US Equestrian Magazine

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation | Winter 2022

COMPOSURE AND

Because they do so much for us, we only

what’s right for them.

We’re always by your side in providing your horse with the right care.

Long Live the Horse.

do

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, COURTESY OF SHARKEY FARM GROUP, COURTESY OF HARRY BARKER

Official Magazine of the United States Equestrian Federation

US EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE

Volume LXXXVI, Winter 2022

PUBLISHED BY The United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.

CHIEF MARKETING & CONTENT OFFICER Vicki Lowell | vlowell@usef.org

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Glenye Cain Oakford | goakford@usef.org

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Candice McCown | cmccown@usef.org

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kim Russell | 859 225 6938 | krussell@usef.org

DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP & SALES Layson Griffin | lgriffin@usef.org

ASSISTANT DESIGNERS Kendall Neubeiser, Kate Strom

EDITORIAL STAFF Kathleen Landwehr, Kim Russell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elliena Sol Apollo, Catie Staszak

Equestrian Magazine (ISSN 1548-873X) is published five times a year: Horse of the Year Special Edition, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, by the United States Equestrian Federation®, 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511; Phone: (859) 258-2472; Fax: (859) 231-6662. (ISSN:1548-873X). NOTE: Effective Spring issue of 2018, Equestrian magazine will be published and provided electronically and only four editions will have printed copies and be provided by U.S. Mail. The Winter issue will only be provided electronically. The Horse of the Year issue will be mailed only to competing members as of the date of publication and the year immediately prior to the date of publication. USEF is not responsible for the opinions and statements expressed in signed articles and paid advertisements. These opinions are not necessarily the opinions of USEF and its staff. While the Federation makes every effort to avoid errors, we assume no liability to anyone for mistakes or omissions. It is the policy of the Federation to report factually and accurately in Equestrian and to encourage and to publish corrections whenever warranted. Kindly direct any comments or inquiries regarding corrections to Glenye Cain Oakford goakford@usef.org or by direct dial 859-225-6941. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to US Equestrian, 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, KY 40511. Canadian Publications Agreement No. 40845627. For Canadian returns, mail to Canada Express, 7686 #21 Kimble Street Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L5S1E9. (905) 672-8100. Reproduction of any article, in whole or part, by written permission only of the Editor. Equestrian: Publisher, United States Equestrian Federation®, Chief Executive Officer, William J. Moroney (859) 225-6912. Director of Advertising, Kim Russell (859) 225-6938. Copyright © 20120 Equestrian is the official publication of the United States Equestrian Federation, the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport in the USA, and is an official publication of USEF.

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First of its kind. Still one of a kind.

After 30 years, Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is still the only FDA-Approved equine intramuscular PSGAG joint treatment available. And still the only one proven to:1, 2

Reduce inflammation

Restore synovial joint lubrication Repair joint cartilage Reverse the disease process

Adequan® i.m. actually treats degenerative joint disease, and not just the signs. Ask your veterinarian if Adequan® i.m. is the right choice for your horse. Learn more at adequan.com.

www.adequan.com

BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event please contact American Regent, Inc. at 1-888-354-4857 or email pv@americanregent.com.

Please see Full Prescribing Information at www.adequan.com

1 Adequan® i.m. Package Insert, Rev 1/19.

2 Burba DJ, Collier MA, DeBault LE, Hanson-Painton O, Thompson HC, Holder CL: In vivo kinetic study on uptake and distribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled polysulfated glycosaminoglycan in equine body fluid compartments and articular cartilage in an osteochondral defect model. J Equine Vet Sci 1993; 13: 696-703.

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Much to Look Forward to

Dear USEF Members,

Winter is traditionally a time of celebration and reflection on the year that is ending, but it’s also an opportunity for fresh starts. As we close out 2022, we already are seeing good results from earlier strategies and plans—and plenty of promise for more success to come in 2023.

U.S. high-performance athletes ended 2022 with a medal haul at the FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark, and Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy. U.S. teams from three disciplines—the Adequan® U.S. Para Dressage Team, The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team, and the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team—also secured places for the Paris 2024 Paralympic and Olympic Games.

The U.S. Para Dressage and U.S. Eventing Teams brought home four medals between them. In Herning, our para dressage athletes won team bronze, with Kate Shoemaker and Quiana taking home an individual silver and Rebecca Hart and El Corona Texel securing an individual bronze. The eventing athletes followed suit in Pratoni del Vivaro, clinching team silver. In this issue, we honor those achievements, and the strong performances by all of our U.S. athletes and horses, with photos from what provide to be a thrilling World Championships.

These successes point to a bright future for our high-performance program, which has been bolstered by several notable new appointments. In October, USEF welcomed David O’Connor, an Olympic eventing gold medalist himself and a USEF past President, to the new position of Chief of Sport. Also joining our senior staff is accomplished eventing athlete and chef d’equipe Graeme Thom, who takes over as Director of FEI/HighPerformance Sport Programs. Most recently, Robert Costello—who helped lead the Land Rover Eventing Team to their team silver in Pratoni del Vivaro as interim Eventing Chef d’Equipe and Team Manager—was named to the position of Eventing Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe.

Another bright spot: progress on helmet safety, an important topic for equestrians. In December 2020, USEF, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, the U.S. Eventing Association, and horse owner Jacqueline Mars collectively raised more than $425,000 to

support the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s work. The lab, which has already tested helmets in a variety of other sports, including football, is now preparing to release its new ratings for equestrian helmets. This issue’s news feature, “Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Testing Helmets to Quantify Concussion Risk,” brings you up to speed on this important research that is paying off for equestrian sport.

In recent years, USEF has focused not only on making horse sports safer for participants, but also on welcoming more participants into the equestrian community through such innovations as our free Fan and $25 subscriber membership levels; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan; and USEF Community Outreach Organizations program. In this issue’s feature “A Barn for All,” we tap the knowledge of several experts, including leaders from some of those Community Outreach Organizations, and consider how creating positive, inclusive cultures in individual equestrian programs can help grow our community from the grassroots and make equestrian sport sustainable for generations to come.

There is so much to celebrate in the equestrian world today, starting with our members and your dedication and enthusiasm for horses and equestrian sport. Here at USEF, we wish you all a happy holiday season with time to reflect on your own joyous moments with horses and with the equestrian community, and we wish you all many more such moments both in and out of the competition arena in the New Year.

Tom O’Mara President

PHOTO:

COUNTRYSIDE

OWN THE OUTDOORS

Classic

CLAIRE DARNELL

and

Harrold S take their lap of honor after winning the Markel/USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Dressage National Championship at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in Wayne, Ill.

PHOTO: DEVYN TRETHEWEY/US EQUESTRIAN

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Testing Helmets to Quantify Concussion Risk

by Casey Staszak

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which already has studied helmets in other sports, is set to release its first STAR ratings (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) for equestrian helmets by year’s end.

PAS, VG1, ASTM, SEI, EN1384. These abbreviations represent just a few of the helmet standards tested worldwide. The more certifications, the greater the variety of situations in which a helmet has been tested, so theoretically, the more certifications, the safer the helmet. But that only tells part of the story.

“With the same impact, there can be very different biomechanical responses between helmets. We felt a responsibility that everyone should have this information,” said Dr. Steve Rowson, Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Director.

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, based out of Blacksburg, Va., began researching equestrian helmets nearly four years ago. The lab—which has already studied and tested helmets in the sports of football (with which the lab first began its research in 2003), hockey, cycling, soccer, and snow sport—is now set to release its first STAR ratings (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) for equestrian helmets by year’s end.

According to Rowson, certifications and STAR ratings are analogous to comparing pass/ fail and letter grades in school: just because one passes doesn’t mean they’ve received an “A.”

“Not all helmets are the same just because they meet a [pass/fail] standard. That’s true for skull damage but not concussions,” Rowson explained.

In December 2020, the United States Equestrian Federation, along with the United States Hunter Jumper Association and United States Eventing Association and with support from horse owner Jacqueline Mars, announced that they had collectively raised more than $425,000 to bring the Helmet Lab’s research to the finish line. In August, the Helmet Lab welcomed stakeholders to Blacksburg for its Equestrian Symposium, where Rowson and Drs. Stefan Duma, Mark Begonia, and Barry Miller provided an update on the operation’s progress as it heads into its critical—and final—Phase 3.

The testing is set to begin, and the Helmet Lab is in the process of finalizing the STAR Equation of Equestrian Helmets, calculating and assigning its final STAR Ratings for more than 30 helmet models. Those ratings were achieved by evaluating 104 helmets (these were part of the research process) in 312 tests, quantifying elements like actual drop height (where a rider is

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH HELMET LAB

PHOTO:

positioned when actually parting ways with a horse), what body parts are impacted when falling, linear and rotational impacts, and surface, among other factors. In total, the lab conducted 26 non-consecutive hours of testing.

“We wanted to bring it down to a reasonable amount of testing. Otherwise, you’ll test forever,” Duma said. “We try to look for a balance between having really good representation and establishing a system where we can ideally test a helmet model in about a day.”

STAR ratings will correlate with real-world injury rates; the lower the STAR value, the better the star rating (one to five stars, with five stars being the highest-rated helmets). Once published, the ratings will allow the public to search helmets by certification type, helmet type, brand, and more that helps consumers to make more informed choices about the helmets they wear and purchase when riding. The ratings also will provide a blueprint for manufacturers on how to improve the safety of their helmets. All of the research is 100% independent of any funding or influence from helmet manufacturers.

“Everything we do starts in the real world,” Rowson said. “Our primary interest is in quantifying concussion biomechanics through direct and indirect ways of data collection.”

Three Phases of Research

The Helmet Lab’s research included video analysis of 100 equestrian falls, all ground impacts. An integral part of this research was quantifying the actual drop height and identifying the impact location of these falls. The group found that one-third of the falls they studied had no head impact. They also found that the “majority of the time” riders incurred “lower energy” falls, as they were able to grab onto a part of the horse at some point in their trajectory to the ground—“free falls” were rare. In fact, 73% of the falls were identified as “medium or moderate energy impacts,” and when it came to head impacts, the majority (31%) were located at the back of the head.

“A lot of times, you’re not going headfirst into the ground,” Duma asserted. “We needed a lower-impact component.”

The lab’s task was then to build a machine that characterized equestrian falls. Using the VT Helmet Lab Bike Tower and Pendulum Impactor, researchers replicated and manipulated a series of “falls” by adjusting the height of falls and the direction (front, back, side) of impacts. They then compared the peak linear and rotational accelerations of the test rigs, as well as the time traces of the impacts to impacts conducted on the dirt and sand.

“Most [certification] standards only look at linear acceleration values,” Duma said. “We look at both [linear and rotational]. As linear and rotational acceleration goes up, the risk of brain injury [also] goes up.”

Another component the lab tackled in the field at the VT Equestrian Center was, “How much does surface matter?” Using their Portable Pendulum and a CLEGG Impactor—which measures surface densities or impact attenuation—the group conducted impact testing on both dirt and sand, considered the “extremes” of hard and soft surfaces. During these tests, researchers also tested football helmets and a “bare,” or nohelmet, scenario to offer real-world comparisons.

Top: The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which already has studied helmets in other sports, is set to release its first STAR ratings (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) for equestrian helmets by year’s end.

Bottom: The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab examines helmets but also aims to learn how much different riding surfaces, like dirt or sand, matter when an equestrian falls.

PHOTOS: LESLIE POTTER/US EQUESTRIAN, COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH HELMET LAB

“A football helmet is the most advanced designed and optimized helmet. We’ll also evaluate a ‘bare’ or no helmet situation to show what the helmet is doing (helping with),” Duma explained. “If an equestrian helmet is producing similar numbers to a [highly rated] football helmet, it probably doesn’t need improvement.

“Football is a multiple head-impact sport,” he added. “In equestrian, exposures are very different, and we have much lower numbers.”

Breaking Down the STAR Equation

After comparing surfaces using a variety of impactor faces—and then measuring contact area at different impact locations, the lab had all the data they needed to begin calculating STAR, which is currently in process.

The STAR value is the theoretical number of concussions someone would sustain if their on-field exposure matched the laboratory impacts. It is calculated by multiplying exposure (as a function of impact location and velocity) and concussion risk (as a function of linear and rotational headform acceleration).

Put more simply, each helmet is tested twice under six conditions, with three centric and non-centric impact locations (front, side, and rear) and at two impact velocities. The results of the two tests are then averaged and multiplied by the exposure. The resulting summed number from all the impact conditions is the STAR Score or Value. That STAR Score (a number—the lower, the better) then determines the Star Rating (one to five stars, with five being the best or safest).

Risk function becomes a critical component, because it accentuates riskier impacts. “With helmets that don’t do well, risk function exaggerates that value,” Duma detailed. “If a helmet does a great job and gets lower accelerations, it’s going to produce a lower [STAR value]. Risk function exaggerates that value to draw out which helmets are doing better than others.”

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab plans to release the ratings later this fall, and they will be available as a public service resource on the lab’s website at vt.edu/helmet. Learn more about how this research will affect equestrians by watching this video from the Helmet Lab.

“[STAR Ratings] are meant to be complementary to [existing certification standards],” Begonia said. “We’re here to fill in the gap for concussion risks.”

Every champion is great on their own.

They’re even better backed by a great team.

USEF Appoints O’Connor to New Position as Chief of Sport Thom Joins USEF as Director of FEI/High-Performance Sport Programs

USEF has appointed decorated Olympic eventing athlete David O’Connor to a new position within the organization: Chief of Sport. O’Connor took up the role on Oct. 3.

