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Sep 11, 2024
10 Things USEA Members Wish They Knew Before Their First Horse Trial
Your first horse trial will be one of the most exciting and yet nerve wracking moments in your equestrian career. There is so much to do, so much to learn, and it always feels like so little time. We recently polled USEA members and asked them to share one piece of advice that they would tell themselves if they could go back in time to the morning of their first ever horse trial. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks shared.
Lauren M: "The faster you get through cross-country is not always better; it is embarrassing trotting the last couple fences, or doing non-fence related [far enough away so not counted as a refusal] zig zags or circle."
Laurie P: "Volunteer! You can learn so much if you scribe, or jump judge, or run scores, or help out at the rings."
Barbara V: "I'd tell myself to stay in the moment and give each phase your full attention. My first few horse trials I kept replaying a poorly executed movement from my dressage test during my stadium, and it always threw me off my game. Each phase is an opportunity and anything can happen. That's one of the many reasons I love this sport!"
Emery R: "Feel very confident and very practiced doing what you’re doing at home so it’s not nerve wracking when you get to the show. It usually doesn’t get better there. And don’t be afraid to ask coaches, friends, or event officials questions. Mostly relax and have fun."
Holly S: "There are different dressage tests for each level. Make sure you know which one you are doing before you go into the ring!"
Liz H: "As long as your horse walks away with more confidence from this experience, you’ve won."
Sara L: "A 'meh' dressage test won’t necessarily tank your chances at doing well at the end of the day."
Emily T: "Make sure you pay attention to the colors on the cross-country jump numbers, and if you accidentally jump the wrong level, turn around and jump yours before moving on!"
Ellie: "Getting a run out or refusal isn’t shameful or embarrassing. Be kind to yourself, and be kind to your horse."
Dieke D: "Practice using your watch ahead of time. Don't assume that just cause you are on a pony you should gun it around Beginner Novice cross-country."
Kaitlyn Y: "Learn what an omnibus is. Learn where to find it. Read it all. Especially what test you are expected to ride."
Dec 23, 2024
Education
Saddle Fit Simplified
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Dec 22, 2024
USEA Foundation
Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
Dec 21, 2024
Education
3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Dec 20, 2024
Sponsor
“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
