US Equestrian encourages all dressage competitors, licensed officials, and competition managers to review a new memo regarding the rule update to DR121.3.a – Crownpieces . The rule update went into effect on Sept. 1, 2024, and the memo can be viewed here . The rule update specifies that padding on the crownpiece “must be smooth and continuous across the poll while on the horse and rectangular or in the same shape as the crownpiece. Padding may extend no more than 1.5 centimeters...

Lexington, Ky. - The Grand Slam of Eventing Series began in 1999 and rewards athletes for the pinnacle of success internationally across three legendary five-star events, the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event, Mars Badminton Horse Trials and Defender Burghley Horse Trials. For the first time in 23 years, the title sponsorship of this iconic series has become available. This prestigious award is presented to a rider who has won all three Grand Slam events consecutively (not necessarily in the...

Tryon, N.C. – The Tryon International Equestrian Center hosted the 2024 USEF Combined Driving National Championship for Advanced Ponies last week, welcoming some of the country’s top driving athletes to compete among the full slate of driving classes at the Tryon Fall CDE. Amy Cross and Eulenhof Spencer. ©Shannon Brinkman Photo USEF Combined Driving National Championship – Single Pony Amy Cross (Chestertown, Md.) and Eulenhof Spencer (Arvalon Sion x Carmana’s Summer...

Lier, Belgium – The U.S. Young Rider and Junior Jumping Teams completed their final day of competition at the FEI Nations Cup Youth Jumping Final after both teams earned qualifying spots via two separate qualifiers earlier in the week to contest Sunday’s final event. The U.S. Junior Jumping Team impressed all week with strong performances across each of the qualifying classes, taking the coveted top honors on the final day on a total of zero faults. The U.S. Young Rider Jumping Team...

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...

Championship season is upon us, and some of the largest and most prestigious regional and national shows for national breeds and disciplines will take place this month. Tune in to the livestreams or attend in person to cheer on your favorite horses this September. September 9-14, 2024 AHA Sport Horse Nationals Wilmington, Ohio Arabians and Half-Arabian sport horses return to the World Equestrian Center in Ohio to compete for national champion titles in disciplines including hunters, jumpers,...

Monpazier, France – Two U.S. combinations successfully completed the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors on Saturday, Sept. 7, joining some of the sport’s top international athletes in finishing the 160 km (100-mile) ride in southwestern France. Holly Corcoran and Lorienn. ©Terry Shampoe Holly Corcoran (Stroudsburg, Pa.) and Kelsey Russell (Williston, Fla.) crossed the finish line together, coming in 33 rd and 34 th out of a field of more than 130 starters....

Wayne, Ill. – The final day of the 2024 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions brought the final five divisions to a close with new champions adding their names to the list of greats who have topped the classes at this prestigious event. Sunday at HITS Chicago Lamplight Equestrian Center featured a diverse cross-section of the classes offered at FOC, from young and developing horses to children and young riders and a dressage seat equitation final. Autumn Vavrick and Dante. ©Leslie...

Versailles, France – The U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team continued to make their mark in history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, securing their second consecutive Paralympic team medal - this time standing atop the podium with a historic team gold. The team combinations comprised of Rebecca Hart and Floratina (Grade III), Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes (Grade II), and Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H (Grade I) each produced incredibly competitive scores, all at the 77% mark or above,...

Wayne, Ill. – Friday at the 2024 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions brought another three new national champion titles. The juniors and 7-year-old horses both completed their second and final tests to determine overall placings, and the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Final for the 13 & under age group had their turn in the main arena. Virginia Woodcock and Mollegardens Sans-Souci. ©Avery Wallace/US Equestrian Adequan ® /USEF Junior Dressage National Championship The iconic duo of...