It’s a while since we’ve engaged so it’s possibly a good time to press the "refresh" button! As the title suggests, good conformation can assist good soundness and, therefore, good longevity which is obviously in the best interests of both equine and human partners.
Many years ago, I composed a document for my students called “The Building Blocks for Learning to Ride.” It covered the progressive stages of learning to ride, from sitting on a horse and holding the reins for the first time to jumping cavalletti and preparing for course work. Each step was numbered. I wrote it so that any student of mine who found themselves stuck, in a rut, or regressing could find where they were on this “Building Block” roadmap and then work backward through the previous blocks to see where they might have missed a step or needed to reconfirm a skill.
We’re just about one week away from the official start of spring. For many eventers, signs of spring mean it’s time to venture off the farm for cross-country schooling, educational activities, and/or schooling shows. These outings are invaluable as they enable horses and riders to practice their skills in a supportive environment and foster a positive experience. The team at STRIDER is here with five tips to help you make the most of your spring outings.
As eventers, the health and happiness of our horses is key. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown chats with Board-Certified Equine Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Amy Polkes about your horse's heart health, common cardiac issues you should be aware of, and ways to best ensure that your horse has the healthiest heart possible!
While not an eventer himself, Jim Moyer has been involved in the eventing community for five decades through his late wife, instructor Jean Moyer. When Jean died in 2020, Jim continued volunteering in the sport to stay busy in retirement and stay connected to the community he loves.
As most eventers know, the key to success in the show ring often lies in the preparation done beforehand. For the cross-country phase, memorizing your course and having a plan is a given, but another key factor to consider is choosing the appropriate studs for your horse. If you're new to the sport, the concept of studs might seem a little overwhelming, but former USEA President and current co-chair of the USEA Grooms Committee Max Corcoran broke down all of the basics that you need to know when putting together your stud kit for the first time or before packing up for your first show of the 2024 season.
If you’re like most riders you’ve probably heard someone say something like, “Your last mistake is your best teacher,” or “if you’re doing everything right you’re doing something wrong because you’re in your comfort zone.” While I agree whole-heartedly with these sentiments, I actually prefer, “Equestrians don’t make mistakes. Mistakes make equestrians.” They make us bolder, braver, and brighter; but only when we develop a positive relationship with our mistakes and respond to them in productive ways.
For the second year of the program, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to award free Digital Memberships to qualified participants of the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) that completed 10 or more hours of volunteer service through EventingVolunteers.com in 2023. The Digital Membership, which was introduced in January of last year, serves as a “thank you” to the loyal volunteers in our sport for their dedication to supporting events around the country throughout the year.
Your horse’s feet are crucial to its health and soundness, so it’s imperative to pay close attention to hoof care year-round. With that, a good relationship with your farrier is important to be able to catch issues early and correct them and to keep your horse’s hoof health on track.
There are a number of motivations for seeking out a new instructor to meet your eventing goals. Whether you are just learning the sport, seeking some additional help in a particular phase, relocating, or you’ve just parted ways with your longtime teacher, connecting with a new coach can feel like a daunting task.
For Jameson Cahill, volunteering is a way of life, and she's enjoyed donating her time to events across Area IX. In 2023, she clocked 63.30 hours to top the Area IX USEA Volunteer Incentive Program leaderboard. Learn more about Cahill below!