The eventing community is preparing to hunker down with the rest of the world to wait out the COVID-19 pandemic, and that means a lot of us are going to have more free time on our hands than usual. Why not spend it learning something new?
We’ve compiled a list of 10 books that can help you pass the time. From biographies filled with stories to manuals full of tips and tricks, there’s something for everyone!
In Service to the Horse: Chronicles of a Labor of Love by Susan Nusser
This book furnishes an insider's glimpse of the close relationship that exists between horses and the grooms that care for them, following a year in the lives of three grooms, all working with champion thoroughbreds, while describing the horses, their owners and riders, stable lore, and the multibillion-dollar industry of equestrian sport.
Life in the Galloping Lane by David and Karen O’Connor
The Golden Couple of the American eventing world offers an insider's glimpse of international eventing as well as insights and training tips, making this an outstanding book for all ages.
The Riding Horse Repair Manual by Doug Payne
Contending that nearly all horse behavior problems result from incorrect or inconsistent training, this book emphasizes systematic reconditioning while encouraging patience and proper skills in riders, providing a comprehensive plan for addressing issues such as bucking, bolting, rearing, spooking, lack of confidence, jumping issues, and more.
Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider by Jim Wofford
"It has been a rare U.S. international three-day event team that has not included at least one rider who got there by following the methods outlined in this book."
How Good Riders Get Good by Denny Emerson
This book is a smart, honest, on-target kick-in-the-pants, guaranteed to rev your engines as you see how a few changes in your life, a few smart choices and strategic moves, can transform you from a run-of-the-mill rider into a GOOD one.
In the Middle are the Horsemen by Tik Maynard
The son of prominent Canadian equestrians, Tik Maynard decided to spend a year as a “working student.” In the horse industry, working students aspire to become professional riders or trainers, and willingly trade labor for hands–on education. Here Maynard chronicles his experiences–good and bad–and we follow along as one year becomes three, what began as a casual adventure gradually transforms, and a life's purpose comes sharply into focus.
Horse Came First, Second, and Last: My Unapologetic Road to Eventing Gold by Jack LeGoff
With an astounding eighteen medals in eight international championships and team gold medals at the Olympic Games in 1976 and 1984, Jack Le Goff created the standard by which modern–day equestrian teams are measured. But Le Goff's techniques could be unforgiving–tough, brutal, and abrasive–earning him critics as well as converts. In this, his autobiography, Le Goff tells the whole story, from impoverished beginnings in Morocco, to the tragic death of his father, to his successes as a competitive equestrian. Readers will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of high–level international equestrian sport, as well as an entire section devoted to Le Goff's much admired and extremely successful training philosophy.
World-Class Grooming by Cat Hill and Emma Ford
Two of the best professional grooms in the business share their trade secrets, with over 1200 color photographs accompanying the ultimate modern-day guide for all riders who want their horses to look and feel their best.
Modern Eventing with Phillip Dutton by Phillip Dutton
Recognizing that the equestrian sport of eventing has changed drastically over the past two decades in every way—from its general format to the way cross-country obstacles are built—this comprehensive guide covers all proverbial bases, reflecting the means of achieving success according to today’s standards. Training, conditioning, and competing in all three phases are detailed, including full chapters describing the special farriery, veterinary, and grooming needs of the event horse.
Riding for the Team by the United States Equestrian Team Foundation
Offering exclusive insights, this book gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of top-level equestrian sport. Athletes tell their stories and those of their horses during the years they honed their talent and dedicated their lives to representing their country in the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, World Championships, and Pan American Games.
Not in the mood for a book? Current USEA members can catch up on back issues of Eventing USA and USCTA News online here.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the continued partnership with #WeRideTogether as an Official Educational Partner of the USEA. #WeRideTogether is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing safety and well-being in sports through safeguarding education and abuse prevention efforts.
The 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships were an incredible success, ushering the programs forward as the first standalone championships knock on the door for 2026. The Intercollegiate and IEL Programs were merged for their year-end championships to ensure that the USEA’s junior and young adult members have a goal to continue to pursue their passion for eventing throughout their educational years and beyond, and the support the event has received in the last two years has been astounding.
A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is big part of investing in a new eventing partner, but there are so many options and add-ons that can be done in a PPE that the process can feel a bit daunting. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sat down with equine veterinarian and USEA Board of Governors member Dr. Angie Yates, DVM, to discuss all things related to the PPE, different perspectives to keep in mind, and more in this week's episode of the USEA Podcast. This episode is a great one if you anticipate you will be in the market for a new horse soon!
Amidst the unbridled enthusiasm of the USEA Intercollegiate teams competing in this weekend’s USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View (Aiken, S.C.), the Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) riders have held their own with displays of teamwork and horsemanship all weekend long. While all teams put their best foot forward, one team rose above the rest. The Iron Bridge Hounds Pony Club came into the weekend with one goal in mind—to win. They achieved that goal by such a large margin, a little more than 16 points, that they were able to claim the title of champions before their last rider, 16-year-old Claire McMillan, had even left the start box.