O’Connor is no stranger to US Equestrian, having earned individual gold and team bronze medals in eventing at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics and a team silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. He served as USEF President from 2004 to 2012 and currently serves on the FEI Board of Directors. In 2021, he was presented with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s General Douglas MacArthur Exemplary Service Award in recognition of his continued service and commitment to equestrian sports within the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

O’Connor’s responsibilities will be primarily strategically focused. He will be responsible for working with the executive team regarding overall international and national sport support of the USEF Strategic Plan and its initiatives, sport integrity, education, and equine and human safety and welfare. He also will provide oversight of the international and national sport operations, ensuring that the Sport Department’s short- and long-term strategic plans align with USEF’s priorities, and he will focus on strengthening relationships with stakeholder groups such as the USOPC, Fédération Équestre Internationale and USEF’s recognized affiliates.

“I very much look forward to the opportunities afforded by this new role within the USEF,” O’Connor said. “The chance to perform a 365-degree view of equestrian sport from a national and a global perspective and share strategies to ensure safety, welfare, and enjoyment while growing the sport across all breeds and disciplines will be an exciting prospect. My passion has always been horses, and promoting equestrian sport both within and outside of our equine community is a very important mission, both personally and for the USEF as a whole.”

“We are pleased to welcome David to USEF to serve in this new role,” said US Equestrian Chief Executive Officer Bill Moroney. “As a key member of the executive leadership team, David will provide thought leadership and innovative problem-solving and will share diverse ideas to guide strategic actions and important business decisions, drive priorities, and lead change for the organization’s success.”

“David’s extensive equestrian and governance experience will be instrumental in the continued implementation of the USEF Strategic Plan and the growth of equestrian sport nationally and internationally,” said US Equestrian’s President, Tom O’Mara.

USEF has appointed Graeme Thom as Director of FEI/High-Performance Sport Programs. His role became effective Oct. 3 to allow for a smooth and collaborative transition from Will Connell, who remains with USEF through Nov. 25.

Thom has worked in the financial industry, ridden to the CCI4* level in eventing, and was shortlisted for the Canadian Eventing Team. He served as chair of the Canadian High-Performance Committee and has served as a Chef d’Equipe for either Canada or New Zealand for the past 15 years at such major championships as the 2007 Pan American Games, 2008 Olympic Games, 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, 2011 Pan American Games, and the 2021 Olympic Games.

Thom’s responsibilities will be primarily focused on sport operations. By supervising the activities of the Managing Directors and Directors for each international discipline recognized by the FEI, he will be responsible for developing and implementing the Strategic High-Performance plan and programs, as well as for the overall administration of all aspects of sport programming and pathways for those FEI disciplines. Thom also will serve as the staff liaison to the USEF International Disciplines Council and the Athlete Advisory Committee. Additionally, he will fill the role of Chef de Mission at the World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, and Olympic Games, and he is the primary sport contact to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and to the Fédération Équestre Internationale.

“I am very appreciative of being offered this exciting role,” said Thom. “I have some extremely large shoes to fill with Will’s departure. He is legendary in his role as a Chef de Mission and High-Performance Director. It was a fitting testimonial that he was able to share in the USA successes at the recent World Championships. I will do my best to move up the curve as quickly as possible and hope my 10-plus years as a Chef d’Equipe in eventing will act as a springboard for continued success in the future across all FEI disciplines. I look forward to meeting the staff and Team personnel very soon and am very eager to join the USEF organization.”

“Graeme’s extensive experience in high-performance sports operations and management coupled with his leadership and organizational skills makes him a great asset to the Federation,” USEF Chief Executive Officer Bill Moroney said. “I look forward to working with Graeme to strengthen and elevate high-performance equestrian sport in the U.S. across all international disciplines as we look to the future.”

US Equestrian President Tom O’Mara added, “We are excited that Graeme has joined our team and look forward to his leadership and contributions to USEF and equestrian sport.”

Attwood

E q u e s t r i a n S u r f a c e s

T h e o f f i c i a l f o o t i n g p a r t n e r o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s E q u e s t r i a n F e d e r a t i o n . S c i e n t i f i c a l l y d e v e l o p i n g , p r o d u c i n g , a n d i n s t a l l i n g h i g h p e r f o r m a n c e r i d i n g a r e n a s .

w w w . e q u e s t r i a n s u r f a c e s . c o m

USEF Ukraine Relief Fund Helps Deliver Veterinary Supplies

Following a call for aid coordinated by the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEF-CF), the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund---with financial help from the United States Equestrian Federation—has purchased equine medicines and veterinary supplies for distribution to Ukrainian veterinarians.

The total value of the donated medical supplies was $100,000, and the supplies include aid for emergency cases, including colic, infections, lameness, and other common diseases.

All donated medicines have been delivered to Ukraine and distributed to equine veterinarians free of charge. This corresponds to over seven tons of supplies, which will ensure treatment for 5,700 horses all over Ukraine.

“Following the invasion by Russian military forces, the FEI set aside a Solidarity Relief Fund of one million Swiss francs for the equestrian community in Ukraine,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “The USEF joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to support Ukraine horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI

Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI for specific projects approved by the USEF. We are very grateful to the U.S. equestrian community for their dedication and swift action. Thanks to their generosity, veterinary equipment and supplies have been purchased and donated to the Ukrainian equestrian community to address their most pressing needs. Our efforts continue and the welfare of Ukrainian athletes, both human and equine, remains our priority.”

Prior to the launch of the project in Ukraine, the UEF-CF reached out to the majority of equine veterinarians from Ukrainian regions to map the horse welfare situation and assess the help needed. Several problem areas were highlighted, including a lack of equine medicines; a lack of equipment, including portable x-rays, ultrasound, and endoscope machines; and the very limited financial resources of horse owners to pay for treatment. The most needed medicines and supplies were commissioned in Europe and delivered to Ukraine.

In Ukraine, the UEF-CF coordinated the distribution of donated medicine and supplies in a collaborative and inclusive

manner with the Ukrainian FEI’s accredited veterinarians, who chose the distribution principles and distribution plan. The main objective was to increase accessibility and quality of veterinary services for horses in Ukraine. All donated medicines and supplies were distributed to equine veterinarians to the eight regions with the largest number of horses: Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Sumy, Vinnytsia, Cherkasy, and Lviv.

“Assistance for veterinarians is extremely important in Ukraine,” said Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, founder of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation. “For many horse owners, even simple veterinary care is out of reach now, and veterinarians often work on a volunteer basis. Free medicines will make it possible to save and help many horses in this difficult time. We are very grateful to our colleagues at the USEF and the FEI Solidarity Fund for responding to our request and providing our veterinarians with the medical supplies they need now and in sufficient quantities.”

The FEI veterinary department plans to hold a seminar to provide general information about the medical supplies and to discuss specific use cases and difficult situations that Ukrainian veterinarians face when treating horses.

“The US Equestrian community, and notably Brooke USA, were important contributors to this incredible effort to rally around the needs of horses in Ukraine where help is needed so desperately. The global equestrian community is powerful and cohesive and demonstrates how much can be accomplished when people come together. We would like to thank you, our members, for once again stepping up with your generosity,” said USEF President Tom O’Mara.

The winter will create additional challenges for the horses and veterinarians of Ukraine. Donations to the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund will continue to support their needs. Learn more at usef.org/donate

PHOTO: RICHARD BELL/UNSPLASH

Four Combined Driving National Champions Crowned at Tryon Fall CDE

Drivers in four intermediate divisions earned USEF Combined Driving National Championships in late September at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C. Single and pair horses and ponies were in the spotlight across three phases of competition.

Anna Koopman (Middleburg, Va.) and Chandler Creek Eclipse, her own 2010 Morgan gelding, took an early lead in the Intermediate Single Pony division and held on to it until the end.

Megan Fullgraf (Reidsville, N.C.) was the lone entry in the Intermediate Pair Pony division with her own Bayshore Pastime, a 2011 Dartmoor Pony mare, and Bayshore Be Pacific, a 2015 Dartmoor Pony mare, and had solid results in each of the phases.

Allison Stroud (Kennett Square, Pa.) and her own 2013 Dutch Warmblood gelding, Istvan E Z, to win the Intermediate Single Horse Championship.

Jennifer Coyle Johnson (Barboursville, Va.) and her pair of Andalusian mares, JC Espirital and JC Plumona, took home the National Champion title in the Intermediate Pair Horse division.

New Ranch Division Is Open to All Breeds

US Equestrian has established a new ranch section to be offered in the Western discipline beginning Dec. 1, 2022. Ranch is a rapidly growing section across many breeds, and this new section within the Western chapter of the USEF Rule Book will help ensure consistency and efficiency for licensed competitions offering these popular classes.

This new section also provides the ranch world within the breeds with several open-breed classes, including ranch horse riding, ranch horse cow work, ranch horse trail pleasure, ranch horse trail, ranch reining, ranch working cow, ranch cutting, ranch versatility, and ranch conformation. Open ranch classes can be offered alongside breed-restricted ranch classes, providing exhibitors with the opportunity to compete against a variety of other breeds. US Equestrian and the USEF Western Committee look

forward to the opportunities this new section of classes will have to offer as it grows and evolves.

To find more information about the rule change adding the ranch division, click here

When renewing your competition for 2023, don’t forget to add the Western (Open) division to your license to run these new Open ranch classes. If your competition has already renewed and you are interested in hosting Open ranch classes, please contact dates@usef.org prior to 30 days before the start of the competition; there will be a fee to add this to your license if the Western (Open) division is not currently on your 2023 license. Please contact Nicole Zerbee, National Breeds and Disciplines Operations Manager, at nzerbee@usef.org for other questions about the ranch section or Western discipline.

Jennifer Coyle Johnson and her Andalusian mares, JC Espirital and JC Plumona, earned the National Champion title in the Intermediate Pair Horse division at Tryon.

USEF to Form Hunter and Hunter/Jumper Seat Equitation Judging Task Force

The USEF announced in September that it will form a Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judging Task Force to address member feedback regarding judging in those disciplines, especially at the highest levels.

Over the past several months, numerous members have contacted USEF leadership to provide input and express concerns. Specific observations revealed the need to review several areas, including but not limited to the level of equestrian experience necessary to judge at each level, the education required to ensure and continuously improve the competency of judges at every level of the sport, the judge’s evaluation process, the need for clarity around the subjective nature of the judging system, and competitor behaviors towards competition officials and sportsmanship.

“As equestrian sport evolves, it is important to regularly evaluate the relevance of our programs to ensure they are meeting the needs of our sport and expectations of our members,” said USEF President Tom O’Mara. “The concerns raised by members indicate that a broad review of the existing programs against the desired environment is necessary. I look forward to getting some great minds in a room and hashing out what we have, what we need, and how to bridge the differences if and where they exist. It’ll take some time, but it will be work well worth doing.”

USEF will work with the United States Hunter Jumper Association throughout the process, including obtaining recommendations on candidates for appointment to this task force. The task force will be charged with conducting a thorough analysis of the judging education and licensing programs, including engaging with the membership and making recommendations to the President regarding any amendments to these programs and processes to ensure consistent quality and competency and to better serve the sport and USEF members.

USEF Supports FEI Temporary Measures for Vaccines

Due to international vaccine supply shortages, on Sept. 8 the Fédération Équestre Internationale board approved temporary measures to require equine influenza vaccine boosters every 12 months instead of every six months, and not within seven days of arrival at an FEI event. The change is effective Oct. 1, 2022, to April 1, 2023. The United States Equestrian Federation will comply with the implementation of the temporary FEI vaccination changes but will still require that horses competing in national classes adhere to GR844 (USEF Vaccination requirements). If an FEI horse also competes in national classes, the horse will need to meet the national class vaccine requirement. The shortage of vaccines in Europe was created by supply issues facing Boehringer Ingelheim, a key producer of equine influenza vaccinations, and has not impacted U.S. vaccine supplies. For more information, please refer to the FEI’s FAQ at inside. fei.org/fei/your-role/veterinarians/biosecurity-movements/ equine-influenza.

USEF Approves Show Pass Modifications

In support of action taken at the Mid-Year Board meeting, the USEF Board of Directors approved an Extraordinary Rule change to GR 202.1 Membership Requirement s amending the approved use of Show Passes effective Dec. 1, 2022. These changes were adopted to streamline the membership process and further support safety, education, awareness, and accountability amongst coaches, trainers, and parents. Key changes to the rule are:

Non-member participants in the role of riders, drivers, handlers, vaulters, longueurs, owners, lessees, and agents must pay a Show Pass fee. Show Pass purchases can only be made online.

Non-member participants in the above roles are limited to obtaining no more than one Show Pass per competition year.

To be eligible to participate at Federation-licensed competitions, all persons acting as coaches or trainers, and legal guardians signing entry blanks as coaches or trainers on behalf of their minors, must be senior active members in good standing.

Learn more from the Show Pass FAQ at usef.org

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In & Around the Ring

Opposite: Ella Hampton, Sophie Yih, Bostyn Leffler, Jessica Manzo, Sophie Ouellette, and Alayna LoCascio were members of the goldmedal-winning U.S. ThreeGaited Team at the 2022 Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup in Harrodsburg, Ky.

Below: Daneli Miron and Oops We Did It Again compete in the Roadster to Bike Youth at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show in Lexington, Ky., where they finished third.

PHOTOS: LESLIE POTTER/US EQUESTRIAN TETLEYPHOTO.COM

Above: Sue Ockendon and Peter Gray presenting the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team of Andrew McConnon, Colleen Rutledge, Lillian Heard, and Liz Halliday-Sharp with their awards after the team took gold at the 2022 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Canada in Bromont, Quebec, Canada.

NEW VIDEOS: Pre-Purchase & Lameness Exams

US Equestrian’s online Learning Center adds new videos that demystify two common but sometimes confusing veterinary examinations.

In the market for a horse or pony? Chances are you’ll want to arrange a pre-purchase exam for any horse you’re seriously considering. It’s a routine part of the process to ensure that the horse is physically suited for the role or discipline they’ll be expected to perform for their new owner. From the basic prepurchase exam to optional add-ons, US Equestrian’s new Learning Center video “Pre-Purchase Exams 101” explains what can seem like a daunting process at first, especially for first-time horse buyers. Dr. Russ Freeland of the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky., walks you through the process, starting with a standard physical examination, including an eye exam and palpation of the limbs and more, and progressing to potential additional elements like specific requests for radiographs, ultrasound exams, or endoscopy.

“Really we’re trying to get down to ‘Is this horse going to be a good match for whatever type of discipline that client wants to do?’” Freeland explained, “and it’s about managing the risk associated with what we find. We state the facts, we document the facts, and then we try to help the buyer put those facts into context.”

by the buyer,” Freeland said. “A lot of times they will release that information. So if we find something on exam that’s concerning and the buyer ends up passing, if we have permission from the buyer, we can disclose that information to the seller.”

The video covers preparation for the pre-purchase exam, getting a horse’s medical and performance history (including their current level of exercise, diet, special shoeing requirements, and more), the exam process, and more advanced options such as imaging and laboratory work.

Lameness Exam 101

Diagnosing lameness in a horse or pony can be tricky. “At times it’s obvious which leg is lame, but other times you may be evaluating a horse for a lameness exam because the rider feels the horse isn’t performing up to their potential or they just don’t feel quite right,” said Hagyard Equine Medical Institute’s Dr. Evan Becker.

Top: A pre-purchase exam helps answer the question “Is this horse going to be a good match for whatever type of discipline the client wants to do?”

Bottom: Limb palpation is just one tool veterinarians use during a lameness exam to pinpoint the source of the problem.

Freeland shares important tips, like the importance of selecting a veterinarian to conduct the pre-purchase who is experienced with your equestrian discipline but who is not already directly involved with a horse’s care. And he emphasizes that the veterinarian performing the prepurchase exam is working on the buyer’s behalf, and any records resulting from the exam belong to the buyer.

“The seller is often there, but they’re actually not privy to the information that we’re obtaining unless it’s released

Thankfully, your veterinarian can help pinpoint the source of the problem through a lameness exam. In the new Learning Center video “Lameness Exam 101,” Becker explains the American Association of Equine Practitioners grade scale for lameness. He also details such aspects of lameness exams as getting a horse’s history, jogging the horse, palpation, flexion tests, and hoof tests. And he addresses other options, including radiographs and temporary nerve-blocking, as well as advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.

“It’s important to get a proper diagnosis for lameness, because the quicker you can do that, then the quicker you can start the treatment and rehabilitation process and get the horse back to hopefully the level that it was before.”

Learn more at usef.org/learn with these and more than 100 other videos and additional resources in US Equestrian’s online Learning Center

HORSE BOOTS: Fit & Care

by Kathleen Landwehr

Equestrians make their horses’ safety a top priority, and using horse boots that fit properly and are well cared for keep horses safe while training and competing. US Equestrian spoke with experts to get tips on how to fit and maintain horse boots to keep your equine partner safe and comfortable.

Getting a Good Fit

There are numerous types of horse boots available, so picking the right boot for your horse is important. “When selecting boots for your horse, the fit and the function are key,” said Lauren Donohue, Dover Saddlery’s Horse Tack and Equipment Merchant. “You have to make sure they match what you’re looking to do with them.”

Horse boots must fit well to perform properly, and the experts have several tips on what to look for when it comes to fit. Some horse boot manufacturers have a size chart, but Caitlin Thompson, one of EquiFit’s Lead Product Development Engineers, noted that the size charts aren’t exact. “Actually having a boot on the leg is the best way of knowing for sure,” said Thompson.

Be sure that boots aren’t too tight, causing any discomfort or cutting off circulation. Donohue suggested thinking of a horse boot like a girth, which should be snug but not too tight. You can test how tight a boot is on your horse’s leg by trying to move it gently up and down the cannon bone. “If the skin isn’t moving up and down on the horse, the boot is probably too tight,” said Donohue. She noted that bell boots, especially with fleece, can be put on too tightly.

Another sign that you may need a larger boot size for your horse is that it is a challenge to secure the boot on your horse’s leg. “The big things we look for straight away are that the straps might be too tight or difficult to fasten,” said Thompson.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, boots shouldn’t be too loose. “Boots that slide or come loose, that’s obviously a big indicator that they don’t fit or something’s going wrong with them,” said Donohue. Thompson recommended putting the boots on and having the horse walk in them. “If there’s any sort of slipping, that’s another sign that it’s not the right size,” she said.

Boots with gaps are another sign of improper fit. “There shouldn’t be any sort of gapping around the bottom of the ankle of the boot,” said Thompson. “If you can fit your fingers right up under the boot, that’s not a good sign.”

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“When selecting boots for your horse, the fit and the function are key,” said Lauren Donohue, Dover Saddlery’s Horse Tack and Equipment Merchant.

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Some of EquiFit’s boots have removable liners that can be washed separately from the boots.

According to Dover Saddlery’s Donohue, horses should move freely and comfortably in their boots.

Signs of uneven wear are another thing to look for when it comes to fit. “It’s actually a lot like with a saddle, if you have uneven sweat marks, that can also sometimes be an indicator that something might not be right,” said Donohue. Thompson agreed, noting that abnormal wear on the shell or the liner of a boot after a few uses can be an indicator of fit issues.

Additionally, boots shouldn’t interfere with a horse’s movement. “Under saddle, most people know what their horse feels like and if they feel like their horse is stepping a little funny, that can be an indicator that something might be off or the horse just doesn’t like how the boot is fitting them,” said Donohue.

When you get a new pair of boots for your horse, plan to allow for a break-in period with the boots to ensure they fit well. “It’s never a good idea to try boots for the first time on an important day,” said Thompson.

Donohue recommended that people use the same pair of horse boots for lessons, training, and showing. “The first time in the show ring should not be the first test run of a boot,” said Donohue. “You don’t want to risk it. It’s not good for your horse, and it’s not good for you, because at that point if something goes wrong with your boots, you either kick on or pull up. That’s a terrible position to be in. So if you use the boot in everyday lessons and everyday training, you know how that boot is wearing and you can know when it’s time to replace that and just plan it around your competition calendar.”

Thompson added some helpful tips to breaking in EquiFit boots. While their D-Teq™ openfront boots hardly require any time to break in, Thompson said the MultiTeq™ flat schooling boots fit better and soften up after a few uses. “One way with our schooling boots to fast-track your breaking-in period is actually to fasten the closures, and then throw them in the washing machine for a cycle,” said Thompson. “Because that washing cycle will tend to soften them up. In our case, the EverLeather™, our synthetic leather product, is washing-machine safe. I wouldn’t recommend that with a leather boot, obviously, but that tends to work with our schooling boots really well.”

Care and Cleaning

Properly caring for horse boots keeps your horse comfortable and safe and also extends the life of the boots. “In terms of getting the best out of your boots, we find that regular cleaning really goes a long way to making sure that the boots perform as well as possible and don’t break down prematurely,” said Thompson. “All of [EquiFit’s] boots are fine to be hosed down. I think in a big barn setting that often is the easiest way of doing it, whether they’re placed over a fence post or on the ground in a wash stall.”

Donohue noted that reputable boot manufacturers will give you washing instructions. “Some boots are easy. You can look at a neoprene all-purpose boot and say, ‘Yep, I’m going to hose that down and leave it out to dry.’ That’s generally what the boot manufacturer would recommend you do,” said Donohue. “Some boots you can take really good extra care of them. So, for example, if your boot has Velcro on it, it sounds really tedious, but picking out the Velcro actually makes a really big difference with the longevity of your boot and how secure it’s going

Caitlin Thompson, a Lead Product Development Engineer for EquiFit, recommends storing horse boots fastened and side by side, rather than nested inside one another, to avoid stretching out the boots.

Some of EquiFit’s boots have removable liners that can be washed separately from the boots.

to fit your horse. Hay gets in the Velcro; dirt gets in it. A quick wash isn’t going to get that stuff out of the Velcro, so that will help you keep your boots for a little bit longer.”

Some horse boots, such as EquiFit’s open-front boots, have removable liners that can be washed separately from the boots. “Those were specifically designed so that they can be pulled out of the boot shells and washed more frequently,” said Thompson. “Our liners can be machine-washed and then you can lay them flat to dry. It also gives you the option to have multiple sets of liners that can be rotated through your boots if need be.”

The shells of EquiFit’s open-front boots can be wiped down with a damp cloth. “We would say never to put our shells in the washing machine, as that can affect the fit of the boot,” Thompson said. “If you want to bring out some shine, they can be polished with a little bit of cleaner, such as Pledge® or Armor All®. It’s really important to keep those products away from any Velcro closures on the boots as it will negatively affect their performance.”

To dry horse boots, Donohue encouraged placing them in an area with good air flow. “Think about it like clothing. If you leave your clothing in a place that doesn’t have any air circulation, it’s not going to dry and it’s going to create a musty smell,” said Donohue. “The sun for some boots might be fine because it’s going to dry a little bit faster. I think air circulation is more important than sun for drying, so make sure it’s in a place that it’s going to get air.”

Once a pair of horse boots are clean and dry, take special care with how you store them so that you aren’t doing unintentional damage. “With EquiFit open-front boots, it’s never a good idea to nest them, to store one inside the other,” said Thompson. “By doing that, you stretch out the shell from the shape it’s designed to be in, which is the optimum shape for fit. And you can potentially overstretch the elastics, which is detrimental.” Thompson recommended storing boots fastened and side by side. EquiFit has a boot bag and hanging boot organizer that encourages this storage method for the betterment of the horse boots.

Time to Replace

Routine cleaning and maintenance of horse boots allows equestrians to watch for any signs of wear and tear. “Using a boot every day, looking at it every day, you’re going to be able to check if that boot is still able to be used and able to function the way it’s supposed to,” said Donohue.

Donohue noted that one sign for when it is time to get new horse boots is when the Velcro stops sticking. “It doesn’t get that good, crisp, clean pull off,” said Donohue. “It’s a little quieter. And that can be helped by caring for the Velcro.”

Additionally, once the elastic on the horse boots gets stretched out, it is time for new boots. “That elastic is going to start to get stretched out,” said Donohue. “You’re going to notice that boot doesn’t fit securely. You’re going to notice it start to slide down. It’s supposed to fit right underneath the knee to cover the entire cannon bone, but when that elastic starts to go or that boot starts to stretch out too wide, it will slide down.”

For horse boots with removable liners, Thompson recommended the liners be checked every three to six months. “If you do see any wear on the removable liners, they can be replaced,” said Thompson. “Wear is usually a good indicator, whether it’s internal or external. Sometimes it just shows that the horse has some specific interference that the boot is helping with, but if it’s starting to degrade the boot a lot, then that can be a sign it might be time to replace them.”

There Are Many Faces of Latinas and Latinos

by Elliena Sol Apollo

My absolute favorite part of the day is coming home to the barn and being around my best friends: my horses, of course! Like people, they all have their own unique personalities, which has given me the opportunity to bond with each one in a very different way. For example, my horse Goldy stares at me with such depth. It’s like he is staring right into the very core of my soul, looking past the immediate gaze of my eyes, almost as if he is on a mission and so very interested in what is underneath it all.

So many times when we meet people, it just feels like they look and judge us for what they instantly see. They do not bother to dig deeper and learn about the person behind the gaze, or, in the equestrian world, to learn about who is in the saddle and how they got there. In riding, many times we don’t get to hear the backstory of the horse/rider team. We make assumptions and go about our day. That’s why since the age of eight I started to interview many of the top riders to learn about their backstory. I loved to hear about their training, their unique qualities, and what we as riders can learn and apply to also become great.

My riding journey started when I was two years old at the hands of my mom and my ita (“ita” is short for abuelita, my grandmother), my mom leading the pony and my ita a side-walker making sure I didn’t fall. From the time I was super-little, I can remember them speaking Spanish to me. I remember traveling to Puerto Rico with my abuelo, or granddad, going to the Crash Boat beach in Aguadilla, and eating the most amazing empanadas at the local bakery. Growing up

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Young hunter rider Elliena Sol Apollo takes pride in her Puerto Rican roots, both in the show ring and out of the saddle.

Elliena Sol Apollo on Apollo’s Gold and with her mother and trainer, Delia Alvarez-Apollo.

as a Latina has taught me the diverse aspects of my culture. Being raised surrounded by my Hispanic family members has enabled me to be deeply grounded into my Hispanic roots.

In our equestrian world, often the only Latina or Latino reference is made or thought of when people refer to grooms. On the show grounds or maybe in your barn, the Latinos are the grooms who speak Spanish and may have broken accents yet take amazing care of the horses. Then the thought stops there.

My very fair skin, green eyes, and light brown hair do not fit the mold of the “typical” Latina. I am here to tell you that there are many faces of Latinas and Latinos. I am a Latina who has made a name for herself in the saddle competing with green ponies and, most recently, green horses. This past Winter Equestrian Festival season in Wellington, Fla., I entered hunter divisions filled with professionals. I was a junior rider competing and winning on my five-year-old against professionals on their young horses. As a Latina, it makes me so proud to know that this past WEF I was one, if not the only, Latina competing in my hunter divisions. In the Latino culture, what ties us all together is that we are talented, hardworking, devoted, and goal-oriented. In my case, I have been able to learn all of that from being in the saddle.

I rode average ponies and showed mostly lower-level schooling shows until I was about eight. Then it all started to click in an indescribable way. It started with our farrier bringing us a pony that he didn’t want. I remember begging my mom to keep her, even though I didn’t even know if I could ride her. Isabelle had lived in a field and was only saddle-broke. Together with my mom, Delia Alvarez-Apollo, and my other trainer, Nona Garson, we took her from not knowing anything to top five in the USEF Horse of the Year standings and fourth in the M&S League Finals. After that, my mom bought some green ponies and started to teach me how to break and train. It has taught me to be creative in my approach, be calm, and to relax.

I love stepping into the ring and being in the zone. It is an amazing feeling knowing that whatever the outcome is, it is my product,

and that I have worked so hard to be successful inside and outside of the ring. Competing gives me a sense of confidence that I can carry everywhere. I use it in my approach to new things, like music. I play guitar, piano, saxophone, accordion, and violin. In the music, I find an incredible rhythm that carries me and stays with me even when I ride.

Riding has taught me not to be afraid of making mistakes. It has changed my perception about the achievable. This sport has given me the opportunity to accomplish so many things that I thought were out of my reach. With my four-legged friends, I feel that, with the proper plan, every goal is obtainable. With every show and every Winter Equestrian Festival season, I keep setting new goals. I keep reaching higher. Even when I start to slip a little, I have amazing people around me who push me ahead. Most of all, I have the bond with my horses. The language we speak has no words, but we speak volumes. They don’t care if it’s in English or in Spanish, because they clearly understand the language of love. The horses have taught me about how to love, how to commit, and how to keep trying. As a Latina youth rider, I hope that other Latina riders keep climbing to the top. We can keep paving a way into each discipline and be looked at as a force to be reckoned with in our equestrian world.

I am Elliena Sol Apollo. I am a Latina athlete representing Puerto Rico. I ride hunters and am proud to be an equestrian!

Left: Elliena Sol Apollo with Isabelle, the pony she competed to fourth in the M&S League Finals.

Below: Elliena Sol Apollo on Apollo’s Gold at the Winter Equestrian Festival in 2022.

PHOTOS (TOP TO BOTTOM): TERESA RAMSAY PHOTO, SPORTFOT

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A Mother-Daughter Bond Forged by Paso Finos

by Kathleen Landwehr

Equestrians can develop impactful relationships with the people they encounter in the horse industry. The shared passion of horses is something special, and that is especially true among family members. Barbara and Billieanna Miranda are a mother-daughter duo from Summerfield, Fla., who both love horses, in particular Paso Fino horses.

Mom Barbara first got her taste for horses when her parents took her for pony rides as a child. When she was in college and had a full-time job, Barbara purchased her first horse, a Quarter Horse, at age 19. She was then introduced to Paso Finos.

“The farm that I was in, the gentleman who owned it, he would always ask me to ride his Paso,” said Barbara. “I would ride it, and it was putting a smile on my face with the way that they moved.”

Barbara didn’t get her own Paso Fino until years later. She owned Quarter Horses from 1989 to 2000 before taking a break from riding. In 2007, the farm owner left her two horses when he passed away, one of which was a Paso Fino.

“When Billieanna was about two years old, she loved going to the farm, opening the gate, going up to the horses, and brushing them,” said Barbara.

Later on, Billieanna would play with Barbara’s tack. “My mom had horse stuff in the laundry room, and when I was younger, I would take it out of the laundry room and put it on a little chair and pretend I was riding a horse,” said Billieanna. “So my mom would be like, ‘We have to get back into the horses, because she obviously loves it.’”

Billieanna first started riding Quarter Horses, doing everything: dressage, cutting, jumping, and reining. Like most horse-loving children, she dreamed about having horses at home.

PHOTO: CODY PARMENTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Junior rider Billieanna Miranda and mom Barbara say they’ve learned from each other while working with horses.

Billieanna Miranda on Fantastico del Encanto with Barbara Miranda at the 2020 Paso Fino Grand National Championship Horse Show.

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“Billieanna got home one day and said, ‘I wish I had my horses in the backyard. After I get home from school and do my homework, I would go out and ride,’” said Barbara.

The family made the move from Miami to Ocala and took steps toward owning their own farm. “I leased a house with three acres for five years to make sure that I was going to be happy here,” explained Barbara. “At age seven or eight, Billieanna would wake up in the morning and go feed in her PJs. So you know the passion is there when they are that young. She would come home from school, do her homework, and go out and ride. Then we moved into our 10 acres that we have now.”

But Billieanna and Paso Finos weren’t an immediate match made in heaven. “When I first rode the Paso Finos, I was just like, ‘Oh, that’s not really riding,’” said Billieanna.

“She wasn’t so thrilled about it,” added Barbara. “It didn’t put a smile on her face because she was like, ‘What do you do here? You don’t even post. You don’t do anything. They do walk

Billieanna Miranda and her “heart horse,” Fantastico del Encanto.

cute.’” Barbara purchased herself a Paso Fino as a trail horse, but Billieanna eventually started riding the Paso Fino more and more. “From 2016 to now, she has gotten into the Pasos, she has ridden many of them, and she loves them,” continued Barbara. “Now she realizes that it’s not just sitting there. There’s more leg work, there’s the feeling of the Paso and if they’re in gait or not.”

Now mother and daughter both are big fans of Paso Finos. “When I think of the Paso Fino, I think of them as having an extra gear,” said Billieanna. “They can walk, trot, and canter, but they also have that little extra gear that they can go into the gait and have the smoothness and all that stuff that makes them unique.”

“With their gait, you can go on trail rides and your back won’t hurt when you are my age,” said Barbara. “Anybody can ride them. They are not only show horses; they are trail horses. They are versatile.”

Their shared enjoyment of Paso Finos took Barbara and Billieanna’s relationship to another level. “We go to shows together,” said Barbara. “I taught her equitation. I have been her coach. She is just my right hand, left hand, tail, my little buddy. We go trail riding together. It is great to have her enjoy my same passion.

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“We are close,” continued Barbara. “I wouldn’t say I’m her best friend, because I am her mom, but we are very close. The horses have gotten us very close. Just sharing the same passion is amazing. I’m trying to enjoy the time with her the most that I can, because she is already grown. She has got one more year left of youth and high school, and then she will be an adult and she will be on her way to college. I’m just trying to enjoy every little moment.”

“She says she’s not my bestie, but she’s my bestie,” said Billieanna. “My mom is my rock. And I am very blessed to have her enjoying the same passion as me. Although we also play volleyball together, the bonding is just more special on top of a horse, riding side by side on a trail. Hearing her cheering for me on the rail and seeing her joy of watching me show makes me a winner even if that day I did not place. Barbara Miranda is my manager, my equitation coach, my advisor. But the best part is that she is my mom and we share a special bond all because of horses.”

“She’s my coach as well,” added Barbara. “When I ride her horses, she teaches me. The student has learned more than the teacher.”

In 2018, Billieanna’s “heart horse” came in the form of a gray Paso Fino stallion named Fantastico del Encanto. “You name it, I did it with him. He was very, very versatile. He was also Fino as well, so that shows you that Fino horses can also be versatile with how short-stepped they are,” said Billieanna of Fantastico, a Paso Fino who excels at the classic fino gait, which is full collection with very slow forward speed. The pair did trail rides, carried the American flag at horse shows, and demonstrated the Paso Fino breed at exhibitions.

“He was the definition of ‘a Paso Fino can do anything being Fino,’ because he wasn’t a pleasure horse. In 2020 at Nationals, he made it to the top five Fino stallions in the nation in the championship. We shared a lot of memories together, and he was the best,” said Billieanna. Unfortunately, Fantastico passed away suddenly at a horse show in 2021. “He was the horse that made her and she made him,” said Barbara. “Billieanna got to be really known with that gray horse, and not only in the Paso Fino world, but in other breeds, because she would take him wherever she was able to show off the Paso Fino. She would take him to other breed shows for other people to try him out. That’s the biggest relationship that my daughter has had with a horse.”

Horses have taught Barbara and Billieanna important life lessons. “The life lessons that we have both learned is cherish your horse,” said Barbara. “You never know when it is going to be your last ride. She went through that.”

“Being a horse person means a lot of responsibilities and teaches you, especially growing up with the horse, teaches you a lot of responsibility,” said Billieanna. “In a way, it gets you ready for when you are older, because when you are older you have a lot of responsibilities. You have to wake up early in the morning to get to work, like how you have to wake up early in the morning to go feed the horses.”

Billieanna has big goals and a bright future ahead of her. She has learned much from horses with lots of help from her mom Barbara. Their shared passion for horses has brought them closer together. One thing is certain: Barbara will be ringside for Billieanna’s big goals in 2022 and beyond.

Billieanna Miranda with her mother, Barbara.

MEDAL GLORY

& Tickets to Paris

During the 2022 FEI World Championships, U.S. athletes competing in Denmark and Italy earned medals in para dressage and eventing, posted personal bests, and punched team tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Fans of United States equestrian sport had a lot to cheer about as U.S. athletes recorded excellent achievements at the 2022 FEI World Championships. Competitions for dressage, para dressage, jumping, and vaulting took place in Herning, Denmark, while eventing and driving were in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy.

Teams from three disciplines—the Adequan ® U.S. Para Dressage Team, The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team, and the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team—secured places for the Paris 2024 Paralympic and Olympic Games. Riders from two of those teams also brought home a combined four World Championship medals: the U.S. Eventing Team earned team silver, following the U.S. Para Dressage Team’s team bronze, individual silver for Kate Shoemaker and her own Quiana in the Grade IV Freestyle, and individual bronze for Grade III competitor Rebecca Hart and Rowan O’Riley’s El Corona Texel.

The eventing team silver, the first team world championship medal for the U.S. Eventing Team since 2002, went to Will Coleman and the Off The Record Syndicate’s Off The Record; Tamie Smith and Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum; Boyd Martin and Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner’s Tsetserleg TSF; and Lauren Nicholson and Jacqueline Mars’s Vermiculus. Ariel Grald, competing as an individual aboard Anne Eldridge’s Leamore Master Plan, also achieved her goal of finishing on her dressage score with no penalties in the cross-country or jumping phases in her first championship appearance representing the U.S. The team was led by Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello and Team Leader Gemma Stobbs.

“I hope this means great things for the future,” Costello said. “I’m so happy for everyone, even those at home who get to watch and get to be proud.”

U.S. Para Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline pronounced himself “ecstatic” with riders Shoemaker, Hart,

Beatrice de Lavalette on Elizabeth and Nicolas de Lavalette’s Sixth Sense, and Roxanne Trunnell on Lehua Custer’s Fortunato H2O, who each earned high scores in their respective grades. “What we have done really affirms our position on the world stage,” he said of the para dressage riders, whose Team Leader was Laureen Johnson.

The U.S. Dressage Team, led by Chef d’Equipe George Williams and Team Leader Hallye Griffin, earned their 2024 Olympic berth with a sixth-place finish in Denmark at the Blue Hors FEI World Team Dressage Grand Prix Championship presented by Helgstrand. The team consisted of Steffen Peters and Four Winds Farm and Akiko Yamazaki’s Suppenkasper, Katie Duerrhammer and Kylee Lourie’s Quartett, Ashley Holzer and her own Valentine, and Adrienne Lyle and Betsy Juliano’s Salvino.

U.S. vaulters, led by Chef d’Equipe Jennifer Arntsen and Team Leader Michelle McQueen, also hit high notes with their performances. Vaulting athlete Kimberly Palmer went into the World Championships hoping to achieve a personal best, and she did. Her 8.415 score with Rosenstolz 99 (longed by Laura Carnabuci) put her in fifth, and not far off the podium, in the Mustang Corp. FEI World Vaulting Female Championship in Herning. Also finishing in the top 10 was Tessa Divita in ninth; Divita also achieved a personal best with her free test with Sunday Song (longed by Lasse Kristensen). The U.S. Squad finished sixth of 14 overall.

The NetJets ® U.S. Jumping Team, led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and Team Leader Lizzy Chesson, narrowly missed qualification for its team final. But Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games team silver medalist McLain Ward, riding the veteran Olympic performer Contagious (owned by Beechwood Stables LLC), and three talented and relative newcomers to the U.S. team’s international competition—Adrienne Sternlicht on Starlight

SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

PHOTO:

Farms 1 LLC’s Cristalline, Lillie Keenan on Chansonette Farm’s Argan de Beliard, and Brian Moggre on Ann Thompson’s Balou du Reventon—showed much promise for the future. “When you have weeks like this, you realize how difficult it is to win those medals and not to take it for granted,” Ward said, adding: “The young riders here have great futures, gained a lot of miles, and that will pay back down the road.”

Veteran competitor Chester Weber, aided by Chef d’Equipe Marcie Quist and Team Leader Danielle Aamodt, was the lone U.S. entrant for the Land Rover U.S. Driving Four-in-Hand Team in the FEI Driving World Championship for Four-in-Hands after the withdrawal of Misdee Wrigley Miller. Weber showcased some up-and-coming talent in his team of horses, which

Above: The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team earned team silver and qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, joining the bronzewinning Adequan U.S. Para Dressage Team, which qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as U.S. team medalists during the FEI World Championships. The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team also qualified for the Paris Olympics after finishing sixth in their team final.

included two relatively new members, the Dutch Warmbloods Amadeus and Julius V. The team gained valuable experience at a new venue on the world stage, sitting third after dressage and holding fourth after the testing marathon phase before ultimately finishing a strong eighth out of 36 competitors in the final cones phase.

