There have been many discussions following the publication of my article on why I believe that hook-and-loop stirrups should be banned at all USEF competitions. The stirrups, sometimes called peacock or hook-and-loop stirrups, present a clear and present danger to those who use them, and U.S. Equestrian Federation has a duty of care to ban […]

To protect its youngest members, the U.S. Equestrian Federation should prohibit rubber band and hooked safety stirrups from being used at recognized competitions. This hook-and-loop design, often called a “peacock stirrup,” has been used for a long time to prevent a fallen rider from getting caught in the stirrup and being dragged. However, these stirrups […]

I was involved in the fielding and funding of international U.S. equestrian teams as well as selecting coaches for those teams from 1992 through 2012, first as a member and officer of the U.S. Equestrian Team and then as vice president of international high performance at our national governing body USA Equestrian, now the U.S. […]