Controversial new book by Judy Berkley questions USEF governance

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July 31, 2025

By Staff Writers

When Judy Berkley learned the U.S. Equestrian Federation was implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and mandating DEI training, the detour from its core mission as a rules and regulations organization spoke to her unique set of interests.

As a former daily newspaper columnist at the Tribune newspaper in the racially-charged city of Oakland, Calif., Berkley witnessed the interplay of political and race-based agendas in the struggle for power and control of the troubled city.

As a horse-lover and owner, she never expected to see such forces permeate equine sports.

However, she found layers of jurisdictions at USEF that threaten participants, and even the future of equestrian sports.

Amazingly, DEI proponents, termed External Thought Leaders, were allowed to make policy decisions, while USEF was already being decimated by SafeSport, the well-meaning but poorly-crafted legislation that attempts to eradicate sexual misconduct from Olympic sports.

The dubious, some say unconstitutional, tactics of SafeSport identified several prominent equestrians, who were ousted from USEF activities, but also produced misfires that ruined reputations and lives.

The climate of fear created by SafeSport was then amplified by the agenda of DEI, which presumed the membership of USEF was festering with racism and bigotry and needed reprogramming.

An undercurrent for all that policy upheaval was the ever more aggressive agenda of animal rights’ extremists which seeks to eliminate horse sports altogether.

Sadly, horse ownership is imperiled, not just by social issues, but also mitigating factors like loss of land for recreational riding and essential agricultural products, and declining numbers of large animal veterinarians.

Berkley alleges USEF seems oblivious to the looming disasters, focusing instead on growing the financial rewards of equine sports.

The gluttonous pursuit of more wealth in the increasingly elite world of equestrian sports, which puts participation out of reach for many people, is completely at odds with DEI’s position that more marginal groups can be added if only unfair prejudices are removed.

Despite the chaos and incompatible policies, USEF seems willing to be led by External Thought Leaders into an uncharted future, while foregoing, what should be its missions: the preservation of practices and traditions of equine sports, and more importantly, the role of the horse in America.

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Showcase Your Wins with Flying Colors Displays!

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July 28, 2025

By Staff Writers

Flying Colors Displays specializes in crafting high-quality, personalized wall display solutions that honor your hard-earned accomplishments.

Whether you’re competing in equestrian show jumping, dog agility, or other sports, our custom-designed holders and racks provide the perfect way to exhibit your ribbons and medals with pride.

Flying Colors Displays is a division of Pallet Man Designs, a wooden sign company owned by Pete & Cindy Campbell since 2015.

All products are handcrafted on a barrier island in central Florida overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Customer service is an integral part of the business.

The awards display division was created due to Cindy’s love for dog agility.

As her dogs progressed and won more ribbons and titles, she looked to Pete to create a wall hanging display that would nicely show off her accomplishments.

Local agility competitors soon saw her display and requested one.

Due to their popularity, Cindy and Pete branched out to ship nationwide.

Pete modified the racks to create an easy to assemble product, thereby reducing shipping costs.

Flying Colors Displays now offers six different designs, from small medal award holders, rosette holders in three sizes, and of course the original title bar/ribbon holders.

All racks have a shelf for photos and trophies along with three color options.

These displays are versatile enough for bling earned at any type of competition; be it equine, canine, or human.

The sky’s the limit!

Branching out into the equestrian world with their product is exciting for Cindy who, like many dog agility competitors, rode horses as a young adult.

Elevate your display with a personalized touch.

Your awards are personal – your rack should be too!

Contact them by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Cindy’s cell: 321-508-7234 or go to Website: www.FlyingColorsDisplays.com or Etsy store: https://palletmandesignsfl.etsy.com

Celebrate your victories and inspire others by turning your achievements into stunning visual award displays.

Sports Medicine Associates provides high quality care

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June 11, 2025

By Staff Writers

Sports Medicine Associates is located in the heart of Chester County surrounded by premier eventing facilities, Thoroughbred farms, and Cheshire Hunt Country.

Our practice is comprised of four veterinarians: founder Kevin Keane, practice owners Ashley Taylor and Taryn Gassert; and our new associate Amber Boss.

Dr. Kevin Keane started Sports Medicine Associates in 2005.

He was joined in 2015 by Dr. Ashley Taylor, followed shortly thereafter by Dr. Taryn Gassert.

Dr. Amber Boss joined the team in 2024.

All the dctors at SMACC uphold the same practice philosophy as Dr. Keane and continue to provide the same high-quality care and state-of-the-art treatments for sport and racehorses.

As well as superior service to their owners, trainers, and riders.

Together this team specializes in the unique care and management of the equine athlete.

All of the veterinarians are certified by the FEI and are current in regulations set by the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), NSA (National Steeplechase Association), and state racing regulations.

In the winter months Drs. Keane, Taylor and Boss travel south to Aiken, S.C., and Wellington, Fla., to service our clients.

