The United States Eventing Association (USEA) joins our partners at US Equestrian and our fellow equestrian sport affiliates in condemning racism. We do not tolerate discrimination, injustice, and violent acts in any form. We support peaceful protests and demonstrations. We welcome all people who agree with these principles into the sport of eventing with a full heart. The mission of our Association has always been focused on our relationship with the horse and the welfare of the horse. With the horse by our side, we should all be able to find freedom and acceptance. A horse is a great equalizer and we wish for all to be able to experience their freedom, spirit, and magnificence and be able to do so without suffering bigotry, brutality, or racism.
Max Corcoran
USEA President
Rob Burk
USEA CEO
The USEA fully supports the below statements outlined by US Equestrian.
Dear Equestrian Community,
The protests and political unrest ignited by the murder of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis have dominated the news throughout the world and motivated hundreds of thousands – including many of our employees – to protest peacefully against racial injustice. This has been a difficult and emotional time, and we wanted to share with you the steps US Equestrian is taking to listen, learn, and do more.
Last Tuesday, US Equestrian participated in #BlackoutTuesday and issued the following statement:
We pause in solidarity and support of the black members of our community. We are committed to listening and learning from you. We hear you. We stand with you. We can and will do better. Black lives matter. #BlackoutTuesday
We are energized by the overwhelming amount of support from this community for Black equestrians and your desire for us to do more.
We believe it is important to be very clear: Black lives matter to US Equestrian. We stand firmly against racism and discrimination of any kind and are taking steps to further educate our staff and create a more inclusive and diverse community for all staff and participants.
As we work to schedule these trainings, there are many resources immediately available to our entire equestrian community. We are asking our employees and encouraging our members to take some time and utilize the resources below to educate themselves on the history and importance of these issues.
Resources include:
We understand this is an emotional and difficult time for many. Remember, US Equestrian fan members have access 24/7 to a mental health first aid hotline at 1-800-633-3353. Please do not hesitate to reach out and take advantage of these free services.
Thank you all for your efforts to spread the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible, and for advancing our goal of increasing diversity in equestrian sport through an educated and open equestrian community.
Respectfully,
Bill Moroney
Chief Executive Officer
US Equestrian
Amanda Walker wasn’t sure what she’d gotten herself into when she went to try Runaway Romeo as a potential sales project in 2018. The gelding was a bit bigger than Walker was looking for and was quite pushy coming out of the stall. When she got on, it didn’t get much better.
For seasoned and novice riders alike, it is always good to revisit the basics. Serving as the foundation for any eventer, the positions used on the cross-country course differ from those in the dressage or show jumping ring. The USEA tuned into five-time Olympian, three-time World Equestrian Games rider, two Pan-American Games rider, and USEA ECP certified coach Karen O'Connor as she walked coaches and students at the USEA ECP Symposium through the basic positions for effective cross-country riding.
The USEF's main phone number and fax number have changed. We wanted to notify you so you continue to get the support you need.
With the recent wrap-up of the 2023 Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Symposium in Ocala, Florida, USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown chats with ECP Faculty Members Jennifer Howlett Rousseau and Robin Walker about all things related to the ECP. From the USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels to the benefits of pursuing certification, selecting the best coach for you, recapping this year's Symposium, and more - this week's USEA podcast is the perfect educational tool for coaches and riders alike!