News

The World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington drew top hunter athletes for an exciting display of precision and elegance during Winter Classic 16. Among the standout performances, Melissa Donnelly and Keeper claimed victory in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunt-N-Go Derby, showcasing their seamless style and impeccable technique.

The first day of the FEI Sports Forum 2025 wrapped up with an extensive discussion centered on the FEI Jumping Rules, which are currently under comprehensive revision.A focal point of the discussion was the regulation of rest hours for horses, riders, and grooms, a topic that has prompted significant debate in recent years.

Six horses at a boarding facility in Erie County, New York, have recently tested positive for strangles, with a further case suspected. A total of 27 horses have been identified as exposed to the infection, and the affected horses are currently under official quarantine.

In the spring of 2020, a Quarter Horse foal in Oregon began showing signs of weakness and incoordination shortly after birth, prompting veterinary investigations. Tests for common neurologic diseases yielded no results, leading researchers at the University of California, Davis, to discover a new hereditary condition known as Equine Juvenile Spinocerebellar Ataxia (EJSCA).

Legendary showjumper John Whitaker has decided to try his hand at eventing, viewing it as a new challenge as he approaches his 70th birthday.In an interview, he expressed that reaching this significant milestone prompted him to consider different avenues in his equestrian career.

On March 26, a 6-year-old Quarter Horse gelding in Miami-Dade County, Florida, was confirmed positive for rabies. The horse, which was not vaccinated, died shortly after the diagnosis. This incident marks Florida's first confirmed rabies case in livestock in 2025.

The $5,000 USHJA National 3’ Jr/Am Hunter Derby took center stage Friday afternoon, with 19 horse-and-rider combinations vying for top honors under the bright Florida sun. When the dust settled, Kristine D’Andrea and her talented nine-year-old Westphalian mare, Valeria M (Vagabond De La Pomme x Laskaja), emerged victorious with an impressive 11-point lead.

The 2025 Spring Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala kicked off in thrilling fashion on Saturday evening with the $15,000 Modelo Regional Grand Prix. A competitive field of 46 horse-and-rider combinations tackled a challenging course designed by Chris Barnard, with only seven advancing to the decisive jump-off.