The US Equestrian Federation will continue its popular series of member listening sessions in 2026 with a focus on equine and member welfare. This year, the federation will alternate between in-person and virtual town halls each month and, when possible, will livestream in-person events to reach more members. After a successful start to the 2026 slate in February at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif., the spring schedule will be: March 24, 4 p.m. - Wellington International April...

Lexington, Ky. - The 2025 USEF Dressage Training Series came to a conclusion in October of this year, delivering comprehensive educational opportunities for dressage athletes of all levels across both coasts. Building on the success of the 2024 Pathway Program sessions, this year’s series featured expanded participation, new learning components, and deeper engagement with top professionals across all facets of the sport. This year, U.S. dressage athletes competing at all levels of the...

Gladstone, N.J. - The 2025 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East concluded on Sunday at Hamilton Farms, home of the USET Foundation Headquarters, crowning Eleanor Rudnicki (Conroe, Texas) and Qwantreau champions after completion of the Phases III and IV. ©Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian The final day of competition aimed to test each combination’s ability to navigate a jumper-style course while demonstrating the fundamental precision and technique...

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. – US Equestrian has announced a Presidential Modification to two rules dealing with horse/pony collapses at Hunter, Jumper, and Hunter/Jumper Competitions. These changes will go into effect July 1, 2025. The intent of the Presidential Modification is to ensure our equine partners receive appropriate care and are fit to compete before they return to the ring after an unexplained collapse. This modification will address our concerns about the impermissible administration of...

Lexington, Ky . – In keeping with its ongoing commitment to equine welfare, US Equestrian advanced a number of rule changes and modifications at its mid-year meeting June 16 and 17 in Lexington, Ky. Directors heard updates on the organization’s strategic plan, the path to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as well as its vision of continual enhancements to the welfare and integrity of equine sport. General Rule Changes GR402.1 Testing : The Board approved changes to this rule...

US Equestrian recently received an update regarding the pending amendments to the Horse Protection Act (HPA) and the Horse Protection Program. The USDA has announced that there will be no regulatory changes between the 2024 show season and the 2025 show season. This includes a stay on enforcing the new requirement that was to take effect April 2, 2025, mandating that competition and event management of any equine event held in the United States that is covered under the Act, register with and...

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...

As an FEI athlete, it is your responsibility to be aware of and adhere to the FEI and US Equestrian rules. Below is a highlight of some of the key rule changes in FEI Veterinary Regulations effective January 1, 2025. The updated language is shown below in strikethrough/bold/italics. Please note that there are additional changes and the marked up FEI Veterinary Regulations can be found here . Article 1004 – TRIMMING OF THE EARS Article 1004 Prohibited Methods Horses are not permitted to...

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...