Apr 15, 2023

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

USEA/Tina Fitch photo

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:

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!

STRIDER is the leading entry platform across disciplines for the equestrian industry.

From enabling riders to discover and book the perfect opportunity to helping equestrians across the industry grow and run their businesses, STRIDER fosters connections to top-tier experiences. Please visit www.striderpro.com to learn more about the suite of software products and services available.

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Dec 10, 2023 Convention

A Celebration of Eventing Successes at the 2023 USEA Year-End Awards Banquet

United States Eventing Association (USEA) members from all over the country gathered on Friday night for the 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Year End Awards Ceremony. The evening’s ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Jim Wolf and recognized riders, horses, and game-changers in the sport of eventing with multiple awards and grants.

Dec 09, 2023 Convention

The 2023 USEA Annual Meeting of Members Recognizes Another Year of Eventing and the Individuals Who Contribute to Our Sport

Hosting the Annual Meeting of Members each December has been a requirement set forth by the United States Eventing Association (USEA) by-laws (then the United States Combined Training Association) since 1959. This year, USEA members are gathering in St. Louis, Missouri, for the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention from Dec. 7 - Dec. 10 for four jam-packed days of educational seminars and open forums full of conversation surrounding our sport. Lunch on Friday, however, served as an opportunity for attendees to gather together for the USEA Meeting of Members once again.

Dec 09, 2023 Eventing News

Great Meadow International Announces It Will Not Run the August Event in 2024

As the 2023 competition year draws to a close and many of the high-performance and other riders are connecting at this year‘s USEA annual convention, the Great Meadow International organizers would like to update you on GMI.

Dec 08, 2023 Convention

If You’re Not Winning, You’re Learning: 2023 Pan Am Games Team Revisits Santiago

United States Eventing Association (USEA) members at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention were in for a treat on Friday as the U.S. Eventing Team was on hand to discuss their accomplishments this year at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

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