Private 10.83-acre equestrian estate with a 4Br/3.5Bth pool home with open concept living & expansive patio with screened cabana w/summer kitchen & bar, great for entertaining. There are 2 barns totaling 24 stalls. The 14-stall centeraisle barn with 5 grooming stalls boasts two 2Br/1Bth apartments. The second 10-stall courtyard barn also has two apartments, a 2Br/1Bth and a 1Br/1Bth. There are multiple riding areas for training with an outdoor arena, grass grand prix field and CBS covered riding arena w/ viewing platform. There are 12 grass paddocks, 6-horsewalker, 2 covered outbuildings for aqua-treadmills & round pen. Now Offered at $13,300,000
20 acre farm on south shore blvd within minutes of both showgrounds & IPC! The farm boasts 2 barns totaling 32 stalls, 150' x 300' riding arena with new footing, 10acre grass riding field, 9 generous grass paddocks, round pen, euro-walker, two 3Br/1Bth apartments and lounge with bar, full bath. The 10-acre field is high & dry and the ideal location for your home, Grand Prix field and covered riding arena. The location is great for hacking out your horses on the quiet bridle paths of south Wellington. Offered at $11,500,000
Contemporary, light & bright equestrian property featuring a 4Br main residence and 12-stall center-aisle barn with 2Br apartment. The main residence boasts open concept living with expansive views to the backyard & stable beyond, stone floors & center-island kitchen with gas cooking. All bedrooms have in-suite bathrooms and sliding glass doors to the rear patio & yard. The stable has 2-dry grooming stalls, 2-wash stalls, rubber pavers, large tack room, lounge with kitchenette, laundry room, half-bath, and feed & storage rooms. There is a round pen, 6 grass turnout paddocks and 230' x 150' arena. Offered at $7,875,000
Privately nestled 20 acres, this 4Br/4Bth pool home offers an open kitchen and dining area overlooking the screened pool and patio, plus a 3-car garage. The primary bedroom boasts an in-suite bathroom and a balcony overlooking the pool. The property is fenced and cross fenced for pasture, approximately 10 of the acres are cleared. Don’t miss out on this great site for your Ag business or equestrian operation. Offered at $2,900,000 Wellington, FL • +1 561-313-4367 Official Sponsor of
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A stunning custom designed equestrian property on 23 acres in historic Concord MA, only 20 minutes to Boston! This amazing property includes a 6BR 6.5BA brick home with a�ached 3 car garage, 15 stall insulated barn, a 200 x 72 irrigated indoor ring w/ GGT foo�ng & viewing room, 15 grass fields & paddocks including 4 covered medical paddocks, a 250 x 100 irrigated outdoor ring with GGT foo�ng 2 RV hook up spaces and a charming 2BR guest house.
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A Lot to Cheer About
Dear USEF Members,
Equestrians around the world are looking forward to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which take place July 26-Aug. 11, and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games from Aug. 28-Sept. 8. Here in the U.S., we’re excited to support Team USA and our brilliant United States Equestrian Team, whose athletes will carry U.S. hopes in the sports of dressage, eventing, jumping, and paraequestrian dressage.
The Games represent excellence, but they also leave a lasting legacy in the inspiration they give to current and future equestrian competitors. Their achievements encourage others to strive a bit harder, to dream a bit bigger, or even to take up horse sports for the first time. That’s a benefit beyond a medal count, one that is calculated over the long term in the number of people who call their local lesson barn to inquire about getting instruction themselves or for their child, in the number of new fans who sign up to follow the sport through US Equestrian, and in the first-time horse-show spectators who later decide to learn to ride, drive, or vault and begin competing themselves.
(Parents whose children clamor for horses after watching our U.S. equestrian athletes’ exploits might be glad to find a feature in this issue with tips on how to choose an equestrian summer camp.)
Art is inspirational, too, and in this issue’s cover story, we stand at the intersection of art and Olympic sport, thanks to the rapid pencil strokes of the late artist Sam Savvitt. Savitt’s son, Roger Savitt, opens his legendary father’s sketchbook from the Olympic Games Mexico City in 1968, where Sam Savitt had privileged access behind the scenes, and recounts some of his father’s memories as they were memorialized in his sketches.
The beauty of Sam Savitt’s art lies in more than the energy and beauty and skill it conveys, although all of that is undoubtedly true and important. It also is a door through which all of us can also see a historic moment in sport from behind the scenes. And that is what US Equestrian strives for: equestrian sport and the joy of a connection with horses really can be for everyone. The equestrian community has the scope to embrace so many breeds, disciplines, and athletes, from the high-performance jumper to the trail rider, from the para dressage medalist to the beginning athlete just learning their first lessons about communicating with horses. The journey of every one of them is vital, inspiring, and often profound, and we honor all of those equestrians, wherever they are on their path with horses.
Although we love to celebrate the accomplishments and victories of our athletes, we also know how impactful the horse can be to all equestrians whether they are inside or outside of the ring. As you look through these pages, notice the many ways equestrians are experiencing horses. The USEF Community Outreach Organization program, whose next application period closes on Dec. 1, is bringing horses into more peoples’ lives in their local communities. A Lusitano owner, in Florida, is showcasing dressage to help raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. In our I Am US Equestrian column, another of our members for whom riding began as therapy and became a much greater calling describes how she now helps coach riders.
It’s something we see every day at US Equestrian: inspired by their own experiences of horses, equestrians everywhere are spreading that joy. This summer, especially during this Olympic and Paralympic year, we hope you enjoy that inspiration, too. Use it to spend time in the company of horses and horse people and pass it on yourself by “bringing the joy of horse sport to as many people as possible” (USEF Vision Statement).
President
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US Equestrian & Defender Renew Long Partnership
US Equestrian has announced the renewal of an expanded, multiyear partnership with Defender, which will position Defender as the Official Luxury Vehicle of US Equestrian. Defender also will be the title sponsor of the U.S. Eventing Team, title sponsor of the U.S. Driving Team, title sponsor of the USEF CCI5* National Championship at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian, and the Official Vehicle of all USEF Hunter National Championships.
sport of eventing, but they have chosen to further broaden their reach and impact across disciplines with this recent renewal, which is exciting,” said US Equestrian’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Moroney. “Simultaneously, the renewal will align our teams and equestrian sport specifically with the Defender brand.”
“Land Rover, a longstanding partner of US Equestrian, started with a focus on the
Sam Allen, Defender US Brand Director, said, “The purpose-built Defender, with all its capabilities, aligns perfectly with the equestrian lifestyle.”
Chester Weber Wins the 2024 USEF Combined Driving National Championship for Advanced
Four-in-Hand Horses
Chester Weber during the jog at the Combined Driving National Championship for Advanced Four-In-Hand Horses.
Combined driving athlete Chester Weber added another title to his long list of accomplishments, taking home his 21st USEF Combined Driving National Championship for Advanced Four-in-Hand Horses on March 17 at Live Oak International in Ocala, Fla.
Weber drove his team of bay KWPN geldings, Amadeus, Gouveneur, Julius V, Kadora, and Nico Teusje C.
“The horses were in really good form,” said Weber. “They showed up with a nice, solid dressage test on the first day. For the cross-country, we drove a combination that I thought would be very fast. It was a super-challenging course, but the team handled it very well and took all of the questions and challenges in hand and did a great job with it.”
Jimmy Fairclough (Newton, N.J.) earned the reserve champion title with his KWPN geldings Bento V, Dapper, Hendrik, Jake, and Lotario I&S.
Prancing Horse Celebrates 40 Years of Therapeutic Programming
US Equestrian is searching for its newest cohort of Community Outreach Organizations. Like the 28 COOs currently in the Community Outreach Program, we are looking for organizations who provide equine-based learning opportunities and support the positive impact horses can have within their local communities.
Do you think your organization may be a good fit? If so, we encourage you to apply! The applications are open through December 1st.
What are the benefits of being a USEF Community Outreach Organization?
• Free USEF Subscriber-level memberships
• Eligibility for USEF Opportunity Fund grants
• Connections to competition organizers and licensed officials for clinics and other activations
• Access to DEI education
• Opportunities for further coverage on USEF Network, website, social media and magazine.
All applications will be reviewed by the Community Outreach Task Force, which includes USEF board members, executive staff, and athletes. US Equestrian will connect with organizations to confirm if their applications have been approved. Additional details about the program, application period and/or process can be found at usef.org/coo-apply
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Prancing Horse hosted a Barn Dance celebrating their 40th
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Chefs d’Equipe Announced for 2024 FEI Driving World Championships
Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Chefs d’Equipe for the 2024 FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand Horses and the FEI Driving World Championship for Single Horses, both of which will take place this September. Marcie Quist will serve as chef for the four-in-hands and Jeff Legg will serve as chef for the singles team.
Quist has been involved in the sport of combined driving for more than 20 years as a competitor, licensed official, USEF judge, and FEI steward. Legg is an FEI licensed steward for both combined driving and eventing. He has competed in driving as a navigator and groom for several U.S. driving athletes.
USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund Assists Texas Horses Affected by Wildfires
Through the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund, US Equestrian is providing financial assistance to support the efforts in helping horses impacted by the largest wildfire in the history of Texas. Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has been awarded a grant to further support their work in aiding the equestrian community.
“The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations like the United States Equestrian Federation to help fund our deployment missions,” said Dr. Deb Zoran, director of the VET. “It’s an honor to serve the animals and people impacted by these devastating events, and the VET is incredibly thankful to be empowered to do so by the generosity of our donors.”
The USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund helps ensure horses’ safety and well-being by preparing for and recovering from disasters.
Marcie Quist (second from right) was Chef d’Equipe at the 2022 FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hand Horses and is one of the two chefs announced for this year’s world championship.
US Equestrian is excited to announce YETI as the Official Cooler and Insulated Drinkware of US Equestrian and the U.S. Equestrian Teams. YETI will supply products to U.S. Equestrian Teams. Additionally, YETI will provide products that will be awarded to the National Champions of each National Championship, as well as competitor gifts during the USEF Pony Finals and Talent Search Finals.
SAFE SPORT SECTION
In this portion of the magazine, we strive to keep you aware of requirements and best practices under the USEF Safe Sport Policy, and what steps you can take to ensure the safest environment possible for our young equestrians and our community at large.
Learn How to Ask the Right Questions: US Equestrian Launches Safe Sport PSA & Website to Help Parents & Guardians
We know asking the right questions to a teenage child can be difficult in the best of times, but if something seems off, finding the right question to get a responsive answer can be especially tricky. The complexity can rise if something is truly wrong, which makes US Equestrian’s newest initiative even more important.
This summer, US Equestrian is simultaneously launching a website and public service announcement (PSA) specifically designed to help parents and guardians ask the right questions around the topic of Safe Sport and adult-minor interactions.
“US Equestrian is committed to keeping all competitors safe, especially our junior competitors,” stated US Equestrian Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Sonja Keating. “Our hope is that this PSA will raise awareness around subtle signs of grooming that often precede abuse and spark conversations between parents and their children. Teaching minor athletes about healthy relationships can help prevent abuse. The website, and the resources we provide, should be bookmarked on every equestrian parent’s browser to use as needed.” This website (found at USEquestrianSafeSport.org) hosts several resources for parents, including the PSA video, examples of questions to ask from each scenario in the video, and specific sites and tools.
In the video, each actor focuses on a specific question that is meant to get everyone in the equestrian community thinking. While the focus is on parents and guardians asking the right questions, the hope is that junior equestrians, trainers, and more will pause and think further about healthy boundaries and relationships and
The Learn How To Ask the Right Questions campaign is centered around educational resources for parents, guardians and the equestrian community.
equestrian community may think ‘those type of things don’t happen in our sport,’” stated Lowell. “Unfortunately, these problems persist nationwide in youth sports, regardless of the sport. We hope these videos will speak directly to the equestrian community and get people to think about their interactions more. These are topics that must be spotlighted further as US Equestrian continues to strive to be a leader in keeping our young athletes safe.”
Each of the topics discussed lead directly back to the USEF Safe Sport Policy, as well as to the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). It is important to note that a video this important cannot be made without a considerable amount of help. We would like to thank Charles Owen, Ariat, and Dover Saddlery for providing clothing, boots, and helmets for the actors in the video. We would also like to thank the Colorado Horse Park for the use of their facility, as well as the team at Image Brew for their work in filming and editing this campaign videos. Lastly, we thank the U.S. Center for SafeSport for sharing the campaign idea.
“This idea was sparked when the U.S. Center for SafeSport released a PSA focused on asking the right questions in September of 2021,” stated US Equestrian Chief Marketing Officer Vicki Lowell. “As soon as Sonja and I saw these videos, we knew we wanted to produce one focused on the equestrian world. The Center was very supportive of us expanding their award-winning campaign concept.”
the USEF Safe Sport Policy, including Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies.
Topics in the video range from direct communication and road travels to special attention given in a barn. The final question ties it all together with a question that simply poses, “I don’t want to ride anymore…want to know why?”.
“While some of the topics from the Center’s video could apply to the equestrian world, we felt that some in the
Importantly, we do recognize that these videos may be triggering for some who watch them. US Equestrian provides multiple mental health resources to our members, including counseling services that are available at no added cost to members.
To report a potential USEF Safe Sport violation, visit usef.org/safe-sport/reporting. These topics are difficult to talk about. You can go here to find resources, such as a Parent and Guardian’s Handbook for Safer Sport and tips on talking to your kids about abuse and misconduct in sport. We hope that this new PSA and our website will help make asking the right questions just a little bit easier.
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In & Around the Ring
“ People want [horse shows] to be safe, fun, and fair, and I think that the framework that USEF provides for sport in the equine world helps to make it safe and fair.”
- Allen Bosworth, President of the J.D. Massey Classic Horse Show in South Carolina, which celebrates the 90th year in 2024. The show is licensed this year through the USEF Lite program, which offers many of the benefits of a full USEF license with lower costs.
“M y mentality is go big or go home. We really tried to highlight my horse’s strengths and to push where we could and be careful when we needed to be.”
- Dressage athlete Josh Albrecht after winning a silver medal on Goldenboy Vinckenburgh at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup USA in Wellington, Fla.
Left: Ashton Maye, 9, competes in combined driving with Welsh pony Zoey at the 2024 Spring Fling CDE.
Top: Professional dressage rider Hannah Irons rides her 15-year-old Hanoverian mare Scola Bella during the Prancing with the Stars of Dressage event, which took place on April 13 at Lusitano Masters in Loxahatchee, FL. The event raised more than $10,000 to benefit the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s-Palm Beach to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Bottom: Kevin Kohmann celebrates aboard Diamante Farms’ Duenensee at the CDIO3* Dressage Nations Cup™ in Wellington, Fla., where The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team earned team silver. The pair later also claimed individual gold in the CDIO3* FEI Grand Prix Special.
A Safer Sport Starts Before Hitting Send
by Zack Ryle
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is important to review some data and first steps to make sure all equestrians, especially our youngest, remain safe online.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has created a new national public awareness campaign entitled Know2Protect that is working to create a safer world by focusing on the digital experience of our youth.
Trigger warning: this article contains content that may be triggering to some, including content related to bullying and sexual exploitation. Reader discretion is advised.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children between the ages of 15 and 18 years old spend, on average, 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen using entertainment media. While the number may jump out to some, the idea of children (or really anyone) spending more time on screens now than in any time in history should not be surprising.
Both the U.S. Center for SafeSport Code and the USEF Safe Sport Policy have specific sections that focus on safety in the digital realm. From the beginning stages of grooming to cyberbullying, there is a lot to be aware of when it comes to protecting our junior competitors from harm.
US Equestrian wanted to pass along some important resources to our members, especially to parents and guardians of junior competitors, to help keep all equestrians safe year-round.
Understanding what it takes to be a good digital citizen is an important first step in digital safety. The term “digital citizenship” means the ability to navigate the internet in a safe, healthy, and responsible manner. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has provided resources developed to help parents foster good digital citizenship with
their children. The Center’s four-part digital video series, released in 2023, can be found on the Center’s YouTube account, @USCenterForSafeSport. On the channel page, scroll down to view the channel’s video categories. The “Digital Citizenship” video series can be found under the heading “Policies and Best Practices for Athlete Safety.”
A next step in digital safety is knowing what to do when faced with difficult situations online. These can include various scenarios, from bullying to potential sexual exploitation.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, it received 32 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2022. If each report represented a unique U.S. child, that would represent roughly 45% of children in America. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also has reported that, in the last decade, child sexual exploitation and abuse “has increased exponentially and is now a global epidemic.”
In order to help battle this growing epidemic, the Homeland Security department has created a new national public awareness campaign entitled Know2Protect that is working to create a safer world by focusing on the digital experience of our youth. According to the department’s website, Know2Protect’s goal is “to educate and empower children, teens,
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parents, trusted adults, and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA); explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer response and support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation.” The campaign launched this spring.
USEF’s New Social Media Guidelines
New in 2024, US Equestrian has implemented social media community guidelines to help maintain a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all equestrians and fans. These community guidelines provide guidance for engaging with US Equestrian-owned social media accounts as well as general, publicfacing accounts. For more information, visit usef. org/forms-pubs/X90jCm5ryNc/social-mediacommunity-guidelines.
US Equestrian and our Safe Sport department are committed to helping protect all equestrians, especially our junior competitors, both inside and outside of the competition ring.
Tips for Parents and Trusted Adults
As a part of their campaign, Know2Protect provides the following tools and tips:
1. Create a dialogue with your child for open two-way conversations.
2. Password-protect or control access to your child’s app store and gaming downloads.
3. Set time and area limits for use of devices. Set device check-in times.
4. Set all apps, games, and devices to “private.”
5. Turn off location data services for social media and nonessential apps.
6. Talk about the permanency of data. Online data can last a lifetime.
7. Create contracts with your child regarding online behavior.
8. Know your child’s friend lists and remove any strangers.
9. Your child should never leave a game to chat with someone they don’t know on a different platform.
10. Do not delete messages or images from predators. Save usernames, screenshots, and images as evidence.
Cyberbullying
Another topic to be aware of online is cyberbullying. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15.7% of students in grades 9-12 reported being cyberbullied in 2019.
According to stopbullying.gov, cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, text, and apps or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else, causing embarrassment or humiliation.
To read more about cyberbullying, visit stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it.
Reporting
Finally, if you become aware of or suspect that abuse has occurred, the following resources are available:
• Reports regarding sexual misconduct involving a person under 18 years of age must be made to the U.S. Center for SafeSport through their online reporting form (uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern) or by phone at 833-5US-SAFE (587-7233) and to the authorities.
• Reports regarding non-sexual misconduct can be made by submitting a USEF Incident Report Form (members.usef.org/reporting-forms/safe-sport-incident) or by sending an anonymous text to 2USEF (28733).
