...The culmination of refined riding is in the expression of harmony and softness.   L.Hoover

Dawn Weniger, USDF Gold Medalist, and Don Derrick,  4 year old Dutch Riding Horse

...Work to build curiosity and interest in the horse, not fear.   L.Hoover

Walking across the bridge

...A partnership is two minds with a single thought.   L. Hoover

Backing through the barrels.

United States Refined Horsemanship Association

USRHA

A personal note from Linda Hoover, founder of the United States Refined Horsemanship Association –

    We have come to a crossroads in our relationships with horses in both the competitive arena and our daily lives.  It is now time to step up and uphold a stewardship to the horse.  We, as Americans, are poised to blaze a new road in the world of horsemanship.

     The evolution of horsemanship, from Xenophon to now, has produced many philosophies, training methods and disciplines.  This has caused many riders to focus on the differences and lose sight of a shared beginning centered on the horse. 

      However, throughout the centuries, there have been those individuals who, in looking beyond the trappings and boundaries, upheld an appreciation for the magnificence of the horse.  These horsemen, whether of classical dressage, natural horsemanship, vaquero or other tradition, sought to discover, understand and develop the skills to bring forth confidence and beauty within the horse regardless of the task.  They are the artists of horsemanship.  It is through connection with these horsemen that we reaffirm the qualities that attracted us to horses in the first place.

       To this end, the United States Refined Horsemanship Association was created to take the threads from these horsemen and weave them together in the tradition of the ‘American melting pot’ to create Refined Horsemanship...a new path, an embracing discipline, with new opportunities to expand your skills and showcase your partnership.

     This uniquely American concept promotes the developing and competing of horses who are willing partners...prepared for life...refined in their responsiveness and confident in their abilities...in and out of the arena.

                                                                    Linda

 Sport Horse Versatility (SHV) is more than a new type of competition.  It’s about life in and out of the ring.  It’s about expanding the options you have with your horse.  It’s about creating and competing horses who are willing partners...refined in their responsiveness and skills.   

              

The introduction of Sport Horse Versatility into the horse industry is poised to change, grow and benefit the different aspects of the equestrian community.  

Prepare your horse for life and Sport Horse Versatility competition by joining us for a SHV clinic or schooling day.  You will experience how working obstacles will enhance the training and partnership with your horse.  Open a gate, cross a bridge and water obstacle, walk through a maze and more.  The use of obstacles gives you measurable feedback on how your direction and aids are being perceived.

Sport Horse Versatility showcases your horsemanship in dressage and hunter style competitions.  For dressage riders, perform a dressage test in the Refined Riding Phase.  Then test the usefulness of your refined riding skills on the Working Phase obstacle course.  Hunter riders will show in an Under Saddle Phase and compete over a Working Phase obstacle course that includes jumps.  Or if you prefer, show off your in-hand skills on an In-Hand obstacle course.