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Equestrian Weekly

The all new Equestrian Weekly newsletter showcases the best of US Equestrian, including new Learning Center videos, the USEF Network schedule, and original articles. Equestrian Weekly keeps members informed about affiliate news, international competitions, information on rule changes, membership updates, special member offers, and more.

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Five Things to Know About Your First Vaulting Lesson

by Emily Girard | Oct 26, 2023, 10:38 AM EST

Krista Mack, the head trainer for Woodside Vaulters in Woodside, Calif., described vaulting as gymnastics on horseback combined with theatrical dance and ice skating. “Our routines are also done to music, and there's choreography involved, but we also have a set of compulsories that each vaulter needs to do,” Mack said. “Some vaulters also have some sort of love of dance or gymnastics too, so vaulting becomes very appealing to them in that aspect.” Vaulting also...

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: GallopNYC

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 24, 2023, 9:54 AM EST

GallopNYC provides equine-centered therapeutic programs to children and adults with disabilities, including veterans and at-risk youth. They run the largest and most multi-faceted therapeutic riding program in New York City, providing therapeutic riding to urban children who otherwise would not have the chance to interact with horses. Nearly 12% of city residents live with disabilities that present developmental, physical, social, and/or emotional challenges. GallopNYC aims to serve a...

Elite Performance: It’s About Teamwork

by US Equestrian Communications | Oct 19, 2023, 1:49 PM EST

Equestrian sport requires a close partnership between horse and rider, but achieving success in equestrian competition—especially at the highest levels—takes close teamwork from rider, trainer, and veterinarian to keep both human and equine athlete fine-tuned and ready to face the challenge of elite sport. Each has their own expertise and tools, but they must work together seamlessly with the goal of keeping horse and rider healthy, strong, and prepared. How do all these roles come...

Any Given Sunday Continues to Shine in Equitation Ring at Age 20

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 17, 2023, 2:29 PM EST

Numerous junior athletes and their mounts entered the ring at the 2023 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, but one horse’s name may ring a bell from over the years—Any Given Sunday. “Sunny” is a seasoned pro when it comes to equitation finals, and both he and people passing by don’t know that he is 20 years old. Any Given Sunday and Abigail Gordon compete in the 2023 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. (Avery Wallace/US Equestrian) Despite his...

Western Riding Through the Decades

by Emily Girard | Oct 16, 2023, 2:21 PM EST

Since the 1980s, the Western division has seen many changes in competition and community. Some of these changes have been more logistical, such as the addition of new sections and classes, and changing competition locations. Michael Damianos, a professional horse trainer and USEF-licensed ‘R’ Arabian, Western, and Reining judge, has been involved in the equestrian world for over 50 years. He explained that the center of the Western showing community has moved east over the years....

The Waiting Game for Your Chance in the Arena

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 16, 2023, 8:30 AM EST

Horse shows can involve a lot of downtime if you don’t show until the afternoon or evening. That was the case for the competitors going late in the order of over 200 entries in the 2023 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Two junior athletes had to wait until the very end of the first round to have their chance to ride in the Harrisburg Coliseum. They shared how they spent their time in the lead-up to their turn in the order. Additionally,...

USEF Junior Jumper National Championships Serve as Steppingstone Along U.S. Jumping Athlete Pathway

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 14, 2023, 12:16 PM EST

The USEF Junior Jumper National Championships have been around for decades and provide junior athletes with the opportunity to compete against their peers as well as alongside teammates. It is a unique experience for up-and-coming athletes who are looking to take the next step in their competitive endeavors. They can get a taste of the added pressure of representing a team in a nations cup format in the Prix des States, while also experiencing the camaraderie that goes along with having...

We All Can Fly. We All Can Fall.

by Vicki Lowell | Sep 19, 2023, 4:00 PM EST

The opportunity to spend any part of your life with horses is a gift. To have the chance to experience the feeling of “flying,” as I have heard so many people describe the connection with a horse, is highly addictive and borderline spiritual. This shared experience makes you a part of a passionate and resilient community. And yes, while we love to fly, almost all of us are certain at some point to fall. It can happen at the walk, when a horse trips or spooks, getting on at a...

This Year Could Be a Bad One for West Nile Virus. Is Your Horse Ready?

by Glenye Cain Oakford | Sep 12, 2023, 3:59 PM EST

It’s been a rollercoaster year for weather in the United States, with record-breaking heatwaves, dirt-cracking drought, and flooding rainfalls. That pattern hasn’t only been a trial for the average citizen and livestock owners—it’s also setting the stage for a potentially larger and longer season for West Nile virus, experts say. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk to your horses, including eliminating any standing, stagnant water sources where the...

Five Things to Know About Your First Carriage Pleasure Driving Lesson

by Emily Girard | Sep 12, 2023, 3:39 PM EST

Suzy Stafford is a world champion driver and full-time trainer and coach, competing in both pleasure showing and combined driving since 2001. She has served as the Singles Coach for the Land Rover US Driving Team and currently runs Stafford Carriage Driving in Franklinville, NJ. and Ocala, Fla. “I have been on the US equestrian team as an individual and as a team member since 2015,” Stafford said. “I've been in the sport for quite some time as a professional and travel the...