Lexington, Ky. – The board of directors and staff at US Equestrian would like to extend our condolences to all those who loved Catch Me, the 2016 USEF National Horse of the Year. Catch Me, fondly known as “Snoopy,” passed on Friday, June 27, at the age of 18 due to complications from colic. Photo Credit: WIHS “Catch Me was the most remarkable horse that I ever owned,” said owner Becky Gochman. “He was both competitive and kind. Scott Stewart showed him...

Lexington, Ky. - The FEI Vaulting Working Group, tasked with the revision of the FEI Vaulting Code of Points - Degree of Difficulty (DoD), has created a survey to collect feedback from Vaulters, Coaches, Officials, as well as members of the Vaulting community to identify areas of improvement. The goal is to ensure that the rules governing free tests reflect the true challenge of movements, encourage creativity, and support the growth of the sport. Your insights will help identify areas for...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the host venue and date for the 2025 USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final – West. This year’s final will return to Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 9. The USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal qualifying classes are composed of a flat class and an over-fences round. The two Finals—one on each coast—add an additional phase in which the top four athletes compete over fences on...

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 licensed official development grant application. The grants, first awarded in 2022, were designed to aid equestrians who desire to become a licensed official in addition to current licensed officials who wish to advance their knowledge and license level. Grants are intended to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. Féderation Équestre Internationale officials to complete application requirements such...

Kansas City, Mo. – The final jewel in the triple crown of saddle seat equitation will take place this weekend as the 2024 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Finals take place at the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show. The USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final will take place on Friday, Nov. 15, and the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final for junior riders will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian 2024 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final The medal...

Harrisburg, Pa. – The first of two 2024 USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Finals will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, as the East Coast championship closes out competition at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, Pa. The West Coast edition will run next month on Nov. 9, during the National Sunshine Series II at Desert Horse Park in Thermal, Calif. Athletes qualify for the finals by competing in and accumulating points from USEF/NCEA Medal qualifying classes throughout the...

Lexington, Ky. – Under an approved US Equestrian rule change effective Dec. 1, 2024, ponies will be eligible for two green years. Ahead of this effective date, US Equestrian will accept requests for green pony reinstatements through Nov. 30, 2024. Members wishing to reinstate their ponies’ first green year may submit a request through their member dashboard at members.usef.org . ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Ponies must meet the criteria outlined in the USEF Rulebook in section...

Wayne, Ill. – The annual showcase of dressage talent that is the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions (FOC) kicks off today, Aug. 19, at HITS Chicago Lamplight Equestrian Center in Northern Illinois. The event runs for seven days and features the USEF Para Dressage National Championship alongside a full slate of championships with a focus on youth equestrians and young and developing horses. The 16 national championships contested at FOC are: Neue Schule/USEF Grand Prix Dressage National...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 licensed official development grant application. The grants were first awarded in 2022, and during the 2023 application cycle, 50 individuals were awarded USEF Licensed Official Grant s totaling more than $19,000. “Awarding last year’s 50 recipients was extremely impactful,” stated Alina Brazzil, Director of Licensed Officials for US Equestrian. “We look forward to awarding more grant...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is proud to announce the launch of the newly amended USEF National Endurance Award Program, a revamped initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the achievements of endurance athletes and horses across the country. Officially launching with the 2024 season, the USEF National Endurance Award Program includes the USEF Endurance Year-End Awards and the USEF Endurance Career Mileage Awards. USEF Endurance Year End Awards will be calculated based on USEF...