its IRS non-profit determination letter and most recent Form 990, as well as a proposed budget for its project. The deadline...

Lexington, Ky. - A Presidential Modification has been granted to the rule HU106.8 Thoroughbred Hunter, which goes into effect December 1, 2014. Please be aware that this modification strikes out the language requiring Thoroughbred horses be recorded with the Federation in order to compete in the new Thoroughbred Hunter section. However, points will still only count towards this section if the horse is currently recorded with the Federation. HU106.8. Thoroughbred Hunter a. Thoroughbred...

Lexington, Ky. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased announce the coaches for the 2015 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Riders Teams. Melissa Smith (Kansas City, Mo.) and Kent Swalla (Columbia, Mo.) have been named as coaches of the home team. Their team will be competing at the U.S. Saddle Seat Invitational at Cascade Stables in June. Kelly Kraegel (Guthrie, Okla.) and Sarah Lawson (Rockport, Ind.) will be coaches of the team travelling to South Africa in September. Melissa Smith...

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation’s Eventing 25 Program continued to identify and educate top up-and-coming riders in 2014. The comprehensive program incorporated all aspects of horsemanship in intensive winter training sessions, and continues education with Team Coach David O’Connor throughout the competition season helped riders reach new heights in the competition arena. Meghan O’Donoghue (Carbondale, Ill.) has excelled in the Eventing 25...

Lexington, Ky. - The 2015 United States Equestrian Federation Dressage Tests have been published on USEF.org. The 2015 Tests will be effective December 1, 2014 through November 30, 2018. In addition to the 2015 USEF Dressage Test booklet, the USEF has collaborated with the United States Dressage Federation to produce the On the Levels app, which provides examples of the new Introductory through Fourth level dressage tests with commentary from top U.S. trainers and judges, with segments geared...

Lexington, Ky. - The National Horse Show is steeped in history, and the 2014 Grand Champion Junior Hunter is a horse that is not only adding to that history, but creating quite the legacy for himself as well. Tori Colvin and Ovation (Emily Riden/Phelps Media Group) "In the history of the [United States Equestrian Federation] and the [American Horse Show Association] there has never been a Small Junior Working Hunter that has won as many of the big ones as he has. You're looking at an animal...

Lexington, Ky. - The National Horse Show is steeped in history, and the 2014 Grand Champion Junior Hunter is a horse that is not only adding to that history, but creating quite the legacy for himself as well. Tori Colvin and Ovation (Emily Riden/Phelps Media) "In the history of the [United States Equestrian Federation] and the [American Horse Show Association] there has never been a Small Junior Working Hunter that has won as many of the big ones as he has. You're looking at an animal that...

Lexington, Ky. - Red-hot Kent Farrington made it two in a row at the 2014 National Horse Show on Thursday, racing Waomi to her second win in as many days. The speedy pair outgunned a field of 34 to win the $45,000 Staysail Farm International Open Speed in a blazing time of 54.55 seconds, one of only two riders to break the 55 second barrier in today's faults converted formatted class. Ireland's Shane Sweetnam finished a close second with Cyklon 1083, ripping across the finish line in 54....