Lexington, Ky. – Following a US Equestrian-led summit of veterinary professionals earlier this year, the Federation has released a white paper summarizing the group’s recommendations on best practices in sport horse medicine. In March, 28 veterinarians gathered at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla., to review: Examinations and preventative health measures Injury prevention and management Fitness to compete Wearable technology/biometrics Science-based treatments vs. anecdotal...

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...

It’s peak horse show season, and there’s no shortage of equestrian fun to be had this summer. Highlights include the first national championships of the year in the Arabian and hunter worlds, as well as top competition for Morgans, Saddlebreds, and more. Get out there and enjoy the shows or hunker down in the AC and catch the action in comfort on USEF Network. ©Shiflet Photo June 10-14, 2025 Midwest Charity Horse Show Springfield, Ill. Now in its 84 th year, Midwest Charity...

Lexington, Ky . – On June 11, US Equestrian held its first town hall discussion focused on horse welfare at the Split Rock Hunter Jumper Classic II at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The event is the first in a series of public discussions planned throughout 2025 to engage participants in open dialog on concepts including potential rule and policy changes aimed at improving horse safety and well-being. The Federation will conduct similar town halls across a range of breeds,...

Recent opinion pieces raise critical concerns and alarming allegations regarding the unethical treatment of horses in our sport. We unequivocally agree that we cannot tolerate mistreatment or doping of horses. Such actions are harmful to horses and bring our sport into disrepute. As a community, we are responsible for holding each other accountable to ensure the respectful treatment and proper care that horses deserve. USEF maintains sport integrity and horse welfare through regulations. We are...

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 Robert Ridland will continue in the role of U.S. Jumping Team Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor through 2028. “During my time with the U.S. Jumping program, our teams and combinations have produced tremendous results at Championships and it’s important we keep the momentum moving forward into this next quad,” said Ridland. “I’m very proud of the development and growth we’ve seen in our programs and...

Lexington, Ky. - The ability to teach does not always go hand in hand with athletic achievement. The athletes with the most impressive competitive record aren’t necessarily the ones who are the most adept at teaching others to achieve success. In many sports, including equestrian, there are well-supported pathways to competitive achievements as an athlete, but the systems for teaching teachers are less well established. Cam Kiosoglous, Ph.D., is an Assistant Clinical Professor and Program...

US Equestrian Annual Meeting attendees from across all breeds and disciplines reconvened on the morning of Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, to continue the previous day’s discussion about horse welfare in the equestrian world. Representatives from different segments of the industry shared some of the challenges and solutions they’ve seen from their community in an open session moderated by US Equestrian Chief of Sport David O’Connor. Changing Culture “We have worked tirelessly for...

Lexington, Ky . – Certain proposed amendments to the USEF Bylaw will be considered by the USEF Board of Directors in January at the Annual Meeting. The proposed amendments are intended for the following purposes: to ensure consistency in nomenclature between the Bylaws and the rule on the unethical treatment of the horse. to describe the responsibilities of all three councils (International Disciplines, National Breeds & Disciplines, and Member Services). to designate an ex-officio...