US Equestrian and our Safe Sport department are committed to helping protect all equestrians, especially our junior competitors, both inside and outside of the competition ring. While some aspects of the digital world are troubling, the internet has many opportunities available when navigated safely. US Equestrian wants to provide resources to accurately prepare our community and present a road map for healthy conversations within the ever-changing digital world.
Photo featuring US Event Rider Cornelia Dorr
“I’d Like to See More Opportunities”
by Lauren Reischer
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 separated, and I had the feeling of two independent legs. It was also the first time, thanks to the support of the saddle, that I was able to sit upright on my own.
The feelings and movements occurring in my body as I rode around the ring at a walk became muscle memory, and I capitalized on those muscle memories to eventually learn how to take reciprocal steps using a walker. The more I rode, the sounder my body became. I transitioned from being in a wheelchair to, fast forward ten years, zooming around the halls of my school with forearm crutches!
I spent most of my childhood in the hospital. I had many serious surgeries that required me to be an inpatient for months at a time, and even afterwards, I was still attending physical, occupational, and speech therapy for 20 hours a week. This was, of course, on top of going to school. This meant that I had very little time to develop close friendships with my classmates outside of school, and I was often isolated from my peers due to not being able to participate in recess, sports, or other activities.
As a child, it’s hard to understand why others treat you differently when you feel so “the same.” Riding was an outlet for me to experience this freedom and independence that I could never experience on the ground due to my disability. The other girls at the barn, even once I “graduated” from therapeutic riding, became my truest friends and were always the quickest to set my disability aside and accept me as a fellow horse lover!
I was accepted to Brown University, where I double-majored in education and public policy and rode as a walk-on on the NCAA D1 Equestrian Team. Talk about a start to my amateur career … I was riding on a team in the most traditional sense and competing alongside able-bodied people. This was a tremendous milestone for me, as I had grown up being excluded from all of the traditional team sports/team activities and isolated from my peers. Never in a million years did I think that one day I would captain the Brown Equestrian Team.
The girls were so welcoming, so supportive, and we all contributed very successfully to creating a team environment out of a mostly individual sport. While I always felt like each barn I rode at was my team, in a sense, it was nice to have the feeling of being part of a team in a traditional way.
Now post-grad, I recently became an equestrian head coach. This summer, I spearheaded an effort to create the Special Olympics NY Inaugural Summer Show Series. Horses and equestrian sports have been integral to my life, and this Summer Show Series reflects my life’s passion for creating opportunities and pathways to equestrian sports for people with disabilities.
I really relate to the riders I coach because one thing that they know they can expect from me is how uniquely I understand the need for an individualized training program. Each body works differently, and I have a keen eye for the ways in which someone’s disability might affect their riding. I’ve had their
Lauren Reischer said her main goal is to be an ally to anyone else in the equestrian community.
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2023 was a Banner Year with significant land sales of 500+ acres totaling almost $25million**
“My dream is to see shows everywhere offering classes where local equestrians with disabilities …
Therapeutic riding helped Lauren Reischer develop independent movement in her legs and sit upright.
nerves and their concerns, and most of all, I share their dreams because I am them, so they can count on me to help them achieve. Now I’m doing PR for the American Thoracic Society. I’m still coaching with Special Olympics NY on the side and have expanded the area I’ll be coaching to the Capital Region in NY. I moved upstate this month, so now I’m riding at Meadow Wood Farm in Schenectady and looking forward to bringing the show program there as well.
Having equestrian programs in urban spaces is essential for creating new pathways to our unique sport. Not everyone has the time or resources to take hours out of their week to travel to rural areas where farms and horse show venues may be, and it is the responsibility of the leaders of equestrian sport to ensure that we don’t limit participation to only those with certain resources.
It is equally the responsibility of those who wish to create equestrian programs in urban spaces not to compromise on the conditions for the horses. This means access to sufficient turnout, the ability to trailer off to a clinic in an emergency, sound fencing from traffic or reckless drivers, safe arena spaces, and good stabling with appropriate bedding and feed. Since humankind no longer relies on horses for transportation, urban spaces are no longer designed to be suitable for horses.
I think probably the biggest gatekeeper of access to equestrian sports, and one of the hardest/ugliest ones to tackle, is the finances. Riding horses is expensive, and owning horses is astronomically more. It is certainly no secret that owning a horse, or several, and boarding them in a program with a top trainer and shipping off to shows all the time is probably the fastest way to excel in this sport. But that kind of a budget for equestrian sports is not realistic for all. Of course, there are schooling shows and local shows which are wonderful and essential for building up talent in our sport from a grassroots level. However, I’d still like to see more opportunities for nonwhite, non-wealthy, and non-able-bodied people to experience equestrian sport and competition.
My dream is to see shows everywhere offering classes where local equestrians with disabilities in every area with a major horse show will have the opportunity to share the schooling ring with the mainstream equestrian sport.
I’d love for the equestrian community to know that I’m here to be an ally to anyone who needs one. I’m always looking for people to get involved with the different initiatives I’m working on, so if you’d like to be a part of something, you’re more than welcome. I believe that the future of equestrian sports is bright, and now more than ever, I am amazed and warmed by the equestrian community’s hunger for positive change.
America’s Premier Equine Exposition & Equestrian Gathering
NOV. 7–10, 2024
W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, Eastern States Exposition
• An Unparalleled Educational Program.
• The Largest Horse-Related Trade Show in North America.
• The “Marketplace” featuring quality consignments for horse & rider.
• The Fantasia (sponsored by Equine Medical and Surgical Associates) — Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Breed Pavilion, Horse & Farm Exhibits, Horses for Sale and Demonstrations Enjoy meeting horses of all shapes, sizes, breeds, colors, and disciplines!
• NEW! Breed Bonanza — A unique under saddle class showcasing the best features of horses from all breeds! From the pony to the draft, all breeds are welcome as we crown the inaugural Breed Bonanza winner.
• Equine Fundamentals Forum — Educational presentations, exhibits, and activities for new riders and horse owners, young & old.
• The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition — A fast-paced timed and judged race through an obstacle course with $5,500 at stake!
• Adoption Affaire — Find and adopt your next horse at the Adoption Affaire.
• Youth Activities and much, much more!
Captains Rock Ranch
Captains Rock Ranch, located west of Evergreen, is 667± deeded acres, located within the 3,245± acre “shared use” Evans Ranch. Featuring an 11,878± square foot primary residence, indoor arena, and refurbished cabin.
Tremendous luxury equestrian and event venue located south of Denver. The improvements are truly impeccably done with meticulous craftsmanship, and the exterior attributes of the
are equally as
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Golden Days of Summer
Summer’s luxuriously long days mean more time at the barn, more fun at competitions, and a chance to sport your patriotic colors. It’s the perfect season for Ariat, where cooling technology is married to classic style and form meets function for optimal performance in and out of the ring.
The Perfect Package
The Speranza show coat, Tri Factor Grace knee patch breech, and Ravello tall boot check all our boxes, combining for a sleek, professional look that judges will appreciate and competitors will love. Part of Ariat’s Italian collection, the Speranza show coat outshines the competition with premium 360-degree stretch fabric, a tailored European fit, and understated, elegant minimalist details, including subtly branded buttons.
The Tri Factor breech is a longstanding favorite, and no wonder: ClimateTEK™ dynamically responds to your body’s temperature, helping keep you cool even in the heat of competition. Core Control Technology™ adds slimming support. And the Ariat Hex Silicone Grip adds crucial stickability. The Tri Factor Grace, shown here, has all that and more, including embellishments to buttons and pockets.
Stability and comfort never looked so good: Ariat’s Ravello stylish tall boot is your go-to competition boot. Its Duratread™ sole is synonymous with highperformance traction, while the ATS® technology provides stable support and comfort. Italian craftsmanship, a behind-the-knee mobility curve, and a fulllength elasticized panel help this wardrobe star conform to your every move.
Two Belts in One
No time? No worries! A quick twist and a pull on the Ariat shield logo buckle lets you flip between a black belt that matches your show boots to a brown one that matches your loafers for dinner. The Shield II reversible belt makes looking “put together” a snap—even at the end of a busy show day.
Stops the Sun, Not the Fun
Ariat’s Sunstopper 3.0 shirt is a welcome addition to the summer competitor’s apparel. Sun Protection Fabric™ provides UV coverage, ClimateTEK™ cooling technology, and FreshTEK™ odor resistance take care of comfort so you can focus on competing and having fun. The fit combines a traditional poplin snap/wrap collar with quarter-zip styling that looks formal without sacrificing ease.
Blue Sky Potential
The Meridian Show Coat (paired here with the Bellatrix show shirt, Tri Factor Grace knee patch breech, and Ravello tall boot) should have you jumping for joy. Slightly stretchable with 360-degree breathability, the Meridian is a real head-turner, featuring subtle notches at the sleeves and subtle metallic details.
Fights Equine Asthma
Researched and Proven as an aid in controlling Equine Asthma [IAD and RAO][1]. Recommended in the American College of Internal Veterinary Medicine Consensus Statement on Respiratory Disease[2].
Not all Omega 3’s are the same; use the only Researched and Recommended 1500mg Purified DHA formulation. Talk to your veterinarian today to see how Aleira can help your horse effectively cope with respiratory and immune challanges. Experience the improved performance and recovery that Aleira brings to your horse.
References:
Med 2016; 30:503-515 p.
[1] Nogradi N, Couetil LL, Messick J, Stochelski MA, Burgess JA. Evalutation of an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Containing Feed Supplement in the Management of Horses with Chronic Lower Airway In ammatory Diseases. J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:299-306
[2} Couetil LL, Cardwell J.M, Gerber V, Lavoie J.P, Leguilette R, Richard E.A. In ammatory Airway Disease of Horses. ACVIM Consensus Statement of J of Vet Intern
508-510.
