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

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Team Owner Profile: Heidi Humphries – A Love of Horses Defines Philosophy and Inspiration at Zen Elite Equestrian Center

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 12, 2026

For Heidi Humphries of Zen Elite Equestrian Center, the driving motivation behind her involvement across the equestrian disciplines is her deep and unrelenting love of horses. At her core, it’s who she is, and what she’s built at Zen Elite is a direct reflection of her philosophy and passion. “I wanted to build a place where the horses always come first, and where the people surrounding the horses felt supported, appreciated, and inspired,” said Humphries, as she

How Does the Discipline of Vaulting Work?

by Raelyn Baker/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 12, 2026

As the 2026 FEI Vaulting World Championships get underway in Aachen, Germany this week, the discipline of vaulting will take center stage during week one of the championships, from August 13 to August 16. How does vaulting work? Read more below and tune in to cheer on the U.S. Vaulting Team this week in Germany! Often referred to as gymnastics on horseback, vaulting is one of the oldest known forms of equestrian sport. Originally performed on bulls, this ancient sport can be dated back to

The Power of Patience: Ashley Holzer and Hawtins San Floriana’s Journey to True Partnership

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 11, 2026

When Ashley Holzer got the call about a “must have” championship quality mare from her good friend and mentor Carl Hester, she knew to trust his instinct, even if she may not have been quite as sure herself. On a rainy November day in the U.K., Holzer drove to Hester’s yard to see for herself the horse “meant for her.” ©ShannonBrinkmanPhotography Hawtins San Floriana , also known as “Flo,” immediately impressed with her power and presence, with

“She’s a Determined Lady Who Knows Exactly What She Wants”

by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 11, 2026

When fans attend the world’s premier eventing competitions, there are certain combinations they make a point not to miss. Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 have quickly become one of them, emerging as a combination with tremendous potential for the future. Now, the duo is set to represent the United States at the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships , August 13-16, 2026, hosted in Aachen, Germany. Smith and Lillet 3, a 2016 Holsteiner mare (SIEC Livello x Calido I) owned by Molly and Jennifer

For the Horse: How USEF Handles Welfare Complaints Outside Our Jurisdiction

by Natalie Voss | August 10, 2026

Since the expansion of US Equestrian’s General Rule 838 on unethical treatment of horses, we’ve seen an influx of reports submitted to our Regulations Department about welfare concerns. In December 2024, this rule was expanded to give USEF jurisdiction over Participants and Covered Horses, even off licensed competition grounds. (You can read more about that change here .) Last year, the Regulations Department processed 127 horse welfare complaints, 40% of which were about

Kelley Holly Wants Everyone to Find a Place in the Equestrian Community

by Kimberly Loushin | August 10, 2026

There are few people who have an equestrian resume quite as varied as Kelley Holly. From English, western, and saddle seat to eventing, dressage, vaulting, and driving, she’s said yes to every opportunity to come her way. “I've never given up on something, I just keep adding on things that interest me, or I see as a benefit,” said Holly. Photo courtesy of Kelley Holly As someone with a deep love of learning, her desire to educate herself has influenced everything in her

Grace Livingston and her Childhood Pony

by Raelyn Baker/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 10, 2026

When Grace Livingston tried a four-year-old pony named Shadey Hills Golden Cloud when she was 13, she didn't expect to see herself competing against some of the best pony-and-rider combinations in the U.S. four years later at the 2026 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall+Sterling. “We didn't know anything about him,” Livingston said of her 2018 Connemara gelding (Windy Isles Get Smart x The Contessa). “I was not at the level where I should have been riding

The Spotted Eventer Turned Hunter and Equitation Pony

by Raelyn Baker/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 7, 2026

It takes a certain type of pony to help regain lost confidence, and for Nora Petrey, Mr. Freckles did just that. This former eventing pony brought his little girl from the cross rails all the way to the Regular Pony division in less than a year. The pair is now attending the 2026 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall+Sterling for the first time in the Medium Green Pony Hunter division. Owned by Fox Ridge Farm, the 2009 Pony of the Americas gelding (Plaudits Snowman TE x Special N Often) once

Meet Shooting Star II: A Mare Whose Team of Sisters Have a Passion for Fjords

by Danielle Henson/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 5, 2026

Six years ago, Clara and Annika Beck from Tionesta, Pa., weren’t shopping for a show pony. In fact, they were hoping to avoid noticing one, especially while life at home was anything but easy. Their story begins the day an unexpected need brought a Fjord into their world. “It’s not like we were looking for a project,” Annika said. Annika and Pancake competing at the 2026 USEF/World Wide Technology Pony Jumper National Championships (©US Equestrian) The pony, now

How Does It Work - The 2026 USEF/World Wide Technology Pony Jumper National Championships supported by the Youth Show Jumping Foundation

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 4, 2026

The expanded 2026 World Wide Technology/USEF Pony Jumper National Championships supported by Youth Show Jumping Foundation, opens the door for young jumping athletes and their ponies to take on the challenge of a championship format. With newly revised eligibility guidelines making the championship more accessible, entries have skyrocketed. Last year’s championship saw a total of 141 combinations vie for the championship, while this year’s event will showcase more than 233 entries

Juliana Sardelli and Cupid Take Center Stage

by Raelyn Baker/US Equestrian Communication Dept. | August 1, 2026

Taking center stage the moment they enter the sandbox is Juliana Sardelli and her own black and white pinto pony, Cupid. Known for his goofy personality and love for food, this 2017 Gypsy Cross gelding (Lazarus of Feathered Gold x Turning Point Sateen) is one everyone falls in love with, including his pasture mates. “He has an incredible personality and can help you do pretty much anything you set your mind to. He is so sweet and cuddly, and I love how willing he is,” said Sardelli.

Olivia Martz Carries on Her Mother’s Legacy Down Centerline

by Raelyn Baker/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | August 1, 2026

The FEI North American Youth Dressage Championships, presented by USDF, is considered one of the most exciting weeks of the year for many young athletes, but for Region 6 Young Rider Olivia Martz, it has also become a week of remembrance and celebration for a different reason. Olivia and Rihanna at the 2025 NAYC (Photo courtesy of the Martz family) Born into a horsey family, Martz was surrounded by horses the moment she opened her eyes, and she learned to walk at NAYC while her mother was