Please join us in congratulating Liz Halliday, who was honored at the USEF Annual Meeting yesterday with the awarding of the International Equestrian of the Year honor. Liz joined an esteemed group of nominees for this year’s award, taking home the honor for, among many other accomplishments, her contributions to the U.S. Eventing Team in Paris. Liz has shown us just how determined and resilient she is throughout her ongoing recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a cross country fall at AECs in August, and we continue to send her love and strength as she continues to fight her way back.
#KeepFightingLiz!
U.S Weekend Preview
Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
US Equestrian is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 licensed official development grant application. The grants, first awarded in 2022, were designed to aid equestrians who desire to become a licensed official in addition to current licensed officials who wish to advance their knowledge and license level. Grants are intended to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. FEI officials to complete application requirements such as traveling to apprentice at a competition or attend a licensed official clinic. Read more on the application process and requirements here.
A recent study in the Equine Veterinary Journal highlights that 76% of surveyed equine veterinarians have faced bias based on gender, appearance, age, or disability. Gender bias was the most prevalent, with many female vets reporting that clients preferred male practitioners. This discrimination exacerbates existing challenges in the profession, such as lower compensation compared to small animal practice and difficulties in maintaining work-life balance due to demanding emergency duties. These factors contribute to the ongoing shortage of equine veterinarians. Read more of this in-depth dive on Paulick Report here.
One of the biggest hurdles equestrian sports face is attracting attendees to their events, in particular attendees who are not directly involved in the sport already. Maryland 5 Star President and CEO Jeff Newman feels sports betting is one way eventing can draw new crowds that can support the sport in the U.S. Read a recap of his remarks given at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention last month here.
It has been two weeks since the devastating fires in Los Angeles began wreaking their path of havoc, to date destroying 12,000 homes and businesses, scorching nearly 40,000 acres, and claiming at least 27 lives. For many who lost everything, the path forward remains unclear, even as the smoke starts to abate and officials begin to allow some residents back into evacuated neighborhoods. Read the story of one program facing uncertainty here.
We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
Recap a great weekend of eventing to kick off the Aiken season at Stable View last weekend! Visit the Stable View calendar here to plan your next trip.
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Get some packing tips from the USEA Grooms Association:
