LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Fall traditionally is back-to-school season, but for those of us who are lucky enough to share our lives with horses, we learn every time we’re in their company. We all know what great teachers horses are, and in this issue we take a closer look at the various ways they enrich our lives. Our cover story takes you behind the scenes at three of US Equestrian’s Community Outreach Organizations—Horse SenseAbility in Sherborn, Mass., HorseSensing in Shelbyville, Ky., and Metropolitan Equestrian Team in New York, N.Y.—where participants learn both horsemanship and life skills. The primary goal of our Community Outreach is to increase awareness of these equestrian programs working with under-represented or underserved communities. The horses at Community Outreach Organizations like the three spotlighted here are not only spreading the joy we all get from equine interactions but they’re also helping people gain practical skills that are the foundation for college and professional careers. From their participation in these equestrian programs, both kids and adults can learn everything from how to make a work schedule, to hands-on horse care skills, to effective interpersonal communication, to how to fill out a college application, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, or interview for a job. That’s good for the individuals, for the horse industry, and for all of us. Our second goal of the USEF Community Outreach Program was to allow those designated organizations the ability to apply for grants through the USEF Opportunity Fund. We’ve screened them and set standards for them, and if you check them out on our website, we’ve educated you about them. If you’d like to support these organizations and our shared effort to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible, please consider making a donation to the Opportunity Fund. Individuals can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the Donate tab on the usef.org home page. For more information about USEF Opportunity Fund sponsorship opportunities, please contact USEF Senior Director of Sponsorship & Sales Layson Griffin at lgriffin@usef.org.
16 FALL ISSUE 2022
For junior and collegiate equestrians, this issue’s “Back to School … and Horses” feature highlights programs from USEF, our Education Partners, and our affiliate organizations that can keep students in the saddle and competing well past summer. There are scholarships, interscholastic and intercollegiate team opportunities, affiliate-related grants and activities, and much more to help students maintain their equestrian lives during their academic careers. This guide provides some handy resources to consider, whatever your favorite discipline or breed. Of course, a safe environment is crucial for learning. USEF is, together with our members, committed to providing that safe environment for equestrian sport. The fall issue’s third feature, “Protecting Our Community,” explores this concept of community protection, why it’s so important, and the resources US Equestrian offers to support this vital effort. Continuing in the spirit of learning, this fall issue also offers chances to learn more about your horse or pony’s health. This issue’s Horse Health department, we called on Dr. Luke Fallon of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for an overview of equine cellulitis. The article arms you with tips for spotting this troublesome condition and for working with your veterinarian to treat it. Additionally, in Learning Center, we introduce a new video that recently debuted in our online Learning Center (usef. org/learn) which is about equine gastric ulcers and is hosted by Dr. Nimet Browne of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. These elements—sharing knowledge and maintaining a safe and thriving community— are what US Equestrian and its vision and mission are all about. We’re glad you’ve joined us as we continue our work to broaden the equestrian world and spread the joy of a life with horses to all.
Tom O’Mara President
PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Building a Better Life—With Horses
