Tag Archives: Reining

IHSA Announces Results for Its Inaugural Online Horse Show

Cazenovia College sophomore Sara Eveleigh. Photo by Haley Bell.

Fairfield, Conn. – Dec. 10, 2020 – The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) announced class winners and high-score riders of the Inaugural Online Horse Show, powered by DigitalHorseShow.com during the Results Celebration, Tuesday, Dec. 8. During the first-ever online presentation, host and IHSA Vice President Kelly Francfort shared the results of the participating colleges and universities who competed from across the country, interviewed judges, high-score riders, and special guests.

“I am hoping that even though this was born out of the COIVD-19 virus, that this is an opportunity for this kind of event to continue on and give opportunity to riders that don’t normally have an opportunity to compete with each other that chance,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “I want to thank and congratulate everybody who participated and hope that this is something we will see again in the spring.”

More than 100 members and alumni from 23 colleges and universities participated in the IHSA Inaugural Online Horse Show. Riders showcased their abilities in classes ranging from Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat and Over Fences to Western Horsemanship, Ranch Riding, and Reining.

“I thought the quality of riding was good, I definitely had scores in the 80s in every class, which I love,” said USEF R Judge Kat Mulkey. “Everybody did take in the spirit of trying to make it like an actual horse show. I really can’t think of a single horse that I watched that I didn’t like, which is amazing.”

Elizabeth “Fenn” Novicki, a junior from St. Lawrence University, rode barn-favorite Cappy to the blue ribbon in the World Equestrian Center Limit Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences Section 1 and the Champion High-Score Hunter Seat Rider title with a score of 89. Novicki used Cappy’s adjustability to her advantage and rode the inside turns during the course that helped her take the top call.

“Usually we have a lot of horse shows on the weekends in the regular season during the fall,” said Novicki. “But it was really nice to have the opportunity to get dressed up and go around a course and learn courses if you were actually doing a horse show. So I’m really thankful the IHSA put that together.”

There was a tie for Reserve High-Score Hunter Seat Rider. Cazenovia College sophomore Sara Eveleigh rode to an 88 in the World Equestrian Center Limit Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat securing the blue ribbon and Chloe Kershl, a junior from Sweet Briar College, also scored an 88 to win the Open Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences.

Sweet Briar College took home the Hunter Seat Team Champion title. “They were all so very cheerful and excited about it,” said Elizabeth Fisch, Sweet Briar College Equestrian Team head coach. “I’m proud of my riders as always. It was a good, fun time to spend with them. It was good experience and we’d definitely do it again.”

“With the pandemic, this is the best way to do it,” said Rhonda Replogle, who judged the Western classes and holds judging cards for the American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, International Buckskin Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association, and the National Reined Cow Horse Association.

“They can watch their video and take it back to their peers or their coaches and have them go over it to see what we’re seeing as judges to help them get better, and that’s what we’re here for,” said Replogle. “They can go back and watch the other videos, the winning rides, to see how they might be able to replicate that.”

Ali Olsen, a junior from West Texas A&M University, rode to the blue ribbon in the Rookie Western Horsemanship Section 1 and the Champion High-Score Western Rider title with a score of 86.

“Bob, he is one of the best horses that WT has. He is such a good sport,” said Olsen. “I’d like that thank everyone that put it on. I think they did a fantastic job. It’s hard to keep a group of competitive girls together and not compete.”

Two Cazenovia College riders tied for the Reserve High-Score Western Rider title. Both scoring a 79 was senior Meghan Marsh who rode to the win in the Level I Western Horsemanship class and sophomore Sara Eveleigh, winning both classes she entered and taking home her second Reserve High-Score Rider honor of the show, was awarded the top call in the Level II Horsemanship.

Middle Georgia State University (MGSU) earned the Western Team Championship. “The kids were upset with COVID and they didn’t get to have that show experience,” said Allie Arrington, MGSU Equestrian Team head coach. “This enabled them to get excited about something, prepare for something, get dressed up in their show clothes and actually compete with their team. They gave it all they’ve got and at the end I told them all they rode better than they have all semester under the pressure of the video and I’m extremely proud of them.”

IHSA alumni showcased their talents in both the Hunter Seat and western classes. Alumni classes included Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat, Hunter Seat Equitation Over Fences, Western Horsemanship, and Reining.

Scores in the high 70s and 80s made for a competitive Alumni Hunter Seat Equitation on the Flat class. Kayleigh Burke from Virginia Tech University scored an 86 to take the top call. College of St. Elizabeth alumna Sandy Rose rode to second just two points behind with an 84. Rebecca Boorstein from Amherst College rounded out the top three with a score of 78.

In the Alumni Hunter Seat Over Fences, Dartmouth College alumna Stacy S. Klein topped the field with a 77. Sandy Rose from College of St. Elizabeth and Kayleigh Burke from Virginia Tech were second and third with scores of 74 and 72, respectively.

Christa Bramberger, SUNY Cobleskill alumna, won the Alumni Western Horsemanship besting the field with a score of 72. Tammy Cranouski from Westfield State University and Alexandra Stock from University of North Texas rounded out the top three. Stock also competed in the Alumni Reining class.

For a full list of results, click here.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

APHA World Championship Show to Offer Invitational Class for IHSA Western Open Riders

Photo APHA/Paint Horse Journal.

Fairfield, Conn. – June 3, 2020 – The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) will offer an invitational class for the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) 2020 Western Regional Open division high-point riders at their APHA World Championship Show. The premier all-age breed show will be held at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 21 – Oct. 4, 2020. The APHA will announce the schedule details when they are confirmed.

“APHA is very excited about the opportunity to host this event,” said Dave Dellin, American Paint Horse Association’s senior director of judges, shows, and education. “This will be an awesome opportunity for lots of young equestrians to experience the Paint horse and the APHA World Show.”

This year, the APHA World Championship Show will offer Open, Amateur, and Youth Divisions. This event is the first time IHSA will participate in the APHA event and kicks off a new partnership between the two organizations.

“We are thrilled that the APHA has offered this class to our Western high-point riders,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our members and our organization at a major event. We look forward to working with the APHA.”

IHSA 2020 Western Regional high-point riders are invited to participate and horses will be provided. Though the show is produced by the APHA, the riders will draw for horses and the division will be run much like the IHSA classes. The invitational class will be a two-phase competition with a horsemanship and a reining phase.

The IHSA has showcased their Open level hunter seat riders at events like the Longines Masters New York and the National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky. The APHA World Championship Show will be the first-ever standalone feature class for IHSA Western Open riders at a world-class competition.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

FEI Board Approves Resolutions Based on Calendar Task Forces Proposals

The FEI Board held an extraordinary meeting 27 April 2020 to review proposals from six of the discipline-specific Calendar Task Forces. Discussions at the meeting, which was held via videoconference, were on Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Vaulting, and Reining.

During the meeting, the FEI Board agreed that discussions and decisions on FEI Championships for all age categories and disciplines, and potential initiatives to help Organisers, will be deferred to its June meeting.

National Federations and Organisers whose Calendar date applications/modifications have been approved by the FEI during the Covid-19 period have been informed that no guarantee of exclusivity will be provided to them for the new Calendar dates and that equal consideration of all future Calendar date applications/modifications will be given by the relevant Calendar Task Force and by the FEI Board.

Other key takeaways from the meeting are:

Jumping: Due to the uncertainty about the organisation of Competitions worldwide during July and August 2020, the Board has approved all Calendar date applications/modifications for Jumping Events that take place up to and including 30 August 2020. No date clash rules will apply for this period.

Dressage: date applications and/or modifications for high level events (CDI5*/CDI4*/CDI3* and CDI-W) must reach the FEI eight weeks prior to the event. Date clash rules will not apply to CDI3*.

Eventing: date applications and/or modifications for CCI5* & CCI4* Long Format must reach the FEI six weeks prior to the event; date applications and/or modifications for CCI4* Short Format and all other Events must reach the FEI four weeks prior to the Event.

Driving: date applications and/or modifications must reach the FEI four weeks prior to the Event.

