USEF Chief of Sport David O’Connor, University of Kentucky Equine Science professor and member of the FEI Equine Ethics and Welfare Commission, Dr. Camie Heleski, and Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, Roly Owers, spoke to the USEF Annual Meeting about equestrian sport and the social license to operate. Here are five takeaways from their presentation. 1. Social license to operate is an unofficial but essential piece of the puzzle. Owers describes social license to operate as...

This special section, Drugs and Medications Corner, will feature a series of articles from the USEF’s Drugs and Medications Program and the veterinary community to communicate the latest news to better educate the equine community. Many years ago, I was called to see a show hunter discovered to have a “big knee.” I found the horse to have moderate heat and swelling with pain on flexion of the left knee. He demonstrated a 3/5 lameness to trot in hand (AAEP scale, head bobbing)....

(Lexington, KY) - A timely response is needed from members of the horse industry to their Congressional Delegation since the House of Representative is scheduled to vote on the 2008 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations bill (H.R. 3161), which would fund the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Fiscal Year 2008, early next week. Section 738 of that bill would be devastating because it would cut-off funding for USDA activities important to the horse industry....

Traverse City, Mich. - July 20, 2014 - Amanda Derbyshire and Attack II left no prisoners during the $40,000 Grand Prix of the Great Lakes. Derbyshire had the luxury of going sixth of the seven competitors who had qualified for the jump-off in the featured jumper class, held during Horse Shows by the Bay Series III. Derbyshire was able to win the battle by leaving out a stride that second-placed Kim Farlinger hadn't. "I did five strides after the double, where most people did six, and I...

Sarah Hamilton from strategic communications consulting firm Kivvit gave a presentation on social media to kick off Friday’s Workshop Sessions. She reviewed the basics, different platforms, strengths and weaknesses of social media, and best practices. Hamilton concluded by fielding questions from the audience for a thoroughly informative session. Social media is a communication tool “Social media is just one tool in a larger communications and marketing external relations plan that...

President Murray Kessler and President-Elect Tom O’Mara delivered the 2021 General Session presentation on Saturday afternoon celebrating the new heights equestrians have achieved in recent years and laying out the ambitious plans for continued growth and collaboration in the future behind the theme of Listen, Learn and Lead Together. Kessler looked back at how far US Equestrian and equestrian sport have come in the past four years, even with the challenges posed by 2020. O’Mara...

In 2017, US Equestrian’s President Murray Kessler launched the now widely-referenced Strategic Plan, intended to revitalize and re-establish membership, support, and success within US Equestrian and the many services it provides. During Thursday afternoon’s General Session, Kessler spoke to an engaged group of members, affiliates, and staff about the continued commitment to the strategic goals of the organization and the many positive changes identified since the plan’s...

On June 11, 2019, the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) affiliate agreement with the American Driving Society (ADS) expired. USEF understands that this circumstance left many USEF driving members with questions regarding the future of the sport. Please be assured that USEF remains thoroughly committed to supporting the driving disciplines, its current programs, and developing new ways to grow the sport. The following information details how USEF supports the driving disciplines and outlines a...

This article has been reposted from The Chronicle of the Horse ( https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/not-going-reservation ) Wellington, Fla.—March 27 At today’s U.S. Equestrian Federation Town Hall Meeting, U.S. Hunter Jumper Association President Bill Moroney didn’t mince words when discussing the importance of changing the hunter/jumper culture when it comes to overuse and misuse of drugs and medications. “We have to admit we have an issue,” said Moroney,...

Wayne, Ill. – The U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions was in full swing on Thursday with seven divisions performing their respective tests for the panel of judges. Pony Riders to Four-Year-Old young horses to Grand Prix combinations took center stage for their chance at a national championship title. The day saw strong performances, showing the talent that gathered from across the country for the esteemed competition. Adequan®/USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup Dressage National...