Wayne, Ill. – The first tests of the 2023 edition of the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions took place today in the Grand Prix Arena at HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian Center. A total of 12 combinations in the Neue Schule/USEF Intermediaire I National Championship completed their FEI Prix St. Georges Test, while four competitors contesting the Adequan ® /USEF Para Dressage National Championship performed their FEI Para Grand Prix A Test. Christian Simonson and Son of a Lady....

A recent outbreak of an aggressive strain of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) has resulted in the immediate cancellation of international events in 10 countries on the European mainland through March 28, 2021. The outbreak originated at a competition in Valencia, Spain, and is present in at least three other countries in Europe to date. There are no current EHV-1 outbreaks related to the Valencia competition evident in the U.S. at this time, but USEF is recommending members...

Dear USEF Members, Competition Organizers (Licensees and Managers), and Licensed Officials, Now that some competitions have resumed, it is important that we all remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce the risk of COVID-19 virus transmission when attending a USEF-licensed competition. Please remember that we are among the first sports to reopen, and by strictly adhering to these requirements and best practices we can demonstrate to local, state and federal authorities that the equestrian...

Dear fellow USEF member, Last Saturday, I was formally elected to be President of the United States Equestrian Federation. I am deeply honored to have been elected to this volunteer position and am so excited to have been given this opportunity to help drive growth in equestrian sports in the United States. For those of you who don’t know me, the first thing you need to know is that I come to this position with 45 years of equestrian experience. And put simply, I love horses. Our family...

Chester Weber and his team during the Yellowframe Farm FEI Driven Dressage. (Photo courtesy of PicsofYou.com) Ocala, FL - The 2014 Live Oak International is underway, bringing the best competitors in show jumping and combined driving to Live Oak Plantation in Ocala, Florida. The prestigious competition, considered the premier combined driving event in North America, was favored with flawless weather and a strong showing of appreciative spectators as the equestrian extravaganza began. Wednesday...

The roster of horses at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bridgestone, reads a bit like this, “16-hand Thoroughbred gelding, 17-hand Thoroughbred-cross, 17.1-hand Irish Sport Horse, 17-hand Selle Francais, 16.3-hand Oldenburg, 16.1-hand Holsteiner, etc.” It paints a picture of a sport dominated by Thoroughbreds, Sport Horses, and Warmbloods. But one Half-Arabian gelding is also making his mark in the top levels of three-day eventing. Technically he is an...

Aachen, Germany – The United States sent 18 equestrian athletes and fielded two FEI Nations™ Cup teams to compete at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen, in Aachen, Germany July 14-23. “It’s the Wimbledon of our sport, there is no question,” said Robert Ridland, Chef d’Equipe of the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping team. “It is one of the most prestigious places to compete. The top riders are all saying: we are bringing our ‘A’ game...

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...

Lexington, KY – As announced previously, the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals, Neue Schule/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships, Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals–East and WIHS Championship Finals will relocate to the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) for 2020. TIEC was selected as the best location to host these events because of the size and scope of the facility, its central location relative to other venues, the existing...

Dear Fellow USEF Members, The Mid-Year meeting of the Board of Directors was held on June 20-21 at Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, N.J., the headquarters for the USET Foundation and training center for our U.S. teams. Gladstone also provides offices for some USEF staff members from our Sport and Education Departments. This was a historical occasion as it was the first time that we have met at Gladstone since the Board's restructure. The Foundation graciously hosted a reception and provided an...