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Jul 10, 2012
Call Me Fence Judge
Dear Horse Trial Participant,
I am your Fence Judge. You don't know me but I sit in a chair all day carefully watching each trip across my designated domain. I am that nameless, sometimes faceless person volunteering so that you can have the ride of your life. Treat me well... For without me, the Event does not run...
I, generally, ask for nothing in return... and, sometimes when its too cold, wet, hot or buggy, I find myself wondering why I just spent my Saturday making sure you present yourself correctly at my jump and left the area happy and healthy.
Yeah that happens, yet most of the time, I leave tired, sunburnt and maybe just a bit chapped and dry with a big smile on my face 'cause I had good day watching, participating and loving the fun of a well run Horse Trial...
And, for as many of us that are Eventers doing our version of Community Service, I may be a friend of a friend of a rider who once 8 years ago said, "Sure, that sounds fun". I never realized how that one feeble yes turned into a passion that keeps me coming back year after year.
So when you walk your course - trainer, rider, young, older, family member - a quick glance in my direction, a smile of recognition and although, not really necessary, a thank you goes a long way to help me feel like my service means something to you.
And, when you talk to me and ask me how the jump is riding, rain turns into sun and the world is full of rainbows and rose petals at my feet. I belong and you see me as a part of the team.
I love your enthusiasm... your cheers of "Good Girl!" as you both hit the ground running. Sometimes you may hear my own as you gallop off across the field! I watch your eyes - keen and focused forward, your horse's ears pricked occasionally flicked backwards listening to you and eager to go. So beautiful, so powerful... teamwork and joy...
And when you stop or run out, it leaves me sad 'cause I know how hard you trained to get there right in front of me and I know how far you need to go. You may not know this but we are cheering you on... I want you to win! And, most of all I want you to be able to tell your story to everyone on Monday (Eventing Rule #4) I want my jump to be easy...
I am your Fence Judge - Treat me well! And, maybe, one day you'll come and join me too!
Read more about Suzanne Adams' adventures on her blog: http://confessionsofanaaer.blogspot.com/
May 19, 2025
Interscholastic
USEA Podcast #387: Flashbacks to the USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Eventing Championships
Were you one of the competitors at this year's USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Eventing Championships? Or do you dream of the day that you can participate yourself? Are you just a huge eventing superfan and love seeing young riders of all ages enjoying the sport? No matter where you fall, you will love this week's episode of the USEA Podcast where we chat with a member of the USEA IEL champion team and the president of this year's Intercollegiate Spirit Award winners, the University of Georgia. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it feels like to participate in one of these championships from Olive Dumais and Katlyn Parker.
May 18, 2025
Education
How to Ride the Horse You Thought You Bought
In this excerpt, trainer and educator Anne Buchannan explains bit contact connection and why it matters for true collection and healthy movement.
May 17, 2025
Education
Eventing 101: The Show Secretary is Your New Best Friend. Here’s How to Keep Them Happy
Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.
May 16, 2025
Officials
USEA Foundation Announces the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials
The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.
