Apr 01, 2018

A Letter From PHC Chair Matt Brown

Matt Brown and BCF Belicoso show jumping under the lights at the 2017 USEA American Eventing Championships Advanced Gold Cup Final. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

As the incoming chair of the Professional Horseman’s Council, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the Council and talk about what some of our goals are for the upcoming season.

Equestrian sport has served to inspire my life and career since I was able to say the word "horse." Eventing in particular captured my imagination with the bravery, athleticism, and horsemanship that I saw in the horses and riders galloping cross-country. I truly believe that eventing represents the best in equestrian sports; partnership, teamwork, comradery, toughness, boldness, freedom, grit.

It is with this passion for our sport and a belief that we can evolve into a safer modern sport, while still maintaining our foundational principles, that the PHC will work to help ensure the sport of eventing will continue to thrive well into the future.

Our Mission

The Professional Horseman’s Council is composed of active members of the USEA who are professionals in all aspects of the sport of eventing. The purpose of the council is to facilitate communication between professionals and the eventing community, including the governing body, officials, organizers, and competitors and to assist in the further development, growth, and safety of our sport.

Who We Are

  • Matt Brown, Chair
  • Angela Bowles
  • Max Corcoran
  • Robert Kellerhouse
  • Lauren Kieffer
  • Heather Morris
  • Karen O'Connor
  • Tamra Smith
  • Travers Schick

What We Are Working On

  • Continuing to discuss safety including; fence construction, course design, footing, flagging, etc.
  • Footing. Experimenting with ways to objectivity evaluate and grade footing at eventing venues so riders can know what to expect for the competition.
  • Facilitating communication between competitors and stewards to maintain calm and well-run warmup areas.
  • Outreach. We will be working on reaching out to competitors, organizers, and Area Coucil members to see where the PHC could be helpful in fulfilling their needs.

As professionals within the sport of eventing we understand that our sport depends on the participation of amateurs, young riders and professionals in order to have a healthy, vibrant and growing sport. We will be working on outreach in order to lend support to causes that are important to the sport as a whole and which effect riders at all levels.

Unlike other mainstream sports which are spectator based, our sport is participant driven. It is truly OUR sport, so it is important to grow the number of participants and for participants of all types from lower level amateurs and young riders to high performance riders, course designers, organizers, and other professionals to be invested in the sport and in each other and together continue developing and enjoying the sport we all love.

I encourage anyone with ideas, thoughts, or comments to reach out to any of the PHC members. I can personally be reached at [email protected].

See you all on cross-country!

Matt Brown, PHC Chair

Mar 27, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: March 29-30

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! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.

Mar 27, 2025 Eventing News

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Entries Announced

Just like that, let the official countdown to the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event begin! This year's entry list for the CCI5*-L was revealed today, and the star studded list includes former Kentucky champions, six of the world's top 12 eventers, Olympians, and so much more.

Mar 27, 2025 AEC

2025 USEA American Eventing Championships Presented by Nutrena Feeds Heads West to Galway Downs

After two years on the East Coast, the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to be packing our bags and heading West for the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. On August 26-31, top USEA competitors from near and far will converge on Galway Downs in Temecula, California, for the annual championship that celebrates every level of the Olympic sport of eventing from Starter through Advanced. This year’s event will again feature the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final and the USEA Adult Team Championships.

Mar 26, 2025 USEA Foundation

Broussard Family Charitable Trust Announces Doubling of Rebecca Farm Travel Grants

Since 2006, the Broussard Family Charitable Trust has supported the sport of eventing in the U.S. and the careers of countless U.S. event riders through multiple grants including the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant (2011), Le Samurai Fund (2008), Cindy Burge Memorial ECP Grant (2006), Broussard Family Charitable Trust Going Forward Grants (2020), and the Rebecca Farm Travel Grant (2011). The USEA Foundation is excited to share that the Broussard Family Charitable Trust continues to remain committed to its support of these grants and has announced the following enhancements for 2025.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle 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

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA