May 31, 2024

5 Ways to Support Your Local Events This Season

USEA/Lindsay Berreth 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.

Eventing brings people together. Both in the barn aisle and out at schooling or recognized competitions, the eventing community is a large, enthusiastic, and cohesive group. From the grassroots to the very top levels of the sport, events across USEA regions need support. Whether or not you intend to compete this season, check out team STRIDER’s top 5 ways to support events near you.

Volunteer

Offer up your time. Events rely heavily on volunteers to assist with various tasks such as course setup, jump judging, hospitality, parking, and more. Volunteering your time not only helps the event run smoothly but also fosters a sense of community within the sport. Whether you have experience in eventing or are new to the sport, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved. Even if you can’t be hands-on during the day(s) of the event, you might be able to support in an organizational capacity or pitch in with event set-up or breakdown.

Sponsor

Whether they’re schooling or recognized, events can be incredibly costly for management teams and host facilities. Supporting events through sponsorship can provide much-needed financial assistance to organizers and help offset the costs associated with hosting competitions. Sponsors can contribute funds, products, services, or in-kind donations in exchange for recognition and exposure at the event. Sponsoring an event is also a great way for businesses to reach their target audience within the equestrian community.

Participate

The numbers matter! If you and your horse are able to enter, give it a go! Safety first, of course, but get out there, and enjoy the ride. If you're not competing, attending events as a spectator can help to create a vibrant atmosphere and demonstrate support for the sport. Cheer on your friends and fellow competitors, enjoy the excitement of the competition, and take advantage of opportunities to learn and network within the eventing community. Attendance helps showcase the sport to non-horsey spectators (who may be future participants) and potential sponsors.

Spread the Word

Let folks know about local events coming up. Help spread the word by sharing a post on social media, forwarding an email, or texting a friend some details about the event. These are low-effort (and low-cost!) ways to help your local eventing community.

Provide Feedback

Providing constructive feedback and suggestions to event organizers can help improve the quality of future events. Whether it's sharing your thoughts on course design, facilities, scheduling, or other aspects of the event, your input can be invaluable in shaping the future of eventing competitions.

Whatever support for your local event(s) may look like, it is vital for the sustainability and growth of equestrian sport as well as our eventing community. Have a great season!

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.

Connect with STRIDER on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

May 17, 2025 Education

Eventing 101: The Show Secretary is Your New Best Friend. Here’s How to Keep Them Happy

Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.

May 16, 2025 Officials

USEA Foundation Announces the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials

The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.

May 16, 2025 Eventing News

USEA Events A-Z: Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials

In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.

May 15, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: May 17-18

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!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA