Elite Equine & Rodeo Co.

Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!

🌟 Holland Rent-All - Premier Sponsor
🌟 Pittsboro Feed - Premier Sponsor
🌟 Peak Performance Horses 🌵 - Premier Sponsor
🌟 Libby- Grit & Grace Photography NC - Premier Sponsor

💰 Summit Equine Hospital - Jackpot Sponsor
💰 Cloer Family Vineyards - Jackpot Sponsor
💰 Peak Performance Horses 🌵 - Jackpot Sponsor

♥️ Double LL Tack & Feed - Silver Sponsor
♥️ Donna Usher King - Silver Sponsor
♥️ Gregory Poole - Silver Sponsor

🎖️ Carlee Shaw - Buckle Sponsor
🎖️ - Buckle Sponsor

The countdown is on. ⏳🏆

In just a couple of weeks, we’ll be handing out Grand Champion ribbons once again. Every ribbon tells a story of hard work, dedication, and the partnership between horse and rider.

Who’s chasing a Grand Champion title this time? We can’t wait to find out.

One of the most controversial questions in the horse world: Is hyperflexion helping horses—or hurting them?

If you’ve spent any time around a show barn, you’ve probably seen it. Whether you call it rollkur or simply behind the vertical, opinions couldn’t be more divided.

Here’s what the research says:

📚 A 2024 systematic review found that roughly 66% of dressage horses observed in training and warm-up were ridden with their nose behind the vertical, despite most rulebooks recommending the nose remain at or in front of the vertical. (PMC)

Researchers have also found that prolonged or forceful hyperflexion is associated with:
- Increased conflict behaviors (tail swishing, mouth opening, head tossing)
- Higher physiological indicators of stress in many studies
- Reduced field of vision
- Changes to stride length and spinal movement
- Potential restriction of the upper airway while in the position (PMC)

At the same time, the evidence on permanent physical damage is less clear. The FEI has acknowledged that there is no conclusive scientific evidence of lasting structural injury, but it has also recognized that hyperflexion can compromise welfare. Today, the FEI prohibits forced or prolonged hyperflexion and instructs stewards to intervene when it becomes excessive.

So where do you stand?

Is this a valuable training tool when used briefly by skilled riders? Or has the industry normalized something we should be moving away from? We’d love to hear your perspective. 🙌🏼✨

📸 Libby- Grit & Grace Photography NC

🚨 Time is running out! 🚨

Entries for our August 16th Extreme Trail Challenge close on August 12 at 8:00 PM. We have a course full of off-the-wall obstacles, including a few brand-new surprises we’re excited to unveil.

Now go tell your barn friends, neighbors, boyfriend, girlfriend… heck, even your son’s teacher’s goldfish’s aunt’s mom. The more, the merrier.

See y’all August 16! Link is in our bio.🤠

📸 Libby- Grit & Grace Photography NC

Don’t worry—we haven’t disappeared! We’re back and better than ever. We took a few weeks to focus on family, recharge, and prepare for what’s next. 🙌🏼✨

Now we’re back to continuing our mission of reimagining the horse show experience. Stay tuned—big things are coming soon!

📸 Libby- Grit & Grace Photography NC

Back at it in just a few short weeks! ✨

📸 Libby- Grit & Grace Photography NC

Today we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy and remember those who made them possible. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸❤️

📸 Libby- Grit & Grace Photography NC

Breaking news: The flag says it all 🤩

This is your sign to come show with Elite Equine & Rodeo Co. because this is horse showing reimagined! Upcoming events:

📆 August 16: The Cowboy Trail Challenge
📅 September 26: Open Horse Show
📆 October 11: The Cowboy Trail Challenge
📆 November 14: Open Horse Show

🏆 Year End Ceremony — December 12th