United States Eventing Association

3-2-1.. Have a Great Ride! A First Timers Checklist for a USEA-Recognized Event

The following is provided through a partnership between STRIDER and the USEA. As part of our commitment to diversity, enabling access, and building capacity throughout the industry we are pleased to provide this content to benefit the sport of eventing.

Picture this: you’ve been enjoying schooling all three phases with your horse and your coach. Maybe you’ve even had success at a starter trial or combined test this spring. On the USEA calendar, you spot a recognized horse trial that will be a great first “official” outing for you and your horse. You plan to enter. Now what?

Don’t panic, we’ve got your back. While the team at STRIDER can’t necessarily help with the physical prep required to complete all three phases (though there are clinicians and outings on our platform that might!), we’ve compiled a handy checklist to help you get your ducks in a row before you arrive at check-in.

Map it Out

• Mark your calendar with important opening and closing dates for the event(s) you’d like to enter.
• Figure out what your organizer needs from you.
• Make a plan with your coach.

While much of the entry process is fairly standardized, every organizing entity has slightly different paperwork and documentation requirements from you as a competitor. For example, you may be asked to provide your horse’s vaccine documentation or sign a number of different waivers pertinent to the event you have selected to enter. It’s important to keep your organizer happy by providing them with the information and documentation they need in as streamlined a way as possible.

Do Your Homework

• Get memberships in order for your horse and yourself.
  • You will need a COMPETING (full or Jr) level of membership
• Review the rules and regulations.
• Ensure that you are qualified/ eligible to compete in the division you have entered
• Submit your complete entry

It’s about time to join the USEA! In addition to being a fantastic educational resource, membership is required for riders competing at Beginner Novice and above. Explore the handy chart below to check USEA/ USEF requirements for horse and rider by level.

Be sure to also get familiar with the Rules for Eventing as written and updated by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in collaboration with USEA. Double-check that your equipment is legal for competition to avoid possible elimination on a technicality!

Some additional resources you may wish to explore include:

• Discover Eventing
• Welcome USEA Members

While dotting i’s and crossing t’s can seem a bit overwhelming, remember that you are getting out there to have fun with your horse. Consider the competition a way to test the skills and partnership you’ve developed with your horse. Now that the paperwork is out of the way, it’s time to have a great ride!

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