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.
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. The team at STRIDER has outlined some ideas for involvement that you may even find align with the 2025 goals you set for yourself and your horse.
One of the best ways eventers can support the growth of the sport is by engaging in educational opportunities. Whether it’s attending clinics, workshops, or online seminars, expanding knowledge about training techniques, horse care, and competition strategy helps raise the standard of the sport. Encourage others to participate in these educational activities, especially newcomers and young riders. Whether it’s by volunteering as jump crew at a clinic or purchasing an auditor ticket, fostering a culture of continuous learning helps elevate the collective skill level and create a more cohesive community.
You can find opportunities to participate in educational opportunities through the USEA, and of course on STRIDER’s calendar of competitions, schooling opportunities, and clinics.
Grassroots initiatives are critical to build a strong foundation for the sport, and eventing enthusiasts can help by supporting and participating in local competitions and educational opportunities. Contributing to fundraising efforts that help keep the sport going, volunteering at local competitions or even mentoring up-and-coming riders are all ways to help sustain the sport.
Many of the top venues and competitions nationwide have active fundraising campaigns in the off-season to help make course improvements or generally support their initiatives. Be sure to also explore how you might be able to volunteer your time either before, during, or after a competition at your favorite venue. Check out your local venue’s website for more information, or simply ask around for how you might be able to help!
Eventers have a unique platform to promote both horse welfare and sustainable practices within the sport. By adopting and advocating for responsible training methods, injury prevention, and proper care, eventers help ensure the long-term health of the horses that make the sport possible. Additionally, supporting sustainable practices—such as minimizing waste at events, encouraging eco-friendly facility practices, and promoting conservation efforts—helps ensure that eventing remains a sport that can continue to thrive for generations.
However you choose to participate, there are countless ways to make a positive impact on the sport. By getting involved at all levels, sharing knowledge, and promoting responsible practices, we can help ensure that eventing not only thrives, but continues to inspire future generations of riders, horses, and fans. Together, we can make 2025 a year of growth, collaboration, and lasting positive change for the eventing community.
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Spring and summer are on the horizon. As rider’s calendars begin to fill with horse trial, clinic, and schooling outing dates, organizing teams are busy with preparations to ensure smooth operations and a great experience for participants, horses, and spectators.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)/US Equestrian has announced the appointment of former USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law to the position of Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, and Karyn Shuter, who will take on the newly developed role of U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor. Both Law and Shuter will begin in their respective roles immediately.
Last year was a big one for USEA Young Event Horse program graduate Arden Augustus. He made a successful move-up to Modified with Sharon White in the tack, followed by a smooth transition to Preliminary, then went on to win two CCI2*-S divisions and ended the year with a CCI2*-L win.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!