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Here you can find our archive of stories from Equestrian Weekly, our once-a-week look at affiliate news, international competition, amateur profiles, horse care tips, and more. You’ll also find stories from the USEF Insider, a twice-monthly email newsletter packed with features about USEF people and programs, including our drugs and medications program, regulations, and competitions departments.

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Spinal Cord Injury: Safety, Support and Community

by US Equestrian Communications Department | September 20, 2022

Jeff Papows, US Equestrian amateur jumper rider, President of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament, former Marine and accomplished CEO, has made it his mission to raise awareness for spinal cord safety and to spearhead fundraising efforts for riders who have sustained spinal cord injuries. When his dear friend and celebrated Irish Grand Prix rider Kevin Babington experienced a tragic accident and complete spinal cord injury in 2019, Jeff stepped up and founded the Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF)

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab: Redefining the Helmet Safety Landscape By Quantifying Concussion Risks

by Catie Staszak | September 19, 2022

PAS, VG1, ASTM, SEI, EN1384. These abbreviations represent just a few of the helmet standards tested worldwide. The more certifications, the greater the variety of situations in which a helmet has been tested, so theoretically, the more certifications, the safer the helmet. But that only tells part of the story. “With the same impact, there can be very different biomechanical responses between helmets. We felt a responsibility that everyone should have this information,” said Dr.

Helmet Safety for Mental Health

by Charles Owen Communications | September 6, 2022

Ninety-five percent of Charles Owen helmets meet all three of the main international equestrian safety standards. Photo: Charles Owen Charles Owen has long been a name synonymous with safety and research in the equestrian industry. In 2021, the riding helmet manufacturer investigated mental health in riders for the first time in its history. The landmark study, conducted by University of Brighton MSc student Charlotte Ricca, involved over a thousand riders. “We were amazed by the amount

Zone 2, 7, 8 Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant Tests Close Out Season

by Samantha Robinson | September 2, 2022

The Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant Test will be conducted at three remaining United States Hunter Jumper Association Zone competitions for the 2022 competition year. Zones, 2, 7, and 8 will host the testing in September and October. Junior riders competing in pony classes are eligible to participate in this program. Participants are divided into four age groups: eight and under, nine to 11, 12-14, and 15-17. Each participant will take a short, written multiple-choice test on horsemanship,

Erin Nichols Scores Major Dressage Results While Staying Competitive in the Jumper Ring

by Kathleen Landwehr | August 16, 2022

Erin Nichols and Handsome Rob AR compete at Internationaux de Dressage de Compiègne in Compiègne, France. (Libby Law Photography) Nineteen-year-old Erin Nichols of Yorba Linda, Calif., has achieved impressive results in the dressage ring. She and Handsome Rob AR were FEI North American Youth Championships team gold medalists in 2021, and they are coming off individual and freestyle gold medals and a team silver medal at the 2022 edition of NAYC. Earlier this year, the pair was

Perrigo’s CPEDI Sponsorship Reflects Vision of Making Lives Better

by Glenye Cain Oakford | August 3, 2022

When Perrigo signed on last year as title sponsor of all U.S. CPEDI para dressage competitions, the company was inspired in part by CEO Murray Kessler’s longstanding interest in promoting the sport of para dressage. But the sponsorship also was in service to Perrigo’s larger commitment through the Valuable 500 initiative to make meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Dr. Grainne Quinn is Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Perrigo and also

In-Gate Tips with Tom Carlson

by Kathleen Landwehr | August 2, 2022

In-gates at horse shows are busy locations, which is especially at Pony Finals with hundreds of kids, ponies, trainers, grooms, family members, and friends. Tom "Tom Tom" Carlson, an ‘R’ hunter course designer and in-gate worker from Hernando, Fla., is a familiar face at the in-gate at Pony Finals and other horse shows along the East Coast. He offered a few tips to keep in mind at the in-gate and what it’s like to be a course designer. Tom "Tom Tom" Carlson (left) recommends

American Regent Animal Health: Supporting Athletes from the Fetlocks Up

by US Equestrian Communications | July 26, 2022

With the World Championships right around the corner in August, the United States’ elite para dressage riders gathered recently for the Adequan ® U.S. Para Dressage Symposium in Mill Spring, N.C. The symposium followed the Perrigo Tryon Summer Dressage CPEDI3* and was just one of many events that American Regent Animal Health, maker of Adequan ® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), sponsors in support of equestrian and equine athletes. We took the opportunity to talk to two

Reflections from Sally Ike on Serving as a Licensed Official

by Sally Ike | June 28, 2022

I remember the first time I served as a licensed official. It was the early ‘90s, and I was the Technical Delegate. I was confident because eventing had been “my" sport since the mid-60s, so I had a lot of experience riding and competing. But when the first horse started, all I could think of was, “Oh no, this is WAY different!” It was in that moment that I realized that, when I rode, my only responsibility was me, and now my responsibility was every rider, every horse.

Nations Cups and European Outings: How Jumping and Eventing Athletes Move Up the Development Pathway

by Leslie Potter | June 27, 2022

For athletes with aspirations to compete at the elite level, there is a long path from competing at the national level to representing the U.S. at international championships. The USEF development pathways for each FEI discipline help bring promising athletes along each step of the way, ensuring the best chance at success. Rebecca Conway and Con Coleur competing in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Madrid CSIO3*. ©Equus Media LC In spring of 2022, developing teams in eventing and jumping both

USEF Amateur Task Force Completes Work on Amateur Status Rule Updates

by Leslie Potter | June 21, 2022

Since its creation in early 2021, the USEF Amateur Task Force has worked to clarify and update the rules surrounding amateur and professional status for adult competitors at licensed events. US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the Task Force has completed its assignment. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian The Amateur Task Force consists of representatives from across US Equestrian-affiliated breeds and disciplines, and through focus groups, member surveys, and comments received through the

Bryanna Tanase Uses Her Platform as Ms. Wheelchair Florida to Promote Para Dressage

by Kathleen Landwehr | May 31, 2022

Bryanna Tanase of Trinity, Fla., made the transition from therapeutic riding to para dressage in 2019. Now she’s a Grade I para dressage rider has high aspirations for her riding career. She won the Ms. Wheelchair Florida 2022 title and is using her platform to spread the word about equine-assisted therapy and para dressage. Tanase shared insights on her journey as an equestrian, what people should know about therapeutic riding and para dressage, and what it takes to be a para equestrian