Vaulting: date applications and/or modifications must reach the FEI four weeks prior to the Event.

Reining: date applications and/or modifications must reach the FEI four weeks prior to the Event.

Detailed information on resolutions for each discipline are available here.

The Dressage Calendar Task Force held its second meeting 28 April to review applications received for higher-level events. The Jumping Calendar Task Force will hold its third meeting on 4 May 2020, followed by Eventing’s second meeting on 14 May when its Task Force will review applications for higher-level event date changes.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Communications
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 4

Craving a Horse Show? Get Your Daily Fix at Horse & Country’s Free Sports Zone

London, U.K. – April 15, 2020 – With the cancellation of equestrian sporting events around the world due to COVID-19, you may be craving the excitement of cheering on your favorite riders at a horse show. Though you won’t be able to watch thrilling competitions in person, you can head on over to Horse & Country each day to virtually transport yourself to the best venues around the world with their Free Sports Zone.

Taking place every evening of the week at 8 p.m. EST, H&C broadcasts highlights of many 2019 competitions for free. Available on their channel called H&C Free, the Free Sports Zone includes jumping, reining, eventing, dressage, and other disciplines to be enjoyed by the entire family.

Don’t let the quarantine and time away from the show ring get you down. In addition to the Free Sports Zone, equestrian fans have the opportunity to enjoy documentaries and educational series 24/7 broadcast on H&C Free. Head on over to H&C Free now to get your daily fix of all things horses.

This Week’s Free Sports Zone Schedule Nightly at 8pm:

Wednesday, April 15: Ram Freestyle Reining at the National Western Stock Show
One of the spectators’ favorite events at the National Western Stock Show, the $25,000 RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining, features top U.S. reiners competing creative freestyles with fun music and costumes.

Thursday, April 16: 2019 Blair Castle Horse Trials
Set in the stunning Cairngorm Mountains of North Scotland, watch the highlights from the Blair Castle Horse Trials to find out which up-and-comer scored her first CCI4* win of her career!

Friday, April 17: 2019 Horseboarding Championships
You do not want to miss out on the wild phenomenon that is the sport of Horseboarding, an extreme sport which combines horseback riding with mountain boarding.

Saturday, April 18: CSI5*-W Boehringer-Ingelheim at Equita 2019
Transport yourself to Lyon, France to catch the highlights and watch how Julien Epaillard took the win on his home turf in the CSI5*-W Boehringer-Ingelheim.

Sunday, April 19: 2019 FEI Jumping Nations Cup Series Final
You will have the opportunity to watch the world’s best riders who punched their tickets to Barcelona, Spain after a rigorous qualification series, as they represent their nation in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final.

Monday, April 20: 1990 Burghley Horse Trials
As one the world’s best three-day events, Burghley Horse Trials is iconic for equestrians. Go back in time to look back on the 1990 event where New Zealand’s Mark Todd claims his second Burghley title.

Tuesday, April 21: 2019 FEI Eventing Nation Cup Series
Can’t get enough eventing? Tune in to enjoy the first round of the 2019 FEI Eventing Nation Cup series from Houghton Hall, UK.

H&C TV broadcasts in Europe, Australia, and in the United States on cable, satellite, and broadband television, including Roku, and online at www.horseandcountrytv.us.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center Update

In compliance with the City of Jacksonville, Parks and Recreation Department, and Mayors Office, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center will be closed until further notice, as are all other City venues.

The events currently affected include, but are not limited to:
Dressage on the First Coast, March 14-15
FRHA Reining Show, March 20-22
Shamrock Showdown Barrel Show, March 27-28
Jacksonville Spring Classics, April 2-11

This list will be updated as we have additional information. We will stay in close contact with all show managers on upcoming events.

Please use the “Contact Us” form on our website if you have any further questions. We can also be reached via phone on our main number at 904-255-4254.

Health and safety are our number one concern. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

http://www.jaxequestriancenter.com/send-us-a-message/

Live Coverage of 2019 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit

Karen Johnson and Gotta Hot Gun won the Versatility Ranch Horse Open and Versatility Ranch Horse Amateur in 2018. Photo: Cody Parmenter.

Tampa, Fla. – Dec. 26, 2019 – The popular Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit is set to return to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Friday, Dec. 27, and will run through Tuesday, Dec. 31. Watch all five days of the 2019 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit live, sponsored by Morrissey Management Group, starting on Friday here. The daily feed will rotate rings so that viewers are able to view competition in each ring at some point throughout the week.

In 2016, 2017, and 2018, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit was named one of the top 10 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) shows in the country, moving up from the top 15 in 2015. Thanks to incredible participation in the 2018 event, the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit earned the distinction of being named the sixth largest ranked AQHA show in the country. Approved by the AQHA, American Paint Horse Association (APHA) and National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA), the competition is consistently one of the highest-ranked events of its caliber, and attracts exhibitors from coast to coast.

Under the direction and show management services of An Equine Production, top Quarter Horses and exhibitors travel from across the country, many for the first time, to compete in this renowned event each year. This year, the show is excited to offer an extra day of competition and the addition of APHA events to the schedule.

In addition to being the perfect place to welcome in the new year, exhibitors can look forward to some of the best all-weather footing in the country, ensuring perfect footing no matter the conditions. The state-of-the-art facility also offers ample riding and lunging spaces.

The 2019 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit is proud to offer the Horse Show Tracker app at this year’s event. The app is free to download from the App Store or Google Play and allows exhibitors to easily access draws, results, scoring and more from any location without having to walk to the gate or show office.

To view the 2019 schedule of events, please click here.

Because of Horses Podcast Celebrates Its 100th Episode with Reiner Shawn Flarida Friday, Sept. 13

Shawn Flarida’s name is synonymous with the sport of reining. One of the most successful reiners in the world, Shawn won five World Equestrian Games gold medals, is a nine-time winner of the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, and in 2017 became the first reiner to break the $6 million mark in winnings.

Shawn produces horses for Futurity, Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic competition, as well as mounts for Non-Pros and Youth Riders. In choosing his horses, Shawn believes that the mind, body, and heart are keys to a great reining horse. He has partnered with dozens of top horses, including Wimpy’s Little Step, Wimpy’s Little Chic, KR Lil Conquistador, and Spooks Gotta Whiz, all of whom have helped him to build a comprehensive resume which includes all the sport’s top jewels.

Every horse or rider who trains at Shawn Flarida Reiners in Springfield, Ohio receives his best, no matter what their goals. He is especially dedicated to helping young riders progress within the sport, taking students from Rookie to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Reining Championships.

Shawn credits his success to the support of his family. He knew he wanted to be a horse trainer from a young age and was mentored and encouraged by his father, Bill. Shawn turned pro right out of high school, spending two years working for older brother Mike before striking out on his own. Shawn’s wife Michele helps keep the business running smoothly, while son Sam is an up-and-coming reining competitor. His parents Betty and Bill still support Shawn at shows, and Bill continues to offer friendly advice from the sidelines.

“We can’t believe this will be our 100th Because of Horses podcast episode. It is truly a labor of love. Thank you to all our loyal listeners. We appreciate your kind words and comments and love hearing from you!” — Elise Gaston Chand, Because of Horses host

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

IHSA Founder Bob Cacchione to Retire from Executive Director Position

Bob Cacchione shakes Lizzy Traband’s hand during Nationals at Harrisburg in 2018. Photo by Madison Dempster.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sept. 3, 2019 – Robert E. “Bob” Cacchione, the charismatic leader of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), will retire from the executive director position of the organization he founded. Cacchione announced his decision in a letter to the IHSA board of directors, effective Sept. 1. He will continue to promote and support the IHSA and will assume the role of founder emeritus. Peter Cashman, IHSA second vice president and co-coach of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s equestrian team, will assume the role of interim executive director until a formal board election will take place June 2020.

“It’s been a great ride,” Cacchione said. “It’s been my passion and my life’s work. Never did I dream that it would be what it is today. I want to thank all the dedicated coaches and past and current board members for working to build this great organization. It has been an honor. The IHSA is in capable hands and will continue to grow and thrive. I’ll still be around to advise and help in any way I can.”