Zen Elite Equestrian Center, located in Southwest Ranches, Florida is everything the name suggests and much more.
The state-of-the-art facility hosts a spacious covered arena, two huge outdoor arenas and a full rehab/spa.
From the cascading waterfalls in the rider’s lounge, to its peaceful statues and inviting gardens, Zen Elite Equestrian Center envelops visitors in a spa-like relaxed atmosphere.
But Zen Elite is more than just soothing to the soul. The facility is unique in its scope, hosting grassroots dressage and jumping lesson programs in the same arenas where international trainers are preparing for national and world competitions.
Owner, Heidi Humphries’ vision is legendary, in that it supports the future of horse sport in the spa-like serene atmosphere that is Zen Elite Equestrian Center.
Harnessing authentic research and leading technology, the Ice-Vibe® Boots are a fantastic investment for horse owners who want to support optimum tendon and ligament health in their horse’s legs.
SKETCHES OF OLYMPIC HISTORY SKETCHES OF OLYMPIC HISTORY
The renowned artist Sam Savitt accompanied the U.S. Equestrian Team to the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, sketching the competition and moments behind the scenes. As his son Roger recalls, he returned with sketchbooks that reflected sport, adventure, and the partnership between horses and humans—as well as a wealth of great memories.
BY ROGER SAVITT
Opposite: In artist Sam Savitt’s 1968 Olympic sketchbook, he delivered a running commentary on the equestrian competition and offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse that also showed grooms, veterinarians, and others who provide vital support to equestrian teams.
Left: Artist Sam Savitt with Jenny the airedale in 1978.
As riders and horses ready themselves for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which take place July 26-Aug. 11, and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Aug. 28-Sept. 8, it’s worth pausing a moment to reflect back on the fortunes of the U.S. Equestrian Team at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968.
The Games became the subject of a book, “The Equestrian Olympic Sketchbook,” written and illustrated by famed equestrian illustrator Sam Savitt, who was named the U.S. Equestrian Team’s official artist in 1958. He was also my father.
Although he had already written eight books, my dad’s Olympic sketchbook broke new ground for him. It was the first time he had delivered a running commentary on a sporting event. More than that, he offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life away from the competition itself to show grooms and veterinarians and other people who support the various equestrian teams.
“Wherever I went, I sketched constantly, filling several sketch pads from cover to cover,” he said in his book’s forward. “To do this required a ‘fast draw’ and numerous rapid-fire decisions because time moved quickly and subjects didn’t wait.”
At many points, Sam Savitt the artist was very much Sam Savitt the sports reporter. For example, when describing the fence confronting U.S. eventing athlete Michael Page, he rattled off details: “This obstacle consisted of two broad steps, each about 24 feet wide, with a three-foot drop between levels. Between the second and final level was a four-foot span over water. Mike was half left coming over the ditch, but he caught up before landing.”
Of course, his comments—important as they were—were secondary to his more than 60 illustrations. Three were watercolors and the rest were pencil. While watercolor might take more skill, I must admit that pencil was always my favorite medium. Quite simply, pencil displays the sheer talent of an artist, as you can see precisely what was done. The purpose of every line is immediately visible, and in this book the mastery of my father’s techniques is plain to see.
WHAT MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE
How my dad came to be at the ’68 Olympics had a lot to do with the Pacific Coast Equestrian Research Farm founded a few years earlier by Wentworth Tellington and Linda TellingtonJones. He said that without their help, he could never have gone to the Olympics.
The farm was a residential school for riding instructors in Badger, Calif. Linda—who is now 87 and continues to be active doing the work that made her an internationally acclaimed authority on animal behavior, training and healing—says she and her late husband coordinated the Mexico visit for my parents and several dozen other people. At one point, Linda helped arrange a huge banquet for her visitors, paid for by a wealthy Mexican man who owned an elaborate horse breeding farm. In return for the banquet, he requested that my father paint his favorite stallion, which he did.
While my parents did much to prepare for their first-ever visit to Mexico, they neglected to apply for the press passes that would let them wander at will among Olympic venues.
Individual
My mother figured that with people arriving from all over the world there would be enough confusion at Olympic entry points that they could get away with just showing their credit cards in order to secure press passes on the spot. The ruse worked.
In addition to being fast, he was also very accurate. In fact, he was so good at depicting individual horses that he was once hired to draw about 20 horses for a catalog offered at the Saratoga thoroughbred yearling sale in New York because his pencil illustrations were deemed just as good as photographs—and they were a lot classier.
Lastly, he gave energy to his drawings. That’s why the American Academy of Equine Art
My father went to wherever the action was, often crouching behind bushes or leaning on railings of riding rings to capture every moment. As an artist, I would say that his three greatest attributes were speed, accuracy, and energetic workmanship. He didn’t take photographs but relied chiefly on sketches, arguing, “The eye can often see details that the camera misses.” Generally, he would rough out a drawing on the spot and fill in the details later. He had honed his skills as a quick-sketch artist in the 1950s when he worked for comic book publishers who paid artists based on the volume of artwork they produced.
PHOTOS: COURTESY ROGER SAVITT
Clockwise: Sam Savitt’s sketch of U.S. Equestrian Team captain Bill Steinkraus.
U.S. Eventing Team member Mike Plumb looks on as members of the French team check over one of their horses at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968.
Grand Prix silver medalist Josef Neckerman and his horse Mariano.
“Time moved quickly and subjects didn’t wait.”
–Artist Sam Savitt on his 1968 Olympic Games experience
Clockwise: Savitt captured the image of Irish team’s eventing mare, Jenny, attended to by a young woman whom Savitt said loved and “fussed over this horse like a mother hen.”
U.S. eventer Mike Plumb and Plain Sailing took a fence in so much rain that it was partly submerged.
David Broome on Mr. Softee in the jump-off for Individual Bronze.
annually hands out the Sam Savitt Award for the Horse in Motion. The Olympics presented plenty of opportunities for him to showcase this ability. At least 15 of his book’s illustrations showed riders being pitched off their mounts. Many other drawings that described successful rounds were no less dynamic.
SUMMER GAMES IN THE FALL
The ’68 Summer Olympics Games—the first ones ever held in Latin America—did not begin until mid-October. The reason for the late start was Mexico’s rainy season, which usually runs from May to early October. However, this time around the rains kept falling to the end
of the month. So, as tough as they were, the equestrian courses were made significantly harder by bad weather.
As explained in the book, there was a point where the U.S. Eventing Team’s Mike Plumb went over a jump that became a water hazard. “It was a blinding rain, which I’ll never forget,” recalled Plumb, who now lives in South Carolina and still gives riding lessons. “The whole jump was under water and all I could see were the flags at each end.” His horse, Plain Sailing, was fine, and apparently the deep water left him none the worse for wear.
One of the greatest misfortunes my father witnessed had to do with a member of the Soviet
Pencil displays the sheer talent of an artist ... The purpose of every line is immediately visible.
Union’s team. During a stadium jumping event, the rider took a couple of fences in the wrong order, thereby eliminating himself and his whole team from medal contention. As he left the ring weeping, my father said he could hear exclamations of horror from the audience in many languages. One word he kept recognizing was “Siberia.”
Fortunately, my dad also had victories to report. Page, Plumb, Kevin Freeman, and Jim Wofford received a team silver medal in eventing, and Page also received an individual bronze. But the most significant win was a gold medal for U.S. team captain Bill Steinkraus on his horse Snowbound. This was the first
time the United States had taken gold in the Grand Prix jumping event. As my father was friends with Steinkraus, he was comfortable asking him why he seemed almost pensive about his accomplishment. Essentially, said the captain, other team members and other horses could easily have done the same thing he did, but his winning round happened to be at the Olympics. According to my father, he added, “I guess as far as most people are concerned that’s what counts.”
In addition to these vignettes about victory and defeat, my dad also took away such memories as the one about a young Irish woman who cared for and loved a mare on the Irish eventing team
PHOTOS: COURTESY ROGER SAVITT
named Jenny. He recalled, “She fussed over this horse like a mother hen and worried about the horse’s fate in an upcoming crosscountry event.” Jenny made it home safely on the storm-drenched course.
When time allowed, my father attended a Mexican rodeo and visited a farmers’ market. His sketch pad and a leather bag loaded with art supplies were always with him as he recorded these scenes. It was not unusual for passersby to gather around him as he quickly sketched what he saw. On one occasion, a Mexican woman requested a drawing of her child. My father obliged, and she
was rewarded with a sketch by a gifted artist she did not know.
For their part, my father and mother were rewarded by an unforgettable experience at the Summer Olympics that they talked about for years to come. Although his career continued for another three decades, my dad said the Olympics yielded some of his best work.
The reward for the rest of us is that, although my father has been gone for 24 years, his artwork from the Olympics and countless other events before and after continues to be impressive for its splendid vitality and pure beauty.
Above: On his travels to Mexico as the United States Equestrian Team’s official artist, Sam Savitt also was able to explore nearby villages, where he sketched scenes from local life.
Opposite: Sketches from attending a Chiriada on the outskirts of Mexico City. A colorful affair with fancy riding and trick roping.
HOW TO FOLLOW AND WATCH THE 2024 SUMMER OLYMPICS
The Olympics are fast approaching, and USEF has the resources you need to support the U.S. Equestrian Team in all equestrian events.
