Charles Owen Technical Merit Award Promotes Safe Cross Country Riding for Amateurs and Juniors
The Charles Owen Technical Merit Award is presented to junior and adult amateur riders at the Training level who demonstrate safe, effective riding across country. The Award was established in 2009 by the USEA Professional Horseman’s Council (PHC) to educate riders and trainers about what constitutes safe riding across country.
Riders are judged by Level IV ICP instructors, USEF licensed eventing officials, and USET Senior Team riders on the following elements:
1. Gallop: Appropriate speed for level, terrain, conditions, type of obstacle, and balance.
2. Preparation Period: Demonstrates change in balance appropriate for type of obstacle. Choice of line of direction/approach, riders demonstrates proper aids, horse responsive to aids.
3. Execution of Jump: Jumped in proper balance with no twisting or drifting. Safe negotiation by horse with no badly hanging legs, rider stays in balance.
4. Rider Position: Secure, effective position, use of upper body, fitness.
5. General Impressions: Horse appropriate for level, rider in control, partnership of horse and rider, confidence of horse and rider, competence and preparation for level.
At events that elect to offer the Award, all junior and amateur Training-level riders are automatically entered and judged. Each rider receives a copy of their score sheet, with feedback from the judges. Winners of the Charles Owen Technical Merit Award receive a Charles Owen Body Protector and helmet bag. In addition, the highest scoring junior and highest scoring senior at the end of the year will receive a Charles Owen helmet at the USEA Annual Awards Ceremony.
Stay tuned for more details on upcoming events offering the Charles Owen Technical Merit Award. If you are an event organizer that is interested in offering the Award, email Caroline Culbertson or call (703) 779-9898.
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