Lexington, Ky. – The US Equestrian Jumping Sport Committee has approved modifications to the 2019 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals based on recommendations from the Talent Search Task Force. As a result of an assessment of the 2018 Talent Search Finals – East and West and feedback collected from key constituents, the following changes are in effect beginning in 2019: Finals fence height 1.15m (previously 1.20m) A trot fence, not to exceed .90, may be...

Wellington, Fla. – In a battle for top honors and striving to gain team experience, the U.S. Young Rider, Junior, and Children’s Jumping Teams dominated their respective competitions at the Palm Beach Masters CSIO on Saturday. The Children’s team started the day capturing the $5,000 Children’s Team Competition, followed by the U.S. Junior Team winning the $8,000 Junior Team Competition. The U.S. Young Rider team competed in the $10,000 FEI Jumping Youth Nations Cup to...

Wellington, Fla. – Having qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team will turn their focus to qualifying for the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final in October. They will have a chance to pick up coveted points enroute to Barcelona when they compete against six countries in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup USA on Sunday. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland has tasked Margie Engle, , Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden, and McLain Ward with a podium...

Darcie Grote and Nickie at the LAHJA Senior Medal Finals in October 2018, where they finished in the top 10, seventh overall. Photo: Kristin Lee Photography When Darcie Grote receives her copy of US Equestrian magazine ’s annual Horse of the Year issue in mid-April, she’ll have an extra reason to celebrate her horse’s championship in the United States Hunter Jumper Association Zone 9 Thoroughbred hunter division. Brenin—or Nickie, as he’s known around the...

Debbie McDonald (left) and Charlotte Bredahl (right) Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian has announced the appointment of Charlotte Bredahl as the U.S. Dressage Development Coach, pending final contract negotiations. Bredahl will take over for the newly appointed U.S. Dressage Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe, Debbie McDonald, who previously held the position of Development Coach. The role of the Development Coach is to work hand in hand with the Managing Director of Dressage, the...

When fellow equestrians and Paso Fino enthusiasts first suggested that Heidi Young consider riding with a drill team, Young demurred. “I had bought myself a very good-looking Paso Fino, and they said, ‘You should try this, because it’s fun, and your horse would look great,’” recalled Young, a Connecticut native and US Equestrian member who now resides in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho. “I said, ‘Oh, no, I don’t do that kind of thing. I don’t like...

Lexington, Ky. – Today, the FEI announced that Lee McKeever , groom to four-time Olympian McLain Ward, has won the 2018 FEI Best Groom Award. Outgoing FEI Bureau members Hanfried Haring and John McEwen presented McKeever with the prestigious honor at the FEI Awards Gala in Manama, Bahrain, in front of hundreds of equestrian fans, fellow FEI Award recipients, and stakeholders representing 133 National Equestrian Federations. The FEI Best Groom Award spotlights the individual working behind...

Lexington, Ky. – With the deadliest wildfire raging in the state’s history and nearly 210,000 acres burned and ablaze from fires across the state, California and its citizens and equine community are facing one of equestrians’ worst fears. Many people have been forced to flee their homes, farms, and ranches, with little or no warning, turning horses and livestock loose to fend for themselves and hope for their survival. Photo: AdobeStock/Mike Blake/Reuters Banding together as...

Lexington, Ky. – The inaugural AON/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) National Championships kick off tomorrow, November 13-18, at The Las Vegas National Horse Show CSI4*-W . Held at South Point Equestrian Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., riders will compete for national titles and have an opportunity to earn Horse of the Year points in their sections. All competitors and their families will also enjoy free VIP access, fun activities throughout the week, and an experience to...

Lexington, Ky. – The country’s top saddle seat equitation riders have arrived in Kansas City, Mo., for the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final this Saturday, November 10. Held at Hale Arena during the United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA)/American Royal National Championship Horse Show , 18 horse-and-rider combinations will go head-to-head in pursuit of the title. 2017 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final champion Molly Codeanne Open to junior members who have won a first- or...