Wellington, Fla. – In front of a sold-out crowd and in a palpable atmosphere, Christian Kukuk (GER) and Checker 47 bested the class of 40 world-class entries to take top honors in the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5*, a Rolex Series event. Kukuk, who is coming off an incredible 2024 competition season with Checker 47, hoisted the US Equestrian Open trophy atop the podium in the inaugural US Equestrian Open Jumping Final, etching their names into history. Laura Kraut...

Ocala, Fla. – The U.S. Jumping Team capped a superb performance to earn a coveted victory under the lights at the Longines League of Nations Ocala CSIO5* hosted at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla. The team finished on just four faults at the conclusion of competition in a nail-biting finish with Germany, with the teams separated by a single fault. Belgium finished in third on a final total of 13 faults. The U.S. Jumping Team was led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team...

Lexington, Ky . – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the appointment of former USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law to the position of Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, and Karyn Shuter, who will take on the newly developed role of U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor. Both Law and Shuter will begin in their respective roles immediately. “As riders, we are very excited with the selection of Leslie Law and Karyn Shuter as...

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...

On Friday, January 24, US Equestrian received word that the rule updates to the Horse Protection Act (HPA) have been delayed until April 2, 2025. These changes were originally scheduled to go into effect on February 1, 2025. According to a statement put out by the USDA: On January 24, 2025, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will temporarily postpone its final rule to amend the Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations for 60 days from February 1, 2025, to April 2,...

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...

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...

Le Pin au Haras, France – The Defender U.S. Driving Team competed on the sport’s biggest stage last week at the 2024 FEI Driving World Championship for Single Horses held at Haras National du Pin in France. The team finished in 10 th place overall. Taylor Bradish and Katydid Duchess. ©Melanie Guillamot Taylor Bradish (Windsor, S.C.) and Jennifer Matheson’s 2009 Welsh Pony Cross mare, Katydid Duchess (Danyloo x Besame) had an outstanding event, finishing in sixth place...

Versailles, France – The U.S. Paralympic Dressage Team continued to make their mark in history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, securing their second consecutive Paralympic team medal - this time standing atop the podium with a historic team gold. The team combinations comprised of Rebecca Hart and Floratina (Grade III), Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes (Grade II), and Roxanne Trunnell and Fan Tastico H (Grade I) each produced incredibly competitive scores, all at the 77% mark or above,...

Monpazier, France – Two U.S. combinations successfully completed the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors on Saturday, Sept. 7, joining some of the sport’s top international athletes in finishing the 160 km (100-mile) ride in southwestern France. Holly Corcoran and Lorienn. ©Terry Shampoe Holly Corcoran (Stroudsburg, Pa.) and Kelsey Russell (Williston, Fla.) crossed the finish line together, coming in 33 rd and 34 th out of a field of more than 130 starters....