Cacchione has made a profound impact on the equestrian world. As many as 250,000 men and women have participated in the IHSA since 1967 when he founded the organization as an 18-year-old student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. Cacchione’s brainchild was born out of his determination to find a way to ride while in college without the financial support of his parents. He and mentor and adviser Jack Fritz, a renowned horseman active in the governance of several equestrian disciplines, developed the prototype of IHSA competition, which included catch-riding appropriate horses, drawn out of a hat, that were supplied by host schools.

Launched with just two colleges competing in hunter seat equitation, the IHSA was praised for its innovative format and quickly caught on. In 1979 the Western divisions premiered at the IHSA National Championship Horse Show. In 1999, IHSA Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization.

The organization now has over 400 participating colleges and universities and 10,000 members. IHSA is comprised of 39 regions in 8 eight zones in 47 states and Canada. Because the IHSA offers all levels of competition, from beginner through advanced, and offers college students a way to learn to how to ride, it makes a significant impact on the grassroots development of the equestrian sports.

IHSA members make up 10 percent of the membership of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and the IHSA is credited for being the single greatest source of new members to the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

Some of the most notable riders in show jumping and the Western disciplines competed in the IHSA during their college years. Four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden competed for Southern Seminary and won the Cacchione Cup in 1984. Olympic gold medalist Peter Wylde won the Cacchione Cup in 1986 while he attended Tufts University.

As executive director for 52 years, Cacchione has proudly led the IHSA, shaking the hands of every competitor at the IHSA National Championship Horse Show and working tirelessly alongside board members who have become lifelong friends. With his devotion to the IHSA and the number of lives it has impacted, Cacchione is regularly recognized and acknowledged during his travels by people from all walks of life who once participated in the IHSA.

“From September to May, I traveled to a show every weekend,” he said. “I’ve loved it, but I look forward to less travel and more time with family.”

Cacchione has been recognized for his commitment to college riding with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award, the USHJA Presidents Distinguished Service Award, US Equestrian/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award, a Doctor of Humane Letters from Centenary College, and the American Horse Publications Equine Industry Vision Award. He also serves as vice-chairman of the Gentlemen’s Committee of the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

USET Foundation Supports Next Generation through Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge

Lucy Deslauriers and Hester competing for the United States in the $290,000 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of the United States of America CSIO5* during the 2019 Palm Beach Masters Series.

Gladstone, N.J. – July 18, 2019 – With the launch of the new Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation encourages everyone to get involved in paving the way for our U.S. equestrian teams to prepare and compete at the upcoming 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and the 2019 Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC), presented by Gotham North.

By participating in the challenge, the Foundation’s supporters and fans open the pathway to the podium for U.S. athletes, from developing to elite squads, across the nation in the eight FEI disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-equestrian, reining, show jumping, and vaulting.

The mission of the USET Foundation is to provide the necessary resources to make equestrian competitive excellence possible, now and in the future. These key funds support the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international and high performance horses and athletes in partnership with US Equestrian (USEF), which does not receive any direct or indirect government subsidy.

High performance programs train and support our top athletes and horses to compete at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games and other top international competitions. In addition, these programs provide support for our world-class coaches, international competition for developing athletes, training grants, national training sessions, and talent search programs to identify future elite equestrian athletes.

Contributions made to the USET Foundation directly support the grants that the Foundation makes to the USEF for the high performance programs. Annually, the USET Foundation awards grants covering approximately 50% of the high performance program budget. The funding, made possible through USET Foundation donations, creates the support programs for athletes who aspire to be on the podium someday in any of the eight FEI disciplines.

Since its inception, the USET Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to support the USEF’s high performance programs and athletes along the pathway, including the likes of Kent Farrington, Philip Dutton, Laura Graves, Laura Kraut, McLain Ward, and countless others who, thanks in part to the support received from the USET Foundation, went on to represent and achieve historic results for the U.S. at the highest levels of the sport.