Dates for Equestrian:
- Olympic Games – July 26 to August 6
- Paralympic Games – September 3 to 8
Check out USEF’s major events page at usef.org/paris2024 for team information, results, and news.
For additional up-to-date coverage, follow US Equestrian on Facebook (facebook.com/USequestrian), Instagram (@usequestrian), TikTok (@usequestrian), and Twitter (@USequestrian). Olympic coverage can also be found under #paris2024. Every event will be broadcast on NBC and streamed live on Peacock.
Peacock will also offer a “Gold Zone” program, broadcasting 7 a.m.-5 p.m. ET from July 27-Aug. 10. Similar to the NFL’s Red Zone, “the broadcast will ‘present viewers with the best and most compelling moments happening at any time,’” according to NBC.
For more general information about equestrian sports at the Olympics, look at these sites:
- Paris 2024 Olympic Equestrian: paris2024.org/en/sport/equestrian
- Paris 2024 Olympic Para Equestrian: paris2024.org/en/sport/para-equestrian-dressage
SCHEDULES
Complete schedules can be found at medias.paris2024.org/uploads/2023/03/OlympicCalendar-of-the-Paris-2024-Games.htm for the Olympics, and medias.paris2024.org/ uploads/2023/12/Schedule-competition-Paralympics.htm#_Toc149126618 for the Paralympics.
All times are tentative and listed in Central European Time (U.S. Eastern time plus 5 hours).
The equestrian event schedules are as follows:
DRESSAGE
- July 30, 10 a.m.—3 p.m.: Grand Prix Team and Individual Qualifier Day 1
- July 31, 10 a.m.—3 p.m.: Grand Prix Team and Individual Qualifier Day 2
- August 1, 9 a.m.—2:45 p.m.: Dressage Team Grand Prix Special
- August 4, 10 a.m.—2:30 p.m.: Dressage Individual Grand Prix Freestyle
EVENTING
- July 27, 9 a.m.—5:40 p.m.: Eventing Dressage
- July 28, 9:30 am.—2 p.m.: Eventing Cross Country
- July 29, 10 a.m.—3:30 p.m.: Eventing Jumping
JUMPING
- August 2, 1 p.m.—4:45 p.m.: Jumping Individual Qualifier
- August 3, 9 a.m.—11:30 a.m.: Jumping Individual Final - August 5, 9 a.m.—12:45 p.m.: Jumping Team Qualifier
- August 6, 1 p.m.—3:30 p.m.: Jumping Team Final
PARA DRESSAGE
- September 3, 10 a.m.—7 p.m.: Dressage Individual—Para Grand Prix Tests (Grades I-III) - September 4, 10 a.m.—3:40 p.m.: Dressage Individual—Para Grand Prix Tests
- September 6, 10 a.m.—6:10 p.m.: Dressage Team—Para Grand Prix Special Test
- September 7, 10 a.m.—6:10 p.m.: Dressage Individual—Para Grand Prix Freestyle Tests
PHOTO:
TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN EQUESTRIAN CAMP SADDLE UP FOR
There are many variables to consider when selecting an equestrian summer camp, such as safety, cost, schedule, and personal goals.
BY EMILY GIRARD
Equestrian summer camps do not just teach horsemanship and riding skills; they also allow students to develop wider life skills and relationships with their peers. However, the process of exploring and selecting camps can be daunting.
David Silver is the founder and executive director of USEF Community Outreach Organization Detroit Horse Power, which provides summer horse camps and after-school equestrian programs to Detroit youth. He recommended that students and families consider both the horsemanship and general life skills they are looking to develop at camp.
“How will this experience not just build their toolkit in riding and horsemanship, but develop character and the kind of values that young people need to thrive?” Silver said. “An experience like this can do more than just help them do better in the horse show ring. It can actually help them find more success in school and in life.”
Two of Danielle Harling’s children, Tariq Morrison and Mya Harling, participated in Detroit Horse Power’s equestrian summer camp in 2015. She explained that the camp has expanded her family’s access to horses; her youngest son Daniel has been around horses since he was an infant, thanks to the camp.
“This is a family thing now,” Harling said. “To watch all of those kids go through it, I was like, ‘Okay, my kids cannot miss out on this.’ Their growth has been phenomenal.”
The first step when considering an equestrian summer camp is finding a camp that fits your preferences for size, locale, schedule, childcare needs, and cost. If you know other equestrians, seek recommendations, and don’t be afraid to do some research into the facility’s background.
Sam Robinson, the Youth and Outreach Coordinator at the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association , advised that parents start by considering dates, times, costs, locations, disciplines, and activities that align with the family’s targets and goals. And she recommended checking Facebook and barn websites, noting that many barns with lesson programs also offer summer camps.
Betsy Webb, owner of the Louisville Equestrian Center in Taylorsville, Ky., explained that Facebook advertising and community events have introduced a wide range of people to her barn’s camp program, and by extension, to the equestrian industry.
“We do tons and tons of Facebook advertising. We also do pony parties, which is a big thing. And so they come to a pony party, and they get a flyer for camp,” Webb said. “We just introduce so many people; I think that grassroots thing is very important.”
Keep Safety and Welfare Top of Mind
As with any other equestrian activity, safety is paramount, especially when minors are participating.
“Safety [is] the number one thing, as far as adult counselorto-camper ratio, so you have enough hands, because we’re not
kicking a soccer ball or throwing a ball. We’re in the stall with horses, and there are kids being hands-on with horses, and we just we want to be safe all the time,” explained Ellie Rewucki, who runs riding lessons and summer camps with Great Island Riding Academy in Hampton Falls, N.H.
It’s also crucial that summer camp horses are well cared for, sound, and not overused.
Louisville Equestrian Center’s Webb said that “safety and fun” are the top priorities in her summer camp programs, including proper safety equipment. “They need to wear helmets,” Webb said.
USEF offers multiple resources on helmet fit and concussion prevention, including an online list of concussion information resources at usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/concussion and an online Learning Center video about concussion and helmet safety featuring neurosurgeon and equestrian Dr. Lola Chambless. Charles Owen, the official helmet supplier for US Equestrian, recommends that helmets are “snug, with a firm and even pressure all the way around,” and have online guides for properly fitting a helmet. Charles Owen also has online guides for properly fitting a helmet. For more information about the helmet fitting process, visit usef. org/media/equestrian-weekly/equestrian-helmet-fitting-safety.
“Safety is going to be your best thing,” Webb said. “And it’s just got to be enjoyable; we’re definitely not drill sergeants at camps like that.”
Review USEF Safe Sport Policy and Training
The USEF Safe Sport Policy is an important part of US Equestrian’s commitment to protect young equestrians in our community.
USEF senior active members are bound by the USEF Safe Sport Policy and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP). So if camp trainers and operators are USEF members aged 18 or older, they are required to have completed SafeSport Training.
Prospective camp participants, parents, and guardians can visit the U.S. Center for SafeSport Central Disciplinary Database; USEF’s Safe Sport Sanction List online; and the local sex offender registry as part of their consideration of any camp. USEF members also can visit usef.org/search/people to confirm that trainers or other camp leaders are USEF members and up to date on their SafeSport training.
USEF encourages parents and guardians to familiarize themselves with the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies and ask camp operators what measures are in place to ensure minors are protected. Even in barns where trainers and staff are not USEF members that are required to adhere to the MAAPP and USEF Safe Sport Policy, these policies educate parents and guardians about best practices that any barn can employ and make them aware of potential red flags, too.
USEF also recommends that parents and minors complete the relevant age-appropriate training provided by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. A 15-minute course for minor athletes
aged 13-17 focuses on bullying prevention, supporting friends who have experienced abuse or misconduct, and resources for reporting. A 15-minute course for minor athletes aged 5-12 educates participants about the difference between discipline and abuse and encourages them to reach out to a trusted adult when something is not right. The training also stresses the importance of positive sportsmanship and having a healthy sport environment focused on fun and safety. Parental consent is required for registration.
USEF members can log in and access SafeSport training from their My USEF dashboard. More detailed instructions can be found at usef.org/safe-sport/training-instructions
Visit our Safe Sport hub online at usef.org/safe-sport to find the Safe Sport Policy, as well as a wealth of resources about SafeSport. The hub includes a dedicated page for parents and guardians, including links to training, at usef.org/safe-sport/parents
Check Safety-Related Barn Rules
When considering an equestrian camp, check barn rules and policies to see if general safety procedures are being followed. Are helmets and appropriate protective footwear, such as heeled boots, required? Are a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on site? Are the horses being properly cared for? Do the instructors have appropriate experience, training, or credentials?
Above: “Horses can teach us so much in our own mental health,” said Dr. Sally Broder, Executive Director of USEF Community Outreach Organization HorseSensing in Shelbyville, Ky.
Left: Equestrian camps often help to increase members’ self-confidence.
The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has an instructor credential system that requires candidates to complete online courses and pass an exam covering “athlete wellness and safety, sports psychology, stable management, riding theory, learning styles, and teaching methodologies,” according to the USHJA website. The USHJA also maintains a database of credentialed instructors at hjdata. ushja.org/CredentialDirectory.
Consider the Goals
Those looking for summer camps should also consider what goals or personal development they want to get out of a camp.
The American Camp Association, which features a section on its website about how to choose a camp at acacamps.org/press-room/ how-to-choose-camp/preparing-for-camp, notes,
“It’s important to know a child’s personality and identify what camp programs will benefit him or her most.”
And don’t underestimate the developmental value young campers can gain simply from working together on barn chores and making friends.
“[Students] make a lot of good friendships over the summer, maybe friends that they didn’t think they were going to have,” Great Island Riding Academy’s Rewucki said.
