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Jun 16, 2015
A Rule Reminder Regarding Body Protectors on Cross-Country
The USEA would like to remind all eventers of the current rule regarding the use of body protectors on cross-country in USEA Recognized competitions as published in the USEF Rulebook.
USEF Rule EV114.2 states:
1. A body protecting vest must be worn warming-up for and in the cross-country test. Stable, team or club colors are permitted. The Federation recommends that the vest should pass or surpass the current ASTM standard F1937 or be certified by the Safety Equipment Institute. Inflatable vests are permitted only when worn over a body protecting vest.
2. Violation of this rule shall be penalized at the discretion of the Ground Jury, and may result in elimination.
As stated above, the USEF recommends the body protector pass or surpass the ASTM standard. However, for their own safety and protection, riders (and parents) should make sure their body protectors (or their children’s body protectors) meet this standard. Body protectors meeting the UK’s equivalent 2009 BETA Level 3 standard are also acceptable and recommended. Body protectors should be replaced every five years as technology changes and materials deteriorate over time.
There is a call for a global standard of testing for all body protecting vests and the USEA will be closely watching and participating where possible in this effort. The USEA Safety Committee has been asked to review this rule with a view to upgrading the recommendation that body protectors meeting the ASTM standard F1937 be worn to a requirement.
Dec 23, 2024
Education
Saddle Fit Simplified
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Dec 22, 2024
USEA Foundation
Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
Dec 21, 2024
Education
3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025
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.
Dec 20, 2024
Sponsor
“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
