United States Eventing Association

This month we’re going to begin a three-part series on how to create positive riding experiences by making sure the words you say to yourself and the thoughts you think to yourself are positive. Referred to as self-talk, internal dialogue, or brain babble; the words you say to yourself can have a huge impact on your performance. In fact, your thoughts and voice are actually considered behaviors, and just like how positive physical behaviors (i.e. a balanced transition) can create success, your verbal behaviors can also accomplish the very same thing. So let's spend the next few months talking about how to talk to yourself!

Has this horse quality? The answer is definitely yes. This first impression is so important. As a selector for the Goresbridge Go for Gold Event horse sale, I have an abbreviation ‘GPO’ which stands for "Good Pull Out." It means that the first look prompts the potential client the need to bring the horse out of his box for a further look.

With much of the country still gearing up for the start of the 2023 eventing season, it is the perfect time to review what you will need to do to get qualified for the 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), presented by Nutrena Feeds. You won’t want to miss this year’s AEC, which will take place from Aug. 29 through Sept. 3 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky!

Looking to switch up your horse's nutrition program for the 2023 eventing season? Dr. Tania Cubitt, Ph.D., chats with USEA podcast host Nicole Brown about all things nutrition related. From determining the appropriate amount of feed to which feed sources are best for your horse, get a crash course in equine nutrition in this week's edition of the USEA podcast!

The USEA is thrilled to announce that Erin Gilmore Photography will be the Official Photographer of the 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships, presented by Nutrena Feeds, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, from Aug. 29 through Sept. 3.

A coach plays a crucial role in the education, safety, and success in competition of event horses and riders. The role of coaches, the techniques they use, and the resources available to them continue to evolve and grow. Jennifer Howlett Rousseau, a Level IV USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Certified Coach who runs L’Esprit Equestrian, LLC. in Barrington, Illinois, and who serves on the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Board of Governors, shared her thoughts about the importance of proper coaching and the responsibilities that trainers and riders have for creating a successful relationship.

As complex as eventing can be through the various lines and tracks presented to horses and riders in the jumping phases, gridwork can help make things simpler when in the heat of the moment of a competition, clinic, or lesson. Regardless of the level, gridwork teaches horses and riders to establish the rhythm they will need and the feeling they get from successfully riding a line of jumps.

Spending three months in Florida over the winter is all about bringing the basics back to my riding. Most of my horses have lighter work in November and December, so when they go back in training at the start of the new year, I try to make sure that all of my work is about keeping it simple using flatwork, ground poles, cavaletti, and small jumps and focusing on exercises that reinforce the rider and horse connection. In all three phases of eventing, I feel it’s important to have a way of connecting with your horse that is basic and consistent.

The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for 2023 licensed official development grants.

USEF members who meet the eligibility requirements and have an active licensed official application may apply, whether they are interested in obtaining their first USEF license or seeking a promotion in their respective breed or discipline.

Three months ago I introduced you to a technique called "Brand-Building;" the idea that equestrians can increase the likelihood of success by building strong personal brands, just like companies can increase the likelihood of success by building strong business brands. This technique consists of four parts, and we spent the past few months talking about the first three, which include: