Breaking US Equestrian news releases contain the latest information regarding the organization, national championships, U.S. athletes and teams in international competition, breed news, and important member alerts. Manage the news you receive at the US Equestrian Preference Center.

Harnessing Potential: Building Systems to Support Equestrian Coach Development and Athlete Performance

by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 2/10/2025 9:00:00 AM

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...

It’s All About the Horse: What Does Horse Welfare Mean to Our Industry?

by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian | 2/10/2025 8:00:00 AM

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...

2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting: Measuring Media Success at the 2024 Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 2/10/2025 9:00:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. - The Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games were a highlight of 2024, showcasing not only world-class competition but an extraordinary level of media interest and coverage. US Equestrian Senior Director of Sport Communications & Social Media, Carly Weilminster, sat down with Hallye Griffin, US Equestrian Director of FEI Sport, to discuss the successes and challenges of promoting equestrian sports during the Games at the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting. ©Avery Wallace/US...

USEF Eventing Development Training Sessions Kick Off 2025 Season for Program Athletes

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 2/10/2025 10:01:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. - The 2025 Eventing Development 25 and Developing Programs started the year with two educational training sessions held in Ocala, Fla., throughout January, setting the tone early and helping to shape future success for participating athletes. Combinations rode in a multi-day clinic with USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law and Ian Stark, providing valuable coaching and guidance to help further their skills and to better prepare them for the competitive season and the next...

Caracole de la Roque and McQueen Honored at 2024 SmartPak/USEF Horse of the Year Awards

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 1/25/2025 10:38:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce that Caracole de la Roque, Signe Ostby’s 2012 Selle Français mare, was voted the 2024 International Horse of the Year, and McQueen, Walkenbach Equestrian LLC’s 2014 KWPN gelding was voted the 2024 National Horse of the Year by the USEF membership. Caracole de la Roque and McQueen were honored during the SmartPak/USEF Horse of the Year Awards Dinner at the USEF Annual Meeting in Lexington, Ky., on January 25, 2025....

US Equestrian Congratulates the 2024 Award Winners at the 2024 Pegasus Awards Dinner

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 1/24/2025 9:20:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian recognized multiple outstanding equestrians during the 2024 Pegasus Award Dinner at the USEF Annual Meeting in Lexington, Ky., on January 23. Among the honorees were the 2024 International Equestrian of the Year, Liz Halliday, and the 2024 National Equestrian of the Year, Nick Haness. Halliday and Haness were nominated as Equestrians of Honor and selected by US Equestrian member voting in December. 2024 International Equestrian of the Year – Liz Halliday...

Voting Now Open for 2024 Equestrian of the Year Nominees

by US Equestrian Communications Department | 12/11/2024 3:30:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the 2024 Equestrian of the Year nominees. The International and National Equestrians of the Year will be announced during the 2024 Pegasus Awards Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 23, at the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Lexington, Ky. Equestrians of Honor are nominated by their USEF affiliate organization or USEF breed or discipline committee, and the finalists are selected by the USEF Awards Committee. The final Equestrians of the Year...

Hannah Hiiva Wins 2024 US Equestrian National Youth Sportsman’s Award

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 12/9/2024 10:00:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian congratulates Hannah Hiiva (Roy, Wash.), recipient of the 2024 US Equestrian National Youth Sportsman’s Award. Hiiva is an active exhibitor on the Arabian circuit and serves as a Region 5 Youth Director for the Arabian Youth Horse Association. She was nominated for this award by the Arabian Horse Association . Hannah Hiiva. ©Miley DeFalco Hiiva is a junior at Yelm High School where she is active in leadership roles, including as yearbook...

US Equestrian Announces Four Finalists for Inaugural Heart Horse Award

by US Equestrian Communications Department | 11/18/2024 10:00:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. - The 2024 Heart Horse Award will be presented during the 2025 USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner on Thursday, January 23 in Lexington, Ky., as a part of the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting . The Heart Horse Award finalists were selected from applications submitted by organizations in our Community Outreach Program. These horses work daily to help their communities. From helping an inner-city child through their first ride, to being a calming influence for those who need it most, these...

Announcing the 2024 US Equestrian Higher Education Scholarship Winners

by Christine Rivet/US Equestrian | 11/1/2024 8:00:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian awards five recipients the 2024 USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship . Each year, high school seniors are awarded this scholarship to allow them to pursue equestrian sports during their years of higher education. Meet the 2024 USEF Higher Education Scholarship Winners Emily Arriaga. ©Liz Crawley Photo Emily Arriaga (Bahama, N.C.) is a freshman at the Savannah College of Art and Design where she will pursue a degree in Equestrian Studies and continue...