Two important conversations have hit the airwaves recently, both of which were hosted by Horse Person’s Caroline Culbertson. First up, Caroline Howe, author of an opinion piece on The Chronicle of the Horse, came on the show to discuss the responsibility (and failings) of governing bodies to enforce horse welfare and abuse guidelines. In response, US Equestrian’s COO and General Counsel, Sonja Keating, joined the next episode to offer the federation’s take on handling these cases. It’s fascinating and rare conversation, and both episodes can be found on your favorite podcast platform or here.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Stable View Summer H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountryApp Course Previews]
Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountryApp Course Previews]
Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (IL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Round Top H.T. (CO): [Omnibus] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Valinor Farm H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Major International Events
Strzegom CCI4*-L/S (Poland) *FEI Nations Cup Event*: [Website] [Schedule/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]
News & Reading
On this Juneteenth, let’s all remember to honor the spirit of Maya Angelou — the USEA penned a great piece on this that you can read here.
Several new modifications to rules are currently on the table out of the FEI’s Board Meeting in Switzerland this month, including new provisions about using substances or materials that create the appearance of foam in the mouth. Another rule change proposal centers around the rule that obligates riders to use a double bridle at the CDI3* level or above in pure dressage. Advocates are pushing for a change that would allow riders to opt for a single snaffle bit if they felt it was better for their horse. This follows on the heels of a rule change that removed the compulsory factor from spurs being used in dressage. For now, the FEI seems intent on keeping the compulsory double rule in place, but more pushback is anticipated as the social license and horse welfare conversation continues to grow. You can read more about the double bridle discussion here, and you can see the full outcomes from the FEI Board Meeting here.
Breed bias busted? A new study analyzing all CCI5*-L results from 2014 to 2024 takes a deep dive into how Thoroughbreds stack up against their warmblood counterparts at the sport’s top level—and the findings may surprise you. While Thoroughbreds tended to score lower marks in dressage and had more show jumping penalties, they outperformed other breeds on cross country and were just as likely to complete the event overall. In fact, no breed advantage was found when it came to total penalties at the end of the weekend. In short? Your next five-star prospect doesn’t need a designer label—Thoroughbreds are still very much in the game. Read more and dive into the study’s findings here.
USEA’s EA21 athletes are currently partaking in Regional Clinics with ECP coaches to hone their skills and take advantage of this growing pipeline for American eventing talent. Biomechanics, engagement, suppleness and other concepts are the focal point of the week so far, and you can catch up on all coverage from around the country here.
Sponsor Corner: Virginia Horse Center Foundation
Keep that momentum going all summer with ample schooling opportunities at the beautiful Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA! Coming up in August, there will be an open schooling day and unrecognized event to partake in, and you can enter both options on Event Entries now.
🗓️ Saturday, August 23: $75 Schooling Day – Ride all 3 phases (Dressage, SJ, XC) with no assigned SJ times and plenty of flexibility for groups.
🗓️ Sunday, August 24: Unrecognized Horse Trial, Combined Test, or Dressage Test of Choice – a relaxed, rider-friendly way to gain experience.
Video Break
Show jumping legend Anne Kursinski stopped by the Dear Horse World podcast recently. Tune in for the full episode below:
