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.
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.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.
Bringing along a young horse is such a special process for everyone involved. The USEA is excited to dedicate an episode to celebrating some of the special young horses in the United States that have risen to the occasion. Joining USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown in this episode are Tommy Greengard, the rider and co-owner of this year's Holekamp/Turner Grant Recipient That's Me Z who represented the U.S. at Le Lion this year, and Kaylawna Smith-Cook, who piloted Bonner Carpenter's Only-Else to the highest national score in the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse 5-Year-Old Championships.