The April edition of US Equestrian News contains a link to recommendations relating to new USEF safety stirrup rules.
The article notes USEF GR801.6 and provides information regarding which stirrups will be permissible and which will cease to be usable in competitions starting on December 1, 2026. That article can be found at https://www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/stirrup-resource-page?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20Insider%20-02.23.26%20(1)&utm_content=&utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Sport%20News%20-%20April%20Affiliate%20Newsletter%20(1)&utm_content= We recommend that all readers refer to that link for this important safety information.
FROM THE FARRIER: SPRING EVENTING—STUDS, MUD, & PREVENTING SHOE LOSS—by Jeff Mangone🇺🇸
A Farrier’s Guide to Cross-Country Traction and Hoof Health Spring is one of the most exciting times of year for event riders. Horses are coming back into work, conditioning programs are ramping up, and cross-country season is just beginning. However, from a hoof-care standpoint, spring also presents some of the most challenging conditions we see all […]
THE SECOND BASIC OF HORSE TRAINING—SCHOOL FIGURES🇿🇦
There are many references that teach how to ride a specific exercise, and these methods can vary from reference to reference, day to day or trainer to trainer but if the rider does not comprehend what the exercise requires, they cannot hope to execute it correctly. If it is not executed properly, it will be […]
SO, WHAT IS WESTERN DRESSAGE? …ANSWERS FROM AN “R” JUDGE🇺🇸
The Western Dressage Association of America (aka: WDAA) is one of the fastest growing associations in USEF. Western dressage effortlessly blends western traditions with classical dressage principles. Western dressage in WDAA is a progressive system of training based on classical dressage principles with many traditional western elements. WDAA uses a training wheel which outlines that the […]
FITTING THE DRESSAGE SADDLE—DEBUNKING THE 8 COMMON MYTHS OF SADDLE FITTING METHODS🇩🇪/🇨🇦
Fitting the Dressage Saddle: yes, I’m warning you—these are controversial! —Jochen Schleese, CMS, CSE, CSFT Over the last couple of years there have been numerous new ‘saddle fitting’ forums which have appeared online in an effort to address some of the challenges many riders face in ensuring their saddles fit—both themselves and their horses. While […]
FEED FOR PERFORMANCE: WHY FORAGE IS CRITICAL FOR SUPPORTING & PREVENTING GASTRIC ULCERS IN DRESSAGE HORSES🇭🇺
An equine nutritionist’s perspective for competition riders In today’s competitive dressage world, marginal gains matter. Riders leave no stone unturned when it comes to improving performance – from saddle fitting and physiotherapy to carefully planned training programs. Yet one of the most powerful tools for supporting health and performance is often overlooked: making sure your […]
ARENA CONSTRUCTION—PART III: THE HIDDEN FOUNDATION: WHY SUB-BASE CONSTRUCTION DETERMINES ARENA PERFORMANCE 🇺🇸
When riders discuss arena surfaces, the conversation almost always begins with the footing. Sand types, fiber blends, wax coatings, and moisture management dominate most discussions. Yet beneath every great riding surface lies an equally important component that receives far less attention: the sub-base. The sub-base is the structural foundation of the arena. If it is […]
A PERSPECTIVE FROM ISRAEL ON WESTERN DRESSAGE🇮🇱
There’s a moment in riding, if you’ve been at it long enough, that you’ve probably felt at least once. The horse stops being something you’re managing and starts being someone you’re talking to. Not every discipline gets you there the same way. Some get you close. Western Dressage, I’d argue, gets you closer than most. […]
