I knew, when accepting this job in December, 2011 that I was under-qualified. My writing credentials are fine enough, I have editing experience, a media background, and a good education. My deficiency was that I knew very little about horses and even less about equestrian sports. Compared to my USEF colleagues, I was in a state of almost complete ignorance. I’ve twice been on group trail rides in western Colorado. Adding that to the rest of my riding experience I’d been on a horse...

Sponsorship Benefits USEF Members with Discount on Horseware Products through SmartPak Lexington, KY - An agreement signed on April 12th between the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Horseware Products, Ltd., has made Horseware the "Official Blanket of U.S. High Performance Teams." As part of the relationship, Horseware will provide custom "U.S.A" branded blankets for teams representing the United States and commemorative coolers for U.S. equestrian athletes competing at the 2012...

The first in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder My first pony ride was in 1967. I was 18 months old. It must have stuck with me because I rode horses forever after that. I have been a professional in the equestrian industry since 1989 and my parents have supported my horseback riding activities all my life. Recently, seeking that formerly ever present support, I shared with my mom my desire to get involved in Western Dressage. Imagine my surprise when she exclaimed “Western...

Steffen Peters and Ravel at the 2011 Festival of Champions (Susan J. Stickle) Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced today that Steffen Peters (San Diego, CA) has submitted a request to not attend the USEF Selection Trials for the 2012 U.S. Dressage Team for the 2012 Olympic Games with Four Winds Farm's Ravel. These Trials will be held as part of the USEF Festival of Champions in Gladstone, NJ. The USEF Dressage Selectors met on May 24, 2012 and approved...

a guest blog post fom Mary Cox The following three ideas may take being somewhat adventuresome but trust me, the result will make it all worth it ! First, research a local stone fabricator in your area. A fabricator makes the template and cuts the stone for granite, marble or stone countertops. Once you’ve located one, pay them a visit and remember to put on your best “I’m a Tack Hoarder – help me” face. Then ask them very sweetly if you can do some “Dumpster...

Aiken, SC - The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that Phillip and Evie Dutton will be hosting their fourth annual Olympic Gala in Aiken, SC on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 7 pm at Bridle Creek, their winter training facility. The night will bring the Aiken community together to enjoy a cocktails, a buffet, dancing, and a silent auction while supporting the U.S. Eventing High Performance programs with a portion of the proceeds going to the USET Foundation. "We are...

Arianna Barzman-Grennan on Red Alert. Photo courtesy of Barzman-Grennan family. Within the past month, The Dressage Foundation awarded a total of $3,800 in grants to provide support to young riders. A grant of $1,800 was given to young rider Arianna Barzman-Grennan (CA) and $2,000 was provided to Dressage4kids, for the Emerging Dressage Athlete Program. The Renee Isler Dressage Support Fund provided an $800 scholarship to Arianna, and the Foundation also provided a $1,000 general grant to help...

Sara Schmitt and Kaboom. Photo: Pics of You. The Dressage Foundation has announced that a total of $10,000 has been awarded to U.S. dressage instructors through the Major Anders Lindgren Scholarship program. Due to the recent restructuring of the scholarship guidelines, to provide up to three scholarships per year for the recipients to train in the United States, interest was very high. This year, the Selection Committee chose the following recipients: Sarah Geikie (CT) was awarded the $6,000...

Washington, D.C. – Looking for that perfect gift for a loved one (or yourself)? The Washington International Horse Show silent auction is offering a wonderful selection of fun, one-of-a-kind and equestrian-themed items for the holidays. How about a private riding lesson with Olympic gold medalist McLain Ward or a weekend getaway at the Blackthorne Inn in Upperville, Va., with two polo lessons and a special dinner at the Fox’s Den Tavern? And for the non-equestrian on your list, who...

Oklahoma City, OK – The 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) $540,000-added Open Futurity finals was held at the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) Show at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This year’s riders were mounted on world-class reining horses all aiming for the $150,000 championship purse and their share of NRHA Corporate Partner and Futurity Sponsor awards. Nomination Program Impact The NRHA...