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Aug 17, 2022
In Memoriam: Richard Picken
Richard Mark Picken, 53, lost a courageous battle with cancer on August 13, 2022, dying peacefully at home. Born in the UK, he emigrated to Kentucky in 2013 and became an instant fixture on the US Equestrian Federation’s eventing and show jumping circuits. A top coach and trainer, he traveled throughout the U.S. and overseas with his students to competitions. He enjoyed coaching young riders and training inexperienced horses as much as he thrived under the pressure of an international championship.
With his wife Joanie (Morris), he built a successful training business at Four Schools Farm in Paris, KY. The impact of his knowledge will remain very profound as he traveled around the country teaching clinics. The highlights of his coaching career included Phillip Dutton’s Bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games and Alexandra Baugh’s Individual Gold medal at the North American Young Riders Championships. But he loved the day-to-day of training of horses as much as the big stage. He befriended so many people along the way, and his kindness, profound understanding of horses, and sense of humor resonated with everyone he met around the world.
Along with his wife Joanie, he’s survived by his father David Picken (late mother Suzanne), sister Alexandra Tempest (Andy), aunt Joyce Mitchell (Ed), in-laws Beth, Steve, and Amy Morris, and his beloved dogs. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the USEA Foundation as a grant is being established in his name to educate the next generation of American equestrian athletes or the Rick Herrema Foundation which supports military families.
A celebration of his life will be held in Kentucky for friends and family in the autumn.
Sep 23, 2022
Volunteers
Volunteers Needed at Old Tavern Horse Trials
It is hard to believe it, but Old Tavern Horse Trials is already here. This weekend's event, which runs September 24- September 25, will host over 300 entries, running Beginner Novice through Intermediate.
Sep 23, 2022
Area Championships
Kuhn, Coltrin, Novotny Pasker, and Burgess Claim Area IV Championship Titles at Otter Creek
The 2022 Area IV Championships took place in Wheeler, Wisconsin at the Otter Creek Fall Horse Trials on September 16-18. Four new champions were crowned in four divisions: Preliminary, Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice. Meet your newest USEA Area IV Champions below.
Sep 22, 2022
Eventing News
US Equestrian Announces the Appointment of Graeme Thom as Director of FEI/High-Performance Sport Programs
US Equestrian (USEF) announces the appointment of Graeme Thom as Director of FEI/High-Performance Sport Programs beginning October 3, 2022. This start date will allow for a smooth and collaborative transition as Will Connell remains with USEF through the 25th of November.
Sep 22, 2022
Dressage Tests
A View from the Judge’s Box
Mary Grace is the kind of dressage judge every rider hopes will be waiting at C when they turn down center line. Having occupied a seat in the judge’s box (or car, as the case may be) for over three decades, she can practically recite the rulebooks from memory but nevertheless studies the relevant documents before every competition where she officiates, whether it’s a schooling show or a recognized event