To set up an appointment, the office can be reached at 610-869-4000 .

To read more on their services go to the website https://sportsmedicineassociatescc.com/.

Harcum Veterinary Nursing students study at New Bolton Center

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March 31, 2025

By Staff Writers

BRYN MAWR, PA--Since 1975, Harcum College has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospitals (PennVet), educating compassionate and highly skilled veterinary nurses who support animal hospitals and clinics across the Delaware Valley.

Harcum’s six-semester Veterinary Nursing Program includes four semesters of coursework on Harcum’s main campus in Bryn Mawr, Pa.

The program, accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), provides students with invaluable hands-on experience as they care for over 30 animals residing on campus, all while attending classes that lead to licensure.

During their final two semesters, students complete clinical rotations at PennVet’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia and the New Bolton Center (NBC) in Kennett Square.

One unique opportunity for Harcum Veterinary Nursing students is the ability to live on-site at the New Bolton Center (NBC) while completing the Large Animal Practicum.

For almost 50 years, students have resided at the "Harcum House," where they study and work alongside credentialed veterinary technicians who make up the NBC nursing staff.

These nurses are cross-trained to provide care in all areas of the hospital, including Emergency and Critical Care, Intensive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Internal Medicine, and Surgery.

Veterinary Nursing students rotate through all of these departments, gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to provide cutting-edge care.

There are now more opportunities than ever for veterinary nurses in clinical practice, education, industry, pharmaceuticals, research, sales, and virtually all animal-related fields.

In 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an almost 20% increase in growth for the veterinary industry.

On average, about 25,800 openings for veterinary nurses/technicians are expected each year over the next decade.

Along with the high demand for veterinary nurses, increased salaries have made this field more appealing than ever.

Each semester, Harcum hosts a job fair with local employers, with many who are Harcum graduates, eager to mentor and help guide the next generation of veterinary nurses.

Harcum College admits Veterinary Nursing students in both the fall and spring semesters.

For more information or to apply, visit www.harcum.edu/vet

Shetron Trailer Sales & Service is revolutionizing the industry

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September 30, 2024

By Staff Writers

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa.--Shetron Manufacturing, DBA Shetron Trailer Sales & Service is revolutionizing the industry by providing top-quality services for trailers at prices customers can afford.

We also modify and repair any brand name trailer, from minor repairs to add on ramps, hay pods and hay racks, Ac units, etc.

Shetron Trailer Sales and Service also sells a full line of custom state-of-the-art gooseneck and bumper pull aluminum trailers for horses, livestock and cargo, as well as specialty application fabricated by Shetron Manufacturing here in Shippensburg, Pa..

Plus.....Shetron takes pride in producing these high-quality units at/or below other competing aluminum trailers in the marketplace.

See our 2-horse "Sport" model w/Dressing Room, our "Elite 2-horse model with 4 foot dressing room, and our "Econo Sport" model.

Ask about custom-built living quarters trailers and visit our website to see many more options for sale at www.shetronmanufacturing.com or Phone: 717-422-3446.

Shetron Auction and Equipment holds a farm and equipment auction the last Wednesday of every month.

For more information about our auctions, please go to www.shetronequipment.com.

Your requests motivate and drive Tempi Design

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July 30, 2024

By Staff Writers

 We are thrilled to be help celebrate Dressage at Devon's 50th Anniversary, with surprises for you!

My business model began with an inherited medallion of horses and the desire to have lovely horse designs to wear.

I wanted to retire from my dental prosthetic work and still use my skill set where possible.

Forward to “Tempi Design Studio” as a tribute to the dental arts “studio” I had worked as a career for 24 years and “Tempi” meaning change.

Horse jewelry and accessories that I could find appeared more animated and cartoonish than what I wanted to wear in the 90’s.

My thoughts were to go for a raised sculpted look with the accurate pose, breed and even tack of various riding disciplines.

I started with a photo for a reference and began with a cover photo of Courtnry Dye-King on Mythilus [ long before her injury].

It was a massive hit, so additional pieces of the design came out with earrings and various shapes and sizes of pendants.

Next the jumper riders wanted something.

I found a photo of a well tacked up horse over a fence, and spent many hours toiling on the details…but it was so worth it.

This design started as a brooch and became a full series of every piece imaginable—including a new Holiday ornament this season!

I would attend horse shows as a vendor and ask people what they would like to see next.

Driving and Cross Country designs were followed by various horse shoes, stirrup versions, and stock pins.

One person suggested belt buckles for non jewelry people, and even though it was challenging, it started to work out.

This is how the business grew.

Fast forward many years later, Tempi continues to reach and grow and provide WOW designs, previously not attempted.

Additionally Tempi also does year end awards for certain equine organizations, prototypes for other companies, and custom work featuring your photo or farm logo.

My work is challenging, creative and fun!

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 1-877-Keepske