Like all the U.S. competitors at the World Championships, Weber acknowledged the deep team of supporters who make it possible for equestrians to represent the U.S. on the sport’s most prestigious international stages like the World Championships.

“This isn’t an individual sport,” he said. “I’m the guy who gets to sit there and hold the reins and take the glory or the blame, but it truly takes a village to make this happen.”

Top to Bottom: “That extended canter made the ring feel very small!” Peters said after Suppenkasper’s FEI Grand Prix performance.

Ashley Holzer won international praise for her masterful horsemanship and kindness in helping her mare, Valentine, work through tension in the big atmosphere of the FEI Grand Prix on Aug. 6, and the pair produced some beautifully fluid moments. “Horses are not machines,” a philosophical Holzer said. “I’m going to go away and think of the great things she did in there today.”

Katie Duerrhammer and Quartett were competing for the first time on a world championship team, something Duerrhammer described as “a dream come true.”

Center: Anchor combination Adrienne Lyle and Salvino’s 74.394% score in the FEI Grand Prix put the team over the threshold to earn their Paris 2024 Olympic Games berth.

THE DUTTA CORP. U.S. DRESSAGE TEAM

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, MATT TURER/US EQUESTRIAN

Center: The support team for The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team watches as Adrienne Lyle and Salvino step into the limelight in Herning, Denmark, for the Blue Hors FEI World Team Dressage Grand Prix Championship on Aug. 7.

Top to Bottom: Renowned U.S. dressage athlete and coach Debbie McDonald and Suppenkasper’s groom, Eddie Garcia, enjoy a moment at the 2022 ECCO FEI World Championships in Herning, Denmark.

The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team’s grooms (left to right) Eddie Garcia, Morgan Klingensmith, Emily Bender, and Nate Tucker enjoy a photo op at the World Championships.

Chester Weber and his team of Dutch Warmblood geldings were in fourth place after the marathon, the second phase of driving, over an undulating course Weber called “a nice challenge.”

Chester Weber and his team earned a 41.52 to sit in third after the dressage phase of the competition on Sept. 22 in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy.

THE LAND ROVER U.S. DRIVING FOUR-IN-HAND TEAM

Left: U.S. Driving Chef d’Equipe Marcie Quist watches the competition in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, with Chester Weber’s driving team member, Kurt Deruyck.

Gabriele Grasso shares a moment with Chester Weber’s First Edition after the U.S. four-in-hand team finished their dressage test on Sept. 22.

Philipp Graffe (facing camera), riding behind Chester Weber (right) and Gabriele Grasso, enjoys the moment as the driving team heads into the arena for the final cones phase at the FEI World Driving Championship for Four-in-Hands in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy.

At the first horse inspection for the FEI Driving World Championships for Four-in-Hands in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, U.S. athlete Chester Weber (far right, with Chef d’Equipe Marcie Quist) presented (left to right) Gouveneur, with groom Gabriele Grasso; Julius V, with Philipp Graffe; Amadeus, with Adine Sonderstrom; Boris W, with Lennart Kindt; and First Edition, with Sarah Schumann.

PHOTOS: MATT TURER/US EQUESTRIAN

Will Coleman and Off The Record posted the team’s only clear round in stadium jumping and finished as the top U.S. combination in seventh.

Lauren Nicholson rewards Vermiculus after their final salute in their dressage phase at the FEI Eventing World Championship in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy.

Clockwise: Led by trailblazer William Coleman on Off The Record, the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team’s strong performance in the cross-country phase put the team in second heading into the final jumping phase at the FEI Eventing World Championship in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy.

Ariel Grald competed as an individual aboard Leamore Master Plan in her first world championship appearance for the U.S., finishing on her dressage score of 32.5.

Boyd Martin, who rode Tsetserleg TSF, declared himself “very proud to be an American today” after U.S. horses and riders posted five clear rounds in the cross-country and ultimately won the silver medal at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championship in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy.

The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team of Boyd Martin on Tsetserleg TSF, Lauren Nicholson on Vermiculus, Tamie Smith on Mai Baum, and Will Coleman on Off The Record celebrated their team silver medal in the victory gallop at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championship in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum led U.S. combinations after dressage with a stellar score of 24.0, then went double-clear on cross-country before ultimately finishing ninth individually—and with a team silver medal.

THE LAND ROVER U.S. EVENTING TEAM

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

Adrienne Sternlicht and her mount, Cristalline, were an experienced pair at the Agria 2022 FEI World Jumping Championship presented by Helgstrand, having been members of the gold medalist U.S. team at the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon in 2018.

Brian Moggre, competing in his first World Championship aboard Balou du Reventon, set a high standard in the opening speed round, going clear in 83.89 seconds.

THE NETJETS® U.S. JUMPING TEAM

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

Brian Moggre and Balou du Reventon flying high over the water jump at the Agria FEI World Jumping Championship presented by Helgstrand in Herning, Denmark.

World Championship first-timer Lillie Keenan and Argan de Beliard were first to jump for the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team and went clear in the Speed Round, the opening class of the Agria FEI World Jumping Championship presented by Helgstrand in Herning, Denmark.

“This horse has given so much over the last several seasons,” McLain Ward said of his mount, Contagious, who was part of the silver medal-winning U.S. team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, after opting to retire the gelding midway through their individual jumping round.

Brian Moggre in conversation with veteran U.S. jumping athlete and USEF’s 2021 International Equestrian of the Year Laura Kraut in the stands in Herning, Denmark.

THE ADEQUAN® U.S. PARA DRESSAGE TEAM

Groom Esteban Quintero pats Rebecca Hart’s mount, El Corona Texel, during the medal ceremony that saw Hart receive an individual bronze in the FEI World Para Dressage Individual Grade III Championship on Aug. 11. Beatrice de Lavalette and Elizabeth and Nicolas de Lavalette’s Sixth Sense perform their Grade II freestyle en route to a fifth place in their individual championship on Aug. 14.

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, MATT TURER/US EQUESTRIAN

Grade I athlete Roxanne Trunnell’s mount, six-year-old Fortunato H2O— led here by trainer Andrea Woodard— showed maturity beyond his years in earning a 75.214% in the team competition on Aug. 12.

Opposite: Quiana, making her first championship appearance in her new partnership with Grade IV rider Kate Shoemaker, helped Shoemaker achieve a personal-best score of 75.415% in the team test on Aug. 12.

Right: The Adequan® U.S. Para Dressage Team of Chef d’Equipe Michel Assouline (back row) and riders (left to right) Roxanne Trunnell, Kate Shoemaker, Rebecca Hart, and Bea de Lavalette celebrate their team bronze at the Orifarm Healthcare FEI World Para Dressage Championship in Herning, Denmark.

Grade III athlete Rebecca Hart (right) secured the first of three medals for the Adequan® U.S. Para Dressage Team when she and El Corona Texel won bronze in the Orifarm Healthcare FEI World Para Dressage Individual Grade III Championship on a score of 73.147%.

Denmark’s Tobias Thorning Joergensen (center) took gold and Britain’s Natasha Baker (left) received silver.

U.S. para dressage athlete Kate Shoemaker (left) scored a personalbest 80.275% with Quiana in the FEI

Para Dressage Grade IV Freestyle on Aug. 14 to receive an individual silver medal alongside gold medalist Sanne Voets of the Netherlands and bronze medalist Rodolpho Riskalla of Brazil.

Vaulter Daniel Janes enjoyed “a calm vibe” during the individual male compulsory test in Herning, Denmark, on Aug. 6, scoring a 7.380 with Christmas PS Z (longed by Nienke de Wolff).

Squad member Paula Hampshire on Drillian (longed by Selena Brummund).

The pas-de-deux team of Calle Davis and Todd Griffiths on Lightning Jack 12 (longed by Thordis Thoroe) perform in the first-round Free Test at the Mustang Corp. FEI World Vaulting Pas-De-Deux Championship in Herning, Denmark, on Aug. 7.

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO,

Emily Rose’s “Stranger Things”-themed performance with Eldoctro (longed by Carolyn Bland) delighted fans at the Jyske Bank Boxen facility in Herning, Denmark, and livestream viewers around the world.

Kimberly Palmer took fifth in the Mustang Corp. FEI World Vaulting Female Championship on Rosenstolz 99 (longed by Laura Carnabuci) as the highest-placed U.S. vaulting athlete overall in Herning, Denmark.

U.S. vaulting fans showed their spirit during the Mustang Corp. 2022 FEI World Vaulting Championship in Herning, Denmark.

U.S. Vaulting Squad (Oak Hills Squad) members Todd Griffiths, his young daughter Miriam, and Jaynee Meyer with Drillian (longed by Selena Brummund) in a practice session for the Mustang Corp. FEI World Vaulting Squad Championship.

MATT TURER/US EQUESTRIAN

U.S. VAULTING TEAM

CHARLES ANCONA NEW YORK

TRUSTED BY THE BEST CUSTOM FIT & DESIGN

Photos

PHOTO: SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY

“If we’re focused on everybody around us and whether we’re competing successfully with them, we’re not really listening to ourselves or our horse,” she said. “When we learn to really listen to our horse … it’s very similar to learning how to listen to ourselves. And it also helps build genuine connections between people,” says Lynne Phipps of the Beachwood Center for Wellbeing in Charlestown, R.I.

Entering a barn to sign up for a riding lesson can be daunting for anyone who is just beginning to explore equestrian sport and the community around horses. That sense of vulnerability is often greater for newcomers who don’t see anyone like them or from their own community in local equestrian facilities, competitions, or sport coverage—and that can be enough to discourage someone from pursuing their interest in horses.

That could have happened to Mtima Richardson. Richardson, who is Black, is the senior nutrition programs support coordinator at FOOD for Lane County in Eugene, Ore., and chair of the City of Eugene Sustainability Commission. She first took up riding at a facility where she was the only Black rider, which left her feeling isolated and vulnerable.

“Oregon is a predominantly white place,” she said. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the data resource BlackDemographics.com, Oregon’s Black and Black interracial population combined is about 3%. “So when you’re Black and living in Oregon, most of the spaces that you walk into, you’re a minority or the only person of color. That can feel a little bit intimidating, and you can feel kind of alienated. At least in my own experience, that hindered me from exploring different outdoor hobbies I might be interested in, because they felt like they weren’t a place for me or just felt scary.

“At this other barn, nothing bad ever happened there, but I was just feeling alienated and not understood,” she said of her initial lesson experience. “I just felt like everyone was looking at me, and I felt super-insecure and super-vulnerable there.”

That sense of “otherness” and vulnerability can prevent curious horse-lovers, and even active equestrians, from staying in horse sports. That’s a scenario that Ebony Horsewomen founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer Patricia Kelly has seen play out many times in equestrian programs and at competitions.

“How many times have African Americans, Latino people, darker-skinned people, gone to facilities and they are assumed to be workers?” she said. “They’re immediately downgraded before people understand why they’re there, what their skill level is, and so on.”

In other cases, Kelly added, equestrians who are perceived as different, unfamiliar, or “unlikely to fit in” for whatever reason can be more aggressively discouraged or prevented from participating. “I know of a very tall, dark-skinned young man, an English rider who is just poetic in the saddle,” Kelly said. “When he tried out for the team at his university, it was like, ‘Oh, he can’t ride. He certainly can’t. He’s too big. He’s too whatever.’

“We have a lot of talented young people out there who are getting stopped at these invisible walls when they don’t fit the image.”

Every time this barrier to entry diverts a potential equestrian away from the sport, that person loses the chance to experience a positive, possibly life-changing relationship with horses and to grow a lifelong hobby or career. And the equestrian world loses one more supporter, community member, and potential horse owner or competitor.

That’s a lose-lose scenario that doesn’t have to happen, say some equestrian program managers and representatives from several United States Equestrian Federation Community Outreach Organizations. These groups specialize in developing positive barn cultures that encourage people from a broad range of experiences and backgrounds to thrive alongside each other and with horses. The work they do and the lessons they’ve learned along the way can apply to growing a positive culture in any barn, and they say the work of promoting inclusion and a supportive community can be transformative for everyone involved.

In Mtima Richardson’s case, switching to a different program with strong outreach and engagement in the Eugene area’s Black and other communities made the difference. Today, she not only takes riding lessons, but also helps the program—Solid Strides, a USEF Community Outreach Organization—with their community outreach efforts.

“When I’m doing community outreach, I’m trying to let people know that, yes, this is a place and a hobby that you can pursue, and people like you are going to be there,” Richardson said.

PHOTO: SHELLEY PAULSON

“Horses give kids a fuller life experience,” Ebony Horsewomen founder Patricia Kelly says, “and I want my kids to have the same resources, experiences, and opportunities that other children have.”

Caring for horses together can be the perfect vehicle for promoting empathy and a positive atmosphere.

PHOTO: SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY

What is Cultural Competence?

Equine programs that are planning to expand their outreach programs or who are looking for ways to foster positivity and inclusion can start by learning about cultural competence, the ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people from different cultures and worldviews, starting with an awareness of and appreciation for cultural differences.

A team of mental-health researchers coined the term “cultural competence” in 1989 as part of a paper that discussed how medical professionals’ lack of cultural understanding could contribute to inequitable care services for children. Many therapists regard cultural competence as a critical part of serving clients. Ebony Horsewomen’s EHI Equestrian and Therapeutic Center, which provides culturally competent equine-assisted psychotherapy, also offers a training and certification program in that approach for mental health professionals and equine specialists.