Harling, the parent whose children attended summer camps hosted by Detroit Horse Power, said that equestrian camp provided both Mya and Tariq with different benefits. Mya was able to focus on her individual skills, something that Harling said her daughter was often unable to do.
TRAIL B LAZER
“Mya is a middle child, but it gave her an outlet for everything. Tariq was always in therapy, and I had just had a baby, so it gave her a place where she could shine by herself,” Harling said. “They told her that she was a natural rider, so it was something that she could be proud of.”
Likewise, Tariq, who is autistic, was able to connect with his teachers in a different way, as some of them volunteered at the camp.
“It was a tool for them to get him to open up and talk and build a relationship with teachers that he otherwise wouldn’t have,” Harling said. “You’re seeing your teachers in a different place, and your teachers are seeing what you’re capable of. It was just an amazing experience to look at from a parental point of view.”
Harling also said that equestrian camps exposed her children to different career opportunities, from photography to blacksmithing to veterinary care.
“It’s given them an opportunity to think about what they can do to not only continue their education, but create a career,” Harling said.
Tariq stayed involved in equestrian sports until 2017, and Mya is still involved with the camp, participating in its leadership cohort and competing at the Michigan State Fair.
Silver also explained that parents should select the right partner barn, one that will best help them or their children achieve their target goals.
“Do they have a variety of sizes and ability levels with the horses available in their program? And then looking at the barn culture, is this a welcoming space that encourages students from all backgrounds to have a home in the horse community?” Silver said. “Do they facilitate a space that students can really open up and be vulnerable and share challenges that they’re experiencing and partner with horses as a vehicle for building important skills to overcome adversity?”
Detroit Horse Power’s camp assesses the strengths and weaknesses of their participants, focusing on improving any skill deficiencies through various activities. Dakota Crawford was no exception. Dakota began participating in the camp in 2022 when she was 11 years old and has participated every year since then.
“Confidence was one of her weaknesses, and her classmates have told her that she is more confident,” her mother, Tahkisha Crawford, said. “She’s more social. She’s more talkative.”
Sparking Interest in Sport
Equestrian summer camps can also benefit the barn hosting them, helping to spark growth in equestrian sport when campers decide to maintain their involvement as student equestrians.
“She’s learning more about horses, which is something that she’s always wanted to continue to learn about,” said Tahkisha Crawford of daughter Dakota. “She feels like she’s a part of a group of children who have been given the opportunity to make a difference in themselves, as well as the community. I think the barns may benefit from extending certain opportunities to children and also putting themselves more on the map for being such great hosts and caretakers of those children.”
Ultimately, the right camp can greatly strengthen someone’s self-confidence, Louisville Equestrian Center owner Webb explained.
“Being around horses is just a great thing,” she said. “You just get those kids near them, and it’s an amazing thing, the confidence that they get from coming in. Sometimes they don’t want to pet the horse or touch the horse; even if it takes a couple of days to get on that, they can do it. We just want to walk away with the kids feeling like they’ve accomplished something. They feel good about themselves.”
Harling agreed, explaining that equestrian camps allowed her children to develop socialemotional skills they would not normally learn in the classroom.
“It was an opportunity to get them out of the city, to show them different parts of Michigan,” Harling said. “It’s opened up so many doors.”
Horses N Heroes, headquartered in Ocala, Fla., provides an equine learning and mentoring experience for young girls.
Opposite Left: By working together on barn chores and tasks such as braiding, members of equestrian camps have the opportunity to develop social skills and make friends.
Opposite Right: When searching for an equestrian camp, parents or potential members should check the camp for helmet policies and other safety regulations.
Learn More About Getting Started
For more information on starting riding lessons, as well as info on what to bring and what questions to ask at your first lesson or equestrian camp experience, visit usef.org/learning-center/videos/your-first-horseback-riding-lesson
The Learning Center (usef.org/learn) also has other videos to help you or your child get started with horses, including short videos on horse anatomy, basic horse grooming, and preparing for and attending your first horse show.
TRUSTED BY THE BEST
CHARLES ANCONA
NEW YORK
CUSTOM FIT & DESIGN
Get a jump on birthday, holiday, back-to-school, and “just because” shopping with our top-to-toe gift ideas for the younger set. From jodhpurs to jewelry to jumps, let our list be your in gate to inspiration.
HORSE LOVER’S TREAT
If you haven’t found your heart horse yet, you’ll find a deep love and appreciation for the cozy and easy-to-wear Heart Horse sweatshirt with fun retro inspirations $79.99. And the vintage rider makeup bag proves staples don’t have to be basic! This heavy canvas bag features a vintage print and a leather pull. Handy wherever you go! $18.99 spicedequestrian.com
FOR LITTLE WIZARDS
LeMieux’s three-pack of Wizard brushes clean like magic, wet or dry, especially in those hard-toget places! Removes mud, sweat, and loose hair with ease. And they’re ideal for small hands. Three-brush pack, $20.45 lemieux.com
ALL EARS
Mini Momo’s equestrian stud earrings include a variety that are super fun to mix and match. Stylish and lightweight, they’ll add a fun touch of equestrian style to any outfit. $28 minimomo.co
SPLASHY HEADLINE
Kylo meets an impressive three international safety standards and features a dial-fit system and MiPS protection. Lightweight and ventilated, it has both wide and standard brim options and is available in multiple colorways. The perfect gift for summer sport, with the Charles Owen safety stamp of approval! $160 charlesowen.com
BRIGHT DELIGHTS
Artist Anne-Louise Ewen’s colorful horse-themed prints bring an instant playful charm to any room. They’re framed and ready to hang right out of the box (hardware included). Available in multiple sizes from small to extra-large. Start at $145 EwenStudio.com
FANTASTIC FEET
Funky socks for funky riders. LeMieux’s Footsie socks are the ultimate in comfort and style. Padded sole provides a soft cushion while the elasticated sections around the foot give stability and support for the rider. Extra padded protection around the ankle area prevents pressure points under the boot. Made from moisture-wicking yarn. $14.45 lemieux.com
GROOVY VIBES ONLY
Sustainable, ecofriendly glass tumbler features a 360-degree print of a retro checkers pattern with “Ride Happy” engraved on the lid. $18.95 huntseatpaperco.com
ALL-WEATHER LUXURY
A smaller version of LAURACEA’s best-selling original convertible backpack tote in waterproof leather. When worn as a backpack, it’s ideal for everyday essentials, hands-free style, and function. The interior has a waterproof liner and slip pocket for a smaller items. The back slip pocket is padded to protect a phone or small iPad. Featuring luxury details like hand stitching, custom branded hardware, and custom zipper pulls, the Mini represents LAURACEA’s exceptional quality. Made in Italy. $1,950 lauracea.com
BARN IN A BOX
BON COURAGE
Made from the softest fabric, this tee features a whimsical horse design on the front, inspiring kids to be courageous in every adventure they embark upon. It’s not just a shirt; it’s a reminder to be brave! $35 maregoods.com
A play set to please equestrians of every age! This handsome wooden stable houses eight toy horses, each in its own stall. Swing open the stable doors to take them out for playtime, then put each one back in its stall until the next big horse show! The sturdy wooden stable box features a comfortable handle on the top, a child-safe metal latch on the wide wooden doors, and an illustrated breed guide on the bottom panel with information about each horse. Also includes write-on labels so kids can name each horse and label the stalls! $37.99 melissaanddoug.com
HORSE IN THE HOUSE
Gallop along with two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall through “If I Was a Horse,” a riotous day in the life of a child who imagines their life as a horse. What ensues are uproarious, resonant episodes that feature a giant horse in familiar settings, offering a visual feast, a grand dose of joy, and a celebration of the real power of imagination to help us navigate the world. $18.99
hachettebookgroup.com
PONY PARTY
Party guests will gallop with glee! The horse garland, with loads of special embellishments, looks stunning on the party table or wall or as a statement bedroom decoration after the party. Plates, cups, and napkins are included for all your party essentials, as well as a colorful cupcake kit to create amazing party treats for horse-loving kids. $65 merimeri.com
NO-RIP NETS
EQ PRO Equestrian Hairnets are made with breathable nylon technology that allows the rider’s scalp to remain cool even underneath the hot sun and competition pressure. EQ PRO is founded by Juliette Douros Hawk, a 14-yearold award-winning junior equestrian who designed the cap after hers kept ripping at competitions. Expertly designed to fit snugly along the natural hairline without the need for any additional bobby pins. Each package comes with two washable hairnets in one of three colors: blonde, brown, and black. $16.99 eqproshop.com
SOLE COMFORT
Hilo from Ariat is ultracushy and super-comfortable—the kind of shoe you can just put on and go. Comes in many fun patterns with easy no-tie laces. $59.95-$99.95 ariat.com
FROM SADDLE TO SCHOOL
From early morning schooling at summer shows to school season in the fall, the Youth Team softshell jacket is a cool-weather essential. Lightweight and warm, wind- and water-resistant, it’s a layer they’ll wear from barn to school and back. $110 shopusef.com
JUMP START
Fully customizable, the barn logo jump from Dalman Jump Co. can incorporate your barn name, logo, colors and more. Built with Dalman Jump Co.’s Designer Series standards, the jumps’ aluminum construction makes them light and easy to move, while maintaining durability to weather all conditions. Built to FEI specifications, they can be used in the show arena or at home. Add poles, planks, fillers, gates, and more to complete a custom jump. Starting at $2,995 dalmanjumpco.com
PINTASTIC
Forget safety pins. Pinsnickety’s signature number pins come in 30 fun designs and will never fall off mid-course or stab your fingers. And they’re a sharp solution for hunter schooling with this year’s new USEF number rule. Pick the perfect pair for your horse—or your mood. Turn up your turnout in the jumper, dressage, and eventing rings. $29.95 a pair pinsnickety.com
SADDLE READY
Comfortable, functional, and ready to ride!