From the beginning, the USET Foundation’s focus has always been on providing funding for the next generation’s international success. At the NAYC, presented by Gotham North, to be held July 24-28 (eventing) in conjunction with The Event at Rebecca Farm and July 30 – Aug. 4 (dressage and show jumping) at Old Salem Farm, the USET Foundation annually presents the coveted Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award.

In 2018, the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award was given to Daisy Farish as the highest placing U.S. Young Rider in the individual show jumping final. As the recipient of this immense honor, Farish had the opportunity to represent the U.S. in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Youth Final along with the other top finishers in the NAYC individual show jumping final, Samantha Cohen, Madison Goetzmann, and McKayla Langmeier, in Opglabbeek, Belgium in September 2018.

Another young talent, Lucy Deslauriers (20), has progressed up the pathway through the NAYC and U25 division to now representing the U.S. with podium finishes in Nations Cup competitions and most recently being named to the NetJets® U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2019 Pan American Games.

“I feel so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to represent our country at the senior level in Nations Cup competitions over the past year,” said Deslauriers. “Only with the support of the USET Foundation and the US Equestrian pathway programs have I been able to fulfill some of my show jumping dreams.”

The Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge is one that rallies support from all members of the USET Foundation community from the $10 first-time donor to the invested and dedicated trustee. From now through Aug. 11, the more people who participate by making a gift, of any amount, the closer we get to unlocking $100,000 of additional support, which will help elevate up-and-coming athletes and provide valuable opportunities on their journey to equestrian excellence.

Be a part of history and show support for Team USA during these pivotal weeks and beyond! Participate in the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge at USET.org and spread the word on social media. Current supporters of the Foundation can participate in the challenge and move the USET Foundation one donor closer by giving again now.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.

Support Team USA in USET Foundation’s New Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge

Graphic: Courtesy of the USET Foundation

Gladstone, N.J. – July 11, 2019 – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a transformative new initiative, the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge.

“During the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge, we invite you to get to know the USET Foundation and the countless ways that we support equestrians across the country,” said Bonnie Jenkins, USET Foundation executive director. “For some, this is our first opportunity to show how we help make representing America possible. For many others, this challenge serves as a fond reminder of the USET Foundation’s great history of support and a rally for success. We thank you and our teams thank you.”

The USET Foundation is the philanthropic partner of US Equestrian (USEF) and works to make the dreams of competing on a U.S. team possible. Join the Foundation in supporting America’s equestrian athletes of today and tomorrow. By participating in the challenge, donors open the pathway to the podium for U.S. athletes, from developing to elite squads, comprised of young and old as well as male and female athletes across the nation in the eight FEI disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-dressage, reining, show jumping, and vaulting.

For decades, equestrian athletes have represented the United States in international competition, bringing home medals that have clearly established the U.S. as among the world’s equestrian elite. Unlike other countries, U.S. equestrian teams do not receive any government subsidies. Instead, the USET Foundation provides the main source of funding, made possible through individuals whose interest in and commitment to equestrian sport motivates them to make generous charitable contributions. Since 2004, the Foundation has awarded more than $42 million in grants to support the USEF’s high performance programs and athletes along the pathway.

As our United States equestrian team athletes and horses prepare for an intense season of competition with the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and the 2019 Adequan®/FEI North American Youth Championships, presented by Gotham North, quickly approaching, the USET Foundation wants our athletes and teams to know that we are with them all the way.

The goal of the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge is simple: from now through Aug. 11, the more people who participate by making a gift, of any amount, the closer we get to unlocking $100,000 of additional support.

The USET Foundation board of trustees believes in the power of participation and is grateful for your support. This is why they are challenging equestrians, and equestrian supporters, across the nation to the task of unlocking the funds they have pledged for this initiative.

Every equestrian athlete starts somewhere, and every person’s support counts toward our U.S. equestrian teams’ international success.

Be a part of history and show support for Team USA during these pivotal weeks and beyond! Participate in the Pathway to the Podium Participation Challenge at USET.org and spread the word on social media. Current supporters of the Foundation can participate in the challenge and move the USET Foundation one donor closer by giving again now.

For more information on the USET Foundation, visit www.uset.org.