The National Center for Cultural Competence at Georgetown University’s Center for Child and Human Development refers to the following five essential components of cultural competence that can provide a framework for any individual or organization to start with:

• Valuing diversity

• Having the capacity for cultural self-assessment

• Being conscious of the dynamics inherent when cultures interact

• Having institutionalized culture knowledge

• Adapting service delivery to reflect an understanding of cultural diversity

“To be open and inclusive, I think we have to literally feel in our bodies what it means to be open and inclusive,” said Lynne Phipps, founder of Beachwood Center for Wellbeing in Charlestown, R.I. “When I’m meeting somebody new, is my first thought going to be to let them in? Or is my first thought, ‘Do I want to let them in?’ One is from an inclusive place, and the other is from a defensive place. If we’re inviting people in, we have to be clear that we are inviting people in.

“Most of us are not aware of our blind spots, culturally or personally. Our own personal experiences create us. And that means that we are just not always aware of others’ experiences, and out of that lack of awareness, we can hurt each other, completely unintentionally. The more consciously we choose what we say or do, the more self-compassion we have and the more compassion we can feel for another, the more aware we get of how somebody might hear something.”

“Cultural competency isn’t just ‘White people need to understand Black people,’” Kelly said. “It’s Black people understanding

other Blacks in other cultures, as well as Hispanic culture, and vice versa. And we have intergenerational biases, too. There’s a lot of understanding that needs to happen.”

For therapeutic programs like Beachwood and Ebony Horsewomen, horses are integral to the processes of self-awareness and building trust not just between horse and human, but human-to-human, as well.

“I think working with horses is one of the best ways to see, understand, and appreciate how important it is to be intentional, careful, and conscious of everything,” Phipps said.

Those traits that horses encourage people to develop—being intentional, careful, self-aware, and conscious in their actions— are a good place to start if you are considering widening your program’s outreach into new and culturally different communities. But there are other things to consider, too, from the work of learning about one’s own cultural biases and how they might affect relationships with others from different backgrounds, to the nuts-and-bolts practicalities of meeting members of different communities, increasing accessibility to lessons, and stopping cliquishness or gossip in the barn before it starts.

Set Clear Priorities

Whether you’re establishing a new equestrian program or tweaking the focus of an existing one, start by nailing down your priorities, advises Kate Sharkey, trainer and head coach at Sharkey Farm near Snoqualmie, Wash. “Determine what is important to you, and stay true to that,” Sharkey said. “So if what’s important to me is to have the team that wins at Nationals, then I need to do everything in my power to make that happen. If what’s important to me is creating the next generation of horse people who have a passion for this animal, this culture, and this environment, then I do everything in my power to create that.

“It doesn’t have to be an ‘either/or.’ It can be an ‘and.’ But you have to have a priority list. So if the number-one priority is culture, then you might have to accept letting go of a kid who would help you win Nationals. If the number-one priority is winning, then you might have to accept a kid who doesn’t fit the barn culture you’d like to create.”

Setting clear priorities has helped Sharkey be open and transparent about what her program is and is not when she speaks to potential team members and clients.

“When a new client is thinking about coming to our barn, I interview them, just as they would interview me before joining our community,” she said. “I talk to parents about the culture we have, that it’s a group of kids who love horses and want to support each other, and that our primary goal is not showing—it’s

“Leave kids alone and they’ll find out they all hate school, their parents are driving them crazy, they have the same angst,” says Ebony Horsewomen founder Patricia Kelly.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHARKEY FARM

learning about and loving horses. Those who are looking for competitive sports rather than a community first find a place that fits their priority better.”

That clear communication early in the process helps prevent misunderstandings and problems that might otherwise fester in a barn, Sharkey said. That communication also can include other cues, as Sharkey learned when a parent spotted a Pride flag in her barn. “It’s just a small one above our lesson-horse assignment board,” Sharkey explained, “and I didn’t realize it made a big difference until the parent of a transgender child came up and said that that made a huge difference to their child.”

“We can set up the dynamic of ‘We’re here. We’d love to have you. This is who we are,’” said Beachwood’s Phipps. “I like to say clarity is kindness. The clearer we are about who we are and what we offer, the more likely we’re going to have people that it resonates with show up and join us. People it doesn’t resonate with or who don’t like the way we do things won’t stay.”

Let Go of Assumptions

“Inclusion starts with perception,” Kelly said. “As a facility of color, it’s not in our makeup to assume anything about anyone. They’re welcomed, and there’s no assumption that you are anything other than what you say you are, that you are here for a service that you thought would be good for you and so you sought it. When people of color go to other facilities, they’re often assumed to be lost or looking for work.”

Kelly notes that when a facility makes assumptions based on the color or relative darkness of a person’s skin, how they speak and dress, the kind of hair they have—all completely unrelated to an interest in or skill level with horses—they’re creating a negative experience from the start. “If these facilities can get rid of that, then inclusion and equity can happen. And then diversity will follow.”

Kelly notes that damaging assumptions can include labeling others as “at risk,” “underprivileged,” or “underserved.”

“I began to hear terms like this when we’d take our kids to horse shows, and these terms really bothered the children and their parents,” Kelly said. “So I began to gently teach relabeling. All children are at risk, because they have no control over their personage. They can be sexually abused or emotionally abused. When some people look at a Black child, they’ll automatically assume it’s just the mother in the family. Well, a lot of these kids have fathers. So we had to gently retrain the thought processes that come from that.

“If kids are left alone to develop their own thought process, a lot of this labeling goes away,” Kelly added. “It’s when society and parents get involved and start labeling that it gets murky. Leave kids alone and they’ll find out they all hate school, their parents are driving them crazy, they have the same angst.”

Prioritize Personal Goals

At Beachwood, which often works with children and adults with anxiety or trauma, reducing performance pressure is key to lowering participants’ fear, which helps both the humans and the horses, Phipps says. “We try to teach people that we’re not about pushing through the hard things,” she said. “We don’t do loud voices or yelling. There’s no ‘Try harder!’ or ‘Do it anyway!’ Horses pick up on that anxiety as much as people do, and when you get everybody anxious and worried and scared, that’s when you get bad behavior. That’s when you get backbiting and gossiping or people trying to figure out how to one-up someone or who is the weak link. That kind of behavior comes from that fight-or-flight instinct.”

Instead, Phipps said, “it’s about setting clear goals but also letting the person themselves set the goals. It’s the trainer and the student choosing the goal together, which is a place of safety rather than a place of ‘She’s not going to like me if I don’t want to do that or can’t achieve that.’”

For Sharkey, a former schoolteacher, it’s also important to give students a safe place to fail. “That’s something I did in public school teaching, too: allow risk-taking,” she said. “For kids to try hard things, struggle at hard things, and either succeed or have the knowledge that they tried is

often more powerful than how they did. They understand when things go wrong that it’s okay to make mistakes—it’s just part of the process. So if another kid is having a hard day for whatever reason—maybe their horse who is normally soft in the bridle is a little bit stiff—none of the others are going to make fun of that struggling child. They’re going to have empathy.

“Katie Schaaf, the Iinterscholastic Equestrian Association President, was here doing a clinic, and she said to one of the kids that the goal is not perfection; your goal is excellence. That was super-powerful, especially for my perfectionist kids to hear, because they’re always striving for perfection. Instead, they just need to be excellent. You could just see the light come on in some of those kids, that they’re pursuing excellence, not perfection, and it can be excellence in horsemanship, in being a good friend, in being a sportsman and rider.”

Lead by Example

All of our experts agreed that it’s important to live by the positive, inclusive code they establish for the barn. That means no gossip, no negativity, no classism, and no favoritism. “If you see that, you’ve got to jump in immediately and squash it,” Ebony Horsewomen’s Kelly said. “It takes leadership.”

“My policy has always been that we’re a team,” Katie Ebbage, Executive Director of Solid Strides, said. “We’re all in this together, and we’re all on a learning journey. Nobody is superior to anyone else. I have had instances where folks have tried to create a status hierarchy in the program, and when I see that, I immediately address it and remind folks why we’re here.

“We’re here because we love horses. We’re here because we want to be in nature and with these animals and in a community of like-minded folks. If you set that tone, if you manage yourself in an organization like that, people match that energy.”

“Modeling is the very best way to set up healthy communities,” Beachwood’s Phipps agreed. “If the leader of the community is clear about what expectations are and that the goals are driven by the individuals, not by competition between individuals, then we can keep the focus on our primary purpose, which is the wellbeing of all, including the horses.”

Focus on the Horses

Making clear that the focus is on the horses and their needs can help shift a barn community’s perspective away from interpersonal competition and toward a shared goal of caring, Phipps said. “If we’re focused on everybody around us and whether we’re competing successfully with them, we’re not really listening to ourselves or our horse,” she said. “When we learn to

really listen to our horse, it’s a very different kind of listening than competing or trying to fit in, but it’s very similar to learning how to listen to ourselves. And it also helps build genuine connections between people. People start to pay attention on a deeper level to each other, and through caring for the horses we have a common focus instead of a competitive focus.”

Develop Partnerships—and Listen

Finding new participants, especially in communities that are not already connected to a program, is about more than posting flyers or buying ads. Building relationships with trusted community organizations can lead to fruitful collaborations, including potential advisory board or staff members, and also can provide valuable insights, Solid Strides’ Ebbage said.

“Our program is in a majority-white community, and so while we’re not only focused on reaching out to BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and people of color] folks, that’s the demographic we don’t see in our horse community here,” she said.

To expand its reach, Solid Strides started by partnering with local organizations to host low-cost summer camps for a limited number of kids. They’ve also promoted their programs directly to a variety of communities. “We’re introducing ourselves to a broader demographic that doesn’t know us, and I hear stories all the time about people from different demographics going into barns and having negative experiences,” Ebbage said. “So having partnerships with another local, culturally specific organization has allowed us to borrow some trust from those organizations and helped get us established more quickly than if we’d just been knocking on doors. We also attend some culturally specific events, like the local Pride and Hispanic Heritage events and the Black Cultural Festival in town, just trying to make people more aware of our existence. Through partnering with other organizations, we’ve gotten referrals and invitations from other places. We’ve worked to develop those relationships.”

Part of that work is listening and learning about other cultures’ history, mores, challenges, and concerns, then taking that context and knowledge into account.

Seek (and Hire) Diversity

“It’s important to have people on the board and on the programming side who represent the population you’re working to serve,” said Ebbage, who also suggested hiring serviceproviders and vendors from diverse communities, too. These practices introduce more people to equestrian sport and create career pathways in the industry. They also foster deeper

PHOTO:

“If there are people on staff that are diverse, then there is an opportunity for a different set of perceptions and assumptions,” Ebony Horsewomen’s Patricia Kelly says.

connections with the broader community and provide crucial perspectives that can help a barn improve operations or spot new opportunities.

Ebbage noted that one Solid Strides board member, an equestrian whose family struggled to financially support her riding, now is the Executive Director of a nonprofit that works with low-income people on housing issues. She was instrumental, Ebbage said, in creating Solid Strides’ low-cost summer camp program.

“If there are people on staff that are diverse, then there is an opportunity for a different set of perceptions and assumptions,” Ebony Horsewomen’s Patricia Kelly said.

“As a white person running a diversity-based organization, I’m very aware of not presenting a ‘white savior’ mentality,” Ebbage noted, “and it’s important that we’re living our values. I try to be conscious that it’s not the responsibility of people of color to educate us. But I’ve been blessed to be around some folks who do use their energy and time to point out if I, or we as an organization, have done something that’s out of step with who we’re trying to be. We have people on our board and in our behind-the-scenes programming so that when we’re building a website or putting messages out, they’re putting eyeballs on it.”

Increase Access

Cost has long been a barrier to entry for horse sports, but Community Outreach Organizations have found ways to reduce the expense for participants; one of the Community Outreach Organization program’s requirements for applicants is that they must offer services for free or on a sliding scale based on need.

Solid Strides’ first summer camps were sponsored with state-legislated summer programming funds for kids. Others were funded by a program participant’s generous donation. Through donations and grants, equestrian programs can offer scholarships, free or low-cost lessons or camps, and equipment or apparel. Students and parents often are also happy to contribute to equestrian programs in other ways, through working off lessons or volunteering regularly. “Every bit of that helps,” said Ebbage.

Sharkey Farms has found another model to increase access: operating as a co-op. “Our board is about half of what full-care board runs in the area,” Sharkey said. “So financially it’s more accessible to more kids. There’s no option for paying more and having to do less. That attracts families who want kids to work and who want kids to be a bigger participant in the horsemanship side of things. It attracts kids who are happy

spending two or three hours out of the tack caring for horses. And it builds community. When we go to shows, I don’t pack the trailer or set up stalls; it’s a group of 10- to 18-year-olds using my packing list, going through it together, and deciding what to take, how to get everyone’s trunks in the trailer, what order horses should load. I teach them, and then they teach each other.”

Encourage Camaraderie

There are other opportunities to naturally foster camaraderie at home, too. Solid Strides has brought in outside educators to teach students about things like equine biomechanics, where students can be “co-learners” in an educational, non-competitive setting. Allowing lesson students to watch other lessons, and not segregating barn time by riding level, also can encourage learning and mixing. Trying new things on horseback as a group can also build community, as can barn clean-up or fundraising days or more social celebrations, like a barn-wide lesson-horse appreciation day.

Rewards Are Mutual

Developing a positive, inclusive community isn’t always easy, these experts acknowledged. But they agreed that the effort is worth it, both for their programs and for individual participants.

“In the end, I think we’re developing thoughtful, kind, hardworking kids who know how to follow a passion through and turn that into something positive,” Sharkey Farm’s Kate Sharkey said. “It’s not a bad business model. It can be emotionally hard to stick to your morals and vision. As a business owner, it’s hard to give up a paycheck and lose a client or ask a client to leave. It’s really challenging, if you’re not wealthy, to figure out how to become inclusive while trying to put food on your plate. But what I found is that by staying true to this culture, I have been rewarded with more and betterfitting clients.”

“Horses give kids a fuller life experience,” Ebony Horsewomen’s Kelly said, “and I want my kids to have the same resources, experiences, and opportunities that other children have.”

For Mtima Richardson, the rider who found her equestrian home at Solid Strides, the opportunity has been life-changing and empowering. “That’s what I think has changed the most about me,” she explained. “I can be kind of timid and shy, but now even at work I feel like I speak up more. I’m giving my opinion and thoughts. You’re not trying to shy away from your own brilliance, in a way. Because once you’ve been on such a powerful animal, it’s hard to not have confidence.”

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHARKEY FARM

“We’re here because we love horses. We’re here because we want to be in nature and with these animals and in a community of like-minded folks,” says Solid Strides Executive Director Katie Ebbage.

“If you set that tone, if you manage yourself in an organization like that, people match that energy.”

TEAM SPIRIT

Horse Scout Design offers customizable homeware products for showcasing team branding at shows or for personalizing home and barn decor with their Barn Bundle. Horse Scout Design’s bespoke design service can help you create your perfect logo or product using your chosen logo/image, color, or pattern. From $75. horsescoutdesign.com

There are many ways to spread holiday cheer, from sending a handwritten note or card, to surprising someone with the perfect gift, to preparing special treats or pitching in with a little extra help for your barn mates. We’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for this season, including shoppable must-haves for horses and humans, barn-friendly books, and acts of giving that cost only time.

THE GO-TO BACKPACK With all the features you know and love from Fairfax & Favor’s iconic Windsor handbag, the Windsor backpack keeps things casual without skimping on style. And it fits up to a 14” laptop. It’s perfect paired with an oversized tee and mom jeans for days on the go—or dress it up with your favorite Fairfax & Favor ankle boots and a floaty floral dress. Individually handmade with a 12-month warranty. $485. fairfaxandfavor.com

THE PERFECT

TOUCH Roeck-Grip® is Roeckl’s exclusive performance textile— supple, flexible, and breathable for maximum tactility and grip on the reins. The Roeck-Grip® glove fits like a second skin, giving the rider a superior close-contact feel. All this, and they’re machine washable, too. $60. toklat.com

LAP OF LUXURY Show your pets some love this holiday season with the eco-friendly Black Buffalo Check Ortho Lounger. It’s truly a luxury bed, filled with chipped memory foam on the bottom and eco-polyfill along the back and sidewalls. And it’s easy on pet parents, too: the hardy cover is durable and machine washable. $130-$160. harrybarker.com

Need a little inspiration for your gift list this year? Our holiday elves offer their ideas for both the equine and the human athletes in your life, from tasty treats to swanky saddlery.

THE PET JUMP Add a new dimension to almost any jump with Dalman Jump Co.’ s pet jump filler, fully customizable to fit a horse’s schooling needs while also honoring a favorite pet or barn mascot. The extra dash of personality adds a pet’s spirit of fun and makes a jump as much a conversation piece as an obstacle. $450 per jump. DalmanJumpCo.com

IN THE FRAME Film high-quality videos by yourself, without leaving the saddle? Yes, you can with PIXIO and PIXEM auto-follow robots. Film lessons, shows, competitions, horses for sale, and more. Place your camera, smartphone, or tablet on the robot and let the automatic tracking, zoom, and recording features do the rest. And the livestreaming option is perfect for coaching from a distance, too. Starts at $899. shop.movensee.com

HEALTHFUL HAY Hay that’s full of nutrients and virtually free of respirable irritants and allergens is a great gift for you horse. Haygain high-temperature steaming is the only method proven to significantly reduce dust, mold, bacteria, and other allergens commonly found even in hay of good nutritional content—and it does so without leaching those nutrients out of your horse’s forage. Prices start at $1,099. haygain.us

A TASTY REWARD

All-natural, bite-sized GumBits pieces are the perfect blend of treat and training tool. Intended for use with or without a bridle, GumBits naturally promotes chewing activity, activates salivation, and eliminates teeth-grinding. Dubbed “chewing gum for horses,” Gumbits are used by a selection of the world’s top competitors. $40. gumbits.com

MATCHED SET Equifit’s custom ear bonnet and D-Teq™ front boots let an equestrian express their style and individuality. With more than 30 swatch color options, the possibilities are endless. Custom ear bonnet starts at $196. Custom D-Teq front boots start at $424. equifit.net

FOR THE HUNTER The Caterina English bridle offers the modern, wide noseband style that is popular in the hunter and equitation rings with the old-world craftsmanship for which Nunn Finer is known. Made of exquisite Italian leather, this hunter bridle has stainless steel hardware and hook stud closures. The browband and noseband are both non-padded and accented with fancy stitching. Made with the traditional hunter crown that allows for a nameplate. Fancy-stitched laced reins are included. Available in cob, horse, and oversize. $386. nunnfiner.com

STRESS-FREE STIRRUPS

The Royal Rider Evo 80° stirrup’s beautifully simple design belies its high-performance technical specifications that never stop working to provide maximum safety, sensitivity, and stability—without sacrificing comfort. The Evo 80° offers shock absorption through a progressive suspension system in the upper part of the stirrup attachment which adjusts to the weight in the rider’s foot. The stirrup-leather slot is rotated 80° for added comfort and reduced joint stress, too. Available with both aluminum pads and stainless-steel pads. $165. toklat.com

IT’S A KEEPER Keep it all together with the Weekends Are for Horse Shows tote by Stylish Equestrian, the ultimate carry-all for surviving a competition weekend. The exterior says it all, but there’s more to love about this bag. Made in the U.S.A., it’s constructed from durable canvas with leather handles and two interior pockets. And the pockets just happen to be the perfect size for a celebratory bottle of Champagne! $108. stylishequestrian.com

SAFETY + STYLE The Luna helmet from Charles Owen has been designed for everyday riding and complements the performance Halo riding helmet. Luna features a unique 360° ventilation system under the ring and three international safety standards (including PAS015) with a wide-peak option to improve vision in any weather. $299. charlesowen.com

FLASH OF BRILLIANCE

The stunning N2 Cardhu model from N2 Saddlery isn’t just a technical triumph. It’s an elegant statement piece, too. Designed with a black Memel skirt and flap accented with understated brass patent piping, a dark chocolate brown patent front, and rear-facing flap. The seat is roughed out in Sangria for added grip. All topped off with a chocolate brown/Havana calf inlay over the cantle and beautifully accented with sparkling gold galaxy Swarovski crystal cantle and inlay. Starting at just under $6,000. N2Saddlery.com

WRAPPED IN LOVE Surround those littlest equestrians with the warmth they need, with a nod to the charms of farm life. Little Unicorn’s Farmyard baby quilt. Made from multilayered 100% cotton muslin, it’s just as durable as it is cozy, soft, and breathable. Printed on both sides with signature artwork that adds a pretty touch to any nursery. $40. littleunicorn.com

ROBUST PROTECTION Horseware® Ireland is synonymous with innovation, and now their Rhino® HexStop introduces a brand new 1000D Ripstop Polypropylene outer fabric. This new hexagonal ripstop weave is durable, robust, and 30% stronger than standard polypropylene. That, plus the other technologies Rhino blankets are famous for, put this blanket at the top of your horse’s shopping list. $340 horseware.com

The Hunter Trunk, one of Flexi Equine’s most recent offerings, has a smaller profile that fits well in your show set-up no matter where your equestrian travels take you. And it still features the same functionality and must-have components equestrians expect from Flexi Equine, like lights, power, mirror, and a hanging rail. Completely customizable with your color, logos, and flags, the Hunter Trunk is beautiful, brandfriendly, and unbeatable for organization at home and on the road. Prices start at $3,954. flexiequinetack.com

GIFT BOX

HORSEY HOLIDAYS Cards are always in fashion! This year, celebrate the season with Horseshoe Greetings, the premier provider of equine and pet greeting cards. Their broad holiday line covers every horse-lover in your life and also includes adorable pet-themed and customizable photo cards. A portion of every purchase supports US Equestrian, so giving these cards also gives back to the sport you love. $1.60 per card/envelope. horseshoegreetings.com

ABSOLUTELY IDEAL Cherished among those who revel in their outdoor hours, the Ideal down jacket from Ariat has earned its fame for its multitude of uses and reliable warmth. An eye-catching quilt styling is combined with ethically sourced down insulation that stands up to the elements so you can do what you love to do, whatever the weather. $140. ariat.com

THE GIFT OF COMFORT

Finally, a sports bra for equestrians. SHEFIT’s Ultimate Sports Bra keeps bounce and side-to-side motion under control like no other. With Zip. Cinch. Lift.® adjustability, its completely customizable fit embraces all shapes and sizes. From the saddle to the stable, the Ultimate Sports Bra is the gift of comfort for all equestrian activities. $75 shefit.com/ride

COZY CENTRAL The Stetson horse motif knit wool-blend cardigan is the perfect sweater to ward off winter’s chill. Features include an adjustable waist tie, dual side pockets, and horsehead details. Pairs perfectly with morning frost, a cup of hot chocolate, and quick visits to the barn to feed the ponies their treats. $119. bootbarn.com

There are many ways to share joy and gifts this holiday season (and all year!), and they don’t all require shopping. Volunteering your time, skill, and companionship or simply making a donation of cash, goods, or services can provide the most meaningful gift of all. Here are some of our favorite suggestions.

GIVE YOUR TIME.

Local charities and non-profits like horse rescues often need volunteers. If you can muck a stall, spend a morning grooming horses, or volunteer your professional skills to help with accounting, marketing, or administration, give your favorite local program a call and offer your help. Don’t forget your local lesson barn, too: many are short-staffed over the holidays and might welcome some help with feeding, watering, and other barn chores. There are other potential ways you can help, too, from pitching in on your barn’s social media, to volunteering at shows and other events, to serving as a jump-setter during lessons. Are you a medical professional? Consider conducting a free first-aid clinic. Love to craft? Your local lesson barn might like a scrapbook celebrating their community of equestrians.

SPONSOR A MEAL—OR COOK ONE YOURSELF.

If you enjoy cooking or baking, why not share that joy with the staff at your barn or a local horse-related organization? Or team up with other boarders, clients, or students for a potluck to show your appreciation for the people who keep your barn running and the community they’ve helped build.

If cooking isn’t your thing, consider sponsoring a meal instead, whether it’s an informal pizza party or a catered affair.

SPONSOR A HORSE OR PONY.

During 2020’s pandemic-related lockdowns, the Joint Leadership Council came up with this idea to help lesson

barns, and it’s a wonderful, timeless way to give back for the holidays, too. The JLC—which includes representatives from the American Hackney Horse Society, American Morgan Horse Association, American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, and United Professional Horsemen’s Association— suggests making a contribution to your favorite hardworking lesson horse or pony’s feed, care, or supplies for a day, a week, a month, or even a year.

DONATE TO HELP HORSES AND EQUESTRIANS.

Visit usef.org/donate to explore how you can aid horses in need, help grow the equestrian community, and more. US Equestrian’s many programs include

• the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund, which helps ensure the safety and well-being of horses during trying times, such as natural disasters;

• the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund, which has joined with the Fédération Équestre Internationale to provide support—including equine medicines—for the equestrian community and horses in Ukraine; and

• the USEF Opportunity Fund. A grant-making resource dedicated to supporting grassroots organizations with a mission to increase access to horses, horse sports, and equinebased learning opportunities among underrepresented and/or underserved communities.

GIVE SUPPLIES.

Those extra lead ropes, halters, blankets, and buckets you no longer use might be just what your local equine charity needs. Upgrading your home office equipment? A lesson barn, therapeutic riding program, or horse rescue might welcome that old computer or printer. And your old show attire could be just perfect for another equestrian who could use it to make their competition debut.

ROCKET: THE MINIATURE MORGAN HORSE by

Ellen F. Reid | Willow Bend Publishing

The first book in a new chapter-book series for readers aged seven and eight. This first book follows Rocket, a newborn pony foal, and his young owner, Sara, as they learn about life and go on many adventures together. willowbendpublishing.com

THE KID’S GUIDE TO HORSEMANSHIP AND GROOMING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CARE FOR HORSES WHILE STAYING SAFE AND HAVING FUN

by Cat Hill and Emma Ford | Trafalgar Square Books

Pro grooms and respected authors Cat Hill and Emma Ford have kid-sized their knowledge and experience to introduce a new generation to safe, proper care of horses and ponies—while having a lot of fun. Packed with illustrations, this book is one your favorite lesson-kid will devour and learn from, giving them a great foundation for horsemanship. horseandriderbooks.com

RIDERS OF A CERTAIN AGE YOUR GUIDE FOR LOVING HORSES MIDLIFE AND BEYOND by

Fran Severn | Trafalgar Square Books

Are you a woman at midlife or beyond who is discovering (or re-discovering!) a love of horses?

