Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce a renewed and expanded partnership with Bates Saddles . As part of the expansion, Bates Saddles will now be recognized as the Official Saddle of US Equestrian. Bates Saddles has been an industry leader in saddle innovation since 1934. Each Bates saddle is carefully crafted to bring out the best in both the horse and athlete. With the finest, European leather and decades of research and development, Bates Saddles exceeds expectations in...

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...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian welcomed FEI discipline leadership to office headquarters in Lexington, Ky., for a two-day summit spanning a range of topics. Presentations and open discussions focused on equestrian sport’s social license to operate, regulations and processes, risk management, coaching development, and other collaborative opportunities to achieve mutually beneficial goals. “Our two-day affiliate summit provided a platform to engage in positive and proactive...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian has awarded grants totaling $33,000 to 69 licensed official applicants as part of a grant program that further supports the development of both new licensed officials and higher-level officials. Each of the 69 grant recipients are active USEF competing members and are either a current licensed official or have started a licensed official application. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity for the fourth year in a row to support applicants on...

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...

Wellington, Fla. – The starting 40 combinations are confirmed ahead of the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5*, a Rolex Series event, with many of the world’s top horse-and-athlete partnerships ready to vie for top honors in the grand finale class of the Winter Equestrian Festival season at Wellington International in Wellington, Fla. Tomorrow night’s highlight competition will begin with the first horse on course at 8:15 p.m. and the inaugural winner of the US...

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...

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 licensed official development grant application. The grants, first awarded in 2022, were designed to aid equestrians who desire to become a licensed official in addition to current licensed officials who wish to advance their knowledge and license level. Grants are intended to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. Féderation Équestre Internationale officials to complete application requirements such...

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. – US Equestrian reminds endurance competition managers and licensed officials to submit their applications for the 2025 Endurance Competition Grant and U.S. FEI Endurance Officials Grant before the deadline of Saturday, Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET. These grants are intended to support FEI endurance competitions in the U.S. to maintain a healthy calendar of competitions, and to support U.S.-based FEI endurance. The competition grants provide financial support to assist USEF and...