November/December 2026 Issue

November/December 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 44 Continued from page 42 New England Adds A Derby Oppor- tunity The New England Horsemen’s Council will introduce a 2’6” Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby division December 1. The addition extends the derby format to riders and horses competing below traditional national heights, creating another attainable goal within the re- gion’s established show system. ### Dressage Looks Toward 2027 Selection procedures are available for the 2027 FEI Championship of the Americas for dressage. USDF also opened nominations for its Pegasus and Lifetime Achievement awards and recognized the newest graduates of its L Education Program, strengthening both the competitive and judging pipelines. ### Young Riders Become Horse Pro- tectors The EQUUS Foundation and Inter- scholastic Equestrian Association introduced the #HorseProtectors Team Award, recognizing teams that complete welfare education and service. IEA also expanded its western partnership with MZ Farms. Both initiatives ask young riders to become knowledgeable cus- todians of the industry they will inherit. ### Pony Club Scholarships RewardMore Than Riding Six United States Pony Clubs members received college scholarships, including Mia Valdez and Olivia Hickman of Virginia and Ella Riley of Maryland. The awards recognize academics, con- servation, leadership, volunteerism and horsemanship—the broader education Pony Club has always considered part of making a capable horseperson. ### A Foundation ForThe People Behind The Horses HorseGrooms launched a nonprofit foundation dedicated to education, mentorship, resources and sustainable careers for professional grooms and equine caretakers. The initiative rec- ognizes a workforce essential to horse welfare and competition, but often left outside the industry’s most visible programs and protections. ### Horse Care Becomes A Career Con- versation A September industry town hall brought show producers, venue managers and horse professionals together to discuss staffing shortages, compensation and contractor availability. The message was clear: retaining capable people now re- quires better communication, realistic pay and a more sustainable definition of equine work. ### Horse Spot Represents Georgia’s Equine Economy Atlanta-based Horse Spot was selected to present at Venture Atlanta, one of the Southeast’s leading technology conferences. Its inclusion gives equine technology an unusual place in a broader investment conversation and illustrates how horse-industry business- es can reach capital beyond traditional equestrian circles. ### HORSETOBER Celebrates The Hu- man-Horse Connection Horses for Mental Health launched HORSETOBER, an October awareness campaign inviting organizations and horsepeople to share stories through the #PassTheBraid challenge. More than two dozen partners are supporting the effort to highlight the role horses play in mental health, connection and personal recovery. ### Wally K Becomes A Thoroughbred Ambassador The Retired Racehorse Project select- ed Wally K for its 2026 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award. After overcoming significant orthopedic injuries, the 2019 Make- over graduate built a second career that represents both the versatility of Thoroughbreds and the value of finding another way forward. ### Saratoga Keeps Safety Under The Microscope Saratoga completed its meet amid continued attention to veterinary over- sight, surface monitoring and pre-race inspection. The larger question now extends beyond any one track: whether racing can share information and apply safety standards consistently enough to reduce preventable injuries across jurisdictions. ### the feed Nov/Dec 2026 Comprehensive Design Solutions And Superior Craftsmanship www.WHChorsebar ns. com PA013217 Gap, PA ph: 610-593-5559 White Horse Construction Inc PROVEN CONSTRUCTION Thoughtful Design Horse Barns • Riding Arenas • Bank Barns Garages • Agricultural Buildings Call Us! Let’s start the conversation about your Barn’s design and function. Lasting Value