TLJ kids’ jods are sure to get your kids excited about heading to the barn. Made from an athletic fabric with sticky silicone knee patches for grip, and tie-downs for boots, these jods are ready for practice or Academy level riding. Available in four sizes and two lengths in black. $99.
Quarter-zip base layer: Moisture-wicking fabric keeps this soft long-sleeve shirt comfortable and dry. Plus, it’s durable and machine-washable, making it the perfect addition to any horse show parent’s must-have list, too. $65.
Gloves: Made from soft, durable goatskin leather with a gathered elastic wrist. Reenforced forefingers that are touchscreen compatible offer great finishing touch for practice or show. $29 freedmanharness.com
PHOTO: SARAH BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
The Art of Horsemanship
Penalties for Rule Violations
OFFICIAL NOTICES
Contributed by the Regulation Department unless otherwise indicated. The following official notices are only intended to give penalty information for a given case and not to disclose the factual basis for each violation or penalty. For matters heard by the Hearing Committee, a Hearing Panel decides each case based on the evidence presented at the hearing and takes into account many factors that may raise or lower a given penalty. For example, the Hearing Committee takes into account such things as whether the violation was intentional or unintentional, the nature of the violation, the credibility of witnesses, Penalty Guidelines, penalties in similar cases, past violations of Federation rules by a respondent, and many other mitigating factors.
US Equestrian members can access and search the United States Equestrian Federation Suspension List online at USequestrian.org. Hover over the Compete tab on the homepage. In the menu that appears, click Ineligibility List under Rules, Regulations, and Grievances.
WENDY POTTS of Burleson, Texas, violated Chapter 13, GR1301.6, Chapter 7, GR702.1.d, of this Federation and the USEF Code of Conduct, in that she failed to leash or otherwise properly restrain a dog in her care, custody, and control, allowing the dog to be loose on the competition grounds. The dog, a Rhodesian ridgeback, walked off leash into the food court area, ultimately attacking another participant’s dog, a Jack Russell terrier who was on a leash.
The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Ms. Potts outside of a hearing, following a review and approval from a hearing panel. Ms. Potts cooperated with the Federation throughout the proceedings and was represented by counsel. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation, and the facts and mitigating circumstances, and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.
For this violation it was determined that WENDY POTTS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1.a, and fined in the amount of $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1.k.
JIMMY TORANO , a professional trainer, rider, and Federation licensed official of Wellington, Fla., violated Chapter 7, GR702, of the Federation rules; the Licensed Officials Code of Ethics; and the USEF Code of Conduct in connection with the USHJA International Derby Championship held in conjunction with the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show in Lexington, Ky., in that on or about August 19, 2023, after competing in the Derby, Mr. Torano took issue with the judging of the Derby following his third-place finish. Mr. Torano shared his discontent with others in an inappropriate manner, but he subsequently apologized for his actions.
The Federation, with the approval of the hearing panel, resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Mr. Torano following an investigation and review, in which Mr. Torano was represented by counsel and fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the facts and mitigating factors in this case, including that Mr. Torano accepted responsibility for not handling the situation respectfully, has apologized for his actions, and has agreed to demonstrate good sportsmanship and behavior and promote the proper resources and channels available to exhibitors for reporting issues regarding judging or officials. Accordingly, it was determined that the following penalties were appropriate.
For this violation it was determined that JIMMY TORANO be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $2,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k.
JETMIR RUSIDOVSKI , of Austin, Texas, violated Chapter 4, GR410-GR411, in connection with the WEC Ocala Summer #6 Horse Show held on July 12-16, 2023, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse MTM CAMPEDU after it had been administered and/or contained in its body romifidine.
The Federation, with the approval of the hearing panel, resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Mr. Rusidovski following a review, in which Mr. Rusidovski was represented by counsel and fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the USEF Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines and the facts and mitigating factors in this case and determined that the following penalty was appropriate.
For this violation it was determined that pursuant to Chapter
7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, JETMIR RUSIDOVSKI shall be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for one (1) month and excluded from all competition grounds (cannot be on grounds from the time participants are admitted on the competition grounds until the last time for departure). For example, suspended individuals may not be on competition grounds during schooling or other such days prior to the start of the competition for any purpose, including such things as coaching riders, training or schooling horses, or trailering horses on or off competition grounds during licensed competitions for that period. Furthermore, suspended individuals are excluded from: (1) competition grounds as an exhibitor, participant, or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any licensed competition; and (4) from attending, observing, or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities. Regulations as to suspended persons are set forth in detail in General Rule 704.
The one-month suspension shall commence on July 1, 2024, and terminate at midnight on July 31, 2024. Any horse or horses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in his name or for his reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c, for the same period.
JETMIR RUSIDOVSKI was also fined $5,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. In connection with this penalty all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by MTM CAMPEDU at said competition were redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
REESE RICHEY , of Sardinia, Ohio, violated Chapter 4, GR410-GR411, in connection with the Buckeye Morgan Challenge Horse Show held on August 9 -12, 2023, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse KKW MISS DEMEANOR after it had been administered and/or contained in its body trazodone, 4-hydroxytrazodone, methocarbamol, and guaifenesin. Furthermore, as trainer, he exhibited the horse SVS PISTOLS AND SMOKE after it had been administered and/or contained in its body trazodone and 4-hydroxytrazodone.
The Federation resolved these matters through an informal resolution with Mr. Richey following a review, in which Mr. Richey was represented by counsel and fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the USEF Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines and the facts and mitigating factors in this case and determined that the following penalty was appropriate.
For these violations it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, REESE RICHEY shall be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for three (3) months and excluded from all competition grounds (cannot be on grounds from the time participants are admitted on the competition grounds until the last time for departure). For example, suspended individuals may
not be on competition grounds during schooling or other such days prior to the start of the competition for any purpose, including such things as coaching riders, training or schooling horses, or trailering horses on or off competition grounds during licensed competitions for that period. Furthermore, suspended individuals are excluded from: (1) competition grounds as an exhibitor, participant or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any licensed competition; and (4) from attending, observing, or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities. Regulations as to suspended persons are set forth in detail in General Rule 704.
The suspension shall commence on June 11, 2024, and terminate at midnight on August 11, 2024. Any horse or horses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in his name or for his reputation (whether such interest
was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c, for the same period.
REESE RICHEY was also fined $3,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. In connection with these penalties all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by SVS PISTOLS AND SMOKE and KKW MISS DEMEANOR at said competition were redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
KATHRYN MCFADDEN of Magnolia Springs, Ala., as trainer and owner, violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation, in connection with the World Equestrian Center Dressage XIV Horse Show held on August 25-26, 2023, in that the horse LAWRENCE was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine.
The Federation, with the approval of the hearing panel, resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Ms. McFadden following a review, in which Ms. McFadden was represented by counsel and fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account
the USEF Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines and the facts and mitigating factors in this case and determined that the facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for Category II Violations outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.
For this violation it was determined that KATHRYN MCFADDEN be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by LAWRENCE at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
This is official notice of actions taken by the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. Hearing Committee Panel on March 4, 2024.
JEFFIE PIKE of Terry, Mont.,, violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation, in connection with the Estes Park Dressage I Horse Show held on August 18, 2023, in that, as Trainer and Owner, she exhibited the horse KEONE after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine.
The hearing panel convened via Zoom to deliberate and decide this matter. The panel noted that Ms. Pike was given proper notice of the hearing and agreed with the Federation to submit this matter to the hearing panel for a ruling based on the written submissions. The hearing panel unanimously ruled that Ms. Pike violated GR410 and GR411 as charged. In determining the proper penalty for the violation, the hearing panel considered in respondent’s favor any mitigating factors which supported a lesser penalty than what is outlined for a first offense under the USEF Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines. Consistent with the discretion afforded under the penalty guidelines, the hearing panel determined that a suspension should not be levied under the facts of this case. Accordingly, the hearing panel determined that the following penalty was appropriate.
For this violation of the rules, the hearing panel members present directed that JEFFIE PIKE be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by KEONE at said competition
must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
This is official notice of actions taken by the United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. Hearing Committee Panel on February 5, 2024.
UNITED STATES HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION (USHJA), violated Chapter 7, GR706.1.m, of this Federation, in connection with the Virginia Young Horse Festival held on August 25-27, 2023, in that USHJA applied improper standards and failed to award the Richard M. Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy to the appropriate winner based on a lack of horse bio forms.
A hearing on this matter was conducted where all parties participated and provided testimony. The hearing panel noted that the evidence demonstrated that the prize list specified the necessity of horse bio forms for breed registry awards but had no corresponding requirement for perpetual trophies. The prize list did not include the Richard M. Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy; rather, participants had to look to the official program for information, but horse bio forms were not included in the requirements. Likewise, the evidence showed that the USHJA Executive Committee indicated that horse bio forms “could” be used, but nowhere did it mention the forms were required. Accordingly, the hearing panel unanimously determined that there was no basis to eliminate proponent from consideration for the trophy on account of a lack of horse bio forms.
Based on the proof in this case, the hearing panel ruled unanimously that USHJA violated GR706.1.m by failing to properly award the Richard M. Taylor Memorial Perpetual Trophy to proponent at the outset, by imposing and following an evaluative process that was not reflected in the prize list or program, and by failing to fix the error in a timely and proper manner. Simple review of the prize list and program should have quickly revealed that there was no requirement for horse bio forms for this perpetual trophy. Yet even when proponent alerted USHJA to the problem, USHJA repeatedly failed to respond properly, causing proponent to expend funds and energy on an internal appeal and ultimately on this action before the USEF Hearing Committee.
Contrary to USHJA’s defense, the Hearing Committee panel discerned no lack of clarity in the key documents. To the contrary,
it should have been immediately obvious that the prize list and program contained no provision requiring horse bio forms for perpetual trophies, including the trophy at issue. The best interests of the sport and the Federation are not advanced in situations where an entitled perpetual trophy winner has to repeatedly point out the obvious to competition management and yet still has to expend money on internal and external appeals, without formal apology or correction.
Accordingly, the hearing panel ruled unanimously that the following penalties are appropriate for this violation of Federation rules.
For this violation of the rules, the hearing panel members present directed that USHJA be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $5,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. It was further directed that proponent be issued a refund by USEF and USHJA for the cost of filing an appeal to both organizations. Finally, the hearing panel expects that USHJA will properly engrave the trophy with the appropriate winner and that the membership will be notified of the proper winner.
RENAE COATES of Gilbert, Ariz., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation, in connection with the Blenheim Fall Tournament Horse Show held on September 13-17, 2023, in that the horse THUNON DE BO Z was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body dexamethasone in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level. The following penalty was issued in accordance with a second offense Category I violation as outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.
For this violation it was determined that RENAE COATES be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $2,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by THUNON DE BO Z at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
AVID BELFORD, of Cincinnati, Ohio, as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410-GR411, in connection with the Capital Challenge Hunter Jumper Horse Show held on October 2-8,2023, in that the horse UNPRECEDENTED was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body pentoxifylline.
For this violation it was determined that pursuant to Chapter
7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, DAVID BELFORD shall be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for one (1) month and excluded from all competition grounds (cannot be on grounds from the time participants are admitted on the competition grounds until the last time for departure). For example, suspended individuals may not be on competition grounds during schooling or other such days prior to the start of the competition for any purpose, including such things as coaching riders, training or schooling horses, or trailering horses on or off competition grounds during licensed competitions for that period. Furthermore, suspended individuals are excluded from: (1) competition grounds as an exhibitor, participant or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any licensed competition; and (4) from attending, observing or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities. Regulations as to suspended persons are set forth in detail in General Rule 704.
The one-month suspension shall commence on September 6, 2024, and terminate at midnight on October 6, 2024. Any horse or horses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in his name or for his reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c for the same period.
DAVID BELFORD was also fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. In connection with this penalty all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by UNPRECEDENTED at said competition were redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
HUNTER FARMS, of Princeton, N.J., as competition management, violated Chapter 9, GR907.2 and GR908, of this Federation, in connection with the Princeton Summer Classic Horse Show held July 26-30, 2023, in that they accepted and processed incomplete entries that did not have a trainer listed and a signature was not obtained for that section of the entry blanks.
The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Andrew Philbrick on behalf of Hunter Farms, following a review in which Mr. Philbrick fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violations and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.
For its violation of the Rules, it was determined that HUNTER FARMS shall be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1.a, and fined in the amount of $1,500, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k.
LAUREN STEVENS of Littleton, Mass., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation, in connection with the Mass Horsemen’s Council Days of Champions Horse Show held on September 29-October 1, 2023, in that the horse CHIMNEY ROCK was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body benzoylecgonine. The facts and mitigating factors in this case supported the following penalty even though it is below the suggested range for a Category IV Violation outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.
For this violation it was determined that LAUREN STEVENS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $4,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by CHIMNEY ROCK at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
PABLO GAMBOA , of Coral Springs, Fla., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410-GR411 and GR414, in connection with the Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC October Horse Show held on October 5-8, 2023, in that the horse NIRVANA Z was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body gamma-aminobutyric acid and the substance was injected within 12 hours of competition.
The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Mr. Gamboa following a review, in which Mr. Gamboa fully cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the facts and mitigating factors in this case and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.
For these violations it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, PABLO GAMBOA shall be found not in good standing, suspended
from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for five (5) months and excluded from all competition grounds (cannot be on grounds from the time participants are admitted on the competition grounds until the last time for departure). For example, suspended individuals may not be on competition grounds during schooling or other such days prior to the start of the competition for any purpose, including such things as coaching riders, training or schooling horses, or trailering horses on or off competition grounds during licensed competitions for that period. Furthermore, suspended individuals are excluded from: (1) competition grounds as an exhibitor, participant or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any licensed competition; and (4) from attending, observing, or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities. Regulations as to suspended persons are set forth in detail in General Rule 704.
The five-month suspension shall commence on August 1,2024, and terminate at midnight on December 31, 2024. Any horse or haorses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of his, or shown in his name or for his reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c for the same period.
PABLO GAMBOA was also fined $6,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. In connection with this penalty all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by NIRVANA Z at said competition were redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
SARAH YOUNG, of Spring Hill, Kan., as trainer, violated Chapter 4, GR410-GR411, in connection with the Brownland Farm Autumn Country Horse Show held on October 18-22, 2023, in that the horse BLUE DECEMBER was exhibited after it had been administered and/or contained in its body medroxyprogesterone acetate.
The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Ms. Young following a review in which Ms. Young was represented by counsel and fully
cooperated with the Federation. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the facts and mitigating factors in this case and determined that the following penalties were appropriate even though they are below the suggested range for a Category III Violation outlined in the Drugs and Medications Penalty Guidelines.
For this violation it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, SARAH YOUNG shall be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any licensed competition for three (3) months and excluded from all competition grounds (cannot be on grounds from the time participants are admitted on the competition grounds until the last time for departure). For example, suspended individuals may not be on competition grounds during schooling or other such days prior to the start of the competition for any purpose, including such things as coaching riders, training or schooling horses, or trailering horses on or off competition grounds during licensed competitions for that period. Furthermore, suspended individuals are excluded from: (1) competition grounds as an exhibitor, participant, or spectator; (2) from participating in all Federation affairs and activities; (3) from holding or exercising office in the Federation or in any Licensed Competition; and (4) from attending, observing, or participating in any event, forum, meeting, program, clinic, task force, or committee of the Federation, sponsored by or conducted by the Federation, or held in connection with the Federation and any of its activities. Regulations as to suspended persons are set forth in detail in General Rule 704.
The three-month suspension shall commence on October 1, 2024, and terminate at midnight on December 31, 2024. Any horse or horses owned, leased, or of any partnership, corporation or stable of hers, or shown in her name or for her reputation (whether such interest was held at the time of the alleged violation or acquired thereafter), shall also be suspended, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1c for the same period.
SARAH YOUNG was also fined
$3,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. In connection with this penalty all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by BLUE DECEMBER at said competition were redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.
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www.emoryhenry.edu/saddleup
1–800–848–5493 • admission@emoryhenry.edu
We teach riders to take their performance to the highest level possible in one of the best equestrian programs in the nation. Our nationally-recognized trainers, Linda Langmeier, Ken Whelihan, Randi Booth, and Courtney O’Connor, have earned national titles for themselves and have the expertise to coach riders at all levels in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. Students and coaches work together to set and achieve goals — bringing starting riders up through the levels or advancing seasoned riders to regional and national levels. In every discipline, academic or athletic, Walker’s training is a value that endures.
Our Equestrian Center is home to the following:
• 2024 Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Championships 4th Place Team.
• 2024 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Western National Championships 8th Place Team.
• 2024 IHSA Cacchione Cup Qualifier.
• 2023 IHSA Area 10 Regional Champion Western Team.
• 2023 Reserve Champion College at the IHSA Holiday Tournament of Champions.
• 2023 IHSA Hunter Seat Equitation National Championships Fifth Place team.
• 2023 Intercollegiate Dressage Association Reserve National Champions.
• 2018 IHSA Hunter Seat Equitation National Championships Reserve Champion team.
• 2017 Intercollegiate Dressage Association Reserve National Champions.
• 2013 Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Champions.
• United States Dressage Federation medalists and USDF-certified instructional staff.
• Leading-edge equine boarding with experienced care from permanent staff.
• Modern facility with two indoor arenas, 200 x 200 outdoor arena, cross-country course, paddocks and miles of trails.
Do you have a student interested in applying? Please contact admissions@mtholyoke.edu
Horse donations or leases are gladly considered. Please contact Paula Pierce at ppierce@mtholyoke.edu
WHEN PERFORMANCE MATTERS, CHOOSE COSEQUIN®
Cosequin® supplements contain high-quality, researched ingredients to support your horse, regardless of age, discipline, or performance level.
Shop by scanning the QR code, consulting your vet, or visiting the Cosequin® booth on Sponsor Row.
The Ultimate Digestive Aid
Most performance horses suffer with some level of digestive disturbance, from gastric ulcers through to colitis and even colic.
You don’t know how much of your horse’s performance potential has been lost to digestive health issues until you’ve addressed the problem.
Resolving digestive issues helps your horse stay calm and at the top of their game.
Patented and veterinarian approved, Assure Guard Gold provides a powerful digestive support solution for dependable relief and enhanced performance. Our proprietary psyllium process and special enteric coated pellets ensure delivery of beneficial microbes and ingredients to the hindgut, addressing common ailments caused by gastrointestinal inflammation, making it the number one recommended digestive aid of veterinarians.
