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.

Subscribe to Equestrian Weekly and receive a FREE US Equestrian Fan Membership!

Pony Finals and Beyond: Alumni Share Their Favorite Memories and Tips for Competitors

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 11, 2023, 11:10 AM EST

Adam Edgar competing on Happy Feet at the 2016 Pony Finals (Shawn McMillen Photography) Numerous youth athletes have competed at the USEF Pony Finals over the years, and many of them have gone on to achieve an impressive list of accomplishments as senior athletes competing at the national and international levels. Georgina Bloomberg, Greg Best, Lillie Keenan, Reed Kessler, Alison Robitaille, and Jessica Springsteen are a few individuals who have represented the U.S. at FEI Jumping World...

Welsh Ponies Recognized With High Score Awards at USEF Pony Finals Presented by Honor Hill Farms

by Emily Girard | Aug 10, 2023, 3:01 PM EST

In addition to overall awards given out at the USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America (WPCSA) gives out High Score awards to Welsh ponies competing at the show. The awards are organized by Dr. Ruth Wilburn, president of the WPCSA. Wilburn, who has been breeding ponies for 40 years at her Rollingwoods Farm, explained that the awards are meant to show the importance of Welsh ponies in the hunter pony world. Wilburn coordinates the awards with...

Rescue Pony Takes on Pony Jumper Division at Pony Finals

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 9, 2023, 8:37 PM EST

There are over 800 ponies at the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, and they all have their own unique stories. One such pony is Star Wish, or “Toby.” A 15-year-old rescue pony making his third appearance in the pony jumper division at Pony Finals, Toby and his owner/rider Zahara Henderson of Longmont, Colo., are ready to show off their partnership this week. Five years ago in New Mexico, Toby was rescued from slaughter as a 10-year-old unbroke pony and put into...

Quiz Time with the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test Sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 8, 2023, 2:49 PM EST

In addition to testing their riding skills at the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, youth athletes can test their knowledge with the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Test sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital . Participants in four age groups—8 and under, 9-11, 12-14, and 15-17—can take a multiple-choice test and a hands-on test for a chance to receive a $500 grant for educational or equestrian-related expenses. Now, let’s learn more about this program and...

I Am US Equestrian: Lauren Reischer

by Emily Girard | Aug 7, 2023, 10:45 AM EST

I was born with cerebral palsy. It was recommended that I start therapeutic riding because at the time, my brain didn’t recognize my legs as being two separate limbs. Essentially, my brain thought I had a “mermaid tail,” as I like to call it. My doctors felt that sitting on top of a horse and rocking in the saddle with the motion of the horse would help my brain learn to use my legs separately from one another. The first time I sat on a horse was the first time my legs ever...

Mid-Year Progress Report for USEF Eventing Development and Emerging Programs

by Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 2, 2023, 7:25 PM EST

Some Development and Emerging Program participants earned top results at The Event at Rebecca Farm, such as CCI4*-L winner James Alliston riding Karma and pictured with the Broussard family. ( USEA /Hope Carlin photo) The halfway point of the 2023 competition year has passed, which offers a great opportunity to review the season thus far. The USEF Eventing Development and Emerging Program participants have recorded impressive competition results in recent weeks, such as the silver medal at the...

July 2023 Updates from the USEF Eventing Owners Task Force

by USEF Eventing Owners Task Force | Jul 28, 2023, 1:56 PM EST

The USEF Eventing Owners Task Force has assisted in coordinating several owners hospitality events throughout the 2023 competition season, with a focus on increasing owner communication, engagement, and recognition. The Task Force made it their goal in 2023 to focus on these areas as well as highlight every 4*-L in the U.S. The hospitality events serve the Eventing community as they provide an opportunity for outreach with prospective owners within the discipline and out, increase and develop...

Event Horse Owner Spotlight: Patricia Vos

by Patricia Vos | Jul 28, 2023, 1:28 PM EST

A few weeks ago, I was asked to write about our experiences as high performance event horse owners. I thought to myself, "Oh, great timing," as we’re on our way to CHIO Aachen where our horse Z and rider Phillip Dutton have been named to U.S. Team. And maybe we’ll win a medal - wouldn’t that be a great thing to write about!? An event horse owner adventure to CHIO Aachen in Germany (Courtesy of Patricia Vos) Of course, as a long time owner, I knew it was also entirely possible...

A Cross-Disciplinary Community

by Emily Girard | Jul 28, 2023, 10:11 AM EST

Andrea Pianka started riding horses when she was seven years old, starting at a hunter/jumper barn and later competing in saddle seat equitation. However, she transitioned to carriage pleasure driving after becoming quadriplegic in a car accident when she was 18. “I’ve always liked driving, and then when I got injured, I started learning about adaptive driving with a carriage and it opened up a whole new world,” Pianka said. “I was very happy to know that I could still...

Meet Charles Owen’s Kylo Helmet: Safety Features, Style, and Savings

by USEF Communications | Jul 25, 2023, 9:00 AM EST

Equestrians devoted to both safety and style have consistently looked to the innovators at Charles Owen. With its new EQ x helmet line, Charles Owen is announcing a revolution—in both design and price. The Kylo helmet is certified to three international safety standards. Photo: Courtesy of Charles Owen The company unveiled the EQ x line with the Kylo helmet in May, and it’s already become a bestseller as equestrians take advantage of the Kylo’s pioneering dial-fit feature,...