Mar 18, 2020

10 Eventing Books to Read While You’re in Quarantine

By Jessica Duffy - USEA Staff

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.

Sep 28, 2023 Awards

Nominations for 2023 USEA Appreciation Awards Now Open through October 29

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has opened nominations for the annual appreciation awards through Oct. 29. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.

Sep 28, 2023 Interscholastic

Stable View is Ramping Up for the 2024 Intercollegiate & IEL Championships

Anticipation for the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and inaugural USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship is growing, and the host venue, Stable View, is up for the task of making both events an unforgettable experience for all involved. For the first time, the Intercollegiate and IEL program championships will be hosted on the same weekend at the Stable View H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 4-5, 2024, creating greater unity between the programs and demonstrating a clear pipeline of participation in the sport from grade school through college and beyond.

Sep 27, 2023 Rules

New Eventing Rule Changes Going into Effect October 1, 2023

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made five rule changes which will go into effect October 1, 2023. Familiarize yourself with these rule changes below to make sure you are in compliance before heading out for your next event.

Sep 27, 2023 Competitions

Fast Facts: 2023 USEF/USEA Developing Horse Eventing National Championships

With the goal of creating a pathway for young horses in the U.S. and participants of the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Program, earlier this year the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and USEA joined forces to launch the USEF/USEA Developing Horse Eventing National Championships for 6- and 7-year-olds.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Real Estate Partner of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA