Photo Caption: Ferrara Lexington, Ky. - A passionate equestrian whose career started with Arabian horses but truly impacted all aspects of equestrian life, William “Bill” Hughes passed away on September 24, 2023. Hughes was respected as an all-around horseman. During his lengthy officiating career, he held a Registered (‘R’) Judge’s license in multiple breeds and disciplines including Andalusian/Lusitano, Arabian, Friesian, Morgan, and Western, and he regularly...

Fall is here in full force, and with it comes some of the most exciting events of the year from US Equestrian National Affiliates and national breeds and disciplines. Whether you attend in person or log in to the livestreams, there is plenty to keep equestrian fans entertained this month, including championships for Welsh Ponies and Cobs, Morgans, Arabians, and hunter seat equitation. ©ShowChampions September 27-October 1 Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America American National Show...

Registration is now open for the 2023 USEF Annual Meeting to be held at the Lexington Central Bank Convention Center in Lexington, Ky., from January 12-14, 2023. The USEF Annual Meeting will feature a newly designed two-day interactive workshop, “Working Together for Our Future,” which will take place Thursday and Friday, January 12-13 leading up to the General Session hosted by Tom O’Mara as well as the Pegasus Awards Celebration on Thursday, January 12, and the SmartPak/USEF...

Lexington, Ky. – The US Equestrian Federation strives to consistently ensure the safety and welfare of both our human and equine athletes. One fundamental aspect of equine safety is microchipping. Microchips in horses allow for immediate onsite verification of horses for the purpose of safeguarding the health of each horse. This is vital, especially during times of disease outbreaks or natural disasters. To this end, the US Equestrian Board of Directors approved a new microchipping rule...

Lexington, Ky. - Nominations are now being accepted for the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award and Pegasus Medal of Honor. Any current US Equestrian (USEF) member interested in submitting a nomination to US Equestrian must do so by Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The following awards will be presented at the 2023 Pegasus Awards on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Lifetime Achievement Award Pegasus Medal of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award With a special emphasis on length of service and a broad industry...

Ellen Di Bella receiving her 2019 U.S. Equesrtian Federation Lifetime Achievement Award (John Nation) Lexington, Ky. - Ellen DiBella’s influence on equestrian sport cannot be understated. She devoted her life to inspiring others, created opportunities for equestrians and their horses, and worked for every horse to be valued and cherished. DiBella passed away the evening of August 20, 2023. A resident of Parker, Colorado, Ellen was born July 26, 1944 to Edwin and Jane McCauley. She...

Beginning September 1, the USEF Nominating Committee will begin accepting nominations for one Independent Director to serve on the USEF Board of Directors for a 4-year term, which will begin January 2024 and end January 2028. A position description and eligibility criteria for this seat can be found here in the Independent Director Nominations submission form. The nomination form will close on September 30. Senior Active members can submit nominations for the seat here . Individuals nominated...

Wayne, Ill. – Competition wrapped up on Sunday at the 2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions . After a week of weather ups and downs, riders and spectators were rewarded with a comfortably cool day at HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian Center for the seventh and final day, which saw the final five dressage national champion titles awarded. Winners in each division received prize packs generously provided by Le Mieux, which included an ear bonnet, saddle pad, and leg boots. Division...

Wayne, Ill. – Friday at the 2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions brought cooler weather, a full day of top-level dressage competition, and three newly crowned dressage national champions. The Adequan ® /USEF Junior Dressage National Championship and the Markel/USEF Seven-Year-Old Dressage National Championship divisions both completed their final tests, and the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Final 13 & Under closed out the day with its two-phase competition. All competitors at this...

Lexington, KY - US Equestrian and the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA), and American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) are pleased to announce refinements to the licensing requirements for USEF Lite competitions. Leaders from these organizations initially met together during the 2023 USEF Annual Meeting in January to address challenges with the USEF Lite competition structure and began their work to develop solutions that will enhance...