United States Eventing Association

Walking amongst the crowd I heard a lot of comments, suggestions and complaints about eventing and it’s safety. Everything from the courses are too technical, too big, too long…where are the officials and why didn’t they stop that rider…

Eventing has the most diverse, friendly and supportive group of participants in all of equestrian sports. People want to see others do well, and if that means they are defeated that day so be it. It’s about doing your personal best, and helping others do theirs. You don’t see this cut throat, out–to-get-you attitude that is so prevalent in other disciplines. Eventers spend so much time with their horses, feeding, grooming, conditioning and training, they have a bond that is difficult to match. Seldom do you see riders showing up at the ring to meet their groom and get on their horse like they’re just a vehicle; hopping off when finished to resume social activities. There is a personal tie that will not be broken. When successful it’s rewarding beyond an outsider’s comprehension. When there is a tragic accident, we are reminded of how precious life is.

Unfortunately, the sport’s popularity and financial boom is a double edged sword. It has allowed more and more people to choose eventing as their discipline of choice, some very well qualified and some not. I believe some riders take too many risks, knowingly or not. Unfortunately, as in every sport, dollars can trump reason. There are some coaches who have the balance between business and safety skewed. As a result, in an effort to progress with the competition, clients who want results at higher and higher levels may leave a confident coach who gives their objective assessment for one who may bow to pressure and allow inexperienced horse and rider combinations out on course.

The same holds true for the relationship between horse owners and riders; many would like to see their horse at the next Olympics even though the horse may not be mentally and physically ready until the Olympics four years hence. In the world in which we live, instant gratification is the name of the game, but for horses this spells impending trouble, patience, dedication and time will get your there.

Over the years cross-country courses have become increasingly complex, requiring a higher level of proficiency. The questions asked now require a greater depth of knowledge in dressage, the foundation of the horse’s training; many riders look at dressage simply as a necessary evil whose completion is an obligatory step before jumping. The instant gratification mentality, so prevalent in modern society, has triggered a bidding war for horses who have been successful at the top levels. Once this hundred thousand dollar horse is purchased, some feel this animal should go out to compete at the upper levels; unfortunately a significant majority of these riders are lacking key skills learned at the lower levels. The consequences of this can be grave.

National and International organizations have focused an enormous effort on making the sport safer, but unfortunately it’s not only the responsibility of the organization, but of the riders themselves. The consequences are real, and should be respected. Time should be taken to make sure a solid foundation is in place. Riders should seek the opinion of other well respected seasoned riders at the international levels. Rider should be observed, and follow the advice given staying honest to themselves regarding their abilities, knowing the instructor has their best interests at hand.

The answer does not lie in the hands of the officials, the show management, course designers or the federation. While all of above can help mitigate the risk, the solution lies in the hands of the competitor. Riders have to become infinitely more objective and honest with themselves, their horses and their collective abilities. Like any sport or any activity, it is important to be realistic and keep the risks in perspective. Safety will always be paramount, and constant improvements have been made. Eventing will continue to flourish and its increasing popularity will make its greatness obvious as long as each rider can truly see who’s in the mirror, not just the remnants of last night’s dream.

Based in Gladstone New Jersey, Doug Payne is well known as the competitor, judge and trainer to turn to whether you are training your horse for competition or trying to remedy a complicated behavioral problem. He has recently been profiled in and contributed to Practical Horseman, US Eventing and New Jersey Countryside as well as a number of other regional and national publications. Doug is the son of Marilyn Payne, international judge and trainer who will be judging the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong, China. He is graduate ‘A’ pony clubber from Somerset Hills Pony Club, and holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Doug might be best known in the discipline of Eventing competing through the Advanced level. He was a member of the Silver Medal team at the North American Young Rider Championships in 2000. Over the years Doug has won countless times in national and international competition, most notably the 2005 American Eventing Championships. In Dressage he has had international success through FEI Intermediaire I. Doug was 5th at the 2007 Bengt Lindquist Memorial Championships at Prix St. George. He has been a multiple regional year end award winner at the FEI levels.

(Photo at right courtesy of GRC Photo)