The Eventing Associate Judge Fast Track

Updated: 2010-04-14

Are you an upper-level rider who has considered becoming a lower level dressage judge? The Eventing Associate Judge Fast Track may be just the program for you.

The Eventing Associate Judge Fast Track was created in early 2009 as a new path to earning associate judge accreditations. The Program is available to candidates who have completed CCI’s at the 3* or 4* level who are 21 years of age or older, and who are Senior Members of the USEF. Candidates for the Associate Judge Program shall be approved by the Eventing Technical Committee upon recommendation of the USEA Eventing Officials Committee, or by the candidate’s mentor if previously approved to enter the mentored fast track program.

The Program provides a way to gain experience judging Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training Horse Trials. An approved candidate, upon successful completion of the first Dressage Training Session, will be allowed to be an additional dressage judge at USEA Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training Horse Trials. An approved candidate, upon successful completion of the Jumping Training Session, will be allowed to be an additional Jumping judge at USEA Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training Horse Trials.

Sara Smallwood of Lovettsville, Virginia was the first candidate to take advantage of the new program. “I have had over 30 years of competitive experience and want to continue in the sport in other ways,” Sara explained. “Having full time jobs and children are changing my focus toward the judging side of the sport. Being the first candidate through the program is exciting because my riding accomplishments are being acknowledged. I intend to do a very good job and take in all the information I can from my mentors.”

This Program is beneficial for experienced riders for whom the mentored fast track program may not be sufficient to become a judge. “Patience is a virtue when pursing your license,” Sara said. “You need to have your paperwork and field experiences organized. It is not a quick trip which I feel is good. We need diligent, quality officials added to an already strong lineup to keep our sport safe and thriving.”

Interested in taking advantage of The Eventing Associate Judge Fast Track? Contact Nancy Knight at Nancy@useventing.com or 703-669-9997.

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