United States Eventing Association

Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.

Walking through a set of faded wooden barn doors is like meandering into a hushed library. Instead of twisting aisles filled with story after story, barn aisles are filled with the sounds of munching hay, soft breathy snorts, and stomping hooves. It’s a place that can seem to be out of reach to much of the outside world. A barn is a dusty, sunlit cocoon, tucked away from the chaos of work, school, and stress.

Whether competing on a U25 team or riding in a senior division, an exciting weekend of sport was had by all at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. With over 450 riders flocking to the historic venue, all three phases ran concurrently with both sides of the cross country course in use and multiple rings in session. This weekend’s winners rose above the fray to take home well-earned blue ribbons.

Scattered among the eventers and horses at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection in October were volunteers dressed smartly in matching red shirts. While all eyes were on the athletes, they worked behind the scenes, ensuring the event ran smoothly. The event was particularly special for volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who kept records and guided the athletes at the end of the jog strip.

2020 was a year of extreme change for the world as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. After enduring lockdowns and restrictions, people’s priorities changed. For some, it was a year of transformation. Adult amateur Susan Hamblen was one of those people, ready to quit riding until she met a young pinto crossbred of unknown breeding in rural eastern Pennsylvania who would change her life.

It’s common to see a horse trailer trucking along with a sign on the back stating, “Precious Cargo!” or “My best friend is in here!” Traveling long distances to competitions is the norm for many eventers. When traveling between climates, like going from the sandy soil of Aiken, South Carolina, to the rich Kentucky bluegrass, our horses have to adjust to a whole new set of environmental conditions quickly.

This month’s VIP Volunteers are a mother and daughter duo who have a unique tradition that started over four decades ago: volunteering at the Kentucky Horse Park together. While both Marjorie “Marji” Hines and her daughter, Robinson Regen, have a pleasure riding background, and Hines used to work cattle with her father on the family farm, they knew very little about eventing when they first started volunteering.

Eventing can feel a little overwhelming to those new to the sport. It’s unlike any other equestrian sport, with three phases packed to the brim with action and excitement. When you enter a horse trial, you’re likely to interact with a wide variety of support staff, all of whom are there to ensure you have an amazing weekend of competition.

The inaugural Horse & Country USEA Starter championships wrapped up under a beautiful Kentucky sunset at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. Meet our winners below!

Six Beginner Novice divisions got their chance to shine in the Rolex Arena today for their show jumping at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. Meet our new champions below!