Leone Equestrian Law

The Dispute Between GCL And The FEI: Why It’s A Big Deal For The Horses – Chronicle of the Horse

Many people have heard about the FEI’s attempts to stop the Global Champions League team show jumping series, but few are involved. While the popular Longines Global Champions Tour operates under FEI rules, the GCL – a creation of GCT owners Jan Tops and Frank McCourt – seeks to operate as an unsanctioned event outside […]

Chronicle of the Horse Letter to the Editor – Hard Choices Ahead

I have received several thoughtful comments, both written and at the rail about my column “Why The USEF Drugs And Medications Policy Isn’t Working” (Oct. 26, p.40), and all are much appreciated, as it means a meaningful discussion has been started. The need to protect horse welfare and to protect fair play for all competitors […]

Less Risk, More Reward: Get the Most Out of Your Next Lease – The Plaid Horse

Leasing is an attractive alternative to buying or selling a horse for many riders and owners because it is able to accommodate a wide range of needs. As with any form of contract, leases vary in complexity depending on the particular needs of the individuals involved, from simple form agreements to detailed individualized provisions. These […]

Why The USEF Drug And Medication Policy Isn’t Working

A prominent court decision has highlighted some fundamental problems with the use of calmers in show horses and the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF)’s drug policies and methods of handling the issue. First, let me share some background on the case. After Betsee Parker’s Inclusive tested positive for GABA at the 2014 USHJA International Hunter Derby […]

Can Horse Shows Be Affordable?

An affordable horse show is an oxymoron, but making a horse show more affordable is not. Horse shows are expensive. Entry fees alone are costly, but when you factor in related expenses, the costs can become exorbitant, especially for riders desiring to show on a regular basis. While horse shows will never be inexpensive, these […]

USEF Should Immediately Ban Hooked Safety Stirrups – They’re Simply Not Safe

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) needs to protect its children and junior riders by prohibiting rubber band and hooked safety stirrups from being used at recognized competitions. There is a long history of riders getting caught on the hook part of the safety stirrups when dismounting or falling. Riders have had the hook catch their […]

A Simple Catch Ride… Maybe Not – The Plaid Horse

As long as there are ponies, there will be a need for pony catch riders. Tiny children matched with green or mischievous ponies present notable challenge, especially on a horse show day. A catch ride with a more experience pony riders is a useful training tool and remedy in the right situation to resolve a […]

US Equestrian Protests, Charges & Grievances – The Basics You Need to Know

You are competing at a US Equestrian show and see that a competition is not being run properly. One of the judges is not scoring the class correctly, and your horse is improperly penalized. A competitor or exhibitor at a US Equestrian show must know what to do when the rules of competition are broken […]

Horse Care Is More Than A Clean Brush – The Plaid Horse

Whether at home, on the road, in the air or at the show, our horses require care to prevent injury and maintain peak condition. The administrative aspects of horse care are often overlooked because horse owners and professionals feel the paperwork creates more hassle than benefit. Unfortunately, the days of sealing a deal on a […]

How the USEF Can Revive the Sport Through the Affiliates – The Plaid Horse

I recently attended a USHJA Town Hall by Bill Moroney with exhibitors at a top quality hunter jumper show in my area. Information was exchanged about programs and rule changes, but much of the discussion concerned the loss of smaller B and C rated shows and decrease in USEF membership. The increased costs of showing […]