Equestrian Grants & Scholarships Every Rider Should Know About
The equestrian community is generous, and many people and organizations are invested in the future of our young riders and up and coming professionals. The next generation is the future of the sport itself....
A Quick Guide to Logistics and Costs With Importing a Horse
BY LAUREN KARDEL OF KARDEL GLOBAL EQUINE
For someone who has never done it, importing a horse can seem like an impossible problem to solve. You're flying in a horse, from where?
The process isn't...
The Social License to Operate: Is the future of equestrian sports at stake?
BY TANJA BORNMANN
Bad press for our sport is back, and it’s going to linger around for a while.
Recently, a prominent US show jumper was suspended from participating in equestrian sport for his prolonged use...
Breaking the Stigma of Purchasing Older Horses
BY JAMIE SKUBAL
As I scroll through Facebook groups I see more and more ISO ads
for horses stating they want polished show horses with lots of positive
traits—also under 15 years old. More times than not...
New Horse Show Dad Alert: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
The actor and proud papa shared a photo of himself with his five-and-a-half-year-old daughter Jasmine and her blue ribbon.
By The Plaid Horse Editorial Staff
An A-list horse show dad is born!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson posted...
Ask Andre: Are Group or Private Lessons Better for Students?
BY ANDRE DIGNELLI
Do you prefer private
lessons or group lessons?
I grew up riding in my back
yard by myself. When I would go and take lessons, it was more affordable to be
part of a group. I...
They’re Coming for Our Sport, and We Have to Be Better
BY LAUREN MAULDIN
In this digital age of social media, I think most equestrians are used to the idea that someone who thinks they know our horses better than us watches with a critical eye....
More Than Sharing Pony Pictures: The Unintended Consequences of Social Media
BY K2 INTELLIGENCE
As social media platforms and apps such as Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, and YouTube Vanced become increasingly enmeshed in the fabric of our lives, the unintended consequences of their use cannot be overstated....
Amateur Task Force Proposes “Significant” Rule Changes in Webinar
By Catie Staszak
After lengthy meetings, focus groups, and debate, US Equestrian's appointed Amateur Task Force came forward Monday evening for a webinar with the results of their last five months of work: five proposed...
Two USHJA Horse Welfare Rule Proposals You Need to Know About
BY TPH STAFF
It’s that time of year again. The USHJA Annual meeting is
just around the corner, and with it a series of proposed rule changes. Everyone
can review the proposed changes at the USHJA website,
and...
Inside the Numbers: The Cost of Local Shows
What's that social rule, never talk about money? At The Plaid Horse we believe in having open discussions about the cost of horses and horse showing. It is both educational for young riders who...
No New Horses at Desert International Horse Park
Friday, Feb. 18, 2022 — Effective immediately, the Desert International Horse Park has closed access to new arrivals for "at least the next week." This is due to an onsite outbreak of EHV-1, otherwise known...
WEC, My Friends, is the Future and the Future is Here.
BY KIMBERLY MALOOMIAN
In roughly June of 2020, I got a text from Ellen Toon regarding WEC Ocala: They’ve opened up stall reservations for the winter. We are going weeks 1 and 2, you should...
A Weenie Hunter Rider Reviews Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Cross Country Jumps
BY LAUREN MAULDIN
It's the best weekend of the year for horse lovers, so they say! Even though spectators are not allowed at this years' Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, many are watching livestreams at...
Put Blame Where it Belongs: Improve and Enforce Covid-19 Show Protocols
BY PIPER KLEMM
Why was Pony Finals cancelled? Well, at this point, I’ve heard just about everything.
The rumor mill is raging. I’ve heard about non-compliance from USEF members and non-members alike. I’ve heard the show...
Co-Owning a Horse With Your Trainer: What You Should Know
BY LEONE EQUESTRIAN LAW
Question: I have the opportunity co-purchase a horse with my trainer for later re-sale, and I’m excited about it! I’ll be able to ride and enjoy the horse while my trainer...
We Have to Fix Our Audience Problem Before We Can Fix Our Sponsorship Problem
BY ERICA SAUNDERS
In a recent commentary on the challenges of profitable horse shows, show staff Jack Nash talked about how our sport is one that sponsors don’t understand. Why don’t they understand? Because there’s...
It’s Time to Ban Smoking at Horse Shows
BY PUBLISHER PIPER KLEMM, PH.D.
Standing in the bleachers by the pony ring at The Devon Horse Show this year, I got a waft of an unwanted, familiar smell – cigarette smoke. I looked up...
A “DIY AO” Rider’s Reaction to the USHJA International Derby Enrollment Rule Change
BY KIERA PHLIPOT
Included in the USHJA’s recent rule changes is a change to International Derbies:
Enrollment in the USHJA International Hunter Derby program is now mandatory to compete in an International Hunter Derby class.
So, now...
Should We Trim Horses’ Whiskers?
BY ILISSA LOEWENSTEIN MEYER
Anyone who watches international competition is seeing changes to some long-standing traditions in turnout and appearance. Some research indicates that “hunter hair” affects helmet fit to the point that it’s unsafe,...
What Can We Learn From Saint Boy? Considering Horse Welfare Beyond the Modern Pentathlon
BY ALEXANDRA O’SULLIVAN
Since the Modern Pentathlon at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, a photograph of Annika Schlue riding Saint Boy has been circulating the internet. It shows her shoulders tensed, eyes scrunched closed as...
Ava Stearns on Her Maclay Finals Commentary: “I’m a Big Believer in Kindness”
BY RENNIE DYBALL
Equitation fans everywhere tuned in to the Maclay Finals live feed on Sunday to watch the best of the discipline tackle an impressive course at the Kentucky Horse Park.
In addition to the...