Surveys show that riders over the age of 40 are the fastest-growing segment of the equestrian world, with those age 65 and up seeing the biggest increase—so come join in! This empowering book offers advice and lessons for adding horses to your life, whether you’re riding, driving, or simply wanting to enjoy their presence. Covers topics including fitness, finances, and confidence, as well as physical issues, rules for leasing, buying, or boarding a horse, and much more. horseandriderbooks.com

PHOTOS: SHELLEY PAULSON PHOTOGRAPHY

ULTIMATE EXERCISE ROUTINES FOR RIDERS FITNESS THAT FITS A HORSE-CRAZY LIFESTYLE

by Laura Crump Anderson | Trafalgar Square Books

If “get fitter” is your New Year’s resolution, this book designed for busy equestrians can help. Written by a lifelong equestrian, it tackles scheduling challenges and helps readers creatively incorporate their fitness routine into their time at the barn. Includes eight original fitness routines and two stretching routines, as well as guidelines to keep you safe during stretching, cardio, and weight-training. horseandriderbooks.com

THE RIDING HORSE REPAIR MANUAL NOT THE HORSE YOU WANT? CREATE HIM FROM WHAT YOU HAVE

by Doug Payne | Trafalgar Square Books

Bucking, rearing, teeth-grinding, and refusing jumps, and other behaviors can be signs that a horse is in discomfort or is unhappy. But many times the root cause relates to poor training or riding. Olympic eventing athlete Doug Payne helps readers find a path forward with horses who exhibit common misbehaviors or issues, from contact problems to unruly outbursts. Payne offers his tips both for identifying the source of the trouble, whether it’s a physical issue or an educational shortcoming, and he provides his step-by-step techniques for safely addressing them. horseandriderbooks com

MILO’S EYES

by Lissa Bachner | Behler Publications

When amateur jumping competitor Lissa Bachner began to lose her vision due to uveitis, she drew comfort from her horse, Milo, whom she had rescued from neglect. And, despite her severe vision impairment, Bachner and Milo went on to compete successfully in jumping. Thanks to her “seeing eye horse,” Bachner didn’t only clear oxers and verticals in the show ring. With Milo, she also navigated life challenges. This book follows their journey together. barnesandnoble.com

THE ULTIMATE ENGLISH/SPANISH DICTIONARY FOR HORSEMEN

by

Maria Belknap | Trafalgar Square Books

Written specifically to facilitate conversation between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking equestrians, this book covers equine-specific terms. It includes more than 10,000 typically grouped word and phrase entries commonly used in the horse industry, regional variations, and a pronunciation guide. horseandriderbooks.com

PENELOPE RIDES AGAIN

THE

100TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

by Norman Thelwell | Trafalgar Square Books

A beloved Thelwell classic returns to print in this special 100th anniversary edition published to celebrate Thelwell’s centenary. Penelope and her naughty pony, Kipper, gallop, buck, and leap across the pages in Thelwell’s charming—and hilarious—cartoons. The joy of Thelwell ponies and their tiny, fearless riders is eternal and universal, making this a super read for kids and adults alike. horseandriderbooks com

LAND OF THE HORSES

A TRUE STORY OF A LOST SOUL AND A LIFE FOUND by Chris Lombard | Trafalgar Square Books

This moving memoir follows Lombard as he leaves heartbreak in Maine to seek healing out west in the company of horses. It takes you from the mountains of Colorado to the Hollywood Hills of California and on to Arizona as Lombard learns from the horses he encounters—and discovers new meanings for such words as presence, connection, softness, and balance. horseandriderbooks com

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO WESTERN DRESSAGE

12 LESSONS TO TAKE YOU FROM THE BASICS TO YOUR FIRST SHOW

by Lynn Palm | Trafalgar Square Books

Curious about Western dressage? This book provides your introduction to the sport, which combines classical dressage and the spirit of the West. Penned by equestrian Lynn Palm, winner of numerous World Championships, it includes tips on improving a horse’s responsiveness and your own balance, plus advice on riding before a judge. And it offers step-by-step exercises to get the newcomer through that first Western dressage test. horseandriderbooks com

STALLION SECTION

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.

BARBARA BANCROFT of Allison Park, Pa., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Chagrin Valley Farms Horse Show held on April 28-May 1, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse TEA TIME! TILLY after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine. 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 BARBARA BANCROFT be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by TEA TIME! TILLY at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

ELIZABETH CONYERS of Aiken, S.C., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with Carolina Classic Horse Show held on February 18-20, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse COBALT DE LA POMME Z after it had been administered and/or contained in its body flunixin in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level which was administered intravenously within 12 hours prior to competing.

For these violations it was determined that ELIZABETH CONYERS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,250 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for these violations of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by COBALT DE LA POMME Z at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

FULL GALLOP FARM ENTERPRISES, INC. , of Aiken, S.C., violated Chapter 8, GR847.2, of this Federation in connection with the Full Gallop Farm March I Horse Trials held March 12-13, 2022, in that as Competition Management, they did not have a contracted ambulatory service on call as is required by the Rules. The competition relied on the 911 EMS system for accidents requiring ambulatory transport to a hospital.

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Full Gallop Farm Enterprises, Inc., In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined that the following penalty was appropriate.

For this violation of the Rules it was determined that FULL GALLOP FARM ENTERPRISES, INC., be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $500, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j.

LISA DURBROW of Novato, Calif., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with Desert Circuit II Horse Show held on January 26-30, 2022, in that she, trainer, exhibited the horse FRODOSI after it had been administered and/or contained in its body 4-Hydroxyxylazine.

For this violation it was determined that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1b and GR703.1f, LISA DURBROW be found not in good standing, suspended from membership, and forbidden from the privilege of taking any part whatsoever in any Licensed Competition for two months and is excluded from all competition grounds during Licensed Competitions for that period: (1) 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.

The two-month suspension shall commence on December 1, 2022, and terminate at midnight on January 31, 2023. 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.

LISA DURBROW was also fined $2,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j, and all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by FRODOSI at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

JOANNA HAGEN of Hillsboro, Va., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Lexington Spring Premiere Horse Show held on April 27-May 1, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse JENUINE LEGACY MF after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine. 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 JOANNA HAGEN be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies,

prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by JENUINE LEGACY MF at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

NATALIE HAMILTONHINNEMANN of Murrieta, Calif., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Desert Dressage 2 held on November 18-21, 2021, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse COPA CABANA MRF after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine and hydroxyzine. 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 NATALIE HAMILTON-HINNEMANN be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by COPA CABANA MRF at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

NICK HANESS of Temecula, Calif., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with Temecula Valley National Premier II Horse Show held on April 27-May 1, 2022, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse ON A ROLL after it had been administered and/or contained in its body flunixin in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this second offense Category I violation it was determined that NICK HANESS be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,500 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of

the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by ON A ROLL at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

JOSE JARAMILLO of North Fort Myers, Fla., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Paso Fino Grand National Championship Horse Show held on September 20-25, 2021, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse TORMENTA DE LUNA after it had been administered and/or contained in its body dexamethasone in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this violation it was determined that JOSE JARAMILLO be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,250 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. This fine was enhanced due to the level of dexamethasone detected. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by TORMENTA DE LUNA at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

LAUREN KISSEL of Canton, Ga., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Aiken Spring Classic Masters Horse Show held on April 20-24, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse WICKLYNS PRINCESS FIONA after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level, and guaifenesin.

For this violation it was determined that LAUREN KISSEL be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by WICKLYNS PRINCESS FIONA at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

KELLY KOCHER of Tryon, N.C., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the WEF 4 Horse Show held on February 1-6, 2022, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse AHRON EP after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level, and guaifenesin.

For this violation it was determined that KELLY KOCHER be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It

was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by AHRON EP at said com petition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

SANTIAGO LAMBRE of Wel lington, Fla., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in con nection with the Holiday Festival III Horse Show held on December 20-23, 2021, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse COMTESS 202 after it had been adminis tered and/or contained in its body diclofenac in a plasma concen tration exceeding the maximum permitted level, and phenylbuta zone in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permit ted level.

For this violation it was deter mined that SANTIAGO LAMBRE be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,250 (the fine was enhanced due to level of diclofenac detected and for the presence of two NSAIDs) pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k. It was fur ther directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by COMTESS 202 at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1h.

LINDSAY MAXWELL of Los Angeles, Calif., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Desert Circuit II Horse Show held on January 26-30, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse SOVEREIGN after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level, and guaifenesin.

For this violation it was determined that LINDSAY MAXWELL be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by SOVEREIGN at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

BRITT MCCORMICK of Allen, Texas, violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show held on March 30-April 3, 2022, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse UP NEXT after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level, and guaifenesin.

For this violation it was determined that BRITT MCCORMICK

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be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by UP NEXT at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

RANDE MELLEN of Gates Mills, Ohio, violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Chagrin Valley Farms Horse Show held on April 28-May 1, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse SIR PHILIP after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level, and guaifenesin.

For this violation it was determined that RANDE MELLEN be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by SIR PHILIP at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

BEN MERRITT of Citra, Fla., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Gulf Coast Mid-Winter Horse Show held on March 2-6, 2022, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse FE SMOKEY WATER FBW after it had been administered and/or contained in its body dexamethasone in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this violation it was determined that BEN MERRITT be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by FE SMOKEY WATER FBW at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

HEATHER MILES of Santa Fe, N.M., violated Chapter 4, GR410-411, of this Federation in connection with the Welcome Back to White Fences II held on February 25-27, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse RE’GINA after it had been administered and/or contained in its body cetirizine. 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 HEATHER MILES be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1,a and fined $1,000

pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by RE’GINA at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

KRISTEN NELSON of Madison Heights, Va., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Lexington Spring Premiere Horse Show held on April 27-May 1, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse TUDOR AMULET after it had been administered and/or contained in its body dexamethasone in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this violation it was determined that KRISTEN NELSON be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by TUDOR AMULET at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

JENNIFER NUNES , of Camarillo, Calif., violated Chapter 7, GR702.1d, of this Federation in that on or about April 6, 2022, Ms. Nunes, in her capacity as a Federation Competition Organizer, Licensee, and Manager admittedly altered a previously issued Equisure certificate of insurance, by changing the dates on the certificate to reflect the dates licensed by USEF for the Spring Dressage Horse Show, which was scheduled to be held April 9-10, 2022. The altered document was submitted to USEF as proof of insurance as required by USEF GR303.6.

The Federation resolved this matter through an informal resolution with Ms. Nunes following an investigation, with which Ms. Nunes fully cooperated with the Federation, including participating in an interview whereby she took full responsibility for her actions. In determining the proper penalty, the Federation took into account the seriousness of the violation and determined that the following penalties were appropriate.

For her violation of the Rules it was determined that JENNIFER NUNES be fined in the amount of $2,000, pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1.k.

It was further directed that pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1.i, JENNIFER NUNES shall be suspended and denied all privileges as it relates to participating or acting in any official capacity at Licensed competitions beginning April 7, 2022. For purposes of this ruling, official capacity is defined as serving or acting in the role of

Director, Officer, Chairman of the Show Committee, Licensee, Management, Manager, Secretary, or Licensed Official, whether or not licensed by the Federation.

The Hearing Committee retains jurisdiction and no sooner than three years from April 7, 2022, and when the aforementioned fine is paid in full, may Ms. Nunes apply to the Federation for reinstatement based upon affirmative proof of total rehabilitation, including proof that she has truly accepted responsibility for her actions and has taken steps to reform herself. Upon such application for reinstatement, the Hearing Committee shall consider her proof of rehabilitation and shall also consider, among other things: (i) the seriousness of her actions; (ii) the specific privileges and duties necessarily related to reinstatement into any official capacity role related to Federation-licensed competitions; (iii) the time elapsed since the occurrence of the violation; and (iv) her age when she committed the violation.

As a further condition to seeking reinstatement, Ms. Nunes must take the then current USEF Competition Manager Education online course. Proof of completion shall be submitted with her petition for reinstatement.

PETER PATCH of Islip, N.Y., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with Old Salem Farm Horse Show held on January 8, 2022, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse PERSPECTIVE after it had been administered and/or contained in its body flunixin in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this violation it was determined that PETER PATCH be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by PERSPECTIVE at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

SARAH SHAROU of Thousand Oaks, Calif., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation in connection with the Desert Circuit II Horse Show held on January 26-30, 2022, in that she, as trainer, exhibited the horse SOVEREIGN after it had been administered and/or contained in its body methocarbamol in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level, and guaifenesin.

For this violation it was determined that SARAH SHAROU be censured pursuant to Chapter 7,

GR703.1a, and fined $750 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by SOVEREIGN at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

MARCEL VAN DER BURGH of Loxahatchee, Fla., violated Chapter 4, GR410, of this Federation, in connection with the Welcome Back to White Fences II Horse Show held on February 25-27, 2022, in that he, as trainer, exhibited the horse EFEBO DE AIMARAN after it had been administered and/or contained in its body dexamethasone in a plasma concentration exceeding the maximum permitted level.

For this violation it was determined that MARCEL VAN DER BURGH be censured pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1a, and fined $1,250 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1j. This fine was enhanced due to the level of dexamethasone detected. It was further directed that for this violation of the rules, all trophies, prizes, ribbons, and monies, if any, won by EFEBO DE AIMARAN at said competition must be redistributed pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1g.

KATHLEEN WHALEY of Paris, Ky., violated the USEF Code of Conduct during the Katydid CDE driving event at Tryon International Equestrian Center held April 20-24, 2022, in North Carolina when she conducted herself in a manner which falls short of the expectations of the USEF Code of Conduct and may be detrimental to the image of the sport. Specifically, in poor taste she presented a “joke” award to participants with the intention of causing embarrassment or being careless as to whether it caused embarrassment or humiliation to them or other participants present at the social gathering.

The Federation entered into an informal resolution with Ms. Whaley to resolve this matter outside of a hearing. Ms. Whaley cooperated with the Federation throughout the proceeding. The Federation determined that the following penalty was appropriate.

For this violation KATHLEEN WHALEY shall be fined $1,000 pursuant to Chapter 7, GR703.1k.

Background by Pieter Estersohn from his book, Kentucky: Historic Houses and Horse Farms. Summer 2014 issue.

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