United States Eventing Association

The USEA has invested in studies to improve the safety and welfare of horses and riders in the sport of eventing. Join our speakers on Saturday, December 5, at this year's Annual Meeting in Reston, Virginia to hear the results that have been gathered so far in some of the most important studies ever undertaken.

• USEF President and Hall of Fame inductee David O'Connor will present an update on the Frangible Fence Technology. The USEA and USEF have partnered together with engineers at the University of Kentucky to explore innovative ideas about cross-country jump design. The UK engineering team has been busy this year with in-field mechanical testing of prototype breakaway safety features, analysis and design of new concepts, and materials evaluation. Listen in, and find out what new information they've discovered.
  
• Former international event rider, John Staples, will discuss the findings of this year’s USEA GPS Speed Study that he and Dr. Reed Ayers, a Research Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines (Department of Metallurgical and Materials Science) have been conducting over the last two years. Using state-of-the-art satellite navigation systems and GPS watches, this study monitors horses and riders on the cross-country course to determine the speeds at which the courses are being negotiated. Some surprising data has already come to light as to the excessive speeds some riders have achieved in order to complete courses inside the time. This is one seminar you don't want to miss!
  
• The USEA's Equine Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research Study has made huge leaps in discovering vital information on EIPH (Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage). Dr. Catherine Kohn and Dr. Mark Hart will present their findings after a successful year of field studies at Plantation Field & Fair Hill Horse Trials. This preliminary data is now being comprehensively evaluated and the USEA Equine Safety Task Force is already making plans for the next phase of the study. The ultimate goal is to assess the cardiopulmonary effects of a CCI4* on the horses and to identify factors that may influence their performance or safety issues. What new information has come to light and how does that affect your event horse?