The FEI implemented a new rule regarding the minimum diameter of snaffle bits permitted for the dressage phase of eventing competitions effective January 1, 2019. In an effort to maintain consistency between the FEI Eventing Rules and USEF Rules for Eventing pertaining to saddlery and equipment, the Eventing Sport Committee (ESC) voted to adopt the same rule for USEF Licensed/Endorsed Eventing Competitions. Rule EV115.2.d was included in the USEF Rules for Eventing on January 18, 2019.
During the first USEF eventing competition held after the implementation of the rule, a significant number of the bits measured (commonly used bits) were out of compliance with this rule. Subsequently, we’ve been advised that the FEI will discuss the rule further and it is possible they will make amendments. Therefore, the ESC discussed the matter and voted to support the submission of a Request for Presidential Modification delaying the implementation of EV115.2.d until November 30, 2019 to allow time for further consideration. The Presidential modification was approved and can be found here.
Organizers are asked to please post a copy of the Presidential Modification in a prominent location at every competition.
For reference, here is the rule that has been delayed in implementation:
EV115 Saddlery
2. DRESSAGE TEST
d. Snaffles are permitted and must have a minimum diameter of fourteen millimeters (14 mm). For ponies, the minimum diameter shall be ten millimeters (10 mm). The diameter of the mouthpiece is measured adjacent to the rings or the cheeks of the mouthpiece. The reins must be attached to the bit.
What’s a Hunter Pace? The Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center's Hunter Pace is a cross-country-style course around Sherwood Forest over various natural obstacles/terrain. The course ends with a final treat for riders to take in stunning views of Mt. Hood with a loop through the old Far Hill Farms field. The beginning of the course will first start with a warm-up loop around show jumping obstacles in the outdoor ring at Sherwood Forest and then riders will continue directly onto the course. Sign up as a solo rider, pair, or team.
Claire Allen remembers when she was 11 years old, having just made the switch from the hunter/jumper ring to three-day eventing. She told her new eventing trainer that her goal was to one day compete in the United States Equestrian Federation’s Eventing Young Rider Championships.
As he was finishing tacking up his horse in preparation to navigate the cross-country course at the 2024 Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials, James Alliston expressed concern about navigating the 101 Freeway. That’s because as soon as he crossed the finish line aboard Intermediate level winner Addyson (Ampere x Nickerbocker) at 10:38 a.m. on Saturday—his fifth cross-country round of the morning with three at Preliminary and two at Intermediate—the West Coast-based five-star rider had to drive 185 miles on the 101 Freeway from Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, to San Francisco International Airport to catch a 4:35 p.m. flight to Frankfurt, Germany.
There is so much more to proper grooming than keeping your horse picture-perfect for the horse inspection. Good grooming practices are critical to proper horse management, no matter if you are planning for your next FEI appearance or your Starter level debut. To help you maximize your knowledge of grooming practices, we opened up the opportunity for USEA members to submit any questions they might have on our Instagram and Facebook stories. In this week's episode, Host Nicole Brown sits down with three of the highest-regarded grooms in this industry, Max Corcoran, Emma Ford, and Stephanie Simpson, and asks them all of your questions and more to help you perfect the art of grooming.